Best Lawn Mowers for a Small Yard

If you have a small yard, the good news is that you do not need to spend big money on a  bulky riding mower or even a fancy self-propelled walk behind mower. You will be able to find one of the best lawn mowers for a small yard at a very reasonable price.

There are several types of lawn mowers you can consider for your small yard. These primarily include push, reel, battery-powered, and corded electric mowers. Navigate to the end of the article if you need further clarification on these types of lawn mowers. 

Before selecting a lawn mower to purchase, you should consider the size of your lawn and how practical each of the below mowers will be for your grass cutting needs. For example, our first pick, the Craftsman, is not ideal for a tiny yard that is only a couple hundred square feet in size. This type of yard would be best suited for something like a reel mower. 

Good luck finding a new lawn mower for your small yard. We believe there are many quality selections below that will work for many small yards around North America and beyond. 

Best Lawn Mowers for a Small Yard

Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Push Mower 

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This lawn mower features a 21-inch cutting deck, which is more than enough size for a small yard. It is a push mower so you will have to manually move the machine without the assistance of a self-propelled option. 

The mower is equipped with three capabilities for how it handles the grass. It can either discharge the grass from the side of the machine, mulch it, or rear discharge it into a bagger. It is great to have these options even for most small yards. 

 The deck cutting height can be adjusted to up to six positions. These heights range from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. This offers the user ample adjustments for the mowing season, particularly if they like to mow on the higher side. 

Product Summary:

  • 140CC OHV gas push mower
  • 21″ cutting width
  • 3-in-1: mulch, side discharge, or rear discharge (bagger included) 
  • 6 cutting height settings
  • 7″ wheels front, 8″wheels rear
  • Minimal assembly required

Snapper XD SXD19WM82K 82V Cordless 19″

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of gasoline, changing oil, and other maintenance tasks, this battery powered Snapper lawn mower may be ideal for you.

It is powered by Lithium-ion 2.0 Ah batteries. A single battery will last up to 45 minutes when fully charged, which should be suitable to mow most small yards. The mower comes with an additional battery so you will have a total of approximately 90 minutes assuming both batteries are fully charged with the included charger. Run times will vary based on conditions.  

This mower will side discharge, bag, and mulch. It also has 7 adjustable deck heights to cut your lawn at various heights as needed.

Unlike most gas-powered lawn mowers, this Snapper can be stored vertically. This saves on space that is much needed at many homes around the world. 

Product Summary:

  • 82V electric cordless 
  • 19″ cutting width
  • Two 2.0 Ah batteries (included)
  • Rapid Charger (included)
  • 7 cutting height settings
  • Push button start
  • 3-in-1: mulch, side discharge, or rear discharge (bagger included) 
  • Vertical storage capability

Makita XML03PT1 18V X2 (36V) LXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 18″ Lawn Mower Kit

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Makita XMLO3PT1 is a battery-powered lawn mower that comes with four 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries and a dual port charger. You might think that four batteries is a bit of overkill, but keep in mind that this mower use two batteries at one time.

Each battery produces 18 volts for total power of 36 volts. You will be able to mow up to 7,300 square feet on two 5.0 Ah batteries. The mower produces 2,500 to 3,300 RPM with its brushless motor. 

The deck is made from steel for supreme durability. A single lever on the deck controls 10 cutting heights. These heights range from 13/16″ to 2-15/16″. 

Makita recommends this lawn mower for yards up to 1/3 acre. This makes it perfect for many small yards. 

Product Summary:

  • 36V brushless cordless 18″ mower
  • 18V Lithium ion powered batteries (4 included)
  • Dual port charger (included)
  • 10 cutting heights (13/16″ – 15/16″)
  • Steel deck
  • Bagger and mulch plug (included)
  • Folding handles for storage

Greenworks 14-Inch 9 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Greenworks lawn mower runs off electricity from an extension cord. It features a 9A electric mower designed to be able to mow through even many challenging grass sizes. 

The deck is 14 inches making it compact enough to maneuver in tight or smaller spaces. The weight of the machine is only 33.3 pounds. Most people will have minimal trouble pushing this mower given it is extremely light weight.  

This is a 2-in-1 lawn mower that allows the clipping to be mulched or rear discharged. The mower comes with a bagger to collect the cut grass when the rear discharge is used. 

One feature we love about this Greeworks is that the handle folds down to the deck. This makes it extremely compact for storage or hauling in the car. 

Product Summary:

  • 9 Amp corded electric motor
  • Deck size: 14″
  • 2-in-1: mulch or rear bag (bagger included)
  • 5 cutting height settings
  • 33.3 pounds

American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-inch Corded Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here is another powerful corded electric lawn mower. This American Lawn Mower Company mower features an 11 Amp motor that will have no trouble cutting through the typical grass length. 

