Maintaining a small lawn requires a mower that is both efficient and easy to handle. The right push mower can turn a chore into a simple, satisfying task, leaving your yard looking neatly manicured with minimal effort. With so many options available, from traditional gas to modern electric and manual reel mowers, finding the perfect match for your needs is key.
This roundup highlights ten excellent push mowers designed for smaller yards. We’ve considered power sources, cutting features, ease of use, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize raw power, eco-friendly operation, or a quiet, corded experience, there’s an option here to keep your lawn in top shape.
The Best Push Lawn Mowers for Small Lawns
- CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower, 21 Inch
- PowerSmart 21 in. Gas Lawn Mower with 140cc Briggs and Stratton Engine
- PowerSmart 21″ 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower with 140cc 4-Stroke Engine
- Greenworks 48V Electric Lawn Mower Combo Kit: 20″ Mower, Trimmer, Blower
- Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless Lawn Mower with 5.0Ah Battery
- Fiskars Push Mower, Cut Width Manual Reel Mower with No Motor
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
- SENIX 144 cc Gas Lawn Mower, 20 inch 4-Cycle Push Mower
- TOPREPAIR Carburetor for Yard Machines MTD 20” Walk-Behind Mower
- Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower, 21 Inch
For those who want to make lawn care as easy as possible, this self-propelled mower from CRAFTSMAN is a fantastic choice. The self-propel feature allows you to choose your speed, letting the mower do the hard work of moving forward while you simply guide it. This is especially helpful on small inclines or for users who prefer to conserve their energy.
It is powered by a robust 159cc OHV engine designed for reliable starts and consistent performance. The 3-in-1 functionality gives you the flexibility to mulch clippings for lawn nutrition, bag them for a clean finish, or use the side discharge for longer grass. With six adjustable cutting heights, you can achieve the perfect lawn length for your yard.
PowerSmart 21 in. Gas Lawn Mower with 140cc Briggs and Stratton Engine
This PowerSmart mower stands out with its reliable USA-made Briggs and Stratton E550 engine. The Prime ‘N Pull system is designed for easier starting, getting you to work on your lawn without delay. The engine provides dependable power while operating with low noise, making it a considerate choice for neighborhood mowing.
The rugged all-steel 21-inch deck is built for long-term use, and the mulching blade is engineered to help you finish your mowing tasks faster. Like many top models, it offers 3-in-1 versatility for mulching, rear bagging, or side discharge. The 1.4-bushel bag is convenient to detach and empty, streamlining your cleanup process.
PowerSmart 21″ 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower with 140cc 4-Stroke Engine
Another strong contender from PowerSmart, this model features a high-performance 140cc 4-stroke engine. This design provides superior torque for cutting through challenging grass and requires no mixing of oil and gas, which simplifies maintenance. It’s a powerful and efficient engine built for the demands of regular lawn care.
The versatile 3-in-1 cutting system allows you to adapt to any lawn condition, whether you need to mulch, bag, or discharge. The 21-inch cutting deck is wide enough to cover ground efficiently on a small lawn, reducing the number of passes needed. Six-position height adjustment ensures you can customize the cut to your preference with ease.
Greenworks 48V Electric Lawn Mower Combo Kit
This Greenworks combo kit is an incredible value for the small lawn owner who needs multiple tools. It includes a 20-inch cordless mower, a 12-inch string trimmer, and a 320 CFM blower, all powered by a 48V battery system. The mower features an intelligent power-cutting system and a turbo mode for extra power in thick grass.
User-friendly features include a push-button start, a single-lever for seven cutting height positions, and foldable handles for compact vertical storage. You can achieve up to 30 minutes of mowing time with the two included 4Ah batteries. This kit provides a comprehensive, cordless solution for all your primary lawn care needs without the noise and fuss of gas.
Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless Lawn Mower
For those seeking robust battery-powered performance, the Greenworks 60V mower is a compelling option. It delivers more power and a higher blade speed than many typical gas mowers, but without the noise, fumes, or emissions. This makes for a much more pleasant mowing experience for you and your neighbors.
The included 5.0Ah battery provides up to 60 minutes of run-time, which is sufficient for maintaining up to half an acre. The 60V system offers 50% more power than standard 40V mowers and operates with 60% less noise than gas models. It’s a powerful, quiet, and eco-conscious choice for a well-kept lawn.
Fiskars Push Mower, Manual Reel Mower
The Fiskars reel mower is the ultimate eco-friendly choice, requiring no gas, oil, batteries, or cords. It’s a purely mechanical machine that provides a quiet, peaceful mowing experience and produces zero emissions. Its design makes it 60% easier to push than other reel mowers, ideal for regular maintenance of small, flat lawns.
It features a best-in-class cutting system that provides twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers. The StaySharp Cutting System is designed to never require manual sharpening. A reversible grass chute helps direct clippings away from your path, and the handle height is easily adjustable for user comfort.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
If you prefer the consistent power of a corded electric mower, the Sun Joe MJ401E is a reliable and straightforward option. Its 12-amp motor provides ample power for a small lawn, and you never have to worry about battery life or running out of gas. The 14-inch cutting path is well-suited for compact yards.
The mower comes with a durable 14-inch steel blade for a precise cut and a 10.6-gallon collection bag. A 3-position height control allows you to adjust the cutting height to suit your grass. The handle is collapsible, making this mower easy to store in a shed or garage when not in use.
