Hand held grass mower. A Lawn Mower vs. Grass Cutter- What’s The Difference

A Lawn Mower vs. Grass Cutter- What’s The Difference?

Generally, homeowners would agree that they are hardly thrilled by the expectation of cutting grass or mowing the lawn. While they can always wait for both to grow a little longer before purchasing, it is safer to cut them before then. The initial reasoning may sound pretty valid, but it is not reliable.

What is the difference between a lawn mower and a grass cutter?

The main difference between a lawnmower and a grass cutter is that the mower is meant for cutting your lawn fast and efficiently. Where a grass cutter is meant for areas that a lawnmower can not access or has difficulty with. These can be areas close to or between objects, or close to something, areas with steps, or have a very steep angle.

If you happen to be a busy professional residing in a private residence, then perhaps you don’t have neighbors around to complain about your unkempt environment. This is because they may not be obsessed with the manicured look of your lawn. However, it is not always that simple. If we leave the aesthetics aside, we can carefully ask the question and find relevant answers.

• 1 Major Differences between the Grass Cutters and Lawn Mowers
• 2 Major Similarities Between The Two Devices

• 2.1 Merits of a Grass Cutter

• 2.1.1 1. Ease of Use
• 2.1.2 2. Power Convenience
• 2.1.3 3. Safety Concerns

• 3.1 Understanding The Anatomy Of Lawn Mowers
• 3.2 Unique Features Of Lawn Mowers
• 3.3 Types Of Lawn Mowers

• 3.3.1 – Budget
• 3.3.2 – Riding lawn mowers

• 4.1 1. Hedge Trimmers
• 4.2 2. Manual Shears
• 4.3 3. Sod Cutters

Major Differences between the Grass Cutters and Lawn Mowers

The main differences, in this case, relate to the capabilities of the grass cutters and lawnmowers. The grass cutters and lawnmowers have different abilities. For instance, the lawnmowers are more powerful and efficient. Trying to manage the whole lawn using a grass cutter might be cumbersome. When you use the grass cutter around trees, there is a high chance that the blades will be damaged. There are some areas where the lawnmowers cannot access; nevertheless, the grass cutters can easily access some of these regions, including the borderline.

As a homeowner, you should always strive to ensure that the lawn is well maintained using natural means. Taking care of the lawn means that it should be trimmed and mowed regularly. Also, some organic fertilizers should be applied regularly.

Types Of Lawn Mowers

As we earlier stated, there are several types of lawnmowers. They come in different styles. Some of the best include riding mowers, self-propelled mowers, addition to robotic mowers. Other examples are such as push mowers, gas-powered mowers, corded and cordless mowers. Because these machines come in a variety, you need to be familiar with your demands before choosing one.

– Budget

Also, your budget should be factored into the list. Usually, your selection would rely on the state of your lawn. For instance, your lawn’s size should determine the quality of the mower you need to purchase. This implies that a walk-behind mower would be a perfect selection for a large yard. A smaller yard can be mowed using a smaller device.

– Riding lawn mowers

If your yard is larger than ½ acre, then consider purchasing a rear-engine mower. Riding mowers that have a rear-mounted engine can also offer excellent visibility coupled with mobility around your garden.

A quality lawnmower is generally pretty affordable. It may cost you a couple of hundred dollars. Secondly, there are also several budget options for those who aspire to own relatively functional equipment compared to the standard versions. Your selection will depend on the style as well as the features you prefer. These options will dictate the price to pay in the long run. The type of mower you select will also dictate the volume of dirt and remnants you will manage to shell out from your lawn. To make a viable decision, here is what you should know;

A reliable lawnmower can be fixed in design. However, generally, it is adjustable by its operator, which is usually a single lever. Other than that, it can be controlled by a nut as well as a bolt. When it comes to choosing a reliable mower, still, you can select one that is powered with a manual force because the wheels operate mechanically.

The wheels are also connected to their corresponding cutting blades. In this case, you should be aware that every time the blades of the mower spin, you will be shelving off some dirt. When you push your mower forward, the blades will spin, thereby cutting any element that needs to be disposed of.

