Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower for Small Yard

There is an increasing trend nowadays to purchase small lawnmowers. They not only save valuable floor space but are easier to maneuver in tight spots.

The mowers we’ve selected are small in size but have the power and performance like some of the larger ones. Some of the robotic mowers are expensive, but others are really affordable.

QUICK PICKS

Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…

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Ryobi 16 in. 13 Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower

(1) RYAC160 RYOBI 13 Amp 16 " Mower; Operator's Manual

Best Value

WORX Landroid L 20V Robotic Lawn Mower w/GPS 1/2 Acre /...

WORX WG959 17-inch 40V (4.0Ah) WG744 Cordless Lawn Mower and...

Includes (2) 20V 4.0Ah Li-ion batteries for extended run time; 17" Cordless Mower and TURBINE Cordless Blower

10 Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower for Small Yard Reviews

I have compiled a list of the Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower for Small Yard below;

1. Greenworks Electric Lawn Mower for Small Yard

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Overview

The Greenworks MO14B00 is an extremely lightweight and small lawnmower that residential owners use with small yards. It has a 9-Amp motor which is pretty decent for small-sized lawns and is also sufficient for such a compact mower.

It runs on electricity, and the manufacturer recommends using a heavy-gauge power cord to bring the most out of this mower.

The mower’s cutting deck is 14 inches, which means it can take a bit of time to mow this lawn because of its less coverage area. The deck has two cutting options, which are mulching and bagging.

With its sturdy metal blade, you can slice those grass clippings into finer pieces and then use it as a mulch for your lawn. This would certainly save you some of your money from buying an artificial fertilizer for your lawn.

The bagging function keeps the grass and debris locked up in the rear bag, preventing any mess on the lawn. This is a good option for many small lawns as the clippings would be less, and disposing of them would be less costly.

You can change the cutting heights using a single height adjustment lever. The cutting range is between 1.25″ to 3.375″, similar to others in this category. Cutting grass at different lengths allows you to create a beautiful and attractive lawn with striping.

One of the issues reported by users included the bending of the bearing on which the blade spins. If you find any faulty parts, you can always ask for a replacement from the company.

The company has given a 4-year product warranty, subject to certain terms and conditions that you may find on the manufacturer’s website.

2. American Company Corded Electric Small Lawn Mower

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Overview

This mower features a heavy-duty 1200W motor suitable for lawns with an area of under 350 square meters. With its power, the mower can move easily on inclined surfaces and even on moist grass. It is also lightweight and compact in size, making it even easier to do mowing tasks quickly.

The cutting deck is 14″ wide with a sharp blade that spins at 3,000 RPM. Although the cutting width is pretty narrow, the fast-spinning, backed with a powerful motor, helps achieve an exceptional cut.

You would find only 3 different height positions to choose from in this mower, ranging between 1″ to 2.2″. To change them, you would have to manually remove wheels from the slot and then fit them in one of the three metal slots made for each height position.

This is probably a big drawback of the product that users would have to deal with.

The bag is also big enough for such a compact-sized mower. It has the capacity to store up to 30L of grass and has an ergonomically curved handle that gives a comfortable feel to it.

Don’t forget to buy an extension cord with this product as the cable length is only 14 inches long.

3. WORX Cordless Lawn Mower | Cordless Turbine Blower

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Overview

So, this mower runs on two 20V 4Ah Lithium-ion batteries, which give a total runtime of 2 hours (1 hour each). It has a 16″ cutting deck which is quite sufficient for mowing medium-sized lawns.

The deck’s height can be adjusted at your desired setting, which can also be used for striping your lawn if you want. You can use the single lever located next to the rear wheel on the left to choose from 6 different lengths (ranging from 1.2″ to 3.2″).

The mower is also excellent for mulching and also has a rear discharge option. The process of mulching the grass into finer bits helps return the nutrients to the lawn. But, if you wish to bag the grass clippings, a large bag can be used for storage.

The blades will need to be sharpened quite often as compared to others on this list. This is because the accumulation of grass clippings and moisture creates fungus. This damages the parts quickly and so requires more maintenance.

With Intellicut technology, the mower gives additional torque on demand and can save battery power in the way you want. The manufacturer has given a 3-year warranty period on the product. So, even if things turn out bad for you, your investment would still be safe.

4. WORX WG779 40V Power Share Lawn Mower

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Overview

The WORX WG779 is a small cordless lawnmower that runs on batteries. To power this mower, two 20V 4Ah Lithium-ion batteries are installed to give a powerful cutting performance. These batteries can give a runtime of 1 hour each and are also quick in recharging due to the dual-port charger.

