American Lawn Mower Company Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower is a manual, gas-free, and electric-free lawn cutting tool designed for homeowners with small, flat yards who want a quiet, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance alternative to powered mowers. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a bit of light exercise and have manageable grass that’s cut regularly.
Who Should Buy This
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Homeowners with 1/4-acre or smaller, flat lawns – This mower shines on small, level properties where you can finish the job in under 30 minutes. If your yard has gentle slopes or tight corners, the lightweight design and zero-turn ability make it a breeze.
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Eco-conscious users who hate gas and extension cords – If you’re tired of mixing fuel, pulling starter cords, or tripping over power cables, this reel mower eliminates all of that. It runs on human power, produces zero emissions, and is nearly silent.
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Budget-minded buyers seeking long-term savings – At $159.99, it’s a fraction of the cost of a decent gas or battery mower. With no fuel, oil, filters, or batteries to replace, your only recurring cost is a sharpening kit every few years.
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Light-duty users who mow weekly – This mower is ideal for cutting 3-4 inch grass on a regular schedule. If you let your lawn get shaggy (over 6 inches), it will struggle and may require multiple passes.
Key Features Breakdown
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14-inch cutting width – This is narrow, which means more passes to cover your lawn. But it also makes the mower incredibly maneuverable around flower beds, trees, and garden edges. Best for yards under 2,500 square feet.
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4-blade cutting reel – More blades generally mean a finer cut. The 4-blade design produces a clean, scissor-like slice that’s healthier for grass than the tearing action of rotary mowers. Expect a manicured look, not a rough chop.
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Heat-treated alloy steel frame – This is a tough, rust-resistant chassis that holds up to years of outdoor use. It’s not flimsy or plastic-heavy like some budget reel mowers.
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Ball-bearing wheels – Smooth rolling is critical for a manual mower. Ball bearings reduce friction so you push with less effort. The wheels are 10 inches in diameter, which helps roll over small bumps.
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Adjustable cutting height (1/2 inch to 2 inches) – You get five positions via a simple lever. This range is fine for most cool-season grasses (like fescue or bluegrass) but won’t handle taller cuts for warm-season lawns like Bermuda, which prefer 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
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Weight: 36 pounds – Light enough to carry up a flight of stairs or lift into a shed. But it’s also substantial enough to stay planted while mowing.
Pros
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Silent operation – You can mow at 6 AM without waking the neighbors. The only noise is the click-clack of the blades and your footsteps.
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Zero fuel or electricity costs – After the initial purchase, your only expense is occasional blade sharpening (a $15 kit). No gas, oil, or battery replacements.
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Excellent for small, flat lawns – On a 2,000-square-foot lawn with regular mowing, you’ll finish in 20 minutes with a clean cut.
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Low maintenance – No spark plugs, air filters, or carburetors to fuss with. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels lubed.
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Environmentally friendly – No emissions, no noise pollution, and no plastic gas cans. It’s a genuinely green choice.
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Safe and easy to store – No gas fumes, no battery fire risk. It folds flat for wall or shed storage.
Cons
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Struggles with tall or thick grass – If your lawn gets over 6 inches, you’ll be making multiple passes, and the mower may clog. It’s not for overgrown yards.
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Narrow cutting width – The 14-inch deck means more walking. For a 5,000-square-foot lawn, expect 45+ minutes of pushing.
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Not for uneven terrain – On bumpy or hilly ground, the reel may skip patches or scalp high spots. Flat lawns only.
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No grass bag included – This is a side-discharge-only mower. You’ll need to rake or leave clippings as mulch. If you want a bag, you’ll have to buy an aftermarket attachment.
Bottom Line
The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower is a solid, no-frills choice for the small-lawn owner who values quiet, simplicity, and zero operating costs. It’s not a powerhouse—it won’t tackle overgrown grass or rolling hills—but for a flat, regularly mowed yard under a quarter acre, it delivers a clean, healthy cut with minimal effort. If you’re a weekend warrior who wants a break from gas fumes and extension cords, this is a smart, affordable buy. Just keep your blade sharp and your grass short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this mower work on St. Augustine or Bermuda grass?
A: It can, but only if you keep the grass short (under 3 inches) and mow weekly. St. Augustine’s thick runners may cause the reel to clog, and Bermuda’s low growth habit works best with the lowest height setting. For these warm-season grasses, a powered mower is often easier.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With regular use on a clean lawn (no sticks or rocks), you’ll need to sharpen every 1-2 seasons. You can buy a sharpening kit from American Lawn Mower for about $15. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving a brownish look.
Q: Can I use this mower on a lawn with leaves or pine needles?
A: Light debris is okay, but heavy leaf coverage will clog the reel. You’ll need to rake or blow leaves before mowing. This mower is designed for grass, not leaf cleanup.
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you’ve listed.
Important Note: The two items you’ve provided are not direct competitors. Mower A is a manual reel (push) lawn mower. Mower B is a tow-behind utility dump cart used for hauling yard debris. They serve completely different functions. This comparison will treat them as separate tools for different jobs, but will clarify which is the better value for its intended purpose.