Grass Cutters

If you reside in a home with a yard, you may be making use of a specific type of grass cutter to ensure that the yard is in good condition. There are different types of grass cutters, and they each have different uses. Also, these grass cutters come in different types and sizes. Their major use is to make sure that the grass in the yard has been trimmed. When cutting grass, you need to make use of the grass cutters. When you choose the right grass cutter, the results will be satisfactory, and the yard will be appealing. Different types of grass cutters include:

Hedge Trimmers

Hedge trimmers are quite common. They are used to trim lawn hedges since a lawnmower cannot cut the grass located at the edge. The hedge trimmers usually have an electric or gas motor. They also have a spindle that usually spins the hard plastic line that generally cuts the grass. There are also heavy-duty hedge trimmers, and they have cutting blades. They are specifically suited towards cutting the thick bushes. The hedge trimmers are also operated manually.

Final Remarks

When looking into the differences between the grass cutters and the lawnmowers, the comparison should be narrowed down by focusing on your goals when maintaining the lawn. You may peruse through various reviews so that you may gain some insight into the best lawn mowers to use. The grass cutters are operated manually, and they cannot be used to trim the entire lawn as a result of the cumbersome nature of the procedure. The lawnmowers and the grass cutters also share some similarities, and they also have numerous differences; nevertheless, they come in handy when carrying out lawn maintenance. Now that you have garnered knowledge about the differences and advantages of the lawnmowers, you should ensure that you weigh these factors in your selection list.

Lawn Mower Vs Trimmer Mower: When To Use Each

By now you’ve probably seen commercials for trimmer mowers and they are absolutely useful tools. Can or should they replace your lawn mower, though? We took a deep dive into the design and uses of each to help you decide for this lawn mower vs trimmer mower comparison.

Lawn Mower Vs Trimmer Mower Design

On the surface, the comparison between a lawn mower and a trimmer mower is simple. A lawn mower cuts using a spinning blade and a trimmer mower uses a thick trimmer line.

There’s more to it than what each one cuts with, though. A lawn mower completely surrounds its blade with a deck while a trimmer mower only partially encloses its line.

Then there’s the drive system. Lawn mowers use four wheels, usually no more than 8 or 10 inches on the back and 6 inches or so on the front. Self-propelled drive systems can reduce the amount of effort you put into mowing. A trimmer mower uses just two wheels and they are oversized to roll well on terrain that doesn’t get as much attention as a typical lawn.

To adjust the cutting height of your lawn mower, you pivot the wheels so they either raise or lower the deck. On a trimmer mower, you change the location of your trimmer line up or down on the head.

One design feature that makes a big difference in how these tools are used is engine placement. A lawn mower’s engine is a direct drive and sits immediately above the blade. A trimmer mower has an elongated front section that extends the center of the head well in front of the engine.

Of course, lawn mowers have ride-on options that take their design to a whole different level. Trimmer mowers don’t, per se, but they do have tow-behind models making your UTV or tractor a ride-on trimmer mower.

There are a couple of things they have in common, though. Both have both gas and battery-powered options available (though battery-powered lawn mowers are far more widespread). You can also find electric start options for models with gas engines.

Lawn Mower Vs Trimmer Mower Cutting Characteristics

How well each type of mower cuts varies as widely as what they cut with. A lawn mower’s blade slices through grass and creates clippings. The deck design creates airflow that lifts the clippings up where they can be cut multiple times before they discharge.

Many lawn mowers have a 3-in-1 design. They can discharge out the side (which is great when you miss a cut and your lawn gets too tall). You can bag to leave a clean lawn or you can mulch to return nutrients back to the soil. Lawn mowers also have the advantage of choosing between standard, high-lift, and mulching blades to match the way you mow. Plus, there are dethatching blades, making your lawn mower a bit more versatile.

Trimmer mowers attack grass with the tips and edges of the line cutting through. Because of the open design of its deck, most grass is only cut once before the line throws it aside with enthusiasm. This leaves you with much longer clippings.

While there are some line options, they don’t affect the cut quality in terms of evenness or efficiency the way lawn mower blades do. It primarily boils down to the thickness and durability of the line you want and pairing it with the type of grass you’re cutting.

