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American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Review

A simple, eco-friendly option for a small yard if you don't mind a bit of effort
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American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Review
Credit: Clark Tate
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   American Lawn Mower Co.
By Clark Tate ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 23, 2024
49
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 13
  • Mowing - 35% 3.0
  • Power Performance - 25% 3.0
  • Handling - 20% 6.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9.0
  • Noise - 5% 9.5

Our Verdict

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the best reel-style mower we've tried. Completely fuel-free, it's an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. It can be a workout though, especially in tall or wet grass, where it often requires several passes to make an even cut. Unlike powered mowers that can mulch grass into fine pieces, reel mowers like this one simply cut it, which can lead to thicker clumps that could block too much sunlight. If you stay on top of your yard work though, and don't let the grass get too high, this mower whirs pleasantly through it. Our model arrived in perfect condition from the factory, slicing confidently through 4-inch tall swaths. The quiet operation is pleasant, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles, though you will have to be careful of the exposed blades. It's easy to assemble and store, and the self-sharpening blades should only need attention every few years if you avoid damaging roots and rocks. Adjusting the mowing height is awkward but you may only need to do that once at most. In the end, this reel mower is ideal for small, well-maintained lawns, providing a quiet, emission-free mowing experience for those who don't mind a bit of hard work. If you're looking for a gas, battery, or electric mower, check out our list of top-rated lawn mowers.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple to use
Effective
Quiet
Easy to maintain
REASONS TO AVOID
Less powerful
More tiring
Must sharpen blades

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Overall Score Sort Icon
49
77
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38
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A solid manual option for those with small yards and simple tastesSturdily built with a trusted engine, this high-performing motor should lastAn affordable, electric mower that's perfect for small yardsThis easy-to-use manual reel mower was dull and required some adjustmentIf you have a tiny yard this awkward mower could work, but there are better options fat a similar price
Rating Categories American Lawn Mower... Troy-Bilt TB110 Greenworks 25322 Great States 204-14 Sun Joe MJ401E-P2
Mowing (35%)
3.0
8.0
5.5
2.0
2.0
Power Performance (25%)
3.0
9.0
5.0
3.0
5.0
Handling (20%)
6.5
8.5
7.0
4.0
5.5
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
5.0
8.0
9.0
3.0
Noise (5%)
9.5
4.7
7.3
9.5
5.5
Specs American Lawn Mower... Troy-Bilt TB110 Greenworks 25322 Great States 204-14 Sun Joe MJ401E-P2
Power Source Reel Gas 40V, 4Ah Lithium Battery Reel 12 Amp Electric - Cord
Cutting Deck Width 14" 21" 13 3/4" 14" 14"
Self-Propelled No No No No No
Measured Cutting Gap N/A 1/4" 1" N/A 1/4"
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time n/a 2 min 65 min n/a n/a
Measured Decibel Reading 66 dBa 79 dBa 72 dBa 66 dBa 77 dBa
Watt Hours N/A N/A 160 N/A N/A

Our Analysis and Test Results

A mechanical, reel-style mower isn't for everyone. Since it doesn't have a motor, you're doing much more work than you would with a traditional lawn mower. The limited cutting heights favor short grass, making adjustments difficult, and you have to keep up the pace to get it to cut effectively. That said, if you have a small patch of turf to maintain and not much storage space, this machine could be just the ticket. You'll also save money in the short and long term since the mower costs less to begin with and doesn't require fuel to run.  

Performance Comparison


The American reel lawn mower cuts grass but doesn't mulch it, leaving large clumps behind if you wait until your grass is too long.
Credit: Clark Tate

 

Mowing


Reel mowers like the American don't require any fuel. That saves you money in electricity and gas, and may also save you a gym membership because it's a bit of a workout. It helps that these mower's blades arrived sharp out of them box, making it noticeably easier to mow with this reel-style option.


Evenness


This mower works best if you trim your lawn often. It's difficult to push through five to six-inch grass, often requiring several passes to achieve a fairly even cut. If you are a stickler for immaculate lawns, this may not be the best option for you. 

Terrain Management


The mower's stiff design does not do the best job of responding to uneven terrain, and the grass is often left longer in small dips and divots than the rest of your yard on the first pass. On the other hand, this lightweight mower is easy to move around, allowing you to approach difficult patches from several different directions, earning you a relatively smooth cut if you're willing to work for it. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - the american lawn mower does well with shorter, consistently-mowed...
The American lawn mower does well with shorter, consistently-mowed grass. Longer, thicker patches require some muscle power.
Credit: Clark Tate

Mulching


Most powered mowers work to cut grass and then chop it into smaller pieces before letting it fall back to the ground, a process known as mulching. Mulching is great for your lawn, providing it with nutrients and holding more moisture by providing shade from the sun. This simply constructed reel mower merely cuts the grass and lets it fall. 

You end up with small mounds of grass in places. If you wait until your grass is really tall, say past 6 inches, you may need several passes to spread out these clumps so you don't block too much sunlight. Reel mowers will not bag your clippings or shoot them out to the side of the machine. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - the results are fairly consistent.
The results are fairly consistent.
Credit: Clark Tate

Cutting Deck Width and Height


You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. We used the 1.5-inch setting but measured it at 1.25 inches above the ground. 

