American Lawn Mower Company vs John Deere 42" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild K
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Quick Verdict
These two products serve completely different purposes, making a direct “which is better” comparison misleading. The American Lawn Mower Company is a complete, push reel mower ready for grass cutting. The John Deere 42" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild Kit is a repair/restoration parts set for a riding mower deck, not a standalone mower. If you need a mower to cut grass today, choose the American Lawn Mower. If you own a compatible John Deere tractor and need to rebuild its deck, choose the rebuild kit.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower Company | John Deere 42" Deck Rebuild Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $99.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (push reel) | N/A (replacement parts) |
| Cut Width | 20 inches (typical for model) | 42 inches (for compatible decks) |
| Best Yard Size | Under 1/4 acre, flat, fine-bladed grass | 1–3 acres (requires existing tractor) |
| Primary Function | Complete mower | Parts set (belts, blades, spindles, pulleys) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
- Ready to mow out of the box – This is a complete, assembled mower. No existing tractor needed. You push it and it cuts.
- No fuel or maintenance costs – Reel mowers are silent, emission-free, and require only occasional blade sharpening. Great for small, flat lawns.
- Lightweight and easy to store – Typically under 25 lbs, folds or hangs on a wall. Ideal for small sheds or garages.
- Price for a full mower – At $119.99, it’s one of the most affordable new mowers available. No ongoing expenses for gas, oil, or belts.
- High review count – 22,499 reviews indicate a proven, popular product with widespread user experience.
Where John Wins
- Covers large cutting width – The 42-inch rebuild kit restores a deck that cuts a wide swath, suitable for 1+ acre properties. The American mower’s 20-inch cut is impractical for larger areas.
- Restores performance at low cost – At $99.99, this kit can revive a worn deck for a fraction of a new mower ($1,000+). For owners of compatible John Deere tractors, it’s a budget-friendly repair.
- Higher user rating – 4.4/5 from 737 reviews suggests strong satisfaction among those who need the kit. Parts fit and durability are praised.
- Extends equipment life – Replacing blades, belts, and spindles keeps an existing tractor running rather than sending it to a landfill. Environmentally beneficial for those already owning the tractor.
- No assembly required (for the kit itself) – The kit contains the parts; you install them on your deck. No need to assemble a mower from scratch.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower if:
- You need a complete, ready-to-use mower for a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre).
- You want zero fuel costs, low noise, and minimal maintenance.
- You prefer manual operation and exercise while mowing.
- You are on a tight budget and want a new mower, not parts.
Buy the John Deere 42" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild Kit if:
- You already own a compatible John Deere riding mower with a 42-inch deck that needs repair.
- You want to restore cutting performance for a large lawn (1+ acres) without buying a