When to Use a Lawn Mower

Use a lawn mower for cutting defined lawns and other areas that are maintained regularly. If you need to cut more than 8 to 10 inches off, you’re getting out of range of what a lawn mower is designed for.

Keep in mind a lawn mower’s ability to side discharge if you’re cutting overgrown grass. Once you have it under control, you can bag or mulch to get that even, cultivated look back to your lawn.

When to Use a Trimmer Mower

Trimmer mowers do their best work in reclaiming overgrown areas that are too tall for a lawn mower’s fully enclosed deck. The height of the grass isn’t the question—only the thickness of the stalks. Thanks to the open front section, a trimmer mower is great for trimming under fences and into areas that a lawn mower’s deck and engine placement can’t reach.

Trimmer mowers are better for areas of field rather than maintained lawns. The trade-off for their much greater cutting range is a rougher finished cut compared to what you can get from a lawn mower blade.

Lawn Mower Vs Trimmer Mower Price

While it may be a surprise, lawn mowers and trimmer mowers run in similar price ranges. You can find both in the 350 – 1000 range, though there are some lawn mowers that run on both the lower and higher sides of it.

One of the big differences is the availability of battery-powered options. You can find effective battery-powered lawn mowers running from basic homeowner all the way to commercial level with a lot of options and price points. Battery-powered trimmer mowers are much less common at this stage.

Want to know more about the mowers we used in this comparison? Check them out at DR Power Equipment’s website!

The 8 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sage McHugh has written for Dotdash Meredith since 2019. With over a decade of experience in consumer-oriented content, Sage has a passion for products and how they enhance our everyday lives.

Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist, member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care, and reviews tree content on The Spruce’s Gardening Review Board. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.

Jenica Currie is an expert content manager, producer, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience cultivating online communities.

Cordless and environmentally friendly, a battery-powered lawn mower is generally easier to maintain and operate than a gas-powered model, and it is especially suited for small to medium-sized lawns. “The best battery-powered lawn mower for your yard is one that suits your specific needs,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). He suggests asking yourself the following before selecting a mower: “What is the size of the property and job? What features are needed for the job? What is your ability to handle the machine?”

We researched and tested a variety of lawn mowers in our own yards including corded, cordless, gas, electric, push, riding, and self-propelled options. For this list of the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and included the best options we’ve tested. Throughout our testing process, we carefully observed the mowers’ ability to navigate around obstacles, inclines, and tall grass with ease. Additionally, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the lawn’s appearance to ensure a consistently trimmed finish. As we compiled this list, we also considered the mowers’ runtime, cutting options, charging time, and cutting width.

Best Overall

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

• Powerful performance
• Long run time and fast charging
• Lightweight, foldable, and compact
• Easy to set up and start
• Quiet operation

The RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is the best battery-powered lawn mower we tested because it is just as powerful as some gas models, lasts for up to 70 minutes on a single charge, and is very easy to operate and maintain. We were surprised by how quiet this mower was (almost like weight noise) and lightweight (almost delicate), and easy to start (push-button compared to pulling a cord) compared to gas mowers we’ve used in the past. However, once we got it started and found the right height for an uneven lawn, thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was very powerful and easy to maneuver around, even over hills. By moving a slider from high to low, we could easily adjust the mower’s speed that we needed, depending on the terrain. Finding the right speed takes a bit of getting used to at first, especially on straight, flat rows where the mower was going almost too fast. But overall, we appreciated the power and found it really made mowing much easier, especially on hilly terrain.

This mower has an impressive 70-minute run time, and comes with two 40V batteries. Only one battery is needed at a time, and you can charge the other one with the included Rapid charger and switch them out when needed. We mowed for 45 minutes to an hour each time and had no issues with the mower running out of batteries. However, we will point out a few small issues we came across with the bag. This mower allows you to mulch, bag, or side discharge. The first time we used the mower for the season, the grass was pretty high and the bag filled up very quickly (after mowing about 25-30 feet with taller grass). However, the next few times we used it when the grass wasn’t as overgrown, we did not have that issue. Removing the bag to empty is simple, but when it was full, we did find that it spilled easily. Also, we did notice occasionally that grass would come out of the bag when it was full (just a few blades at a time). While in the mulching mode, we also noted that it did not seem to break up older leaves very well, but we did appreciate overall how well it cut the grass, and we appreciated the seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches).