The mowing deck is 14 inches which provides an ample cutting width for most small yards. It is equipped with a single lever height adjustment on the front wheel to easily switch to your desired mowing height. There are five cutting height position ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches. 

This is a 2-in-1 lawn mower that will either side discharge or bag to the rear. A 16 gallon bag is included with a purchase. The bagger has a generous sized handle on its top to allow removing and reattaching the bag a near effortless task. 

Product Summary:

  • 11 Amp corded electric motor
  • Deck size: 14″
  • 5 height adjustments
  • Wheel Sizes: 5.5″ front, 7″ rear
  • 2-in-1: side discharge or bag

WORX WG779 40V Power Share 4.0 Ah 14″ Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The  Worx WG779 is powered by two 20V batteries. The purchase price shown above includes these two batteries plus a dual port charger. It can mow up to 5,500 square feet on a charge making the mower ideal for a small yard. 

The cutting height is adjusted by a single handle, which is a nice convenience for the user over having to adjust in multiple positions. The lawn mower only allows three cutting heights. We would like to see more cutting height options on this mower.

This Worx is a 2-in-1 mower that will mulch or bag to the rear. The included bag features an indicator that shows when it is full for maximum efficiency. You can switch between Eco and Turbo modes on the deck to either achieve  battery savings or mowing power. 

Product Summary:

  • Two 20V Max Lithium ion batteries (included)
  • Cutting width: 13 inches
  • 5,500 square feet mowing on a charge
  • 2-in-1: mulch or rear bag (bag included)
  • Foldable handle
  • Single level height adjustment on front wheel

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower, String Trimmer and Edger, 12-Inch (MTC220)

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Black + Decker has a lot going on for it being such a small piece of lawn equipment. It is a mower, trimmer, and edger all in one. It converts to the desired tool in a matter of seconds. 

This tool operates off a single 20V Lithium-ion battery. You will receive two of these rechargeable batteries and a charger if you purchase the tool. 

Instead of the typically lawn mower blade that needs to be sharpened or replaced on occasion, this Black + Decker uses trimmer line for all tasks. The line feeds out automatically when it gets short. There is not a requirement to tap the head on the ground like many other tools that use trimmer line. 

The cutting height adjusts from 1.6 /2.4 inches. The tool creates a 12 inch cutting path at a consistent speed. 

We would not recommend this lawn tool for any sizeable lawn. In other words, if your lawn is borderline small to medium in size, go with a larger mower with more power. The manufacturer recommends using this in yards up to 1,200 square feet.  That is less than the size of a tennis court, which is typically about 2,800 square feet. 

Product Summary:

  • 3-in-1 tool: mower, edger, & trimmer
  • Two 20V Lithium ion batteries (included)
  • Battery charger (included)
  • Cutting heights: 1.6 /2.4 inches
  • Cutting width: 12″

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Manual reel lawn mowers such as this American Lawn Mower Company, provide a superior scissor-like cut. You also do away with the annoyances that come with other lawn mowers such as messy gas, recharging of batteries, loud motors, or towing around a cord for power. 

This reel mower has cutting heights of 0.5 to 1.75 inches. If you love the look of a lawn mowed low and clean, this is one to strongly consider. 

The cutting width of this mower is 14 inches. The high-quality 8.5 inch composite wheels ensure a smooth cut even over less than ideal terrain. 

The T-handle is nicely cushioned as should be expected for a manual operated lawn tool. Assembly of this reel mower is painless with no tools required. Most people will be ready to mow within less than 30 minutes. 

Product Summary:

  • Cutting width: 14″
  • 8.5″ wheels
  • Cutting height range: 0.5 to 1.75 inches
  • T-handle padded
  • Minal maintenance

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reel mowers like this Fiskars or the American Lawn Mower Company above are admittedly not for everyone. They are 100% manual so there is a bit of effort involved in using this type of mower. You likely would not want to use this for any yard above 1/4 acre and likely much less for many people.This mower, however, can be ideal for someone with a very small, flat yard who is strict about routinely mowing.

The Fiskars allows for cut heights from 1″ to 4″, which is hard to find in a reel mower. This mower’s cut is superior to many other mowers because of its scissor-like cutting blades. The cutting width is 18 inches.  

The mower is equipped with StaySharp Max that provides better interia and reduced friction. The manufacturer states that this mower is 60 percent easier to push in comparison to other reel mowers due to this technology 

This is one of those products that is best to see in action to get an idea of how it works. Check out the below video that provides excellent detail on this mower, including a cutting demonstration.

Product Summary:

  • Cutting width: 18 inches
  • StaySharp cutting system
  • Cutting height range: 1 to 4 inches
  • Large padded handle

Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe features a 13 Amp motor with a 17 inch mowing width. The cutting height can be adjusted based on 7 positions ranging from heights of .98 to 2.87 inches. The height is controlled by a smartly located lever on the deck. 

