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 reel mower is a classic, muscle-powered push mower that strips away all the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas or battery-powered machines. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns—think under a quarter acre—it’s a return to simple, quiet, and eco-friendly lawn care. If you’ve got a relatively flat yard and a willingness to burn a few calories, this mower delivers a clean, scissor-like cut that’s better for your grass than any rotary blade.
Who Should Buy This
- Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre): This mower shines on modest plots where dragging out a gas mower feels like overkill. You’ll finish the job in 20 minutes, no fuel or extension cords needed.
- Eco-conscious users who hate gas and noise: If you want zero emissions, near-silent operation, and no oil changes, this is your machine. It’s also perfect for early-morning mowing without waking the neighbors.
- Homeowners who prioritize lawn health: Reel mowers cut grass cleanly, like a pair of scissors, rather than tearing it. This reduces stress on the turf, promotes denser growth, and avoids the brown tips you often see after a rotary mower.
- Budget-minded buyers who want a low-cost, long-lasting tool: At $119.99, this mower costs a fraction of a gas or battery model, and with minimal maintenance (just blade sharpening), it can last decades.
Key Features Breakdown
- 10-Inch Cutting Width: This is narrow compared to most gas mowers (typically 21 inches), meaning you’ll need more passes to cover your lawn. For a 1/4-acre lot, it’s manageable, but it’s not ideal for larger spaces. The trade-off is a lighter, more maneuverable machine that’s easy to push and store.
- 5-Blade Reel System: More blades generally mean a cleaner cut. The five-blade reel spins faster per inch of forward motion, giving you a finer finish than cheaper 4-blade models. It’s why this mower can handle grass up to about 3-4 inches tall without jamming, as long as you mow regularly.
- Adjustable Cutting Height (1/2 to 2 Inches): This range suits warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, which thrive at low heights. For cool-season fescue or bluegrass, you’ll want to keep it on the higher end (1.5–2 inches). The adjustment is tool-free—just turn the knob on each wheel—but it’s not as quick as a single-lever system.
- Heat-Treated, Tempered Steel Blades: These hold an edge longer than basic steel blades. Expect to sharpen them once a season (or every 20–25 hours of use) with a simple sharpening kit. The blades are also replaceable, so you’re not buying a new mower when they dull.
- 10-Inch Composite Wheels: Larger wheels reduce rolling resistance, making the mower easier to push on bumpy terrain. The composite material won’t rust or crack like some plastic hubs. That said, they’re not ball-bearing, so you’ll feel a bit more drag than on premium models.
- 14-Pound Weight: This is a featherweight compared to any gas mower (which often weighs 60–80 pounds). It’s easy to carry to a shed, hang on a wall hook, or lift over garden beds. The trade-off is that it can feel a bit light and skittish on thick, tall grass—you may need to push harder or take lighter passes.
Pros
- Absolutely silent operation: You can mow at 6 AM with a clear conscience. The only noise is the whir of the blades and your footsteps.
- Zero emissions and no fuel costs: No gas, oil, or batteries to buy or dispose of. Your carbon footprint for mowing is literally zero.
- Superior cut quality for healthy grass: The scissor action leaves a manicured finish that rotary mowers can’t match. Your lawn will look like a golf green.
- Extremely low maintenance: No spark plugs, air filters, or oil changes. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels free of debris.
- Lightweight and easy to store: At 14 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or stash it in a corner. It’s also easy to carry up steps or over obstacles.
- Very affordable: For $120, you’re getting a tool that, with care, can outlast a $400 gas mower. It’s a no-brainer for small-lot owners.
Cons
- Not for tall or thick grass: If you let your lawn get over 4 inches, this mower will struggle, clog, or skip patches. You must mow frequently—every 5–7 days during peak growth.
- Narrow cutting width: At 10 inches, it takes about twice as many passes as a standard 21-inch mower. For anything over 1/4 acre, you’ll be out there a while.
- No grass catcher (bag) included: The mower cuts and drops clippings in place. This is great for mulching (free fertilizer), but if you want a bagged, clean finish, you’ll need to rake or buy an optional catcher.
- Poor on uneven or bumpy ground: The fixed reel can scalp high spots and miss low spots. On lumpy lawns, you’ll get an uneven cut. It’s best on relatively flat, smooth turf.
Bottom Line
The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a niche tool that excels at one thing: giving a small, flat lawn a perfect, quiet, eco-friendly cut for very little money. It’s not for everyone—skip it if you have a large yard, let grass get tall, or need a bagger. But if you have a modest patch of grass, want to avoid the hassle of gas or batteries, and enjoy a bit of light exercise, this is one of the best values in lawn care. I recommend it without reservation for the right user. Just be honest about your lawn size and mowing habits before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades? A: For a typical small lawn (1/4 acre), you’ll want to sharpen the reel blades once a season, or about every 20–25 hours of use. You can buy a sharpening kit for around $15–20, or use a simple file. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips.
Q: Can this mower handle Bermuda or St. Augustine grass? A: It works great on Bermuda (which likes a low cut) and thin-bladed grasses. For St. Augustine, which has thick, coarse stems, you’ll need to
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower and the WORX WG163 cordless string trimmer.
