American Push Mower Review for Smaller Lawns Today
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An American push mower is a reel-type lawn mower made by American Lawn Mower Company, which the product pack lists in several widths from 14 to 18 inches. A reel push mower has no engine and no battery. The user pushes it, and the spinning reel of blades cuts grass with a scissor action. This review looks at the 14-inch model in depth and compares it with two other American push mowers from the pack. It uses only the facts stated in each listing.
Quick answer
- The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a 14-inch, 4-blade reel push mower that the listing says weighs 19 pounds.
- The listing gives an adjustable blade height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches and says the mower cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall.
- Choose a 14-inch model for a small, flat yard, and a 16-inch or 18-inch model for a larger, open lawn.
- The listings say reel push mowers need no gas, oil, electricity or cords, and they describe a quiet, low-maintenance cut.
What an American reel push mower is
A reel mower cuts by pulling grass between a spinning cylinder of blades and a fixed bar. The listings describe this as a scissor-like action. The blade does not tear the grass, which the American Lawn Mower listing for the 14-inch model describes as a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the grass. The same listing says that the reel design suits lawns that are cut often and kept short.
The American Lawn Mower Company name appears on all the models in this review. The pack lists the 14-inch 4-blade model, a 14-inch 5-blade model, 16-inch and 18-inch 5-blade models, and a bundle that includes a sharpening kit. The pack also lists separate sharpening compounds and kits, which are accessories and are outside the scope of this review.
Who a reel push mower suits
A reel mower suits a flat lawn that is mowed often. The listings say the mowers work best on grass under about 4 inches tall, and the 18-inch listing says it is suited to dry grass under 4 inches. Taller or wet grass needs more passes, and the listings say the mower is less effective on taller grass.
A reel mower also suits a user who wants a quiet, engine-free machine. The listings describe the American push mowers as pollution-free, noise-free and low maintenance. Because there is no engine, there is no gas to buy and no oil to change. The listings do not give a sharpening schedule, and they do not describe an electric motor in these models.
A reel mower is less suited to a large or rough yard. The listings give a cutting width of 14 to 18 inches, which covers less ground per pass than a powered mower with a wider deck. A user with a large lawn should consider the time needed to push the mower across the yard.
Comparison table
The table uses only values stated in each listing. “Not stated” means the listing gives no value.
| Model | Cutting width | Blades | Height range | Listed weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 (red) | 14 inches | 4 blades | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 19 pounds | Manual |
| American Lawn Mower 1415-16 (gray) | 16 inches | 5 blades | 0.5 to 2.5 inches | Not stated | Manual |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 (black) | 18 inches | 5 blades | 0.5 to 2.75 inches (listing) | 27 pounds | Manual (listing says reel only) |
In-depth review: American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-inch reel push mower
Cutting system and width
The 1204-14 is a 14-inch reel mower with four blades. The listing describes it as a 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14 inches. That is the narrowest of the three models in this review, so it covers the least ground per pass. The four-blade reel is the same type of cutting system used across the American line, which the listings describe as a manual scissor cut.
The 14-inch model is the lightest of the three at 19 pounds.
Height and grass length
The height range is 0.5 to 1.75 inches. The listing says the mower can cut grass up to about 4 inches tall, and it adds that the mower is less effective on taller grass. For best results, the listing gives a guideline of mowing no more than one-third of the grass height in a single pass. A lawn that is kept short will suit this model better than a lawn that is allowed to grow tall between cuts.
Wheels and maneuverability
The 1204-14 uses 8.5-inch polymer wheels, which the listing describes as durable and suited to maneuvering. The listing gives a weight of 19 pounds, which is light for a push mower. Light weight helps on a flat lawn, and it makes the mower easier to lift over a step or into a storage space.
Care and environment
The listing describes the mower as low maintenance and environmentally friendly. It has no engine, so it produces no exhaust and needs no fuel. The listing also says it is quiet to operate. The listing does not describe a warranty for this model in the text used here. The sister 18-inch listing mentions a 5-year manufacturer protection plan, but the 14-inch listing does not state one, so check the warranty on the product page.
