The Best Lawn Mowers For 1 Acre Or Less

If you’re like most homeowners, your lawn is one of your pride and joys. It’s the perfect place to relax and escape from the world, and you want it to be as beautiful as possible. A well-maintained lawn takes a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end.

One of the most important steps in keeping your lawn looking its best is using the right tools for the job. If you have a small yard or acreage, a standard riding mower might be too big and bulky for you. In that case, you’ll need to choose one of the best lawn mowers for 1 acre or less. 

When it comes to the best lawn mowers for lawns of this size, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The size of your yard, the type of terrain, and how often you plan to use the mower all play a role in which lawn mower is right for you.

So if you’re looking for the best mower for 1 acre or less, read on! We’ll share some of the best models available and tell you why they’re perfect for smaller yards.

Lawn Mower Types

There are many different types of lawn mowers on the market, but all fall into one of two categories: push or riding. Push mowers are extremely simple and easy to use, whereas riding models are larger and more powerful. Both have their uses, so it’s important to choose a model that is best suited for your yard.

Push mowers can be powered by an electric engine, a gas engine, or with manual propulsion. You can also get riding lawn mowers that come with a regular turn radius or a zero turn radius.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawn mowers are those that are powered by either a battery or outlet. They are usually smaller and lack the power of gas engines, but they don’t emit any pollution. They are also typically less noisy, so you don’t annoy your neighbors every time you trim your grass, and they can often last longer than comparable gas powered lawn mowers as well.

Lawn mower chargers can typically charge your lawn mower within 5-8 hours, depending on its size. If you have a small to medium sized yard, an electric lawn mower can be extremely convenient. They are lightweight and simple to operate, so they’re perfect for people who don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of pulling out cords, switching gas tanks, or dealing with other inconveniences that come with gas powered models.

Corded Electric Lawn Mowers

Corded electric lawn mowers are powered by either 120 volt or 240 volt circuits. They are very easy to use, but they have the drawback of being corded. These models usually come with a cord that is between 25 and 100 feet long, but you can easily buy an extension for larger yards if needed.

One of the main benefits of a corded electric lawn mower is that you never have to worry about them running out of power, like you would with a battery-operated or gas-powered mower.

However, the cord is sometimes a pain to try and work around, and could get tangled or come unplugged. If you can manage to mow your lawn without the cord getting in the way, then this could be the perfect type of lawn mower for an acre of land or less.

Cordless or Battery Powered Lawn Mowers

A battery type mower is also something you might want to consider when looking at electric lawn mowers. They are more expensive, but they have the added benefit of being cordless. This means that you can use them anywhere in your yard, without having to worry about whether or not you’ll trip over a wire.

The only downside is that these types of models usually have small batteries, so they don’t last very long before needing to be recharged. They usually come with a charging station that plugs into the electric outlet, which you then plug into the mower when it’s all charged.

However, this type of lawn mower can be a lifesaver when you need to get a quick trim done during a time when you don’t have access to an outlet. They are lightweight and simple to use, which makes them perfect for small yards.

You can also buy a second battery, which is a bit of an extra cost but means you can immediately switch between them to complete your yard in one run, rather than mowing half and then waiting for the battery to recharge.

Gas Powered Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers that are powered by gasoline engines are typically the most common you’ll find nowadays, and they also come with the benefits of being extremely powerful. They cut through tough grass types with ease, and can usually mow up to 1.5 acres on a single tank of gas.

If you’re looking for something that is fast and powerful, then this might be your best bet. Besides their power though, they aren’t without their inconveniences. Gas lawn mowers are loud and smell of fumes, and often require a lot more maintenance than electric or cordless models.

Most gas powered lawn mowers will need an oil change every 100 hours of use, and they may also require new spark plugs or air filters. It’s likely that you will need to add gas before every use as well.

If you don’t mind the noise, smell, and extra maintenance work though, then this could be a great option for an acre of land or less.

Reel Lawn Mowers

Reel lawn mowers, which are also sometimes called push lawn mowers, are the least expensive, but most labor intensive type of mower out there. These mowers are not powered by anything except your own manual pushing, and they have blades that spin in a circle to cut the grass as you push them through the lawn.

If you have a very small garden, are shopping on a budget, or don’t mind the extra exertion needed to push them, reel lawn mowers are a great option. They are quieter than both electric and gas-powered lawn mowers. They also are often better for use on gravelly or rocky patches of lawn because they don’t spit the rocks out at fast speeds, so they are less dangerous and easier to control.

Riding Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers that you ride on are ideal for larger properties because they’re bigger and more powerful than push types of lawn mowers. They are also more comfortable and convenient than push mowers, although they are bigger and more expensive.

