12 Best Mower for Bermuda Grass

Mowing Bermuda grass can be tricky and challenging. They grow very fast in a tight, packed bunch making it vital that the mower’s blades are very sharp while packing adequate power and speed. Only the very best mower for Bermuda grass can deliver that clean, precise cut necessary for a consistently smooth, carpet-like lawn cherished by homeowners. Bermuda grass possesses quite a few unique properties that make them perfect for lawns, especially in warmer climates. For instance, they are hardy and can handle lots of trampling without losing their basic beauty.

In this guide, I reviewed the best mower for Bermuda grass to point you in the right direction when shopping for a mower for your bermuda grass lawn. Our picks include the best reel mowers for Bermuda grass and the best rotary mowers for Bermuda grass. We also reviewed 3 of the best riding mowers for Bermuda grass if you are facing mobility issues or your lawn is too large to conveniently maintain it with a push reel mower or a regular lawnmower.

12 Best Mower for Bermuda Grass

Best Riding Mower For Bermuda Grass

 

#1. Husqvarna YTH24V54 Riding Mower.

With its powerful Intek V-Twin Briggs & Stratton engine featuring the unique ReadyStart for consistently powerful performance and easy starting respectively, the Husqvarna YTH24V54 stands out as one of the best lawn tractors for Bermuda grass. Its 4 large tires with anti-scalping properties and impressive treads makes it ideal for hilly or sloppy lawns. Losing traction and cutting efficiency on slopes is out of the question.

It’s equipped with a foot-operated hydrostatic transmission that promotes minimal distractions while working so you can focus on steering with both hands. Control is also enhanced by the relatively small turning cycle of about 16 inches for easy handling around obstacles and tight spaces. You’d also be impressed by the cutting efficiency of the 54-inch triple-blade in the reinforced cutting deck.

The high back seat, suspensions, and ergonomic steering wheel make for a comfortable mowing experience no matter the size of the lawn. But, at just about 5.5 mph maximum speed, you might consider it slow.

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#2. Ariens Ikon XD 915267 Zero Turn Mower

If you are looking for a Bermuda grass mower commercial grade qualities,  the Ariens Ikon XD zero turn mower is a great choice. It comes with a  23 HP Kawasaki twin engine that delivers more than enough power for the 52-inch steel deck. And with the 11 gauge fabricated steel deck, you have a super tough, durable mower that performs at premium levels as its default.

The lowest cutting height of 1.5 inches is great for delivering a perfectly trimmed lawn. The cutting height can be adjusted to 13 different cutting positions easily. You’d also adore the dual-arm deck that combines seamlessly with 4 point hanging system for ultimate deck stability and smother, even cuts.

It also features everything to make you comfortable while riding. This includes padded arm controls, a comfortable high back seat, armrests, and push-button cruise control for smoother mowing at any desired speed. However, like most zero turns, you’d want to take a pass on this if your lawn is hilly with steep slopes. Loss of traction, and inevitably, mowing efficiency, is going to be a huge problem for you.

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#3. Craftsman 17ARFACT091 Zero Turn Riding Mower

A Bermuda grass zero turn mower doesn’t get any better than this model from Craftsman. It is designed with a 46-inch cutting width allowing you to mow any medium-sized lawn quickly and without stress. Thanks to the absence of a primer or choke, you are guaranteed reliable and easy engine starts always.

Its hydrostatic transmission combined with smooth levers and zero turning radius ensure stability, convenient directional changes, control, and easy speed changes while cutting the lawn. And with an adjustable cutting height starting at 1.25 inches up to a maximum of 3.75 inches, you have the ideal cutting height that works best for Bermuda grass.

The sleek design complements the comfortable rides you’d get with the roomy cabin, high back padded seats to support the back, and non-slip levers. However, while the 23HP Kohler engine packs a lot of power, the learning curve might be steep for some people. It also has the inherent failings of all zero turns – loss of traction on steep slopes.

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Best Reel Mower for Bermuda Grass

#4. Fiskars 362050-1001 Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower

This Fiskars mower redefined grass cutting efficiency. It features an amazing 18 inches cutting swath that takes considerably less time to get your lawn looking like the golf course at Augusta. It features the unique StaySharp cutting blades that keeps the blades in pristine condition without losing their edge.

Effortlessly cutting without rips or tears for super-smooth lawns, it is designed with the InertiaDrive reel functionality that ensures superior handling on all types of grass. The feature also aids excellent movement across tough spots on the lawn to prevent damage to your lawn or machine.

The mower also features a reversible grass chute that directs cut grass clippings either forward or backward. It comes with a maximum cutting height of 4 inches adjustable to the lowest position of 1 inch making it ideal for trimming down thicker tufts of grass.  But at about 51 lbs, the mower is rather heavier than other reel mowers. Pushing it for long might become tedious especially in large yards and for the elderly.

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#5. Scotts Outdoor 2000-20S Reel Lawn Mower

The Scotts Outdoor 2000-20S mower rank as one of the best Bermuda grass push reel mower when it comes to smooth, precision cutting. The 20-inch cutting width efficiently snips off grass in one pass leaving no tears or rips behind. Multiple times lawn passes are unnecessary with this mower.

The heat-treated alloy steel blades, which can be adjusted between 1 -3 inches, stay sharp comparatively longer than similar mowers. And for maneuverability, the dual tracking wheels take control allowing you to focus on creating a smooth, carpet-like lawn.

The mower design includes ergonomically-designed cushioned handles that promote the right stance as you push the mower over the lawn. Assembling is a breeze and you don’t need extra tools to get it ready. Many long-term users though have issues with the wheels. They tend to degrade quicker compared to other mowers.

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#6. Greenworks 25052 Reel Lawn Mower

This Greenworks 25052 Reel Lawn is a simply designed and practical mower focused on getting the job done quickly with little to no fuss. It comes with a wide 18 inches cutting path that allows for more efficient grass sniping quickly.

It features a 2-in-1 functionality comprising bagging and mulching capabilities giving you the choice of using the clippings as lawn or garden mulch. The bag in turn protects you from the grass and debris while mowing. It also comes with a versatile cutting height adjustment between 1.75 – 2.75 inches – a cutting range that can handle any grass type without the need for multiple passes.

It also features a dynamic wheel system comprising 10 – and 2-inch forward and rear wheels respectively making maneuvering a breeze. However, the built quality is a bit suspect casting doubts over its long-term utility and it might be a problem going over lawns with tough, thick tufts.

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Best Rotary Mower For Bermuda Grass

#7. Honda HRX217K5VKA Versamov System Lawn Mower

The first pick on our list of the best rotary mowers for Bermuda grass is Honda’s solidly constructed HRX217K5VKA gas powered mower with a deck constructed from NeXite for extended durability. Easy to start with a maximum of two pulls, the 4-in-1 system is capable of mulching, bagging, discharging, or shredding the grass clippings.

It features the Versamov system that allows users to simultaneously mulch and bag the grass clippings in equal ratios.  You’d love the self-propelled design that means mowing doesn’t come with all the pains of pushing the 108 lbs up a slope. And with the variable speed system, you can adjust the speed between 0 and 4 mph making it convenient to choose to right speed depending on terrain or time factor.

As well as the above, it comes with several outstanding features including the relatively non-deafening noise levels and easy assembly. But it costs quite a bit and it is on the heavy side making maneuverability in tight spaces tricky. The most notable drawback though is the cumbersome cutting height adjustment system.

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#8. Greenworks 25322 Push Electric Lawn Mower

The powerful Greenworks 25322 electric mower is the perfect option if you are looking for a budget lawnmower for a Bermuda grass lawn. Perfect for small to medium-sized yards, it comes with a 16″ cutting deck for convenient handling through tight or small spaces. And with the 40V 4Ah battery providing up to 40 minutes of runtime, there is enough power to finish a task on a full battery.

The eco-friendly lawnmower is easy to start with a nuisance-free operation and requires very little maintenance. In terms of cutting height, you’d love the versatility that comes with 5 different height cutting positions between 1.25 inches and 3.75 inches. The versatility also extends to the grass clippings handling with mulching and rear bagging options available to you.

With this mower though, you’d have to love cutting your lawn regularly because the mower struggles with long or thick grass. Also, mowing wet Bermuda grass could be challenging.

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#9. Snapper 1687966 HD Push Cordless Lawn Mower

Mowing Bermuda grass doesn’t get any easier with the Snapper 1687966 HD cordless mower. With its 48V Briggs & Stratton delivering the needed power, alloy steel deck for durability, and a 20-inch mowing deck to eat up the lawn real fast, you are in for a treat. And at just under 60 lbs, pushing the mower shouldn’t be a problem.

The well-designed mower has a mowing time of 90 minutes when the 48V Lithium-Ion battery is fully charged. The battery takes about 2 hours to be fully charged using the included rapid charger. Using the single-lever height adjustment system, you can conveniently vary the cutting height between 7 positions. And the relatively quiet mowing experience is complemented by a handle covered in a thick layer of foam that helps mitigate the effects of vibrations.

