9 Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards in 2024

Just because you have a small yard doesn't mean your lawn can't look great. Here are some of the best lawn mowers for small yards.

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Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower 10 Best Lawn Mowers For Small Residential Lawns Ft Via Amazon.comVia Merchant

Lawn mower shopping can be frustrating for those with smaller yards because it seems like every manufacturer is trying to deliver bigger, more powerful mowers than their competitors. Walk into a typical big box store and you’ll find massive riding mowers almost as big as your lawn!

Here, we’re looking out for the little lawns and yards because they deserve as much care as the big honking ones. For our purposes, we’re defining a “small yard” as one-third of an acre or less, down to about 10-ft. x 10-ft.

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Greenworks 10 Inch Corded Electric Push Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Walmart
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Best Value Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Greenworks 25142 Lawn Mower

If your yard is small enough that a mower on an extension cord can cover every inch, consider the full-featured Greenworks 25142 Lawn Mower.

This 16-inch push mower plugs into a 120-volt outlet. Like most electric mowers, it has push-button start and can mulch or collect clippings with the included bag. However, it lacks side discharge, so if you tackle long grass you may struggle with clogs. It weighs 39 pounds and comes with a three-year warranty.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Deck width: 16-inches.
  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Price: Under $150.
  • Power source: Electric (corded).
  • Accessories: Clippings collection bag included.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Handle folds for storage.
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14 Inch 12 Amp Home Electric Corded Push Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Walmart
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Best Budget Corded Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower

This corded model is one of the most affordable electric mowers you’ll find. The Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower features a 14-inch cutting deck to navigate the tight corners and narrow turns that come with smaller yards. The MJ401E comes with a 10.6 gallon clipping collection bag and a two-year warranty.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Deck width: 14-inches.
  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Price: Under $150.
  • Power source: Electric (corded).
  • Accessories: Clippings collection bag included.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Handle folds for storage.
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Ryobi Push Lawn Mowers P1108btlvnm 64 600
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Best Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Ryobi P1180VNM Lawn Mower

The Ryobi P1180VNM Lawn Mower performs without unnecessary bells and whistles. The 13-inch cutting width is easily maneuvered. This mower runs on a single 18-volt battery that’s swappable with other tools in Ryobi’s One+ battery system.  Those who already own a One+ battery and charger can save money and purchase the mower as a “bare tool”.

We love that the Ryobi folds flat for vertical storage. Ryobi calls this mower appropriate for up to one-quarter acre, but we think that may be pushing it for a deck this narrow. It also lacks a side discharge option. Much like the Greenworks models we looked at, you can only mulch or bag the clippings, so it’s not great for cutting tall grass.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Deck width: 13-inches.
  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Price: Under $250.
  • Power source: Battery operated.
  • Accessories: Battery, battery charger, clippings collection bag included.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Handle folds for storage, vertical storage.
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Best Reel Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Scotts 304-14S Reel Lawn Mower

If you don’t want to mess with gas or power cords, or simply prefer to get some exercise when you mow, consider a manual reel mower. The Scotts 304-14S Reel Lawn Mower features a 14-inch reel to navigate tight turns and narrow spaces. It tucks away for storage in your garage or shed. At 18 pounds, it’s even light enough to carry inside if that’s your best storage option.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Reel width: 14-inches.
  • Blade type: Reel.
  • Price: Under $150.
  • Power source: Manual.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Lightweight, suitable for wall hanging.
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Murray 20 Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Homedepot
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Best Gas-Powered Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Murray MNA152506 Lawn Mower

Gas powered lawn mowers often have wider cutting decks and self-propelled drive, features that aren’t as valuable in a smaller yard. The Murray MNA152506 Lawn Mower features a 20-inch deck, about as narrow as a gas powered push mower gets. It comes with a Briggs and Stratton engine and Murray’s proprietary “Prime ‘N Pull Start” to make getting going a little easier. Admittedly, it’s not as convenient as a true press-button start.

This model has side discharge and a mulching option but doesn’t accept a bagger, so it’s better for those who mow frequently. It has a two-year limited warranty.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Price: Under $300.
  • Power source: Gas-powered.
  • Storage: Handle folds for storage.
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Hart Riding Mower
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Best Riding Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Hart 80-Volt 30-inch Lithium-Ion Riding Mower

Riding mowers are not generally suitable for small yards. In contrast, if your yard is mostly flat and you have the storage space, then a battery-powered riding mower such as the Hart 80-Volt 30-inch Lithium-Ion Riding Mower might be the mower for you.

With a 30-inch cutting deck, the Hart 80-Volt 30-inch Lithium-Ion Riding Mower is actually the same size as many of the large push mowers out there. It can’t perform tight turns like a push mower, but the three 80-volt brushless motors provide plenty of power, and it does have an optional bagging system.

