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10 Best Reel Mowers For Zoysia Grass 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
198 reviews

Weight
It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort.
Ease of Maintenance
This mower is very sharp right out of the box and easy to clean, ensuring it stays sharp for a long time.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC Reel Mower is a solid choice for maintaining zoysia grass lawns, specifically designed for short, thick grass types. It features a 16-inch cutting width, providing a good balance between maneuverability and efficiency, making it practical for small to medium-sized lawns. The 7-blade reel design is particularly effective for precise cutting of zoysia grass, ensuring a clean and even cut.

With an adjustable cutting height ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, it offers flexibility to meet various lawn care needs. Weighing in at only 21 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to push, which reduces user fatigue during extended use. The durable 10-inch wheels enhance its maneuverability, allowing for easy navigation around obstacles and tight spaces. The blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which helps them stay sharp for years, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. The T-style handle with cushioned grip adds to the comfort and ease of use, making it user-friendly for those who enjoy manual lawn care.

However, being a manual mower, it requires physical effort and may not be suitable for individuals with larger lawns or those who prefer a more automated approach. Additionally, some users might find the 16-inch cutting width too narrow for very large lawns, necessitating more passes. Maintenance is minimal but still requires occasional blade sharpening to ensure optimal performance. The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC is a great fit for active lawn enthusiasts with zoysia grass who appreciate a hands-on, eco-friendly approach to lawn care.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
198 reviews

Weight
It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort.
Ease of Maintenance
This mower is very sharp right out of the box and easy to clean, ensuring it stays sharp for a long time.
#2

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
3604 reviews

Weight
A fantastic money saver, especially for small to moderately sized lawns, with the bonus of being lightweight and sturdy.
Ease of Maintenance
Perfect for small areas, very easy to push and maneuver, making it an excellent alternative to electric mowers.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 is a solid choice for those looking to maintain zoysia grass with a manual reel mower. One of its key strengths is the 5-blade reel, which provides a clean, scissor-like cut. The 14-inch cutting width is decent for small to medium-sized lawns, though it may require more passes compared to wider mowers.

The adjustable cutting height of 1” to 2.25” lets you customize the cut to your preference, which is particularly useful for zoysia grass that thrives with a lower height. Weighing only 21 pounds, it’s quite lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and use without much physical strain. The durable 10” polymer wheels further enhance its maneuverability across different terrains.

Maintenance is low since its alloy steel blades are heat-treated to stay sharp for years, eliminating the frequent sharpening often associated with manual mowers. Being manual, it’s a planet-friendly option with no noise or pollution, perfect for those who are eco-conscious or prefer a quieter mowing experience. However, it struggles with taller grass, as it’s most effective with grass up to 4 inches tall. If your lawn often grows beyond this, it might not be the best fit. Despite its strengths, the 14-inch width and manual operation mean it’s best suited for smaller yards or those who don’t mind taking a bit more time to mow.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
3604 reviews

Weight
A fantastic money saver, especially for small to moderately sized lawns, with the bonus of being lightweight and sturdy.
Ease of Maintenance
Perfect for small areas, very easy to push and maneuver, making it an excellent alternative to electric mowers.
#3

American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 5-Blade, Gray

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
1023 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort even for those who are not typically lawn enthusiasts.
Ease of Maintenance
Assembled in about 10 minutes and very sharp right out of the box, making it easy to clean and maintain sharpness over time.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 Push Reel Lawn Mower is designed with a 16-inch cutting width, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. Its 5-blade reel, made from heat-treated alloy steel, ensures a precise cut and remains sharp over time, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining zoysia grass, known for its dense and soft texture. The mower offers adjustable cutting heights from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, providing flexibility in achieving your desired lawn height, essential for zoysia grass care.

The mower is lightweight at 24.1 pounds, making it easy to push and maneuver, especially with its durable 10-inch polymer wheels that provide good stability and control. This manual mower is an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers, being both pollution and noise-free. Maintenance is straightforward due to its simple mechanical design, which involves less frequent sharpening thanks to the high-quality steel blades.

However, the manual operation requires physical effort, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with larger lawns or less physical strength. Additionally, while the maximum cutting height of 2.5 inches is sufficient for most zoysia grass lawns, it might be limiting for those who prefer a longer grass height. This mower is best suited for environmentally conscious individuals with small to medium-sized lawns looking for a low-maintenance, quiet mowing option that provides a clean cut for zoysia grass.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
1023 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort even for those who are not typically lawn enthusiasts.
Ease of Maintenance
Assembled in about 10 minutes and very sharp right out of the box, making it easy to clean and maintain sharpness over time.

Buying Guide for the Best Reel Mowers For Zoysia Grass

Choosing the right reel mower for your zoysia grass is crucial to maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. Reel mowers are known for their scissor-like cutting action, which is gentle on grass and helps promote a lush, green lawn. When selecting a reel mower, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and keep your zoysia grass looking its best.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a reel mower refers to the width of the swath of grass it can cut in a single pass. This spec is important because it affects how quickly you can mow your lawn. Cutting widths typically range from 14 to 20 inches. A wider cutting width means fewer passes to cover your lawn, which can save time, but it may also make the mower heavier and harder to maneuver. For smaller lawns, a narrower cutting width may be sufficient and easier to handle, while larger lawns may benefit from a wider cutting width to reduce mowing time.
Blade CountThe blade count refers to the number of blades on the reel of the mower. This spec is important because more blades generally mean a finer, cleaner cut, which is particularly beneficial for zoysia grass. Reel mowers typically have between 4 and 10 blades. For zoysia grass, which is a dense and low-growing grass, a higher blade count (5 to 7 blades) is often recommended to ensure a precise cut. If your lawn is well-maintained and you mow regularly, a higher blade count will help keep it looking its best.
Adjustable Cutting HeightThe adjustable cutting height allows you to set the height at which the mower cuts the grass. This spec is important because different types of grass, including zoysia, have optimal cutting heights for health and appearance. Zoysia grass typically thrives when cut to a height of 1 to 2 inches. Look for a reel mower with a range of cutting height adjustments that includes this range. Being able to adjust the cutting height also allows you to adapt to different seasons and growth patterns of your grass.
WeightThe weight of the reel mower affects how easy it is to push and maneuver. This spec is important because a lighter mower will be easier to handle, especially on uneven terrain or if you have physical limitations. Reel mowers can range from around 20 to 50 pounds. For zoysia grass, which is often grown in warm climates, a lighter mower can make the task of mowing more manageable, especially during hot weather. Consider your own strength and the layout of your lawn when choosing the weight of your reel mower.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to keep the mower in good working condition. This spec is important because regular maintenance, such as sharpening the blades and cleaning the mower, ensures optimal performance and longevity. Look for a reel mower with easily accessible blades and parts that can be quickly cleaned and maintained. Some models offer tool-free adjustments and easy blade removal, which can save time and effort. If you prefer low-maintenance equipment, choose a model known for its durability and ease of upkeep.

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