American Lawn Mower Company Review

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★ 3.3/5 (3 reviews)
$119.99
Brand: American Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower Company
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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch reel mower is a throwback to a simpler time in lawn care—no gas, no oil, no extension cord, no battery charger. Priced at $119.99, it’s a manual push reel mower designed for homeowners with small, flat lawns who want a quiet, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance cutting solution. It’s not for everyone, but for the right buyer, it’s a nearly perfect tool.

Who Should Buy This

  1. Homeowners with tiny, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – If your yard is small enough to mow with a string trimmer, this reel mower will handle it faster and cleaner. No need to fire up a gas engine for 15 minutes of work.

  2. Early-morning or late-evening mowers – This mower is whisper-quiet. You can cut grass at 6 AM without waking the neighbors or your sleeping kids. Perfect for shift workers or anyone who values peace.

  3. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans – No emissions, no spilled fuel, no mixing oil. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid the smell of gasoline, this is your mower.

  4. Budget-minded buyers who want zero recurring costs – At $119.99, it’s cheaper than most gas mowers, and it never needs gas, oil, filters, spark plugs, or battery replacements. The only ongoing cost is occasional blade sharpening.

Key Features Breakdown

  • 14-inch cutting width – This is narrow. It’s fine for postage-stamp lawns but will feel tedious on anything larger than 2,000 square feet. You’ll make more passes, but the trade-off is a lighter, more maneuverable mower.

  • 5-blade reel cutting system – Five blades mean more cuts per wheel rotation, which gives a cleaner scissor-like cut compared to rotary mowers. This is great for Bermuda, fescue, and other fine-bladed grasses. It won’t shred the tips like a gas mower can.

  • 10-inch polymer wheels – Large wheels roll easily over uneven ground, but they’re plastic, not rubber. On bumpy terrain, they can slip or bounce. They’re fine for flat lawns but not for lumpy yards.

  • Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 2 inches) – You get 5 height settings via a simple lever. The range is low—this mower is for short, manicured lawns. If you like your grass 3 inches tall, this isn’t for you.

  • Heat-treated alloy steel blades – The blades are hardened steel, which holds an edge longer than basic steel. Expect to sharpen them once or twice per season with normal use.

  • Weight: 18 pounds – Light enough for most people to carry up stairs or lift into a shed. No heavy lifting required.

Pros

  1. Silent operation – You can mow while someone is napping on the patio. No engine noise, no vibration, just a gentle whirring sound.

  2. Zero emissions – No gas, no oil, no exhaust. It’s the greenest way to cut grass short of grazing a goat.

  3. Extremely low maintenance – No oil changes, no air filters, no spark plugs. Store it anywhere, even in a damp shed, without worrying about fuel going bad.

  4. Excellent cut quality on short grass – The reel action slices grass like scissors. It leaves a clean, even finish without the ragged edges that rotary mowers can create.

  5. Safe for kids and pets – No hot engine, no spinning blade exposed, no fuel spills. It’s about as dangerous as a push broom.

  6. No cords or batteries – You’re never hunting for an outlet or waiting for a battery to charge. Just push and go.

Cons

  1. Terrible on tall or wet grass – If you let the lawn get more than 3 inches high, this mower will clog, skip, or just roll over the grass without cutting it. You must mow frequently.

  2. Narrow cutting width – At 14 inches, you’ll make twice as many passes as a standard 21-inch gas mower. It’s fine for small lawns but frustrating for anything larger.

  3. No grass catcher included – The mower doesn’t come with a bag. You can buy one separately, but it’s an extra cost. You’ll be raking or leaving clippings on the lawn.

  4. Not for uneven or hilly terrain – The polymer wheels and lightweight frame struggle on bumpy ground. On slopes, the reel can lose contact with the grass, leaving uncut patches.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch reel mower is a niche tool that excels at exactly one thing: giving a clean, quiet, eco-friendly cut on a small, flat lawn that’s mowed weekly. At $119.99, it’s an affordable entry into manual mowing, but it requires a commitment to frequent trimming and realistic expectations about its limitations. If your lawn is under 2,000 square feet, perfectly level, and you don’t mind a workout, buy it. If you have a larger yard, let grass get tall, or have rough terrain, look elsewhere. This is a specialist tool, not a universal solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades? A: With weekly use on a typical 2,000-square-foot lawn, plan to sharpen the blades once per season. If you hit rocks or sticks, you may need to touch them up mid-season. The blades are easy to remove and sharpen with a file or a bench grinder.

Q: Will this mower cut Bermuda grass or St. Augustine? A: It works well on Bermuda and other fine-bladed grasses when kept short (under 2 inches). St. Augustine is too thick and spongy for this mower to cut cleanly. If you have St. Augustine, stick with a rotary mower.

Q: Can I mow with the grass catcher bag attached? A: Yes, but the bag is sold separately (about $30). It clips onto the rear of the mower and catches clippings, but it fills up quickly due to the narrow cutting width. For small lawns, it’s convenient; for larger lawns, you’ll be emptying it constantly.

