American Lawn Mower Company 2204-14 14-I vs Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push
Quick Verdict
Both mowers are highly rated manual reel mowers, but they serve different priorities. The American Lawn Mower 2204-14 is the better choice for smaller lawns, tighter budgets, and users who want a lighter, more maneuverable tool. The Great States 815-18 wins for those with larger or more established lawns, where a wider cutting path and extra blade provide a cleaner cut and faster mowing. Neither is universally superior—your choice depends on lawn size, grass type, and budget.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 2204-14 | Great States 815-18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87.99 | $116.00 |
| Cutting Width | 14 inches | 18 inches |
| Blades | 4-blade reel | 5-blade reel |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre | 1/4 to 1/2 acre |
| Weight (approx.) | ~20 lbs | ~25 lbs |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 (22,499 reviews) | 4.3/5 (9,256 reviews) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
Lower price. At $87.99, it’s $28 cheaper than the Great States, making it a strong entry-level reel mower for budget-conscious buyers.
Lighter weight. At roughly 20 pounds, it’s easier to push, lift over curbs, and store. This is a meaningful advantage for smaller, flat lawns or for users who prefer a lighter tool.
Narrower cut width. The 14-inch width is ideal for tight spaces, narrow pathways, and small yards with many obstacles like flower beds or garden borders. It also requires less physical effort per pass, which can reduce fatigue on very small lawns.
More user reviews. With over 22,000 reviews, the 2204-14 has a much larger sample size, indicating a well-established, trusted product with consistent feedback.
Where Great States Wins
Wider cutting path. The 18-inch width covers 29% more grass per pass than the 14-inch model. This significantly reduces mowing time on medium to large lawns.
More blades. Five blades versus four provides a finer, more consistent cut, especially on thicker grass. The additional blade also helps the reel spin more smoothly, reducing the chance of grass being pushed over rather than cut cleanly.
Better for taller or thicker grass. The extra blade and wider reel give the Great States an edge on lawns that aren’t mowed as frequently or have tougher grass varieties. It’s less likely to stall or leave uncut strips.
Higher build quality for larger lawns. The heavier frame and wider cut are better suited for sustained use on 1/4 to 1/2 acre lawns, where the American mower would require more passes and more time.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the American Lawn Mower 2204-14 if:
- Your lawn is less than 1/4 acre, especially if it’s under 2,500 square feet.
- You have a tight budget and want a reliable, lightweight manual mower.
- Your yard has many obstacles, narrow gates, or tight corners.
- You prefer a lighter tool that’s easy to store and carry.
Choose the Great States 815-18 if:
- Your lawn is between 1/4 and 1/2 acre, where the wider cut saves noticeable time.
- You have thicker or taller grass that benefits from a 5-blade reel.
- You want a more substantial mower that feels stable on uneven ground.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for faster