Taking care of lawns is not an easy task as it involves a lot of time and manual effort. But you can simplify the process by investing in a lawn mower. These lawn mowers are available in different sizes and capacities to suit user requirements. Without proper knowledge, it can be difficult to analyze and shortlist a model among the varied range. We suggest considering the below-mentioned main factors while purchasing a lawn mower for your small yard.
Power Source: Manual and electricity (corded or cordless) are two main types of power sources available for lawn mowers while dealing with small yards. The gas-powered mower is considered the less convenient option for small yards. Why because its powerful engine is not necessary for mowing small areas with less grass. Cutting Width: The cutting width of a particular lawn mower will determine the grass cutting area in a single pass. The cutting width range will be 14 – 16 inches (for gas-powered mowers), and 15 – 21 inches (for electric and reel style mowers). A mower with higher cutting width will make it difficult to maneuver around small spaces while having a mower with a little small cutting width, then it takes a longer time to mow. Cutting Height: Though it is essential to cut the grass to make it grow with even height. The range of cutting height will be 1 – 3. 5 inches, in which you can adjust and set the cutting height as per your requirement. After doing, the grass length in the lawn will be equal.
We have explained everything about lawn mowers for small yards in our detailed Buying guide. Also, to cut down your searching time, here we came up with a list of the best lawn mowers for small yards. Read on to purchase your best lawn mower within your budget range and perfect for your lawn requirement.
Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards Table
7 Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards: Reviews
1. GreenWorks Electric Lawn Mower
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GreenWorks is another great brand of lawn mowers that offers highly reliable options. And we are here with a great 20 inch electric lawn mower from GreenWorks. GreenWorks 250022 electric lawn mower is in the 1st position in this article as it offers a powerful 12 amp motor. And this motor offers you with a 20 inch cutting width which is quite useful for larger lawns. You also get a push start system in this lawn mower and it is quite easy to use. This lawn mower offers a 7 position height adjustment system with a range of 1-½ to 3-¾ inches according to your needs and requirements. The 10 inch rear and 7 inch front wheels allow you to easily use this lawn mower even in long grass without any issues. Another great feature of this lawn mower is that it offers a foldable handle for easily storing it once you have used it. You also get a rear bag in this lawn mower for storing grass along with the option of side discharge. Best Features
20 inch cutting width 1-½ to 3-¾ inch cutting height Grass bag with discharge option 12 amp motor 4 year warranty Large sized wheels Foldable handles 7 position height adjustment
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
2. BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower
Black Decker is another highly popular brand out there if you are looking for power tools. It also offers multiple lawn mower options out there out of which we have mentioned one of the most popular ones in this article. The Black Decker Besta is one of the smallest electric powered lawn mowers present in this article. It has a 12 inch cutting width that offers a great balance between cutting performance and compactness for easily storing this lawn mower. You also get a cutting height of 1.6 inch to 2.4 inch that can be adjusted as per your requirement. As for its power, it is powered by a 6.5 amp motor that is powered using a power cord. This lawn mower can also be converted between a trimmer and an edger as per your needs and requirements. You also get an automatic feed spool that lets you use the mower without having to adjust the spool again and again. The blade of this lawn mower spins at 8000 RPM which is quite high when compared with other options out there. Best Features
12 inch cutting width 6 to 2.4 inch cutting height 5 amp 8000 RPM motor Works as a trimmer and an edger 2 year warranty Corded lawn mower Automatic feed spool
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
3. American 1204 Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower is a leading manufacturer of lawn and garden maintenance equipment. The brand has been fulfilling the needs of garden enthusiasts with its innovative products for the past 120 years. American Lawn Mower’s lawn mower uses a 4-blade reel with a decent cutting width of 14 inches that is ideal for cutting overgrown grass on a small yard. The height of the blade can be adjusted allowing you to cut grass at heights of 0.5 to 1.75 inches. With this lawn mower, you can cut grasses that are up to 4 inches tall. The blades are made of heat-treated alloy to retain the sharpness even after years of use. It would be sufficient if you sharpen the blades once every 3-5 years. As an electric-powered lawn mower, this operates without producing any noise. Furthermore, it is easy to start with just the press of a button and there is no maintenance work involved. Although this lawn mower has to be assembled, you can assemble it easily in less than 10 minutes. It is lightweight with just 20 lbs. Plus, it is equipped with 8.5-inch durable wheels that provide easy maneuverability. American Lawn Mower Company backs this lawn mower with a 90-day limited warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
14-inch cutting width 0.5 to 1.75-inch cutting height Cuts grass up to 4 inches 90-day warranty Low maintenance Lightweight with 20 lbs Large 8.5-inch wheels for maneuverability
