Best Inexpensive Lawn Mower For Small Yard

I won’t lie, spending time on my lawn and keeping it in pristine condition is my guilty pleasure.

Now, I know that most of you won’t relate to that because let’s face it, lawn mowing is not among the most popular chores for the vast majority of homeowners.

After all my years of lawn maintenance (I’ve been at it for over two decades), I know that nine out of ten people avoid it because they don’t have the right lawn mower.

After all, if you don’t have the tools for the job, I don’t blame you for not wanting to do it. But don’t worry; there is an easy way to take care of that problem.

Howdy! I am Stacy Smith, and I have carefully handpicked and reviewed five of the most affordable lawn mowers you can buy for a small yard. With my unbiased reviews to help you, I am confident that you’ll find the best mower for your needs.

Without further ado, let’s get straight to the deets.

Top 5 Inexpensive Lawn Mower For Small Yard

The numero uno spot on my list goes to the 3-in-1 String Trimmer, Edger & Lawn Mower from the reputed brand of Black & Decker. It is the most affordable and versatile model I could find out there, so it should be no surprise that it is my first recommendation.

Why Buy This Product?

What’s better than one tool that gives you three types of landscaping functionality, that too, at a very affordable price! You can rest assured that you will get the most bang for your buck from this exceptional 3-in-1 trimmer, edger, and mower from Black & Decker.

It packs a powerful punch with its 6.5 Amp motor and variable cutting height, ranging from 1.6 to 2.4 inches. If your lawn measures up to 750 square feet, this unit will easily take care of all your maintenance tasks.

And that’s not all; it comes equipped with the AFS (automatic feed system), which allows you to work continuously without interruptions. Also, its Gear Drive transmission prevents bogging down. Lastly, you can easily switch between the different functions using the foot pedal release.

What Could’ve Been Better?

I know it is meant for small yards, but its cutting width of a mere 12 inches slowed things down way more than I would’ve liked. Being a retired school teacher in her 50s, I’d rather not spend hours on end mowing the lawn.

The next recommendation I have for you comes from the banner of Great States, which is a part of the American Lawn Mower Company. The company has a rich history of more than a hundred years, and the 415-16 Push Reel lawn mower does complete justice to it.

Why Buy This Product?

Straight off the bat, I was impressed by the positive customer reviews for this mower. Let’s just say that when it comes to push reel lawn mowers, there’s only a handful of products that come close to its operational efficiency, especially in its price range.

Thanks to its 5-blade ball bearing reel and 16-inch cutting width, you need not worry about getting anything less than the perfect cut with every pass. Add to that the 10-inch composite wheels, and you’ve got a mower that offers unparalleled maneuverability.

But that’s not all; you can adjust the cutting height between 0.5 and 2.5 inches. Moreover, the T-style handle is equipped with cushioned grips for your comfort. Long story short, the only reason I placed it second on my list is that it lacks the 3-in-1 functionality of the Black & Decker model.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only gripe I have with this otherwise excellent mower is that it tends to get stuck when it encounters a small wood stick or tall weed seed stems. So, if your lawn has lots of those, you should look for a more robust model.

At the third spot on this list is yet another excellent option from the American Lawn Mower Company. The 1815-18 Push Reel Mower is a bit more expensive than my first two picks, but it also comes with a broader cutting capacity and other nifty features. Read on to know if this is the perfect fit for your lawn.

Why Buy This Product?

First things first, the cutting efficiency of this mower is one of the best. And I’m not saying that just because it has an 18-inch cutting width. You can adjust its 7-section roller to select a cutting height between 0.5 and 2.75 inches.

Furthermore, its steel side plate, rear roller bar, and 5-blade tempered steel ball-bearing reel ensure that your mowing sessions feel like a regular walk in the lawn. Talk about unmatched convenience!

And if that’s not enough, you will be pleased to know that it comes with 10-inch durable composite wheels and a loop-type handle with a comfortable foam grip. So, this lawn mower undoubtedly checks all the right boxes for someone like me who is not exactly in the prime of their life.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only downside to this mower is that it cannot handle slopes and uneven terrain. It wasn’t much of a concern because I have only one small corner in my lawn that has a gentle slope. But if your yard has more (steeper) slopes, you should consider getting another mower.

Scotts’ 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower bags the penultimate spot on my list and for a good reason. Unlike the previous two reel lawn mowers, this one comes with dual tracking wheels, making it a lot better in terms of maneuverability. But that’s not the only thing that’s great about it.

Why Buy This Product?

Before I talk about anything else, let me tell you that assembling it is as easy as possible. You need no tools and only a few minutes to get it up and running after it arrives at your doorstep.

With a 20-inch cutting width, you can use this mower to take care of any lawn up to half an acre in size. The five-spider, five-blade reel ensures accurate cuts every time. What’s more, the heavy-duty steel blades are built to last for years to come.

I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of the quick snap height adjustment feature that allowed me to select the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches.

What Could’ve Been Better?

After using this mower for around six months, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of downsides. First, it requires constant oiling. You would have to oil the moving parts before every use; otherwise, it gets annoyingly loud. Second, it cannot tackle grass that is taller than 12 inches.

The final mower I have selected for you bears the brand name of Fiskars. Let me tell you that this is the most expensive option on my list, and it may exceed the budget of some. But that doesn’t mean that the StaySharp Max Reel Mower isn’t worth considering. Let’s see what it has to offer...

Why Buy This Product?

First and foremost, let me tell you what sets this Fiskars mower apart from my other recommendations. It includes a chain-drive design that ensures improved inertia, less friction, and optimal reel speed. And all of that makes it 60% easier to push than other reel mowers.

Moreover, you can easily change the cutting height between 1 and 4 inches using the one-touch adjustment feature. With its thicker blades and a large-diameter cutting reel, you won’t have to worry about spending too much time mowing the lawn.

Last but not least, the cutting system does not touch the surface, enhancing its longevity. That explains why the brand backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It pushed over anything that is higher than 6 inches and won’t cut it at all. So, if you have weeds or other non-ideal grasses, some will quickly grow over 6 inches high before the rest of your lawn needs mowing. Long story short, you’d have some more manual mowing to do. Also, it is a tad bit heavy, weighing over 50 pounds.

Final Words

And there you have it! That’s my list of the five best inexpensive lawn mowers for small yards. I ranked my recommendations based on price and overall value for money. So, you can choose one based on your budget.

But before I sign off, let me tell you about my favorites. The Black & Decker 3-in-1 mower is the most versatile of the lot, while the 1815-18 Push Reel Lawn Mower from American Lawn Mower Company offers the best convenience. On a different note, do check out our tips and tricks on how to keep grass out of a garden too, if that is something you're struggling with.

Till next time!