American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower User Reviews ⭐⭐⭐

An honest, experience-led look at the American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, including real user feedback, strengths, limitations, and whether it makes sense for small lawns.

A Back-To-Basics Lawn Mower

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is about as simple as lawn care gets. No batteries, no cords, no gas, just a manual reel mower designed for small, tidy lawns. Priced roughly between $100 and $120, it sits firmly in the budget-friendly category, which makes it appealing to homeowners who want a low-cost, low-maintenance solution.

That said, this type of mower is very much a niche tool. It supports a specific style of lawn care rather than replacing a traditional powered mower outright. I think it is important to approach it with realistic expectations, especially if you are used to gas or electric machines doing most of the work for you.

Key Features at a Glance

This model uses a 4-blade reel with a 14-inch cutting width, paired with 8.5-inch wheels that help with manoeuvrability. It weighs around 19 pounds, which makes it easy to push and store, even in tight spaces. Cutting height is adjustable from roughly 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which suits regularly maintained grass but may struggle if growth gets out of hand.

Because it uses a scissor-like cutting action, it may help produce a cleaner-looking cut when used correctly. However, it is less forgiving than powered mowers, and technique matters.

Early Impressions from User Feedback

Based on user reviews, there are plenty of people who genuinely enjoy using this mower, particularly those with very small lawns who mow often. At the same time, there are mixed opinions around effort, performance on thicker grass, and how practical it feels over time. I reckon whether this mower makes sense really depends on your lawn size, grass type, and how hands-on you want to be.

Positive Reviews Breakdown

What buyers consistently like about the American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower. Looking through the positive feedback, a few clear themes come up again and again. People who rate this mower highly tend to have realistic expectations, smaller lawns, and specific use cases where a powered mower simply does not make sense. Below is a detailed breakdown of what reviewers genuinely appreciate, backed up with direct quotations.

Ideal For Small, Awkward, Or Hard-To-Reach Areas

One of the strongest positives is how well this mower performs in tight or awkward spaces where larger machines struggle. Several reviewers mention using it for narrow strips, edges near kerbs, or areas their robot or riding mower cannot reach.

“I have a strip about 100' long and 10" wide that my robot mowers can't cut because it is too close to the curb… this was the perfect solution.”
“Perfect for small areas that our large mower can't reach.”
“Saves me a lot of time on weedeating.”

Even situations that seem tricky, like running one wheel on grass and the other on concrete, were reported to work better than expected. “I was a little skeptical because one wheel is on the grass and one is up on the cement edge of the curb, but it worked perfectly.”

Lightweight And Easy to Push

Another major theme is how light and manageable the mower feels, especially compared to petrol models. Many reviewers specifically mention age, strength, or physical limitations and still found it comfortable to use.

“Actually very light compared to a gas powered mower.”
“Me being an older lady I was able to control and handle the mower.”
“Not heavy, and very easy to push it smoothly.”
“This girl is great! Good workout and I feel fantastic afterward too!”

Some even mention enjoying the experience, which is not something you often hear about lawn mowing.

“I was actually enjoying myself cutting the grass.”
“I named her Choppie!”

Simple And Quick Assembly

Assembly is another area where this mower earns consistent praise. Many buyers highlight how little time and effort it takes to get going.

“Assembly was a breeze and took about 10min.”
“Easy to put together in less than five minutes.”
“Very easy to assemble.”
“Easy to set up, use, and store.”

This is particularly important for people who want a low-hassle, low-maintenance tool without complicated setup or adjustments.

Clean Cut on Regularly Maintained Grass

When used as intended, meaning grass that is not overgrown or woody, reviewers are happy with the quality of the cut.

“It cuts like a champ.”
“Cuts grass as advertised.”
“Plenty sharp enough to cut through, I don’t need to do a million passes, one is just fine.”

Some also appreciate the adjustable cutting height and the neat finish it leaves behind.

“The measure it comes with for trimming is perfect, you can adjust it if you want.”
“Now my lawn is beautiful!”