We also loved how compact and easy this mower is to store. We had no issues pulling the lever to fold the mower for vertical, space-saving storage. The safety features are also a big plus. The mower has a key, so even though it’s easy to start with just a press of a button, the key does need to be inserted in the mower behind a flap, so you can remove the key when you don’t want someone else using it. You also need to grip the lever when you start or use the mower, or it will not work. The LED headlights also provide extra light should you need it. Overall, if you are looking to switch from a gas to a battery-powered mower or want an easy-to-use mower for your lawn (ideally up to 3/4 of an acre), we found this to be a great choice.

How It Performed Long-Term

After three months of use, we’ve found the self-propelled feature to be especially helpful when mowing on hills and uneven terrain. We were able to use it up to four times on a single charge, which is quite remarkable. Although it may struggle with heavier weeds, it does an excellent job of cutting grass and collecting clippings

Price at time of publish: 799

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Run Time: 70 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Self-Propelled

EGO Power Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

• Self-propelled feature is easy to use
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Foldable and compact for vertical storage
• 60-minute runtime

A self-propelled lawn mower can make mowing your lawn an easier task because the mower does most of the work for you—you simply guide it over your terrain while you walk at a comfortable pace that you set on your mower. After testing the EGO POWER Self-Propelled Mower, we selected it as our best self-propelled pick because it was easy to turn the feature on and off when you needed it, and it made mowing the lawn feel less of a pain (especially on our backs!) compared to using a heavy gas mower. If you are new to self-propelled mowers, this will take a little getting used to (including this mower), but we think it will be well worth the initial time spent. In fact, when we first started using this mower, we thought the mower might run away (even on the lowest setting) because we were only used to a gas push mower. Once we figured out how to run the mower without the self-propelled feature, it allowed us to get used to the mower itself and all of its features. We found that the lowest setting was all we needed for parts of our lawn, even small hills, and when we felt like that feature wasn’t necessary (navigating around obstacles), it was easy to switch it off at the top of the handle.

Aside from the self-propelled option, this mower offers many great features, making it a great choice for your lawn. We found it easy to adjust both the handle’s height (two options) and angle (three options) with just one hand. Adjusting the cutting height was also a simple and easy task with six settings available, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. This mower comes with one EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery that has a 60-minute runtime and takes about the same amount of time to charge. It took us 50 minutes to mow our lawn, and we did not run out of batteries. We also like that you can choose from the bag, mulching, and side-discharge option for your grass clippings and use the LED headlights when mowing early in the morning or later at dusk. The handle can easily be folded, and the mower can be stored vertically in your garage or shed. And like most battery-powered mowers, you’ll get the advantage of a quick, push-button start with no cord and no fumes.

The only downside we reported was the learning curve with using a self-propelled mower. But once we figured out how to navigate the feature and the power it provides, we found it to make mowing the lawn an easier task. If you have a small, flat lawn with a lot of obstacles, this might not be the best option for you. Also, note that we found this lawn worked great on dry and damp grass, but we did experience one time where the mower would not start (the light blinked orange to indicate an issue), but when we moved it to a less wet area, it worked fine. While this mower has many of the same features as our best overall, it has slightly less of a runtime, is heavier, and only comes with one battery. However, it is a bit more budget-friendly, so if you don’t need as much power or as long of a runtime, this could be the better option, especially if you have other EGO tools with compatible batteries.

How It Performed Long-Term

We’ve been using our lawn mower for about three months now and we’re very pleased with its performance. One of the standout features is the battery life. we can mow the lawn three times before needing to recharge. What’s more, it handles thick and tall grass like a champ. we even let the lawn go for 10 days once, and it had no trouble at all. It’s also very effective at dealing with damp grass and leaves.

Price at time of publish: 549

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 93.61 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

The Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards, Including Cordless and Reel Mower

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best lawn mower for small yards 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best lawn mowers for small yards are easy to use, compact and easy to store, and, most importantly, can reach areas of a lawn, i.e., around garden beds, that larger, more heavy-duty mowers can’t. A lot of mowers on the market nowadays also include necessary accessories that deem it unnecessary for buyers to purchase various other garden tools like trimmers. Smaller lawn mowers tend to have some key features that make them unique including foldable handles and a shorter cutting width.

