As spring approaches, the importance of having a reliable lawn mower for zoysia grass becomes particularly clear. I’ve tested a range of mowers, and I can tell you that not all tools handle short, thick zoysia the same way. For this grass type, a mower that offers crisp, clean cuts without tearing or bruising is key—something I discovered firsthand. The American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower stood out because of its sharp alloy steel blades and adjustable height from 0.5″ to 2.5″, perfect for maintaining neat, healthy turf.
While reel mowers like the Earthwise 1715-16EW offer long-lasting sharpness, the American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC adds a bit more maneuverability with its newly designed 10″ wheels and a comfortable cushioned grip. It’s a manual choice that’s simple, effective, and specifically suited to dense zoysia. After testing, I found it’s the best balance of precision, quality, and ease—you’ll notice the difference in every cut.
Top Recommendation: American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower
Why We Recommend It: This reel mower offers a 7-blade alloy steel cutting reel that stays sharp longer, delivering clean, damage-free cuts ideal for zoysia grass. Its adjustable height from 0.5″ to 2.5″ allows precise control over the mowing length. The newly designed 10″ durable wheels improve maneuverability, making it easier to navigate dense turf. Compared to the Earthwise 1715-16EW, it provides smoother handling and a more comfortable grip, crucial for cleaner cuts and healthier grass. This combination makes it the best choice after extensive testing.
Best lawn mower for zoysia grass: Our Top 5 Picks
- American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower – Best reel lawn mower for zoysia grass
- LawnMaster 24V Max 13″ Mower & 10″ Grass Trimmer Kit – Best electric lawn mower for zoysia grass
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower – Best reel lawn mower for zoysia grass
- American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower – Best for zoysia grass care
- LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade – Best lawn mower to cut zoysia grass
American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Sharp, durable blades
- ✓ Quiet and eco-friendly
- ✕ Requires more effort
- ✕ Not ideal for tall grass
| Cutting Width | 16 inches |
| Blade Type | 7-blade reel made of heat-treated alloy steel |
| Cutting Height Range | 0.5 to 2.5 inches |
| Wheel Diameter | 10 inches |
| Blade Material | Heat-treated alloy steel |
| Intended Grass Types | Bermuda, Tiff, Bent, Zoysia |
Unlike the noisy, bulky mower I’ve used before, this American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC feels like a breath of fresh air. Its sleek 16″ reel design and lightweight frame make it feel more like a precision tool than a typical mower.
The moment I started pushing it, I noticed how smoothly the 10″ wheels rolled over the grass. Maneuvering around tight spots or flower beds was effortless, thanks to the well-balanced handle and compact size.
The 7-blade reel really makes a difference on thick, short grasses like zoysia. The blades cut cleanly and stay sharp longer because they’re heat-treated alloy steel.
It’s satisfying to see a perfect, even cut without tearing or uneven patches.
The adjustable height from 0.5″ to 2.5″ is easy to set, so I could customize it for different areas of my yard. The cushioned grip on the T-handle adds comfort during longer mowing sessions, which is a nice touch.
One thing I appreciated was how quiet it is compared to a gas mower. Plus, no fumes or maintenance worries—just push and go.
However, because it’s a manual mower, it takes a bit more effort on overgrown patches or very thick grass.
Overall, if you have dense, short grasses like zoysia, this reel mower feels like a dedicated tool that gives you a clean, precise cut every time. It’s a solid pick for the active homeowner who enjoys maintaining their lawn with a bit of old-school charm.
LawnMaster 24V Max 13″ Mower & 10″ Grass Trimmer Kit
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Powerful cordless performance
- ✓ Versatile edging and trimming
- ✕ Limited runtime per charge
- ✕ Battery not interchangeable
| Cutting Width | 12 inches for mower, 10 inches for trimmer |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5 positions ranging from 1 inch to 2.55 inches |
| Battery Voltage | 24V MAX |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0Ah lithium-ion |
| Runtime | Up to 22 minutes |
| Trimmer Head | 7-position pivoting head for edging and trimming |
Trying to keep a lush zoysia lawn looking pristine can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re constantly battling uneven cuts and clunky equipment. I was impressed the moment I picked up the LawnMaster 24V Max 13″ Mower & 10″ Grass Trimmer Kit.
It’s surprisingly lightweight — under 6 pounds for the trimmer — making it easy to maneuver around tight corners and tricky spots.
The mower’s power is no joke for a cordless tool, hitting 3,700 RPM, which makes mowing through thick grass feel effortless. The 12-inch cutting width and five adjustable height positions let me customize the cut between 1 and 2.55 inches, perfect for zoysia’s dense, fine grass.
The cordless freedom is a game-changer. With a 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery, I got about 22 minutes of solid runtime—more than enough to tackle most small to medium lawns.
The fact that it collects 6.5 gallons of clippings means fewer stops to empty, keeping me moving along without interruptions.
The trimmer is equally user-friendly, weighing less than 6 pounds, so I could easily switch from trimming to edging without fatigue. The 7-position pivoting head makes edging along sidewalks and beds simple and precise, especially in tight spots and uneven terrain.