SENIX 144 cc Gas Lawn Mower, 20 inch 4-Cycle Push Mower
The SENIX gas mower is equipped with a powerful 144cc 4-stroke engine that provides robust power for mowing while maintaining low noise levels and better fuel efficiency than 2-stroke models. This engine is built for continuous operation, allowing you to efficiently complete your lawn care tasks.
This model is designed with adaptability in mind. Its front and rear 7-inch wheels improve passability on rugged terrain, making it suitable for yards with gentle slopes and uneven ground. The 20-inch cutting width helps you cover more area with each pass compared to narrower models, improving your overall efficiency.
TOPREPAIR Carburetor for Yard Machines MTD Mower
This product from TOPREPAIR is not a complete mower but a replacement carburetor. It is a crucial component for those who own specific Yard Machines MTD 20-inch or 21-inch push mowers with 132cc or 140cc OHV engines. A functioning carburetor is essential for engine performance and easy starting.
If your existing mower is experiencing power issues, hard starting, or stalling, a carburetor replacement can often restore it to like-new performance. This part is compatible with models including the MTD 11A-A0S5700, 11A-B0S5700, and others that use the D222274 SP engine, offering a cost-effective repair solution.
Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
For the utmost simplicity and consistent power, a corded electric mower like this Greenworks model is an excellent choice. The 10-amp motor provides reliable power for the entire mowing session, eliminating concerns about battery life. This is a great set-and-forget option for very small lawns where managing a cord is not a major issue.
Its 14-inch cutting deck is perfectly sized for navigating tight spaces and smaller yards. As a corded model, it is lightweight, quiet during operation, and requires virtually no maintenance compared to gas engines—no oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. It’s a low-cost, high-convenience solution for basic lawn maintenance.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Push Lawn Mower for a Small Lawn
When my yard is more of a postage stamp than a sprawling estate, I need a mower that matches that scale. Choosing the right push lawn mower for a small lawn is all about balancing performance with practicality. I don’t need a massive, self-propelled beast; I need something nimble, easy to store, and simple to maintain. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, I decide between a gas-powered and an electric model. Gas mowers are powerful and offer complete freedom from cords, but they require more ongoing maintenance like oil changes and spark plug replacements. They can also be louder and heavier. Electric mowers are much quieter, start with the push of a button, and require almost no maintenance. Corded electric models are lightweight and never run out of battery, but I have to manage the cord carefully. Cordless battery-powered models offer great freedom, but I need to ensure the battery life is sufficient to finish my entire lawn on a single charge. For a small lawn, a cordless model is often the perfect sweet spot.
Next, I look at the mower’s deck size, which is the width of the cutting path. For small lawns, a deck between 18 and 21 inches is typically ideal. A wider deck means I can finish the job faster with fewer passes, but it also makes the mower bulkier and harder to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds. A narrower deck offers superior maneuverability, which is often more valuable in a confined space than raw speed.
I also pay close attention to the cutting height adjustments. Being able to easily change the height of the cut is crucial for the health of my grass. I look for a single-lever system that adjusts all wheels at once; it’s far more convenient than adjusting each wheel individually. A good range of height settings lets me cut my grass a bit longer during hot, dry spells to prevent stress, and shorter when I want that crisp, manicured look.
Finally, I think about storage. Where is this mower going to live? Folding handles are a fantastic feature that can cut the mower’s storage footprint in half, making it a dream to fit into a crowded shed or garage. The overall weight is another factor, especially if I have to carry the mower up or down steps. Lightweight aluminum decks are a great option for easy lifting without sacrificing durability. By focusing on these key areas, I can find a mower that makes maintaining my small lawn a quick and easy task, not a weekend chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gas or electric mower better for a small lawn?
For most small lawns, I find an electric mower to be the better choice. They are lighter, quieter, and start instantly with no pulling required. Cordless battery-powered models have become very capable, with most offering more than enough runtime to handle a typical small yard. You avoid the mess and maintenance of gas and oil. A gas mower might only be necessary if your lawn has consistently very thick, overgrown grass that demands maximum power.
What is a good cutting width for a push lawn mower for a small lawn?
A cutting width, or deck size, between 18 and 21 inches is the sweet spot. A 20-inch deck is a very common and excellent choice. It’s wide enough to cover ground efficiently without making the mower too bulky or difficult to maneuver around tight spaces, trees, and flower beds that are common in smaller landscapes. Going much wider sacrifices that crucial agility.
How important is the weight of the mower?
Weight is surprisingly important. A lighter mower is simply easier to push and maneuver, which makes the whole job less tiring. It’s also a major factor when you need to lift it to get over a curb, clean it, or store it. If you have any steps on your property, a lighter mower is a safety and convenience must-have. Look for models with polymer or aluminum decks to save on weight.
Do I need a mower with a bag, or is mulching okay?
Both options work well, and many mowers offer a 3-in-1 feature (bag, mulch, side-discharge). For a small lawn, mulching is fantastic because it chops the clippings finely and returns them to the soil as natural fertilizer. This means you don’t have to stop to empty a bag, and you don’t have to deal with grass clipping disposal. I use the bagger only in the fall for collecting leaves or if the grass has gotten excessively long between mowings.
What kind of maintenance does a push mower require?
Basic maintenance keeps any mower running smoothly. For all types, this means regularly cleaning grass clippings from the underside of the deck and keeping the blades sharp. A sharp blade gives a clean cut that is healthier for your grass. For battery mowers, that’s mostly it. For gas mowers, you also need to change the oil, replace the air filter, and use a fuel stabilizer or drain the gas if storing for the winter. It’s a bit more hands-on.