Quiet, Eco-Friendly and Cost Saving

The lack of fuel, batteries, or electricity is a big plus for certain buyers, especially in hot weather or for those trying to cut ongoing costs.

“No gas during summer when it’s too hottest day just save money.”
“Good price for the money.”
“Cool, easy to lawn mower as love it.”

Several people also enjoy the quiet, almost calming experience compared to noisy petrol machines.

“Love the sound it makes when cutting my small yard.”

Works Well for Small, Flat, Or Moderately Uneven Lawns

Despite warnings in some reviews about uneven ground, a number of positive reviewers say it performs better than expected, even on less-than-perfect lawns.

“Surprised it works better on uneven yard than other reviewers said.”
“I don’t have issues with the bumps in the yard either.”

That said, even positive reviews often include realistic caveats, showing that satisfied buyers understand its limits.

“Use preferably on flat ground.”
“If there is a lot of tall grass, use another piece of equipment, and with this mower you maintain it.”
“It won’t cut weeds that are too tall or thick.”

Who These Positive Reviews Are Coming From

Based on the tone and detail of the five-star reviews, the happiest buyers tend to be…

Owners of very small lawns, townhouse gardens, or narrow strips
People maintaining grass regularly rather than tackling overgrowth
Users who want a lightweight, manual option instead of petrol or electric
Older users or those who value ease of handling

Buyers who understand this is a maintenance mower, not a power substitute As one reviewer summed it up nicely...

“Low expectations, high satisfaction.”

This positive feedback makes it clear that when used for the right job, this reel mower can genuinely impress. The problems start when expectations do not match its intended purpose, which becomes far more obvious when you look at the negative and mixed reviews next.

Mixed Reviews Breakdown - Where Frustrations Start To Show

The mixed reviews are where the real picture of this mower starts to come into focus. Many of these buyers genuinely like the idea, the price, and the simplicity, but ran into limitations that stopped it from being a clear win. Most 3 to 4 star reviews follow a similar pattern, “it works, but only if everything is just right.”

Below are the main themes that come up repeatedly, with direct quotes to show how buyers actually experienced it…

Works Well On Short, Maintained Grass, Struggles Quickly Beyond That

Probably the most consistent comment across mixed reviews is that this mower does a decent job on short, regularly maintained grass, but becomes hard work once grass gets longer.

“Only works well with shorter grass. If your grass is long, you will be struggling.”
“Does a fantastic job of cutting the grass… but slightly tall grass will [lock it up].”
“Don’t let the grass get long, and don’t try to cut even damp grass.”
“It cuts some areas ok some not at all… does not work on wet grass.”

Some buyers say it technically can cut taller grass, but at the cost of a lot of effort and repeated passes.

“It sometimes required multiple passes for tall grass.”
“While it will do tall grass, you will just about destroy yourself while doing so.”
“I don’t even bother, I use a weedwacker as soon as the mower gets stuck.”

The overall tone suggests this mower is far better suited to maintenance than recovery work.

Frequent Jamming on Twigs, Sticks and Debris

Another very common frustration is how easily the blades jam, even on small debris. This issue comes up again and again, even in otherwise positive 4-star reviews.

“Gets caught on every teeny tiny twig.”
“Blades will get stuck on the smallest stick and jam it.”
“Even a little twig can lock it up.”
“You need to rake the yard if you don’t want it to get stuck.”
Some users found workarounds, like pulling it backwards instead of pushing.
“The trick is to pull it backwards and bypass the weird level rolling thing.”
“Just tilt it up and pull it backwards and it trims everything.”

Others accepted the extra prep as part of using a manual mower.

“Pick up sticks and twigs before using this.”
“Tall grass and weeds will also get tangled and need to be cleared often.”

Physical Effort Varies Greatly by Yard And User

Experiences with pushing effort are mixed. Some reviewers with back or wrist issues manage fine, while others find it unexpectedly demanding.

