American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-I vs Fiskars Push Mower - 17" Cut Width Manua

Quick Verdict

The Fiskars Push Mower is the better overall choice for most homeowners who want a clean, consistent cut with minimal effort, despite its higher price. The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is the budget-friendly pick for those who don’t mind a slightly heavier push and are willing to trade some cutting precision for significant savings.

Side-by-Side

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

• Price: At $141.98, it’s about $73 less than the Fiskars. This makes it a strong entry-level option for those on a tight budget or for a secondary mower.
• Cut Width: The 18-inch width is one inch wider than the Fiskars. Over a full lawn, this reduces the number of passes needed, saving a small amount of time.
• Proven Track Record: With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, the American Lawn Mower has a very large user base. This suggests reliable performance for a wide range of typical lawns, especially those with fine, short grass.
• Simplicity: The traditional 5-blade reel design is straightforward to maintain and adjust. Parts are widely available and inexpensive.

Where Fiskars Wins

• Cutting Performance: The Fiskars uses an “inertia-driven” reel that spins faster than a standard reel mower. This allows it to cut grass that is slightly taller or thicker than the American model can handle cleanly. It produces a noticeably cleaner, more scissor-like cut, especially on uneven ground.
• Ease of Use: The Fiskars is generally lighter to push and requires less effort to maintain momentum. The cutting action is smoother, reducing the chance of the mower stalling in dense grass.
• Better for Taller Grass: The Fiskars can handle grass up to about 4–5 inches tall without clogging, whereas the American model struggles above 3–4 inches. This makes the Fiskars more forgiving if you miss a weekly mow.
• Adjustability: The Fiskars offers a wider cutting height range and a more intuitive adjustment mechanism. It’s easier to dial in the exact cut height you want.

Which Should You Buy

Choose the American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 if:

• Your budget is under $150.
• You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine, short grass that you mow weekly.
• You want a simple, proven design with a huge base of user feedback.
• You don’t mind a slightly heavier push and occasional blade adjustments.

Choose the Fiskars Push Mower if:

• You’re willing to spend extra for a superior cutting experience.
• Your lawn is up to 1/3 acre, has some unevenness, or you occasionally let grass get a bit tall.
• You want a mower that requires less physical effort to push and produces a cleaner, more consistent cut.
• You value easier height adjustments and better performance in slightly thicker grass.

In short: The American model is the best value for a basic, reliable reel mower. The Fiskars