Updated 3/10/2023
Having a lush, healthy lawn during summer can be tricky, especially if you have zoysia grass. Zoysia is a warm-season turfgrass that requires special care regarding mowing.
With the right lawn mower, however, you can keep your zoysia looking its best all season long.
In this article, I give my findings from a nearly three-month-long experiment to test the best lawn mowers for zoysia grass!
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Best Lawn Mowers for Zoysia Grass
Many factors need to be considered when it comes to finding the best lawn mowers for Zoysia grass.
Finding a mower that will provide a clean, even cut and preserve the health of your Zoysia grass in the process is important.
Fortunately, several top-tier lawnmowers are available designed to address the needs of Zoysia grass owners.
Let’s take a look!
1: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lawn Mower, String Trimmer, Edger, 3-in-1
- 3 tools in 1, easily converts from mower to trimmer to edger
- AFS automatic feed system ensures continuous work without bumping and having to stop. Ideal property size 750 square feet
- Power drive transmission prevents bogging down. Cutting heights: 1.6 2.4 inches
- Adjustable height deck & trimmer and pivoting handle. Charge time at 60 percent 2.5 hours
- Includes (2) batteries for extended run time
As a homeowner with zoysia grass, I understand the importance of having a trusty lawn mower to get the job done.
The BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lawn Mower 3-in-1 is ideal for zoysia grass owners.
This powerful but lightweight mower with a 20-inch cutting deck, combined with the convenient 3-in-1 design, makes it an excellent choice for taking care of zoysia grass.
One of the best features of this lawn mower is that it’s cordless and powered by two 40V Li-Ion batteries.
It has enough power to easily tackle zoysia grass, yet it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver around the yard.
The mower is also surprisingly quiet when running.
The 3-in-1 design of this lawn mower means that you can use it as a trimmer, edger, or mower, depending on your needs.
Switching between the different functions is easy, and the trimmer head can be adjusted to reach tight spaces.
This makes it great for getting into those hard-to-reach places in zoysia grass.
In addition, the BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lawn Mower comes with a durable steel deck and oversized wheels, meaning it can easily handle zoysia grass without any issues.
And with a foldable handle for easy storage, this lawn mower is a great choice for zoysia grass owners who need something to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Overall, I’m happy with the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1. It’s lightweight, powerful, and versatile enough to handle zoysia grass easily.
The fact that it’s also cordless is a huge bonus in the convenience category. This lawn mower gets a thumbs-up from me!
My Observations / Key Takeaways
- This is an excellent buy for people with small yards looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight, and powerful mower.
- The design is small and will make you doubt its power, but it is very powerful.
- This mower comes with two batteries which should last long enough to cover a yard measuring 25 ft by 10 ft.
- Tall grass may require moving the mower back and forth to avoid damaging the unit from overheating.
- The handle is easy and compact enough that you won’t need to push like heavier gas-powered ones.
2: Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower
- Easy to push and maneuver on small lawns
- 4 position manual height adjustment
- Maintenance free.Maximum Cutting Height: 1.81 inches. Minimum Cutting Height: 0.88 inches. Tailor cutting heights up to 1.81 inches deep
- Grass catcher holds up to 6.6-gallon and detaches easily
- Two large 8.8-inch wheels. Rust resistant deck
As a homeowner, I always look for the best tools to help me care for my lawn. Sun Joe is well-known for their durable and reliable products, and I recently put their Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower to the test.
This mower’s compact size makes it ideal for smaller yards and is an ideal choice for the environment-minded homeowner.
The Sun Joe MJ500M is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver, even if you have other garden tasks to finish.
This mower also comes with a 7-position cutting height adjustment to tailor it to your lawn’s needs.
The Sun Joe MJ500M is surprisingly quiet, especially for a manual mower. And with no need for gas or electricity to operate, it’s very easy to use in any area of your yard.
Additionally, Sun Joe offers an optional grass catcher which can help you save time and energy by collecting clippings right into the mower.
One of my favorite features is Sun Joe’s patented “Quiet Cut™” technology which ensures that the blades are sharp and effective with every cut, no matter what type of grass your lawn may have.
This makes for a much more enjoyable mowing experience.
I found Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower a great choice for smaller yards. It’s easy to use, lightweight, quiet and efficient, making it ideal for homeowners looking for a reliable and affordable mower.
Sun Joe also offers excellent customer service, which is an added bonus when purchasing new tools and products.
My Observations/Key Takeaways
- I used my grandparents’ reel mower way back in the day, so I knew what to expect with this product. You do have to occasionally put some muscle behind it when pushing through thicker patches of grass or if it gets stuck on twigs, but overall it is easy to use.
- It also works better on dry grass than on wet grass.
