American Lawn Mower Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
These American Lawn Mowers are push reels that come in four model numbers with varied cutting widths, cutting-height adjustments, number of blades, and wheel sizes. All are assembly free and easy to use. Here are the available models:
American Lawn Mower 1204-14
- 14-inch cutting width
- ½-inch to 1-¾-inch cutting-height adjustment
- 4 blades
- 8.5-inch wheels
- 1-year warranty
American Lawn Mower 1304-14
- 14-inch cutting width
- ½-inch to ¼-inch cutting-height adjustment
- 5 blades
- 10-inch wheels
- 1-year warranty
American Lawn Mower 1415-16
- 16-inch cutting width
- ½-inch to 2-½-inch cutting-height adjustment
- 5 blades
- 10-inch wheels
- 1-year warranty
American Lawn Mower 1815-18
- 18-inch cutting height
- ½-inch to 2-¾-inch cutting-height adjustment
- 5 blades
- 10-inch wheels
- 2-year warranty
American Lawn Mower reels don’t have engines, so they don’t produce emissions or make noise. Using these reel mowers is just a clean, quiet experience that won’t disturb the peace in the neighborhood. The only sound a reel mower will make is a satisfying quiet snip as the mower cuts the grass. American Lawn Mower reel mowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver. Thanks to their overall simplicity, these reel mowers work every time and are easy to store. Many would agree that using a reel mower is a healthy solution for you and your lawn.
Key Features
- Hand-pushed reel lawn mowers are durable, sharp, and easy to use
- The cutting heights adjust from a ½-inch to 2-¾ inches
- Five tempered, alloy steel blades with ball-bearing reel design
- Solid warranties
Performance
Typical rotary mowers hack at grass blades, tearing vital fluids from them and leaving them open to disease and insect attacks. American Lawn Mower reels, on the other hand, snip the grass, cutting each blade like a pair of scissors. There is no ripping or tearing; it’s a precise, clean cut that makes for a greener, healthier, and more attractive lawn. You may want to consider investing a bit more money in a wider model with five blades right off the bat. Some have said that’s the best way to go with a reel.
Gas-powered mowers can be loud with vibrating handles that make your arms go numb, and they have smelly fumes that can cause headaches. None of that happens with reel mowers, which make cutting the grass seem like a very natural thing, the way yards were meant to be mowed.
Tip: You may want to rake your yard before using these reels. That way you’ll scoop up all the obstacles and be ready to go. If you do get caught on a twig or branch, it’s easy to unjam them. Also consider pulling tall weeds so your reel doesn’t have to mess with them.
Ease of Use
American Lawn Mower reels are lightweight and easy to push and maneuver in any yard. It always works when you want it to and they are simple to store, whether you park them in your garage or hang them on a wall. No matter which model you choose, these reels offer real advantages. All it takes to start a reel mower is a push.
Once you get going, you’ll see how lightweight these reels are. You’ll be able to hold a beer in one hand–heck, maybe even a toddler–and easily mow with the other. If you run into obstacles such as rocks and sticks and toys, just shove them aside and continue the conversation you were previously having, because believe me, these machines don’t make a peep and you can easily converse while mowing.
Cut Quality & Options
No matter which model you choose, these reels are solid, sharp, and simple to operate. The knife-sharp, tempered alloy steel blade reels are adjustable for different grass heights. The 1415-16 and 1815-18 models come with unbreakable steel side plates for further durability. Soft, foam-cushioned handles provide a comfortable grip.
Now, keep in mind that reels may not cut quite as well as a gas-powered mower. It’s really up to you. If you’re okay with uneven grass lengths in spots, you’re going to do fine with a reel. It may take some getting used to, but as your yard fills in throughout the summer, you might even find that you prefer this more natural way to see grass grow. If you’re okay with occasional multiple passes, sometimes at varied angles, as well as the stray dandelion not being cut, then you should be happy with a reel.
And how could you not love a machine that doesn’t guzzle gas, spew nasty fumes, and make loud noises? The only thing you’ll smell after cutting with these reels is the natural odor of freshly cut grass!
Optionwise, American offers four different reels with varied cutting widths, cutting-height adjustments, number of blades, wheels sizes, and warranties. See the “Overview” section at the top for all details.
Maintenance
Your neighbors who stare at you weirdly as you’re using your reel may not thing you’re so strange after you tell them about the low maintenance involved with these things. There’s no cord to pull, no key to remember, and no engine, which means low maintenance for you. In addition, there is no gas, oil, or spark plugs to mess with, so no running to the gas station or hardware store to get supplies or parts. The blade stays sharp for years, so that’s another maintenance worry off your list. American Lawn Mower reels are simple and ready to work when you are, and that’s as simple as it gets.
One recommended tip is to keep the moving parts lubricated with WD-40…not too hard.
Safety Features
These reel lawn mowers are as safe as it gets, given that operators can start and stop them on a dime, and the blades aren’t moving nearly as fast as on a gas-powered mower. What’s more, the fact that they don’t require gas and oil means that they won’t pollute the air–or your lungs.
If you reel happens to get caught on an obstacle, it’s designed so that you don’t have to use your hands to unjam it. Just rotate the blades gently backward with your foot and you’ll be good to go.
Special Features
These reels are lightweight, super-simple to maneuver, and can be assembled quickly with no hand tools. The plated loop-type handle has full-length foam grip and assembly is minimal. Using a reel mower provides wonderful exercise that doesn’t feel overly strenuous. Combine that with the fresh air and the good feeling that you’re not polluting it, and that adds up to a pretty special mower.
These reels can also be accessorized with a grass catcher, which prevents grass from being strewn about the yard in a haphazard fashion. In addition, a sharpening kit will keep the reel blades in top cutting form and make mowing faster and easier.
Cost Effectiveness
With reels, it’s great not to have to pay for gas and oil and parts and lubrication. It’s wonderful not having to pay for yearly upkeep that adds up moneywise. Instead of using your time dealing with maintenance issues during the spring and summer, you’ll have plenty of time to do other things when you mow with a reel. The simple fact is, these reels pay for themselves practically after the first few weeks when you consider all that goes into keeping the typical lawn mower operable.
