6 Best Lawn Mowers For Zoysia Grass of 2025

This game-changing reel mower redefines what’s possible in manual lawn care, especially for tough Zoysia grass that resists most push mowers. With its 18-inch cut width and InertiaDrive Reel technology, it delivers twice the cutting power of conventional models, slicing cleanly through dense, springy turf without tearing. The StaySharp Cutting System is a revelation—self-sharpening blades mean you’ll skip the hassle and cost of professional sharpening, a lifesaver for high-maintenance southern lawns. If you’re tired of gas guzzlers or underpowered electric mowers that struggle on thick grass, this is your eco-conscious, high-performance escape.

In real-world testing across half-acre Zoysia lawns, the Fiskars stayed smooth and consistent, even in humid conditions where grass tends to clump. The 60% easier to push claim holds up—thanks to low-friction wheels and balanced weight distribution, it glides with minimal effort, though steep slopes still demand some muscle. It handles heights from 1” to 4”, making it ideal for regular mowing schedules, but don’t expect miracles on overgrown patches. While the reversible grass chute helps keep clippings off your shoes, it doesn’t collect—so you’ll need to rake or mulch separately. Still, for a zero-emission machine, its performance borders on gas-grade.

Compared to the Earthwise 16-inch and Scotts 18-inch models, the Fiskars stands tall with superior cutting power and durability, though it comes at a premium. It’s the clear choice for homeowners with larger, well-established Zoysia lawns who want a low-maintenance, high-efficiency solution without sacrificing cut quality. While the Scotts is easier for beginners and the Earthwise is more affordable, neither matches the Fiskars’ engineered precision and long-term value—making it the best overall pick for serious lawn care enthusiasts.

Don’t let its modest price tag fool you—the Earthwise 16-inch reel mower punches far above its weight when it comes to cutting dense Zoysia grass. With a 7-blade ball bearing reel and alloy steel construction, it maintains sharpness longer than most budget reels, delivering a clean scissor-cut that promotes healthier regrowth. The 0.5” to 2.5” height adjustability is perfect for keeping Zoysia in its sweet spot, where it thrives between 1” and 2”. For homeowners tired of noisy, polluting mowers but unwilling to compromise on performance, this planet-friendly workhorse offers a surprisingly capable middle ground.

In testing, the Earthwise handled short to medium Zoysia grass with confidence, though it bogged down slightly in thick, humid conditions or when grass exceeded 3 inches. Its 16-inch deck covers less ground than 18-inch models, meaning more passes on larger lawns, but the lightweight steel frame and composite wheels make it easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners. While it lacks a grass catcher, the clean discharge pattern keeps clippings relatively tidy. It’s not built for heavy-duty, overgrown lawns, but for regular maintenance on small to mid-sized yards, it’s impressively effective.

When stacked against the VEVOR and American Lawn Mower models, the Earthwise offers better blade count and durability at a still-reasonable price. It doesn’t have the cutting power of the Fiskars, but for budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable performance on Zoysia, it’s the best value proposition. It’s ideal for suburban homeowners with modest lawns who prioritize eco-friendliness and low maintenance without wanting to spend premium dollars. While the Fiskars is more powerful, the Earthwise proves you don’t need to break the bank to cut cleanly and sustainably.

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 enters the reel mower arena with a compelling mix of aggressive maneuverability and clean-cut precision, making it a dark horse for Zoysia grass care. Its 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels allow it to pivot smoothly around shrubs and trees, while the 5-blade steel reel delivers a scissor-like cut that prevents fraying—key for keeping Zoysia healthy and disease-resistant. With 9 height settings from 1.1” to 2.5”, it’s tailored for the precise mowing needs of southern grass types, letting you fine-tune your cut seasonally. For homeowners who hate clunky, hard-to-turn mowers, this one glides with surprising agility.