Quick Verdict
The WORX wins for versatility and ease of use on small to medium yards, while the American Lawn Mower wins for quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance precision cutting on small, flat lawns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | American Lawn Mower | WORX WG163 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $89.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (push reel) | 20V Battery (2 included) |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches (typical for manual reel) | 12 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No (manual push) | No (handheld trimmer) |
| Best Yard Size | Under 1/4 acre, flat, fine grass | Up to 1/3 acre, varied terrain |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (typically 5 years) | 3 years limited |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
- Zero Emissions & Silent Operation: This mower produces no exhaust fumes and runs at virtually zero decibels. You can mow early in the morning or late at night without disturbing neighbors, and there is zero environmental impact from gas or battery production/charging.
- Lowest Long-Term Cost: With no gas, oil, batteries, or spark plugs to buy, the American Lawn Mower’s only maintenance is occasional blade sharpening. At $119.99, it will likely last decades with basic care, making it significantly cheaper over its lifetime than any cordless electric mower.
- Superior Lawn Health: Reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like action, producing a clean slice rather than a jagged tear. This results in less water loss, reduced disease risk, and a healthier, greener lawn. It also mulches clippings finely, returning nutrients to the soil.
Where WORX Wins
- Versatility (Trimmer + Edger): The WORX is not just a mower; it’s a string trimmer and edger in one. With the included edger guide (and the Command Feed system that lets you advance line with a button), it handles fence lines, flower beds, sidewalks, and tight corners that a reel mower simply cannot reach.
- Ease of Use on Overgrown or Uneven Grass: The WORX’s 20V motor and spinning string can handle taller, thicker, or slightly damp grass that would stall or clog a manual reel mower. It also works perfectly on slopes, bumpy terrain, and around obstacles without needing to push a heavy wheeled unit.
- Battery Convenience & Runtime: With two 20V batteries included, you can swap them on the fly for continuous trimming. At just 5.5 lbs, the WORX is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for quick touch-ups or trimming areas a standard mower misses.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:
- You have a small, flat, weed-free lawn (under 1/4 acre) and want the healthiest possible cut with zero noise, zero emissions, and virtually zero operating costs. This is the best choice for environmentally conscious homeowners who enjoy a quiet, meditative mowing experience and don’t mind a little physical effort.
Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if:
- You need a versatile tool for trimming, edging, and maintaining a yard with obstacles, slopes, or overgrown patches. This is perfect for renters or homeowners who already have a primary mower (push or riding) and need a lightweight, battery-powered trimmer to clean up edges and hard-to-reach areas.
Buy Both if:
- You want the ultimate lawn care combo for a small to medium yard. Use the American Lawn Mower for the main lawn (for the cleanest, quietest cut) and the WORX for edging along driveways, trimming around trees, and tackling any spots the reel mower can’t reach. Together, they cover every need for under $210.
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company model wins for eco-conscious homeowners with small, flat lawns, but the BLACK+DECKER is the better value for most buyers due to its lower price, electric convenience, and higher cutting power.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A: American Lawn Mower Co. | Mower B: BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $98.24 |
| Power Source | Manual (reel/push) | Electric (corded) |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches | 18 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre | Up to 1/3 acre |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
1. Zero Emissions & Silent Operation
As a manual reel mower, the American Lawn Mower produces no exhaust fumes and runs completely silently. This is ideal for early-morning mowing, noise-sensitive neighborhoods, or anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. It also requires no gas, oil, or extension cords.
2. Low Maintenance & Durability
With no engine, battery, or spark plug to maintain, this mower needs only occasional blade sharpening (every 1-2 seasons) and light lubrication. Its all-steel construction (including the reel and bed knife) is built to last decades, unlike many plastic-bodied electric mowers.
3. Healthier Lawn Cut
Reel mowers scissor-cut grass cleanly rather than tearing it like rotary blades. This results in finer clippings that decompose faster, reduce thatch buildup, and promote denser, greener grass. The 14-inch width also allows tight trimming near flower beds and fences.
Where BLACK+DECKER Wins
1. More Power & Cutting Versatility
The BLACK+DECKER’s 18-inch electric motor delivers consistent torque to handle taller, thicker, or slightly damp grass that would stall a reel mower. It also mulches, bags, or side-discharges clippings (the American Lawn Mower offers no collection or discharge options).
2. Lower Price & Better Value
At $98.24, the BLACK+DECKER is $21.75 cheaper than the American Lawn Mower. It also eliminates the need for manual blade sharpening—electric mowers require no blade maintenance beyond occasional replacement. For buyers on a budget, this is a clear win.
3. Larger Cutting Deck
The 18-inch cutting width is 4 inches wider than the American Lawn Mower’s, reducing mowing time by roughly 25% on a standard 5,000 sq. ft. lawn. It also adjusts to 6 cutting heights (1.5–4 inches) vs. the reel mower’s fixed 2-inch height.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower Co.) if:
- You have a small, flat lawn under 1/4 acre and want the quietest, most eco-friendly option.
- You enjoy low-maintenance yard work and don’t mind pushing a manual mower.
- You prioritize lawn health over speed and are willing to mow more frequently (once every 4-5 days) for a cleaner cut.
Buy Mower B (BLACK+DECKER) if:
- You want the best value for money—lower price, bigger cutting width, and easier operation for most lawns.
- You have slightly uneven terrain, thick grass, or occasional weeds that a reel mower can’t handle.
- You need a mower that can bag or discharge clippings, or you prefer the convenience of plug-and-play electric power.
Skip both if:
Your lawn is over 1/3 acre, hilly, or requires self-propelled assistance. In that case, consider a gas-powered or battery-powered self-propelled mower (e.g., Toro or EGO) for better performance and less physical effort.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026