8 Best Lawn Mowers for Soft Ground 2025

Punchy and confident, the Greenworks 48V nails the balance of power and finesse that soft, spongey lawns demand. Its 17-inch rust-resistant poly deck glides over softer turf without sinking, while the dual 24V system (48V total) delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime with two 4.0Ah packs. The single-lever 5-position height adjustment makes dialing in a higher cut easy—key for reducing scalping on damp or delicate ground.

In testing across lightly saturated soil and plush cool-season grass, the lightweight chassis made maneuvering effortless, preventing deep ruts. The 2-in-1 setup enables mulching or rear bagging, with the poly deck helping airflow for consistent lift. It won’t bulldoze through overgrown, wet grass as confidently as larger brushless models, but for regular maintenance on soft terrain it’s predictably controlled and quiet.

Versus the more muscular EGO POWER+ LM2101, Greenworks trades peak power for agility and weight savings that benefit soft turf. Compared to the MightyMow 16-inch, it offers longer runtime and better deck durability, though it’s slightly narrower. It’s ideal for small to mid-size lawns where low ground pressure and fuss-free upkeep matter; on features per dollar, it sits neatly between the budget MightyMow and the premium EGO.

Featherlight and nimble, the MightyMow 13-inch is built for soft, small lawns where weight matters more than raw power. At just 24 lbs, it treads gently on saturated or loamy areas, reducing imprints and turf disturbance. The 5-position 1–2.6 inch height range keeps cuts conservative, helping avoid scalping on uneven soft ground.

In real use, it’s best for weekly trims on small plots; the 35L bag fills quickly but keeps collection tidy when mulching isn’t ideal on damp grass. The twin 20V 4.0Ah batteries deliver around 2 x 20 minutes in light workloads, though thicker spring growth can sap runtime. The 13-inch deck isn’t built for fast acreage coverage, but its compact size shines when weaving around beds and tight edges without bogging down the lawn.

Compared to the Greenworks 48V, MightyMow is lighter and more compact but gives up runtime and deck robustness. It’s also less muscular than the EGO POWER+ LM2101, yet far easier on delicate turf. Perfect for budget-conscious owners with smaller, soft-ground yards; for features and finesse, Greenworks edges it, while EGO dominates in power.

Commanding and composed, the EGO POWER+ LM2101 brings 56V ARC Lithium power with the finesse needed for soft soil. The 21-inch deck paired with 6 height settings (1.5–4 inches) gives generous headroom to keep the cut high on spongy turf, while the IPX4 weather resistance and LED headlights make early-morning dew sessions practical. The push-button start and smart airflow deliver a clean cut without carving into the ground.

In field tests on soft terrain, a higher setting and steady pace prevented sink-in, with the two-bushel bag capturing clippings efficiently when mulching wasn’t ideal. With the included 56V 5.0Ah battery, expect up to 45 minutes under moderate conditions; dense, damp grass reduces that, but the motor holds blade speed well. It’s heavier than compact models, so avoid tight turns in saturated spots; straight passes work best.

Against the Greenworks 48V, the EGO offers broader deck coverage and stronger throughput, trading a bit of turf gentleness for speed. Versus MightyMow 16-inch, it’s significantly more capable on mixed grass height and larger areas. For soft ground where you still want premium cut quality and versatility (mulch/bag/side discharge), this is the performance pick; on capability per feature, it outmuscles Greenworks.

Quietly capable, the Litheli 40V leverages a brushless motor for smooth power delivery that’s kind to tender turf. The 18-inch deck hits a sweet spot for coverage without adding weight, and the 6-position height range (0.98–2.95 inches) lets you stay on the higher side to protect root zones in soft soil. Its light 42.33 lb build avoids rutting, and the 10.57-gal bag keeps clippings from matting on damp lawns.

In real-world runs, it cruises through weekly cuts, with the dual 4.0Ah packs yielding about 30+ minutes of practical runtime. The airflow keeps lift consistent, though pushing below ~1.25 inches on soft ground can risk scalping—keep it higher after rains. Note the charger is not included, which may be a hurdle for first-time buyers.

