Best Lawn Mowers for Zoysia Grass: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Maintaining a lush Zoysia lawn demands a mower that handles this dense, slow-growing grass efficiently. Below is a summary table of the top lawn mowers suited for Zoysia, highlighting key features for quick comparison.
| Model | Type | Cutting Width | Power Source | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | Push Reel | 16 Inches | Manual | 7-Blade Ball Bearing Reel |
| American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 | Push Reel | 14 Inches | Manual | 4-Blade Light Design |
| Greenworks 48V 17″ | Cordless Electric | 17 Inches | Battery | Dual Batteries & 5 Height Positions |
| Litheli 18-inch 40V Brushless | Cordless Electric | 18 Inches | Battery | Brushless Motor & 6-Position Height |
| Fiskars Push Mower 18″ | Manual Reel | 18 Inches | Manual | InertiaDrive Reel & StaySharp Blades |
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a manual push reel mower featuring a 16-inch cutting width and a robust 7-blade ball bearing reel designed for smooth, sharp cuts. Its durable steel side plates provide longevity, while the alloy steel blades maintain sharpness longer, ideal for the thick and dense Zoysia grass.
This mower is versatile, also suitable for bent grass, Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum. The 10-inch composite wheels improve maneuverability. This eco-friendly model requires no fuel or electricity, providing quiet operation and low maintenance for those who prefer a manual approach.
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a lightweight, 14-inch cutting width hand reel mower with four blades. At only 19 pounds and equipped with 8.5-inch polymer wheels, it offers excellent maneuverability for small to medium yards with Zoysia grass.
Its blade height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, making it suitable for typical lawn maintenance on grass up to 4 inches tall. Being a manual mower, it is a pollution and noise-free alternative, perfect for users looking for eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn care options.
Greenworks 48V (2 x 24V) 17″ Cordless Push Lawn Mower
This Greenworks cordless mower features a 17-inch rust-resistant poly deck and is powered by two 24V batteries providing up to 45 minutes runtime. The electric mower is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for maneuvering around Zoysia lawns.
The mower includes a 5-position height adjustment lever to tailor the cutting height based on your lawn conditions. Its 2-in-1 design allows for mulching or rear bagging, catering to diverse grass clipping preferences for maintaining soft, green Zoysia.
Litheli 18-inch 40V Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
The Litheli 18-inch cordless mower comes equipped with a powerful brushless motor that ensures smooth operation and reduced maintenance, perfect for dense Zoysia grass. It has a wide 18-inch cutting width and an ample 10.57-gallon grass collection bag, covering more ground efficiently.
With a convenient 6-position height adjustment from 0.98 to 2.95 inches, it suits different grass lengths and seasonal care. It runs on two included 4.0Ah batteries, allowing longer runtime without interruptions, facilitating quick, effortless lawn trimming.
Fiskars Push Mower – 18″ Manual Reel Lawn Mower
The Fiskars 18-inch manual reel mower combines eco-friendly operation with efficient performance. The InertiaDrive Reel system delivers twice the cutting power of standard reels, making it effective for dense grass like Zoysia.
Its StaySharp cutting system eliminates the need for frequent sharpening, maintaining clean cuts longer. The reversible grass chute directs clippings away from your feet and debris buildup, while one-touch handle height adjustment adds comfort during use.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Zoysia Grass
1. Cutting Mechanism
Zoysia grass has thick, coarse blades requiring a mower with sharp, strong blades. Manual reel mowers with high-quality, multi-blade reels provide clean shearing cuts, promoting healthier lawn growth. Alternatively, battery-powered rotary mowers with adjustable sharp blades also suit thick grass.
2. Cutting Width
Lawn size influences the ideal cutting width. Larger yards benefit from wider decks (17-18 inches) to reduce mowing time, while smaller lawns are well-served by 14-16 inch models for precise control around obstacles.
3. Height Adjustment
Zoysia grass is best cut between 1 and 2 inches depending on season and lawn condition. A mower with multiple height adjustment settings, preferably 4 to 6 options, allows flexibility for ideal turf health and aesthetics.
4. Power Source
Manual reel mowers are environmentally friendly, quiet, and low maintenance but require physical effort. Electric cordless mowers provide more power to handle thick Zoysia with less effort and often feature mulching and bagging options. Gas mowers are generally not preferred for smaller Zoysia lawns due to noise and emissions.
5. Maneuverability
Look for mowers equipped with large, durable wheels or lightweight designs to easily navigate varied terrains typical of Zoysia yards, including around flower beds or curved landscapes.
6. Grass Clipping Management
Options for mulching, rear bagging, or side discharge help keep your Zoysia lawn tidy. Bagging is beneficial if you prefer a clean lawn after mowing, while mulching helps recycle nutrients back into the grass.
7. Maintenance and Durability
Choose mowers with durable steel or alloy blades that hold sharp edges longer to minimize upkeep. Brushless motors in cordless mowers reduce maintenance needs and provide increased efficiency.
8. Noise and Environmental Considerations
Manual reel mowers and cordless electric mowers are quieter and emission-free, ideal for residential areas, preserving your enjoyment and neighborhood peace.
By considering these factors, you can select the best lawn mower tailored to your Zoysia lawn’s condition, size, and your personal preferences for efficient and easy lawn maintenance.