American Lawn Mower Company Review

Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a back-to-basics, manual push mower that proves you don’t need a roaring engine or a battery pack to get a great-looking lawn. Designed for small, flat yards with grass that’s kept on a regular cutting schedule, this mower is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want a clean, quiet cut without fumes, noise, or maintenance headaches. At $167.59, it’s a budget-friendly option that earns its 4.0-star rating from 88 reviewers by delivering a scissor-like finish that gas mowers simply can’t match.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/4-acre or smaller lawns – This mower thrives on compact, flat properties where you won’t be pushing it for hours. If your yard is under 5,000 square feet, you’ll finish in 20 minutes with zero fuel costs.
• Eco-conscious gardeners who hate gas and fumes – No exhaust, no oil changes, no spilled fuel. If you want a zero-emission mowing experience that’s safe for kids, pets, and your lungs, this is your ticket.
• Noise-sensitive neighbors or early-morning mowers – The only sound is the gentle snip-snip of blades cutting grass. You can mow at 7 AM without waking the block—perfect for tight suburban lots.
• Homeowners who love a manicured, golf-course-style cut – Reel mowers slice grass cleanly (like scissors), unlike rotary mowers that tear it. If you’re obsessive about lawn striping and a crisp finish, this tool delivers.

Key Features Breakdown

• 10-Inch Cutting Width – This is a narrow path, meaning you’ll take more passes than with a 21-inch gas mower. It’s fine for small lawns, but expect extra walking time on anything larger. The trade-off is a lighter, more maneuverable machine.
• 14-Inch Wheels with Ball Bearings – Large wheels roll smoothly over uneven ground without catching, and ball bearings reduce friction so pushing feels effortless. On flat turf, this mower glides like a dream—no fighting with sticky wheels.
• 5-Blade Reel with Heat-Treated Steel – Five blades mean a finer cut per rotation compared to cheaper 4-blade models. The heat-treated steel stays sharp longer, so you won’t be sharpening every month. Expect clean cuts on grass up to 3-4 inches tall.
• Adjustable Cutting Height (1/2" to 2") – A simple lever adjusts height in half-inch increments. Best results come from keeping it low (1-1.5 inches) for that putting-green look. Taller settings help if you let grass get shaggy, but this mower struggles with overgrowth.
• All-Steel Construction – The frame, wheels, and handle are steel, not plastic. This adds weight (about 30 pounds) but means it’ll outlast a plastic mower by years. It’s built like a farm tool, not a toy.
• No Engine, No Battery, No Cords – Zero operating costs, zero emissions, zero noise. You’ll never buy gas, mix oil, or charge a battery again. Just push.

Pros

1. Silent operation – Mow anytime without disturbing anyone. The only feedback is the sound of grass falling.
2. Incredible cut quality – The scissor action leaves grass looking manicured, with no torn edges that turn brown. Golf course superintendents use reel mowers for a reason.
3. Zero maintenance – No spark plugs, air filters, or oil changes. Just sharpen the blades once a season and you’re set for years.
4. Lightweight and maneuverable – At 30 pounds, it’s easy to lift into a shed or carry over garden beds. No wrestling with a 60-pound gas mower.
5. Safe for kids and pets – No hot engine, no spinning blades throwing rocks. The reel is relatively slow-moving, so accidents are far less dangerous.
6. Exercise bonus – You’ll burn 200-300 calories per mow without hitting the gym. It’s a legit workout that actually does something useful.

Cons

1. Struggles with tall or wet grass – If you let grass get past 4 inches, the reel will clog and skip. Wet grass clumps and jams the blades—you’ll be clearing it constantly. This mower demands a regular schedule.
2. Narrow cutting width – The 10-inch path means more passes. For a 5,000-square-foot lawn, expect 45-60 minutes of pushing. A 21-inch gas mower does it in 20.
3. Not for uneven or bumpy ground – The reel needs consistent contact with the grass. On lumpy soil or thick roots, it will scalp high spots and miss low spots entirely.
4. No grass catcher included – Clippings fly everywhere unless you buy the optional catcher (sold separately). You’ll either rake or let clippings lie (which is fine for lawn health, but messy-looking).

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a brilliant choice for the right person: someone with a small, flat lawn who values a pristine cut, quiet operation, and zero environmental guilt. It’s not a universal tool—skip it if your yard is large, hilly, or prone to weeds and overgrowth. But for the suburban homeowner with a tidy 1/4-acre lot, this mower delivers a better-looking lawn than any gas model at a fraction of the cost and hassle. Pair it with a string trimmer for edges, and you’ve got a complete, low-stress mowing system. Highly recommended for the eco-conscious perfectionist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With normal use on a small lawn (mowing weekly), you’ll need to sharpen the reel about once per season. You can back-lap the blades with a grinding compound (a simple DIY job) or take it to a shop. Signs you need sharpening: the mower starts tearing grass instead of cutting cleanly, or you feel more resistance when pushing.

Q: Will this mower work on St. Augustine or Bermuda grass?
A: Yes, but only if you keep the grass short. Bermuda and St. Augustine are tough, thick grasses that reel mowers handle beautifully at 1-2 inches tall. If you let them grow beyond 3 inches, the reel will bind and skip. For these grass types, mow twice a week during peak growth.

Q: Can I use this on a lawn with weeds or clover?
A: It’s not ideal. Weeds with thick stems (like dandelions) or low-growing clover can get caught between the reel and bed knife, causing jams. The m