Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Great States 204-14 is a classic 14-inch hand reel mower that strips lawn care down to the basics—no engine, no battery, no cord. Designed for small, flat lawns under 1/4 acre, it’s the quiet, manual alternative for anyone who wants a clean cut without the noise, fumes, or maintenance of power equipment. At $89.99, it’s one of the most affordable mowers on the market, and its 4.3-star rating from over 9,000 reviews tells you it’s earned its keep.
Who Should Buy This
1. Homeowners with tiny, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre)
If your yard is more postage stamp than pasture, this mower is a perfect fit. The 14-inch cutting width means you’ll be making more passes, but on a small lot, that’s a few extra minutes, not a chore.
2. Eco-conscious folks who hate gas cans and extension cords
No emissions, no oil changes, no spark plugs, no noise complaints from neighbors. If you want a mow that’s silent enough to do at 7 AM without waking the house, this is it.
3. Budget buyers who want a mower that lasts decades
At under $90, this is the cheapest path to a decent cut. And because it’s all steel with no complex parts, a little oil and blade sharpening will keep it running for 20+ years.
4. First-time lawn mower owners or renters
If you’re new to yard care or living in a rental with a tiny patch of grass, this mower is low-commitment, easy to store, and won’t break the bank.
Key Features Breakdown
14-inch cutting width
This is narrow—modern push mowers typically run 20-22 inches. On the plus side, it makes the mower light (about 17 lbs) and easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners. The trade-off is more passes on anything wider than a standard driveway.
5-blade reel
Five blades is a sweet spot for a manual reel mower—it gives a clean scissor cut without bogging down in thin grass. More blades (like 7 or 8) can handle thicker turf but require more effort to push. The Great States’ five-blade design is balanced for typical fescue, bluegrass, and Bermuda.
10-inch steel wheels with ball bearings
Steel wheels are durable, but they can leave ruts in soft soil. The ball bearings help the mower roll smoothly, which is critical for a manual mower—every bit of rolling resistance is felt in your arms.
Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 1-3/4 inches)
That’s a limited range. Tall fescue or St. Augustine grass will struggle here. You get five height settings via a simple lever, but the highest setting is still short for warm-season lawns. If you like your grass at 2-3 inches, this mower won’t cut it—literally.
All-steel construction
Tough as nails. No plastic decks to crack, no cheap bushings to wear out. The downside is weight—at 17 lbs, it’s light for a steel mower, but still heavier than some aluminum or composite models.
Pros
1. Dead silent operation
The loudest sound is the blades clicking against the bedknife. You can mow while someone naps on the porch 10 feet away.
2. Zero maintenance headaches
No gas to mix, no oil to change, no carburetor to clean, no batteries to charge. Just sharpen the blade every couple of seasons and oil the moving parts once a year.
3. Incredible value for the price
$89.99 is cheaper than a decent trimmer. You’re getting a fully functional mower that will outlast most gas-powered models costing five times as much.
4. Great exercise
Pushing a reel mower is legit cardio—you’ll burn about 200-300 calories per 30-minute mow. It’s like a lawn tractor for your waistline.
5. Stores flat against a wall
The handle folds down with a single knob, so it hangs on a hook or leans in a corner with zero footprint. Perfect for small sheds or garages.
6. Cuts cleanly without shredding grass tips
Reel mowers scissor-cut like pruning shears, leaving a clean edge that heals faster and stays greener than the ragged tear from a rotary blade.
Cons
1. Useless on tall, thick, or wet grass
If your lawn gets away from you for more than a week, this mower will choke, skip, or just roll over the grass without cutting. You must mow frequently—every 4-5 days in growing season.
2. Cutting height range is too low for some lawns
Max height is 1-3/4 inches. If you prefer a 2.5-inch cut (common for fescue in summer), you’ll scalp your lawn. This mower is for short, manicured turf only.
3. No grass catcher included (and it’s annoying to add)
The mower has no bag. Clippings fly everywhere unless you buy the optional catcher (about $20 extra). Without it, you’ll be raking or leaving clumps on the lawn.
4. Requires frequent blade adjustment
The bedknife-to-reel contact needs tweaking every few uses to maintain a clean cut. If you’re not handy, you’ll either get frustrated or end up with ripped grass.
Bottom Line
The Great States 204-14 is the best cheap reel mower you can buy—period. It’s not the best mower overall, but for a specific slice of lawn owners, it’s unbeatable. If you have a small, flat lawn under 1/4 acre, mow weekly, and want a quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance tool that costs less than a dinner out for two, this is your mower. But if your grass gets tall, your lawn is uneven, or you want a bagged finish, look elsewhere. For the right person, this mower will outlast your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this mower cut Bermuda or Zoysia grass?
Yes, but only if you keep it short. Bermuda and Zoysia thrive at 1-1.5 inches, which is right in the mower’s sweet spot. Just mow every 3-4 days to avoid the blades getting overwhelmed.
Q: How hard is it to push on a flat lawn?
Surprisingly easy on short, dry grass. The ball-bearing wheels help, and at 17 lbs, it’s light enough for most adults to push one-handed. Thick grass or slight hills will make you work for it.
Q: Does it come assembled?
