Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards

Not all lawn mowers are ideal for small yards. A lightweight and compact mower will make mowing your small yard fun and hassle-free.

Not sure what lawn mower brand or model to buy? We got you covered. We’ve done the research, and in this article, we share some of the longest-lasting and top-rated lawn mowers for small yards to maintain a clean and neat lawn.

In a hurry? Check our top 3 recommendations below:

Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards: Top 3 Picks

1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14-14-Inch

Design

The mower is made of alloy steel that ensures its durability and long lifespan with little maintenance. It also comes with cutter blades that are made of heat-treated alloy steel. 

Cutting Power and Performance

The American Lawn mower Company 1204-14-14-inch mower is super light and very easy to use at just 20 pounds. Its 4-blade reels and durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels combine well with the machine’s weight for maximum maneuverability.

If the grass on your small yard is about 4-inch tall, the American Lawn mower Company 1204-14-14-inch mower is ideal for it. 

Accessories

Thanks to the mower’s cushioned handles, you can comfortably push it around your yard without blistering your palms. 

Special Features

The push lawn mower is eco-friendly: noise-free and pollution-free. It is one of the best alternatives to gas mowers for small yards. 

It’s lightweight and easy to store. You can store it in the shed or carry it up the porch.

Read full American Lawn mower Company 1204-14 Review

2. Black + Decker Besta512CM Electric Lawn Mower

Design

Measuring 15 x 7 x 37 inches and weighing 13 pounds, the Black & Decker mower is a lightweight mowing machine. It is powered by a 6.5-amp motor system that complements its 8,000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) for effective mowing.  

Cutting Power and Performance

The machine’s 12-inch cutting is another feature behind this machine’s efficiency. The versatile and compact machine offers two cutting height options: 1.6 inches and 2.4 inches. Choose the more suitable option that will enable you to get the job done better and faster.

Accessories

The machine comes with gloves for hand protection and safety glasses to protect you from flying debris and dirt. 

Special Features

The push mower’s adjustable handle and height positions also makes it easy to use, a reason why you should check the mower out and see if it’s the perfect fit for your small garden.

The Black & Decker 512CM lawn mower is equipped with a cord retention system that helps you keep its cord in place and prevent accidental disconnection that may cause a dangerous trip or fall.  

Trimming your flower beds and gardens with the machine is pretty easy. If your lawn is unwieldy, the push mower comes with a PowerDrive Transmission Technology designed to handle such difficulty effortlessly.

Read full Black + Decker Besta512CM Review

3. Greenworks 25022

Design

The Greenworks 25022 is an electric lawn mower with a sleek and compact design that makes it many users’ favorite. 

The average-sized mowing machine weighs 56 pounds and can easily be used on any small-sized lawn while navigating around obstacles easily.

Cutting Power and Performance

The Greenworks 25022 sports 7-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels for convenient maneuverability through any grass type or difficult terrain. You can easily reach difficult-to-reach parts of your garden such as the corners and edges without breaking a sweat.

It features a durable 20-inch steel deck and a powerful 12-amp motor that combine well to cut through the toughest grasses so you’ll get the job done quickly and more efficiently.

Accessories

The machine boasts of a 3-in-1 grass management feature that offers mulching, side discharging, and rear bagging capabilities. You can empty the grass catcher easily because it is easy to detach and reattach.

Special Features

Sporting an adjustable handle height for easy handling, the Greenworks 25022 mower is a good option if you need a simple machine with impressive performance. The foldable handle reduces the mower’s size for easy storage, especially if you don’t have much space.

The black and green push mower doesn’t require much maintenance, unlike most gas-powered mowers. Remove debris and clippings from the deck when you’re done mowing. Keep it away from rain or moisture to prevent rusting. That’s how much maintenance it requires to be in top condition for a smooth mowing experience.

Read full Greenworks 25022 review

4. Sun Joe iON16LM

Design

The machine’s compact design features all-terrain rear wheels and rugged front wheels that make it easy for you to maneuver the mower easily, even in tight spaces.  

Its powerful brushless motor increases the battery’s efficiency and maximizes its performance. This feature also extends the machine’s motor life while decreasing vibration and noise.

Cutting Power and Performance

The battery-powered mower is ideal for small and mid-sized lawns. It also offers different cutting options. If you wish, discharge the clippings to fertilize the grass or bag it for easy disposal.

The Sun Joe iON16LM starts instantly when you push the push-start button while its rugged rear and front wheels support easy maneuverability in rough terrains and tight spaces. The sturdy mower features a compact design for an all-terrain efficiency.

