The Bottom Line: For most Bermuda lawns, the Toro TimeMaster 30" delivers the best balance of cut quality and efficiency. But if you're serious about that golf-course look on hybrid Bermuda, nothing beats a reel mower like the Swardman Edwin 2.0—it's just a bigger investment and more maintenance.
I've been managing Bermuda lawns in Georgia for 15 years, and the mower question comes up constantly: "Anton, what should I buy?" The answer depends entirely on how serious you are about your lawn—and how low you want to cut.
Here's the thing about Bermuda grass: it wants to be cut low. Unlike fescue or Kentucky bluegrass that prefer 3-4 inches, Bermuda thrives at 0.5-2 inches. That changes everything about mower selection.
The Test Setup
I ran this comparison on my TifTuf hybrid Bermuda test plot in Augusta—about 3,000 square feet of lawn that I maintain at different heights across sections. Each mower got tested at multiple cutting heights over 6 weeks during peak growing season (June-July 2025).
What I Measured:
- Cut quality: Clean scissor-cut vs. tearing (measured with 10x loupe)
- Striping ability: Visual assessment on a 1-10 scale
- Height consistency: Measured at 20 random points per section
- Scalping tendency: Number of scalp marks per 100 sq ft on uneven ground
- Time to mow: 3,000 sq ft test plot
The 5 Mowers Tested
1. Toro TimeMaster 30" (Model 21199)
If you want one mower that handles Bermuda well without the fussiness of a reel mower, this is it. The 30-inch deck cuts mowing time nearly in half compared to a 21-inch, and the Personal Pace self-propel system works beautifully on slopes.
The Catch: Can't go below 1.25 inches. If you want that putting-green look on hybrid Bermuda, you'll need a reel mower. But for common Bermuda maintained at 1.5-2 inches, this is excellent.
Check Price on Amazon2. Swardman Edwin 2.0 Reel Mower
This is what I use on my own lawn. The Swardman is a Czech-made reel mower that produces the cleanest cut I've ever seen on Bermuda grass. Period. The 10-blade reel at 25mm diameter creates a true scissor cut that leaves grass tips perfectly clean—no fraying, no browning.
The Catch: Expensive. Requires backlapping every 10-15 hours of use. Can't handle overgrown grass—you need to mow 2-3x per week. But if you're maintaining hybrid Bermuda at 0.5-1 inch, nothing else comes close.
View on Swardman3. Honda HRX217VKA
The Honda is the reliability king. I've seen these mowers last 15+ years with basic maintenance. The MicroCut twin-blade system produces finer clippings than single-blade rotaries, which matters for Bermuda's dense growth pattern.
Why It Works for Bermuda: That 0.75-inch minimum height is lower than most rotaries. Combined with the NeXite deck that won't corrode and the Select Drive variable speed, it's the practical choice for homeowners who want quality without the reel mower learning curve.
Check Price on Amazon4. EGO Power+ LM2135SP
Best electric option for Bermuda. The 21-inch Select Cut multi-blade system handles dense Bermuda growth surprisingly well. Runtime with the 7.5Ah battery is about 45 minutes—enough for 6,000-8,000 square feet.
The Limitation: That 1.5-inch minimum is higher than ideal for Bermuda. You won't get that tight, carpet-like appearance. But for homeowners who want electric convenience and maintain their Bermuda at 2 inches, it works.
Check Price on Amazon5. California Trimmer RL20H Reel Mower
The budget reel mower option—though "budget" is relative here. Made in the USA, the California Trimmer has been around since 1935. It's a no-frills reel mower that gets the job done for homeowners who want that low-cut Bermuda look without spending $3,000.
Trade-offs: Heavier than the Swardman (85 lbs vs 65 lbs), fewer height adjustments, and the 5-blade reel doesn't cut quite as cleanly. But it costs $1,200 less and is easier to service locally.
View on California TrimmerReel vs. Rotary: What Actually Matters for Bermuda
Here's the real talk that most articles won't give you:
| Factor | Reel Mower | Rotary Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Quality | Superior scissor cut, no tearing | Good with sharp blades, some tearing |
| Height Range | 0.2" - 1.5" typical | 1" - 4" typical |
| Maintenance | Backlapping, bedknife adjustment | Blade sharpening 2-3x/year |
| Mowing Frequency | 2-3x per week required | Once per week acceptable |
| Learning Curve | Steep - 2-3 months to master | Minimal |
| Lawn Prep Required | Level lawn, no debris | Tolerates imperfections |
My Recommendation by Lawn Type
Common Bermuda at 1.5-2 inches:
Get the Toro TimeMaster 30" or Honda HRX217VKA. Reel mowers are overkill for common Bermuda maintained at these heights. Save your money and time.
Hybrid Bermuda (TifTuf, Celebration, etc.) at 0.5-1 inch:
You need a reel mower. The Swardman Edwin if budget allows, California Trimmer if not. Rotary mowers simply can't cut this low without scalping.
Small Bermuda lawn under 2,000 sq ft:
Consider a manual reel mower like the Fiskars StaySharp Max ($250). Seriously. For small areas, it's quiet, provides a great cut, and costs a fraction of powered options.
The Height Myth I Need to Address
I see this constantly: homeowners buying a standard rotary mower, setting it to the lowest setting, and wondering why their Bermuda looks terrible. Here's the problem—most rotary mowers' "lowest" setting is still 1.5-2 inches, and they're not designed to cut cleanly at that height.
If you're going to maintain Bermuda at 2+ inches, a quality rotary is fine. If you want that 1-inch country club look, accept that you need a reel mower, more frequent mowing, and more lawn prep. There's no shortcut.
Final Verdict
For 80% of Bermuda lawn owners, the Toro TimeMaster 30" is the right choice. It's efficient, cuts well at Bermuda-appropriate heights, and doesn't require the maintenance commitment of a reel mower.
For the 20% who want that pristine low-cut hybrid Bermuda look, the Swardman Edwin 2.0 is worth the investment—but only if you're willing to mow 2-3 times per week and learn proper reel mower maintenance.
Whatever you choose, keep your blades sharp. A dull blade on Bermuda is the fastest way to a brown, stressed lawn.