Finding the perfect lawn mower often comes down to a simple, yet crucial, factor: weight. A lightweight mower can transform a strenuous chore into a manageable, even enjoyable, task. Whether you’re navigating tricky slopes, storing the mower in a tight shed, or simply prefer a tool that doesn’t strain your arms and back, the mower’s heft is a primary consideration for easy handling and overall user comfort.
Modern advancements have led to a fantastic range of cordless electric and manual reel mowers that are both powerful and surprisingly light. This roundup is dedicated to those easy-to-maneuver machines. We’ve compiled a list of the best lightweight lawn mowers that prioritize your comfort without sacrificing cutting performance, helping you find the ideal partner for maintaining a pristine lawn with minimal effort.
The Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers for Effortless Yard Work
- Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mowers
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
- MZK 40V 13”Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with 4-Position Height Adjustment
- American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower
- Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 10.6-Gal Bag
- American Lawn Mower Company GC91416 Reel Lawn Mower Grass Catcher
- Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
- Worx WG779 40V Power Share 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower + Hedge Trimmer
- EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mowers
The Litheli U20 Handy+ is designed for convenience and power in a compact, lightweight frame. Its 13-inch cutting width is ideal for smaller yards, allowing you to navigate around garden beds and tight corners with ease. The high-performance motor spins at 3400 RPM for a clean cut, and it can handle up to 1,300 square feet of lawn on a single charge of the included 4.0Ah battery.
You have full control over your lawn’s appearance with five different cutting height adjustments, ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches. The 8-gallon collection bag helps keep your lawn tidy by gathering clippings as you mow. This mower is a solid choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance, quiet, and easy-to-store solution for their garden, yard, or farm.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
For those with very small lawns or who prefer the consistent power of a corded tool, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a remarkably versatile and lightweight option. Weighing just 9.9 pounds, it is exceptionally easy to lift and maneuver. This machine consolidates three essential lawn care tools into one, functioning as a mower, a string trimmer, and an edger.
The adjustable handle and height positions allow you to find a comfortable and controlled grip for any of its three functions. The automatic feed spool (AFS) is a convenient feature for the trimmer function, feeding more line as needed without requiring you to stop and bump the unit. This is an excellent space-saving tool for precise lawn maintenance.
MZK 40V 13”Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with 4-Position Height Adjustment
The MZK cordless mower combines power and runtime with its efficient brushless motor and dual 20V 4Ah batteries. This setup provides substantial power for reliable cutting and extended runtime to cover more ground without frequent charging interruptions. The 13-inch cutting deck is compact for easy handling while the 25-liter grass catcher has a generous capacity.
With four adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 inches, you can easily tailor the cut to suit different grass types and seasonal growth patterns. The brushless motor design not only enhances performance but also contributes to the mower’s durability and reduced maintenance needs, making it a dependable choice for regular lawn care.
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
For the ultimate in lightweight, eco-friendly mowing, the American Lawn Mower Company’s push reel mower is a classic choice. Weighing only 19 pounds, it is incredibly easy to push and requires no gas, oil, or electricity. This manual mower provides a quiet, pollution-free cutting experience that is also excellent for your grass’s health.
It features a 14-inch cutting width with a four-blade reel that cleanly scissors grass. The cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, giving you a precise, healthy trim. Its durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels ensure smooth maneuverability, making it perfect for small, flat lawns where noise and emissions are a concern.
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower
Greenworks has engineered this mower to be 35% lighter than many comparable models, making it a top contender for users who prioritize easy handling. Despite its lightweight design, it doesn’t compromise on power, offering gas-like performance that is perfect for small to medium lawns up to half an acre. The 4.0Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of continuous runtime.
It features a 16-inch cutting deck and a smart single-lever system that lets you adjust the cutting height across five positions. The 2-in-1 function allows you to either mulch clippings for nutrients or collect them in the rear bag for a clean finish. The push-button start ensures a hassle-free beginning to every mowing session.
Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 10.6-Gal Bag
The Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO is a battery-powered mower built for small to medium lawns, offering a robust 14-inch steel cutting deck. Its rechargeable 28V 4Ah lithium-ion battery provides enough power to mow up to a quarter-acre of grass on a single charge, which is approximately 2,150 square feet.
This mower is designed for straightforward operation and easy storage. The cutting height can be tailored to your preference with a simple three-position manual adjustment. The large 10.6-gallon grass bag reduces the frequency of stops to empty clippings, allowing for a more continuous mowing experience.
American Lawn Mower Company GC91416 Reel Lawn Mower Grass Catcher
This is a specialized accessory designed to enhance the functionality of your existing American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch or 16-inch reel mower. It is not a mower itself, but it significantly improves the convenience of using a manual reel mower by collecting grass clippings and leaves.
Constructed with a durable plastic bottom, rot-resistant polyester fabric, and a heavy-duty wire frame, this grass catcher is built to last. It attaches easily to compatible reel mowers, preventing debris from being strewn across your freshly cut lawn and saving you the extra step of raking afterward.
Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
The Snapper XD offers a larger 21-inch cutting width, making it suitable for bigger lawns while still being a manageable push mower. It is part of a powerful 82V battery ecosystem, and with a compatible battery (sold separately), it can deliver up to 45 minutes of run time. The steel mowing deck is built for durability.
This mower provides versatile clippings management with its 3-in-1 design. You can choose to mulch the clippings back into the lawn for nutrients, bag them for a clean look, or use the side discharge for longer grass. This flexibility allows you to adapt your mowing strategy to current lawn conditions.
