There’s something timeless about the sound of lawn mowers and the smell of fresh-cut grass on a Saturday morning. Well-manicured lawns and fresh air go hand in hand, and the best push mower helps make it more enjoyable.
The best push mowers are frustration-free, easy to use, and provide consistent results. Some of these machines even propel themselves, allowing the user to follow behind comfortably. They can collect clippings and create leaf mulch. Keep reading to learn more.
- BEST OVERALL: Greenworks 40V Smart Pace Cordless Lawn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Lawn Mower
- BEST CORDLESS: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
- BEST CORDED: American Lawn Mower Company Corded Lawn Mower
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Push Mower
A push mower is available for front-yard perfectionists as well as for those who simply need to trim a small patch of grass. But choosing the best push mower takes a bit of research. The following tips can help shoppers decide which lawn mower may work best for their yards.
Type
Push mowers come in several varieties, each of which has pros and cons.
- Gas-powered push mowers are loud and require a bit of maintenance, and the exhaust can be stinky. But gas-powered push mowers are powerful, and fuel is readily available.
- Electric push mowers run on batteries or an extension cord, and they’re quiet and require little maintenance. Battery-powered mowers can go anywhere, while corded models work well in small yards. But batteries don’t last forever, and some can be difficult to replace over time.
- Reel mowers use old-school technology—gears and drive wheels—that spin a set of cylindrical blades when the mower is pushed.
- Self-propelled mowers run on both gasoline and batteries, and their wheels drive the mowers. They’re excellent for larger yards.
Runtime
Runtime refers to how long a mower can operate before it needs fresh batteries or gasoline. Gas-powered models can go for a few hours before refueling. Some battery-powered lawn mowers come with two batteries in the kit to provide an hour or more of total runtime.
Engine Size
Gasoline-powered engines come in varying sizes. In push mowers, power is usually relative to engine size. For the mower to have enough power to avoid bogging down in thick patches of grass, it needs an appropriately sized engine.
Most basic gas-powered mowers do well with a roughly 140cc engine, though self-propelled models benefit from more power (150cc and up). The larger the mower, the more fuel it will use, and more fuel means greater emissions.
Electric mowers have motors instead of engines. Look for a battery model that runs off a 36V or greater system or a corded model with an 11-amp rating or greater.
Yard Terrain
Some yards slope, have walkways or curbs, or are just generally uneven, so push mowers are built to handle dips, depressions, ruts, and other types of rough terrain.
To handle uneven terrain, some push mowers have oversized wheels, typically in the back, which prevent the mower from getting stuck in a rut or hung on a walkway. Some even have oversize wheels on all four corners to provide an easier rollover.
Cutting Width and Height
When choosing a push mower, consider the mower’s cutting width. Smaller mowers, such as those with 16-inch decks, may fit through small garden gates and flower beds, but they’ll require more passes to mow a yard. Larger mowers, such as those with 21-inch decks, can make short work of a larger yard.
Push mowers, like all mowers, have adjustable heights. Users can adjust the mower deck height to the desired grass height with the levers attached to the wheels. Shorter grass requires less-frequent mowing, but the sun’s intense heat during the summer can burn a lawn cut too short.
Comfort
For some folks, pushing a mower across the lawn can put stress on their arms, hands, and lower back. When considering comfort, the best option is a self-propelled push mower, which helps reduce the stress on the hands and arms and allows the user to follow behind it. The user only has to keep up, manipulate the mower around turns and corners, and release the throttle to stop it. Some mowers have padded handlebars or adjustable heights, which can increase ergonomics and reduce discomfort.
Safety
Any push mower, whether corded, battery-powered, or gas-fed, can be dangerous. All mowers have some sort of fail-safe lever to hold down that allows the motor to operate. Releasing the lever causes the mower to stop.
Since many electric and battery-powered options start very easily, manufacturers include removable safety keys that act like kill switches when removed. These keys prevent a small child from accidentally starting the mower.
Additional Features
Additional features to keep in mind include bag attachments that collect grass clippings, preventing unsightly clumps of clippings on the yard. Other mowers offer mulching chutes that work well with a quality mulching blade.
Some battery-powered push mower kits come with additional batteries. And some self-propelled models have adjustable speeds that allow the user to walk as comfortably as possible behind the machine.
Our Top Picks
With the best push mower, keeping a lawn neat and orderly isn’t difficult. When shopping, keep the following list in mind, which contains some of the top push mowers on the market.