Who should buy the 14-inch model
The 14-inch model suits a small, flat lawn that is mowed often and kept short. It is also a good fit for a user who wants a light, easy-to-push machine for a narrow yard, a side lot, or a strip of grass between a house and a fence. It is less suited to a large yard, a sloped lawn, or a lawn with tall grass. The listing does not describe a slope rating, and the reel design needs a flat surface for an even cut.
Alternative 1: American Lawn Mower 1415-16 16-inch model
The 16-inch model in the pack is a 5-blade reel mower. The listing describes a 16-inch cutting width and 10-inch polymer wheels, which the listing says improve maneuverability. It gives an adjustable blade height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, and it names the blades as heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years, a manufacturer claim that this guide does not test.
The 16-inch model covers more ground per pass than the 14-inch model. It suits a lawn that is a little larger but still flat. The listing gives a height range that is slightly higher than the 14-inch model’s upper limit, which may help on a lawn that grows a little taller between cuts.
Alternative 2: American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-inch model
The 18-inch black model is the widest cutting path in this review. The listing gives a cutting width of 18 inches and a weight of 27 pounds. It has five blades and a height range from 1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inches, which is the widest height range among the models compared here.
The listing describes the mower as suited to flat lawns and to dry grass under 4 inches. It says the mower is designed for smooth operation on flat lawns and gives consistent results. It also describes a 5-year manufacturer protection plan, which it calls the Reel-Deal plan. The 18-inch model is a good choice for a larger flat lawn where the extra width saves time, though the extra weight makes it harder to push on a slope.
Choosing between the three
Choose the 14-inch model for the lightest weight and the smallest footprint. Choose the 16-inch model for a middle ground between width and weight. Choose the 18-inch model for the widest path and the highest height adjustment. In each case the lawn should be flat, and grass should be kept under about 4 inches.
Maintenance and use points from the listings
Reel mowers need the blades to be kept sharp and adjusted. The pack contains sharpening kits and compounds for American reel mowers, which the listings describe as aids for maintaining the blades. Those kits are outside this review, but a buyer who plans to keep a reel mower for years should look at them.
The listings give a mowing guideline of one-third of the grass height. Cutting in that way reduces stress on the grass and makes the reel work more easily. The listings also suggest that the mower should be used on dry grass, and the 18-inch listing names dry grass under 4 inches.
Storage is simple because there is no fuel. The listings describe the mowers as light and easy to store. A reel mower can be wheeled into a shed or garage without draining fuel or disconnecting a battery.
FAQ
What is an American push mower?
It is a reel-type push mower sold under the American Lawn Mower Company name. The mower has no engine or battery. The user pushes it, and the blades cut grass as the wheels turn the reel.
How tall should the grass be before I use a reel mower?
The 14-inch listing says the mower cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass. The listing also suggests mowing no more than one-third of the grass height in a single pass. Keep the grass short and cut it often for the best result.
Is a reel push mower quiet?
The listings describe these mowers as noise-free and quiet, because there is no engine. The listings do not give a decibel figure, so the description is a qualitative claim from the manufacturer.
How wide a cut should I choose?
The pack lists 14, 16 and 18-inch models. A narrower model is lighter and easier to store. A wider model covers more ground per pass on a flat lawn. The 14-inch model weighs 19 pounds in its listing, and the 18-inch model weighs 27 pounds.
Does a reel mower need gas or electricity?
No. The listings say the mower needs no gas, oil, electricity or cords, because it works by hand. The user supplies the power by pushing the mower.
Does the pack include a warranty for these mowers?
The 18-inch listing describes a 5-year manufacturer protection plan. The 14-inch and 16-inch listings do not state one in the text used here. Check the warranty on each product page before you buy.
Bottom line
For an American push mower, choose the reel size that matches your lawn. The 14-inch 1204-14 is the lightest and most compact model in the set, so it suits a small, flat yard. The 16-inch model suits a slightly larger lawn, and the 18-inch model suits a wide, flat lawn where the extra width saves time. In all three cases, keep the grass short and cut often.
If you are also weighing a powered option, read our CRAFTSMAN electric push lawn mower review before you decide.