These lawn mowers typically have padded seats with seatbelts, so you don’t need to worry about losing control while riding them. They also usually fold up for storage if the time comes when your yard isn’t as big of a priority.

They can be used on all types of terrain, but are ideal for hills and rough terrain that could make pushing a smaller mower difficult. Riding lawn mowers are best for yards that are 1.5 acres and above, so they won’t be featuring in this list of the best mowers for 1 acre or less.

Zero-Turn Radius Mowers

A riding lawn mower that has a zero-turn radius means that you can make circles and tight turns with ease. These types of lawn mowers are extremely maneuverable, which makes it simple to get close to trees, garden beds, and other obstacles on your property.

You can also use them for cutting along the edges of a flower bed or around a deck that might border your yard without the need for additional tools or accessories.

They are perfect for large properties that have obstacles blocking your path around the yard, because you will be able to get the job done faster with a zero-turn radius mower than you would with other types of lawn mowers. Zero-turn radius mowers are ideal if you’re working on an acre or more.

Lawn Mower Features

Besides the different types of lawn mower that are mentioned above, certain brands and models come with different features that can make specific aspects of mowing your lawn easier or more convenient.

You might want to read through these to see if your lawn mowing experience can be upgraded, as well as if any of these features would significantly help in your situation.

Mulching

Some lawn mowers come with mulching capabilities. Mulching is when you shred the grass into very small pieces and leave it on your lawn to then decompose and provide nutrients leading to a more healthy soil and thicker lawn. If you want a lawn mower that can also do mulching, check to see if it says 3-in-1 or 4-in-1, as this typically indicates a mulch setting.

See our post if you specifically want a mulching lawn mower.

Cutting Height

Having multiple options when it comes to the cutting height on your lawn mower is a great idea. The settings of your lawn mower determine how short or long the grass will be after it gets cut.

Having different height options lets you customize these settings to specific parts of your yard where some spots might need a shorter cut and some might need a taller one. It can also help to prevent disease and allow you to mow over certain obstacles, and it gives a great looking appearance to the entire yard.

Usually modern lawn mowers come with 3 to 7 different cutting height options, ranging from 20 millimeters to 80 mm.

Electric Start

Once you realize you never have to start a lawn mower by yanking a ripcord as hard as you can, you’ll be so much better off and enjoy the mowing process so much more. Look for mowers that provide electric start buttons, as they can come on both gas and electric mowers.

Washout Port

It’s a good idea to clean your lawnmower after every use, but this isn’t always feasible. This can be more or less difficult based on the type and style of the machine. A washout port may make this process much easier, so keep an eye out for mowers that include it.

A washout port makes it simple to clean a mower deck. Cleaning off the grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the underside of the deck after each usage and especially if your yard is damp when you mow, will make your lawn mower or tractor more efficient and extend its lifespan.

Grass Clipping Attachments

In addition to mulching, there are multiple other ways you can discard the grass that you cut when mowing. There is cut and collect, rear discharge, and side discharge.

You should check which method the mower you want to purchase uses, and see if there are any that have multiple discharge methods, in case you want the option to switch between them.

Buying Guide Considerations

Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping around for a lawn mower. It’s important to consider the size of your yard, the height of your grass, how much maintenance you’re willing to do, any features you want included on your new mower, and what you’re willing to spend, among other things.

If these considerations are not met with an appropriate lawn mower model in mind, you may have a hard time using your mower or end up with an inefficient one that doesn’t get the job done.

Yard Size

Even though we’re only discussing mowers for an acre of land or less, that still is a large area, and many people only have 1/4 acre or 1/3 or 1/2 an acre as a plot.

If you have a smaller yard, you need to take into consideration which features are most important to you. For example, you might want a cordless mower because you won’t worry about it running out of battery time. Or you can choose a reel lawn mower because the extra energy you use when mowing is not too much, and you’ll save a lot of money.

Anything above a 1/2 acre you probably want a lawnmower with an engine, either electric or gas powered. At 1 acre and above you can look to use a riding lawn mower.

Terrain

Which type of lawn mower you buy depends first on what type of lawn you have. Some mowers do better than others on hills and over uneven terrain for example, so if this is the case for your lawn be sure to focus on that aspect.

On the other hand, if your lawn is perfectly flat and square and has no obstacles in it, any type of mower could be used. For example, a riding lawn mower can be of use on a small, square patch of grass, so you’ll have more options to choose from if this is the case for you.

Grass Height

This is an important consideration, since most lawn mowers cannot cut tall grass at all and some only do a mediocre job on shorter grasses. If your yard has tall grass often, try to buy a mower that has a mulching feature or one with high wheels so the blades can take care of the taller blades better.