The cutting deck has a width of 14 inches, making it suitable for use in small-side lawns. You can also adjust the cutting heights using a single adjustment lever that is located on the side.

The range for changing the cutting heights is between 1.5″ to 3.5,” and there are 6 different locking points for setting your desired setting.

You can use the mower for mulching and bagging capabilities only. The mower requires more energy from the mower for mulching, but it can create a great mulch for your lawn.

With the bagging function enabled, you can bag those clippings and dispose of them properly. But keep in mind that some countries and states either prohibit clippings or have really high disposal rates.

The grass catcher is made from plastic and can hold up to 0.85 bushels of grass easily. It even has an indicator on top of the bag for keeping you informed about the right time to empty it.

Batteries used in this mower can also be used for other outdoor and lifestyle products within the WORX family. But make sure that the products use the 20V and 40V batteries.

The manufacturer gives a 3-year limited warranty along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Other details can be found online or on the company’s website.

5. Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

The Fiskars 6208 is an easy-to-use reel mower that can give a brilliant cutting performance. It has a 17″ cutting path equipped with 5 durable blades with the strength to cut the toughest grass.

However, it does struggle to cut weeds and some bluegrass, but overall, it can slice through effortlessly. Its cutting reel has a patented design that can give 50 percent more power and avoid jamming tight spots.

The blade and reel do not make any contact while the blades spin. This cutting system allows the blades to remain sharp, making it easier to mow and extend the life of the blades.

The wheels are bigger in the front, which makes it easier to push the mower forward. The ones at the back are there just to provide some support. Nonetheless, all wheels are rugged with treads that offer a great grip on rough terrain.

They also increase maneuverability and can also be handled easily in loose soil conditions.

For adjusting the cutting heights, you would have to use a wrench to change the slots. These heights can be changed at 3 different height positions within a range of 1.5 to 3.5 inches.

There is a 2-year warranty on the product given by the manufacturer.

This covers all the parts and the mower. Other terms and conditions can be found on the company’s website.

6. SENIX LPPX5-L X5 Cordless Mower | Blue Guy

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Overview

The SENIX LPPX5-L X5 is a cordless battery-powered mower made in a lightweight and compact design in China. You can easily wash the mower because of its exterior design but be careful not to contact the motor.

The mower is powered by a 58V lithium-ion battery that is designed for heavy-duty usage. It is equipped with a brushless motor that can deliver power equal to that of a gas-powered mower.

Using the mower not only reduces your carbon footprint but also provides a quiet and healthy alternative to mowers that run on petrol or gas. The mower is also priced appropriately, which makes it very affordable to purchase.

This mower has a 15-inch cutting deck, which makes it suitable for use in small yards only. The deck is durable and can take bumps from stones and other hard objects that you might encounter.

You can also adjust the cutting heights between 1.2″ to 3.5″ at 6 different positions.TO do this, all you have to do is slide the single adjustment lever located on top of the deck. This will allow you to create a striped lawn that would increase your lawn’s curb appeal for good.

The cutting options in this mower are only mulching and bagging. You can mulch the grass clippings into finer bits for faster decomposition. This mulch can then be returned to your lawn in the form of fertilizer.

You can also bag the clippings if you wish. Choosing this option reduces the mess in your lawn and eliminates other dirt and debris that you may find along the way.

The company has given a warranty period of 2 years from the date of purchase. Other details can be found on the company’s official website.

7. Gardena 4020 12-Inch Silent Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

The Gardena 4020-20 is a simple solution to all your lawn mowing needs. It is easy to push and operates with low noise levels. It has the ability to cut at shallow heights but has a maximum height of just 1.65″. The low and bentgrass, such as bluegrass, can be cut easily with this mower, but it may struggle with cutting ryegrass.

The mower runs smoothly, and the blades do not make contact with the reel. This allows for easy pushing and increases the overall speed of the mower. The reel is equipped with 6 steel blades on a durable cutting reel.

The mower’s deck has a 12″ cutting width, and you can adjust the cutting heights within a range of 0.47″ to 1.65″. The blades are heat-treated, making them more durable and resistant to stones and twigs that they may meet along the way.

The mower can work for a long period of time without any problem and is also very quick and easy to assemble. The wheels have radial treads that are pretty deep, making it easy to run on damp areas. You can also make them work on thick and long grass.

The manufacturer has given 12 months warranty if the mower comes out to be faulty or gets damaged. Further details can be found in the warranty document that comes with the mower.

8. Worx WR153 Landroid L 20V Power Share Robotic Lawn Mower

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Overview

This is a robotic electric lawnmower powered by a 4.0Ah 20V Lithium-ion battery which gives a mean energy consumption of 4kW/h at maximum use. It can give a runtime of 80 minutes on average with a recharge time of 90 minutes.

The cutting deck is only 9″ wide, but it uses 3 dual cutting blades that cut grass quickly and easily. The cutting blade is extremely durable, and it spins really fast, which helps deliver a clean cut. You can change the deck height at different positions within a range of 1.6″ to 3.9″. You would have to adjust the rotary knob, located at the top, to do this.

Like the rest, it has a mulching function, which can create organic fertilizer for your soil. However, it doesn’t have any grass box to empty it. With in-built sensors, the mower detects grass and offers precision cutting.

The mower is pretty lightweight, compact, and operates very quietly, creating a noise of 63dB. You can use it to mow yards having an area up to ½ acre, and the maximum angle that it can climb is 20 degrees.

It is equipped with anti-collision sensors, which make it safe to operate around kids and pets. This also protects the mower from any possible damage. With high traction wheels, it makes it easier for mowing on wet terrain and uneven surfaces.

It also has an impressive safety feature built into the system. As soon as someone lifts the mower, an anti-theft alarm is triggered, and it shuts itself off. To make it start running again, you would have to enter a PIN code.

The manufacturer has also offered a 3-year warranty on the product, which covers serious faults relating to materials or manufacturing faults. Keep in mind that the blades are considered disposable and are not covered by the guarantee.

10. Ryobi 16 in. 13 Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower

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Overview

The Ryobi RYAC160 is a small corded electric lawnmower with a heavy-duty 13-Amp motor for delivering a powerful performance. The mower has a compact and lightweight design which makes it easy to push and is ideal for quick cutting.

The mower can be assembled fairly quickly if you follow the instruction manual carefully. It is an environmentally friendly mower that requires very little maintenance and servicing.

The mower’s cutting deck is 16 inches and is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns and estates. You can change the cutting heights within a range of 1″ to 2.5″ by using a single adjustment lever located on the cutting deck.

It offers mulching and bagging capabilities. You can choose to slice those grass clippings into a mulch, which can later be used as a fertilizer, or you can bag those clippings and then later dispose of them at a suitable location.

A large bag can easily be emptied, washed, and attached again for storing clippings.

There were some issues relating to the mower that it faces difficulties when mowing thick and long grass. There are also no batteries or chargers included in the deal, so you would have to purchase them separately online.

The handles can be folded easily, which makes it convenient to store the mower. Since it is also lightweight, this further adds to the convenience.

There is a limited warranty of 3 years given by the manufacturer on the product and its parts. Other details can be found on the company’s website.

10. AHELT-J Smart Robotic Lawn Mower | Editors’ Choice

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Overview

This robotic mower is fully automated and powered by 24V Lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in under 40 minutes with the charger. You’ll get some good performance out of this machine as it can operate during the daytime or at night and has an extremely durable build.

The mower operates very quietly and creates a noise below 70dB. So, it will get your task done without causing any noise complaints from neighbors.

The cutting deck is 7.9″ wide, which you can use to mow yards having an area of up to 800 square meters. The maximum angle it can climb is 28 degrees, so it’s pretty decent for an automatic mower.

It is equipped with anti-collision sensors, which make it safe to operate around kids and pets. This also protects the mower from any possible damage. One more unique feature is that the mower goes automatically into charging mode when it starts to rain or when the battery is low.

You can also benefit from the different height positions it offers (ranging between 0.98 to 1.96). These lengths are adjusted via ultrasonic sensors that help detect grass and offer precision during the cutting process. If more power is required, the blade starts spinning faster to deliver the best cut possible.

With smart recognition capabilities, the EM1600 can change the forward & reverse speed, rotation of wheels, and other basic operations consistent with different reaping methods via its intelligent software.

You also would not have to worry about short-circuiting as the mower would shut itself off in case of overload.

It also has an impressive safety feature built into the system. As soon as someone lifts the mower, an anti-theft alarm is triggered, and it shuts itself off. To make it start running again, you would have to enter a PIN code.

Buying Guide for Small Lawnmowers

These mowers are small in size, and people tend to buy them because of their low prices. But there are many options to choose from, making it difficult to choose the best one that meets your needs.