However, while  90 minutes is the run time pitched by Snapper, don’t expect to get that on a full charge; 45 minutes is more common which should be enough to cover a lot of space.

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Best Push Reel Mower for Bermuda Grass

#10. Great States 415-16 Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Great States 415-16 lawn mower is famous for its excellent cutting power. With an adjustable blade height of 0.2 – 2.5 inches and 16″ cutting width, this mower does a fantastic job on all types of Bermuda grass lawns. The excellent cutting blade is constructed from heat-treated alloy steel ensuring the blades retain their sharpness for a long time. The blades’ sharpness also allows you to create neat borders along the lawn’s edges.

The lightweight mower, for easy handling in tight spaces on super smooth composite wheels, comes with a cushioned, comfortable grip extending its ergonomics to even the most overgrown lawn. You just need one push to start cutting the grass making it an efficient, stress-free manual lawnmower. The reels snip off the grass cleanly without unsightly tearing or ripping easily delivering a perfectly trimmed, smooth lawn.

For the price, this is almost a perfect push reel mower except for two things. It struggles to cut tall grass and the soft grips could slide across the handle while working.

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#11. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower

This 4 blade steel lawn mower by American Lawn Mower Company is an absolutely fantastic option for Bermuda grass lawns with its durable 8.5 inches polymer wheels that glide and maneuver over lawns with ease. Featuring scissor-styled, heat-treated alloy steel blades with adjustable height of 0.5 to 1.75 for optimal cutting, it is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative with blades that don’t need frequent sharpening.

The high-quality 4 blade system can snip grass easily with a pared-down versatility to match its minimalist design. It also comes with a cushioned, T shape handle that allows for an easy comfortable grip. It does the job with absolutely no hassle while gliding smoothly on the easy roller wheels that promote pushing and maneuverability.

One notable downside is linked to the size. You might have to make a couple of passes to get the desired results. Lush, thick grass tufts might also be tricky to cut.

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#12. Earthwise 1715-16W Push Reel Lawn Mower

With its sturdy steel side plate design, the Earthwise 1715-16W reel mower is the byword for durability. The eco-friendly mower comes with several design features that makes it an awesome option for Bermuda grass and a fantastic alternative for traditional mowers.

It is designed with a 16-inch cutting width which is a sweet bargain for small to medium-sized lawns. This makes it neither small to get the work done fast in bigger lawns nor it is so big it can’t navigate narrow or tight spaces. At just 26 lbs, it’s one of the lightest reel mowers for easy handling while the 10-inch composite wheels also pitch in to aid handling and movement across the lawn.

And with adjustable cutting heights of between 0.25 – 2.5″ using the 7 alloy steel blades, your Bermuda grass lawn would be the envy of neighbors. However, while its lightweight has many benefits, you might have to be creative to keep the mower from incessantly bouncing about while working.

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Buying Guide: Best Mower for Bermuda Grass

Most often, getting the best lawn mower for Bermuda grass can come down to personal preferences. However, to avoid ending up with a mower that is not fit for purpose, we’d walk you through some of the things you need to consider when shopping for the right Bermuda grass lawnmower.

Type of mower

From the review above, you must have noticed that there are basically 3 types of mower: reel, rotary, and riding mowers. These mowers all have their pros and cons.

Reel mowers – Reel mowers are considered kings when it comes to mowing Bermuda grass. The mowers feature spiral blades that rotate both perpendicularly and vertically to cut the grass the way a pair of scissors cuts things. The blades need to be very sharp to be any good.

The best push reel mower for Bermuda grass would typically feature multiple, splinter-free blades. And to ensure cutting accuracy, the design also includes a well-angled bed knife attached horizontally to the bed bar.

Since Bermuda grass are prolific growers that require frequent cutting, reel mowers are perfect for small lawns that are relatively smooth with no bumps or slopes. Using reel mowers on large lawns is not ideal because it takes time and you could easily get tired pushing it.

On bumpy or sloppy lawns, the wheels that supply the spinning power for the blades could can lose contact with the ground effectively rendering the blades useless. This can also occur if your reel mower encounters slight dips on the lawn.

When this happens, you’d have to make several passes and in some cases change the mowing angles.

Rotary mowers – These are bigger mowers with a larger cutting deck. There are several models classed into gas-powered or electric-powered rotary lawnmowers. The electric mowers are further classed into  units powered by electric cables attached to a power source or onboard batteries.

While gas powered rotary mowers are more powerful with longer run times, the electric powered rotary mowers are ahead in terms of being more eco-friendly, less noisy, easy start-ups.

The blades on rotary mowers spin really fast and so don’t need multiple blades like reel mowers to be effective.

These mowers are the best option if the lawn is more than an acre. However, battery powered rotary mowers or cordless rotary mowers are more convenient because your mobility and area you can mow won’t be limited by the length of a cable.

Gas powered rotary mowers are comparatively more powerful but tend to be heavier. The best option, budget allowing, is a self-propelled lawnmower that only needs you to navigate without the stress of pushing.

Riding mowers – These are relatively expensive mowers with cutting powers to match the price tag. They are an upgrade on rotary mowers for larger properties and for commercial or professional uses.

There are two main reasons you’d want a riding mower for your Bermuda grass lawn: the lawn is huge (over an acre) and perhaps, you have a problem moving around for long. This makes ride on mowers the perfect choice for seniors.

Ride-on mowers, especially tractors, are better at handling steep slopes with their bigger wheels. But if maneuverability is the top concern for you, a zero turn mower would be best.

Parking space

The basic question here is pretty straightforward: do you have adequate storage room for your mower?

Fortunately, when it comes to reel mowers, storage isn’t an issue. Some are so lightweight you could even hang them on a wall hook in the garage.

The mower size matters greatly when it comes to a riding or rotary mowers. Check your storage space carefully to ensure you have enough space for the model you intend to purchase.

Lawn size

The size of your lawn or yard would greatly influence your choice of mower. Fact is, several features found on lawnmowers are linked to the size of the lawn. For instance, you want a mower with a large cutting width for large lawns so you can be done in as little time as possible.

Also, the power of the engine, whether you are getting a gas or electric-powered lawn mower depends on the size of the land too. You’d want a more powerful mower for relatively larger lands and vice versa.

Generally, for lawns less than half an acre, standard rotary mowers would do just fine while a reel mower is just the machine you want for a quarter of an acre or less. And for lawns above half an acre, the smart choice is a riding mower.

Size of cutting deck

The decision on what size of cutting deck to pick most times rests on the size of the lawn. The bigger the mower cutting width, the quicker you can complete the job.

Basically, large cuttings decks are recommended for lawns that have few obstacles to maneuver. Smaller decks, on the other hand, are perfect for lawns with obstacles that you need to mow around.

You can find reel mowers with small cutting decks width of 12 inches and at the other end, are the bigger mowers with up to 20 inches of cutting width. Most of the best reel mowers for Bermuda grass though, have a cutting width of between 14 and 18 inches.

For most homeowners with Bermuda grass lawns, the ideal cutting width when getting a rotary or riding mower is between 30 and 60 inches.

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Grass clippings disposal

One vital decision you’d have to make is how you want the mower to handle the cut grass. Your choices can be whittled down to the following:

• Grass ejection that leaves the cut grass on the lawn
• Bag grass catcher to catch the cut grass clippings for later disposal. If you are opting for this, the size of the bag must match the size of your lawn. For instance, big lawns need big bags to avoid frequent stopping to empty the bag.
• A mulching mower that cuts the grass clippings into extra fine bits. This mulched grass can be left to compost on the lawn to provide nutrients for the soil. This function is absent in reel mowers.
• Hybrid mowers that feature grass ejection, bagging, mulching functionalities. You’d only get his with rotary and riding mowers.

Side ejection mowers are also available when it comes to rotary or riding mowers.  Reel mowers, though, feature only front or rear grass ejection functionality.

But when the clippings are too much, you may have to rake them out to prevent smothering the lawn.

The best option for you? This depends on how you want to handle the clippings. But you should know the choices at your disposal.

Maintenance

One of the most notable advantages of reel mowers is that they require minimal maintenance. As long as the blades are sharpened regularly, especially when there is a noticeable decrease in cutting efficiency, you don’t have to do much in terms of maintenance except to lubricate and clean the blades.

And since the blades are accessible, cleaning them won’t be a problem. Make sure though, that replacement parts such as blades are easily available.

However, rotary and riding mowers can pose a few challenges in terms of maintenance. So it’s vital to keep the following in mind:

• Ensure the user manual includes detailed instructions on how to maintain the engine, blades, and other components.
• Make sure your dealership or store has a responsive customer care to help with issues you can’t handle yourself.
• Replacement parts should be available and readily accessible.

Transmission

This consideration applies strictly to only mowers with engines. So if you are purchasing a rotary or ride-on mower, keeping this in mind is essential. The choice is usually between a manual transmission and hydrostatic transmission.

The best riding mower for Bermuda grass and regular Bermuda grass rotary mowers are equipped with hydrostatic transmission making them easier to use. Hydrostatic transmissions, as well as being great for cutting large lawns, are also safer because the mower can be instantly brought to a stop once the foot is lifted off the pedal.

Manual transmissions are typically found in rear engine lawn mowers with a gear system. Shifting the gear takes center stage if you want to adjust the speed. The act of shifting the gears can have a significant impact on the smoothness of the mower while riding it.

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Tires and maneuverability

The rule of thumb when it comes to tires is that bigger with a well-defined tread pattern is better for stability and traction. In yards with lots of narrow spaces and obstacles, the treads help with maneuverability.

Regardless of the type of mower, simply make sure the tires are made of high-quality materials for durability. And you want tires that spin effortlessly for smooth movement across the lawn.

The bigger riding mowers have some extra tire features to look out for. For instance, make sure they are pneumatic, air-filled turf tires, that in addition to improving traction, offer better shock absorption. This is critical when riding over bumpy and sloppy terrains.

Still on the subject of tire treads: don’t be tempted, for maximum traction, to get a riding mower with aggressive threads featuring deep grooves as these types of threads do more damage than good to lawns.

And in terms of maneuverability especially for lawns with plenty of obstacles and tight spaces, you are looking for a riding mowing with a small turning circle. Basically, mowers with the smallest turning circles have excellent maneuverability. Zero turn riding mowers are the alpha machines when it comes to this consideration.

And finally, on tire consideration, budget allowing, if there is a toss-up between riding mower models, opt for a four wheel drive riding mower if the design includes this feature. A 4WD riding mower is very helpful in rough and/or hilly terrains where exerting control is critical.

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Control and utility

No matter the type of mower you are getting for your Bermuda grass lawn, you’d want one that is easy to master and control.

Fortunately, the best reel mowers are very easy to control. All you have to do is simply push the mower with the required downward pressure to engage the blades properly. Do ensure though that the handles are height adjustable, with non-slip foam grips for comfort while pushing.

For the bigger rotary and riding mowers, control is a bit more complicated with a steeper learning curve. Look for models that are easy to master with all the necessary levers within easy reach. The user’s manual, once again, can come in handy here. Ensure the instructions are clear, simple, and better yet, with helpful illustrations.

Other factors to consider include:

• Comfortable seats with back support for riding mowers
• Height adjustable seats
• Roomy rider’s cabin
• Suspensions for comfort on rough terrain

Noise levels

You might want to test the mowers on sale so you can pick one with a lower decibel footprint. That said, since you’d be spending quite a bit of time on the riding mower, investing in a pair of ear defenders or mowing ear muffs to protect your eardrums is a smart idea.

Your budget

All the riding mowers for Bermuda grass we reviewed are quite expensive compared to rotary and reel mowers. Since they require a huge financial commitment, you have to research your choices carefully before purchasing one.

Consider options like warranty, servicing, maintenance, and even delivery to avoid making a bad investment right off the bat.

These options are also available for reel and rotary mowers. You could explore them if you want to get the most bang for your buck.

FAQ: Best Riding Mower For Bermuda Grass

Q: Can I Use a Regular Mower on Bermuda Grass?

Yes, you can. While reel mowers are best for small Bermuda grass lawns, regular mowers are better than reel mowers when the lawn is uneven with bumps and dips. And for seriously uneven terrain where you need to cut the grass to about 2 inches to get that flat appearance, regular mowers, set at the right cutting height, can do a decent job.

However, regular mowers can leave unsightly tire marks on your lawn. The heavier the machine, the deeper the marks.

Q: What is the Best Way to Mow Bermuda Grass?

The trick to mowing Bermuda grass is mostly about getting the mowing height right. According to experts, the ideal mowing  height for hybrid Bermuda grass on relatively even surfaces is between 1 and 1.5 inches,

The mowing height could be more depending on your preferences and the type of Bermuda grass. For instance, the ideal mowing height for the common Bermuda grass is about 2 inches.

When it comes to mowing Bermuda grass, regular and consistent mowing is recommended. In practical terms, the grass should never be allowed to grow more than 3 inches before mowing to avoid scalping the lawn.

Q: Are Reel Mowers Good for Bermuda Grass?

Reel mowers are the absolute best for Bermuda grass. The cutting blades are designed to cut clean through grass blades instead of the tearing action of other types of mowers that cause grass browning while also exposing the damaged grass to diseases.

However, reel mowers are impractical for large lawns because of the length of time it would take to complete the job. Also, uneven surfaces and lawns strewn with rocks or sticks can significantly lower the cutting efficiency of a reel mower.

Q: Can You Cut Bermuda Grass with Rotary Mower?

Yes. The most critical factor is to make sure the rotary mower has very sharp blades for cleaner cuts. Dull blades are more likely to whip up and damage the grass.