The Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
When it comes to maintaining a small yard, having the right lawn mower can make all the difference. With so many options available in the market, choosing the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. Factors such as ease of use, durability, and reliability play a crucial role in selecting the perfect lawn mower for your small yard. Additionally, considering storage space and yard size is essential to avoid wasting time and space.
Types of Lawn Mowers
Gas-Powered
Gas-powered lawn mowers are known for their reliability and power. They are suitable for small yards but require regular maintenance and can be heavier compared to other types of mowers.
Corded Electric
Corded electric mowers are quiet and easy to start. They are ideal for small- to midsize yards but may struggle with heavy or wet grass.
Battery-Powered
Battery-powered mowers offer the convenience of cordless operation. They are lightweight, environmentally friendly, and quiet. However, battery life and price should be considered before making a purchase.
Push Reel
Push reel mowers are eco-friendly and require manual power. They are quiet, efficient, and affordable, making them a great choice for small yards.
Key Considerations
Terrain
Consider the terrain of your yard, including obstacles, debris, and wheel size requirements.
Engine Features
Understand the engine features of the mower, including power output and maintenance requirements.
Starting Mechanism
Choose a mower with a simple starting mechanism for ease of use.
Cutting Width and Height
Consider the cutting width and height settings of the mower to ensure it meets your lawn maintenance needs.
Mulching and Bags
Determine whether you prefer mulching or bagging options for grass clippings.
Maneuverability
Choose a mower that is lightweight and maneuverable for tight spaces in your yard.
Safety Features
Ensure the mower has adequate safety features to prevent accidents during operation.
Maintenance
Consider the maintenance requirements of the mower, including cleaning, blade sharpening, and winterization.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Greenworks G-Max 40V 16” Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks G-Max is a top choice for small yards, offering a clean, battery-powered engine and easy push-button start.
Best Bang For The Buck: Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 14″ 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower is affordable, easy to start, and compact, making it ideal for small yards.
Upgrade Pick: Gardena 15001-41 Robotic Lawn Mower
The Gardena Robotic Lawn Mower offers automated convenience for small yards, with Bluetooth app control and quiet operation.
Best Gas-Powered: Craftsman M105 140cc 21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower
The Craftsman M105 is a compact gas-powered mower with a powerful engine and adjustable cutting options.
Best Electric: Greenworks 19″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks Electric Lawn Mower is a reliable and powerful option for small yards, with adjustable height settings and a compact design.
Best Reel: Great States 18″ 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual, eco-friendly option for small yards, offering quiet operation and adjustable cutting height.
Best Cordless: Makita XML03CM1 18V X2 (36V) LXT 18″ Lawn Mower
The Makita Cordless Lawn Mower provides the convenience of cordless operation with impressive power and runtime.
Best Lightweight: Black+Decker Electric Lawn Mower 15″ 10-Amp
The Black+Decker Electric Lawn Mower is a lightweight and capable option for small yards, with adjustable height settings and a collection bag.
Best Robotic: Worx Landroid M 20V 2.0Ah Robotic Lawn Mower
The Worx Landroid Robotic Lawn Mower offers automated mowing for small yards, with Bluetooth app control and a rain sensor.
Best Manual: American Lawn Mower Company 14″ Push Reel Lawn Mower
The American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Lawn Mower is a compact and eco-friendly option for small yards, offering adjustable cutting height and easy maintenance.
Our Verdict
For small yards, the Greenworks G-Max Cordless Lawn Mower stands out as the best overall choice, offering a clean and powerful battery-powered engine. However, the Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly option with compact design and easy start features.
How We Chose the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards
Our selection process involved analyzing various mowers based on factors such as engine power, ease of use, maneuverability, cutting options, and maintenance requirements. We aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the best lawn mowers for small yards to help users make an informed decision.
FAQs
Q. What horsepower do I need for my lawn mower?
For small yards, engine sizes over 120cc for gas mowers, 12-amp ratings for corded mowers, and 36V for cordless electric mowers are suitable.
Q. How do I remove a lawn-mower blade?
To remove a lawn-mower blade, ensure the mower is off, hold the blade in place, and loosen the bolt(s) with a wrench.
Q. How do I change the oil in my lawn mower?
To change the oil in your lawn mower, tilt the mower, drain the old oil, and refill it with new 30W mower oil.
Q. How do I clean my lawn mower?
To clean your lawn mower, remove debris from the underside, spray it with a garden hose, and inspect for any caked-on dirt or grass.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been a trusted source of home improvement advice for decades. Our team of experts thoroughly researches and recommends products to support homeowners in their projects. Tom Scalisi, a freelance writer specializing in home design and construction, contributed to this review.