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
4. Worx Lawn Mower
Worx is another popular brand that specializes in developing power tools, lawn maintenance equipment, and other outdoor equipment. The brand leverages advanced technology to design products with innovative features and superior performance. This lawn mower is one of the most powerful options on our list. It is powered by two 20V 4.0Ah Power Share batteries for your heavy-duty cutting tasks. With this battery capacity, you can mow up to ⅛-acre area on a single charge. The lawn mower comes with an Intellicut feature that provides torque on demand for tougher conditions. The 14-inch blade features 6 height adjustment levels. Using the lever, you can adjust the height of the blade to maintain uniform height of the grass based on your preference. You can adjust the height of the blade from 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Apart from cutting the grass, you can also bag it up or mulch the grass back into the ground using this versatile equipment. It is equipped with a .85 bushels capacity and a full-bag indicator that lets you know when it is time to empty the bag. There is also an on-board battery level indicator that shows exactly how much charge is left in the mower. With a weight of just 29 lbs, you can maneuver this lawn mower easily around your small yard. It features a dual-port charger for faster charging. Worx backs this lawn mower with a 3-year limited warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
14-inch cutting width 2.5 to 3.5-inch cutting height 2-in-1 function 3-year warranty .85 bushel-capacity bag Full bag indicator On-board battery level indicator Lightweight with 29 lbs
Components
Lawn Mower Two 20V batteries Charger User manual Warranty card
5. American Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower Company is one of the most reputable brands out there if you are looking for a lawn mower for your backyard. We have mentioned a great electric option from this company in this article. The American Lawn Mower Company 50514 is in the 5th position in this article as it is one of the cheapest options in this article. And even then it offers a 14 inch cutting width along with a decently powerful 11 amp motor. As a result, you can easily cut a lot of grass at once using this lawn mower. It is a corded lawn mower that requires you to plug it into a wall socket for using it to cut your backyard grass. You also get a 2 year warranty with it. This lawn mower also offers a cutting height of 1 to 2.5 inch which is quite decent for its given price. To make this lawn mower highly practical, it includes an inbuilt grass bag. And this hard top grass bag offers a capacity of 16 gallon for easily disposing grass once you have cut it. You also get a grass level indicator in this grass bag for ease of use. Best Features
14 inch cutting width 1 to 2.5 inch cutting height 16 gallon grass bag 11 amp motor 2 year warranty Corded lawn mower Large sized wheels Multiple handle height options
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
6. Great States Lawn Mower
Great States is one of the highest rated lawn mower brands available out there. And unlike all other options in this article, this Great States lawn mower is a manual push lawn mower. This Great States 204-14 lawn mower is in this article as it is a push lawn mower. As a result, it requires almost zero maintenance and a great option for small yards. It comes with a 14 inch blade with 3 spiders and 4 blades. You also get an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 to 1.75 inch for easily cutting grass as per your requirement. This lawn mower offers 8.5 inch wheels for easily navigating it through grass. It uses heat treated alloy steel and this allows the blades last for a really long time. Since this is a manual lawn mower with no engine, storing it is quite easy. You also get a T-style handle in this lawn mower that can be used to easily mowing your grass. Unlike a powered lawn mower, this one does not make any noise either. Best Features
14 inch cutting width 3 spiders and 4 blades 5 to 1.75 inch cutting height T-shaped handle Easy to store 2 year warranty 5 inch wheels No maintenance and noise
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
7. EGO Power+ Lawn Mower
Ego Power+ offers some of the most premium lawn mower options out there. And we are here with the only battery powered lawn mower present in this article from Ego Power+. This Ego Power+ lawn mower comes with an included battery kit for easily using it without needing to plug into a wall socket. It comes with a 56 volt lithium ion battery that can be easily charged. The included 5.0 Ah battery can be easily charged using the included charger. You get a battery life of up to 55 minutes while using this lawn mower on battery power. Just like other electric mowers out there, this one also offers a push start button. You get a large 20 inch cutting width in this lawn mower along with a cutting height of 1.2 inch to 3.5 inch. As a result, it is among some of the most powerful lawn mowers out there. And since it is a highly expensive lawn mower, you also get a 3 year warranty with it for peace of mind. It also has a grass bag on the back along with the option of side discharge and mulching lawn mower as required by the user. Best Features
20 inch cutting width 2 to 3.5 inch cutting height Grass bag with option for side discharge and mulching lawn mower 0 Ah battery 3 year warranty Push start button 55 minute battery life
Components
Lawn Mower User manual Warranty card
How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards
Here we are going to know some of the key factors that have to be taken into consideration while shopping for a lawn mower for a small lawn/garden.
