Pros:
- Compatible battery system with other Craftsman 20V batteries
- Low profile
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Odd appearance
If you’re tight on storage space, 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. Given its low-profile appearance, I had low expectations. To my surprise, this mower did a bang-up job in my yard and even knocked out some Crepe Myrtle sprouts that have plagued me and my mower for years.
This 20-in. Craftsman features two 20-volt batteries, which are compatible with more than 100 other 20-volt Craftsman tools. Unlike many other small yard mowers, it comes with a clippings collection bag and offers a three-year warranty.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- No battery or gas
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Needs extension cord
This corded model is one of the most affordable electric mowers. 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 has a 10.6-gallon clipping collection bag and a two-year warranty.
The Sun Joe MJ401E can pack some serious power despite its turtle-like appearance. It is super lightweight, extremely portable, and requires virtually no maintenance. Not to mention, it comes in at a fantastic price. If you have an extension cord long enough to reach your small yard, this mower is the best value you can have.
What to Look for When Buying a Lawn Mower for a Small Yard
When my parents and I sat down to review the criteria for buying a lawn mower, there were some key points I advised them to look at while shopping:
Fuel source: Gas, corded electric and battery are the primary options for a new lawn mower. My parents preferred battery-powered or corded electric mowers to avoid dealing with maintenance or buying gas.
Storage: My parents had a small one-car garage in their townhome that barely fit a car. They needed a mower that could be folded in half and stood on its side to fit inside the garage.
Cutting deck width: Look for a cutting deck under 22 inches, agile enough for small lawns.
Weight: Because my parents’ lawn was separated, they had to carry the mower through the house to get to the backyard, and they needed a lighter mower to do that.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have personally tested dozens, if not hundreds, of lawn mowers. From multiple robot mowers, push mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers, we have put just about every mower on the market to the test.
As a former landscaper, I developed a unique love for lawn mowers after using them daily for years. With my deep love for lawn mowers, I became an absolute snob. Now, we spend our days testing lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and more. Much of our time is spent using new mowers and comparing them to see which reigns supreme.
Sound like a crazy job? It is.
Finding the Right Mower for My Parents’ Small Lawn: My Testing Process
As ridiculous as it may have looked, I tested many of these mowers before letting my parents purchase one.
I recently completed an extensive test that includes some of the mowers from this article. I walked battery-powered lawn mowers with the self-propelled function on until they died. I also tested the smoothness and evenness of their cut quality, ran them in tall brush until they cut out, and tested their charge times.
I further tested my parents’ mowers’ weight and usability, how easily they can collapse for storage, and how much force it takes to knock one over once stored in the upright position.
If it seems like overkill—you’re right.
FAQ
What size lawn mower do I need for a small yard?
Look for a mower with a cutting deck between 14 and 20 inches for a small yard.
What size is considered a small lawn?
Small lawns are generally less than ¼ of an acre.