Worx WG779 40V Power Share 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower + Hedge Trimmer
This Worx bundle offers excellent value by combining a lightweight 14-inch lawn mower with a 22-inch hedge trimmer. Both tools operate on the same Worx Power Share battery system, which is interchangeable with over 75 other tools in their lineup. The mower can cover up to 5,000 square feet on a single charge.
The mower features six different cutting height adjustments controlled by a single lever, providing great customization for your lawn. The included hedge trimmer complements the mower perfectly, allowing you to tackle overall yard maintenance with one battery platform, making this a smart starter kit for new homeowners.
EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2102SP stands out in the lightweight category by adding the convenience of self-propelled drive. This feature reduces the physical effort required to push the mower, especially on inclines or larger lawns, while the overall design remains manageable and easy to control. The 21-inch steel deck offers efficient coverage.
It is part of the renowned EGO Power+ ecosystem, known for its high-performance batteries and brushless motor technology. This mower includes a 3-in-1 function for mulching, bagging, or side discharge, giving you full control over your lawn’s appearance. The self-propelled feature makes it an ideal choice for those who want power and ease of use without the weight of a gas mower.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Lightweight Lawn Mower
When I started looking for a new mower, my main goal was to find something that wouldn’t feel like a chore to push around my hilly yard. I quickly learned that lightweight can mean different things, and it’s about more than just the number on the scale. If you’re searching for one of the 10 best lightweight lawn mowers for easy handling, here are the key things I think you should consider.
First, let’s talk about power source. This is a huge factor in both weight and how you use the mower. Gas mowers are powerful and offer total freedom from cords, but they are typically the heaviest due to the engine and require regular maintenance. Electric corded mowers are the lightest and quietest option. They have virtually no maintenance, but your range is limited by the length of your extension cord. Cordless battery-powered mowers strike a great balance. They offer excellent maneuverability without a cord and are significantly lighter than gas models. Just be mindful of the battery life; you’ll want to ensure the run time matches your lawn’s size.
Next, consider the cutting width. A wider deck means you can finish the job faster because you cover more ground with each pass. However, a wider deck also means a wider and often heavier mower. If you have a lot of tight corners, gates, or obstacles, a narrower deck might be easier to navigate, even if it takes a bit longer. For most average-sized yards, a cutting width between 18 and 21 inches is a fantastic sweet spot.
Don’t just look at the product’s shipping weight. Pay close attention to the deck material. A steel deck is very durable but adds considerable heft. Many modern lightweight mowers use polymer or composite decks. These are incredibly tough, rust-proof, and contribute significantly to the overall reduction in weight. Also, check the handle. A foldable or easily detachable handle makes for much more convenient storage, especially if you have limited shed or garage space.
Finally, think about the extra features that make handling easier. Self-propulsion is a game-changer if you have any slopes. While it adds a bit of weight and cost, it means the mower does the work of moving itself, and you just guide it. A single-lever height adjustment allows you to change the cutting height for all wheels at once instead of fiddling with four separate levers. A easy-start system on gas models or a simple push-button start on electric models removes the frustration of pulling a cord repeatedly. By weighing these factors against your specific lawn and physical needs, you can find a mower that makes lawn care feel less like a heavy burden and more like a quick, satisfying task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a lightweight lawn mower?
There’s no official standard, but in my experience, any push mower that weighs under 60 pounds is generally considered lightweight. Many electric and battery-powered models fall into the 35 to 50-pound range, which is a dramatic difference from gas mowers that can easily weigh 80 pounds or more. The key is to find a weight that you can comfortably lift in and out of a shed or car and push around your yard without straining your back or arms.
Are lightweight mowers less powerful than heavy ones?
Not necessarily. This is a common misconception. While a hefty gas mower has raw power for very thick, overgrown grass, the technology in modern electric mowers is impressive. For a typical, well-maintained lawn, a quality battery-powered or corded electric mower has more than enough power to get a clean cut. The weight savings comes from ditching the heavy gas engine and steel deck, not from a lack of cutting ability.
Can a lightweight mower handle tall or wet grass?
This is where you might notice a limitation. Most lightweight mowers, especially battery-powered ones, are designed for regular maintenance mowing. Tackling very tall, dense, or wet grass can overwhelm the motor and drain the battery extremely quickly. It’s always best to mow frequently and avoid mowing when the grass is soaking wet, regardless of your mower type. For those tougher jobs, a self-propelled model with a more powerful motor would be a better fit.
How important is the deck material?
It’s very important for both weight and durability. Steel decks are strong but prone to rust and are the heaviest option. Polymer or composite decks are the star of the show when it comes to the 10 best lightweight lawn mowers for easy handling. They are rust-proof, resist denting, and significantly reduce the mower’s overall weight without sacrificing toughness. For most people, a high-quality polymer deck is the ideal choice.
Is a self-propelled mower still considered lightweight?
Yes, absolutely. Self-propelled mowers will always weigh more than a basic push mower because of the extra drive mechanism. However, many manufacturers now offer self-propelled models that are still relatively light, often in the 60-70 pound range. The trade-off is worth it for many; the mower might be a few pounds heavier when you lift it, but it does all the work of moving itself across your lawn, which is much easier on your body.
What is the biggest trade-off with a lightweight mower?
The main compromise is often runtime and ultimate power for the most demanding conditions. A lightweight gas mower might have a smaller engine, and a battery-powered model will have a finite run time. You’re trading the ability to mow a very large, overgrown field in one go for superior maneuverability, easier storage, and less physical effort for a standard residential lawn. For most homeowners, that’s a trade they are very happy to make.