The Best Lawn Mowers for a Small Yard Buying Guide

If you are anything like me, it is possible that you find mowing a lawn incredibly therapeutic. Walking on the grass as the mower clips it gives a feeling of perfection, especially after seeing the cut grass.

There is a wide variety in the market right now, and it is possible to get confused when trying to buy one. The confusing aspect is that a good number of them look very similar, and if you do not know much about the mowers, you would not know which one to pick.

There are manual mowers, gas powered mowers, electric mowers, push mowers and even robotic mowers. They all have different characteristics ad capabilities, and there may be a big difference in their prices. The manual mowers are often the most affordable, and the robotic ones are usually quite expensive.

So, does it matter whether it is manual, electric or gas powered? And are you likely to observe a difference between a push mower and a robotic one? This article is going to answer these questions and also review a few top performing machines that are best for a small lawn.

You will also get to read a short buying guide regarding what to look out for in a good lawn mower. It is my hope you will come along!

The Best Lawn Mowers for a Small Lawn

Name of Product	Cutting Width	Type	Action
Great States 815-18 Push Reel Lawn Mower	18 inches	Manual	Buy Here
Greenworks 16 inch Corded Electric Mower	16 inches	Electric	Buy Here
Yard Machines 140cc Push Mower	21 inches	Gas powered	Buy Here
Sun Joe MJ401C	14 inches	Battery powered	Buy Here
Snapper 12AVB2A2707 Self Propelled Mower	21 inches	Gas powered	Buy Here
Black + Decker BEMW482ES Electric Mower	17 inches	Electric	Buy Here

The Best Lawn Mowers for a Small Lawn Products Review

Great States 815-18 Push Reel Lawn Mower – It does not require any source of power to function

This lawn mower is a manual machine that does a decent job even without a source of power.

Specs

• Adjustable cutting height of 0.5 – 2.75 inches
• 18 inches cutting width
• It is manual
• Looped handle with cushioning
• Blades are made of heat treated alloy steel

If you have a small lawn and are looking for an affordable lawn mower, this is the machine for you. It is able to mow with a cutting width of 18 inches and is able to cut semi-tough grass types with ease. Its blades are made using treated steel alloy that makes them stay sharp for a long time.

It is one of the easiest mowers to use and to maintain. It has no engine, no electrical component and no complex part that needs a lot of care and attention. All you have to do is grab the looped handle and give it a good push.

The blades work by cutting the grass as opposed to hacking it as most manual mowers do. The cut is usually precise and clean, leaving the grass healthy and looking good. It is a pleasantly quite piece of equipment that will have you relaxing as you take a walk and mow your grass at the same time. The looped handles are cushioned to give you comfort.

Being a small mower, it takes up very little space in your garage or tool shed, making it more convenient.

Pros

• It makes lean cuts
• It is easy to operate
• It is easy to store
• The blades are heat treated to keep them sharp for a long time
• The handle is cushioned for comfort

Cons

• Being manual, it takes time to finish job

Verdict

This manual mower can be an excellent addition to your exercise routine. Take a walk to unwind and clear your thoughts as you tend to your grass. You also do not need to worry about maintenance. It manages to stay sharp for a good deal of time.

View price here

Greenworks 16 inch Corded Electric Mower – It is powerful but small, making it ideal for small lawns

This small electric lawn mower will have your grass fresh and clean within no time.

Specs

• It is electric, with a 10mAh mortar
• It has a 16 inch cutting width
• It has a 5 position cutting setting
• It has both a mulching and rear discharge capability

This mower is ideal for persons who do not like to take too much time and effort in mowing. Seeing that it is an electrically powered machine, it works faster and smoother. It has a 16 inch cutting width which allows you to go through your lawn with ease.

