Which American Lawn Mower Reel Mower Fits Your Lawn?

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

Choosing an american lawn mower comes down to balancing cutting deck width, blade counts, clipping collection, and available storage space. Homeowners shifting away from gas-powered mowers often prefer manual equipment because it eliminates fumes, messy engine maintenance, pull cords, and loud motor exhaust from weekly yard care. An american push reel lawn mower relies on a scissor-like shearing mechanism that cleanly slices grass tips rather than tearing them, leaving turf healthy and green when mowed on schedule. Finding the best american lawn mower push reel mowers depends on your turf type, preferred cutting height, and weekly mowing routine.

The American Lawn Mower Company catalog organizes its manual push reels across four primary cutting widths: 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches. Across this span, the brand offers choices between 4-blade and 5-blade cutting reels, varying wheel diameters from 8.5 to 10 inches, and select packages that include a rear grass catcher or a handheld blade sharpener. Performing an american lawn mower push reel mowers comparison across these specifications clarifies which frame size balances lightweight storage against single-pass mowing speed. Reviewing these configurations will show which american lawn mower push reel mowers to buy for your property.

American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Mowers Lineup at a Glance

Best for: Larger lawns maintained at taller heights

Pros

• Widest 20-inch cutting deck
• Included grass catcher
• Higher 2 to 3 inch cutting range

Cons

• Heaviest model at 28.6 pounds
• 2-inch minimum cutting height

Best for: DIY homeowners wanting included blade maintenance

Pros

• Hand sharpener tool included
• 16-inch five-blade reel
• Sturdy 10-inch polymer wheels

Cons

• Cutting height range not specified
• Grass catcher not included

Best for: Small lawns needing five-blade precision collection

Pros

• Included grass catcher
• Five alloy-steel blades
• 10-inch polymer wheels

Cons

• 1-inch minimum cutting height
• Item weight not specified

Best for: Medium yards prioritizing wide pass efficiency

Pros

• Wide 18-inch cut path
• Durable 10-inch composite wheels
• Padded loop handle with shrub bar

Cons

• Heavier 27-pound frame
• No grass catcher included

Best for: Level suburban lawns wanting clipping collection

Pros

• Included grass catcher assembly
• Broad 0.5 to 2.5 inch height range
• Lightweight 18-pound frame

Cons

• Manual repositioning required for height adjustment
• Catcher requires frequent emptying

Best for: Compact yards needing ultra-light handling

Pros

• Lightweight 19-pound build
• Adjusts down to half-inch height
• Sharpening needed only every 3-5 years

Cons

• Narrow 14-inch cutting width
• Grass catcher not included

The Models in Detail

01 American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer

Check price on Amazon Our score: 9.4/10

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade serves as the brand’s most compact manual reel design. Built around a 14-inch cutting width and four scissor-action blades, this manual grass cutter features 8.5-inch polymer wheels engineered for maximum maneuverability. The listing highlights an ultra-lightweight profile at only 19 pounds (though the specifications table lists 1 kg), making it easy to carry or store vertically. Designed for compact yards and youths over 13, it provides a scissor-like cut that avoids tearing turf blades.

The american lawn mower 1204-14 provides an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, making it a deluxe hand-reel mower suited for low-cut turf grasses. The listing notes it cuts grass up to 4 inches tall, though efficiency drops on taller growth. Operators should mow no more than one-third of the blade height to protect roots, overlapping passes if turf reaches 4 inches. The listing states the blades require sharpening only once every 3 to 5 years.

This model suits urban yards and small lawn patches prioritizing lightweight handling and easy storage. Because it excludes a grass catcher and uses four blades across a 14-inch path, it gives way to the five-blade 1304-14GC or 1604-16 when owners need integrated clipping collection or denser cutting.

02 American Lawn Mower 1604-16 16″ 5-Blade CLEAN 16-INCH REEL CUT – The five-blade reel provides a scissor-like cut

Check price on Amazon Our score: 9.6/10

Stepping up in width and blade count, the American Lawn Mower 1604-16 16″ 5-Blade features a 16-inch cutting width powered by a five-blade reel cylinder. This push-powered design operates without gas, oil, batteries, or cords, delivering quiet manual performance on dry, maintained turf. The mower measures 21.5 inches deep, 22 inches wide, and 48.8 inches high, weighing an agile 18 pounds. It is designed for frequently mowed grass on relatively even ground.