Accessories

Sun Joe iON16LM comes with a grass bag to hold clippings until you are ready to dispose of them when the catcher is full. The bag detaches easily so you won’t have a difficult time emptying its content.

Special Features

When using the Sun Joe iON16LM product, you can choose from its 6-position height adjustment options between 1.18 inches to 3.15 inches for convenient use and optimal performance.

The lawn mower’s EcoSharp technology ensures optimal performance, plus it is Star Certified. The Sun Joe iON16LM lawn mower is an ETL-approved mowing machine that meets the industry standard.

Read full Sun Joe iON16LM review

5. WORX WG779

Design

The Worx WG779 is a battery-powered electric mower for small yards equipped with 2 20V batteries that offer extended runtime. It weighs 35.27 pounds and comes with a 14-inch cutting width. 

Cutting Power and Performance

The mower is equipped with two batteries, each providing 45 minutes of runtime which helps you to mow your lawn without running out of juice, provided the batteries are fully charged. 

For optimal performance, adjust its setting to the ECO mode. In all, the two batteries should give you a combined run time of 90 minutes, enough time to give your small lawn a new look.

Accessories

Thanks to the mower’s foam padded handles, you can comfortably use the mowing machine and have fun mowing your lawn. It also comes with a dual-port charger for charging the batteries. 

Special Features

It comes with battery power level indicators that ensure you won’t have a hard time figuring out when a battery is due for charging.  You can keep charging one while working with the other.

The cordless electric lawn mower is not only easy to store but also lightweight and maneuverable. If you own a small lawn, navigating through your yard won’t be challenging, thanks to the machine’s compact design.

Warranty

The mower has a robust 3-year warranty.

Read full Worx WG779 review

6. Craftsman M105 140cc

Design

The lawn mower sports durable wheels that enhance its performance. Measuring 8 inches at the rear and 7 inches in the front, the zag-treaded tires provide more traction for the machine to move smoothly over different terrains. The Craftsman M105 is one of the best lawn mowers for bermuda grass.

The Craftsman M105 140cc engine comes with an auto choke and recoil features for an easy start. You no longer have to choke or prime it to work.  

Cutting Power and Performance

The walk-behind mower offers adjustable settings with its double levers for convenient mowing.  Another attractive feature is its pull cord.

The lawn mower’s 3-in-1 capability is ideal for rear discharge, side discharge, and mulching. The multipurpose mowing machine can handle any of the responsibilities with ease, a feature that makes the mower  worth checking out.

Special Features

If efficient cutting is your priority, the machine’s 21-inch cutting deck will cut through different varieties of grasses with ease. It will also enable you to cover much ground faster than when using a mower with a smaller deck size.

Accessories

For improved performance, it is equipped with a recoil start, zag threading for better traction, and an auto-choke mechanism to start the machine with little effort.

Read full Craftsman M105 review

7. Yard Machines 132cc

Design

The Yard Machines 132cc boasts 7-inch rear and front wheels that offer optimal control of the mower during mowing. 

The mower comes with a primer and recoil starter so you can easily put it to work on your lawn right away. Its 2-in-1 cutting deck offers mulching and side discharge capabilities for proper clippings management. 

It is powered by a 132cc PowerMore OHV engine that is rated 4.5ft/lb of torque, making it an efficient mowing beast.

Cutting Power and Performance

Don’t worry about uneven, rough, or unique terrains. The machine’s 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels are durable and ideal for mowing through a wide range of landscapes effortlessly without breaking down midway.

Another feature is its multiple height settings that allow you to adjust the machine to your preferred height. When you choose the most suitable height from the 6 options, you will get the job done on time.

Accessories

The lawn mower’s handle is sturdy and comes with a loop handle that promises extra comfort and easy operation.

Special Features

The Yard Machines 132cc weighs 47 pounds, light enough to navigate around obstacles in your lawn so you won’t have to deal with the weight problems associated with heavier machines. I

The mower is relatively quiet when compared with other noisy models. Both you and your neighbors will appreciate this eco-friendly lawn mower.

Warranty

The Yard Machines 132cc comes with a year warranty.

Read full Yard Machines 132cc review

8. Sun Joe MJ403E

Design

The Sun Joe MJ403E corded electric lawn mower comes with large and durable rear wheels that support easy movement on different landscapes. 

It is powered by a 13-amp motor system that supports its durability to make it a powerful mower for a variety of grasses. 

Cutting and Performance

The lightweight machine weighs 31.5 pounds, a feature that comes in handy when mowing the machine through your lawn because you won’t struggle with the weight as you would otherwise have done when using a heavier model.