Photo: amazon.com
From Greenworks, this self-propelled push mower comes with a charger and two batteries, offering up to 70 minutes of total runtime without a recharge. When both batteries are installed into the dual ports, the mower automatically switches over to the fresh battery when the used one depletes.
The 40V motor of the Greenworks offers plenty of power and torque, enough to run a heavy-duty mulching blade. The mower also features a steel 21-inch cutting deck for durability and fewer passes, collapsible handles for storage, a bagger attachment, adjustable heights, push-button start, and oversized rear wheels. The self-propelled mechanism has Smart Pace technology that automatically adjusts to the user’s speed.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- Comes with a charger and two batteries
- 40-volt motor
- Durable steel 21-inch cutting deck
Cons
- Not recommended for large lawns
Photo: amazon.com
American Lawn Mower Company’s four-blade reel mower is a manual option that makes a good option for smaller yards. The mower has a 14-inch cutting width and features a T-shaped handle with padded grips to make maneuvering the unit as easy and comfortable as possible. Meanwhile, thanks to its 8 ½-inch wheels, this 20-pound mower can ride smoothly over uneven terrain. Customization is also possible, as the mower offers blade height adjustment between ½ and 1 ¾ inches, allowing the user to choose how short to trim the lawn grass.
Pros
- Four-blade reel
- Good option for small lawns
- 14-inch cutting width
- Blade height adjustment between ½ and 1¾ inches
Cons
- Not recommended for thick lawns
Photo: amazon.com
This Greenworks cordless lawn mower has a narrow cutting deck that allows it to pass through tight areas. With 7-inch rear wheels and 6-inch front wheels, the mower remains effective over mildly uneven terrain, and with its one-level height adjustment, users can set the cutting blade height to their preference. The handlebar is padded, and its height adjusts to improve ergonomics and comfort.
This push mower has a 45-minute runtime, allowing users to cut up to a half acre on one charge. It comes with a charger, one battery, and a detachable bagger.
Pros
- 45 minute runtime
- Comes with a charger, battery, and detachable bagger
- Effective over mildly uneven terrain
Cons
Photo: amazon.com
American Lawn Mower Company’s corded mower allows users to mow lawns as far as their extension cords can reach. It has both a rear discharge port and a bagger attachment as well as offset oversize wheels. The 11-amp electric motor has enough power to cut most yards without issues. This push mower features adjustable handle heights and five adjustable cutting heights.
At 14 inches wide, the mower’s cutting deck is relatively narrow. That means it may take a few more passes to complete mowing the lawn, but that also means the mower is easier to store.
Pros
- Has rear discharge port and bagger attachment
- Offset, oversized wheels
- Adjustable handle height
- Five adjustable cutting heights
Cons
- Narrow 14-inch cutting deck
Our Verdict
Based on cutting deck size, self-propulsion, battery power, oversize wheels, push-button start, storage, and adjustable heights, the Greenworks 40V Smart Pace Cordless Lawn Mower is our top pick for the best push mower.
How We Chose the Best Push Mower
A push mower is a good option for those with a small lawn. The best push mowers are easy to use and will keep your lawn neat and orderly. To determine the best push mowers on the market, we focused on various types, runtime, engine size, yard terrain, cutting width and height, comfort, safety, and additional features such as bag attachments, mulching blades, additional batteries, and adjustable speeds. Our picks for the best push mowers have plenty of power, adjustable cutting heights, bagger attachments, and large wheels to make mowing the lawn quick and easy.
FAQs
Even with all this background in how to find the best push mower, some questions may still remain. The following section is a collection of answers to the most frequently asked questions about push mowers.
Q. What should I look for in a push mower?
Although preferences vary, most people prefer a model with plenty of power, a bagger attachment, large wheels (if the yard has some rougher terrain), and adjustable cutting heights.
Q. What is a good horsepower for a lawn mower?
Manufacturers are moving away from horsepower ratings; instead, look for a gas-powered push mower with a 140cc or larger engine, a battery-operated model with 36V or more battery and motor, and an 11 amp or greater corded electric motor.
Q. How do I maintain my push mower?
Clean the underside of any mower’s deck with a hose and sharpen its blades from time to time. If it’s a gasoline-powered mower, change the spark plug and air filter once a year. Also remember to winterize the fuel system before the winter by adding a fuel treatment.
Q. How long will my push mower last?
The average push mower can last for 8 to 10 years. Electric mowers probably last the longest, as they have the simplest motors and mechanisms. Batteries could fail on cordless models, and replacing the battery if it’s no longer available may be difficult.
