A lawn mower is an essential tool that will help you keep your garden trimmed. However, finding the right tool to keep your lawn in shape can be challenging, especially if you want to keep your small lawn from looking overgrown. To help you improve the overall appearance of your small yard, we have compiled several runner ups for the best lawn mower for a small yard on the market.
We have considered essential features like cutting width, storage, and lawn mower type. We have also highlighted the benefits that each model offers and included a detailed buying guide to help choose the model that suits your mowing needs.
Our Top Small Yard Lawn Mower Reviews
[amazon table=”1512823″]
Fiskars StaySharp 362050-1001
[amazon fields=” B01N7K4BNX” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
The Fiskars StaySharp 362050-1001 model doesn’t require any battery or gas to power it as it’s a reel mower. Since its 100% manual, it uses your momentum. It can maneuver easily into tight spaces as it comes with 18 inches cutting width. Also, unlike other reel lawn mowers designed with the blade between the wheels, this model’s blade is in front of the wheels.
This allows you to reach the edges of your lawn’s bed effortlessly. Additionally, the mower’s steel blades increase its power to ensure you can cut any type of grass with ease. The reel mower boasts of ergonomic and sturdy handles designed with several grip positions. This allows you to adjust the height depending on your preference.
You can adjust the height between 1 and 4 inches to allow you to manage your lawn perfectly. One incredible feature is that maintenance is a breeze since you will only have to lubricate the moving parts. Also, the handle stands upright to make storage easy. If you like mowing early in the morning without disturbing your neighbors, you may find the Fiskars lawn mower an excellent option as it does not produce noise.
It’s also a perfect choice for people that like eco-friendly models since it does not release harmful toxins into the air. Another remarkable feature worth mentioning is the scissors cutting action. Unlike some rotary mowers that cut grass clippings through the tearing action resulting in moisture loss and diseases, this lawn mower cuts grass with a scissors-like action to make your lawn healthy.
When it comes to handling weeds and twigs that make other models to jam up, the 362050-1001 gets the job done with ease and also quickly. In addition, it throws grass clippings forward and not backward. The mower comes with a hood that ensures low hanging branches are well protected while mowing underneath.
This lawn mower is ideal for homeowners with small, flat lawns. The only problem with this mower is that it may not cut through tall grass. So, make sure you don’t leave your grass to overgrow.
What We Like
- Blade located in front of the wheels
- Ergonomic and sturdy handles
- Can tackle tall grass
- Multiple grip positions
- Easy maintenance
What We Don’t Like
- Blades require frequent sharpening
- Struggles to cut tall grass
- A bit of a learning curve
[amazon box=” B01N7K4BNX” template=”horizontal”]
Greenworks 25022
[amazon fields=” B002ZVOLXE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
The GreenWorks 25022 is another great lawn mower for small yards. People that like taking measures to minimize carbon print, may find this electric push mower an ideal choice. Unlike gas-powered models that result in release emissions, this electric mower contributes to reduced emissions since it does not use oil or gas.
Many homeowners are usually skeptical about shifting to an electric model because they worry they might end up losing power and efficiency. However, with the 25022 electric mower, that is unlikely to happen, thanks to its 12 amperage motor that reduces mowing time.
Apart from that, it boasts of 20 inches cutting width that will allow you to finish mowing your lawn in record time. One notable feature of this 12 amperages corded mower is that it is highly durable. It can handle any abuse, including exposure to excessive heat and extreme weather conditions such as being left in the rain.
However, you should handle it with great care to prolong its shelf life. Installing its mulching bag is also easy. Simply lift the back door to remove the plug. That’s all; nothing too technical. Additionally, the bag comes with two hooks to ensure it fits securely on the lawn mower. Emptying the bag is also a breeze.
Another incredible feature of the mulching bag is the narrow feature that enables it to fit properly between the handlebars. This will allow you to pick the bag effortlessly without having to bend over to pull it all the way back. When it comes to height adjustment, it isn’t an issue.