Its sturdy front and rear wheels also enhance its maneuverability, giving you optimal control over the machine.

Accessories

You have two grass management options for the clippings. Sun Joe MJ403E’s 12-gallon rear bag is big enough to store them and dispose of them when they are full or you’re done mowing. Otherwise, mulch the clippings by replacing the rear bag with a mulch plug so you can have a well-manured and pleasant-looking lawn.

Special Features

This model isn’t manually started. It comes with a start-push button that contributes to its ease of operation and use. Simply push the button and fire up the mower for the mowing task.

Read full Sun Joe MJ403E review

9. Greenworks 14-Inch 40v Cordless Lawn Mower

Design

Its 4.0AH battery provides up to 45 minutes of run time under which you can cover much ground, although the grass’ condition plays a role in the battery’s capacity.

As a 2-in-1 machine, the Greenworks 14-Inch 40v cordless lawn mower offers mulching and rear bagging capability for effective grass management.

Cutting Power and Performance

You won’t be stuck with a working height setting that will hurt you while mowing, thanks to its 5-position adjustment options of between 1-1/4 inches and 3-3/8 inches. Before you start mowing, choose the most appropriate setting that will enable you to have good control over the mower.

The Greenworks 14-Inch 40v cordless electric lawn mower is ideal for yards that are up to 3 plots or ½ of an acre. With the lightweight machine, you won’t struggle with giving your small yard a clean and even cut.  

Accessories

When you purchase this product, you’ll get a charger and 4.0 AH battery. That’s in addition to a mulch plug for mulching purposes and a 13-gallon grass box for bagging.

Read full Greenworks 40v Cordless Lawn Mower Review

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a compact, efficient, and durable lawn mower for your small yard, our top pick is the Sun Joe iON16LM.

The lightweight machine is powered by a 12-amp motor system, providing enough power to enable it to cruise through a variety of grass types.

Its EcoSharp technology ensures performance at maximum capacity, a feature that makes it most homeowners’ favourite mowing machine.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Lawn Mower for Small Yard

How do you choose the right lawn mower for your small yard? Here are some key factors you must take into consideration while shopping for the appropriate mowing machine for your small yard:

Cutting Height

The cutting height is one of the most important features to consider when looking for a mowing machine. The appropriate mower should have a cutting height ranging from 0.5 inch to 2.4 inches.

Check the mowing machine if it comes with adjustable height settings so you can adjust it to suit you. If not, consider other options.

Cutting Width

The cutting width is equally important. The larger the width, the faster you’ll do your job. So, opt for a mower with a larger cutting width than one with a small one. A mowing machine with a cutting width ranging between 14 inches and 21 inches will be ideal for the yard. 

Power Source

What’s the machine’s power source? Battery or electricity? Consider the pros and cons of choosing a lawn mower powered by either of the two to enable you to choose wisely.

Starting Mechanism

Don’t overlook the starting mechanism if you want a smooth mowing experience. A lawn mower with a start-push button is easier to power on than one with a pull rope. If you’re not comfortable with manually switching your mower on, go for the former.

Helpful Tips to Maximize a Lawn Mower’s Performance

Your lawn mower’s performance is determined by your operational and maintenance methods. Here are some helpful tips that will prolong the machine’s lifespan while maximizing its performance:

Be cautious while mowing

Mowing requires deep concentration. Hence, shut every form of distraction off so you can be focused. If you have kids, keep them off the lawn. Remove any obstacles or objects that are potentially harmful such as debris and sticks so you won’t damage the machine or endanger yourself.

Don’t mow a wet lawn

If it’s drizzling, avoid mowing the lawn. Under no condition should you mow a wet lawn because you will endanger yourself if you do. That’s besides minimizing the machine’s performance as wet grass tends to be heavier and difficult for the blades to cut through.

Keep the blades sharp

Mowing with a blunt blade is challenging. Aside from getting a badly cut lawn, you will spend more time and energy on mowing and that may sap you of energy. It’s in your best interest to always sharpen your mower’s blades so that the machine can function at maximum capacity.

Check the oil regularly

A well-lubricated lawn mower will make mowing fun. As it moves through the grass effortlessly, you will get the job done pretty quickly. Conversely, a dry machine will be difficult to operate and will do a bad job. That’s if the engine works at all.

Use the owner’s manual

After purchasing the machine, take a little time to read the owner’s manual. You’ll find some helpful information that will optimize the machine’s performance and extend its lifespan such as when to change the oil, how to change it, how to tighten the bolts and nuts, the appropriate oil for the mower, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions