When looking for a lawnmower for small yard, you may need a compact yet powerful mower to easily cut through thick and tall grass in open and confined spaces.
However, finding the best mower for small yards may be overwhelming, given the numerous mower options in the market for larger yards such as zero-turn mowers. For this reason, we saw it noble to research and review the ten best lawn mowers 2023 for small yards and a guide to influence your buying decision.
We based our selection on the mowers with:
- Compact size
- Durable blades
- Easy maneuverability
- Small and durable deck
- Ease of use features, etc
Our Top 10 Picks
Our top-rated lawnmowers for small yards include:
- Best Corded: Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower
- Most Lightweight: Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower,
- Best Reel Push: American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Best Battery Powered: Worx WG779 40V Power Share 4.0Ah 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower
- Best Self-Propelled: Snapper 1687914 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled, Red/Black
- Best Budget: Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
- Most Versatile: BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger, 12-Inch (BESTA512CM)
- Best Bagging: Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower,
- Lightest Option: BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, 12-Amp, 17-Inch, Corded (BEMW482ES)
- Best Foldable Handles: Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower
Keep reading to learn about their features, pros and cons, and a buyer’s guide.
1. Best corded: Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower
When looking for a mower to cut grass in your mid-sized lawn, do not go beyond the Greenworks 25022 small electric mower. It features a powerful 12 amp motor and a 20 inches long-lasting steel deck to give you fast and precise cuts.
What made us rank 25022 as the best lawn mower for small yard is its ease of use. For instance, the mower is easy to start by pressing a button. Use the single lever height adjustment mechanism to adjust the cutting height to any seven positions within 1.5 and 3.75 inches.
Being one of the best electric lawn mowers for small yards, this small electric lawn mower offers you mulching, side discharge, and bagging options for discharging the grass clippings.
You can use the mulching and side discharge options to return the grass clippings onto the lawn. On the other hand, the bagging option is ideal if you don’t want to litter your lawn with grass clippings.
Moving the mower across the lawn is easy given the integrated four wheels and the ergonomic handle.
What is more interesting is that the mower has no limited runtime. You can use it as long as it’s connected to the power mains.
After mowing, you can fold the handle for compact storage.
Pros
- No limited runtime
- Fast cutting speed
- 3-in-1 discharge options
- Adjustable deck height
- Durable construction
Cons
- The mowing area is limited to cord length
Specifications
Power source: Corded electric
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Manual reel
Size: 26.9 x 16.1 x 18 inches
Weight: 56 pounds
Cutting Width: 20 inches
Height range: 1.5 up to3.75 inches
Amperage: 12 amp
Operation mode: Manual
Runtime: No limit
2. Most lightweight: Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Scotts mechanical lawnmower might be your ideal option if you are looking for a green mower that is silent and emission-free. It is man-powered, meaning it will rely on your power to work.
We loved this mower’s durable heat-treated alloy steel blades, which eat on the grass in a scissor-like action to deliver precise cuts.
Using the integrated height adjustment mechanism, you can tailor the cutting height between 1 and 1.75 for precise and even cuts.
The lightweight nature of this mower, the integrated 8.5-inch composite wheels, and the cushioned T-style handles make it easy to push the mower in and within your lawn.
Unlike its gas-powered and electric counterparts, the Scotts push lawn mower does not require regular maintenance. All you need is to maintain the sharpness of the blades to maintain their cutting efficiency.
Pros
- Durable blades
- Easy maneuverability
- Adjustable cutting height
- Best for physical exercise
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Pushing the mower may be Tiresome
Specifications
Power Source: Manual
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Reel only
Size: 41.73 x 19.61 x 26.18 inches
Weight: 18.08 pounds
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Height range: 1″ up to 1.75″
Operation mode: Self-propelled
3. Best Reel Push: American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Another green alternative for gas powered mowers is the 1204-14 push reel lawn mower by the American Lawn Mower Company. It boasts a 14-inch 4-blade reel for delivering quality cuts through thick and tall grass.
The cutter blades feature a heat-treated alloy steel construction to overcome the most obstacles and maintain their sharpness. This explains why the manufacturer claims that the blades can retain their sharpness for five years.
You can set your preferred cutting height using the featured height adjustment mechanism at any point between 0.5 and 1.75 inches.
The mower’s lightweight, composite wheels and ergonomic handles make it easy to push and transport the machine.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Cheap option
- Adjustable cutting height
- Durable blades
- Great tool for workout enthusiasts
Cons
- Relatively slow mowing speed
Specifications
Power source: Manual
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Push
Size: 20 x 24 x 42.5 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Height range: 0.5 up to 1.75 inches
Operation mode: Manual
4. Best Battery Powered: Worx WG779 40V Power Share 4.0Ah 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower
The next mower on our list is the WG779, 40V cordless lawn mower by Worx. It boasts two 20V, 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries that can support mowing up to 5,000 square feet.
More interesting about this mower is the integrated intellicut technology, which lets you shift the mower to high power when you encounter tough grass and back to standard power to save energy.
Additionally, the mower features a 6-positions height adjustment mechanism to allow you to tailor your most preferred cutting height within 1.5 and 3.5 inches.
The mower offers you mulching and bagging options for discharging the grass clippings on the rear end.
More specifically, the mulching option features a mulching blade for reducing the grass clippings to a smaller size before returning them onto the lawn. The reason behind the installation of the mulching option was to offer an efficient way of adding organic nutrients to the soil.
On the other hand, the bagging option is ideal if you don’t want to litter your lawn with cut grass. It includes an easy-to-remove 0.85 bushels bag for holding the cut grass for disposal at a designated location. The integrated full bag indicator will alert you when the bag is ready for removal.
The featured battery level indicator helps keep your battery level under watch so that the battery doesn’t run out of juice while mowing.
Pros
- Includes indicators for battery and full bag
- 2-in-1 discharge options
- Clean and fast cuts given the Intellecut technology and the powerful motor
- 6-height adjustment options
- Powerful batteries
Cons
- Lacks the side discharge option
Specifications
Power source: Battery
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Push
Size: 52.99 x 14.5 x 39 inches
Weight: 29.1 pounds
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Height range: 1.5 to 3.5 inches
Operation mode: Manual
Voltage: 40 V
Runtime: Up to 1/8 acre / 5,000 sq ft
5. Best Self-Propelled: Snapper 1687914 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled, Red/Black
The snapper 1687914 is your go-to option if you are looking for a compact mower with a powerful motor and various easy-to-use features for your mowing business. Its 82 volts motor runs on two Briggs and Stratton 2.0Ah batteries, which can support up to 45 minutes of non-stop mowing.
This best lawn mower for small yards is easy to use. For instance, you can start the mower by pressing the start button on the handle. And tailor the cutting height to your perfection use the 7-position height adjustment lever.
Another notable feature of this easy-to-use lawn mower is the 21-inch deck with bagging, mulching, and side discharge options for disposing of the grass gripping. Use the mulching and the side-discharge options if your lawn care customer requests you to return the grass clippings onto the lawn. The bagging option is ideal if you want to clear all the cut grass from your lawn.
The efficiency of this mower is further enhanced by:
- The integrated load sensing technology, which detects the need for mower cutting power and adjusts accordingly
- The ergonomic four wheels and handle for easy maneuverability
- Compact design, allowing for easy storage
Pros
- Fast and efficient cuts
- Adjustable height
- Easy to assemble and use
- Multiple waste discharge options
Cons
- Expensive option
Specifications
Power source: Battery
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Push
Size: 44.5 x 21.5 x 19 inches
Weight: 80.9 Pounds
Cutting Width: 21 Inches
Height range: 7 cutting heights
Voltage: 82Volts
Operation mode: Automatic
Runtime: up to 45 minutes
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6. Best budget: Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
If you are looking for an environmentally-conscious lawnmower to replace your carbon-emitting gas mower, then do not go beyond the 204-14 reel lawn mower by the Green States. 204-14 reel lawn mower boasts heat-treated alloy steel blades to give you clean cuts in the long run.
The 14-inch reel’s four blades work in a scissor-like action to give clean and leveled cuts without shredding or ripping the grass blades. You can adjust the blades to your favorite cutting height within 1 and 1.75 inches.