Height adjustments span from 1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inches via multiple wheel and roller positions, requiring manual repositioning according to the setting chart. The listing cautions that uneven ground, dips, and tall weeds may be flattened rather than cut, requiring slower, overlapping passes. An included fabric grass catcher attaches with a support strap to gather clippings, though it requires frequent emptying and is less practical on large lawns with heavy clipping volume.

This model suits suburban homeowners with level lawns who want an effective reel mower with grass catcher for neat weekly mowing. When lawns expand and owners prefer a wider cutting span without managing catcher straps, this model gives way to the heavier 18-inch 1815-18.

03 American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade The Reel-Deal 5-Year Manufacturer Protection Plan

Check price on Amazon Our score: 9.6/10

For small to medium-sized yards, the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade delivers an 18-inch cutting width that covers open ground efficiently. Built with a tempered alloy steel reel and bed knife blade, the listing specifies a 5-blade reel, while the product description references four spider blades on a ball-bearing reel assembly. The mower rolls on 10-inch composite wheels with radial tread tires and hub caps, guided by a plated loop-type handle with a foam grip.

Cutting height on the american lawn mower 1815-18 adjusts to match turf needs, with bullet points specifying 1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inches, while the description cites 1/2 inch to 2-1/4 inches with an adjustable 7-section roller. Hardware features include cast iron roller brackets with quick-adjust wing nuts and a 2-inch welded shrub bar. Weighing 27 pounds, this mower maintains firm turf contact on flat lawns. The listing references The Reel-Deal 5-Year Manufacturer Protection Plan alongside a 1-year limited warranty.

This 18-inch model is ideal for homeowners with open, flat lawns under 4 inches tall seeking durable construction and wider cutting passes. Because it omits a grass catcher and weighs more than smaller models, it gives way to the lighter 1604-16 or 1304-14GC when clipping collection or easy lifting takes priority.

04 American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14″ 5-Blade 14-INCH CUTTING WIDTH – Five heat-treated alloy-steel blades provide a

Check price on Amazon Our score: 9.8/10

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14″ 5-Blade combines a compact 14-inch cutting width with a dense five-blade reel, delivering more cuts per revolution than four-blade alternatives. Equipped with five heat-treated alloy-steel blades, it produces a scissor-action cut suited for small, relatively level turf sections. Maneuverability around garden beds is supported by 10-inch polymer wheels. The listing specifies manual operation without gas, oil, or batteries, supported by a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Cutting height adjusts from 1 to 2.25 inches. The listing advises removing sticks and mulch before mowing, and making extra passes through tall or weedy patches. To simplify cleanup, this model includes a rear grass catcher for gathering clippings. The catcher must be attached securely and emptied regularly during mowing. The listing does not specify the assembled item weight for this model.

This package suits small yard owners who maintain their grass at 1 inch or higher and want a compact reel mower with grass catcher included. However, for lawns requiring an ultra-low cut down to half an inch or a wider path, this unit gives way to the lower-cutting 1204-14 or wider 1604-16.

05 American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16-Inch 5-Blade 5-Blade reel with a cutting width of 16” and durable 10” polymer wheels for

Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.8/10

Homeowners seeking integrated maintenance tools will appreciate the American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16-Inch 5-Blade. This model provides a balanced 16-inch cutting width with a 5-blade reel and 10-inch polymer wheels for smooth maneuvering across dry grass. The mower weighs 20.9 pounds and measures 22 inches deep, 27 inches wide, and 45 inches high. Its distinguishing feature is an included hand sharpener, providing the tool needed to service blades at home.

Operating pollution-free and noise-free, the american lawn mower 1415-16sk2 uses manual propulsion to drive its non-bruising scissor action. Listing instructions advise cutting dry turf, removing no more than one-third of the grass blade per mowing, and overlapping passes if grass reaches 4 inches. The listing does not specify the cutting height adjustment range in its specifications table.

This model is ideal for hands-on homeowners who want a versatile 16-inch cutting path and included blade maintenance equipment. Because it omits a clipping catcher, users who insist on bagging grass clippings will prefer the catcher-equipped 1604-16.

06 American Lawn Mower 2002-20 20″ 5-Blade GRASS CATCHER INCLUDED – The included catcher collects clippings during

Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.2/10

The largest model in the brand’s lineup is the American Lawn Mower 2002-20 20″ 5-Blade, boasting a wide 20-inch cutting path. Designed to maximize coverage on regularly maintained grass, this five-blade reel mower reduces walking time across larger spaces. The push-powered design operates quietly without engine exhaust, oil, gas, or charging cords. The frame measures 39.1 inches deep, 26.5 inches wide, and 42.7 inches high, with a weight of 28.6 pounds.

