Zoysia grass looks incredible, but it can be a real pain with the wrong mower. The best lawn mower for Zoysia is one that cuts cleanly, handles low heights, and feels easy to push. Reel mowers deliver that crisp, scissor-like cut Zoysia loves, while some cordless options work great for bigger yards.
Below are seven solid picks that keep this thick, tough grass looking like a golf course without turning mowing into a workout.
| American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower |
| Precision Cut | Cutting Width: 16 inches | Power Type: Manual (reel) | Blade Count / Technology: 5-blade reel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Fiskars 18″ Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower |
| Easiest To Push | Cutting Width: 18 inches | Power Type: Manual (reel) | Blade Count / Technology: InertiaDrive reel (unspecified blade count, StaySharp system) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 16″ 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Catcher |
| Compact Choice | Cutting Width: 16 inches | Power Type: Manual (reel) | Blade Count / Technology: 5 steel blades | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| VEVOR 14″ Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Senior-Friendly | Cutting Width: 14 inches | Power Type: Manual (reel) | Blade Count / Technology: 5 UNS1566 steel blades | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| American Lawn Mower 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower |
| Ultra-Fine Finish | Cutting Width: 16 inches | Power Type: Manual (reel) | Blade Count / Technology: 7-blade heat-treated alloy reel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower |
| Durable Performer | Cutting Width: 18 inches | Power Type: Manual (push reel) | Blade Count / Technology: 7-blade ball-bearing reel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| LIGO 40V Cordless 15″ Lawn Mower with Batteries |
| Battery-Powered Power | Cutting Width: 15 inches | Power Type: Battery (cordless electric) | Blade Count / Technology: Rotary/steel blade (brushless motor; 15″ deck — blade count not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
Should you want a quiet, eco friendly mower that gives Zoysia the cleanest cut, the American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower is a smart pick. You’ll get a five blade reel that slices like scissors, so your turf looks healthier and feels smooth. You can set cut height from half an inch up to two and a half inches, so you can match Zoysia needs or try different looks. It’s manual and quiet, so you’ll mow without fumes or noise. The cushion grip T handle reduces hand strain and helps you steer. A grass catcher makes cleanup simple.
- Cutting Width:16 inches
- Power Type:Manual (reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:5-blade reel
- Height Adjustability:0.5″ to 2.5″
- Grass Collection:Includes grass catcher
- Eco / Noise Benefit:Eco-friendly, quiet, no emissions
- Additional Feature:Cushion-grip T-handle
- Additional Feature:Manual, no emissions
- Additional Feature:Includes grass catcher
Fiskars 18″ Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
Should you want a quiet, eco-friendly mower that handles tough Zoysia without fuss, the Fiskars 18 inch push reel mower fits the bill. You’ll enjoy its InertiaDrive reel that doubles cutting power so thick blades don’t slow you down. It uses the StaySharp cutting system so you won’t fuss with blade sharpening, and VersaCut gives four height settings for neat results. You’ll push 60% easier than with older reel models, and the one-touch handle adjusts fast for comfort. A reversible chute keeps clippings off your feet and helps with patchy areas. It’s simple, light, and reliable.
- Cutting Width:18 inches
- Power Type:Manual (reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:InertiaDrive reel (unspecified blade count, StaySharp system)
- Height Adjustability:VersaCut settings (1–4) — multiple heights
- Grass Collection:Reversible grass chute (directs clippings away); includes chute
- Eco / Noise Benefit:No gas/oil/cords; eco-friendly manual operation
- Additional Feature:InertiaDrive reel power
- Additional Feature:StaySharp no-sharpen tech
- Additional Feature:One-touch handle adjust
16″ 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Catcher
Should you want a quiet, eco-friendly mower that treats zoysia like a pro, this 16-inch 5-blade push reel with catcher is a smart pick for small to medium yards. You’ll enjoy scissors-like cuts from five steel blades that leave grass healthier and greener. The compact 16-inch width and three height settings from 0.5 to 1.75 inches give you control for neat finishes. It rolls smoothly on 8.5-inch wheels and feels light as you push. The catcher reduces cleanup, and manual operation means no noise or fumes. Dapper Supply backs it with a two-year warranty and U.S. support.