With 8.5 inch composite wheels, an ergonomic handle, and 20 lbs weight, the 204-14 Hand Reel lawn mower is easy to move in and out of the lawn. Also, its lightweight and compact designs make it easy to store and transport the mower.
The 204-14 Hand, Reel Push lawnmower is motor-free. That means you don’t have to worry about the noise, carbon emissions, and regular motor repairs of gas-powered engines. Looking at it from a different angle, the lack of a motor means you should be ready to sacrifice your energy.
Pros
- Durable blades
- Easy to maintain
- Highly portable
- Environmentally friendly
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Maybe tiresome due to the manual propulsion
- Lacks the baggage option
Specifications
Power source: Manual
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Reel only
Size: 23 x 8.5 x 13 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Height range: 1 up to 1.75 inches
Operation mode: Manual
7. Most Versatile: BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger, 12-Inch (BESTA512CM)
Make clean cuts using the black Decker’s BESTA512CM corded electric mower. This 3-in-1 device offers you mowing, trimming, and edging options to let you perform multiple cutting operations with a single tool.
The small electric mower is meant to cut through small spaces, with a 6.5 amps gasless motor with a POWERDRIVE™ Transmission, 8000 rpm cutting speed, 1.6-inch cutting height, and 12-inch cutting width.
Its lightweight design coupled with four wheels and the auxiliary handle allows you to easily move the mower in and out of the lawn.
Another notable feature of the BESTA512CM corded mower is the automatic feed pool, which conveniently stores your power cord.
The 3-in-1 mower is the most ideal for:
- Mowing through small yards and inclined areas where the typical mowers cannot reach
- Trimming hard to reach areas where you cannot trim with typical mowers
- Edging flower beds, sidewalks, and borders
Note: you can adjust the cutting height to any position between 1.6 and 2.4 inches
Pros
- 3-in-1 machine
- Highly portable
- Best for confined areas
- Delivers smooth and fast cuts
Cons
- Its application is limited to the length of the cord
Specifications
Power source: Corded electric
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Push
Size: 15 x 7 x 37 inches
Weight: 9.9 pounds
Cutting Width: 12 inches
Height range: 1.5 up to3.75 inches
Amperage: 6.5 amps
Operation mode: Automatic
Runtime: No limit
8. Best Bagging: Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower
The next best small yard mower on our list is the MJ401C, a 14-inch cordless lawn mower by sun Joe. It boasts of a 600w powerful motor and 14-inch cutting deck, which work together to deliver clean cuts throughout your lawn.
Its 600W powerful motor runs on 28V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries, which support up to 25 minutes of non-stop mowing.
Press the button on the handle section to start the mower.
The mower is easy to push given the ergonomic handle, the integrated four wheels, and the 23.1 pounds weight. The mower’s compact design allows you to cut through small lawns easily.
Use the integrated battery level indicator to monitor the remaining juice level to avoid running out of power while still on the lawn.
Another good thing about this mower is that it lets you tailor your cutting height within 1.18 up to 2.52 inches using the 6-position height adjustment mechanism.
Better still, the mower comes with a Detachable 10.6 gallons bag to let you capture all your grass clippings for organized disposal.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Highly mobile
- Easy to use
- Efficient waste disposal
Cons
- Features plastic components
- Lacks mulching option for waste disposal
Specifications
Power source: Battery
Material: ABS plastic
Style: Push
Size: 61.5 x 21 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 23.1 Pounds
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Height range: 1.18 up to 2.52 inches
Amperage: 6.5 amps
Operation mode: Manual
Runtime: Up to 25 minutes
9. Lightest Option: BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, 12-Amp, 17-Inch, Corded (BEMW482ES)
Looking for a lightweight and emission-free lawn mower for small yard to help with your cutting needs? Let BEMW482ES electric lawn mower Black Decker do the job for you. It boasts a 12 amp brushless motor and 17-inch deck to allow you to cut through dense grass with ease.
The mower is easy to use. Press the button on the handle to start the mower. You can adjust your favorite cutting height between 1 to 3 inches using the 6-position adjustable height mechanism.
When it comes to disposing of the grass clippings, the mower comes with a winged blade to reduce the cut grass into smaller sizes and channel them from the deck to the holding bag.
