Greenworks vs American Lawn Mower Company Lawn Mowers: Which Brand Fits You?
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Choosing between greenworks vs american lawn mower company lawn mower options depends on your power needs. Both brands offer a 16-inch cutting width for standard residential yards. The Greenworks model uses a 40V battery system for motorized push mowing. The American Lawn Mower Company unit is a manual reel mower. One relies on electricity and batteries. The other runs on human effort alone. Your choice hinges on whether you prefer mechanical simplicity or powered convenience.
Key differences
| Aspect | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower | American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Cordless battery, 40V | Manual |
| Drive Type | Push | Manual |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0 Ah | not listed |
| Weight | 37.5 pounds | 18 pounds |
| Mowing Function | 2-in-1, mulch and rear bag | Bagging |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5 positions | 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower if
- You want a powered mower that cuts up to 1/3 acre on a single charge.
- You prefer a single-lever height adjustment with five settings.
- You need a mower that works with a broader ecosystem of 40V tools.
Choose American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual if
- You want a lightweight unit at 18 pounds for easy storage and handling.
- You prefer engine-free operation with no batteries to charge or replace.
- You maintain a flat, regularly trimmed lawn and want a quiet, scissor-like cut.
Verdict: The Greenworks mower suits you if you need powered efficiency and mulching flexibility for larger or uneven areas. The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower fits better if you value ultra-lightweight simplicity and zero maintenance for small, flat lawns.
Greenworks vs American Lawn Mower Specs
Power Source
The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower relies on a 40V cordless battery system. It includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, allowing you to cut up to 1/3 acre on a single charge. This motorized approach provides consistent power regardless of grass density. In contrast, the American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual uses a completely manual, engine-free design. It requires no gas, oil, batteries, or electrical cords. You push the unit to operate the reel. This eliminates charging time but demands physical effort from you during every mowing session.
Weight and Portability
Weight significantly impacts how easy a mower is to store and maneuver. The Greenworks model weighs 37.5 pounds. Its manufacturer notes the deck is 35% lighter than traditional steel deck mowers, which helps with handling. The American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual is exceptionally light at just 18 pounds. This makes it very easy to lift for storage or carry up stairs. If you prioritize minimal physical strain when moving the unit itself, the manual reel is lighter. However, the Greenworks offers motorized assistance that reduces the effort needed to push through grass, even if the unit itself is heavier.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Height adjustment methods differ between these two models. The Greenworks mower features a single lever height adjustment with five distinct positions. This allows you to quickly change the cut height while mowing. The American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual offers a wider range, from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches. However, adjusting this height requires manual repositioning of wheels and rollers. You must consult a setting chart to find the correct component combination for your desired height. This process is more time-consuming than using a single lever. The Greenworks offers convenience, while the manual mower offers a broader range of settings.
Mowing Function
Both mowers handle clippings, but their systems vary. The Greenworks 40V model uses a 2-in-1 system that supports both mulching and rear bagging. This gives you flexibility to recycle nutrients back into the lawn or collect clippings. The American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual includes a grass catcher for bagging. It does not mention a mulching function. The catcher collects a portion of clippings, but results vary based on grass conditions. You must empty it frequently. If you prefer the option to mulch your grass, the Greenworks system is more versatile. The manual mower is strictly a bagging unit.
Warranty and Support
Long-term ownership support is a key factor for many buyers. The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower comes with a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty. This coverage extends to dependable long-term ownership and is backed by a brand that supports 75+ compatible 40V tools. The American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual product data does not specify a warranty period. Without explicit warranty details in the provided specifications, you cannot compare the coverage length or terms. The Greenworks offers clear, documented warranty support for its battery and tool components.
Which Cordless Mower Fits Your Yard
You want motorized power for up to 1/3 acre
This Greenworks model uses a 40V battery with 4.0 Ah capacity. It cuts up to 1/3 acre on a single charge. The 16-inch deck and 5-position height adjustment handle varied grass. It includes mulching and bagging options. The 3-year warranty covers the tool and battery. You get motorized push power without cords.
You prefer quiet, manual mowing on small flat lawns
This reel mower requires no batteries, gas, or electricity. It weighs only 18 pounds, making it very lightweight. The 5-blade reel provides a scissor-like cut. It operates quietly compared to motorized units. The 16-inch width suits maintained, level grass. You push it manually, requiring no charging or electrical setup.
You need a lightweight mower for easy storage
The American Lawn Mower unit weighs just 18 pounds. This is significantly lighter than the 37.5-pound Greenworks model. It has no heavy battery or motor to carry. The manual design eliminates charging needs. You can store it easily in small spaces. The 16-inch cutting width remains consistent for standard residential yards.
You want mulching and bagging with battery power
The Greenworks mower offers a 2-in-1 system for mulching and rear bagging. The 40V motor handles grass clippings effectively. You can adjust the cutting height across 5 positions. The included 4.0 Ah battery supports up to 1/3 acre. This option suits you if you want flexible disposal methods with electric power.