- Cutting Width:16 inches
- Power Type:Manual (reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:5 steel blades
- Height Adjustability:0.5″ to 1.75″ (3-position)
- Grass Collection:Includes grass catcher bag
- Eco / Noise Benefit:Eco-friendly, quiet, no fuel or batteries required
- Additional Feature:Two 8.5″ wheels
- Additional Feature:3-position height control
- Additional Feature:2-year warranty
VEVOR 14″ Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower
Should you want a quiet, eco friendly mower that makes Zoysia care simple, the VEVOR 14 inch manual reel mower is a great pick for small to medium yards and gentle gardeners. You’ll enjoy a precise cut from five UNS1566 steel blades across a 14 inch width, and you can set the height from 0.6 to 1.75 inches to match seasons. The lightweight frame and large wheels make pushing easy, and the cushioned U handle lowers strain. Assembly takes about ten minutes without tools, and the catcher collects most clippings. It’s silent, emission free, and kind to neighbors.
- Cutting Width:14 inches
- Power Type:Manual (reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:5 UNS1566 steel blades
- Height Adjustability:0.6″ to 1.75″
- Grass Collection:Includes grass catcher bag (collects ~70–80%)
- Eco / Noise Benefit:No batteries/electricity/fuel; zero emissions, quiet operation
- Additional Feature:Tool-free assembly
- Additional Feature:Large cushioned U-handle
- Additional Feature:Clears clogs easily
American Lawn Mower 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower
Should you want a quiet, eco friendly mower that gives zoysia a clean, scissor like cut, the American Lawn Mower 16 inch 7 blade reel model is a great choice for small, well kept yards. You’ll appreciate its 7 heat treated alloy blades that stay sharp for years and its 0.5 to 2.5 inch height range that fits short, thick zoysia. It’s light at 21 pounds, easy to push with a cushioned T handle, and the new 10 wheel system helps you glide around obstacles. No gas, no fumes, minimal sharpening, and simple upkeep make it friendly and reliable.
- Cutting Width:16 inches
- Power Type:Manual (reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:7-blade heat-treated alloy reel
- Height Adjustability:0.5″ to 2.5″
- Grass Collection:(Not explicitly stated as included) — designed for clipping management; 10-wheel system (no explicit catcher listed)
- Eco / Noise Benefit:Manual — no fumes; green alternative to gas mowers
- Additional Feature:7-blade alloy reel
- Additional Feature:10-wheel maneuverability
- Additional Feature:Extremely long-lasting sharpness
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
In case you want a quiet, eco friendly mower that gives Zoysia a clean, scissor-like cut, the Scotts 18-inch 7-blade push reel is a great choice for small to medium yards and for anyone who likes hands-on care. You’ll appreciate the 18-inch cutting width and the seven-blade ball-bearing reel that slices grass evenly. The blades are heat-treated alloy steel so they stay sharp longer, and you can set height from one to three inches. Ten-inch dual-tracking wheels keep it steady and easy to steer. The cushioned handle makes the push feel kinder on your hands, and assembly is simple.
- Cutting Width:18 inches
- Power Type:Manual (push reel)
- Blade Count / Technology:7-blade ball-bearing reel
- Height Adjustability:1″ to 3″
- Grass Collection:(Grass catcher implied/standard; assembly referenced) — typical push mower with collection capability
- Eco / Noise Benefit:Mechanical push design — no fuel, quieter than gas
- Additional Feature:10″ dual-tracking wheels
- Additional Feature:Heat-treated alloy blades
- Additional Feature:1–3″ height range
LIGO 40V Cordless 15″ Lawn Mower with Batteries
Should you want a lightweight, battery-powered mower that makes caring for zoysia effortless, the LIGO 40V Cordless 15″ model is a smart pick for small to medium yards and beginners who want reliable results without noise or gas fuss. You’ll like its universal 20V/40V battery system that uses two 4.0Ah batteries for over 40 minutes runtime, plus two fast chargers. The 15 inch brushless motor gives 30% more cutting power and runs quieter while lasting longer. You get six height settings, a steel deck, underdeck combing for neat striping, an 11 gallon catcher, safety locks, and a two year warranty.