Its 10 mAh mortar gives it the ability to cut through soft and tough grass types. It boasts a long extension cord that stretches up to a distance of 150 feet. This mower can has 5 different mowing heights allowing you to select a height that suits your lawn. It also adjusts quite fast from one height setting to another. This allows you to be able to cut your grass without leaving patches in case of uneven land. It also has the ability to do mulching and o discharge the cut grass through the rear.

The rear wheels are 7 inches wide while the front ones are 6 inches wide. This ratio makes the mower easy to maneuver even where there are tight bends. This balance also allows the mower to be able to handle different terrain without skidding or struggling.

The machine also has a start button that is fast and responsive. It is also pleasantly quiet, giving you the chance to listen to yourself think as you mow your lawn.

Pros

• It has a long extension cord
• It has 5 adjustable cutting heights
• It has a rear and front tire ratio that makes it maneuverable
• It is a quiet machine
• It is easy to start

Cons

• It is slightly underpowered

Verdict

This mower proves to be an efficient machine for cutting grass in your lawn quickly. You do not have to worry about power with this one since it has an extension cord that can stretch a cool 150 feet. You should take care not to trip over it though.

View price here

Yard Machines 140cc Push Mower – Ideal for small and medium sized yards

This gas powered machine is a fast and powerful tool for keeping your lawn looking lush and beautiful.

Specs

• It runs on a 140cc gasoline engine
• It has a 21 inch cutting width
• It has mulching and side discharge features

This mower has the ability to cut the grass on your lawn fast and efficiently. With a 21 inch cutting width and 140cc gasoline engine, this mower holds the capacity to make clean cuts even on tough grass types.

It comes with an adjustable cutting height that helps you make precise cuts. The adjustment is made using a lever. The mower has the ability to also do mulching and side discharge of the cut grass.

It has a convenient front and back wheel ratio that enhances maneuverability. It is also an easy and comfortable machine to use as it has a looped handle that is sturdy. You will notice that this machine seems quite small. It is ideally meant to be compact for easy storage but strong for excellent performance.

What you are going to like about this mower is the fact that it takes only a few seconds to start and get running. It also has the ability to work twice as fast as most lawn mowers of its caliber. It is also easy to get around since it does not have a cord attached to it.

Pros

• It is compact but strong
• It is easy to store
• It has a wide cutting width
• It is cordless
• It can mulch

Cons

• It may be a bit noisy

Verdict

This gasoline powered machine is an ideal machine for fast mowing. It can handle mulching efficiently and is easy to start. If you do not like to spend lots of time mowing, this compact machine may very well be an ideal fit for you.

View price here

Sun Joe MJ401C – Ideal for land that measures 0.25 acres

This machine runs on batteries, but it is a powerful contender for mowing grass on small and medium size lawns.

Specs

• It gets its power from a battery
• It has a 14 inch cutting width
• It has 3 adjustable cutting heights

The Sun Joe MJ401C Lawn Mower looks small, but it is quite strong. It has no problem dealing with soft and semi-hard grass types. You are going to love that it is an easy machine to use since all you have to do is insert its key, press its safety switch and push the trigger, and off you mow!

This lawn mower uses a rechargeable battery that gives up to 25 minutes working time which is considerably good for a small lawn. It has an LED indicator that shows the level of the battery so you can know when the mower needs recharging. This machine is cordless, so you do not have to worry about tripping on a cord as you work.

It cuts the grass using steel mower blades that are hard and durable. They are made of steel which allows them to cut the grass in one clean sweep. It has a manual positioning system that gives you three different mowing heights, ensuring that all your mowing needs are met with precision. It comes with a 10.6 gallon bag that conveniently stores all your grass clippings to dispose of later.

Being a small machine, it is easy to store as it does not take up too much space.

Pros

• It has 3 mowing height levels
• It is cordless
• Has a 10.6 gallon collection bag
• Recharges fast
• Sharp steel blades

Cons

• It has a short working time of 25 minutes

Verdict

If you prefer a small cordless machine that does not need to work for a long time, this machine is the one for you. It is easy to use, small and lightweight and also easy to keep away. Its 10.6 gallon bag is probably more than you will ever need.

