Best Push Mowers for Small Yards

Mowing the lawn is almost a rite of passage for landscapers with significant yard space. However, finding the right lawn mower that gets the job done with minimal effort and according to your cutting preferences and specific needs can be challenging. Many of the best push mowers for small yards have different cutting features, cutting heights and other safety features that make them perfect for different yard types.

As such, there are several critical factors to consider when shopping for push mowers for small yards, including the size of the yard, the terrain to be mown, and the type and size of the grass, among other things.

We aim to discuss the best push mowers for small yards, key considerations to make the right purchase and our top picks for your choosing one, depending on your cutting preferences and specific needs.

What Features Should You Look for in a Lawn Mower for a Small Yard?

A well-maintained lawn mower should leave the perfect grass cut with little or no space for error. Many of today's models can do just that. However, that doesn't mean every lawn mower is suited to every yard or landscaper. Different mowers are designed to offer specific benefits and perform different yard work.

For example, battery mowers tend to be quieter than gas-engine models, while the latter can easily handle harsh mowing conditions and extreme terrains, such as tall, thick grass.

The mower's drive type also plays a critical role in helping landscapers decide whether to get the more budget-friendly push mower to push (as the name suggests) along the yard. Or the more expensive self-propelled mowers that drive themselves, making them a reliable option for larger or hilly yards.

Types of Lawn Mowers

Although yard owners can use any lawn mower to trim the grass around their homes, there are many options and models with specific functions to make mowing much easier and enjoyable.

The right lawn mower is the perfect equipment to maintain gardens yards, and landscapes in excellent condition without straining the operator. You want a mower that does the job with minimal effort while providing the most efficient, visible results. Mowers come in different types, models and budgets to satisfy specific requirements and grass-cutting needs.

Therefore, it's vital to understand the differences between mowers to make the right investment. Otherwise, you may invest more or get the wrong model that doesn't satisfy your mowing requirements. Our team compiled a detailed explanation of lawn mower types for your reference.

Push Mowers

As mentioned earlier, push mowers require more effort from the operator. Their engines or motors only drive the cutting blades. Therefore, the operator must physically push the mower around the yard to trim the grass.

Push mowers are much lighter and easier to push. They are also much smaller than most models, making them the desired option for landscapers with small yards or gardens. They don't have a self-propelled drive system to move them forward, which makes them generally more cost-effective than other lawn mowers.

Gas-Powered Mowers

These mowers have engines that run on petrol and aren't restricted by a cable. This makes them an excellent choice for mowing large yards where the length of the cord would limit corded mowers. Gas-powered mowers are also more powerful than electric models and cut grass faster than most models.

The powerful motor and blades also make them more suitable for cutting dense, thick or tall grass easily. These mowers are easy to steer and maneuver well around obstacles, making them ideal for hilly or extreme landscapes with rocks and other debris. One of the most noticeable differences when using gas-powered mowers is that they're much heavier and larger than other lawn mowers.

Self-Propelled Mowers

These mowers are available in single and variable-speed models. The operator engages a speed control lever that can be found on the part of the handle or a separate bar or shifter to move the mower forward. One main advantage of the self-propelled mower is that it propels itself (as the name suggests), and the operator simply walks behind it, guiding it to sections of the yard where grass needs mowing.

These mowers can be front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, performing similar functions but at varied speeds and traction. For instance, the front-wheel drive model is easy to operate and allows the operator to turn the mower by tipping the front wheels back and lifting the mower off the ground. Front-wheel models are ideal for flat lawn surfaces.

Rear-wheel drives provide better traction when mowing across uneven slopes in a back-and-forth pattern. They are most effective when used with a bagger for the most efficient mowing results.

Mulch Mowers

These mowers are designed to chop yard grass multiple times before spreading the cut grass back into the yard. They have side dischargers that direct the cut grass to the side and a bag attachment to direct the grass clippings into the bag. Mulching mowers leave finely cut grass cuttings that fertilize and shade the soil — thus, the name "mulch mower."

Mulch mowers provide a more environmentally friendly way of dealing with the cut grass because they don't need to be collected and disposed of. The operator doesn't need to stop to empty the full grass bag halfway through.

A significant downside of mulch mowers is that they cannot break down overly long grass. The mulching process may also disperse weeds and other undesired grass species across the lawn if the weeds are not dealt with beforehand.

Choosing the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards

The right lawn mower choice can be a cost-effective investment that gets the work done quickly and efficiently, while the wrong investment can turn mowing into a tiresome chore. Therefore, knowing what you're looking for and making the right choice before making this investment is vital.

This segment discusses, in detail, critical factors landscapers should make before zeroing down on the right lawn mower for the job.

Cutting Width

The lawn mower's cutting width is critical in ensuring the model's efficiency in the lawn care routine. A lawn mower with a wider cutting width will cover more ground with each pass, allowing the operator to cut more grass in less time. However, it's important to strike the perfect balance between convenience and maneuverability because mowers with larger cutting widths tend to be larger than those with smaller ones.

Therefore, mowers with larger cutting widths may not be the recommended option for handling small yards with tight spaces.

Cutting Height

Like the cutting width, push lawn mowers have different cutting height settings. Operators should use mowers with adjustable cutting height settings for different grass types and seasons. It's also worth noting that different grass species thrive well at different heights. Therefore, getting the cutting height just right is essential to maintain the yard's curb appeal.

The right push lawn mower will keep the grass at the ideal height to promote healthy growth and not stress the lawn during hot or dry spells. You must understand the optimal cutting height for the grass species in your lawn to achieve a lush, green appearance.