The list below has a selection of small units with various deck sizes, including one mower with a deck that completely detaches to transform into a string trimmer and lawn edger. Before that, our buying guide can help you know what to look for when shopping for the best mower for your smaller yard especially if storage space is limited.

Here is a list of the best lawn mowers for small yards, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best lawn mower for small yards.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards 2023

Whether you cut the lawn regularly or once a month, there are plenty of mowers to choose from for small yards. A manual mower, a reel style mower, or models with a decent cutting width, here is the list of the best lawn mowers for small yards.

Best Lightweight Mower for Small Yard: Yard Machines 20-Inch Push Mower | Buy Now

Best Practical Mower for Small Yard: BLACKDECKER 20V 3-in-1 Kit | Buy Now

Best Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yard: Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-Inch Electric Mower | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best lawn mowers for small yards, according to many happy buyers.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA), homedepot.com, and walmart.com, as of May 2023

Best Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Makita XML03CM1

For a battery-powered, cordless lawn mower with a bit of punch, the Makita XML03CM1 is a strong contender. There are four 4.0 batteries included with the unit, and it has an 18-inch steel mower deck that’s easily folded away for storage. It moves around a lawn with ease and can do so quietly thanks to a special mode that keeps noise down with a constant speed of 2,500 rpm.

“I was able to cut 7,000 square feet with three sets of batteries,” wrote a customer. “I used one, inserted the second, and in the meantime charged the first set. [The] motor is really powerful and doesn’t stop on really high grass and weeds. This takes approximately 40 minutes to charge 1 set of 4.0 Ah batteries. It’s easy to remove grass from the basket and to clean the mower.”

Cutting width: 18 inches

Power: Battery powered

Weight: 79.8 pounds

Best Durable Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Toro Recycler 21-Inch Lawn Mower

One durable lawn mower that produces smooth, reliable power is the Toro Recycler. Customers have praised this outdoor power tool for handling lawns well. With a full tank of gas, it should have around 90 minutes of run time. The gas-powered mower is lightweight, made of quality materials, and can be stowed vertically. It’s also a rear-wheel drive and uses a pull cord to start.

“The Toro Recycler 22 in. SmartStow really is a great lawnmower,” wrote one reviewer. “The pulling power it has is great. Now I do my whole lawn in about one hour on one tank, front and back. I like even better [that I can] just fold the handle forward, lift, and roll into its spot.”

Cutting width: 21 inches

Power: Gas mower

Weight: 67 pounds

Best Push Lawn Mower for Small Yard—PowerSmart DB2194PR 21-Inch

Praised for getting into hard-to-reach places and for working wonders on uneven lawns, the PowerSmart DB2194PR 21-inch 3-in-1 gas push lawn mower has proven highly effective. The compact size makes it ideal for small yards, but its 21-inch cutting width allows it to hit every blade. The bag has mulching capabilities and a side discharge to direct grass clippings toward one side.

“It is pretty light and easy to maneuver,” wrote a customer. “[It] did a great job in mulching the clippings, and so far, it has a sharp cut.” Another user wrote, “I found this easy-to-use, and it’s a very effective lawn mower at a decent price.”

Cutting width: 21 inches

Power: Gas-powered push mower

Weight: 63 pounds

Best Lightweight Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Yard Machines 20-Inch Push Mower

Customers were thrilled with how lightweight and easy to maneuver the Yard Machines 20-inch push mower was. Though it doesn’t have a push-button start, buyers found that the machine started up easily and also praised it for cutting down tall weeds without hassle. Start this mower by using the pull cord and walk behind the mower to push it over the lawn.

One customer wrote, “I’ve used it for about three hours run time, and it has been constantly easy to start; it appears to use less gas for the same cutting time, and it’s quite lightweight.” Another buyer commented, “It was incredibly easy to set up, starts every time on the first pull, and powers through tall and/or wet grass.”