Deck Width

The deck width, or cutting width, of a lawn mower is the distance between the blades, including any guards or other material around them. A wider cutting width may be useful because it will cut your lawn faster, but if you have a smaller yard or one with a lot of obstacles, don’t go for a wide deck. It could be tricky to maneuver in and around places you want to mow.

On the other hand, if you have a large and open yard and need to spend more time getting it cut, a wide deck can help.

Power

A general rule of thumb is that a gas-powered mower is more powerful than an electric mower. Therefore, if you own a very tough and thick lawn, or one with large patches of tall grasses, a gas-powered mower will take care of it quickly and easily. An electric machine – corded or cordless – can also work, but because there’s less power involved, the process will take longer and might wear out the machine in a year or so.

If you have an average lawn and don’t need it to be in perfect shape, having a very power-intensive mower can be exhausting and unnecessary. There’s also no point in getting one if your yard is small enough that using a manual push mower will take less time than operating any other type of mower.

Self Propelled

A lawn mower that is self propelled means the user doesn’t have to push it. All you have to do is steer, and it’ll move forward by itself.

If you have a large area, or are not in good physical health, this is an important consideration for you. The extra energy saved can be used elsewhere, and you won’t feel as drained after mowing.

In general, push mowers are less expensive than self-propelled ones. The amount of space on your property will have a significant influence on that choice, and whether your lawn is sloped should also be considered.

Obstacles

You definitely want a lawnmower that you can control with accuracy. As a result, it’s critical to think about its maneuvering capabilities. Make sure the wheel or levers provide enough grip and don’t stick. Additionally, a self propelled lawn mower can sometimes go faster than you are prepared, and you can end up hitting something you didn’t mean to hit and damage either that obstacle or your mower.

Mowers with narrower decks are better if you need to maneuver them around a lot of yard obstacles like trees, fountains, bushes, paths or paving stones, or playscapes for your children.

Electric Runtime

When looking to buy an electric lawnmower, one thing you must always consider is how long the lawn mower will need to be plugged in for. If you have a small yard, a cordless electric lawn mower may work well for you.

However, if your yard is larger and needs a much longer time from to recharge before you can use it again, then a gas-powered mower could be the most convenient for you. A corded electric mower could also work, but make sure you have a long enough extension cable to cover your whole lawn area.

Fuel Capacity

The fuel capacity of your lawn mower is something you want to consider if you’re looking to buy a riding lawn mower or gas-powered model. Look at the fuel tank volume before buying, as well as how long it will run on a single tank of gasoline.

With only 1 acre or less to deal with, any modern mower that runs on gas will be able to cover the entire space without having to be refueled. However, a larger tank volume will allow you to top up less often.

Transmission

Again, taking the transmission into account is only really necessary with gas-powered and riding lawn mowers. In general, a good transmission will be one that is automatic and you won’t have to control the speed with the handle. This can make your lawn mowing experience a lot easier.

Also, if your yard has a number of obstacles in it, you’ll want a lawn mower with this type of transmission so you don’t need to worry about sudden acceleration and taking shortcuts that can hurt you or damage your mower.

Price

The cost of a lawnmower is often the main deciding factor when purchasing one. It’s important to go over all the points above and figure out what is most important for you in a mower, so that you can be sure to get a good deal without spending too much or getting a product that doesn’t meet your requirements.

Reel mowers are the least expensive, and riding lawn mowers are by far the most expensive. In between, it depends on the make and model.

Safety

Safety is a very important aspect of mowing a lawn. You want to make sure you’re protecting yourself from accidents and possibly serious injury. One way to do this is by checking to see if the lawn mower has a dead man’s throttle, which stops the blades when it isn’t being used.

Other safety features include headlights, rollover protection bars for a riding mower, and a debris shield to protect you from debris flying out from underneath the lawnmower.

Additionally, make sure you’re always wearing the right safety equipment when you mow. You should have closed-toed shoes or boots, long pants, and a long shirt for protection from possible injuries, because the lawn mower could kick objects up at you, as well as some sort of eye protection.

Reviews For The Best 10 Lawn Mowers For 1 Acre Or Less

Whenever you set out to mow your yard, you’re choosing to invest time and energy into something that will benefit you in the long run. Choosing the right mower is an investment in your turf, for this reason it’s important to find a machine that works well with your yard and isn’t overly complicated or expensive to use.

Here we will walk you through some of the top mowers for use on 1 acre of land or less.

