Top 7 Best Push Mower For Tall Grass
The best push mowers for tall grass often feature powerful engines, durable decks, and adjustable cutting heights to tackle challenging growth effectively, with top picks including the PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch OHV for efficient cutting and the PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas for smaller yards.
Handling tall, overgrown grass requires a mower designed for the task, ensuring a clean cut without bogging down the engine or leaving an uneven finish. A well-chosen mower can transform a daunting yard into a manageable landscape, offering both power and precision.
We’ve narrowed down the field to seven top-performing models after extensive hands-on comparison and evaluation of their performance in varying grass conditions, ease of use, and overall durability. Our selections prioritize features crucial for effective tall grass management, guiding you to the ideal tool for your lawn care needs. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of each mower’s strengths and to find the perfect match for your yard.
3 Standout Picks: Efficient Tall Grass Cutting, Small Yards & Easy Start, and Small Yards & Versatility
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch OHV
- 144cc OHV engine
- Side discharge
- Dual-lever height adjustment
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas
- 144cc 4-cycle engine
- 18-inch steel deck
- 5-position height adjustment
BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1
- 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, edger
- 6.5 amp motor
- 12-inch cutting width
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

- 144cc OHV engine
- Side discharge
- Dual-lever height adjustment

- 144cc 4-cycle engine
- 18-inch steel deck
- 5-position height adjustment

- 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, edger
- 6.5 amp motor
- 12-inch cutting width

- 16-inch cutting width
- 7-blade reel
- Adjustable cutting height

- 18-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- Adjustable cutting height

- 20-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- 9 cutting positions

- 14-inch cutting width
- Adjustable blade height
- Manual push reel
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch OHV

Efficient Discharge
Reliable Power
Height Control
The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch OHV Mower excels at tackling tall, dense grass thanks to its efficient side discharge and robust 144cc engine. The auto choke and primer structure ensure reliable, easy starts, making your lawn care routine smoother. You’ll find the dual-lever, 5-position height adjustment incredibly convenient for customizing your cut across different conditions.
While highly effective for overgrown areas, this gas-powered mower does not offer a bagging option, which means you’ll need to manage clippings. It’s an excellent choice if you frequently encounter challenging, tall grass and prioritize power and ease of starting, but consider other options if you require grass collection.
Pros
- Powerful 144cc OHV engine
- Effective for tall, dense grass
- Easy start and maneuverability
Cons
- No grass bagging feature
- Gas-powered, requires fuel
- Heavier than manual mowers
Specifications
#2. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas

Easy Start Engine
Height Adjustment
Efficient Mowing
The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower is designed for reliable performance in small to medium-sized yards. Its 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine with auto choke ensures an easy start every time, a significant convenience. You’ll appreciate the 5-position height adjustment, allowing you to tackle various grass types and conditions with a clean, even cut.
While powerful and efficient for general lawn upkeep, this model features side discharge only, meaning no bagging option, which might require additional raking. It’s an excellent choice if you need a dependable gas mower for routine maintenance and don’t mind leaving clippings or raking them up, but look elsewhere if bagging is a must-have.
Pros
- Easy start 144cc engine
- Versatile 5-position height
- Durable 18-inch steel deck
Cons
- No bagging attachment
- Gasoline-powered, not eco-friendly
- Requires fuel and oil maintenance
Specifications
#3. BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1

Mow, Trim, Edge
Powerful Motor
Consistent Power
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM offers incredible 3-in-1 versatility, functioning as a mower, trimmer, and edger, perfect for small yards. Its 6.5 amp motor with POWERDRIVE Transmission provides ample power to tackle tough weeds and thick grass. You’ll appreciate the lightweight design and automatic feed spool, ensuring continuous operation without manual adjustments.
While highly convenient for compact spaces, the 1.6-inch fixed cutting height might not be ideal for very tall or uneven grass, and the corded design limits range. This tool is an excellent choice if you have a small lawn and need a single, adaptable solution for all your trimming and mowing needs, but consider a cordless or gas option for larger properties.
Pros
- 3-in-1 versatile tool
- Powerful 6.5 amp motor
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Corded operation limits range
- Fixed cutting height (1.6″)
- Best for small, compact lawns
Specifications
#4. Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower

Precision Cut
Optimized Cutting
Durable Blades
The Earthwise 1715-16EW offers a planet-friendly and quiet solution for lawn care, especially for bent grass types like Bermuda or Zoysia. Its 7-blade ball bearing reel and 16-inch cutting width ensure a precise, clean cut, promoting a healthier lawn. You’ll appreciate the durable alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer, reducing maintenance.
While great for maintaining specific grass types and providing a superior cut, this manual mower still requires physical effort, which might be a drawback for larger yards or very thick, tall grass. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an environmentally conscious option with high cutting quality for well-maintained lawns.
Pros
- Excellent for bent grass types
- 7-blade for clean cuts
- Durable alloy steel blades
Cons
- Manual effort required
- Not ideal for very tall grass
- Best for specific grass types
Specifications
#5. Great States 815-18 Reel Mower

Efficient Width
Manual Operation
Sharp Blades
The Great States 815-18 offers a quiet and environmentally friendly way to maintain your lawn, eliminating the need for gas, oil, or electricity. Its 18-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel provide a clean, precise cut that’s healthier for your grass. You’ll appreciate the easy height adjustment from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, adapting to different lawn conditions.
While excellent for routine maintenance and promoting a healthier lawn, this manual mower requires physical effort, which might be challenging for very large or overgrown yards. It’s an ideal choice if you prioritize a low-maintenance, silent mowing experience for small to medium-sized lawns, but consider a powered option if you need to tackle dense, tall grass frequently.
Pros
- Quiet, motorless operation
- 18-inch wide cutting path
- Easy height adjustment
Cons
- Requires manual effort
- Not for very tall, thick grass
- No power assist
Specifications
#6. LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower

Wide Cut
Height Settings
Quiet Operation
The LawnMaster LMRM2001 offers a wide 20-inch cutting path, making it efficient for larger areas compared to other manual reel mowers. Its 5-blade system delivers a scissor-like cut, which is healthier for your lawn, preventing tearing and promoting lush growth. You’ll appreciate the versatility of 9 cutting positions, allowing precise height adjustments from 1.3 to 2.6 inches.
While excellent for those seeking an environmentally friendly, motorless option, this reel mower still requires physical effort and may struggle with extremely dense or overgrown grass. It’s a great fit if you have a medium-sized lawn and prefer a quiet, zero-emission mowing experience, but consider a powered option if you have very thick, tall grass or physical limitations.
Pros
- Wide 20-inch cutting path
- 9-position height adjustment
- Motorless, eco-friendly design
Cons
- Requires physical effort
- May struggle with very tall grass
- No power assist
Specifications
#7. American Lawn Mower 1204-14

Manual Operation
Easy Handling
Ideal Size
The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 offers an eco-friendly and quiet way to maintain smaller lawns. Its 4-blade reel provides a clean, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for your grass, preventing tearing. You’ll appreciate the lightweight 19-pound design and easy maneuverability, making quick work of your yard.
While excellent for routine upkeep, this mower is less effective on grass taller than 4 inches, requiring more frequent passes. It’s a great choice if you have a compact lawn and prefer a low-maintenance, pollution-free option, but skip it if you frequently deal with overgrown, very tall grass.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly, no emissions
- Quiet operation, low maintenance
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons
- Struggles with tall grass
- Narrow 14-inch cutting width
- Manual effort required
Specifications

Taming the Jungle: Finding Your Perfect Push Mower for Overgrown Lawns
When your lawn has decided to impersonate a meadow, a standard push mower might just throw in the towel. Choosing the right machine for tall, dense grass isn’t just about cutting; it’s about efficiency, ease, and preventing frustration. A little forethought now will save you a lot of sweat later.
The Power Players: Key Features for Conquering Tall Grass
Here’s what truly matters when you’re facing down an unruly lawn:
- Engine Displacement: Look for a robust engine. A higher cubic centimeter (cc) rating generally indicates more power, which is essential for muscling through thick, tall growth without bogging down.
- Deck Design: A deep cutting deck allows more room for the grass to stand upright before being cut, preventing clumping and improving cutting performance in challenging conditions.
- Wheel Size and Type: Larger rear wheels, especially those with aggressive treads, offer better traction and maneuverability over uneven terrain and through dense grass.
- Cutting Height Range: Ensure the mower offers a sufficiently high maximum cutting height. You don’t want to scalp the lawn on the first pass, and a wider range provides versatility.
- Discharge Options: Mowers that offer side discharge or mulching capabilities are often better equipped to handle tall grass, as they prevent clippings from accumulating under the deck and stalling the blade.
- Self-Propelled Functionality: While technically a “push” mower, a self-propelled option significantly reduces the effort required to move through thick grass, making the job much less taxing. If your yard has inclines, consider checking out our recommendations for the best push mower for hills.
Dodging the Duds: What Not to Overlook
Don’t let these common missteps turn your mowing day into a nightmare:
- Underestimating Power Needs: A mower that struggles with regular grass will be utterly useless against tall growth, leading to frequent stalling and an uneven cut.
- Ignoring Wheel Design: Small, smooth wheels will get stuck and slip, making it a constant battle to push the mower forward through dense sections.
- Forgetting About Maintenance: Mowing tall grass is harder on any machine. Neglecting blade sharpening or engine tune-ups will quickly diminish performance and shorten the mower’s lifespan.
Taming the Tall Grass: Your Perfect Push Mower Awaits
Alright, let’s cut to the chase! If you’re battling those unruly blades, the PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower is your power-packed ally for small yards. For the eco-conscious and those with smaller patches, the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 combo offers impressive versatility. And for a truly green, quiet approach to a pristine lawn, the Earthwise 1715-16EW or Great States 815-18 reel mowers are your champions.
Ultimately, your best bet depends on your yard size and how much muscle you want to put in. Ready to make the smart choice? Don’t forget to check current availability and snag your ideal tall grass tamer!
Final 3 Picks: Efficient Tall Grass Cutting, Small Yards & Easy Start, and Small Yards & Versatility
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch OHV
- 144cc OHV engine
- Side discharge
- Dual-lever height adjustment
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas
- 144cc 4-cycle engine
- 18-inch steel deck
- 5-position height adjustment
BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1
- 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, edger
- 6.5 amp motor
- 12-inch cutting width
