Greenworks 24V 13" Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger,Maintenance-Free Push Mower with 2-in-1 Mulch/Bag Review

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 wins for overall value and reliability, offering a simpler, maintenance-free design at a lower price with far superior customer satisfaction.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Easier on tall or thick grass – The brushless motor and 4.0Ah battery provide consistent cutting power through overgrown or damp grass where a reel mower would stall or clog. This makes it better for lawns that can’t be mowed weekly.

2. 2-in-1 versatility – Includes both mulching and bagging options. You can switch between leaving clippings as fertilizer or collecting them for a clean look. The reel mower only side-discharges (no bag or mulching).

3. Better for uneven terrain – The 13-inch cutting deck handles small bumps and slopes more reliably than a reel mower, which requires perfectly flat ground to cut evenly. The battery-powered motor maintains blade speed regardless of ground contact.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. Zero operating costs – No batteries to charge, no electricity, no gas. The reel mower is completely manual, saving you money forever after the initial $87.99 purchase. The Greenworks battery will degrade after ~500 charges and cost $60+ to replace.

2. Superior cut quality – The four-blade reel system scissor-cuts grass like scissors, producing a cleaner, healthier cut than a rotary blade. This reduces grass tip browning and promotes denser growth. Reel mowers are preferred for fine Bermuda or Zoysia lawns.

3. Unmatched reliability and simplicity – With 22,498 reviews and a 4.3-star rating versus 3.6 stars for Greenworks, owners report the reel mower lasts decades with minimal maintenance (just blade sharpening every 2-3 years). No batteries, motors, or electronics to fail. The limited lifetime frame warranty backs this up.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Greenworks) if: You have a medium-sized lawn (up to ¼ acre) with varying conditions—thicker grass, occasional weeds, or uneven spots—and you want the convenience of push-button starting and bagging capability without dealing with gas.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under ⅓ acre) with fine grass like Bermuda or fescue, you want the absolute lowest long-term cost, and you value a clean, scissor-cut finish over convenience. Also ideal if you want a backup mower or exercise while mowing.

Buy neither if: Your lawn is over ½ acre, has steep slopes, or you need self-propulsion. In those cases, look at a gas self-propelled mower or a larger electric model (e.g., 20-inch+ deck).

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 wins overall for value, reliability, and user satisfaction, thanks to its near-perfect 4.3-star rating from over 22,000 reviews, lower long-term cost, and zero maintenance headaches—but the Greenworks 24V is better if you want electric convenience and minimal physical effort.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Greenworks Wins

1. No physical effort required – The 24V brushless motor does all the work. You just push, and the blade spins at high RPM to cut grass cleanly. No need to push hard or maintain momentum like a reel mower. Ideal for anyone with mobility issues, less stamina, or a yard with thick grass.

2. Mulching and bagging versatility – The 2-in-1 design lets you switch between mulching (leaves clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer) and bagging (collects clippings in a rear bag). This gives you control over lawn care without raking. The American reel mower only drops clippings where they fall.

3. Brushless motor and included battery – Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors. The 4.0Ah battery is a decent size for a 13-inch mower, and it comes with a charger right in the box. No need to buy separate power equipment. The warranty is also longer at 4 years.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. Superior reliability and user satisfaction – With a 4.3-star rating from over 22,000 reviews, this reel mower is one of the most trusted manual mowers on the market. Users consistently praise its durability, ease of assembly, and consistent cut. The Greenworks has a mediocre 3.6 rating from just 1,200 reviews—indicating more complaints about battery life, build quality, or performance.

2. Zero operating costs forever – No batteries to replace, no chargers to plug in, no electricity bills. The American reel mower runs on human power alone. Over 5 years, you’ll spend $0 on fuel or electricity, while the Greenworks battery will degrade and likely need replacement (a new 4.0Ah battery costs about $60–$80).

3. Wider 18-inch cutting path – The 18-inch width cuts 5 inches wider per pass than the Greenworks’ 13-inch deck. This means fewer passes to cover the same lawn—roughly 28% fewer passes. For a ¼-acre yard, that saves significant time and walking distance. The 5-blade reel also provides a cleaner, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for grass.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Greenworks 24V) if… you want a no-physical-effort mowing experience, need the flexibility to bag or mulch, or have a yard with thick or tall grass that a reel mower struggles to cut. It’s also better if you dislike sharpening blades or maintaining manual equipment.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower 1815-18) if… you want a reliable, low-maintenance mower that costs nothing to run, have a small to medium lawn with thin to moderate grass, and value a clean, precise cut over speed. It’s also the clear choice if you trust user reviews—22,000+ buyers overwhelmingly prefer this mower.

Buy neither if… your yard is larger than ¼ acre or has uneven terrain, thick weeds, or slopes. Both mowers are push-only and best suited for flat, small lawns. For bigger yards, consider a self-propelled gas or electric mower with a wider deck.