American Lawn Mower Company vs 50" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild Kit for Cub

Quick Verdict

These two products serve entirely different purposes, so the “winner” depends entirely on your need. The American Lawn Mower Company product is a complete, ready-to-use walk-behind reel mower for small, flat lawns. The Cub Cadet/MTD listing is a rebuild kit (blades, spindles, pulleys, belts) for a 50-inch zero-turn mower deck—not a mower itself. If you need a new mower, choose the American. If you need to repair an existing 50-inch deck, choose the Cub Cadet kit.

Side-by-Side

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

• Complete, ready-to-use mower – No assembly of drive components; just attach the handle and start mowing.
• Low maintenance – No engine, no oil, no spark plugs. Sharpening the reel is the only regular task.
• Environmentally friendly – Zero emissions, near-silent operation.
• Exercise – Provides light physical activity while mowing.
• Budget-friendly – At $224, it’s one of the cheapest new mowers available.
• Established brand – American Lawn Mower Company has been making reel mowers for decades, with many positive reviews.

Where Cub Cadet Wins

• Repairs a 50-inch zero-turn deck – This kit is designed specifically for Cub Cadet RZT, RZT-50, ZT-5000, and similar MTD models. It restores cutting performance to a machine that costs $2,000–$4,000 new.
• Cost-effective maintenance – At $127, it’s far cheaper than replacing the entire deck or buying a new mower.
• High-cut quality when installed – A properly rebuilt 50-inch deck with sharp blades and good spindles cuts cleanly across a wide swath.
• Fits common models – Cub Cadet and MTD zero-turns are widely owned, so this kit addresses a common repair need.
• Good reviews – 4.4 stars from owners who successfully used it for deck restoration.

Which Should You Buy

Buy the American Lawn Mower if:

• You have a small lawn (under 1/4 acre) with relatively flat terrain.
• You want a simple, quiet, manual mower with no fuel costs.
• You’re willing to mow more frequently (reel mowers work best on grass under 3 inches).
• You don’t own a zero-turn mower or don’t need deck parts.

Buy the Cub Cadet rebuild kit if:

• You already own a Cub Cadet RZT, RZT-50, ZT-5000, or compatible MTD zero-turn mower.
• Your current deck has dull blades, worn spindles, or a failing belt/pulley system.
• You want to restore cutting performance for a fraction of the cost of a new mower.
• You’re comfortable with mechanical work (installing spindles, belts, and blades).

Do not buy either if:

• You need a gas-powered