Lightweight Lawn Mowers That Make Mowing Less of a Workout
The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless mower tops our list for most homeowners who want a genuinely light mower with enough power for small to medium yards. It weighs just about 28 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest cordless options, and its compact size means it tucks into tight sheds. The trade-off is a narrower cutting deck, so it takes more passes on larger lawns.
A lightweight lawn mower can turn a dreaded chore into a quick, manageable task. Whether you have a small yard, multiple levels, or limited storage, a mower that’s easy to lift and push makes a noticeable difference. The best ones still cut cleanly without straining your arms or back.
In this roundup, we looked at mowers that weigh less than 50 pounds, a threshold that makes them easy to maneuver and lift. We compared their cutting performance, battery life for cordless models, and how they handle different grass conditions based on owner feedback and specifications.
The shortlist, ranked
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
This cordless mower weighs just 28.2 pounds, making it one of the lightest on the market. Its 16-inch cutting deck is ideal for small lawns, and the 40V battery provides enough power for most residential lots. Owners praise its foldable handle for storage.
Pros
- Extremely light at under 30 pounds
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Quiet operation compared to gas mowers
Cons
- Narrow deck means more passes on larger lawns
- Battery not included with some listings
American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 4-Wheel Push Reel Mower
At just 19 pounds, this reel mower is the lightest option we found. It requires no gas or electricity, and its 16-inch cutting width suits small flat yards. Owners say it cuts cleanly when used regularly, but it struggles with tall or thick grass.
Pros
- Ultra light at 19 pounds
- Zero emissions and low maintenance
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Requires physical effort to push
- Not suitable for tall or overgrown grass
Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower
Weighing 21.4 pounds, this corded electric mower is light and maneuverable. Its 14-inch deck is narrow, but the 12-amp motor delivers consistent power. Owners appreciate that it never needs charging, but you must manage the extension cord.
Pros
- Very light at just over 21 pounds
- No battery charging required
- Powerful for its size
Cons
- Cord management can be cumbersome
- Limited to reach of extension cord
Greenworks 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower
This corded mower offers a 20-inch cutting deck while weighing only 35 pounds. It’s a good compromise for those who want a lighter mower without sacrificing cutting width. Owners report it handles thick grass well, though the cord is a constant companion.
Pros
- Wide 20-inch deck for fewer passes
- Lightweight for its size
- Reliable 12-amp motor
Cons
- Must manage an extension cord
- Not as light as some other electric models
Ego Power+ LM2101 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower
Weighing 45 pounds with the battery, this Ego mower is heavier than others here but still lighter than many gas models. Its 21-inch deck and 56V battery offer outstanding performance. Owners love the variable speed and long runtime, but the price is higher.
Pros
- Large 21-inch cutting deck
- Long battery runtime
- Powerful and quiet motor
Cons
- Heavier than other lightweight picks
- Premium price point
Husqvarna LC123P 20-Inch Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
Weighing 52 pounds, this gas mower is on the heavier side for ‘lightweight’, but it’s still lighter than many gas alternatives. Its 20-inch deck and 123cc engine deliver robust performance. Owners report it’s easy to start and maneuver, but it requires typical gas maintenance.
Pros
- Powerful gas engine
- Self-propelled option available
- Durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than electric options
- Requires oil and gas upkeep
Ryobi 20-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower
This Ryobi mower weighs 40 pounds and offers a 20-inch deck. It runs on the 40V battery system, which is shared with other Ryobi tools. Owners find it easy to push and operate, but battery life may be limited on thicker grass.
Pros
- Reasonable weight for a 20-inch deck
- Interchangeable battery system
- Folds for storage
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Battery life can be short on thick grass
How they stack up
| # | Model | Weight | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower | 28.2 pounds | Small yards and easy lifting | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 4-Wheel Push Reel Mower | 19 pounds | Eco-friendly manual mowing | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower | 21.4 pounds | Small yards with access to an outlet | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Greenworks 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower | 35 pounds | Lightweight with a wider cut | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Ego Power+ LM2101 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower | 45 pounds | Larger lawns without the heavy weight | 9.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Husqvarna LC123P 20-Inch Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower | 52 pounds | Those who prefer gas power | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Ryobi 20-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower | 40 pounds | Budget-friendly cordless | 8.6 | Check price |
What to look for
Questions worth asking
What is the lightest type of lawn mower?
Manual reel mowers are the lightest, often weighing between 15 and 25 pounds. They have no engine or battery, so they are easy to lift and push. However, they require the most physical effort to operate and are best for small, flat lawns.
How much does a lightweight lawn mower typically weigh?
Most lightweight mowers weigh between 20 and 45 pounds. Cordless and corded electric models usually fall in the 30 to 45 pound range, while manual reel mowers are under 25 pounds. Gas mowers are rarely under 50 pounds.
Is a lightweight lawn mower less powerful?
Not necessarily. Many lightweight cordless and electric mowers provide sufficient power for typical residential lawns. However, the cutting deck is often narrower, which can mean more passes. For very thick or tall grass, a heavier gas mower might cut more effectively.
Can a lightweight mower handle a large yard?
Lightweight mowers are best for small to medium yards. If you have a large yard, you may want a mower with a wider deck and longer battery life, even if it weighs a bit more. Some cordless models with high-voltage batteries can handle up to a half acre.
What is the best lightweight cordless mower?
The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch is a top choice for its low weight and decent power. For larger lawns, the Ego Power+ LM2101 offers a wider deck and longer runtime, though it’s heavier. Consider your yard size and budget when choosing.
Are corded electric mowers lighter than cordless?
Often, yes. Corded mowers don’t have a battery, so they can be lighter. The Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO weighs only 21.4 pounds, for example. But they require an extension cord, which can be inconvenient.
Do lightweight mowers have the same cutting quality as heavier ones?
Cutting quality depends more on blade sharpness and motor power than weight. Many lightweight mowers use the same steel decks and sharp blades as heavier models. Owners report that as long as you mow regularly, the cut is clean.
How do I store a lightweight mower?
Most lightweight mowers have foldable handles to save space. You can hang them on a wall or store them upright in a corner. Always make sure the mower is clean and dry before storing to prevent rust.
What is the average price range for lightweight mowers?
Prices vary widely. Manual reel mowers can start around current price. Corded electric models range from current price to current price. Cordless mowers typically cost between current price and current price with premium models like Ego reaching current price or more.
Are battery-powered mowers reliable?
Modern battery mowers are quite reliable. They start instantly, are quieter, and require less maintenance than gas. The main concern is battery life, which can diminish over time. Choose a model with a battery that matches your yard size.
Final word
For most people, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch is the best lightweight lawn mower because it combines a genuinely low weight with cordless convenience and enough power for typical small to medium yards. If you have a larger lawn and want a wider cut, the Ego Power+ LM2101 is worth the extra weight and cost. For the lightest possible option, the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is ideal for tiny, flat lawns.
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