American Lawn Mower Company vs 50" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild Kit for Cub
Quick Verdict
This is not a straightforward comparison because these are entirely different products. The American Lawn Mower Company product is a complete, self-propelled reel mower designed for cutting grass. The Cub Cadet/MTD item is a rebuild kit containing replacement blades and spindles for a 50-inch zero-turn mower deck. Your choice depends on whether you need a new mower or parts to repair an existing one.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower | Cub Cadet/MTD Rebuild Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $167.59 | $126.99 |
| Power | Manual (push reel) | N/A (replacement parts) |
| Cut Width | Not specified in title | 50 inches (deck size) |
| Best Yard Size | Small, flat lawns under 1/4 acre | Large lawns with existing ZT mower |
| Rating | 4.0/5 (88 reviews) | 4.4/5 (55 reviews) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
The American Lawn Mower Company product wins for anyone who needs a complete, ready-to-use mower at a low cost. As a manual reel mower, it requires no fuel, oil, or electricity—just human power. This makes it ideal for environmentally conscious users who want zero emissions and very low maintenance. It is also exceptionally quiet, allowing early-morning or late-evening mowing without disturbing neighbors. For small, level lawns with fine grass, a reel mower provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for the turf than a rotary blade. The price is significantly lower than any powered mower, and there are no ongoing costs for gas, batteries, or spark plugs.
Where Cub Cadet Wins
The Cub Cadet/MTD 50-inch rebuild kit wins for owners of compatible zero-turn mowers (RZT, RZT-50, ZT-5000) who need to restore cutting performance. At $126.99, it is far cheaper than buying a new mower deck or paying for professional repairs. The kit includes replacement blades and spindles, which are wear items that degrade over time from hitting rocks, roots, and general use. Installing this kit can restore a ragged, uneven cut to factory-level quality, extending the life of a mower that costs thousands of dollars. With a 4.4-star rating from 55 reviews, buyers report it fits as expected and restores cutting performance. This is a practical, cost-effective solution for maintaining large-area mowing equipment.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower Company product if you are a homeowner with a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), want a simple, quiet, emission-free mower, and do not mind walking at a moderate pace. It is best for Bermuda, Zoysia, or Fescue grasses kept at 2–3 inches tall. It is not suitable for tall, thick, or weedy grass, or uneven terrain.
Buy the Cub Cadet/MTD rebuild kit if you already own a compatible 50-inch zero-turn mower and notice the cut is uneven, the blades are dull or damaged, or the spindles are noisy or wobbling. This is a repair part, not a standalone mower. If you do not own a Cub Cadet or MTD zero-turn mower with a 50-inch deck, this product will not work for you.
In summary: one is a complete mower for small lawns; the other is a repair kit for large mowers. Your decision depends entirely on what you currently own and what you need to accomplish.