Cutting Edge Solutions: The Best Lawn Mower for Zoysia Grass

As I stood there, my gaze fixated on the sprawling canvas of my lawn, a wave of curiosity washed over me. The Zoysia grass, with its vibrant and vigorous growth, had transformed my yard into a breathtaking sight. Yet, with this natural beauty came a pressing question that consumed my thoughts: What is the best lawn mower for Zoysia?

The pursuit of the perfect machine to master this majestic grass had ignited a relentless desire within me, an unquenchable thirst to unveil the ultimate solution.

It took me a great deal of time to test out various lawn mowers that cut zoysia grass perfectly. And, I’m happy to share these Zoysia lawn mowers with you. So, keep reading..

3 Best Lawn Mowers for Zoysia Grass

1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower – 18″ Cut Width – Manual Cordless Grass Trimmer
2. Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400
3. American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher

1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower – 18″ Cut Width – Manual Cordless Grass Trimmer – Black

My journey with the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower has been great. I love the features, the maneuverability and the overall design. Let’s dig deeper into it.

Features:

First off, its advanced design boasts a staggering 60% easier pushing experience compared to other reel mowers. As I glide through my Zoysia turf, it feels like I’m commanding a precision instrument, defying the laws of physics. And speaking of precision, the InertiaDrive Reel with its cutting-edge technology delivers twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers. No blade of grass is safe.

Furthermore, the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the need for manual blade sharpening.  I’ve been mowing my lawn for three years without once sharpening the blades. The sheer convenience is mind-boggling. Plus, the reversible grass chute keeps the clippings away from my feet, minimizing messiness while I conquer those tough patches.

My Personal Experience:

Three years ago, I embarked on a quest to tame my unruly Zoysia grass using the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower. And let me tell you, it has been an epic adventure! From the very first cut, I knew this mower was a force to be reckoned with. Its ability to effortlessly handle tough southern grass varieties like St. Augustine, Bahia, Bermuda, and of course, Zoysia, left me in awe.

As I trimmed my zoysia grass, a transformation occurred. My lawn became a sanctuary of green beauty, free from the clutches of weeds. The precise cut provided by the Fiskars StaySharp Max nurtures the grass, leaving it healthier and more resistant to weed growth. Gone are the days of constant clippings and a dried-out lawn. My neighbors envy the vibrancy of my turf, and I’ve become the talk of the town!

Drawbacks:

Alas, even the mightiest of warriors have their Achilles’ heels. While the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is a champion at taming grass, it struggles with certain types of unwanted guests. Crabgrass and plantain proved to be formidable foes, requiring some manual trimming with clippers. However, let’s not forget that this mower’s true purpose lies in creating lush, healthy lawns rather than combating invasive weeds. So, I consider this a minor setback in the grand scheme of things.

My Opinion:

In the realm of Zoysia grass cutting, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower reigns supreme. Its lightweight design makes mowing a breeze, even on hilly terrain. The absence of noise pollution and the freedom to mow whenever I please have made this an enjoyable experience, rather than a dreaded chore. And let’s not forget the environmental benefits – no gas, no emissions, just pure cutting power fueled by my own determination.

If you’re seeking a specialized Zoysia lawn mower that can effortlessly transform your lawn into a verdant paradise, look no further. The Fiskars StaySharp Max is the answer to your prayers. Embrace the power of this fine-blade grass cutter and unleash the true potential of your yard.

2. Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400

My wife and I recently purchased the Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400 for our new home in Maine. We were looking for a mower that could handle our Zoysia grass without the hassle of gas or electric power. Let me tell you, this mower exceeded our expectations!

Features:

Setting up the mower was a breeze, taking me less than 30 minutes. When it came time to mow, we were both amazed at how well it tackled our long and overgrown lawn. Despite some of the taller grass sneaking under the blades, we simply went over those areas again to get the best results. Note to self: mow before the grass gets too long!