Terrain

A standard push mower is ideal for landscapers with a level yard. However, a push mower with larger rear wheels is the better option for yards with obstacles, such as trees and planting beds. The front-wheel-drive mower allows the operator to tip it up and turn it easily, making this model ideal for yards with tight spaces or obstacles.

Engine Features

The engine is the heart of any lawn mower and is a critical consideration. Understanding the mower's engine features and other mechanical components helps the operator determine the equipment's longevity and performance.

For example, gas-powered lawn mowers have greater power and freedom of movement, making them ideal for larger or sloppy landscapes. On the other hand, electric mowers are quieter and require less maintenance but are less powerful to handle harsh terrains.

Therefore, it's important to select a mower with the right engine type that aligns with the yard's grass-cutting needs and environmental considerations.

Starting Mechanism

Lawn mowers have different starting mechanisms. Some mowers require pulling a starter rope or key, while others have a built-in battery and starter motor that eliminates the need to pull a starter rope.

Mowers with electric starters are excellent for landscapers with shoulder or strength problems and come in handy for stopping the engine in areas with empty grass or picking up an obstacle in the way. Restarting the engine is just a button push away, and you'll continue mowing with little hassle.

Safety Features

We recommend all landscapers and homeowners prioritize safety when shopping for and using lawn mowers. Features, such as blade brakes, safety keys, and blade shields, can help prevent accidents to the mower and landscaper during operation.

Blade brakes and safety keys ensure the mower stops immediately after the operator releases the handle, preventing accidental cutting while the equipment isn't being used.

Many lawn mowers have safety precautions to ensure the operator has a safe experience. The automatic shut-off feature shuts off the engine when it becomes too hot to prevent possible damage or fire accidents during operation. Just make sure to select a lawn mower with all the necessary and required safety features to allow convenient and safe operations.

Maintenance

All mowers require some degree of maintenance, no matter the type or model. Regular maintenance allows the operator to get the most from the lawn care equipment for longer. Maintenance periods may also differ depending on the mower model.

However, landscapers must consider some general maintenance processes before operating or storing the mower, including inspecting all mechanical parts and following the manufacturer's instructions. For instance, a petrol lawn mower will require more engine maintenance and servicing than an electric model.

Battery-powered electric lawn mowers require regular battery care, while gas-powered models need regular oil, spark plug and air filter changes. All mowers require blade sharpening and oiling.

Our Top Picks

Choosing the right new push mowers for small yards depends on several critical factors to maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. Here, we showcase our top push mowers that will help keep your lawn evergreen and plush all year round. Contact our experienced support team for more information on the best push mower to provide the most convenience and efficiency in lawn mowing.

Bradley Even-Cut Commercial Walk-Behind Edger

The Bradley Even-Cut Commercial Walk-Behind Edger is a versatile lawn mower that delivers an exceptional user experience. This edger is powered by a reliable 4-horsepower Briggs and Stratton recoil engine, offering consistent performance across different terrains and grass species. Its heavy-duty steel frame ensures durability and robustness in every operation, promising longevity and durability.

This edger also features eight positions for blade-cutting depth and provides better flexibility for various mowing and grass-cutting needs. This unit can accommodate various applications, whether you're looking for precise, shallow cuts or deeper edges. Experience the convenience and reliability of the Bradley Edger as it effortlessly meets your landscaping needs and grass-cutting requirements.

Bradley Even-Cut 22" Direct Drive Commercial Push Mower

The Bradley Even-Cut 22" Direct Drive Commercial Push Mower is an exceptional heavy-duty push mower with high wheels that stands out as a robust choice in the market. This mower is powered by a reliable Briggs & Stratton 8.50 Gross Torque (190cc) Recoil Start Engine and guarantees consistent and efficient performance across different terrains.

With its 22" cutting width and 16" bicycle spoke pneumatic rear wheels, this mower is designed to cover more ground and easily navigate various terrains with minimal effort from the operator. Its adjustable cutting height, ranging from 1 1/2 -3 inches, also provides flexibility for different lawn preferences.

Bradley Even-Cut 22" Belt-Drive Commercial Push Mower

This Even-Cut 22" Belt-Drive Commercial Push Mower is robust and engineered for exceptional durability, thanks to the protective belt between the engine and blade, which effectively safeguards the engine from blade impacts, ensuring long-term reliability.

This mower guarantees consistent and efficient performance and is powered by a dependable Briggs & Stratton 8.50 Gross Torque (190cc) Recoil Start Engine. Its 22-inch cutting width and 16-inch bicycle spoke pneumatic rear wheels make it a formidable force, easily covering more ground and effortlessly navigating diverse terrains.

You can cater to various lawn preferences with an adjustable cutting height ranging from 2-5 inches. At 117 pounds, this mower's sturdy build allows it to handle challenging conditions while delivering top-tier performance.

Bradley Even-Cut 24" Self-Propelled Commercial Push Mower

Get even with your lawn with this heavy-duty self-propelled lawn mower. The Bradley Even-Cut 24" Self-Propelled Commercial Push Mower is a wise choice for landscapers looking for a self-propelled push mower. This mower features a transmission that pushes the drive wheels, allowing operators to push it across different lawn terrains easily.

Whether you're a lawn care provider or landscaper looking for a new lawn mower to use on your own lawn, this is an excellent and easy-to-use option.

Get in Touch With Us

Finding the best push mowers for small yards is a relatively easy task, provided you know what to look for in your preferred lawn mower. Let us help you make the right decision as you choose the best mower that helps you achieve the perfect cut with minimal effort within the shortest time.

Contact our expert team for more information on our financing options and a variety of push mower models in our inventory. We will help you find the right push mower for your small lawn.