re: Best mower for a small yard.

Same as shawn

Go buy the $90 special at lowes. Mines going on its 3rd year, no issues. Small engine problems are usually pretty straightforward. If it's something I can't or won't spend the time to fix, I'll scrap it and go buy another one.

Craftsman gas mower going on 11 years without any problems.

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My lot is 50 x 100. I do not have any types of roots. Absolutely do not get if you have any roots. I like how I just roll it out and start cutting. Especially after winter, when the neighbors are struggling to get things going again. It is really quiet and safe. My 2.5 y/o son will "help" all the time or play in the yard as I cut. I usually am on the phone while I do my yard work. My neighbor cannot go a day without cutting his grass if mine is cut, so I sneak out early if I am awake and have it cut by 7AM without anyone hearing me. There are a couple new techniques to learn, but it becomes natural after a time or two. It is actually quicker from when I walk out of the door to when I am done because I don't have to check any fluids or anything. The effort is just a hair more than more my self-propelled mower because the fiskars has a flywheel, but it is nothing to worry about.


I have this:


Also, I have the Ryobi One+ system for my yard tools (trimmer/edger, blower, hedger). Two years of no gas for yard work. People will knock them for bad batteries, but the customer service is amazing. You just take it to Home Depot and they will exchange. Pay $10 extra and get the upgraded battery. I have had two basic batteries go dead, but none of the better ones. I eventually bought in and got the drill, jigsaw, and a couple other hand tools that all use the same battery. Front and back yard usually take two batteries combined to trim and blow.

+1 on troybilt self propelled. 9 years old and still starts on the first pull.

I paid 50 bucks for a used Sears Craftsman push mower for my medium sized yard. I put a carburetor in it shortly after buying it and have literally done nothing else to it ever since. It cranks on the first or second pull regardless of how long it sits between uses. It runs a little rough but has been performing like a champ for nearly 12 years! That's Twelve years! I thought if I got one ir two good mowing seasons out of it I'd have gotten a good deal. But I have been super impressed with this little engine.

Have a Troy Built for several years now. My only complaint is the drive mechanism can be finicky. I've replaced it once and adjusted many times. It's the Personal Pace model.

My next mower will be a Honda but the kind you get from a Honda dealer not the Home Depot version. Dealers prices are competitive with HD but they sell different mowers than Home Depot.

Go to Home Depot and get this. The bigger wheels in the back make it very easy to push. The self propelled tend to move too slow for my liking. This one should last you 10-12 years with routine maintenance. LINK