You can adjust the height of the entire mower using one hand. One advantage of investing in the Greenworks model is that it offers up to seven adjustable height positions to allow you to use your preferred setting. There is also the wide 10 inches rear wheels that improve maneuverability to make the mulching process easier.
The durable steel cutting deck does its job more efficiently and much quicker in a quieter way. Most people prefer this mower because of its quiet operation and its lightweight design that makes pushing the model an easy task.
What We Like
- Easy to install and empty the mulching bag
- Broad wheels for enhanced stability
- Foldable handles for easy storage
- Seven adjustable height positions
- Compact and lightweight design
What We Don’t Like
- Not sealed motor
- Requires regular maintenance
- Limiting mowing radius of 100 ft
- Unsuitable for wide-blade grass
[amazon box=” B002ZVOLXE” template=”horizontal”]
Great States 415-16
[amazon fields=” B00002N691″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
The Great States 415-16 lawn mower comes with 16 inches cutting reel that you can mount on a four-spider ball bearing system. This will allow you to spin easily and quickly with a gentle push. The cutting reel comes with five blades built with heat-treated steel to enhance durability while eliminating the need to sharpen frequently.
The blades use a standard cutting mechanism to ensure they slice through the grass effortlessly while providing reliable cutting power. The manual reel lawn mower also comes with a T-shape ergonomic handle built with comfort in mind. This will ensure you don’t injure your shoulders or back while mowing your lawn.
At just 2 pounds, this lawn mower is lightweight and boasts of a small footprint. So, you do not have to worry about finding storage space for it, which makes the model ideal for people with limited storage spaces as it can fit easily in your garage. Also, its compact size makes it an excellent choice for homeowners with small yards.
The model’s system for rotating the blades works perfectly without requiring much effort from you. Just keep pushing your lawn mower forward, and the sharp blades will do the rest. Although it takes a bit of time to get used to using a reel mower if you haven’t used one before, the ability to maintain your lawn, zero noise, and lack of gas refills will make the Great States mower your favorite model.
If you have taller grass to trim, you may find the 2.75 inches height adjustment slightly small as taller grasses require more passes. However, this situation may not arise if your yard gets weekly attention. Since this model is a push mower, it sometimes struggles to maintain consistent quality cuts.
The good thing is that it does not bang on uneven terrain. So, the outcome is usually a perfectly trimmed lawn. The 415-116 lawn mower boasts of a minimum maintenance. It does not require much attention, just the usual oiling of the joints and blades.
What We Like
- Five blades built with heat-treated steel
- Does not produce noise during operation
- Ergonomic handle and ease of use
- 16 inches cutting reel
- No harmful emissions
What We Don’t Like
- The handle and frame is an issue
- Not ideal for tall grass
- Small height adjustment
[amazon box=” B00002N691″ template=”horizontal”]
Black+Decker BEMW482BH
[amazon fields=” B0757WBZWM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
Black and Decker is a well-known brand in the power tools industry due to its wide range of quality products. The Black+Decker BEMW482BH is no exception when it comes to electric lawn mowers. The model is lightweight at 40 pounds and will allow you to use it for a long period. The 17 inches cutting path gives this mower a wide design to help you trim big strips of your small yard at in one pass.
This will ensure you do not miss any spot accidentally while saving you a lot of time. The carrying handle located on the front of the model’s frame makes carrying the lawn mower easy compared to other mowers available. This also makes it easy to take it out of where you are storing without having to balance it awkwardly between two people.
The padded handle is there for maximum comfort and you can fold it to make transporting and storage easy. Although the capacity of the removable bag has not been specified, we believe it will enable you to hold large amounts of clippings so that you don’t have to stop to empty it in between your chores.
One incredible feature of this 12 amperes electric mower is that it comes with six height adjustment settings integrated into the model’s design. The settings will allow you to cut grass measuring 1 inch to 3 inches above the ground. The feature is useful as it will give you a variety of options and enable you to know how your grass will look once it’s cut.
The good thing about the Black+Decker lawn mower is that it arrives when it’s ready for use. You only have to attach the handle to begin mowing. Another notable feature of this lightweight model that is worth mentioning is the rust-proof ABS polymer 17 inches cutting deck. It can handle any abuse without showing any signs of tear or wear.