- Cutting Width:15 inches
- Power Type:Battery (cordless electric)
- Blade Count / Technology:Rotary/steel blade (brushless motor; 15″ deck — blade count not specified)
- Height Adjustability:0.98″ to 2.95″ (6-position)
- Grass Collection:11-gallon fabric grass catcher with anti-clog mesh
- Eco / Noise Benefit:Battery electric — quieter and zero direct emissions compared with gas
- Additional Feature:Includes 2× 4.0Ah batteries
- Additional Feature:Brushless motor technology
- Additional Feature:11-gallon fabric catcher
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Mower For Zoysia Grass
Whenever choosing a mower for zoysia grass a homeowner should weigh several practical factors that affect turf health and ease of use. Consider mower type and power source together since they influence cutting height range, blade quality and count, and generally maneuverability and comfort. These elements work as a system so selecting the right combination will protect the grass and make mowing less stressful.
Mower Type Selection
Choose a mower that fits the job and the grass, because Zoysia demands precise cutting to look its best and stay healthy. Zoysia benefits from reel mowers or high quality rotary models with very sharp blades. Reel mowers cut like scissors and reduce fraying and disease risk in dense turf, whereas quality rotary mowers can perform well provided kept sharp. Pick a machine with fine height adjustability so seasonal and variety needs are met without scalping. Also consider power and traction. Gas or cordless brushless options handle thick stands and gentle slopes without bogging, and efficient manual designs work on small flat lawns. Finally, choose a mower with a good catcher and reliable mulch or side discharge to prevent clogging while coping with dense Zoysia clippings.
Cutting Height Range
After picking a mower type that suits thick Zoysia stands, attention turns to cutting height because this setting shapes turf health and appearance. Zoysia thrives around 1 to 2 inches for many varieties, while some turf types handle up to 2.5 inches.
Keep a steady height and never remove more than one third of the blade at once, since sudden cuts stress the grass. Choose a mower with fine adjustment steps, like quarter to half inch, so the setting can match cultivar needs and seasonal shifts. In summer or drought, raise height toward the top of the range to help roots and moisture retention. In spring and fall, lower height a bit to improve look and limit thatch, but avoid scalping and keep at least half to one inch of leaf.
Blade Quality & Count
A few key blade features make a real difference for Zoysia lawns, and comprehension of them helps a homeowner feel confident about mower choices. Zoysia responds best to many sharp blades that shear cleanly, so reel mowers with five to seven blades create a scissor-like cut and encourage dense horizontal growth.
Heat-treated alloy or hardened steel blades keep an edge longer, which means fewer sharpening chores and less fraying of fine zoysia tips. Smooth, ball-bearing-mounted reels keep blade-to-bedknife contact steady, so cuts stay even and blades do not pull. Razor-sharp cutting action matters more than thick metal, especially at low heights. Closely spaced blades and gentle multiple passes reduce stress and protect turf health.
Power Source Choice
Picking the right power source for mowing zoysia can make the job feel easier and keep the grass healthier. Zoysia benefits from frequent, sharp cuts, so choose a mower that keeps blade speed steady and offers real torque at mowing pace. Battery mowers run quietly and hold consistent RPMs, which suits most yards and preserves turf.
Check runtime for larger lawns to avoid stopping mid-job. Gas mowers deliver continuous power and high torque for thick, overgrown zoysia and long sessions, though they add noise and vibration that can stress grass and neighbors. Manual reel mowers give the cleanest scissor cut for short, neat lawns but demand physical effort and struggle with tall or dense stands. Prioritize steady blade bite over peak power.
Maneuverability & Comfort
While considering power and blade performance, it also helps to contemplate about how easy the mower will be to handle around a zoysia lawn. Comfort begins with wheels and wheelbase. Larger wheels, about 8 to 10 inches, roll over uneven turf and cut down on scalping. A mower that feels light or is easy to push makes turns near beds and trees less tiring. Handle design matters too.
Cushioned or U shaped grips and adjustable heights keep wrists neutral and reduce soreness during longer sessions. Cutting width and turning radius affect access. Narrower decks, 14 to 18 inches, and tight turning improve reach in tight spots. Finally, simple, reachable height and steering controls let users adjust to zoysia heights without stopping, which keeps the job smooth and calm.