“I’m a very small petite almost 50 year-old and I am able to push it even with back problems.”
“Fairly easy to push, I often use one hand due to a wrist injury.”
“It’s a workout.”
“Hard to push and doesn’t cut grass very good.”
“Wish I got a gas mower.”

Inclines and uneven ground make things noticeably harder.

“A bit difficult to push on a yard with any sort of incline.”
“Does not work on uneven ground.”
“Very hilly and tiered backyard… pushing it gets stuck.”

This wide range of experiences suggests yard conditions matter just as much as personal strength.

Simple Design, But Adjustments Can Be Confusing

While assembly is often described as easy, adjusting or maintaining the mower causes frustration for some buyers

“Height adjustment above my pay grade.”
“I still haven’t been able to figure out if it’s adjustable or not.”
“Needs better directions.”

A few users had to rely on YouTube or outside help to get it working properly.

“I watched a YouTube video on how to fix it.”
“Now I have to go to a lawn mower repair shop to fix it.”

This seems especially true when the mower arrives overtightened or slightly misaligned.

Build Quality Is Decent, But Not Bulletproof

Several mixed reviews praise the overall build quality, but note small weaknesses that affect confidence long-term.

“Quality build, easy to use, good cut.”
“Very solid entry-level reel mower.”
“The handle bent a little… didn’t affect usage, but TBD how this will hold up over time”.
“Nut keeps loosening and falls off during use.”

There are also concerns about plastic components breaking if mishandled.

“The plastic piece under it snapped.”
“Bent wheel, had to return.”

These are not universal issues, but they appear often enough to be worth noting.

Delivery And Quality Control Issues Hurt Some Experiences

A noticeable portion of 3-star reviews are not about performance, but about how the product arrived.

“I ordered a new one got a used one, dirt, grass and all.”
“Missing parts and holes in box.”
“It came a mess… used, missing a piece, and with grass all over.”

In several cases, buyers kept the mower only because they needed it urgently or got a good deal.

“Because I did need it, I put it together, found a fix, and carried on.”
“Gave 3 because of wasted time to send back and order another one.”

The Common Theme in Mixed Reviews

Most mixed reviews boil down to this, the mower does what it claims, but only within a narrow set of conditions.

“Not perfect but it gets most of it.”
“Good in theory.”
“A basic push mower, nothing fancy.”
“Works, but not great.”

Buyers who understand it as a quiet, low-cost maintenance tool tend to be more forgiving. Those expecting it to replace a powered mower often end up disappointed. This section sits right in the middle for a reason, there is genuine value here, but also clear compromises that not everyone is willing or able to live with.

Negative Reviews - Where This Reel Mower Falls Short

The negative reviews paint a much harsher picture and, taken together, they highlight consistent problems rather than isolated bad experiences. While some buyers acknowledge that the mower can work in very limited situations, many felt it simply was not practical for real-world lawn care. Below are the main complaints, grouped by theme, with direct quotes showing why some users rated it 1 or 2 stars.

Poor Cutting Performance and Missed Grass

One of the strongest complaints is that the mower often fails to cut cleanly, even on grass that should be manageable.

“Not very sharp and don’t cut well.”
“Doesn’t cut very well… not good for anything over inches.”
“It goes right over the grass and doesn’t make a clean cut.”
“I had to go over the grass 4–5 times in different patterns to get a clean cut.”
“Does not cut my grass, rather it tore it out and destroyed it.”

Several reviewers compared it unfavorably to older reel mowers or other brands they had used before.

“Much different than their 14 in reel I have.”
“I’ve had other brands of manual mowers that worked better.”
“Not like you daddy owned!”

The result, for many, was an uneven finish that required repeated passes or additional tools.

Constant Jamming and Lock-Ups

Jamming is by far the most repeated frustration in the negative reviews. Even buyers who prepared their yards carefully still ran into problems.

“Blade locks up at the slightest amount of bulky grass.”
“Instantly jammed and slammed to a stop.”
“Clogs instantly and repeatedly during use.”
“Always getting stuck on the cut grass and small pieces of bark.”

