Best Lawn Mower for Small Yard of 2021: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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There is no need to purchase a high-end lawn mower if you’ll only use it on a small plot of land.

What you’ll need is the best lawn mower for small yards.

A decent lawn mower will provide you enough power to get through your yard while also being cost-efficient.

The only issue is that there are a lot of options to choose from.

Many lawn mowers are advertised as suitable for small yards, but they often lack the power to cut most lawns.

Hence, let’s look at some of the highly-rated lawn mowers that can help maintain your yard.

Best Lawn Mower for Small Yards: A Review

1. Sun Joe Dethatcher Joe AJ801E

The Sun Joe Dethatcher Joe AJ801E is a two-in-one lawn mower that also doubles as a dethatcher.

It includes a 12.6-inch electric scarifier and features a powerful motor.

The Dethatcher Joe is suitable for small to mid-sized lawns and is powerful enough to cut grass from the roots that produces thicker and healthier lawns.

It also includes a position depth control.

Review

Now that we’ve taken a look at what the Sun Joe Dethatcher is for, let’s take a closer look at its features:

• 12-Amp Motor

The powerful 12-amp motor allows the lawn mower to clear a pass with one swoop.

What’s even better with the Sun Joe is that it features a wide 12.6-inch rake, which enables you to clear your lawn swiftly.

• AirBoost Technology

The AirBoost technology helps maximize thatch pickup with the help of its reliable and sharp spring steel tines.

This feature makes thatching relatively harmless, as the mower is effective at trimming.

• Five-Position Depth Control Knob

You can use the five-position depth control knob to help adjust your raking depth.

The range is anywhere from -0.4 inches to 0.4-inches, which is either slightly below soil or slightly above soil level.

• Quick Start Button

A convenient little feature allows you to start the Sun Joe Dethatcher Joe AJ801E with the click of a button.

However, this is better than your standard lawn mower as it produces less toxic carbon emissions.

• Eco-Friendly

The Sun Joe Dethatcher is an eco-friendly lawn mower that doesn’t rely on gas.

It also doesn’t require any tune-ups and therefore reduces the carbon emission and overall consumption.

You can rest assured of its eco-friendliness because it’s been ETL-approved.

Pros:

• Promotes thicker lawns
• Quick startup
• Powerful motor
• Wide rakes
• Eco-friendly

Con:

• Small collection bag

2. Honda GCV170 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Honda is a trusted brand that has been around for generations producing high-quality equipment and tools.

The GCV170 4-Stroke Engine Lawn Mower has multiple speed settings.

It also has features that enable you to compost and start the equipment up in a second.

Review

The Honda GCV170 is a good model for small yards, and here’s a breakdown of some of its most notable features:

• Smart Drive

The Honda GCV170 includes a self-propelling motor that you can customize in five different positions.

Thus, you can get around tricky corners with ease.

Aside from that, the speed of the device can go up to four miles per hour.

• Mulching and Bag

The Honda GCV170 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower has superior cutting whether you’re using the mulcher or not.

What helps is the 3-in-1 Clip Director System which enables you to switch modes from mulching, bagging, and discharging.

Aside from that, it includes a 21-inch steel decking that makes the device highly efficient at mulching and bagging.

• MicroCut Twin Blade System

The blades include two separate twin blade designs, which are stacked and offset.

What this does is help chop the grass into smaller bits which is ideal for mulching and bagging.

Also, the blades are powerful and durable and can cut a wide 21-inch range.

Using the dual-level height adjustment system, you’ll be able to switch heights in an instant.

• Two Way Ratchet System and Quick Release Handle

The two-way ratchet system provides increased maneuverability which is recommended for small yards.

Aside from that, the unique system will require fewer turns to move the mower.

The pull-back force is also reduced when you’re mowing.

Besides that, the quick release handle comes with two positions which makes it easy to use.

• Flywheel Brake Safety System

The Honda GCV170 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower’s safety system prevents injuries while operating the mower.

It works by stopping the engine if you let go of the flywheel brake lever.

• Smart Engine Layout

The smart engine layout of the tool includes a spark plug, oil change, filter, and tank spout.

This design enables you to perform maintenance on the mower if necessary.

You can also use the fuel shut-off valve when transporting to keep you and your tool safe.

Pros:

• Powerful
• Easy to use
• Quiet operation
• No assembling required
• Easy to control

Con:

• Too powerful at max speed

3. Greenworks Pro 80V 21-inch Brushless Lawn Mower

The Pro 80V 21-inch Brushless Lawn Mower is a cordless tool that includes a durable steel deck.

What sets it apart from previous models is its highly efficient and eco-friendly motor.

Lastly, there is a single lever height adjustment which makes it easy for everyone to use.

Review

Now that we’ve gone over the upgrades, let’s take a closer look at the features of this mower.

• Extended Battery Life

The Pro 80V features an extended run-time of 60 minutes, supported by a 4.0 Ah battery.

Thus, you won’t have to worry about needing to stop in the middle of mowing your lawn.

That said, the total run-time may vary depending on the grass condition of your yard.

• Brushless Motor

The brushless motor produces a high torque power and reduces noise, so you’ll expect efficient but quiet operation.

Using the brushless motor also eliminates the need to use gas or oil to power the mower.

• Wide Reach

The front of the mower is 21 inches and can cut more in one sweep, enabling you to clear your small yard quickly.