The manufacturer claims that this mower's “deck” is 14-inches across. We measured the blade at 13.5 inches across and the width of one mowing “pass” at just over a foot. Four phases with the mower will cut a swath 4.17 feet across. That means you'll be walking back and forth across your yard more than you would with larger, gas or battery-powered options. It never runs out of charge though, and, if you're looking for exercise, you'll get it.

american lawn mower 1204-14 - adjusting the bolt in the foreground, furthest to the left, adjusts...
Adjusting the bolt in the foreground, furthest to the left, adjusts the height of the mower.
Credit: Laura Casner

Power Performance

 

The only fuel you'll have to buy for this lawn mower is food to replace the calories you burn while pushing them around the yard. This is admittedly one of the most compelling aspects of these mowers. You never have to stop to get out the gas tank or recharge a battery. They'll keep mowing as long as you do. 


Handling


Because the American 204-14 came with properly tightened screws, it rolled well out of the box. Starting and stopping is as easy as walking forward or taking a break. The relatively lightweight and narrow wheelbase made it easy to turn as well. 


It can be difficult to muscle through tall or thick grass though, and you have to be careful about pushing the open blades toward obstacles. Though the blades are exposed and represent a bit of a safety hazard, they do stop the moment that you quit pushing the mower forward. That does give us peace of mind. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - it's easy to turn and push this simple mower, though powering...
It's easy to turn and push this simple mower, though powering through longer or thicker patches can take several tries.
Credit: Clark Tate

Ease of Use


Straightforward reel mowers can actually require more assembly than their more complicated counterparts — partially because they aren't made to fold compactly to be stored, making them easy to ship fully assembled. They're small enough to lean against a world and simple enough that you can be expected to quickly screw them together. 


Set Up


At first glance, it is indistinguishable from other similar options in every aspect but the paint job and branding. Upon setting it up and using it however, we found that the American option was set up and adjusted perfectly as it arrived. Others required troubleshooting and adjustments to work properly. 

The assembly is quick and intuitive, with clear directions helping us make quick work of the process. No tools are required, though attaching the hand to the mowing deck can feel dicey. You come in close proximity to the blades, meaning that you have to be very careful where you put your hands. 

The lawn mower arrives disassembled, but the process to put it...
The lawn mower arrives disassembled, but the process to put it together is simple enough.
The screws to the handle can be hand tightened.
The screws to the handle can be hand tightened.
The assembly is very straightforward.
The assembly is very straightforward.

Changing Mowing Heights


It's more difficult and cumbersome to change the height of the blades. You do need a wrench to move a bolt for this process, and, again, you need to be aware of exactly where your fingertips land. We usually pick a height and stick with it, so hopefully, you won't have to deal with this process frequently. 

Maintenance


The only major maintenance associated with a reel-style mower is sharpening it's blades. The manufacturer claims that this should only be necessary for several years after purchase, and avoiding objects like rocks and sticks that will dull the blades, will help them stay sharp as long as possible. Making sure these blades remain sharp will go a long way to preserve them for as long as possible.

The mowers are also made to be self-sharpening. You simply need to make a few adjustments and walk slowly backward on a level surface, using the cutter bar as a sharpening stone. It gets easier with practice. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - the only real maintenance required for this lawn mower is sharpening...
The only real maintenance required for this lawn mower is sharpening the blade.
Credit: Clark Tate

Noise


One of the most pleasant aspects of using a reel mower is how quiet they are. Instead of the steady, loud drone of the familiar, old-fashioned gas mowers settling over your entire neighborhood, all you hear is a light whir, leaving you free to enjoy other classic summer sounds, like bird songs, neighbors chatting, and kids laughing. If you like to listen to music or podcasts while you work, you'll be able to do so at safer listening levels. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - you're the power source of this lawn mower.
You're the power source of this lawn mower.
Credit: Clark Tate

We measured 66 decibels of noise at head height while using this mower. The World Health Organization recommends avoiding consistent noises above 80 decibels, making this one of the safest options in the test for your ears. 


Should You Buy the American Lawn Mower 1204-14?


While the American reel lawn mower is an investment, it costs much less upfront than almost any gas or electric option and will certainly save you money over time since it requires no fuel and almost no outside maintenance. That alone makes it a compelling option. Since it does require more work on your part, we recommend it most for those with smaller yards who have time to mow the grass frequently before it gets too tall. It's not the best option for extremely hot climates, where working hard outside in the summertime may put you at greater risk for heat exhaustion. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - the simple tires don't provide much traction, but they work well in...
The simple tires don't provide much traction, but they work well in dry conditions.
Credit: Clark Tate

What Other Lawn Mowers Should You Consider?


The American is the only reel-style mower we've tried that we would recommend. Though the battery-powered Greenworks 25322 lawn mower is significantly more expensive, it also does a lot more work for you, giving you a much cleaner cut with less effort. You will also have to pay to charge the battery over time, but that may be well worth it to you. It also offers the best value among the powered options and is also smaller and more compact, making it a good option for tight spaces. If you want to save a bit more money, the corded Greenworks 25022 lawnmower gives you a little more power, but you will have to be careful not to mow over the cord itself, which is just as awkward as it sounds. 

american lawn mower 1204-14 - this simple mower is an economical option for small lawns or active...
This simple mower is an economical option for small lawns or active people.
Credit: Clark Tate

Clark Tate