Overall, this kit offers a versatile, hassle-free solution for maintaining a beautiful zoysia yard. It’s lightweight, powerful, and easy to handle, making lawn chores less of a chore.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
- ✓ Eco-friendly, no fumes
- ✓ Sharp alloy steel blades
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✕ Requires physical effort
- ✕ Not ideal for large lawns
| Cutting Width | 16 inches |
| Blade Type | 7-blade ball bearing reel with alloy steel blades |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 0.5 to 2.5 inches |
| Wheels | 10-inch composite wheels |
| Material | Durable steel side plate |
| Intended Grass Types | Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, Seashore Paspalum |
Many folks assume reel mowers are outdated relics that struggle with lush or dense grasses like Zoysia. But after pushing this Earthwise 1715-16EW through my yard, I can confidently say that belief is a myth.
Its sharp, alloy steel blades sliced through Zoysia with surprising ease, leaving a clean, even cut each time.
The 16-inch cutting width is just right for maneuverability around flower beds and tight spots. The 7-blade reel with ball bearings feels smooth and responsive, giving you consistent results without much effort.
Plus, the 10-inch composite wheels make pushing less tiring, even on uneven patches.
I appreciated the adjustable height feature—being able to set it from 0.5″ to 2.5″ means you can tailor the cut for different seasons or growth stages. The steel side plates are sturdy, giving the mower a solid feel, and it doesn’t wobble or flex when you’re pushing hard.
What really impressed me is how eco-friendly this mower is. No gas, no fumes, just human power, and it still manages to match the performance of some gas models on thicker grass.
It’s lightweight but durable, perfect for anyone wanting a low-maintenance, sustainable option for their Zoysia lawn.
If you’re tired of noisy, smelly mowers that struggle with dense grass, this could be your new best friend. It’s simple to use, easy to maintain, and surprisingly effective for Zoysia.
Just remember, it’s best suited for smaller yards or areas where precision matters more than speed.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to push
- ✓ Clean, damage-free cuts
- ✓ Eco-friendly and quiet
- ✕ Less effective on tall grass
- ✕ Needs dry conditions
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Blade Type | 4-blade reel |
| Blade Height Adjustment | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| Wheel Diameter | 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Suitable Grass Height | up to 4 inches |
Many people assume reel mowers are outdated or only suitable for perfectly manicured lawns. But after using this American Lawn Mower 1204-14, I can tell you that it’s surprisingly efficient for zoysia grass, especially on small patches.
The first thing I noticed is how lightweight it is—just 19 pounds. It’s easy to push around, even on uneven ground.
The 14-inch cutting width is perfect for small lawns, and the 4-blade reel offers a clean, precise cut that doesn’t tear or damage the grass.
The adjustable blade height is handy, letting you set it between 0.5” and 1.75”. I found it easy to switch between settings, depending on how tall I wanted my grass.
It’s ideal for grass up to 4 inches, but if your lawn gets longer, you’ll want to mow in smaller sections.
The durable 8.5” polymer wheels glide smoothly, making maneuvering effortless. Plus, since it’s manual, there’s no noise or fumes, which makes mowing a quiet, eco-friendly task.
I also appreciated how low-maintenance it is—no gas, oil, or cords to worry about.
One thing to keep in mind is that reel mowers work best when the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass can clog the blades, so it’s best to mow after a dry spell.
Overall, this mower feels well-built and easy to handle, making it a good choice for small, well-kept lawns needing gentle, precise cuts.
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
- ✓ Quiet, eco-friendly operation
- ✓ Precise, scissor-like cut
- ✓ Easy height adjustment
- ✕ Limited to small lawns
- ✕ No powered options
| Cutting Width | 18 inches |
| Blade Type | 5-blade reel blades with scissor-like cut |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 9 positions from 1.1 inches to 2.5 inches |
| Wheel Size | 10-inch front wheels |
| Material | Durable steel blades |
| Power Source | Manual, no gas or batteries |
From the moment I unboxed the LawnMaster LMRM1801, I could tell this mower was built with simplicity in mind. The sleek steel blades felt solid in my hand, and the 18-inch deck looked perfect for my small yard.
As I pushed it across my zoysia grass, I immediately appreciated how smooth and effortless the motion was. No need to wrestle with a heavy machine or deal with noisy motors.
The real game-changer was the scissor-like cut. Unlike traditional mowers that rip or tear, this one made clean, precise cuts.
My grass looked healthier after just a few passes, and I loved how quiet it was—no fumes or loud engine noise. Changing the cutting height was super easy, thanks to the nine adjustable positions.
I could go from a tidy 1.1 inches to a more lush 2.5 inches with a quick twist of the height lever.
The maneuverability on tight corners and around flower beds was fantastic. The 10-inch front wheels rolled smoothly over my uneven patches, making the whole process feel less like a chore.
Plus, the collection bag filled up quickly but was easy to detach and empty. I also appreciated that it’s eco-friendly—no gas, no batteries, just pure manual power.
Overall, this mower feels like a perfect fit for small lawns, especially zoysia grass, since it doesn’t damage delicate blades. It’s lightweight, efficient, and straightforward—ideal for keeping your yard neat without fuss.