Lawn mowers come in a variety of types, each designed to meet specific cutting needs. Some homeowners prefer a longer, well-manicured lawn, while others seek a short, golf-course-like finish. The question of which lawn mower cuts the shortest is important for those who require extremely short grass for aesthetic or practical reasons. This article explores different types of lawn mowers, their cutting height capabilities, and which ones are best suited for ultra-short cuts.
Understanding Cutting Heights in Lawn Mowers
The cutting height of a lawn mower refers to the height at which the grass blades are cut. This is an adjustable feature in most lawn mowers, typically ranging from 0.5 inches to 4 inches. However, for specialty applications such as golf greens, bowling greens, or professional sports fields, the requirement may be even lower, often in the range of 0.125 to 0.5 inches.
Several factors influence how short a lawn mower can cut, including:
Blade Design – Rotary vs. reel blades impact the precision and minimum height.
Deck Adjustment – Some mowers have more precise height adjustment mechanisms than others.
Grass Type – Certain grass varieties tolerate shorter cutting heights better than others.
Surface Condition – A smooth and even surface allows for a lower cutting height without scalping the lawn.
Types of Lawn Mowers and Their Minimum Cutting Heights
1. Reel Mowers (Best for Ultra-Low Cuts)
Reel mowers, also known as cylinder mowers, are the best option for achieving the shortest possible grass height. These mowers use a helical blade system that cuts grass in a scissor-like motion, ensuring a cleaner and more precise cut compared to rotary mowers.
Minimum Cutting Height: As low as 0.125 inches (⅛ inch)
Best For: Golf course greens, bowling greens, sports fields
Example Models:
- Toro Greensmaster (used in golf courses)
- John Deere 220E (professional-grade reel mower)
2. Rotary Lawn Mowers
Rotary mowers are the most common type used in residential lawns. They operate with a single high-speed blade that rotates horizontally, cutting grass upon impact. While they provide convenience and efficiency, they generally do not cut as short as reel mowers due to their blade mechanics.
Minimum Cutting Height: Around 0.5 inches
Best For: Home lawns, parks, and commercial landscaping
Example Models:
- Honda HRX Series
- Toro Recycler Series
3. Zero-Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers are high-performance mowers primarily used for large areas. They offer superior maneuverability and are commonly used for commercial landscaping. While they allow for lower cutting heights than standard rotary mowers, they still do not match the precision of reel mowers.
Minimum Cutting Height: Typically around 1 inch
Best For: Large properties, golf course fairways, commercial properties
Example Models:
- Scag Turf Tiger II
- Hustler Super Z
4. Hover Mowers
Hover mowers use a cushion of air to float above the grass, allowing them to cut on uneven surfaces. These mowers are popular for use in tight or difficult-to-reach areas such as golf course edges, slopes, and rough terrain.
Minimum Cutting Height: Around 0.5 inches
Best For: Slopes, difficult terrains, golf course fringes
Example Models:
- Flymo Turbo Lite
- Toro HoverPro
5. Robotic Lawn Mowers
Robotic mowers are autonomous machines that maintain a consistent grass height through frequent cutting. These mowers are designed for convenience and efficiency rather than ultra-short cutting, making them unsuitable for applications requiring extremely low grass heights.
Minimum Cutting Height: Around 0.6 inches
Best For: Home lawns, commercial properties, automated maintenance
Example Models:
- Husqvarna Automower 450X
- Worx Landroid WR155
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Low-Cutting Lawn Mower
When selecting a lawn mower for the shortest cut, consider the following factors:
Purpose of Use – If you require an ultra-low cut for a professional setting (e.g., golf course greens), a reel mower is your best option.
Grass Type – Certain grass species such as Bermuda grass and Creeping Bentgrass tolerate short cuts better than taller-growing species.
Surface Evenness – To avoid scalping, the ground must be smooth and even, especially when cutting below 0.5 inches.
Maintenance Needs – Reel mowers require frequent sharpening and adjustments for optimal performance.
Budget – Professional reel mowers are costly, whereas rotary mowers are more affordable but cannot achieve ultra-low cuts.
Conclusion
For those needing the shortest cut possible, reel mowers are the best choice. They can cut as low as 0.125 inches, making them ideal for golf course greens and professional sports fields. Rotary mowers and hover mowers offer lower cutting heights for residential and commercial use, but they do not match the precision of reel mowers. Zero-turn mowers are useful for large areas but are not designed for ultra-low cuts, and robotic mowers prioritize convenience over cutting height.
Ultimately, the choice of lawn mower depends on the intended use, grass type, and budget. If you need an exceptionally short cut, investing in a professional-grade reel mower is the best option.