Cutting width: 20 inches

Power: Gas-powered push mower

Weight: 50 pounds

BUY NOW: US269 (Was US329), The Home Depot

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon

Best Electric Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Litheli Cordless 13-Inch

There are five height adjustments on the Litheli Cordless 13-inch electric mower. This is a mower built especially for users wanting a quiet machine that’s easy to move, compact, and fit for small yards. For added protection, the machine has two safety power switches–one on the handle and one inside the battery compartment.

“It meets all my expectations,” wrote a customer. “It arrived earlier than expected. It comes mostly assembled and is lightweight but also does a great job mowing the lawn. The battery life lasted about 40 minutes on a full charge.”

Cutting width: 13 inches

Power: Cordless electric

Weight: 27.3 pounds

Best Reel Mower for Small Yard—Remington Push Reel Lawn Mower

Gas-powered mowers can be side-stepped for lower-maintenance electric options, such as the Remington RM3000 16-inch reel push power tool. It has nine different height adjustments and finding fuel isn’t necessary for its sharp blades to function. When in action, the engine runs quietly to help with cutting during the early mornings or late evenings, without feeling guilty about disturbing the neighbors.

“This mower is so easy to use and has very sharp blades,” wrote a customer. “Perfect for our smaller-sized yard. Love that I don’t have to fill it with gas, or mess with the motor. Nope—just grab and go. Mowing the yard takes only a few minutes!”

Cutting width: 16 inches

Power: Electric

Weight: 28 pounds

Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Battery-Powered Mower

To help cut grass with ease, customers opted for the Greenworks 40v, 16-inch, cordless 4.0Ah electric lawn mower. It has a self-propellor mechanism that adds pressure on the lever and boosts the cut quality to power through tough grass. The batteries pop in and out of the charger with ease and the handle folds down to make for easier storage.

“This is a great mower for trimming around the house before or cleaning up after a larger mower,” wrote a shopper. “It is narrow, light, can be height adjusted on the fly, and can reach the places [that] a heavier mower would need considerable strength and stamina [to push], with minimum effort.”

Cutting width: 16 inches

Power: Electric, battery

Weight: 37.5 pounds

Best Practical Lawn Mower for Small Yard—BLACKDECKER 20V 3-in-1 Kit

There are several reasons why the BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 string trimmer, lawn edger, and lawn mower kit is worth it for owners of small lawns. This is a powerhouse of a kit and customers were impressed with this do-it-all set. Once the wheeled deck is removed, this converts into two other tools—a trimmer and edger. The mower is lightweight and cuts a 12-inch width, while the trimmer and edger are handheld tools and equally as efficient in their roles.

It has a cutting height of 1.6 to 2.4 inches and is most suitable for small yards. It can also tackle inclines. The unit comes with two batteries, and its small size makes it easy to pack away. “Lightweight and I don’t break my arm starting it, like my gas mower,” wrote one customer. “It switches from mower to weed eater and edge trimmer with a tap of foot to release.” Another person who lives on a two-acre hill added that it’s “a go-anywhere masterpiece of yardsmanship.”

Cutting width: 12 inch

Power: Two 2 Ah batteries and charger included

Weight: 14.95

Best Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Ryobi 13-Inch Corded Electric Mower

This corded electric lawn mower from Ryobi impressed customers with its power output. The company produces a number of good-quality power tools, and this one is no different. It is a handy small mower with a long extension cord that’s perfect for small yards as smooth to push around and emits low noise levels. Thanks to its 23-pound frame and 13-inch cutting width, it can get close to objects and keep overgrown grass and weeds at bay.

Many satisfied customers also commented on how easy it was to dispose of the clipping bag contents once it’s filled. “This little Ryobi did an amazing job,” began one customer. “Super easy to maneuver under tree branches, rose bushes, around stumps, and on corners. Not much assembly was required. You lock the handle poles into corresponding holes on the sides of the mower and push down with force to lock into place. Very happy with my purchase!”

Cutting width: 13 inches

Power: Electric

Weight: 23 pounds

Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards with High Grass—Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-Inch Corded Electric Mower

Push mowers such as the Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-inch corded electric machine are a popular choice as they’re easy to use and eco-friendly. It’s lightweight, has seven manual height adjustments, and can cut through tall grass well. Taking less than 15 minutes to assemble, this Sun Joe electric mower for small yards is durable and requires little maintenance. It has a steel blade and is powered by a 12-amp motor.