View price here

Snapper 12AVB2A2707 Self Propelled Mower – Can mow lawns up to an acre big.

This machine is self-propelling and powerful, and it will mow your yard in an incredibly short time.

Specs

• It has a 21 inch cutting width
• Runs on gas
• Has a 3-in-1 cutting deck
• It is self-propelling

The Snapper 12AVB2A2707 Self Propelled Mower is a powerful and fast machine that is quite easy to use. The self-propel feature means that you do not need to use physical energy to push it. All you have to do is guide it through the grass.

Its engine gives it the capacity to handle with ease terrain that is hilly and uneven. This, combined with the 6 different cutting heights available, ensures that you select the most precise cut for your lawn.

It also comes with a 3-in-1 cutting deck that can mulch, bag or discharge cuttings from the side. The bag is a bit small and may need emptying constantly. It has a mulch plug that puts the grass clippings back into the soil to be used as manure. The 8” front wheels and 11” back wheels enable the mower to navigate hilly and uneven terrain with ease. It is also a front-wheel drive machine which allows it to self-propel better.

It boasts an ergonomic handle that ensures you have a comfortable hold even when you are working long hours. The mowing deck is fitted with a self cleaning feature that ensures it stays clean as it works.

It starts easy and fast due to the ReadyStart feature that does not need priming and also ensures no choke as the machine works.

Pros

• It is simple and easy to use
• It can mow larger lawns with ease
• It has 6 cutting heights
• Has a 3-in-1 cutting deck
• It is self-propelling

Cons

• The front-wheel drive feature may make it a bit hard to maneuver

Verdict

If you need to work fast without spending lots of energy, this is the machine to buy. It does not need propulsion, and the only reason you are behind it is to guide it. The fact that it can also work on hilly and even terrain is an added advantage.

View price here

Black + Decker BEMW482ES Electric Mower – It is the most ideal mower for a small lawn

This mowing machine is an excellent fit for small lawns for its great maneuverability and ease in getting into tight corners.

Specs

• It has a 17 inch cutting deck
• It is electric
• It has 6 cutting heights
• Has a pivot control handle

One of the most outstanding features of this mower is its powerful and sharp blades that have the ability to cut through just about any grass type and length. It has a winged blade that makes a cleaner cut, and also gives better clipping collection.

All you have to do to get mowing is push the start button. It has a long extension cord that allows you to go to the ends of your lawn without stretching it too far. If you have grass that needs different cutting heights, you can adjust the mower to the desired height. It comes with a choice of 6, and it is easy to shift from one to the other.

The mower comes with an installed box into which the grass clippings fall. It, however, does not have a mulching feature.

Pros

• It is highly maneuverable
• It has a winged blade
• It has a comfortable handle

Cons

• It does not have a mulching feature

Verdict

This mower fits right at home in a garden that has tight turns sine it highly maneuverable. It also has the ability to cut through different grass types ranging from soft to tough grass.

View price here

Buying a Lawn Mower – What to consider

Size of lawn – Ensure that the mower you pick is an ideal fit for your lawn. Getting a massive one for a small lawn may be frustrating due to poor maneuverability and high fuel consumption.

Source of energy – Different mowers use different types of energy ranging from gas, electricity and manual pushing. Select the most convenient type based on the amount of mowing you will be doing and the size of your lawn.

Nature of lawn – Be sure to pick a mower that will be able to handle the type of lawn you have. Hilly and uneven lawns need more powerful and maneuverable mowers while flat ones do not need highly powerful mowers unless the type of grass dictates otherwise.

Conclusion

A good lawn mower is one that ensures your grass lawn is well tended. A great lawn mower is one that lets you enjoy the mowing experience as well. When getting a mower for your lawn, try and go for one that will be easy to work with and cost effective.