Craftsman 304-14CR Review
14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red
82Good!
3.8 / 5 from 113 users
$134.99
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We spent 6.6 hours reading reviews from customers and experts. In summary, here's what users think:
6 reasons to buy
Many reviewers found the Craftsman 304-14CR mower suitable for small properties or areas like a tiny lake cabin front yard. (7 reviews)
“My husband used this over the summer at our tiny lake cabin.”
“Great for my small front yard!”
“This mower does that but it's not suited for anything but smaller yards.”
“Was able to get into smaller places where the big riding mower doesn’t fit”
“I'm a senior lady with only a small yard to mow.”
“We use it to mow a fenced in area. It works great.”
“All you need for a small amount of grass.”
Quick and straightforward assembly process noted by users. (4 reviews)
“It is well built and easy to assemble.”
“This mower is very quick to put together.”
“Easy assembly.”
“I took it out the box and assembled it rather quickly.”
Operates without the need for gasoline or electricity, making it environmentally friendly and easy to use anywhere. (3 reviews)
“Don't need gasoline or oil... Yea, for that.”
“you don't need gas nor electricity to operates”
“The best is I don't have to wait for a charge.”
Using the mower provides a form of physical exercise, as it requires pushing and walking. (3 reviews)
“Added benefit-exercise!”
“do exercise”
“I like it and will enjoy the walk.”
The Craftsman 304-14CR, as a reel mower, is often lighter and easier to maneuver than its gas or electric counterparts. (1 review)
“I am not a physically fit person and I was able to push through 1-2' of grass”
Does not produce noise like powered lawn mowers, making it more pleasant to use. (1 review)
“I really hate lawn mower noise and we were moving into a house with a small yard, so I figured why not?”
3 reasons not to buy
The Craftsman 304-14CR has received feedback from multiple users regarding issues with the grass catcher, which include difficulties fitting it onto the mower, inefficiencies in catching grass clippings, or challenges in emptying the catcher. (9 reviews)
“Reel mower is real sensitive with grass catcher attached. A very few blades can cause the mower to clog and you can't push it.”
“I was unable to attach the grass catcher to the mower.”
“The grass catcher does not work that well because most of the grass does not go into the bag and the grass that does sits closely to the blades & starts to interfere.”
“I dislike the the grass catcher. It did not work well. It did not catch the grass.”
“mower great installing bag is really hard”
“The basket pops off frequently, especially when turning around/moving the mower.”
“It’s a bit of a hassle emptying it”
“I don't know why it even comes with a basket. It spits all the clippings forward and to the left.”
“the mounting clip for the grass basket came broken.”
Some users faced problems with the handle, such as difficulty attaching it, discomfort while pushing, and the handle height being too high for shorter users. (4 reviews)
“needed muscle for placing handles”
“The handle angle moves as designed but the angle makes a big difference in the cut of the grass. You have to push down & still move the mower forward for the best cut. I believe the inconsistent angle of the handle led to an uneven cut.”
“The handle is so high that I had to raise my arms to shoulder height to get enough force for the blades to even move. Eventually I was leaning over the top of the handle bars to push it even in the thinnest and shortest grass.”
“Uncomfortable to push”
Certain reviews noted that the mower does not perform well in overgrown yards and has limitations such as not being able to handle sticks, mud, and holes. (3 reviews)
“This mower does that but it's not suited for anything but smaller yards.”
“Sticks, mud, and holes can get in the way of the blades or wheels, which can cause the mower to suddenly stop;”
“wouldn't cut unless I ran with it.”
Bottom Line
Get your yard in shape with the Craftsman 304-14CR reel mower—ideal for small lawns, like a cabin's front yard. It's a breeze to put together, no gas or electricity needed, eco-friendly, and doubles as a workout! Lightweight and quiet, it makes mowing fuss-free. But watch out for the grass catcher—it can be tricky to fit and empty. Also, the handle may give you some trouble, and it's not great for tackling rough, overgrown gardens.
Facts
| Brand | Craftsman |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width (in) | 14 inch |
| Features | Bagging |
| Max Cutting Height | 1-3/4" |
| Min Cutting Height | 1/2" |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Category | Reel Mowers |
| Warranty | 2 Year Limited |
| Weight | 18 lbs. |
Special Features
- 14-Inch Cutting Width: A good size for easily getting into tight spots and perfect for small yards.
- Adjustable Cutting Height (½”-1¾”): Change how short you cut your grass to get the look you want.
- T-style Handle with Cushioned Grips: The handle is shaped for comfort so your hands don't get tired, and the padding makes it soft to hold.
- Tool-less Assembly: You can put it together without any extra tools, saving you time and hassle.
- Grass Catcher Accessory: It comes with a bin that catches the clippings, but you can take it off if you don't want to use it.
- Durable Steel Blades: The cutting parts are strong metal that stays sharp for a long time, meaning less fixing up for you.
- Eco-Friendly Operation: This mower doesn't use gas or electric, so it's better for the planet and doesn't make a racket.
- Low Maintenance: It's easier to look after than other mowers – mainly you just need to keep the blades sharp.
- Ideal for Regular Trimming: Best for cutting your grass regularly, not so much for tackling very long grass all at once.
- Healthier Lawn Cutting: Cuts the grass clean like a pair of scissors, which is better for your lawn than ripping or tearing the grass.
FAQ
- Q:
What is the manufacturer's warranty for this mower?
- A:
The Craftsman 304-14CR comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
- Q:
Can this mower pick up yard pine debris?
- A:
A reel mower like this model is not suitable for picking up lawn debris.
- Q:
Can the handlebars be adjusted?
- A:
The handlebars on this model cannot be adjusted in height, but they can rotate on the post to better accommodate the user's height.
- Q:
How effective is this mower at mowing clover?
- A:
This mower performs well with clover that has grown tall enough to be caught by the blades in the cutting bay.
- Q:
What tools do I need to assemble this mower?
- A:
No specific tools are required for assembly. However, having a pair of pliers handy may be useful for tightening the assembly hardware.
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| Name | American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC | American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 | Great States 204-14 | American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 | Great States 815-18 |
| Final Score | 91 Great! | 92 Great! | 92 Great! | 91 Great! | 92 Great! |
| Category | Reel Mowers | Reel Mowers | Reel Mowers | Reel Mowers | Reel Mowers |
| Power Source | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Cutting Width | 14 inch | 14 inch | 14 inch | 14 inch | 18 inch |