1. Cutting Width
The cutting width of the mower will let you know the grass cutting area in a single pass. Picking a mower with a big cutting width will make it a bit difficult to maneuver around the small spaces. If you select too small mower, then it takes a bit longer time to do the task. So, it is essential to get the right mower with 14 – 16 inches cutting width for small yards. If you have a uniform layout of the lawn (rectangle or square), then prefer to choose a mower with a 16-inches cutting width. While if a yard is full of obstacles, then pick a 14-inch cutting width mower for better maneuverability. Generally, electric mowers are made with widths of 15 – 21 inches to make them perfect for small yards. The same is applicable for the reel-style mower.
2. Cutting Height
Cutting height of a mower is another essential feature to check out when cutting the grass on the lawn. Here the grass should be of even height for best results. The range of cutting height for most mowers will be 1 – 3.5 inches, in which lawn mower helps you to cut grass as per your requirement. One can adjust and set the cutting height of the mower within this range. When once it is done the grass length in the lawn will be of the same cutting height.
3. Power Source
Gas-powered lawn mowers are not meant to use for small yards, why because their maintenance and usage will be a big hassle rather than taking care of a small lawn area of grass. Though manual and electric (corded & cordless) are two main power sources available for lawn mowers to use on small yards. But a few manufacturers designed gas-powered mowers for small lawns to help to mow your lawn quickly without much effort. Here is the detailed explanation of each option that helps you to choose the best one, as per your requirement.
Electric Corded Lawn Mower –
It is the most popular mower for small yards, offering a bit more features at an affordable price range. With its continuous usage, until it is plugged in, it is considered the better and powerful option than battery-powered models. The power cord length is its main drawback. It makes it a bit difficult to maneuver around, particularly while the yard possesses lots of obstacles like flower beds or trees. Also, electric corded mowers are considered the next lighter and cheaper option after reel mowers.
Battery Powered or Cordless Lawn Mowers –
With their rechargeable batteries, the cordless mower is used to mow anywhere on the lawn without any nearby electric outlet or power cord length. These are lightweight, noiseless, and eco-friendly mowers. Though it is gaining popularity these days, yet one has to check the charge and runtime of a particular mower before buying. It is a perfect and convenient option for smaller yards. The main drawback of this type is the limited battery life (runtime) and has to recharge the battery (or keep extra battery) to continue your work. So, check out the battery life and warranty on the product before buying.
Manual (or) Push Lawn Mowers –
Since they cut grass without using electricity or gas, it is considered simple, eco-friendly, portable, compact, easy to store, and maintenance-free mowers. These are hand-powered mowers that come at an affordable price range with a simple design and are a perfect option for those mowing the lawn regularly. The main drawback for this type is that they won’t work well on thick or long grass (4-inch or taller). But one can mow over a thick lawn with this reel mower in a checkerboard or overlapping pattern.
Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers –
They have a powerful engine that makes them work more effectively than other types of mowers. Yet these are heavier, noisier, and hard to maintain like changing oil regularly, fuel mix-ups, and produce emissions, which makes it not an eco-friendly mower. So, for all these reasons, it is the least preferred option while dealing with small yards. Yet a perfect powerful option for medium-large yards.
4. Weight
It is quite difficult to push a heavier mower, especially for seniors, or children. Usually, the electric or manual powered mowers used for small yards are not as heavy as gas-powered models. Yet, one has to check out the weight of a given lawn mower before making its purchase. It will help you to know whether or not, you can push the mower around the lawn for perfect cutting.
5. Starting Mechanism
It is quite essential to check out the starting mechanism before buying a lawn mower for small yards. Mostly this problem is faced while using electric models (gas models are not preferred mostly for small lawns), but not for manual models. The mower should be easy to start without much ordeal. Although, it is a simple and straightforward to start an electric mower. All you need is to connect the mower to an electric power source, turn on the power and push the button to start the mower. While if using gas-powered mower for small lawns, then it is a bit difficult to start the mower compared to electric models.
6. Grass Disposal System
Some people use clippings as mulch, while others won’t like the lawn clippings on their yard. Most lawn mowers discharge clippings through the space available on the mower’s side for grass clippings to dispose of the mower. A few models offer a perfectly fitted detachable bag in this space, which allows the user to bag those clippings and use them as mulch. So, most people prefer to choose a mower with a detachable bag. The reason is that they keep the yard clean, and also the mulch will enrich the soil with nutrients and restricts the weeds from growing.
7. Maneuverability
An easily maneuverable lawn mower is a perfect option for the yard having lots of obstacles or less spaces between garden beds and shrubbery. This will help to manage for small passages and perfect tight turns. Yet make sure to check out the weight of this easy to maneuver mower, as a lighter mower (of 50 pounds or less) will aid in tighter turns and accurate mowing. Also, a mower with a small width is easy to go through the tight spaces. Plus, check out the mower deck, as it supposes to mow in tight spots, even if it takes more passes.
