Best Lawn Mowers for Thick Grass

Not all lawnmowers are ideal for tall and thick grasses.

The good news is: you can avoid leaving brown patches, uneven cuts, and an unpleasant sight on your turf by using the right mower to give your thick grass lawn a clean cut.

Don’t know what to buy? We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we share 7 top-rated lawn mowers for thick grass. Our selection was based on their deck size, durability, cutting height, and cutting power. 

In a hurry? Check our top 3 recommendations

Best Lawn Mowers for Thick Grass: Top 3 Picks

1. WORX WG779 40V-Best Push Mower for Thick Grass

Design

The WORX WG779 40V Power Share 4.0 Ah 14″ Lawn Mower sports a compact design underlined by a 14-inch alloy steel deck that ensures a long lifespan and a 4Ah battery that provides sufficient power to mow 1/8 of an acre in a single mowing session.

The lightweight mower is equipped with Intellicut technology that enhances its performance and efficiency when mowing through thick and dense grass.

Cutting Power and Performance

The WORX WG779 mower’s 14-inch cutting deck allows you to cover a large surface area of the lawn and get the job done pretty quickly. Supporting the deck’s efficiency and performance is the powerful battery. Both devices combine to offer you a mower that does an incredible job at handling thick grass.

With the aid of a single lever, you can choose a comfortable mowing height from the available 6 cutting height positions, depending on your preference or the season. This flexibility boosts the lawn mower’s overall performance.

Accessories

The WORX WG779 mower comes with handle foam that reduces friction and ensures a firm grip.

Special Features

The mower’s Intellicut Technology enables it to self-determine the workload ahead and adjust its power accordingly. This prevents overloading the mower and optimizing its power efficiently.

Read full WORX WG779 Review

2. Greenworks 25302 40V Twin Force Cordless Lawn Mower

Design

The lawn mower has a 20-inch cutting deck that offers a good cutting capacity and balance. That’s besides the 5Ah lithium-ion battery that supplies its operational power.

It is a lightweight mower with 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels for easy maneuverability. The rugged wheels are designed to suit an array of terrains and landscapes.

Cutting Power and Performance

When the battery is fully charged, it offers 60 minutes of runtime, enough for the operator to cover a third of an acre with a single charge. The extra battery port switches to the backup battery automatically for longer runtime and improved productivity. 

Thanks to the mower’s 20-inch cutting deck, you only need a few passes to get a lot done faster than when using a lawn mower with a comparatively smaller deck width.  

Accessories

The push mower comes with a hard top rear bag, an indicator that enables you to know when the bag is full and must be emptied.

Special Features

The Smart Cut Technology adjusts the mower’s power or runtime as needed, depending on the projected workload.

Read full Greenworks 25302 Review

3. Snapper HD 48V MAX- Best Mower for Long Grass

Design

The Snapper XD 48V MAX cordless 20-inch mower comes with a convenient push-button start system that removes the hassles of manually starting it.

That’s besides its brushless motor system equipped with intelligent load-sensing technology and an easy height-of-cut adjuster for maximum efficiency.

Cutting Power and Performance

The Snapper XD 48V is one of the highly rated lawn mowers for steep hills. The mower has 7 different cutting heights that can be adjusted with a single lever cutting height control system to make grass cutting a lot easier, especially on long grass lawns. Change the cutting levels to your preferred settings to achieve your ideal lawn height effortlessly.

The battery-powered lawn mower provides up to 90 minutes of runtime which makes it an ideal mower for small and medium-sized lawns.

Accessories

The self-propelled Snapper XD 48V cordless mower has grass clippings management accessories for mulching or bagging the mowed blades.

Special Features

Its Load Sensing Technology makes mowing less stressful. It takes the job of manually increasing the mowing power with more workload by automatically adjusting its torque to provide high-efficiency output that will get the job done effortlessly.

Read full Snapper XD 48V review

4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

Design

The American Lawn Mower 14-Inch Reel Lawn mower is made of heat-treated alloy steel that maintains its sharpness for years. It requires sharpening every 3-5 years.

The adjustable blade height offers scissors-like cutting action and can cut up to 4-inch tall grass while its 4-blade reel enhances its overall performance.

Also, the reel mower is environmentally-friendly. It is lightweight, low maintenance, and easy to use.

Cutting Power and Performance

Thanks to its 4-blade reel, you can cruise through the thick grass in no time. The durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels also ensure the mower mows through the grass effortlessly and the landscape won’t be an obstacle to smooth mowing.