Plus, you’ll only need to go over a line once as the mower is efficient at cutting efficiently.

• Three-in-One System

There is no need to purchase a mulcher since the mower includes a built-in mulcher.

Aside from that, there is rear bagging and a side discharge.

• Seven-Position Height

The Greenworks lawn mower has seven height positions available.

The adjustment enables you to get the perfect cut on all types of yards.

You can also switch up the height to help accommodate yards with uneven land.

• Easy Startup

The startup isn’t complicated with the Pro 80V, as it starts with a button push.

What’s more, you can access the button quickly since it’s installed near the handle.

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Quiet operation
• Quick startup
• Eco-friendly
• Multiple uses

Con:

• Self propels forward

4. Earthwise Corded Electric Dethatcher

The Earthwise Corded Electric Dethatcher is a powerful eco-friendly lawn mower.

It’s easy to use, reliable, and can get almost any lawn mowing job done.

Aside from the planet-conscious design, the mower only needs minimum maintenance and can remove matted grass and debris.

Additionally, it has a dethatcher to help your yard stay healthy year-round.

Review

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Earthwise Corded Electric Dethatcher, let’s take a closer look at its features.

• Powerful 13-Amp Motor

The one-amp motor of the Earthwise Corded Electric Dethatcher is low maintenance and planet conscious.

The power also isn’t compromised as it can compete with gas-powered dethatchers.

The motor is also highly reliable but doesn’t create as much noise as a gas lawn mower.

• 16-Inch Width

A 16-inch width adjustable piano wire spring pin is installed in the mower.

Using the piano wire springs, you can effectively dethatch your lawn without any hassle.

The wide blade covers plenty of ground with one pass, which also means you’ll be able to clear your yard quickly.

• Four-Gallon Catcher

Unlike most other lawn mowers, the Pro 80V includes a four-gallon grass catcher.

Although, this is a bit on the smaller side compared to other models.

The grass catcher helps collect the grass as you mow and will pick up any other debris with ease.

• Eco-Friendly and Lightweight Design

The Earthwise Lawn Dethatcher lives up to its name by having an eco-friendly design that doesn’t rely on gas or oil.

Instead, it is electrically charged and features a low-maintenance design.

In the long run, this will save you money.

Aside from that, the mower is lightweight and features a bail wire switch to help start the mower safely.

• Adjustable Depth

Lastly, the Pro 80V allows you to adjust depths from -0.4 inches to 0.4 inches.

This gives you enough space to either be right below ground level or right above it.

These features are excellent for dethatching or when handling matted grass layers.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Powerful
• Quick dethatching
• Durable
• Low maintenance

Con:

• Too small bag

5. Black+Decker 12-inch 3-in-1 Compact Electric Lawn Mower

Black+Decker is among the most popular and established companies producing power tools and more.

This corded tool is a lawn mower, trimmer, and wheeled edger in one, a design not commonly found on many other models.

It also has an enhanced maneuvering hat that makes it easy to mow on inclines and tight spaces. 

Review

Now that you have a general idea of the improvements this model has, let’s take a closer look at its features:

• 3-in-1 Functionality

The lawn mower cuts unwieldy lawns with ease, and the trimmer easily cuts around gardens and flower beds without damaging them.

Lastly, the edger quickly pivots the wheeled edger in seconds to create a cleanly manicured lawn border.

• Automatic Feed Spool

Using the AFS, you’ll be able to automatically collect the feed spool—no need to stop to adjust or retract it manually.

It also helps prevent tangling and will extend and retract when needed.

• Easy Converting

Converting the tool to a wheeled edger is also convenient.

You can even do so while using the tool, as all you’ve to do is rotate the trimmer head.

This feature enables you to have complete control of the tool and reach tight areas.

Thus, it’s perfect for small yards that have tricky corners to navigate around.

• 6.5-Amp Motor & Power Drive ™ Transmission

The 6.5-amp motor and the power drive support increase torque and provide more cutting power to the mower.

This allows you to use the compact lawn mower on your entire yard.

• Built-in Cord Retention System

The cord tension system helps prevent accidents.

Installed inside the machine is a cord retention system to help hold all the cords together.

This feature prevents the cords from snagging and becoming damaged.

The retractable cord retention system also eliminates any hassles while using the device.

• Comfort

The Black+Decker features a lightweight design of approximately 9.9 pounds.

You’ll also be able to adjust the handle height and position.

Being able to change the handle ensures that you’ll be comfortable and in complete control.

• Cutting Width and Height

This lawn mower is built for smaller yards and features a 12-inch cutting width.

While this isn’t as wide as other models, the medium design enables you to cut with more control.

It also includes a 1.6-inch cutting height and functions at 8000 RPM.

• Unlimited Running Time

With its corded design, you’ll be able to use the lawn mower unlimitedly.

Unlike other models, you won’t have to worry about battery life or running out of oil or gas.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Compact design
• Powerful engine

Con:

• More of a weed wacker than a mower

Which Lawn Mower Should You Purchase for Your Small Yard?

As you can see, there are many options to choose from for the best lawn mower for small yards.

Each of the options we presented includes different features, so be sure to choose one based on what type of lawn maintenance you’ll be doing.

That said, we’d have to recommend the Honda GCV170 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for general use.

It includes the features you’d want in your standard lawn mower for small yards.

Honda also added improvements to make the mower more durable.

With all the upgrades, you’re sure to have a lawn mower that you can use for years to maintain your lawn.