“Gets stuck in flat areas and all areas of a very manicured lawn.”

This problem made mowing slow, physically frustrating, and in some cases unsafe.

“When the mower slams to a stop… you walk right into the handle.”
“It will hurt you, I only used 3 times.”

Many reviewers felt the mower required unrealistically perfect conditions to function properly.

Height Adjustment Is Awkward and Potentially Unsafe

Another major complaint is how the cutting height is adjusted. Instead of a simple lever, users must manually reposition components near exposed blades.

“The ‘height adjustment’ is a joke.”
“You need to use a wrench to remove the nuts and bolts… right next to the open blades.”
“It took 15 minutes to figure that out because the instructions weren’t clear.”
“No guidance on how to raise/lower blades.”

Several reviewers expressed genuine concern about safety during adjustment.

“The whole time you’re thinking of some Final Destination movie.”
“Not functional, avoid buying.”

This design choice clearly undermined confidence for many buyers.

Build Quality and Durability Concerns

While some mixed reviews mentioned minor build issues, the negative reviews raise more serious durability problems.

“Inferior quality.”
“Very cheap quality.”
“Thin, hollow metal tubing… will bend and break.”
“It snapped where the handlebars meet the bottom base.”
“Wheel fell off.”

A few buyers reported damage after relatively light use.

“Hardly lasted 1.5 years.”
“Used twice and wheel fell off.”

These failures made some users feel the mower was not robust enough for regular use.

Assembly and Quality Control Problems

Several negative experiences stemmed from how the mower arrived rather than how it performed.

“Almost impossible to assemble.”
“Missing parts.”
“Arrived used… dirt stuck in wheels and grass all in it.”
“DEFECTIVE when bought used.”

Even buyers who managed to assemble it successfully felt the process was more stressful than expected.

“It arrives in a small box… you have to put it together.”
“Most of the time was spent attaching the handle to the wheels.”

Physical Strain and Safety Complaints

Many reviewers underestimated how demanding this mower would be to use, especially when jamming occurs frequently.

“Manual labor.”
“You’ll definitely get a workout.”
“Requires a LOT of upper body strength.”
“My arms, shoulders, chest, and back hurt the next day.”

In extreme cases, users felt the mower was unsafe.

“It will hurt you.”
“Luckily, I noticed it before possibly getting hurt.”

For buyers expecting a gentle, low-effort alternative to powered mowers, this was a major disappointment.

Not Suitable for Real-World Lawns

A recurring theme is that this mower may only work in very narrow situations.

“Appropriate for easy, small, flat lawns.”
“Skip this mower if you have trees or fast-growing grass.”
“Only get this if your yard is perfectly flat with no sticks.”
“Complete waste of your money if you are attempting to cut grass higher than 2 inches.”

Several reviewers concluded it simply was not a replacement for even a basic electric mower.

“Just get a real mower.”
“It would be easier to cut my lawn with a pair of scissors.”

Overall Pattern in Negative Reviews

Taken together, the negative reviews suggest that while the concept of this mower appeals to many, its real-world performance often fails to match expectations. Frequent jamming, awkward adjustments, inconsistent cutting, and durability concerns make it frustrating for users with anything other than ideal lawn conditions.

For buyers with uneven yards, fast-growing grass, debris, or limited physical strength, these reviews suggest this mower may cause more frustration than satisfaction.

Pros for the American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Mower

1, Lightweight and Easy to Push: Multiple reviewers commented it’s “very light” and “easy to manoeuvre,” even for older adults or those with back issues.

2, No Fuel, No Noise, Low Maintenance: Environment-friendly manual operation eliminates gas, oil, and engine maintenance. Quiet mowing is noted as a big plus, especially for townhouse or suburban settings.

3, Compact Size: At 14 inches wide, it’s suitable for small yards, narrow strips, or areas standard mowers can’t reach. One user said it was perfect for a 10-inch strip along a curb.

4, Simple Assembly: Many users found it straightforward to put together, often in under 10–20 minutes.