How It Compares
Quick Verdict
There is no single winner; the Great States 204-14 is best for tiny, flat lawns requiring a quiet, manual, eco-friendly cut, while the WORX WG163 is better for versatile trimming, edging, and general yard maintenance on larger or more complex properties.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Great States 204-14 | WORX WG163 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $89.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (human push) | 20V cordless battery (2 included) |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches | 12 inches (string trimmer head) |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Under 1/4 acre, flat, fine-bladed grass | Any size for trimming/edging; up to 1/2 acre for full lawn if using additional mower |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (hand tools) | 3-year limited |
Where Great States Wins
- Zero operating costs and emissions – This reel mower requires no gas, oil, electricity, or batteries. You simply push it. Over years of use, you’ll save on fuel and battery replacement, and it produces no noise pollution or exhaust fumes.
- Healthier grass cut – Reel mowers scissor-cut grass cleanly rather than tearing it like rotary blades. This promotes faster healing, reduces disease risk, and leaves a manicured, striped appearance ideal for Bermuda or fine fescue lawns.
- Ultra-light and low maintenance – At roughly 15–20 lbs, it’s easy to lift and maneuver. There are no engines, filters, or spark plugs to maintain—just occasional blade sharpening and wheel lubrication.
Where WORX Wins
- Versatility for trimming and edging – The WORX is not a lawn mower in the traditional sense; it’s a string trimmer and edger. It can cut grass along fences, flower beds, and sidewalks where a reel mower cannot reach. The 12-inch cutting path is efficient for detail work.
- Battery convenience and runtime – Two included 20V batteries provide cordless freedom. Each battery runs about 20–30 minutes, and the 5.5-lb weight makes it easy to carry. The Command Feed system automatically advances the string, so you don’t stop to bump-feed.
- Handles tough, tall, or damp grass – The electric motor powers through thick weeds and overgrown patches that would stall or clog a manual reel mower. It also works fine on wet grass, whereas a reel mower will mat down and skip.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Great States 204-14) if:
You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine grass like fescue or Bermuda, you want a silent, zero-emission mowing experience, and you don’t mind physical effort. It’s also ideal for those who want the lowest long-term cost and the healthiest cut for their turf.
Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if:
Your primary need is trimming and edging around a lawn, garden beds, or hardscapes, or if your property has tall, thick, or damp grass that a reel mower can’t handle. It’s also better if you lack a power outlet for a corded trimmer and want cordless convenience for spot-clearing.
Buy neither if:
You have a medium-to-large lawn (over 1/4 acre) with uneven terrain or thick St. Augustine or Zoysia grass. In that case, consider a gas or cordless rotary mower (e.g., a 21-inch self-propelled model) for efficient, full-lawn coverage. The Great States is too slow and physically demanding for large areas, and the WORX is a trimmer, not a primary mower.
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company model wins overall due to its superior build quality, longer warranty, and higher user satisfaction across a much larger sample size, but the Great States 204-14 offers better value for budget-conscious buyers with small, flat lawns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Great States 204-14 | American Lawn Mower Company |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $119.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (reel) | Manual (reel) |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Under 1/4 acre | Under 1/4 acre |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 3 years limited |
Where Great States Wins
1. Lower Price At $89.99, the Great States 204-14 costs $30 less than the American Lawn Mower. This makes it the clear choice for buyers on a tight budget or those who only mow a small patch of grass occasionally. The savings can be put toward replacement blades or a sharpening kit.
2. Lighter Weight Weighing approximately 22 pounds (versus 28 pounds for the American model), the Great States is easier to push, lift, and maneuver around flower beds or tight corners. For users with limited strength or small yards with obstacles, this weight difference reduces fatigue.
3. Quieter Operation (anecdotal) While both are manual reel mowers, user reviews frequently note that the Great States produces less mechanical noise during operation. This is beneficial for early-morning mowing or noise-sensitive neighborhoods, though it depends on blade sharpness and grass conditions.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
1. Superior Build Quality and Durability The American Lawn Mower Company model features a heavier-duty steel frame and a 10-gauge steel deck, compared to the lighter 12-gauge steel on the Great States. This results in less flex over time, better resistance to rust, and a longer lifespan. The 3-year warranty (versus 1 year) reflects the manufacturer’s confidence.
2. Better Cutting Performance With a 10-blade reel (versus 8 blades on the Great States), the American model makes more cuts per rotation, producing a finer, cleaner cut—especially on taller or slightly thicker grass. Users consistently report fewer missed clippings and less tearing, which promotes healthier turf.
3. Higher User Confidence (22,499 reviews) The American model has over twice the number of reviews (22,499 vs. 9,257) while maintaining the same 4.3-star rating. This larger sample size indicates more consistent quality and reliability across diverse conditions. The brand is also known for easier replacement parts availability.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Great States 204-14) if: You want the lowest upfront cost for a small, flat lawn under 1,500 square feet, and you don’t mind replacing the mower every 2–3 years. It’s ideal for renters or first-time reel mower users who want to test the manual mowing experience without a big investment. The lighter weight also suits seniors or those who need to carry the mower up steps.
Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower Company) if: You plan to keep your reel mower for 5+ years and want a cleaner cut for a lawn up to 1/4 acre. The extra $30 buys a sturdier deck, a 3-year warranty, and better performance on Bermuda or Kentucky bluegrass. It’s the better choice for homeowners who value durability and are willing to pay a modest premium for a tool that will last through multiple seasons of regular use.
Neither is right if: Your yard exceeds 1/4 acre, has slopes, or contains thick St. Augustine or zoysia grass. In those cases, consider a gas or electric mower, as reel mowers struggle with tall, thick, or uneven turf regardless of brand.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026