The adjustable height positions help you cut the grass to your desired height without emitting harmful fumes that can harm your neighbors and the environment.

Accessories

The mower comes with cushioned handles to enhance its convenience of use when pushing it around your yard.

Special Features

It is an age-friendly mower for teenagers and adults. It also sports 8.5-inch polymer wheels for durability and easy maneuverability.

Read full American lawn Mower Company 1204-14 review

5. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower (MTC220)

Design

The Black & Decker lawn mower comes with 2 powerful lithium-ion batteries for long mowing power and a plastic base cutting deck that resists corrosion and rust.

It comes with a weed whacker that can snap into place in the wheels for effective cutting. Simply remove the whacker and enhance the mower’s maneuverability in tight spaces around bushes and trees. Another important feature is its impressive 90-degree turning ability that ensures you won’t have issues cutting the lawn edge and improving the overgrown grass’ appearance.

Cutting Power and Performance

Thanks to the mower’s dual batteries, you can swiftly cover a lot of ground in no time. Although the 12-inch cutting deck isn’t the largest, it nevertheless is made of corrosion-resistant material for increased durability.

Accessories

The mower comes with a mulch bag for recycling the grass clippings and turning them into organic fertilizer for the lawn.

Special Features

The Black + Decker 3-in-1 lawn mower comes with an automatic spool release to adjust the cutting wire’s length.

Read full Black & Decker (MTC220) review

6. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Design

The zero turn Kusqvarna Z254 54-inch 26P Kohler Hydrostatic lawn boasts cutting-edge technology that includes a 54-inch reinforced steel cutting deck for durability and power and a 26 HP Kohler engine that makes mowing effortlessly simple.

The mower also has a built-in brake system and a bar drive system for easy navigation around bushes and tight spaces in your yard. The Husqvarna Z254 is equipped with rubber bellows to prevent the control system from gathering moisture and debris.

Speed

The mower can cruise at an impressive top speed of 6.5 MPH while cutting through acres of tough and thick grass.

Cutting Power and Performance

The mower is a mowing beast that combines pace with a 54-inch cutting deck for swift mowing, making it an ideal lawn mower for large lawns.

Accessories

Armrest kits, LED headlights, dump carts and baggers are some of the accessories that the Husqvarna Z254 supports to increase its performance and usability.

Special Features

The mower’s air induction mowing technology helps deliver a superior cut while its rear and front wheels enhance its stability on rough or hilly terrains, making lawn care easier.

Read full Husqvarna Z254 review

7. Craftsman M215 Gas Mower 159cc 21-Inch 3-in-1

Design

The Craftsman M215 159cc lawn mower is powered by a powerful gas engine with auto choke and recoil features.

Also, it sports a dual lever adjuster for convenience of use while its front-wheel-drive feature makes turning and maneuvering the mower hassle-free.

Cutting Power and Performance

Thanks to the mower’s 21-inch cutting deck, you only need a few passes to mow a wide area of grass, making it a good choice for a small or medium-sized yard.

The gas mower is powered by a 159cc engine that doesn’t require priming or choking so you can start the lawn mower with less stress while the dual lever allows you to choose a convenient working height from the 6 different options and get the job done in no time.

Accessories

The mower comes with mulch and grass bag grasses for mulching and bagging clippings respectively.

Special Features

The AutoChoke system simplifies the start process. The deck wash attachment helps with maintaining the mower with ease.

Read full Craftsman M215 review

Final Verdict

Our number #1 recommended lawnmower for thick grass is the WORX WG779 40V. The mower comes with 2 solid batteries, optimizes efficiency with its Intellicut Technology, and ensures firm, comfortable, and easy maneuverability with its cushioned handle.

Factors You Should Consider When Buying a Lawn Mower for Thick Grass

If you are shopping around for an efficient mower for thick grass, here are few factors to pay attention to:

Engine

Most regular lawn mowers don’t perform well on thick grass. You need a mower with an engine or motor that offers high torque. A mower with a 170-190 cubic capacity engine will provide the needed power to mow through thick grass without any issues.

Cutting deck

The size of the cutting deck matters too. Your mowing speed depends on the cutting deck because you will get much done faster with a bigger size than a smaller one. With a wide deck, you need fewer passes to cover the lawn while a narrow deck will require making several passes before you get a decent cut.

Battery charge time

This is quite important if you are going for a battery-powered mower. The battery’s charge time determines how long you’ll wait between charges. You’ll do yourself a lot of good to buy a lawn mower with a fast charge time to reduce the wait time. Some models come with backup batteries. These are great because they offer longer runtime. Find one that offers a good runtime and fast charge time to make your work a lot easier and faster.

Storage

Rather than opt for a mower that will take up a lot of space in your garage or home, it makes sense to buy one with a foldable handle for compact storage.

Terrain

While some lawn mowers are ideal for even terrain, they aren’t for rough or uneven landscapes. Choose a model or product that will handle your terrain conveniently to make the mowing session fun.  

The Challenges of Mowing Thick Grass

Mowing thick grass can be a bit more challenging than cutting a regular one. Here are some of the challenges you may face:

Dull blades

Your lawn mower’s cutting blade will become dull after some mowing sessions. This may result in a non-uniform cut and a deteriorating lawn. To fix this problem, replace the dull blade or sharpen it.

Battery drains fast

If your battery powered mower’s battery drains quickly, check the battery post first. If you identify a loose connection with the cable, tighten it. Remove contaminants by cleaning the posts and checking the battery case for cracks. Fix the cracks to address the problem.

Blade motor stalling

Blade motor stalling is another problem common with cutting long and thick grass. Since this is majorly a maintenance problem, lubricate the spindle and drive belt to make them move freely and swiftly. Otherwise, stalling is inevitable.

Check the air filter as well. If it is choked, clean it thoroughly to solve the problem. Check the deck part. Don’t overlook the blade and belt part as well. The presence of contaminants in any of these places may lead to stalling. So, remove obstructions or contaminants you find in any of these places to prevent stalling.

Cutting height

Choosing the perfect cutting height for thick grass can be quite challenging. If the setting is too low, you will have to put extra effort to cut the grass. You may also overload the mower and hamper its efficiency if you choose a high setting.

The best option for thick grass is the two-step procedure. First set the height high so you can easily clip the grass top to reduce its volume. Then, lower the blades to prevent overloading the mower.

Overloading

Most lawnmowers are protected against overloading with an overload protection feature. This is to ensure that the thick grass doesn’t interfere with the mower’s motor or other important parts. Before a mower shuts down as a result of overloading, it will sound a warning alert.

When you hear the overload alert, slow the motor down to reduce the quantity of glass making contact with it considerably. Then, reduce your mowing speed. Finally, increase the blade’s height.

Mowing Safety Tips

Being safety conscious is key to a smooth and hassle-free mowing experience. Protect yourself, your mower, and loved by abiding with these safety tips:

Don’t mow in wet conditions

Avoiding mowing in wet conditions is one of the most important safety tips you should always bear in mind. When you mow wet grass, the grass will stick to the mower’s underside and may clog the rotary deck as well. That’s besides the tendency for an uneven cut that may eventually leave ruts in your lawn.

Fungal problems and the risk of electric shock when mowing with an electric mower are other reasons why you should allow your lawn to dry up before mowing it.

Wear protective gear

Wear protective gear like safety glasses, face shields, close-toed shoes, and long, thick trousers to protect yourself from airborne debris, rocks, and other harmful objects. Sturdy shoes will also offer more traction and reduce your chances of slipping and injuring yourself during a mowing session.

A pair of protective gloves will cushion the effects of excessive vibration on your hand and other ailments that may result from such vibrations, such as vibration white finger.

Keep your kids away

If you have kids, don’t entertain their inquisitiveness while mowing. Keep them away from the lawn to avoid the devastating effect of being hit by a flying object or being injured by hot engines and sharp blades.

It’s advisable to keep people on your property indoors during the entire mowing session

Tidy up extension cords

If you’re using a corded lawn mower, tidy up the cords so they won’t trigger electric accidents or shock. Check the condition of the connections, extension leads, cables, and other necessary parts before hitting the lawn.

Don’t work on a hot mower

You may want to fix a problem that suddenly crops up while mowing. That’s commendable. Nevertheless, don’t do that while the mower is still hot to avoid burning your skin on a hot gas tank, engine, or exhaust.

More so, don’t refuel a petrol tank when it’s still hot. Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing too. These measures will protect you from being burnt by a hot mower.

Clear the mowing path

Before you start mowing, check the lawn for objects that can serve as obstacles or hidden dangers. Holes, objects, or bumps can be hidden by tall grass. Carefully check the grass for such obstacles and remove them. Be cautious when approaching trees, corners, or other obstacles that may block your view so you’ll have a clear idea of what you’re doing and where you’re going.

Frequently Asked Questions