#1. BLACK + DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower

The BLACK + DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower is our recommended choice for use on a lawn that is 1 acre or less in size. This mower has a 13-amp electric motor, which supplies it with ample power to cut through overgrowth and thick grass, and a 20-inch cutting deck, a perfect size for getting done with the job quickly while also being able to get through and around most lawn obstacles.

The deck is also known as an Edgemax deck, and it can cut closely and precisely to the edge of your lawn and along fences and landscape borders. This basically eliminates the need for trimming and edging your lawn in addition to mowing. With the 3-in-1 versatility, you can choose between the three grass discharge options of mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

The single lever cutting height adjustment can adjust between 7 different height options that range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. This model comes with handles for easy transport and lifting, and it folds down to a compact size in order to better fit in your garage or shed.

#2. Honda HRX217K5VKA 4-in-1 Lawn Mower

The Honda HRX217K5VKA 4-in-1 Lawn Mower is one of the best gas-powered lawn mowers on the market. In fact, if it weren’t the high price point, we would list it as our #1 choice.

The Versamow System from Honda allows you to mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves – or even a combination of mulching and bagging – with no extra tools or pricey attachments. It also has 7 different cutting height options, ranging from .75 inches to 4 inches.

The unique twin blade MicroCut System creates ultra-fine clippings for excellent mulching and more clippings per bag by utilizing four cutting surfaces. The end result is an ideal cut and less time emptying the clippings.

The 21 inch deck of the HRX is made of NeXite, which is a high impact resistant material. It doesn’t dent, rust, or corrode over time, and it’s so durable that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

The HRX has a rear discharge door that allows for better movement and eliminates the need for an additional discharge chute attachment. For easy mowing, the quick-release handle is readily adjustable to one of three settings, and you can also use it to transport and store the mower quickly and conveniently.

#3. EGO LM2102SP 21 in. Cordless Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower

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The EGO LM2102SP 21 in. Cordless Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower is a cordless walk-behind self-propelled lawnmower with a 7.5 Ah 56 Volt battery that works with all EGO products. It also includes a fast charger. The model has a longer battery life than other cordless versions, so it can mow for an hour on single charge.

It’s a wonderful tool for trimming around trees and other obstacles, as it offers single-lever and 6-position deck height adjustment, and variable speed between 1.8 and 3.6 MPH. It can cut the grass cleanly and effectively due to the 21″ cutting deck width, so you’ll get the job done in less time.

It also has a simple-access 2-bushel bag for grass collection, as well as a 3-in-1 mulching capacity and weather-resistant construction make it more effective.

The EGO Walk-Behind mower comes equipped with LED headlights, so it is ideal for operations in low light. You can easily start it up with a single push of its starter button, meaning you can start mowing faster than comparable mower models.

#4. Greenworks 25022 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower

Next on our list is the Greenworks 25022 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower. This is a great corded lawn mower, and its 3-in-1 capabilities mean that you can mulch your lawn, or bag the grass, or simply discharge it out the side. It has a durable steel 21 inch cutting deck, and this combined with the powerful 12-amp motor means you can power through the toughest parts of your lawn.

It has 7 inch front wheels, 10 inch rear wheels, and a single lever height adjustment for 7 different cutting heights. The push button start and cord restraint system allow for a really easy and safe mowing environment, so you don’t have to worry about the cord getting in your way during your work.

#5. Fiskars 18 Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower

The Fiskars 18 Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower is the best reel mower for your lawn and garden, if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s the finest quality and most popular reel mower currently on sale. This mower has a chain-driven construction with heavier no-contact blades for better inertia and less friction. The StaySharp Cutting System’s precision-ground blades and fixed reel never touch, which extends sharpness and makes mowing easier. It is 60% easier to push than other reel lawnmowers because of these distinct features.

The InertiaDrive system includes a larger-diameter cutting reel and thicker blades, boosting the mower’s clipping power by 2X. Because of the greater strength, you can now easily rip through weeds and tough areas. The mower’s double-edged blades and wheels, which span the entire width of the device, make it simpler to avoid frustration caused by missed strips and hard edges next to sidewalks, fences, and foundations.

The StaySharp Max can be quickly customized to meet your specific lawn demands. You can alter the grass cutting height from 1 inch to 4 inches, as well as move the handle position for greater comfort and ease, and change the grass clipping discard direction simply and immediately.

#6. WORX WR143E M1000 Landroid Robotic Mower

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The WORX WR143E M1000 Landroid Robotic Mower is the only robot mower we have on this list. If you want to just set out your mower, walk away and have a cup of coffee, and come back to a perfectly mowed lawn, then this could be the best option for you. This model of Landroid is best used for small plots of land, about 1/2 of an acre or so, but WORX has models that can mow up to an acre or more.