The Hart 80-Volt 30-inch Lithium-Ion Riding Mower is certainly a more expensive option for mowing a small yard. The good news is that you will never need to tune up your lawn mower again.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Power source: Battery operated.
  • Accessories: Batteries and charger.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
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20 Volt Max Brushless Lithium Ion Push Electric Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Lowes
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Best Space-Saving Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Craftsman Double 20-volt Max Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

If storage room is tight, look for a mower with vertical storage, like the Craftsman Double 20-volt Max Cordless Electric Lawn Mower.

This mower folds up and hangs on the wall, freeing-up valuable floor space in a garage, shed or basement. It only weighs 35 pounds, almost one-third lighter than some of its competitors.

This 20-in. Craftsman features two 20-volt batteries, compatible with more than 100 other 20-volt Craftsman tools. Unlike many other small yard mowers, it comes with a clippings collection bag. It offers a three-year warranty as well.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Power source: Battery operated.
  • Accessories: Batteries, charger, clippings collection bag included.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Handle folds for storage, vertical storage.
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Black And Decker Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Amazon
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Best Outside-the-Box Option for Small Yards

Black+Decker MTC220

For those with the smallest of yards, sometimes all that’s needed to keep the grass in check is a simple string trimmer. But it can be tough to make a uniform, level cut that way. Luckily, the Black+Decker MTC220 solves that problem!

This convertible string trimmer mounts on a four-wheeled cutting deck to provide a stable base when mowing lawns. It also disconnects for use as a traditional trimmer. Its 20-volt battery is compatible with the rest of the Black+Decker Power Connect line.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Deck width: 12-inches.
  • Price: Under $200.
  • Power source: Battery operated.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Lightweight, suitable for wall hanging.
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Worx Wr165 Landroid Lawn Mower Ecomm Via Homedepot
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Best Robotic Lawn Mower for Small Yards

Worx WR165 Landroid S Lawn Mower

The Worx WR165 Landroid S Lawn Mower is intended for yards one-eighth of an acre or smaller. The modest 16-inch wide mower with seven-inch cutting path and patented Worx AIA (Artificial Intelligence Algorithm) allows this mower to navigate narrower spaces than most other robotic mowers. It’s also more affordable than others, which often cost thousands of dollars. If you’re planning to buy one, then make sure you check out our list of the best robotic lawnmowers.

The Worx WR165 can be controlled by the Landroid app over a Bluetooth or WiFi connection.

Small Yard Advantages

  • Deck width: 16-inches.
  • Blade type: Rotary.
  • Power source: Battery operated.
  • Accessories: Battery, charging base, and perimeter fence components.
  • Maintenance: Minimal.
  • Storage: Charges outside when not in use.

What to Look for When Buying a Lawn Mower for a Small Yard

When shopping for a small yard mower, here a few things to consider:

  • Deck width: A mower deck is the shroud that houses the blades. The wider the deck, the bigger the blades. In smaller spaces, it’s not about size but maneuverability. How well can the mower navigate around trees, bushes or other obstacles?
  • Blade type: Most push mowers use rotary blades, which cut with a powerful, machete-like horizontal swing. Reel mowers pinch grass like a scissors between a stationary cutting bar and a rotating cylindrical reel. Reel mowers cut cleaner but deliver less force, leaving them prone to jamming from sticks and twigs.
  • Power source: The options are gas, corded electric and cordless electric. Electric mowers have made great gains in recent years and are especially good for small yards. Cordless mowers feature chargeable batteries, some compatible with a specific manufacturer’s lineup of cordless tools. For small yards, don’t bother investing in expensive, higher-voltage battery systems.
  • Accessories: Baggers and mulching kits are the most popular. Baggers are especially helpful if you let the lawn grow long. Many small yard mowers do not have bagging options, so do your homework.
  • Price: This varies by power source, style and features. While we have a few outliers on our list, most push mowers for a small yard cost between $120 and $300.
  • Maintenance: All mowers need blade sharpening and periodic cleaning of grass clippings. Gas-powered mowers require engine maintenance. Most mower maintenance can be DIY, or you can take the mower to a service center. For small yard owners, your mower may only need service every two or three years, depending on yard size and mower brand.
  • Storage: Small yards often mean limited storage space. Will the mower you want fold or disassemble? Ensure it’ll fit where you plan to keep it.

FAQs

What size mower do I need for a small yard?

For yards smaller than a third of an acre, a smaller lawn mower should be able to get the job done. The actual size of the mower will depend on your preferences. For example, a robot mower will be smaller than a push mower, which will be smaller than a riding mower.

Is a zero turn mower good for small yards?

Because zero turn mowers can make tight turns, unlike traditional riding mowers, they’re an excellent option for smaller yards.

What is the easiest mowing pattern?

To limit the need for sharp turns, the easiest path to mow your lawn is in spiraling concentric circles, starting from the outside and working your way to the middle.

Should you rake or mow first?

If you’ve got some leaves on your lawn, you can run over them with a mower to make them more manageable before raking. However, large amounts of leaves, particularly if they’re wet or damp, are harder to mow, which is where a leaf mulcher might come in handy.

Dan Stout
Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. He also publishes noir fantasy thrillers, including The Carter Series, from Penguin imprint DAW Books.