So, you won’t have to worry about the lawn mower sustaining any serious damage. In addition, the rugged wheels are there to maximize control when cutting through thick grass. Although this mower does not offer additional features, its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for your small yard.
What We Like
- Rustproof ABS polymer 17 inches cutting path
- Six different height adjustment settings
- Powerful 12 amperage motor
- Comes with a carrying handle
- Adjustable handle length
What We Don’t Like
- Wrongly punched holes on the arm attachment
- Durability issues with the power cord
- Does not mulch
[amazon box=” B0757WBZWM” template=”horizontal”]
Scotts 2000-20S
[amazon fields=” B00004RA3E” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
The Scotts 2000-20S is another great manual reel lawn mower you can use to take care of your small yard with ease. It comes with a cutting blade that measures 20 inches wide. The deep-cutting blade makes this manual model the widest cutting blade among reel mowers. Wider cutting reel mowers will enable you to cut your grass in fewer passes using less time.
The mower has a standard cutting system, while storage isn’t an issue as it is very compact. It features nine height adjustment settings, which range from 1 inch to 3 inches to give you the option of choosing the ideal setting for your lawn. You can adjust the height of the manual mower easily using a height adjuster.
The Scotts lawn mower delivers top-notch performance. So, if you are mowing on even terrain, it will give you unmatched performance. Although it’s a manual mower, it has a lot of power to allow you to complete mowing your lawn without using much effort. Assembly is also easy as you don’t have to use any tools to get the job done.
This high-performance lawn mower creates fewer issues as you operate it manually. However, this does not mean it’s perfect. The middle section is a bit fragile, and the joints feel uncomfortable. To deal with these minor flaws, the model delivers extra power in uneven terrains.
Additionally, the 20 inches cutting deck delivers impressive cut quality that cuts grass clippings smoothly than most gas-powered lawn mowers. Another great feature worth mentioning is that the 2000-20S model comes with five heat-treated steel blades that help you to trim your lawn with ease. The blades are sharp enough to cut through the most challenging grass types and lengths.
The easy maintenance of this lawn mower is what makes it an excellent choice for people with small yards. You will only have to buy oil to lubricate all moving parts. This will minimize friction that may lead to breakage. Also, make sure you lubricate the cutting reel axle shaft and the wheels. You sill also have to sharpen the blades once in a year to maintain its sharpness.
Overall, the Scotts mower is a huge saving compared to buying a motorized or gas-powered mower. Keeping the moving parts lubricated and the blades sharp are the essential aspects of this model.
What We Like
- Nine height adjustment settings
- Ease of use and easy assembly
- Five heat-treated steel blades
- Delivers great performance
- 20 inches cutting blade
What We Don’t Like
- Uncomfortable joints
- Fragile middle section
- A bit flimsy
[amazon box=” B00004RA3E” template=”horizontal”]
Small Yard Lawn Mower Features and Considerations
There are many essential features that you should check when looking for the best lawn mower for a small yard. Each model may differ depending on its specific features. However, those features can only be useful if you need them. So, you should concentrate on those aspects that will be relevant to your personalized requirements and unique space. Here is a detailed explanation of those features:
Type of Lawn Mower
There are three main types of lawn mowers which include:
Gas Powered
These lawnmowers are categorized into:
Push Lawn Mower
This mower requires you to push it manually across your lawn while you walk behind it. These models have a lightweight design to make it easy for you to push it across your yard. They require routine maintenance like air filter and oil changes and run on gas. Push mowers are very popular among homeowners as they are perfect for small yards.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
A self-propelled mower requires you to push down the lever located on the handle to trigger the wheels to spin and make it move forward. However, you will have to control its direction while you walk behind it. These mowers are unsuitable for small yards because you will have to stop and start the lawn mower frequently in tight areas.
Corded Lawn Mower
This lawn mower comes with a cord as it functions using electricity and is quiet during operation. The cord connects to the mower and plugged into the socket. You can then begin mowing after pressing the start button. While they provide enough power for most jobs, you should check the length of your cord before buying your model to ensure it can cover the entire surface area of your yard.
