Zoysia grows densely and is usually kept shorter than other grass types. Many homeowners prefer using a reel mower instead of a rotary mower.
A reel mower cuts grass using a scissor-like action rather than tearing the blades. This cleaner cut helps keep Zoysia healthy, green, and attractive.
Best Reel Mower for Zoysia
1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower
- STAYSHARP CUTTING SYSTEM: Patented technology delivers a contact-free cutting mechanism that reduces friction and blade …
- EASIER TO PUSH: InertiaDrive Reel design delivers twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, allowing you to glide…
- BEST USE PRACTICES & LIMITATIONS: Most effective on flat, dry lawns with grass under 6 inches tall; to prevent jamming a…
The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is one of the top choices for homeowners with Zoysia lawns. It combines excellent cutting power with a wide cutting path, making it ideal for medium to large lawns. The mower is designed to reduce pushing effort while still delivering a clean and even cut.
One of the biggest advantages of this mower is its advanced cutting system, which helps handle thick grass more efficiently than many standard reel mowers. It is also easy to maneuver and operates quietly.
Features
- 18-inch cutting width
- StaySharp hardened steel blades
- InertiaDrive cutting technology
- Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 4 inches
- Large wheels for smooth movement
- No gas, oil, or electricity required
- Durable steel construction
This mower works especially well for dense Zoysia lawns because it cuts thick grass cleanly without excessive effort.
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2. American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch 5-Blade
- Power source type: self-propelled
- Hand pushed reel lawn mower is solid, sharp, and easy to use
- Durable and long-lasting mower blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14 is a popular 5-blade reel mower designed specifically for warm-season grasses such as Zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine. The 5-blade reel creates a finer cut than standard 5-blade models, making it ideal for homeowners who prefer a low-cut lawn appearance.
This mower is lightweight, easy to use, and includes a grass catcher for convenient cleanup.
Features
- 18-inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel system
- Adjustable cutting height
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades
- Includes a grass catcher
- Lightweight frame
- Comfortable handle grip
Because of its precision cutting ability, this mower is a great option for maintaining a golf-course-style Zoysia lawn.
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3. Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
- Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1″-2.5″ for a clean and even
- Lightweight lawn mower has 16″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels for optimal maneuverab…
- Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
The Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower is an affordable option for homeowners with small to medium-sized Zoysia lawns. It is lightweight, simple to assemble, and easy to push across flat terrain.
Although it is budget-friendly, the mower still delivers reliable cutting performance for regularly maintained lawns.
Features
- 16-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel design
- Adjustable cutting height
- Tempered alloy steel blades
- Lightweight and compact design
- Easy assembly
- Quiet operation
This reel mower performs best when the grass is cut frequently and not allowed to become overgrown.
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4. Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower
- Hand-push reel mower with 16″ cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels; Durable steel side pla…
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine…
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
The Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower is another excellent choice for dense warm-season grasses. It features a 7-blade reel system designed for shorter cutting heights and precise trimming.
Homeowners who want a cleaner, more professional-looking lawn often choose this mower because of its low cutting capability.
Features
- 7-blade ball-bearing reel
- 16-inch cutting width
- Adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
- Durable alloy steel blades
- Cushioned grip handle
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Lightweight construction
This mower is ideal for Zoysia lawns maintained at shorter heights and provides a clean, even finish.
5. American Lawn Mower Company 415-16 16
- Wide 16-Inch Cutting Path: Covers more ground efficiently while staying lightweight and easy to push.
- Durable 5-Blade Cutting Reel: Heat-treated alloy steel blades deliver a clean, scissor-like cut for healthier, thicker g…
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Fine-tune your lawn from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches for the perfect seasonal finish.
The American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 is a practical and lightweight reel mower designed for small residential lawns. It is easy to maneuver and works well for weekly lawn maintenance.
This mower is simple to use and requires very little maintenance, making it a good option for beginners.
Features
- 16-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel system
- Adjustable blade height
- Durable steel blades
- Lightweight frame
- Comfortable handle design
- Easy storage
It is best suited for homeowners who mow their Zoysia lawn regularly and want an affordable manual mower.
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Why Reel Mowers Work Well for Zoysia Grass
Reel mowers are often recommended for Zoysia because they cut the grass more cleanly than rotary mowers. Instead of tearing the grass blades, reel mowers slice them evenly. This reduces stress on the lawn and helps prevent browning at the tips.
Zoysia grass also grows densely and performs best when kept at shorter mowing heights. Many reel mowers can cut lower than standard rotary mowers, making them perfect for maintaining healthy Zoysia turf.
Additional benefits of reel mowers include:
- Quiet operation
- No fuel or electricity required
- Lower maintenance costs
- Environmentally friendly mowing
- Cleaner grass cuts
- Lightweight and easy storage
Tips for Mowing Zoysia with a Reel Mower
To get the best results from your reel mower, it is important to mow your lawn regularly. Zoysia grows thick during the warm season, and allowing it to become too tall can make mowing more difficult.
Here are a few helpful mowing tips:
- Mow frequently during peak growing season
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass height at once
- Keep the reel blades sharp
- Avoid mowing wet grass
- Maintain a mowing height between 1 and 2.5 inches
- Use a 7-blade reel mower for lower cuts
Regular mowing helps keep Zoysia healthy, thick, and attractive throughout the growing season.
Final Thoughts
The best reel mower for Zoysia depends on your lawn size, preferred cutting height, and budget. For overall performance and ease of use, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is one of the best options available. It provides powerful cutting performance and handles dense grass extremely well.
If you prefer a lower and more precise cut, the American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC and the Earthwise 1715-16EW are excellent choices because of their 7-blade reel systems.
For homeowners looking for budget-friendly options, the Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower and the American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 offer reliable performance at a lower cost.
A quality reel mower can help you maintain a healthier and more attractive Zoysia lawn while reducing noise, maintenance, and fuel costs.