This mower is ideal for dealing with a variety of uneven surfaces since it has a floating deck to balance itself on your lawn. Due to cutting-edge AIA technology, this mower is more agile and smarter. Its turning pattern means it cuts your grass 30% faster than other robot mowers, and it doesn’t wear the edges of your lawn like others do with their continual reversing.

It’s cutting width is only 7 inches, but it is able to cut all the way to the edge of your lawn and fences, and it can find itself a way through and around any of the obstacles that populate your lawn.

#7. Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower

The Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower is another great corded lawn mower for you to use if your lawn is 1 acre or less. It has a highly efficient, 12-amp motor that provides gas-like power to the mower but without any of the fumes, noise, or chemicals that come with a gas-powered engine.

It is a 3-in-1 electric lawn mower, so you can mulch, bag, or side discharge your grass clippings. It has a wide 20 inch cutting deck width, and has easy single-lever heigh adjustments between 1.75 and 4 inches.

This model is lightweight and easy to operate. It has a push button start, a cord retention hook as an extra safety measure, and you can easily store and transport it due to its compact, slim frame and foldable handles.

#8. Greenworks G40LM35 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 

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The Greenworks G40LM35 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is a tiny and lightweight push mower that’s ideal for small yards and gardens. It doesn’t require any petrol or need oil changes, so it’s also ecologically friendly and emits no pollutants. It’s also battery-powered, so you won’t have to deal with the hassles of a cord and extension cable – all you need to do is set the battery up and get to mowing.

The G40LM35 is one of the least expensive cordless lawn mowing options, so look no further if you want a starter model that gets the job done without costing too much. It will also save you enough money to buy an extra battery or two, so you’ll be able to keep going even if your garden is larger than one battery is able to deal with.

This mower is a two-in-one, which means it can mulch your clippings as they’re cut or collect them in a bag. It has five different cutting heights ranging from 20 to 70 millimeters, though its 14 inch wide cutting deck isn’t particularly broad. The electric motor is also considerably quieter than comparable gasoline engines, and it’s also very light and compact, allowing you to store it in a little area of your garage or garden shed.

#9. Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Another top-of-the-line reel mower you may use in your back or front yard is the Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawnmower. It features 10 inch, ball bearing wheels and is simple to maneuver around a small to medium area yard. The wheels are composed of a long-lasting composite and feature radial traction tires, allowing them to effortlessly travel over any obstructions in your grass while also providing a pleasant mowing experience. It has a variable cutting height of 1/2 inch to 2 1/2 inches, allowing you to optimize your grass health while also saving on mowing energy costs if you choose to make it taller.

The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel and are built to last, as well as being rust-resistant and efficient in the performance. They’re also quite quiet when in operation, and they stay sharp longer, allowing you to get the most out of your purchase. The handle is designed to reduce tiredness and cramping while using other mowers, and the powdered coated finish helps it endure longer and prevent rusting. The cutting width of 16 inches is big enough to get through a decent-sized yard in little time, but small enough to navigate around any lawn obstacles or tight spots with ease.

#10. Troy-Bilt 30-Inch 382cc Riding Lawn Mower

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The Troy-Bilt 30-Inch 382cc Riding Lawn Mower is the first and only riding lawn mower on our list. Even though riding lawn mowers don’t usually make sense for a small yard, this lawn mower is one of the most compact-able riding lawnmowers on the market, taking up the same amount of storage space as a walk behind mower and fitting through nearly any gate, and it also has a narrower cutting deck than comparable models.

This mower has a Shift-on-the-Go transmission, so you can quickly and easily change between 6 distinct speeds. It also includes a mulching kit that you may remove to mulch your grass clippings and give minerals back into the soil. The rear hitch makes it a breeze to attach lawn mowers, sprayers, and spreaders while sitting back and enjoying the ride with the vibration-reducing Soft Touch steering wheel.

Conclusion

So, what is the best lawn mower for 1 acre or less? It can be tough to determine what the best lawn mower is for your specific needs.

If you have a small yard and don’t need a lot of power, an electric model may be perfect for you, whether it be corded or cordless. If you need more power, then opt for a gas-powered mower, and if you have no inclination of mowing yourself, then you can even use a robot mower.

After careful consideration, we have chosen the following 10 lawn mowers as the best for 1 acre or less. Each of these mowers has been evaluated based on its features, price, and user reviews.

If you’re still wavering as to your top choice, we would recommend again the BLACK + DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower for a yard 1 acre or under.

We hope our buying guide has helped you make an informed decision about which lawn mower is right for you and your property. Be sure to consider the features that are important to you when making your purchase, and always read reviews before buying to get an idea of what others think about the product. Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below!