Battery Lawn Mower
These types of lawn mowers operate efficiently using batteries and can cut grass with average height effortlessly as they are powerful. Battery-powered mowers also do not emit harmful toxins and are less noisy compared to traditional mowers. The rechargeable batteries should last you one cutting session before recharging them. Keep in mind that you will have to replace the batteries after some time since this type of lawn mower does not use oil or gas.
Motor Power
It’s important for people using powered lawn mowers to ensure they deliver adequate power for cutting grass.
So, if you have an electric lawn mower, check its motor amperage usage, which is usually 11 or 12 amperages. If you want a powerful lawn mower, go for one with a higher motor amperage rating.
On the other hand, you can look at the engine displacement of gas-powered mowers to check the power.
Like other gas-powered engines, the engine of a mower has a CC (cubic centimeters) rating. An engine with a large displacement will give you enough power to cut grass.
Cutting Width
This is an important factor to check as the specifications will enable you to know the amount of grass your lawn mower can cut. The cutting width is given in inches and determines the model that is ideal for your lawn size. For instance, if you have a small lawn, then you will need a mower with a small cutting width.
On the other hand, a larger cutting width model is perfect for people with large lawns. It’s also important to mention that small lawn mowers cut less while their larger counterparts cut more at once.
Cutting Height Settings
This is a matter of personal choice that depends on the height you would want to mow your lawn. That said, you should go for lawn mowers that come with variable speed settings to allow you to choose a setting that is ideal for you.
Blade Length
This may not be a major concern for you; however, if your terrain is a bit tricky or you tend to mow your lawn occasionally, then the blade you pick should cope with longer grass. While the size of your yard should determine the ideal blade length, you should look at the type of terrain you have to help you choose the right blade length for your small yard.
You can also change out your blades, depending on the situation. So, in spring, you might install the best lawn mower blade for thick grass, and then switch to a more standard blade for the rest of the year.
Lawn Mower Size
The size of your mower is another factor you should think about. A smaller model will be easy to store after use, while a bigger one may be a challenge to homeowners with small homes. If space is an issue to you, go for models that offer foldable or detachable parts to make storage easier.
Wheels
The wheels on your mower will determine whether it will be easy to pull or push it. If the wheels are large, you will be able to maneuver across rough ground easily.
They will also allow for easy movement. This means the wheels on your model should match the type of ground in your home.
For instance, rubber wheels are suitable for use in wet conditions as they have more grip under such conditions than plastic wheels.
Material
Typically, lawn mowers made of metal are better options compared to plastic ones because they are durable. However, they are heavy, which makes them difficult to move around.
On the other hand, the plastic models are lightweight and portable, although some consumers don’t like them due to durability issues. The best models are those constructed from steel or aluminum as they are highly durable, strong, and lightweight.
Durability
This is another essential factor to consider since the frequency of your lawn cleaning routine will determine the type of lawn mower you will use. High-quality mowers should be sturdy enough for regular use. You should consider models built with premium materials to save you from getting the repair. Durable lawn mowers will also enable you to cut different types of grass, such as tall grass. All the models we have reviewed are highly durable.
Storage
Storage space is another crucial factor to consider as some models are difficult to store. So, go for a lawn mower that is lightweight enough or foldable to make storing it easy. For example, the frame and bag in push lawn mowers are foldable easily and occupies less space. If you have limited storage space in your home, go for models that you can store in small spaces.
Maintenance
The lawn mower you choose should be easy to maintain, depending on the types of projects you intend to use it to perform. One way to access this is to check if the spare parts are easily available since lawn mowers require frequent maintenance. So, if you buy a model whose spare parts are difficult to find, maintaining it will be difficult. Before buying your product, ensure the spare parts are readily available.
Wrap Up
Choosing a lawn mower for your small yard doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many great choices available whether you prefer manual, cordless, electric or gas-powered mowers. The most important thing is choosing a model that is easy to use and meets your needs. The mowers on our list are ideal for mowing your small yard as they have all the essential features to help you maintain your lawn.