These small lawnmowers differ in cutting heights & widths, cutting options, power source, price, and other important features. This buying guide has been made to become well-acquainted with the specifications and other relevant factors to consider that would play an important role in your buying decision.

So, below are those factors that you should consider before purchasing a small and compact-sized lawnmower.

Cutting Width

Small mowers have a smaller cutting width, which is one important factor to be considered. The cutting widths are normally between 13″ and 21″, depending on the mower’s model and type.

This means that it would take more time to mow a lawn with these mowers than mowers with a wider deck/reel. This is because of the less coverage that the deck/reel has over a surface area.

If you’re using battery-powered, electricity, or gas mowers, there would be less energy drawn from the engine. This results in you saving fuel and a drop in electricity bills when you start using compact mowers.

Cutting Heights

There are levers for changing the cutting deck’s height that is pretty much present in all types of mowers. Users can use this to fix the length or height of grass that they want on their lawn.

These levers are typically on top of the deck or next to the rear wheels. This is the case with most corded and battery-operated lawnmowers. The cutting heights offered by mowers are between 0.5″ to 4.5,” and they vary from the mower to the mower. The locking positions may also vary from 2 to 7.

Just choose your desired cutting height and turn your lawn into a trimmed and leveled lawn. Make use of these different lengths to create a stripe for your lawn.

You can easily find a height adjustment lever at the mower’s rear end to alter these height settings for reel mowers. Some that don’t feature an adjustment lever may require unscrewing the fasteners, which would hardly take a few minutes to do so.

The range is usually between 0.4″ to 4″. Cutting grass too short may bring you back again to work on your lawn very soon. This is because it causes the grass to grow up again quickly.

Cutting Options

Some mowers offer various cutting options, like mulching, rear or side discharge, and bagging.

Mulching quickens the breakdown process as it quickly slashes big grass into small clippings. This is then used as a natural fertilizer as it is a rick of nutrients, but it has to be placed in certain lawn conditions to operate effectively. When you take this cutting option, the mower blade’s speed declines, and the motor may become overburdened. For battery-operated mowers, mulching also decreases the battery charge levels.

A lot of the products have a bag for putting away clippings of grass. This may come in plastic, nylon, or any other cloth, depending on the mower’s model. These clippings have to be disposed of later at a landfill, proving costly in some countries. The mower provides a quality cut, and you can mow faster if you choose this cutting option.

With the rear or side discharge cutting option, you can benefit from mowing in almost all lawn and weather conditions (including moist grass). It has been regarded as the quickest option out of the three and is commonly used by experts.

Ensure that your lawnmower comes with all three options, but if it doesn’t, at least there should be two of the three options enabled. This would give you leverage in selecting the best function for your mowing needs.

Wheel sizes

Small mowers can have either small or big wheels, depending on their design and function. Like the rest, they came in all different wheel sizes and were made from different materials. If they are walk-behind mowers, pushing them forwards or backward could become tremendously problematic if the wheels and tires are not of the right size.

Few mower models can have wheels with sizes 7 to 10 inches in diameter, while some are fitted with up to 12″. Look for great traction wheels that can work smoothly on rough terrain, requiring less effort to steer. Also, look for treading on wheels as they improve handling on wet terrain and damp areas.

Smaller wheels make the mower lighter, but with large wheels (both front and back), it becomes convenient to use in long grass and inclined areas.

Power source

Select the power source of your mower based on your lawn size, condition, and mowing rate.

Purchase a battery-operated, corded electric or a self-propelled mower to help you mow if you’re going to mow a small to medium-sized lawn. A small reel mower (having physical push as the sole power source) is best suited for small residential yards.

Using battery-operated mowers requires you to recharge batteries once they run out. Small or large, battery-powered mowers use either lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries, and each provides exceptional power. Lithium-ion batteries can have more capacity than lead-acid batteries, but they are more prone to rust and corrosion.

Length of Cord and Extension

For small corded lawn mowers, remember to go for the appropriate cord length. By measuring the distance from your nearest electrical socket to the farthest corner of your lawn, you would get the required length of the cord.

A wider cord may be long-lasting, but it may be hard to handle it, especially when taking turns. Tying knots on the mowers handle could also turn into a tricky task.

Generally, a 14 to 16 gauge is the ideal width for mowers that have to be used for short distances. For longer distances, thinner wires are the best choice. This typically ranges from 18 to 20 gauge.

Speed

Small mowers are a bit slower in getting the task done but are way faster in mobility. Since they are lightweight, they can easily be pushed and handled in tight corners.