3: American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower
- 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 1”-2.25” with scissor action cut
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years
- Planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers which is pollution-free and noise-free; Low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use
- Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall
American Lawn Mower Company’s 1304-14 mower is designed for the homeowner who wants a quiet, eco-friendly lawn mowing experience.
American Lawn Mower Company has been manufacturing American-made lawnmowers since 1895; this model is no exception.
I’ve used this reel mower for several months to cut my zoysia grass, and I can honestly say that it exceeded my performance and durability expectations.
The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 is lightweight and easy to maneuver around my yard, yet it still offers plenty of power to cut through the thick zoysia grass.
The five blades sharpen themselves as you mow for a crisp, clean cut. It’s also equipped with an adjustable cutting-height range of 1 – 2.5 inches so that you can customize the length of your lawn according to your preferences.
The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 requires no gas or oil and is virtually silent compared to traditional mowers, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants a quiet mowing experience—including those on noise-restricted properties.
It’s also much better for the environment since no emissions or toxins are released into the air.
What I really like about this American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is its sturdy construction and surprisingly low price. The blades are durable and don’t need to be replaced as often as other models.
My Observations/Key Takeaways
- I was surprised by how well it worked, assembly was easy, and it cuts grass quickly.
- I do not recommend this mower for taller grass. Leaves behind a clumpy mess of grass clippings that took 20 minutes with a leafblower to disperse.
4: Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower, 25142
- Greenworks, 10 Amp 16-Inch 2 in 1, Rear Bag or Mulch Electric Lawn Mower, Converts Easily from Rear Bag to Mulch, Model 25142.Deck material: Hardened Plastic
- 10 Amp electric motor delivers enough power to cut through touch grass. Assembled product weight: 48.0 Pounds
- Durable 16-Inch cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
- 2-in-1 feature provides mulching and rear discharge capabilities
- 5 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting height from 5/8-Inch to 2-5/8-Inch for the perfect cut on all types of grass
For the next test of my zoysia grass lawn, I tried out the Greenworks 25142 16-inch corded mower. This electric mower is designed specifically for zoysia grass, so it was a no-brainer for me to purchase it.
…All right, fine, I BORROWED it. But I’m definitely ready to purchase one, especially for my new house.
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the 25142 mower was the weight – or lack thereof! Weighing only 37.5 lbs, this is one of the lightest electric zoysia grass mowers.
The 7-inch rear and 6-inch front wheels make maneuvering around trees and other obstacles easy.
And, of course, with an electric mower, you don’t have to worry about gas fumes or starting the engine.
The 25142 mower has a 10 Amp motor which is more than enough power for zoysia grass.
The 16-inch cutting width makes quick work of small-midsize lawns, and the 3-in-1 mulch/bag/discharge capability allows you to choose the best option for your needs – either bagging or mulching.
The height adjuster is easy to use, and the range from 1 ¼ inch to 3 ¾ inches ensures that zoysia grass can be mowed at just the right height.
I appreciate the fact that the 25142 mower is equipped with a safety key, so it can’t be started accidentally if children are around.
Overall, I’m delighted with the Greenworks 25142 16-inch Electric Grass Mower.
It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, has plenty of power for zoysia grass, and the 3-in-1 mulch/bag/discharge feature is great.
Plus, it’s reasonably priced and comes with a 4-year warranty.
My Observations/Key Takeaways
- Happy with the lawn mower quality because it’s ideal for small yards like mine.
- The blades sometimes got stuck, and the wheels didn’t have much movement, which resulted in drag marks and damage to delicate grass if used too harshly.
- I would not recommend this product for those with large lawns or tall grass due to how quickly the bag fills up.
5: Earthwise Reel Mower
- Hand-push reel mower with 16″ cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
- A self-cutting mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-2.5″ for clean and even cuts
- An planet-friendly alternative that matches the best gasoline push lawn mowers
I recently tried the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower and I’m impressed with its ease of use, efficiency, and performance.
This mower is perfect for zoysia grass and other small to medium lawns. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and perfectly keeps your grass neatly trimmed.
The mower has seven blades made of high-grade steel and they cut very cleanly, leaving a nice even lawn. The adjustable height settings are great for cutting zoysia grass at the optimal level.
The handles also provide a comfortable grip with foam padding, and the wheel diameter is large enough for the mower to be used on uneven terrain.
One of the features I like most is the dust-free operation. The reel mower has a sealed roller system that keeps dust and debris from flying around.
This makes it especially useful in dry, dusty conditions.
The Earthwise reel mower does not require gas or oil, making it a clean and green alternative to gas-powered mowers.
It’s very easy to assemble and maintain – no tools are required!
All you need to do is ensure the blades are sharpened regularly for optimum cutting performance.
I highly recommend the Earthwise reel mower for zoysia grass and other small to medium lawns.