The cushioned handles and the rugged wheels enhance the mower’s maneuverability throughout the lawn.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Adjustable height
- Clean and fast cuts
- Zero emissions
Cons
- The application area is tied to the cord length
Specifications
Power source: Corded electric
Material: Alloy steel
Style: Push
Size: 31 x 19 x 16 inches
Weight: 4 Pounds
Cutting Width: 17 inches
Height range: 1 up to 3 inches
Amperage: 12 amps
Operation mode: Manual
Runtime: Unlimited
10. Best Foldable Handles: Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower
The Greenworks 25142 Corded Mower boasts a 10 amp motor, 16-inch deck, and 5-positions height adjustments to let you make fast and even cuts through thick grass.
The mower is easy to start with the press of a button. The 5-positions height adjustment mechanism lets you customize the cutting height to any of the 5 points between 5/8 and 2-5/8 inches.
Moving the mower within the yard is easy, given the mower’s ergonomic handle and wheels.
The mower offers you mulching and bagging options on the rear end to let you dispose of the grass clipping with ease. All you need is to shift to your favorite disposal option.
Pros
- Adjustable cutting height
- Fast and precise cuts
- Highly mobile
- Multiple options for disposing of cut grass
- Easy to store given the foldable handles and compact design
Cons
- Lacks a side discharge option
Specifications
Power source: Corded electric
Style: Push
Size: 31 x 19 x 16 inches
Weight: 37.5 Pounds
Cutting Width: 16 Inches
Height range: 5/8 up to 2-5/8 inches
Amperage: 10 amps
Operation mode: Manual
Runtime: Unlimited
Buyers Guide: Considerations to Make When Buying A Lawn Mower
Choosing the best lawnmower for small yard doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This section outlines the various considerations you need to make to make the right pick.
Power Sources
Generally, lawn mowers for small lawns fall under the reel, corded, cordless, and gas-powered categories.
The reel push lawn mowers are operated manually. They don’t rely on electricity or gas to cut through grass, but your power. They are the greenest and the cheapest option to buy and maintain. Their compact and lightweight nature suits them for use in small lawns.
Corded lawn mowers are cheaper and lighter than cordless and gas-powered counterparts. They are ideal for use in small lawns since they must be tethered to the electricity mains to function efficiently.
The cordless mowers are battery-powered. They are relatively more expensive and heavier than the corded lawnmowers. Their application in the yard is limited to battery run time, and they can work for both small and large lawns.
Gas-powered lawn mowers are the heaviest and the most expensive lawn mowers. They are powerful enough to clear both large and small lawns in no time. However, their noisy and carbon-emitting engines and their high price reduce their mowing efficiency.
Deck Width
The width of a deck determines the lawn area you can clear on each stripe and the time it may take you to finish mowing the lawn. Specifically, a wider deck will take you less time to mow up the lawn.
However, this does not qualify for wide-deck mowers for use on your small lawn. A small deck may be handy when you want to mow through narrow and hard-to-reach spaces. That is why you should familiarize yourself with your mowing needs before shopping for a mower.
Mobility
The mobility of the mower is another important factor to consider when shopping for a mower. You can tell how mobile a mower is by looking at factors like:
The Weight
Lightweight mowers are easier to move in and within the lawn than heavy ones. Make sure you pick a mower that won’t give you a hard time when pushing it on your lawn.
Method of Propulsion
Some mowers are partially self-propelled to reduce your push effort, while others are entirely manual, meaning that they rely on your energy to move around the lawn.
The self-propelled lawns may be your best bet if you have a steep small lawn. If you must go for a manually propelled mower, we recommend the lightweight options.
Carrier Handles
If you own a mowing business, it’s important to note that your mowing team will have to carry the mowers to the customer site. You should go for mowers with ergonomic carrier handles to allow for easy transportation.
Noise Level
Go for low-noise electric and reel mowers so that you won’t disturb the neighbors with noise when mowing your small lawn.
Final Words
When looking for a mower for your small lawn, you should focus on mowers that help you accomplish your cutting needs efficiently while conserving the environment. That means going for electric and reel push lawn mowers.
If you are new to the mowing business, we have reviewed the top-rated lawn mowers and the factors to consider to give you an idea of the mower you should pick. Check us out to get more insights into starting and nurturing a successful lawn care business.