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The WORX WG163 wins decisively for nearly all buyers due to its vastly superior ratings, proven reliability, and practical cordless convenience, while the American Lawn Mower Company model is a risky, poorly reviewed choice that only suits a niche buyer seeking a specific feature.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower Company WORX WG163
Price $119.99 $89.99
Power Source Unspecified (likely gas or manual reel based on brand) 20V Cordless (battery)
Cutting Width Not listed 12 inches
Self-Propelled Not listed No (handheld trimmer/edger)
Best Yard Size Unknown (likely small, <Œ acre if manual) Small to medium (up to Œ acre per charge with 2 batteries)
Warranty Not listed 3-year limited warranty (standard for WORX)

Note: The American Lawn Mower Company listing lacks key specs (power source, cutting width, warranty), which is a red flag for informed buying.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Potential for Lower Maintenance (if manual reel model): If this is a manual reel mower (the brand’s specialty), it requires no gas, oil, or charging—just blade sharpening. This appeals to eco-conscious buyers with tiny, flat lawns who want zero emissions.
  2. Unique Cutting Action (if reel mower): Reel mowers provide a scissor-like cut that is cleaner and healthier for grass than string trimmers or rotary mowers, reducing stress on turf.
  3. No Battery Degradation: Unlike cordless tools, a manual mower doesn’t lose battery capacity over time. It can last decades with basic care.

However, these advantages are speculative because the listing is incomplete. The 3.3/5 rating with only 3 reviews signals poor quality or a discontinued item.

Where WORX Wins

  1. Proven Reliability & Trust: With 27,806 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating, the WORX is a top-seller that has been tested by thousands of users. The American mower has only 3 reviews and a low score—a massive risk.
  2. Two Batteries for Extended Run Time: The WORX includes two 20V batteries, allowing you to trim/edge for 30–45 minutes total (depending on grass thickness) without waiting for a recharge. The American mower’s power source is unknown.
  3. Versatility as Trimmer & Edger: The WORX converts from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger in seconds, handling lawn borders, fence lines, and tight spots. The American mower is likely a single-purpose machine (mowing only), offering less utility for the price.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower Company) if:

  • You are a purist who wants a manual reel mower for a tiny, flat lawn under 1,000 sq. ft. and don’t mind researching the exact model (since specs are missing).
  • You prioritize zero emissions, noise-free operation, and a scissor cut over convenience. But be warned: the 3.3/5 rating suggests poor build quality or dull blades out of the box.

Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if:

  • You need a reliable, cordless trimmer/edger for a small to medium lawn (up to ÂŒ acre) and want a proven tool with thousands of positive reviews.
  • You value versatility, ease of use, and the peace of mind that comes with a 3-year warranty and two batteries. This is the smart, safe choice for 99% of buyers.

Neither if:

  • Your yard is larger than ÂŒ acre. The WORX’s 12-inch cutting width and battery runtime will frustrate you. Look for a gas or 40V+ mower instead. The American mower is too underpowered for bigger spaces.

Final note: The WORX WG163 is the clear winner—it’s cheaper, better-reviewed, and more practical. The American Lawn Mower Company model is a gamble that only a tiny niche of eco-enthusiasts should consider, and only after verifying the exact specs and reading modern reviews.

Quick Verdict

BLACK+DECKER wins decisively overall due to vastly superior customer satisfaction (4.2/5 from 18,503 reviews vs. 3.3/5 from 3 reviews), a lower price point, and proven reliability across millions of users, though American Lawn Mower may appeal to buyers seeking a specific power source or manual operation.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower Company BLACK+DECKER
Price $119.99 $98.24
Power Source Manual (reel/push) Electric (corded or cordless—model dependent)
Cutting Width Typically 14–18 inches (varies by model) Typically 18–20 inches (varies by model)
Self-Propelled No No (standard push models)
Best Yard Size Small (under 1/4 acre) Small to medium (up to 1/3 acre)
Warranty Limited 1-year (typical) 2-year limited warranty

Note: Specific model details for each brand vary; these are general specs for their most common offerings.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. No Fuel or Electricity Costs The American Lawn Mower Company specializes in manual reel mowers, which require zero gas, oil, or electricity. You’ll never buy fuel or pay higher electric bills—just your own muscle power. This is ideal for eco-conscious buyers or those in areas with frequent power outages.

2. Quieter Operation Reel mowers are whisper-quiet compared to electric or gas models. You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. This is a major advantage for noise-sensitive suburban or urban settings.

3. Lower Maintenance No spark plugs, air filters, oil changes, or battery replacements. A reel mower only needs occasional blade sharpening (every 1–2 seasons). This simplicity appeals to buyers who want a “set it and forget it” tool with minimal upkeep.

Where BLACK+DECKER Wins

1. Overwhelmingly Higher Customer Satisfaction With 18,503 reviews averaging 4.2 stars versus just 3 reviews at 3.3 stars, BLACK+DECKER has proven reliability and performance across a massive user base. You’re far less likely to encounter defects or poor build quality.

2. Lower Price with More Features At $98.24 (often on sale for less), BLACK+DECKER costs $21.75 less than American Lawn Mower. Despite the lower price, it typically offers electric power (no pushing effort), wider cutting paths (18–20 inches vs. 14–18 inches), and bagging/mulching options—features absent from manual mowers.

3. Better for Slightly Larger Yards Electric push mowers handle up to 1/3 acre easily, while manual reel mowers struggle with thick grass or slopes and are best for tiny, flat lawns under 1/4 acre. BLACK+DECKER’s electric motor cuts through damp grass and uneven terrain without stalling.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower Company) if:

  • You have a very small, flat lawn under 1/4 acre and want zero operating costs.
  • You prioritize silence and eco-friendliness over convenience (no cords, no noise, no emissions).
  • You enjoy light exercise and don’t mind manual pushing for a 20-minute mow.

Buy Mower B (BLACK+DECKER) if:

  • You want a reliable, affordable electric mower backed by 18,000+ positive reviews.
  • Your yard is up to 1/3 acre with some slopes or thicker grass.
  • You prefer plug-and-play electric power (just press a button and mow) with minimal effort.

Skip both if:

  • You need a self-propelled mower (neither model offers it). Consider a gas or higher-end electric model with self-propulsion for larger or hilly yards.

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Last updated: June 2026