The products compared
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower
Best for: Small lawns and lightweight maneuverability
- Power Source
- Cordless
- Cutting Width
- 16 in
- Voltage
- 40V
- Drive Type
- Push
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0 Ah
- Cutting Height
- 5 position
View on Amazon: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower Affiliate link
This Greenworks 40V push mower features a 16-inch cutting width and a 4.0 Ah battery. It weighs 37.5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than steel deck alternatives. The single-lever height adjustment offers five positions for varied grass conditions. You get a 2-in-1 system for mulching or rear bagging. This model suits small lawns up to one-third acre. It integrates with the broader 40V tool ecosystem for expanded utility.
Pros
- 35% lighter than steel deck mowers
- Single-lever height adjustment with 5 positions
- 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging system
- Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools
- 3-year limited warranty on tool and battery
Cons
- 16-inch cutting width is narrower than many competitors
- Push drive requires manual effort
- Battery capacity is 4.0 Ah, limiting runtime on thicker grass
Good fit if
- You have a small lawn under one-third acre
- You prefer a lightweight mower for easy maneuvering
- You already own other Greenworks 40V tools
Skip if
- You need self-propelled power for slopes
- You require a wider cutting deck for efficiency
- You have a large lawn exceeding one-third acre
Verdict: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower is a compact, lightweight option ideal for small yards and users already invested in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem. It prioritizes ease of handling over cutting width.
American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual
Best for: Small, level lawns requiring quiet manual mowing
- Power Source
- Manual reel
- Cutting Width
- 16 in
- Drive Type
- Push
- Cutting Height
- 1/2 to 2-1/2 in
- Mowing Function
- Grass catcher
- Application
- Lawn
View on Amazon: American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual Affiliate link
This manual reel mower uses a 16-inch five-blade reel to cut grass without electricity or gas. It offers a cutting height range from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches via manual adjustments. The unit weighs 18 pounds and includes a grass catcher. It is designed for level, regularly maintained lawns where quiet, engine-free operation is preferred.
Pros
- 16-inch five-blade reel provides a clean scissor-like cut
- Adjustable cutting height from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches
- Includes a grass catcher for clipping collection
- Weighs 18 pounds for manageable manual operation
Cons
- Requires manual pushing with no motor assistance
- Struggles with tall grass, weeds, or uneven terrain
- Height adjustment requires manual repositioning of components
Good fit if
- You have a small, level lawn that is cut frequently
- You prefer quiet, engine-free operation without cords or batteries
- You want to avoid gas, oil, or charging equipment
Skip if
- You need to mow tall grass, weeds, or seedlings
- Your lawn has dips or uneven areas
- You require motorized power for large or thick grass
Verdict: American Lawn Mower 1604-16 Manual Reel Mower is a lightweight, quiet option for small, flat lawns where you prefer manual effort over powered convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower | American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Cordless | Manual reel |
| Cutting Width | 16 in | 16 in |
| Voltage | 40V | not stated |
| Drive Type | Push | Push |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0 Ah | not stated |
| Cutting Height | 5 position | 1/2 to 2-1/2 in |
| Mowing Function | 2-in-1 (mulch, rear bagging) | Grass catcher |
| Application | Lawn | Lawn |
| Dimensions | 50.8 × 18.9 × 39 inches | 21.5 × 22 × 48.8 inches |
| Weight | 37.5 pounds | 18 pounds |
| Size | 16" Cordless (4.0Ah) | 16" 5 Blade, Grass Catcher |
| Color | Green | Red |
| Model | 25322 | 1604-16 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Greenworks better than American Lawn Mower Company for small yards?
Greenworks suits small yards if you prefer motorized ease. The 40V model weighs 37.5 pounds and offers a 16-inch cut. It handles up to 1/3 acre on one charge. American Lawn Mower Company offers a manual 16-inch reel mower. It weighs only 18 pounds. This manual option is lighter but requires physical effort to push.
Which brand offers a lighter mower?
The American Lawn Mower Company manual reel mower is lighter. It weighs just 18 pounds. The Greenworks 40V push mower weighs 37.5 pounds. The manual model also has a smaller footprint with a length of 21.5 inches. The Greenworks unit is longer at 50.8 inches. Choose the manual mower if you need to lift or store a lightweight tool.
Does Greenworks have a battery-powered option?
Yes, Greenworks offers a 40V cordless push mower. It uses a 4.0 Ah battery for power. This battery allows you to mow up to 1/3 acre per charge. The American Lawn Mower Company model in this comparison is manual. It has no motor or battery. You must push it to cut grass.
Can I use these mowers on slopes?
The Greenworks 40V mower is a push model. It weighs 37.5 pounds, which provides some stability. However, it is not self-propelled. The American Lawn Mower Company manual mower weighs 18 pounds. It is very light and may be harder to control on slopes. Both are best for level lawns. The manual model is specifically noted for small, level areas.
What is the cutting width for both brands?
Both mowers feature a 16-inch cutting width. This standard size is suitable for typical residential yards. The Greenworks model cuts with a motorized blade. The American Lawn Mower Company unit uses a 5-blade manual reel. The cutting width is identical, so the choice depends on your preference for manual versus battery power.
Is the American Lawn Mower Company unit self-propelled?
No, the American Lawn Mower Company 16-inch manual reel mower is not self-propelled. It relies entirely on your pushing force. The Greenworks 40V mower is also a push model. It is not self-propelled either. Both require you to push the unit forward. The Greenworks mower is heavier, which might make pushing slightly more resistant than the lightweight manual reel.