Cutting height on the american lawn mower 2002-20 adjusts between 2 and 3 inches, setting it higher than any other model listed here. The listing recommends using a higher setting for thicker grass and lowering it gradually on subsequent passes to prevent binding. A grass catcher is included to gather clippings, which must be emptied frequently. The mower can also be operated freely without the catcher attached when mulching clippings directly into the lawn.

This wide mower suits homeowners with medium-sized yards who maintain turf at taller heights between 2 and 3 inches. However, for compact lots with narrow gates or turf varieties requiring cutting under 2 inches, this 28.6-pound unit gives way to agile models like the 1204-14 or 1604-16.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• Urban townhouse yards with tight lawn borders and vertical storage fit best with the 19-pound American Lawn Mower 1204-14.
• Level suburban lawns requiring neat clipping management match well with the 16-inch American Lawn Mower 1604-16.
• Open, flat lawns needing faster pass completion and durable wheel hardware align with the heavy-duty American Lawn Mower 1815-18.
• Small gated lawns needing five-blade cutting density with clipping collection benefit most from the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC.
• DIY owners who prefer maintaining their own cutting edges will appreciate the American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 with its included hand sharpener.
• Larger lawns maintained at taller 2- to 3-inch heights are tailored for the wide-coverage American Lawn Mower 2002-20.

Before You Buy

Before buying a push reel mower, assess your yard topography and note what these listings omit. Manual reel mowers require dry, relatively level ground and frequent mowing routines; they do not perform well on overgrown weeds, rocky soil, or ground covered in thick tree roots. Furthermore, several listings leave specifications unspecified or inconsistent. For example, the 1304-14GC listing does not specify an assembled item weight, while the 1415-16SK2 listing does not specify cutting height limits. The 1204-14 listing states 19 pounds in bullet points but 1 kg in technical specifications, and the 1815-18 shows conflicting cutting height ranges between its bullet features and product description.

Package contents also vary across the lineup. While the 1604-16, 1304-14GC, and 2002-20 include a fabric grass catcher, the 1204-14 and 1815-18 arrive as bare mowers without collection hardware, and the 1415-16SK2 substitutes a catcher for a hand sharpener. None of the listings include or specify reel cleaning lubricants or protective storage covers. For readers evaluating other reel options across our site, our companion review of the scotts reel mower offers helpful reference points on handle ergonomics and cutting widths.

FAQ

How high can grass be when using an American Lawn Mower push reel mower?

The listings specify that these push reel mowers work best on grass under 4 inches tall. For healthy turf, trim no more than one-third of the blade height per mowing. If grass reaches 4 inches or more, increase pass overlap and make multiple sweeps from alternating directions to avoid flattening stalks.

How often do the reel blades require sharpening?

The listing for the 1204-14 specifies sharpening only once every 3 to 5 years under normal conditions. Sharpening intervals for other models depend on lawn cleanliness and frequency of use. While most models require purchasing sharpening supplies separately, the 1415-16SK2 includes a hand sharpener inside the box.

Can an American Lawn Mower reel mower operate without its grass catcher?

Yes, models that include a grass catcher—such as the 1604-16, 1304-14GC, and 2002-20—operate normally with or without the basket attached. Operating without the catcher allows clippings to disperse naturally as mulch and avoids pausing to empty the collection container.

What is the difference between a 4-blade and a 5-blade reel mower?

A 4-blade reel, used on the 1204-14, reduces rotational resistance and overall weight, making it easier to push through shorter turf. A 5-blade reel strikes the bed knife more frequently per wheel turn for a cleaner cut on thicker grass. In our broader site reviews, including our guide to the sun joe reel lawn mower, blade count directly impacts cut density.

How do cutting height adjustments vary across these models?

Cutting height limits vary by model. The 1204-14 and 1604-16 adjust down to 0.5 inches, topping out at 1.75 and 2.5 inches. The 1304-14GC spans 1 to 2.25 inches, while the 1815-18 lists adjustments from 1/2 inch up to 2-3/4 inches. The 2002-20 ranges between 2 and 3 inches, and the 1415-16SK2 listing does not specify its cutting range.