It’s a great value given its quality and performance, plus it has all of the features you would expect from a high-end mower.
My Observations/Key Takeaways
- The Earthwise reel mower is a great cost-saving alternative to electric mowers.
- You get a much better cut than electric mowers (if you have a small yard), which is also great exercise.
- With this machine, you can maintain your Bermuda grass at a lower cut height.
6: Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Mower
- Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel rotary lawn mower features 20″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ dual tracking wheels
- Quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time with this Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower
- Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer
- Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip for comfort when using the Scotts 20 inch 5-blade manual hand push no-motor reel lawn mower; Easy, tool-less assembly
- Lightweight and easy to operate; This engine-free, no-motor, classic manual reel hand push lawn mower requires no gas or oil
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Mower is worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable mower.
This push reel mower is perfect for zoysia and Bermuda grass and is ideal for smaller yards.
The deck height adjusts from 0.5-3 inches, and the cutting width is 20 inches, making it easy to maneuver around your yard.
I found this mower lightweight yet durable, with just enough power to get the job done. The blades are serrated for better cutting performance, and I was impressed by how easily the grass reached the rear bagging system.
The handle is comfortable to grip, and the mower moves smoothly.
One downside is that it requires more effort than a gas or electric-powered mower when going up hills or in wet conditions.
I also definitely wouldn’t recommend it for medium-large yards.
But overall, I think this mower is great for zoysia and Bermuda grass and offers an efficient way of cutting your lawn. It’s a low-maintenance mower that will last for years, and I can confidently recommend it!
My Observations/ Key Takeaways
- This mower takes much less effort to push, move around, maneuver, and lift.
- The design includes “caps” that fit over the gearing on the wheels to prevent grass or weed stalks from getting wound up in the gears.
- The blades produce a nice clean shear instead of a tearing or shredded end.
7: Snapper 1687914 21″ SP Walk Mower
- Self propelled transmission with variable speed
- Up to 45 minutes run time with the Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium ion 2.0Ah battery kit comes with (2) 2Ah Lithium ion batteries and rapid charger
- 21 inches steel mowing deck with 3 in 1 design mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings easily
- Smart, efficient load sensing technology power adjusts to meet the demands of the cutting blades
- Push button start and a single lever, 7 position height of cut adjustment; Rear wheel size: 10 inch
I have to say, the Snapper 1687914 21″ SP Walk Mower mower is a real game-changer! I could mow my entire small lawn in just 25 minutes on one battery charge.
The mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. It’s also surprisingly quiet. I could converse with my kids while the mower was running nearby without raising my voice.
The handle has a comfortable grip, and the engine runs smoothly and quietly.
I am very pleased with the performance of the Snapper walk mower. The only thing I would suggest as an improvement is adding a telescoping handle feature to store it more easily.
I have zoysia grass, and my buddy Snapper 1687914 handled it as efficiently as I could have hoped. The adjustable blade height feature lets you choose from six different settings depending on the grass growing on your lawn.
My Observations/Key Takeaways
- The mower is easy to operate, but it’s recommended that you read the directions first.
- The self-propelled feature is always on, whether or not the mower blade is engaged (something I didn’t realize at first, much to the great hilarity of my neighbors).
- The mower leaves partially cut ridges on tighter curves, you might need to double back
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of mower is best for Zoysia grass?
If you want a clean, even cut and something durable enough to stand up to thick, coarse grass, look for a mower equipped with at least one-inch blades or a reel mower specifically designed for Zoysia. That way, you won’t get stuck with a mower that’s too weak to handle it. You may also want to invest in a mulching blade because they’ll mulch clippings rather than discharge them onto your lawn, which can smother the grass if allowed to accumulate.
Does Zoysia grass choke weeds?
Like any other lawn variety, Zoysia grass is not completely immune to the occasional weed invasion. However, Zoysia’s benefits are its thick grass blades and dense mat growth; it actually chokes out many kinds of weeds before they get comfortable and established. Proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing zoysia will further help reduce the likelihood of weeds.
What is the best way to mow Zoysia grass?
The best way to mow Zoysia grass is to use a rotary or reel-type mower, which will help keep your lawn growing strong and uniform. Regarding the height of the cut, it’s best to leave the grass a bit higher in periods of hot weather and lower for cool months. It’s important to mow regularly, too– about once a week should suffice!
Can you mow Zoysia grass with a riding lawn mower?
Mowing Zoysia grass with a riding lawn mower can be done, but it’s important to do it correctly. One strategy is to use a sharp blade that won’t tear at the individual grass blades when cutting them, as some blades will leave an uneven texture on your lawn even after the job is done. Additionally, ensure the mower deck height is low enough so that only 1/3 of the grass blades are cut at a time; this will help imitate natural trimming and lead to faster growth.