If you’re looking for a mower that provides a good workout without being too strenuous, this is it. Pushing the Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400 was surprisingly easier than expected. It’s not completely silent, but the scratching/slicing sound it makes is far from unpleasant and doesn’t compare to the noise of power mowers. You can even enjoy some tunes with earbuds while mowing.

Despite having several large trees in our yard and even a recent thunderstorm, this zoysia turf mower had no trouble handling sticks and debris. It effortlessly glided over sticks bigger than my fingers without getting stuck. Only one stick and a piece of mulch managed to cause a minor hiccup. Overall, we were impressed by its resilience.

I personally didn’t bother using the grass catcher, but my wife did. She mentioned that it filled up quickly, so she decided to remove it rather than dumping it after every pass. Again, this is probably more of an issue with longer grass. As for maintenance, the mower is low-maintenance and easy to clean.

My Personal Experience:

It took us just over an hour each to mow our entire yard, including going over certain patches more than once. With more frequent mowing, we believe the time spent and the need for redoing patches would be significantly reduced. However, it’s important to note that you may need to do some trimming, as the mower leaves a few inches of uncut grass next to buildings and other objects.

Drawbacks:

While the Greenworks mower performed admirably, we did notice that certain grass patches cut better in specific directions. It took some trial and error to figure out the best approach, like cutting the patch along our driveway in a north-south direction instead of east-west. Additionally, the 14-inch cutting width means you’ll need to make more passes compared to wider mowers.

My Opinion:

After two uses, I can confidently say that the Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400 is a fantastic choice for anyone with a small yard and Zoysia grass. Unless our lawn gets larger, we won’t ever go back to a power mower. With its eco-friendly operation, ease of use, and impressive performance, this mower has won us over. So, if you’re in the market for a Zoysia grass-cutting marvel, look no further – this mower is a cut above the rest!

3. American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, Specialty Grass Mower, Green

Are you tired of wrestling with clunky, noisy gas-powered mowers that guzzle fuel and pollute the environment? Do you dream of a beautifully manicured lawn that stands out from the rest? Well, I have found the holy grail of lawn mowers – the American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher!

Features:

To start with, its 7-blade reel design is tailor-made for specific grass types like Bermuda, tiff, bent grass, and, of course, the elusive Zoysia. This bad boy is specially crafted for the active lawn enthusiast who takes pride in maintaining their short, thick grass types. With a cutting width of 16 inches, it effortlessly glides through your lawn, leaving a mesmerizing scissor-like cut that will make your neighbors green with envy.

In addition, this zoysia grass cutting mower boasts an adjustable cutting height range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches, allowing you to customize the length of your grass to perfection. The manual grass cutter blades are constructed from heat-treated alloy steel, ensuring they stay sharp for years to come. And let’s not forget about the newly designed durable 10-inch wheel that grants you maximum maneuverability while conquering your turf.

My Personal Experience:

Assembling this beauty was a piece of cake, despite the lackluster instructions. Seriously, who needs an instruction manual for a mower with just three bolts and a lock washer? A quick glance at the pictures and I was good to go.

Now, let’s talk about height adjustments. Here’s the deal: the wheels come pre-set to the highest position, which puzzled me initially since most reel mower users prefer a lower cut. Nevertheless, there are three slots on the mower for the wheels to connect to, and by lowering them to the highest hole, you’ll achieve that close-to-the-ground cut you desire. Remember, removing the wheels requires taking off the green hub caps on each side to expose the nuts. It may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s a breeze.

Once I started cutting, I was amazed by the precision and cleanliness of the scissor-like cut. Say goodbye to the suction and ripping of traditional mowers; this reel mower leaves your lawn looking flawlessly trimmed. However, let me set the record straight: if you’re attempting to lop off more than 30% of the grass blade, be prepared for multiple passes. It’s all about maintaining a healthy balance for your turf.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the yard: ease of use. This aspect depends on your physical condition and the initial state of your lawn. The shorter you want your grass, the more frequently you’ll need to mow. Remember, folks, don’t complain that it’s hard to transform your 2-inch grass into a 0.5-inch masterpiece—you’re demanding too much from any mower, and it’s detrimental to the health of your grass. Strive for a maximum cut of 30%, and you’ll achieve optimal results. Also, keep in mind that regular mowing is essential, just like those prestigious golf courses that mow their greens daily.