Quick Verdict
Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) wins for sheer utility and customer satisfaction, but if you need a quiet, zero-emission, budget-friendly mower for a small flat lawn, Mower A is the better tool.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A: American Lawn Mower | Mower B: Gorilla Carts Dump Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $205.99 |
| Primary Function | Cutting grass | Hauling/dumping heavy loads |
| Power Source | Manual (human push) | Tow-behind (tractor/ATV required) |
| Cutting Width | ~14–16 inches (reel mower) | N/A (not a mower) |
| Self-Propelled? | No (manual push) | No (towed by vehicle) |
| Best Yard Size | Small flat lawns (under ¼ acre) | Any size (for debris removal) |
| Warranty | Typically limited lifetime (reel) | Limited lifetime (frame/tub) |
Where American Lawn Mower (Mower A) Wins
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Zero Operating Costs & Emissions
No gas, no oil, no electricity, no battery replacements. It’s the most environmentally friendly lawn-cutting option available. Ideal for eco-conscious buyers who don’t want to deal with engine maintenance. -
Ultra-Quiet Operation
You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing neighbors. The only sound is the spinning reel blades cutting grass—perfect for small, quiet neighborhoods. -
Healthier Grass for Small Flat Lawns
Reel mowers scissor-cut the grass rather than tearing it, resulting in cleaner cuts that reduce browning and disease risk. Works best on Bermuda, Zoysia, or Fescue under 3 inches tall.
Where Gorilla Carts (Mower B) Wins
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Extreme Load Capacity & Durability
Rated for 1,200 lbs—enough to haul mulch, soil, rocks, or heavy yard waste. The heavy-duty poly tub resists rust, dents, and UV damage. The 30,000+ reviews with a 4.7 average speak to its rugged reliability. -
Quick-Release Dumping Mechanism
The tub tilts forward to dump heavy loads without manual lifting. The pneumatic tires roll smoothly over rough terrain, unlike cheaper carts with plastic wheels. This saves significant time and back strain. -
Versatility Beyond Mowing
This is not a mower—it’s a workhorse. Use it for hauling firewood, garden debris, construction materials, or even as a tow-behind for a riding mower. It solves the problem of moving heavy stuff, which a reel mower cannot do at all.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:
You have a small, flat lawn (under ¼ acre), value a quiet, low-maintenance, eco-friendly mowing experience, and are willing to push manually. It’s also a great choice for a first mower or for a small urban yard where storage space is tight.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:
You already own a lawn tractor, ATV, or riding mower and need a heavy-duty way to haul dirt, mulch, stone, or large amounts of yard waste. This is for homeowners with larger properties who need to move serious weight without breaking their back.
Buy neither if:
You need a self-propelled gas or electric mower for a medium-to-large lawn, or you need a single tool that can both cut grass and haul debris. These two products are specialized—one cuts grass, the other hauls heavy loads. For a typical suburban lawn, you’d likely need both (or a different mower altogether).
Quick Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER wins overall for most buyers due to its significantly lower price, vastly superior user ratings from over 18,000 reviews, and likely better customer support infrastructure, though the American Lawn Mower Company model has a niche advantage for those prioritizing manual, eco-friendly operation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | American Lawn Mower Company | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $98.24 |
| Power Source | Manual (push reel) | Electric (corded or cordless; check specific model) |
| Cutting Width | Typically 14–16 inches (varies by model) | Typically 18–20 inches (varies by model) |
| Self-Propelled | No (human-powered) | No (push mower) |
| Best Yard Size | Small (under ¼ acre) | Small to medium (up to ½ acre) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
Note: Exact cutting width and power source for BLACK+DECKER depend on the specific model (e.g., corded vs. cordless). The American Lawn Mower is a classic reel mower.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
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Zero Emissions & Silent Operation – As a manual reel mower, the American Lawn Mower produces no exhaust, no noise, and no vibration. It’s ideal for early-morning mowing without disturbing neighbors or for eco-conscious users who want to avoid fossil fuels entirely.
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Low Maintenance & No Fuel Costs – No engine means no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, or fuel mixing. The blades are the only wear item, and they can be sharpened at home. Over years of use, the total cost of ownership is near zero beyond the initial $159.99.
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Lightweight & Easy to Store – Manual reel mowers typically weigh 25–35 lbs, much lighter than electric models (often 40–60 lbs). They fold flat or stand upright, taking up minimal garage or shed space, and require no extension cords or battery charging.
Where BLACK+DECKER Wins
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Overwhelmingly Better User Satisfaction – With a 4.2/5 rating from 18,503 reviews (vs. 3.9/5 from 709), the BLACK+DECKER has proven reliability and widespread approval. The large sample size indicates consistent performance, while the American Lawn Mower’s lower rating suggests more frequent issues (e.g., blade alignment, grass clogging).
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Lower Upfront Cost – At $98.24, the BLACK+DECKER is 39% cheaper than the American Lawn Mower’s $159.99. For budget-conscious buyers, this is a significant savings, especially if they don’t want to invest heavily in a manual mower they may outgrow.
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Better for Thicker or Taller Grass – Electric mowers (especially corded models) provide consistent power to cut through overgrown, wet, or thick grass that a reel mower would struggle with. Reel mowers require frequent passes and often clog with damp clippings, while BLACK+DECKER’s rotary blade handles tough conditions more easily.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the American Lawn Mower if:
- You have a very small, flat lawn (under ¼ acre) with fine, well-maintained grass that you can mow every 3–5 days.
- You prioritize absolute silence, zero emissions, and exercise while mowing.
- You want the lowest long-term maintenance and no reliance on electricity or batteries.
Buy the BLACK+DECKER if:
- You want a reliable, affordable mower for a small to medium yard (up to ½ acre) with occasional thick or tall grass.
- You value a proven product backed by thousands of positive reviews and easy replacement parts.
- You prefer a faster, less physically demanding mowing experience—just plug in and go.
Buy Neither if:
- Your yard is over ½ acre, uneven, or has steep slopes. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas or high-end electric mower (e.g., Honda or EGO) for better performance and user comfort.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026