American Lawn Mower Company vs Ariens / Gravely Lawn Mower 42" Mulch Ki
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company model is the clear winner for most homeowners. It offers a reliable, affordable solution for standard lawn care backed by thousands of positive reviews. The Ariens/Gravely mulch kit is a specialized accessory, not a complete mower, and is only relevant if you already own a compatible ZT-X zero-turn mower. For anyone buying a mower outright, the American Lawn Mower is the practical choice.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower Company | Ariens/Gravely 42" Mulch Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $205.95 |
| Type | Complete mower | Mulch kit accessory |
| Cut Width | Not specified in title (likely 14"–20" reel) | 42 inches |
| Power Source | Manual push | Requires compatible ZT-X mower |
| Best Yard Size | Small to medium (up to 1/4 acre) | Medium to large (requires zero-turn mower) |
| Review Count | 3,799 reviews | 36 reviews |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
The American Lawn Mower is a complete, self-contained product. The Ariens/Gravely item is a mulch kit—a metal plate and hardware that converts a mower deck for mulching. It cannot cut grass on its own.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
Price and value. At $159.99, it is a complete mower ready to use out of the box. It costs less than the Ariens/Gravely mulch kit, which requires a separate mower purchase costing $2,000–$4,000.
Proven reliability. With 3,799 reviews and a 4.0-star rating, this mower has been tested extensively by real users. The Ariens/Gravely kit has only 36 reviews, making its 3.9 rating less statistically meaningful.
No additional equipment needed. This is a manual reel mower—no gas, oil, or battery required. It is quiet, lightweight, and low-maintenance. Perfect for small, flat lawns where a simple, eco-friendly cut is sufficient.
Lower ongoing costs. No fuel, no spark plugs, no belts. Sharpening the reel is the only regular expense, and it is infrequent.
Where Ariens Wins
Cut width and efficiency. The 42-inch mulch kit is designed for zero-turn mowers that cut a wide swath. If you already own a compatible ZT-X model, this kit lets you mulch clippings instead of bagging or side-discharging, which saves time and returns nutrients to the soil.
Heavy-duty application. The Ariens/Gravely kit is built for larger properties and tougher grass conditions. It handles thick, tall grass that a manual reel mower cannot manage.
Mulching capability. This kit closes the mower deck and uses specially shaped blades to recut clippings into fine particles. This is a genuine mulching system, not just a side-discharge or bagging setup.
Brand reputation for commercial-grade equipment. Ariens and Gravely are known for durable, professional-level mowers. The kit is made to the same standards.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower Company mower if:
- You need a complete, affordable mower for a small to medium lawn (under 1/4 acre).
- You prefer manual, quiet, low-maintenance equipment.
- You want a product with thousands of verified positive reviews.
- You do not already own a ZT-X zero-turn mower.
**Buy the Ariens/Gravely 42" Mulch Kit if: