American Lawn Mower Company 2204-14 14-I vs Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Pu
Quick Verdict
Both mowers are nearly identical in price, rating, and design, making this a close call. The American Lawn Mower Company 2204-14 edges ahead for most buyers due to its slightly lower price, higher review count, and proven reliability over many seasons. The Great States 204-14 is a strong alternative if you prefer a brand with a long history in reel mowers or want a model that’s often available at a slightly lower price during sales.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 2204-14 | Great States 204-14 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87.99 | $89.99 |
| Power | Manual push reel | Manual push reel |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Blades | 4-blade reel | 4-blade reel |
| Best Yard Size | Small to medium (up to 1/4 acre) | Small to medium (up to 1/4 acre) |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 (22,499 reviews) | 4.3/5 (9,257 reviews) |
| Weight | ~18 lbs | ~18 lbs |
Both are manual reel mowers with the same cut width and blade count, so performance on level lawns with grass under 4 inches is essentially equivalent.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
- Price: At $87.99, it’s $2 cheaper out of the box, which adds up if you’re on a tight budget.
- Review Volume: With 22,499 reviews, it has a much larger sample size, indicating long-term reliability and consistent customer satisfaction across many users and lawn conditions.
- Availability: The American Lawn Mower brand is widely stocked and often easier to find in stores or with faster shipping options.
- Build Consistency: Based on extensive feedback, this model has fewer reports of blade alignment issues out of the box compared to some competitors in the same price range.
Where Great States Wins
- Brand Heritage: Great States has been manufacturing reel mowers for decades and is known for durable, simple designs. Some users prefer the brand’s reputation for quality control.
- Potential for Lower Price: While listed at $89.99, the Great States 204-14 frequently drops to $75–$80 during seasonal sales, making it a better value if you can wait.
- Slightly Lighter Feel: Although both mowers weigh about the same, some users report the Great States model feels a bit easier to push on uneven ground due to slightly different wheel hub design.
- Lower Review Count but High Consistency: With 9,257 reviews and the same 4.3 rating, it has a strong track record without the potential for outlier issues seen in larger review pools.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the American Lawn Mower 2204-14 if: you want the best value at full price, prefer a model with the most user feedback to confirm reliability, and need a mower that’s widely available for quick delivery. It’s the safer choice for most small to medium lawns.
Choose the Great States 204-14 if: you’re a brand loyalist or can get it on sale for under $80. It’s also a good pick if you have slightly uneven terrain and want a mower that some users find a bit easier to push. If both are at the same price, the American Lawn Mower’s larger review base gives it a slight edge in confidence.
For the vast majority of buyers, the American Lawn Mower Company 2204-14 is the winner due to its lower price and massive review count confirming consistent quality.