5, Sharp Blades (Initially): Positive reviewers noted clean scissor-like cuts when the grass is short or well-maintained.

6, Affordable Price Point: At $100–$120, several buyers felt it’s a cost-effective alternative to powered mowers for small lawns.

7, Encourages a Workout: Manual pushing provides light exercise; some users enjoyed the physical activity.

8, Durable Polymer Wheels: Help with smooth rolling on flat, even surfaces.

Cons for the American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Mower

1, Struggles with Tall or Thick Grass: Many reviews noted it will not cut grass over a few inches high or dense weeds effectively. Repeated passes are often required.

2, Frequent Jamming: Even small sticks or debris can lock the blades, requiring constant stopping and clearing.

3, Height Adjustment Is Cumbersome: Adjusting the cutting height involves loosening bolts near open blades, which can be awkward and potentially unsafe.

4, Durability Concerns: Some users reported bent handles, snapped components, or wheels falling off after limited use. Build quality seems inconsistent.

5, Limited Lawn Conditions: Best suited for flat, debris-free lawns. Uneven, hilly, or cluttered yards may make use frustrating or unsafe.

6, Physical Effort Required: Manual pushing is more strenuous than expected, particularly if the mower jams or the yard isn’t perfectly maintained.

7, Occasional Quality Control Issues: Several buyers reported receiving used, dirty, or incomplete units.

Who it is For

Homeowners with small, well-maintained lawns or narrow strips that powered mowers can’t reach.
People who prefer environmentally friendly, gas-free mowing.
Those looking for a lightweight, low-maintenance option that requires minimal storage space.
Individuals who enjoy a light workout while mowing and don’t mind a slower, more manual approach.
Buyers on a budget who want a mower primarily for lawn upkeep rather than tackling tall or overgrown grass.

Who it is Not For

Users with tall, thick, or fast-growing grass or lots of weeds.
Lawns with trees, sticks, or uneven terrain, which cause frequent jamming.
People with limited upper body strength, back problems, or mobility issues.
Those seeking a quick or effortless mowing solution.
Buyers who want a robust, long-lasting mower for heavy use or large properties.

Conclusion

After reviewing the wide range of experiences with the American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, I would cautiously rate it 3 out of 5 stars. While it has its merits, there are several considerations that potential buyers should weigh before committing.

Reasons to Buy

For starters, the mower shines in small, flat, and well-maintained lawns. Many users praised its lightweight design, ease of assembly, and the fact that it’s quiet, eco-friendly, and low maintenance. If you’re looking for a mower that allows you to do minor lawn upkeep without fuel, noise, or complex repairs, this can be a satisfying option. Several reviewers, especially older adults or those with small yards, noted that it’s surprisingly easy to handle and even enjoyable to use under the right conditions.

Reasons Not to Buy

However, there are significant limitations that temper its appeal. Numerous reviews highlighted problems with tall, dense, or weedy grass, where the mower can jam, lock up, or require multiple passes. Even small sticks, twigs, or uneven patches can interfere with cutting. Some users reported durability issues, such as bent handles, broken parts, or wheels detaching after minimal use. The cutting height adjustment is also cumbersome, requiring bolt removal near exposed blades, which can feel awkward or unsafe. Combined, these factors mean that the mower demands more patience, effort, and lawn preparation than many expected.

General Maintenance

I reckon this mower works best as a maintenance tool rather than a primary mower. It’s ideal for keeping an already-cut lawn tidy, trimming narrow areas, or giving a light workout while mowing. If your expectations were that this would replace a standard gas or electric mower on a larger, bumpier, or overgrown lawn, you may find yourself frustrated.

Final Word

In conclusion, the American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a decent, budget-friendly option for small, manageable lawns, but it comes with frequent operational frustrations and some durability concerns. I would only recommend it for those with the right conditions and realistic expectations. If your yard is larger, has uneven terrain, or heavy growth, it may be worth considering a sturdier, self-propelled model.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars – good in specific scenarios, but expectations should be tempered due to the number of operational and durability issues reported.