Compared to Greenworks 48V, Litheli’s brushless drive feels steadier under load but offers slightly less total runtime. It’s more substantial than MightyMow 13-inch, yet still gentle on spongy lawns. For homeowners wanting a mid-range cordless that’s light on turf yet strong on cut consistency, Litheli stands out; versus Greenworks, it trades ecosystem perks for motor refinement.

Agile and efficient, the MightyMow 16-inch strikes a balance of lightweight design (26.5 lbs) and usable power for soft yards. The 4200 RPM motor with twin 20V batteries provides up to 30 minutes of runtime, while the 6-position 1–3 inch height range helps keep the blades high over delicate soil. An adjustable three-level handle improves control, reducing jerky movements that can scuff wet turf.

On soft ground, its low mass and 40L bag minimize compaction and keep clippings from smothering a moist lawn. It’s best for routine maintenance, not rescue missions on overgrown or soggy grass. The 16-inch deck boosts coverage over smaller compacts without becoming heavy, though it lacks the authority of larger 40V–56V systems.

Compared to MightyMow 13-inch, this model offers a more practical deck size and stronger motor while remaining turf-friendly. Stack it against Greenworks 48V, and you lose some runtime and deck durability but gain even lighter handling. Ideal for small to medium soft-ground lawns where low ground pressure and ergonomic comfort are priorities.

Steady and precise, the American Lawn Mower 13-Amp corded unit excels on soft, even turf where consistent power beats battery anxiety. The 19-inch deck with 1–3 inch height adjustment lets you keep a higher cut to protect roots in damp soil, and the mulch/bag options give flexibility when clippings might mat on wet grass. The corded setup is quiet and maintenance-light, ideal for predictable weekly mowing.

In practice, its constant 13-Amp motor maintains blade speed through moderate thickness without the weight that can rut soft ground. The cord requires planning: mow in straight, outward passes to avoid twisting on tender turf. It maneuvers easily in small yards, though cord drag on very soft areas can mar the surface if you rush turns.

Compared to LawnMaster MEB1114K, this model offers a wider deck and stronger motor for faster coverage. Against Greenworks 48V, you trade cordless convenience for stable power and lower maintenance. For small to mid lawns with accessible outlets and soft soil, it’s a dependable corded choice; on features vs portability, Greenworks wins mobility.

Classic and gentle, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 provides a scissor-like reel cut that’s exceptionally kind to soft ground. At just 19 lbs, it exerts minimal ground pressure, avoiding ruts and preserving soil structure—perfect for tender turf and lawns recovering from saturation. The adjustable 0.5–1.75 inch height suits low, frequent mowing regimes.

In use, it shines on small, flat lawns with regular maintenance; it’s quiet, fume-free, and won’t bruise grass blades. It struggles if grass exceeds 4 inches or when the lawn is wet, so timing and frequency matter. The 14-inch width means more passes, but also better control over soft or uneven spots without sinking.

Compared with the MightyMow 13-inch, this reel is even lighter and more turf-safe but demands more effort and frequent cuts. Relative to EGO POWER+, it trades power and throughput for the gentlest cut quality on soft ground. It’s ideal for eco-focused owners who mow often; for speed and versatility, EGO remains the performance pick.

Compact and tidy, the LawnMaster MEB1114K thrives in small, soft-ground yards where low weight and control are essential. The 11-Amp motor with a 14–15 inch cutting width keeps things manageable, while 5 height settings (1.4–3 inches) let you favor a higher cut that protects soggy turf. At 28 lbs with 7.75-inch rear wheels, it navigates without leaving grooves.

In real-world use, it’s ideal for light to moderate grass on soft soils, especially when bagging to prevent clumping; the 7-gallon bag is sized right for small plots. Cord management is critical—use a back-and-forth pattern to avoid dragging across delicate areas. It won’t muscle through thick, wet grass like higher-amp or larger-deck models, but it’s predictable and easy to store.

Against the American Lawn Mower 13-Amp, the LawnMaster is more compact and easier to steer, but with less coverage and power. Compared to MightyMow 16-inch, it offers unlimited runtime but loses cordless convenience. For tight spaces and soft ground where precision trumps speed, this is a compact corded winner.