American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-I vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-In
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 offers the best value for small, flat lawns with its lower price and strong user satisfaction. The Scotts 716-18S is better suited for larger or slightly more demanding yards, thanks to its wider cutting path and extra blades. Choose the American if you want a budget-friendly, reliable mower for a modest yard. Choose the Scotts if you need more efficiency and cutting power for a bigger space.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 1304-14 | Scotts 716-18S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $142.89 |
| Power | Manual (5-blade reel) | Manual (7-blade reel) |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 18 inches |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 5,000 sq ft | Up to 8,000 sq ft |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 (22,499 reviews) | 4.2/5 (5,926 reviews) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
Lower price. At $99.99, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 costs about $43 less than the Scotts model. This makes it an excellent entry-level choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Higher user rating. With 4.3 stars from over 22,000 reviews, it has a slightly better reputation and a much larger sample size, indicating consistent performance across many users.
Easier handling for small spaces. The 14-inch cut width makes the mower lighter and more maneuverable in tight areas, such as narrow garden paths or small fenced yards. It also requires less storage space.
Simplicity. The 5-blade reel design is straightforward to maintain and adjust. Fewer blades mean less drag, which can make pushing slightly easier on very short grass.
Where Scotts Wins
Wider cut width. At 18 inches, the Scotts 716-18S covers 29% more ground per pass than the American 14-inch model. This reduces mowing time on larger lawns.
More cutting blades. Seven blades versus five means the reel rotates faster relative to the wheels, producing a finer, cleaner cut on grass that’s a bit taller or thicker. This also helps with mulching light debris.
Better for medium-sized yards. The wider cut and extra blade power make the Scotts more efficient on lawns up to 8,000 square feet, where the American model would require more passes and effort.
Slightly higher build quality perception. While both are budget-friendly, the Scotts often feels more robust in the frame and handle, especially for users who mow over uneven terrain.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 if:
- Your yard is small (under 5,000 sq ft) and mostly flat.
- You want the lowest upfront cost.
- You value a proven product with a huge base of positive reviews.
- You need a mower that stores easily in a compact space.
Buy the Scotts 716-18S if:
- Your lawn is larger (5,000 to 8,000 sq ft).
- You want to finish mowing faster with fewer passes.
- You occasionally cut grass that’s a bit overgrown or thicker.
- You’re willing to spend more for added cutting efficiency.
For most homeowners with a typical small-to-medium lawn, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 delivers the best combination of price, reliability, and ease of use. The Scotts is a better choice only if your yard size or grass conditions demand the extra width and blade count.