The mower’s speed also fluctuates with the terrain surface and lawn type that you’re mowing. If the surface is dead flat, it would require less of your time as there would be less difficult maneuvering involved. When the lawn is dry, your job would be finished quickly, but if it’s wet, it may require more time than usual.

Also, speed would definitely be different from the type, size, and condition of wheels you have in your mower. A ball-bearing reel or cutting deck with a fast RPM enables you to cut through quicker. Having bigger wheels remove that added effort required to push it as it covers more area.

Size and Weight

This factor is vital if you’re preparing to work on steep angles and rough surfaces with a not-so-powerful motor (in the case of self-propelled). The heavier the mower you’re using, the more effort you would have to push in to climb those hilly areas.

A small, lightweight mower of 20-30 pounds would be far easier to lift, maneuver, and operate on rough land than a heavy one.

The size of the mower matters as well. Getting into those close-fitting areas and corners of your lawn is tough, so choose a mower with the right measurements and design.

Durability

Durability is considered one of the essential factors when making a purchase such as this. Mowers have to be used often for cutting the grass of all types, and they must have a long life ahead of them. So, ensure you buy a mower with a strong build quality, tough blades, durable materials used in its construction, and a long warranty period.

You can find mowers that have a warranty period between 1 to 4 years. A longer warranty generally shows the confidence that the manufacturer has in the product’s durability.

Also, go for quality heat-tempered cutting blades that are made from stainless steel or alloy steel. This would significantly improve the mower’s life and save you a lot from maintenance costs and frequent servicing.

Price

This would depend on the type of mower you’re opting for. Reel mowers are less expensive (ranging between $70 to $200) than battery-powered or those that run on electricity (between $180 to $700). The robotic mowers are more expensive because of their in-built sensors and high-tech features (starting from $850).

Final Verdict

These small lawnmowers are lightweight but offer great cutting performance. They can be used on small to medium-sized lawns and are stored easily due to their compact design.

With the help of the factors mentioned above, choose the best small lawnmower that suits your needs. But also account for the cost and the durability of the product. Remember, you want the mower to run for many years, and having long warranties would be an added advantage.

If you have any questions or want to share your suggestions with us, then comment below. We appreciate your time in reading this and giving your feedback to us!

FAQ’s about 10 Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower for Small Yard

Here are a few questions that people ask about these lawnmowers frequently;

What is the Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower for Small Yard?

Here is a list as per our recommendations;

1. AHELT-J Smart Robotic Lawn Mower | Editors’ Choice
2. Greenworks Corded Electric Lawn Mower
3. American Company Corded Electric Lawn Mower
4. WORX Cordless Lawn Mower | Cordless Turbine Blower
5. WORX WG779 40V Power Share Lawn Mower
6. Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower
7. SENIX LPPX5-L X5 Cordless Mower | Blue Guy
8. Gardena 4020 12-Inch Silent Push Reel Lawn Mower
9. Worx WR153 Landroid L 20V Power Share Robotic Lawn Mower
10. Ryobi 16 in. 13 Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower

Is it easier to use a small mower?

If you work in the right conditions on a leveled surface, using the mower becomes effortless. When there are too many twigs or debris on the lawn, it might clog the cutting area, which would make it a bit difficult to operate.

Since these mowers are generally lightweight, they require less effort to push and handle tight spots. Ensure that your blades are sharp enough and are spinning smoothly before mowing your lawn to make it even easier to operate.

How many times should I mow the lawn?

Generally, mowers must be used every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on which height the mower was used previously and the season. Grass grows very quickly in the spring season, so keep that in mind as well.

How long does the sharpness last?

Blades need sharpening after 1-2 years if they’re manual reel mowers. This is quite less when compared with a battery mower or corded electric mower, where you would have to sharpen them twice a season.

How can I ensure that the blades have a long life?

When mowing, make sure that there aren’t any stones, sticks, or hard plastic on your lawn. These tend to reduce the sharpness of the blades and, in some cases, may even destroy a part of your mower blade.

You can use a glove or clean cloth to clean the blades and wipe off excess dirt or debris. Lubricating the moving parts of the mower before using it for a smooth run also helps a lot. You can also use a silicone spray such as WD-40 for doing this.

Always check that the blades are rotating without any contact with the other blades or the cutting deck.

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David Houghton

Construction Manager at Schlumberger

I am a content strategist and editor here at tools10.com. I have been working in Oil as well in the Construction Industry for years. The major projects I was involved in are Offshore Drilling and residential buildings. I have great hands-on experience in Tools & Machinery. Read More About Me

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