Drawbacks:

Despite its many virtues, this reel mower does have a few minor limitations. Firstly, my lawn had a significant amount of thatch near the soil, which affected the mower’s ability to cut lower with ease. I plan on renting or buying a dethatcher to tackle this issue, and I’ll keep you updated on the results. Secondly, for individuals who are out of shape or have challenging lawn terrain, operating a push reel mower might require some extra effort. However, as your lawn adapts to the low-cut regimen, the workload decreases significantly.

My Opinion:

All in all, the American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher is a diamond. It may require some adjustments and initial effort, but the results are nothing short of exceptional. From its scissor-like precision cut to the ease of assembly and eco-conscious design, this reel mower has earned its place in my heart and garage.

Buying Guide: Best Lawn Mower for Zoysia

Zoysia grass is a popular choice for lawns due to its dense growth, durability, and ability to tolerate heat and drought. To maintain a healthy Zoysia lawn, it’s crucial to choose the right lawn mower that can handle its unique characteristics. Let’s talk about the key factors to consider when purchasing a lawn mower for Zoysia grass.

1. Consider the Cutting Mechanism:

Zoysia grass requires a lawn mower that can deliver a clean and precise cut. Look for mowers with the following cutting mechanisms:

Rotary Mowers: Choose a rotary mower with multiple cutting blades and adjustable height settings. This type of mower can handle Zoysia grass effectively, leaving a well-manicured finish.

Reel Mowers: Reel mowers provide a scissor-like cutting action, which is ideal for Zoysia grass. Look for models with adjustable cutting heights to accommodate Zoysia’s preferred height range.

2. Cutting Height Adjustability:

Zoysia grass has specific height preferences for optimal growth and appearance. Look for a mower that offers adjustable cutting height options, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches. This flexibility allows you to maintain Zoysia’s recommended height and prevents scalping.

3. Deck Size and Maneuverability:

Consider the deck size and maneuverability of the mower:

Deck Size: For Zoysia grass, a larger deck size can be advantageous, as it allows you to cover more area in less time. However, ensure the mower is still maneuverable enough to navigate around obstacles in your yard.

Maneuverability: Look for mowers with features like swivel wheels or zero-turn capabilities, as they enhance maneuverability and make it easier to navigate around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles.

4. Grass Clipping Management:

Efficient grass clipping management is essential for maintaining a healthy Zoysia lawn. Consider the following options:

Mulching: Look for a mower with mulching capabilities to finely cut and disperse clippings back into the lawn. Mulching helps return nutrients to the soil, promoting healthier growth.

Bagging: If you prefer a neater appearance, choose a mower that offers a bagging attachment for collecting clippings. Ensure the bag has sufficient capacity for your lawn’s size to avoid frequent emptying.

5. Durability and Maintenance:

To ensure your mower lasts and performs well over time, consider its durability and maintenance requirements:

Build Quality: Look for mowers made from durable materials such as steel or heavy-duty plastic. Avoid flimsy constructions that may not withstand the demands of Zoysia grass.

Maintenance: Check the mower’s maintenance requirements, including blade sharpening, oil changes, and air filter cleaning. Opt for models with easy-access maintenance points to simplify upkeep.

6. User-Friendly Features:

Consider additional features that enhance usability and comfort during mowing sessions:

Ergonomics: Look for mowers with adjustable handle heights and padded grips for comfortable operation. A self-propelled feature can also reduce fatigue when mowing large areas.

Start Mechanism: Consider mowers with easy-to-use start mechanisms, such as electric start or a recoil system that doesn’t require excessive pulling.

Selecting the best lawn mower for your Zoysia grass requires careful consideration of cutting mechanisms, power source options, cutting height adjustability, deck size, maneuverability, grass clipping management, durability, maintenance requirements, and user-friendly features. By paying attention to these factors, you can find a mower that meets the unique needs of Zoysia grass and helps you maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn.