A mower’s deck size refers to the width of the cutting deck, the part of the mower that houses the blades. This determines how much grass the mower cuts in a single pass. Choosing the correct deck size can save time, reduce effort, and give your lawn a cleaner look.
Larger decks cover more ground quickly but can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Smaller decks are ideal for lawns with trees, flowerbeds, or narrow gates. The best deck size depends on your lawn’s size, shape, and terrain.
Mower Deck Size Chart
Push / Manual Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fiskars | 16–18 | Small lawns, tight spaces |
| Scotts | 18–22 | Small to medium yards |
| Greenworks | 16–20 | Urban gardens, eco-friendly |
| American Lawn Mower Company | 16–22 | Small lawns with obstacles |
| Sun Joe | 16–20 | Small yards, lightweight |
| Toro | 18–22 | Residential yards |
| Snapper | 16–20 | Small to medium lawns |
| Craftsman | 18–22 | Tight yards, garden spaces |
Walk-Behind / Self-Propelled Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Honda HRX | 21–22 | Small to medium lawns |
| Toro Recycler | 22–42 | Medium yards, versatile terrain |
| Husqvarna LC | 21–42 | Medium lawns, variable terrain |
| Craftsman Mowers | 21–36 | Residential yards |
| Troy-Bilt TB | 21–42 | Medium lawns, adjustable height |
| Snapper XD | 21–42 | Mid-sized yards, durability |
| Greenworks Pro | 20–24 | Small electric/battery lawns |
| Ego LM Series | 20–24 | Small to medium lawns |
Related Push Mower Comparison Chart(For All Make + Models)
Riding / Lawn Tractors
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| John Deere E100–E180 | 38–54 | Medium to large lawns |
| Cub Cadet XT1, Ultima | 38–54 | Medium lawns, residential estates |
| Troy-Bilt Pony | 38–42 | Medium yards, small obstacles |
| Simplicity Regent | 32–42 | Compact residential yards |
| Husqvarna YTH | 42–54 | Larger suburban lawns |
| Ariens IKON-X | 42–50 | Medium to large yards |
| MTD Yard Machines | 38–46 | Residential properties |
| Poulan Pro | 38–42 | Small to medium yards |
Zero-Turn Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Z254 | 42–54 | Medium to large lawns |
| Toro TimeCutter | 42–60 | Fast mowing of open lawns |
| Ariens Zoom | 42–60 | Large residential yards |
| Exmark Lazer Z | 48–72 | Large properties, estates |
| Dixie Chopper | 48–72 | Commercial or estate mowing |
| Bad Boy Maverick | 50–60 | Rough terrain, large areas |
| Gravely Pro-Turn | 50–72 | Commercial, uneven terrain |
| Cub Cadet Z-Force | 42–60 | Medium to large lawns |
Related Push Mower Deck Size Chart(For All Deck Sizes)
Commercial Walk-Behind / Heavy-Duty Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Toro GrandStand | 52–60 | Large open areas, commercial |
| Bob-Cat Walk-Behind | 52–60 | Estates, professional mowing |
| Scag Turf Tiger | 52–60 | Commercial or park maintenance |
| Exmark Walk-Behind | 52–60 | Large-scale mowing |
| Wright Stander | 48–60 | High-performance commercial yards |
| Ferris IS Series | 52–60 | Large lawns, heavy-duty use |
| Jacobsen | 48–60 | Professional landscaping |
Specialty / Rough Terrain Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gravely Pro-Turn | 50–72 | Uneven terrain, large properties |
| Bad Boy Maverick | 50–72 | Rough areas, commercial |
| Kubota Z700 Series | 54–72 | Farms, large estates |
| John Deere ZTrak | 48–72 | Slopes, large lawns |
| Exmark Vantage | 50–72 | Hilly or rugged terrain |
| Toro Titan | 54–72 | Commercial rough terrain |
| Hustler Super Z | 48–72 | Large estates, rough lawns |
Related Lawn Mower Champion Spark Plug Cross Reference Chart(All Brands)
Compact / Electric Mowers
| Brand / Example Models | Typical Deck Size (inches) | Recommended Lawn Size / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ego LM2142 | 20–24 | Small lawns, urban gardens |
| Greenworks Pro | 20–24 | Small to medium lawns |
| Ryobi RY40160 | 20–21 | Small yards, battery-powered |
| Worx WG779 | 20–22 | Compact, eco-friendly |
| Sun Joe iON16LM | 16–18 | Very small lawns or tight spaces |
Related Reel Mower Comparison Chart(For All Brands + Models)
How to Choose the Right Deck Size
1. Small Lawns / Tight Spaces:
- Push mowers or small self-propelled mowers are ideal. Deck width: 16–22 inches for push mowers, 28–36 inches for walk-behind models.
2. Medium Lawns (0.25–1 acre):
- Self-propelled or compact riding mowers with deck widths of 32–42 inches provide a balance of efficiency and maneuverability.
3. Large Lawns (1–3 acres):
- Riding mowers or zero-turn models with 42–54 inch decks allow for faster mowing of open areas.
4. Very Large Properties / Commercial Use (>3 acres):
- Zero-turn or wide-area mowers with 54–72 inch decks are best for maximum efficiency.
5. Mixed Terrain / Obstacles:
- Even on large properties, narrower decks may be better to navigate around trees, flowerbeds, and gates.
Related Mowing Time By Deck Size Calculator
Tips for Selecting a Deck Size
- Lawn Size: Larger lawns benefit from wider decks, but consider maneuverability.
- Obstacles: Narrow decks are easier to use around tight spaces and irregularly shaped lawns.
- Terrain: Uneven or sloped lawns may require smaller decks to prevent scalping and maintain control.
- Storage and Transport: Wider decks may be harder to store or transport; ensure you have adequate space.
Final words
Choosing the right mower deck size is about balancing efficiency with control. Smaller decks are ideal for tight spaces and small yards, while larger decks save time on open lawns and large properties. Zero-turn and commercial mowers with wide decks are perfect for very large lawns and estates.
By considering your lawn size, obstacles, and mowing habits, you can select a mower that makes mowing easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