8. Safety Features
Irrespective of the mower’s type you are using, it should run safely without any hazards while operating, and also, it should be stored easily after its usage. Electric Mowers – Though there are easy to start mowers, which makes them a bit dangerous to operate. Since it can be started easily, even by a child by a simple press of a button. So, to get rid of this issue, you have to check out for electric mowers having a lockable switch or removable key. Reel Mowers – Though it is manually operated, it offers fewer safety features, especially its blades that move whenever its wheels spin. Gas-Powered Mowers – Offers the best safety features, as they have a throttle bar to shut down the mower whenever the push bar is unconfined. So, for those who fall or lose grip of the mower, then it shut off immediately. Common Safety Features – Make sure to wear perfectly fitted shoes, especially closed-toe model while mowing. Keep the pets & children out of this mower.
9. Storage Space
If you lack space for its storage, then check out for foldable options. Most compact lawn mowers offer a foldaway handle along with the grass box. As some models have soft material grass boxes that flatten down.
10. Maintenance
Reel and electric mowers won’t need much maintenance and also, a cold weather won’t affect them. Plus, they won’t use filters or spark plugs and all it needs is to have some common maintenance. Make sure to clean the mower’s underside regularly for a few times every year. This will avoid the build-up of grass and thereby restrict corrosion. Also, resharpen the blade regularly to maintain it sharpen and cut the grass evenly.
11. Price
Price is another essential feature to consider while buying the best lawn mower for small yards. However, the price of manual and corded electric lawn mowers are less compared to cordless lawn mowers. So, check out the price of various models having decent qualities and built-in construction.
12. Motor Power
Motor power is essential to consider while buying a powered lawn mower like electric or gas-powered mowers. If using an electric lawn mower for small yards, check out the motor amp usage, which ranges around 11 or 12 amps. The usage of a mower with a higher amp is more powerful and works quickly and easily. Alternatively, one has to check the power of a gas-powered model with its engine having CC ratings. Just like any other gas-powered engine, the lawn mower engine has CC ratings like 149 CC or 196 CC. As expected, a mower with a larger engine displacement like 196 CC offers more power to cut grass effectively.
Tips to Use the Small Lawn Mower Effectively
Knowing the right tips and tricks will let you use the small lawnmower with ease. Here are some of the common tips explained that helps you to use them effectively. Avoid Mowing Wet Lawn – If the lawn gets wet due to rain or morning dew, then it is advised to wait till it is dried before mowing. The reason is that wet grass is a bit heavier and makes the mower unable to cut the grass effectively, and also it may damage the mower, but not with the case of dry grass. Clean the Mower Deck – Grime and grass build-up under the deck and on the blades of the mower happens commonly. If left untreated, it makes the mower less effective and dull. If using a gas-powered model, then ensure the gas tank is empty and the spark plug wire is disconnected while cleaning the deck with a garden hose. Also, use a blower to blow off the mower after its every usage. Be Cautious While Mowing – Before you start mowing the lawn, make sure to clear the sticks and other debris which may ruin the mower blades. Also, prevent vines and stumps, which may damage or wrapped around the blades of the mower while mowing the lawn. Use Grass Clippings for the Lawn – Some people won’t like to leave grass clippings on their lawn, yet they are good for the yard’s health. They act as a natural fertilizer and when having a mulching feature on a mower, then it decomposes quickly by breaking down the grass and dried leaves. Also, bagging clippings for grass or weeds is helpful to clean the lawn.
Conclusion
Lawn mowers are one of the most essential tools for maintaining your backyard lawn. While some of them are manual, some might be powered via electric motors or gas engines. Similarly, there are various other things to check before buying a lawn mower. And thus, we have mentioned some of the best lawn mower options in this article along with their major features and differences. You can also find a detailed buying guide with all of the aspects related to lawn mowers. But if you are still not able to choose the perfect lawn mower for your needs and requirements, here are some of our requirements:
If you want an electric lawn mower with decent power and a 14 inch cutting width, then you can go with the American Lawn Mower. It offers a very justified price tag to its users while offering decent power. And you also get a 2 year warranty with it despite the affordable price tag. On the other hand, if you have a small lawn in your backyard, then you can also go with the Great States Lawn Mower. This is a hand powered lawn mower which is quite simple and cost effective when compared to powered options and. But if you are looking for a powerful lawn mower, then you can go with the BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower. It comes with a 6.5 amp motor that offers a 12 inch cutting width. And you get a great cutting performance from this lawn mower that also offers a 2 year warranty.
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