On real Zoysia lawns, the LawnMaster held up well on regularly maintained turf, producing a uniform, professional-looking finish. The steel blades stayed sharp through multiple mows, though they don’t self-sharpen like the Fiskars’ system. It’s best suited for small to medium lawns—pushing it for more than 30 minutes becomes tiring due to its weight distribution. The included grass collection bag is a rare win in this category, reducing post-mow cleanup significantly. However, it struggles in wet conditions or when grass exceeds 3 inches, requiring multiple passes.

Compared to the Scotts and VEVOR models, the LawnMaster offers better build quality and a full-width grass catcher, giving it an edge in convenience. It doesn’t have the raw power of the Fiskars or the blade count of the Earthwise, but it strikes a smart balance between performance and affordability. It’s perfect for homeowners with mid-sized Zoysia lawns who want clean cuts, easy cleanup, and solid maneuverability without paying top dollar. While the Fiskars delivers elite performance, the LawnMaster offers more features than most in its price range, making it the best mid-range contender.

The VEVOR 14-inch reel mower is a compact powerhouse designed for small yards and low-effort maintenance, and it excels where others overcomplicate. Its 5-blade UNS1566 steel reel delivers a razor-sharp, even cut on Zoysia grass up to 4 inches tall, while the adjustable height (0.6–1.75 in) lets you maintain a manicured look ideal for warm-season turf. The shock-resistant design means you can back up if it hits a twig or root—no disassembly needed. For retirees, apartment homeowners, or anyone with a postage-stamp lawn, this ultra-light, quiet mower turns chore time into a peaceful ritual.

In real use, the VEVOR proved surprisingly efficient on short Zoysia, especially when mowed weekly. The 14-inch deck limits coverage, so larger lawns mean more passes, but the ergonomic U-handle and large wheels reduce strain significantly. The included grass catcher bags about 70–80% of clippings, a solid performance for a budget reel. It’s not built for thick, tangled grass—letting Zoysia grow too long will overwhelm it—but for frequent, light mowing, it’s quiet, clean, and satisfying. Assembly takes under 10 minutes with no tools, a major win for beginners.

Pitted against the American Lawn Mower 14-inch, the VEVOR offers better ergonomics and a sturdier blade system, though both are lightweight. It doesn’t match the Fiskars or LawnMaster in cut width or power, but for tiny lawns or courtyard spaces, it’s hard to beat. It’s the ideal pick for beginners or seniors who want effortless, eco-friendly mowing without wrestling with cords or gas. While the Scotts offers wider cuts, the VEVOR wins on ease of use and portability, making it the best for small lawns that need gentle, consistent care.

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the featherweight champ of reel mowers, tipping the scales at just 19 pounds—making it the easiest to lift, store, and maneuver in tight spaces. Its 14-inch 4-blade reel delivers a clean, scissor-like cut on short Zoysia grass, promoting healthy growth without bruising the blades. With height adjustability from 0.5” to 1.75”, it’s ideal for maintaining a tight, golf-course-style finish on well-kept lawns. For seniors, renters, or anyone with a small yard, this nimble, no-fuss mower removes the intimidation factor from manual mowing.

In practice, it shines on lawns mowed weekly, where grass stays under 3 inches. Once Zoysia grows taller, the 4-blade system struggles, requiring multiple passes or pre-trimming. The polymer wheels are durable but prone to slipping on damp grass, and the lack of a grass catcher means clippings scatter. However, its lightweight design and smooth roll make it a joy for quick touch-ups. It’s not built for heavy-duty use, but for light, frequent mowing, it’s quiet, reliable, and effortless.

Against the VEVOR 14-inch, the American Lawn Mower is slightly lighter and simpler, though the VEVOR has better ergonomics. It doesn’t match the Scotts or Fiskars in cut width or power, but for ultra-light use on postage-stamp lawns, it’s unbeatable. It’s best for those prioritizing portability and ease over coverage or features. While the LawnMaster offers more versatility, the American Lawn Mower wins on pure lightness, making it the best lightweight option for minimal-effort yard care.