Other features include a foldable handle, mulching disposal bag, and rust-resistant deck. “This corded electric mower works great…This gets the leaves up pretty well while the grass is not growing as quickly, as the clippings are mostly leaves,” wrote one happy customer. “I just dump the chopped up leaves from the catcher in my wooded areas and flower beds for mulch to keep the weeds down. The large wheels are easy to roll over the bumpy portions of the yard and can turn tight corners.”

Cutting width: 20 inches

Power: Corded electric mower

Weight: 51.8 pounds

The Best Lawn Mower for Small Yard—Summary

One cordless lawn mower that impressed customers with its powerful abilities to cut grass is the Makita XML03CM1 (US399, Amazon). This mower is battery-powered and has an 18-inch steel mower deck. It’s great for keeping noise levels down and easily folds to store away.

Multiple customers hardly needed to use another garden tool or accessory once they purchased the BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 kit (US160.86, The Home Depot). The set includes a lawn mower, string trimmer, and lawn edger. It’s impressively apt at doing all its jobs and is lightweight enough to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as around bushes and trees.

Though it didn’t make it to this list, the 14-inch manual reel mower from the American Lawn Mower Company (US85.49, Amazon) is another good option for anyone with complex lawns with things like exposed tree stumps and exposed roots. This is lighter than a gas mower and can get around tough patches with ease.

Choosing the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards—Buying Guide

To help make cutting the lawn feel more pleasurable and less like a chore, it’s best to take some time to decide what type of mower will cut the grass as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are around 15 types of general lawn mowers available. Customers often choose electric and reel mowers for small gardens, however, there are a few more options suited to smaller yards.

Cutting Width

The lawn mower’s deck is one of the most important features of this power tool. The deck not only protects the user from the cutting blade and debris flicking up but decks are often available in smaller dimensions to best navigate around a small yard. This part is usually height adjustable to tackle various grass heights and is typically made of corrosion and rust-resistant metal.

Before cutting the grass, it’s wise to think about what cutting width is required. A lawn mower with a large cutting width will be more difficult to maneuver around small yards. On the other hand, if a lawn mower with a cutting width too small is used then the task could take longer than needed. The upcoming selection features cutting ranges between 12 to 21 inches to offer a variety of options for small yards. A 16-inch cutting width is good for boxy or rectangular yards, while a yard with more obstacles is more suited to a 14-inch mower.

Other Considerations

Once the decision has been made on which lawn mower easily cuts the grass of the small yard in question, there are a few other features to consider.

• Grass catcher capacity: Check the size of the bag which is collecting the grass clippings. A larger bag means less trips to the compost heap, although it may make the mower heavier.
• Self-propelled mowers: From the list of the best lawn mowers for small yards below there are a few electric models which are self-propelled. This is a great feature to have in a mower as it means the mower doesn’t need to be pushed. Guide the mower through and it does the job automatically. This makes mowing easier and some mowers have adjustable speeds to assist as required.
• Mulch mowers: A mulching mower is where the blade and mowing deck chop the grass multiple times before spitting out the grass clippings back onto the lawn. Side discharge mowers can direct this cut grass out to the side, and usually, a bag can be installed to directly catch the clippings as they fall out.
• Assembly: Some mowers require assembling. Most will just need the handle slotted into place, and some will come pre-assembled. Check before you buy how intricate or fiddly a model is to put together.
• Handle: Depending on how tall or short the user is, it’s worth checking whether the mower has an adjustable height handle. Also, some handles can be folded down to easily be tucked away for storage which is particularly handy if you mow frequently.
• Cutting heights: Depending on the grass length, the cutting height of a mower may be a significant detail to buyers purchasing a new mower. Most manufacturers will state how tall of grass the mower will cut.
• Start: Though many mowers, typically gas mowers, have a pull cord to start, many newer mowers have a push button start which many customers find easier and preferable.

We hope our review of the top lawn mowers for small yards has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including lawn mowers, lawn mower tractors, lawn mower bags, lawn mower blades, and lawn mower handles, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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