This machine is powered by a plugged in extension cord that allows the blade to produce approximately 3,500 rpm (no load speed). It is made with a push button start that will almost instantly have the mower ready to go. 

It weighs only 31.5 pounds. Most people will not be overly exhausted after pushing this mower over a small yard given that it is extremely light. 

This Sun Joe does provide the ability to mulch. The mower comes with both a mulch plug and a rear bagger.

Product Summary: 

  • 13-amp corded electric lawn mower
  • Cutting width: 17″
  • Mulch or bag clippings
  • 31.5 pounds
  • Push button instant start
  • 7 cutting height settings (0.98 to 2.87 inches)
  • Best for up to 1/2 acre 

WORX WR140 Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower

Last update on 2022-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This Worx robotic lawn mower will allow you to gain back some of your free time by letting it do all the mowing. It is designed for up to 1/4 acre making it suitable for a small yard. 

The mower’s technology learns the lawn as it mows to create an efficient schedule that the owner can follow for automatic mowing. Mowing schedules can be changed by using the Landroid app that is able to control the mower. 

It is weather-resistant with the ability to take on the elements. The mower is equipped with a rain sensor that tells the machine not to mow until it senses the rain has stopped. 

The mower runs off a 20V 4.0Ah Lithium-ion battery. It will automatically make its way back to the charging base when the machine is heading toward a low battery charge. 

This Worx produces extremely fine cuts on the grass blades that allows them to fall back into the lawn. The clippings help to naturally fertilize the lawn to reduce the need of store bought lawn fertilizing that are often unfavorable to the environment. 

Product Summary:

  • Automated 20V robotic lawn mower
  • Handles up to 20° slopes
  • Cutting height adjustment capability 
  • Up to 1/4 acre of mowing
  • App controls the mower and schedule of mowing
  • Sends alert when out of designated area for theft protection
  • Auto recharge
  • Weather-resistant 

Types of Small Yard Mowers

Gas-Powered Push

A push mower requires you to manual push the mower across the lawn as you walk behind it. They are typically lightweight to make it easy for the user to push. They are powered by gas and require routine maintenance such as oil changes, air filter changes, spark plug replacement, and more. Most maintenance can be completed at home without much hassle. A push mower is one of the best lawn mowers for a small yard and a very popular choice among homeowners.

Gas-Powered Self Propelled

A self propelled mower does not require you to push the mower. Instead, you push a lever down, usually on the handle, and the mower wheels spin causing it to move forward. It is like driving a car where you push the gas pedal to make the car accelerate forward. You simply walk behind the mower while it does all the work outside of you controlling its direction.  If your yard is super small, a self propelled mower may actually be more of a nuisance because of the potential to have to frequently stop and start the self propelled drive in tight spaces.

Battery Lawn Mower

Technology advancements have allowed lawn mowers to efficiently run off of Lithium-Ion batteries. These mowers are surprisingly powerful and will typically easily work their way through an average grass height. They are less noisy and provide zero emissions in comparison to traditional mowers. The batteries are rechargeable and a charge should last you about one small yard cutting session. While this type of mower does not require gas and oil, you may need to replace the batteries after a few years depending on use.

Corded Lawn Mower

This type of lawn mower operates off of electricity. You attach a long extension cord to the mower, plug it into your electrical socket, press the start button, and then begin mowing. Gas or other fluids are not required. Additionally, there is no battery to remember to charge. The downside with this type of  mower is having to be aware of the cord so that you do not run over it and cut it. However, this is often not a big deal for small lawns. They are quiet in comparison to a traditional mower and provide ample power for most tasks.

Reel Mower

As you push a reel mower, a cylinder with several blades spins and cuts the grass like a pair of scissors as they pass a stationary single blade. The below video provides an excellent explanation on how this type of mower works. This is the true Eco-friendly option of mowers since there is no gas, battery recharging, cords, and so on. It is 100% manual with minimal required maintenance through the years.

 
Robotic Lawn Mower
 
A robotic mower automatically cuts the lawn based on a set schedule. They are battery-powered and extremely quiet to operate no matter the time of day. As they mow, they chop up the grass into fine clippings that fall back into the lawn. These clipping act as a natural fertilizer. Preparing the robotic mower for its first run over the lawn can be a bit of a process. A perimeter must be manually established by placing down wiring so that mower knows its boundaries to mow. Once the initial setup is complete, your days of mowing in the hot summer sun are over. The robotic mower does all the work, including charging itself when the battery is low. If you ask the experts, they will tell you that the robotic technology is not at its best yet. However, continued improvements will undoubtedly make these mowers more and more desirable for homeowners.