American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-I vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-I
Quick Verdict
For most homeowners with small to medium flat lawns, the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 offers the better value at $99.99 with nearly identical cutting performance to the Scotts model. It’s lighter, easier to maneuver, and has an exceptional review count that speaks to long-term reliability. The Scotts 2000-20S is the better choice only if you need a wider 20-inch cut to cover ground faster, or if you prefer the slightly sturdier build of a higher-priced unit. In short: pick American for price and ease, pick Scotts for width and speed.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 1304-14 | Scotts 2000-20S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $149.99 |
| Cutting Power | 5-blade reel (manual) | 5-blade reel (manual) |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 20 inches |
| Best Yard Size | Up to ¼ acre | Up to ½ acre |
| Weight | ~22 lbs | ~25 lbs |
| Customer Rating | 4.3 / 5 (22,499 reviews) | 4.2 / 5 (5,926 reviews) |
Both are manual push reel mowers with 5-blade reels, meaning no gas, no cords, and quiet operation. The key difference is cut width: 14 inches vs. 20 inches.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
- Price: At $99.99, it’s $50 cheaper than the Scotts. That’s a significant savings for essentially the same cutting mechanism.
- Lighter weight: At about 22 lbs, it’s easier to push uphill and carry over obstacles like garden edges or steps.
- Better maneuverability: The narrower 14-inch deck turns tighter around flower beds, trees, and fences. Ideal for small, intricate lawns.
- Higher review count: With over 22,000 reviews, it has a much larger sample size for reliability. The 4.3 rating is consistent across many users.
- Lower maintenance: Fewer moving parts and a simpler design mean less to go wrong over time. Replacement parts (blades, wheels) are widely available and inexpensive.
Where Scotts Wins
- Wider cut: The 20-inch width reduces mowing time by about 30% compared to the 14-inch model. For a ¼-acre lawn, that could save 15–20 minutes per mow.
- Better for medium lawns: If your yard is between ¼ and ½ acre, the wider deck makes the Scotts more practical without needing a power mower.
- Slightly sturdier build: The Scotts frame and handle feel more robust, with a thicker steel tube. It can handle occasional bumps against rocks or roots without bending.
- Brand recognition: Scotts has a well-known name in lawn care, which may matter if you want easy access to customer support or replacement parts at big-box stores.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 if:
- Your lawn is under ¼ acre (typical small suburban lot).
- You value low cost and easy storage.
- You have tight spaces, curves, or obstacles.
- You want a mower that’s light enough to carry to a shed or up steps.
Buy the Scotts 2000-20S if:
- Your lawn is ¼ to ½ acre and relatively flat.
- You want to finish mowing faster.
- You prefer a wider cut and are willing to pay more for it.
- You don’t mind the extra 3 lbs of