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In our search to find the best lawn care equipment, we’ve mowed dozens of acres of grass using more than 30 gas, push, and self-propelled lawn mowers. Each type of mower offers its own pros and cons, so when it came to testing which self-propelled models to include in this guide, we focused on a few key features that make this variety unique: power, performance, and how well each model reduced user effort. And we found a favorite—the Ego Power+ 22-inch Self-Propelled Mower took top honors for powerful propulsion, long runtime, and leaving a crisp, clean cut on the blades of grass.
But the Ego Power+ is only one of a few very good lawn mowers in our lineup. None of the mowers in this guide scored less than a four in any testing category, which makes them all worthy candidates for your landscaping routine. Read on to see exactly what we liked (and didn’t like) about each model before choosing one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers to maintain your property.
- BEST OVERALL: Ego Power+ 22” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULCHING: Toro 60V Max 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROPULSION: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GAS-POWERED: Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21″ Dual Battery Mower Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WIDE CUT: DeWalt 28” Self-Propelled Gas Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EXTENDED MOW:Kobalt 80V 25” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Power Source | Deck Size | Cutting Heights |
| Ego Power+ 22” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | One 56V 10Ah battery | 22 inches | 1 to 4 inches in 8 positions |
| Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower | 150 cubic centimeter (cc) Briggs & Stratton gas engine | 21 inches | 1.25 to 3.75 inches in 6 positions |
| Toro 60V Max 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower | One 60V 6Ah battery | 22 inches | 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions |
| Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | One 56V 4Ah, 5Ah, 7.5Ah, or 10Ah battery | 21 inches | 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions |
| Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower | 163cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine | 22 inches | 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21″ Dual Battery Mower Kit | Two 18V 12Ah batteries | 21 inches | 1 to 4 inches in 7 positions |
| DeWalt 28” Self-Propelled Gas Mower | 224cc gas engine | 28 inches | 1.25 to 3.75 inches |
| Kobalt 80V 25” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | Two 80V 4Ah batteries | 25 inches | 1.25 to 4 inches |
Our Top Picks
Whether your current lawn mower won’t stay running or you simply want to upgrade to a more user-friendly model, any of the following tested options will provide reliable results and take some of the stress out of lawn care.
Best Overall
Ego Power+ 22” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
What We Like
- Gas-like power and performance
- Single-lever cutting height adjustment
- Built-in mulch lever
- Headlights for low-light mowing
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than some cordless models
Product Specs
- Power source: One 56V 10Ah battery
- Deck size: 22 inches
- Cutting height: 1 to 4 inches in 8 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.75/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
We’ve tested many cordless mowers, but the Ego Power+ LM2236SP is a standout. It impressed us with its gas-like cutting power and long-lasting battery performance.
Assembly was a breeze—we had it ready to go in under 15 minutes, and charging the battery took just an hour. We did find it challenging to figure out how to start the blade motion at first, but that’s because Ego’s two-step safety design is meant to keep kids from starting the mower. We appreciated that.
The Ego’s propulsion is strong and easy to control, and it left sharp, clean cuts on the grass blades—essential for keeping a lawn healthy and disease-resistant.
This walk-behind grass mower handled well, and we liked its thoughtful features, including a single-lever height adjustment, the ability to switch quickly from bagging clippings to mulching, and bright LED lights that clearly illuminated the path ahead after dusk.
Read our full review: EGO Power+ LM2236SP mower
What our tester said: “It’s almost unbelievable how much power this cordless Ego mower has. I was impressed with how cleanly and uniformly it cut the grass blades. It’s really a good mower.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ego Power+ LM2236SP self-propelled lawn mower at Lowe’s or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman 21" 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
What We Like
- Affordable lawn equipment
- Auto choke makes it easy to start
- 3-in-1 grass-disposal options
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t adjust pace; 1 speed only
- Handle isn’t padded
Product Specs
- Power source: 150 cubic centimeter (cc) Briggs & Stratton gas engine
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 to 3.75 inches in 6 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
This self-propelled gas lawn mower from Craftsman boasts a 150cc engine in an easy-to-maneuver package, ideal for yards up to half an acre. It has a recoil cord start with an auto choke that balances the mixture of air and fuel, eliminating the need for a primer and choke while ensuring it always starts on the first pull. It also uses a front-wheel-drive design that makes it incredibly easy to turn.
This pick requires a bit of assembly, though the process is simple and only took us 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the overall appearance of the handle configuration left something to be desired once we were done. The blade and drive control cables attach to the handle using heavy-duty cable ties, and the handle isn’t padded, which may cause fatigue during long mowing sessions.
Also, as eager as we were to test out the front-wheel-drive system around obstacles in our yard, we were initially worried that a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction. Luckily, this never happened, but it is something to watch out for. That said, this Craftsman has good power for cutting average lawn grass and moving uphill. We think it’s a great choice for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled push mower.
Get the Craftsman 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower at Ace Hardware.
Best Mulching
Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
What We Like
- Durable and efficient brushless motor
- Automatically adjusts to your pace
- Bags and mulches without clumping
- Folds flat for vertical storage
What We Don’t Like
- Runtime is less than competition
- A bit heavy at 85 pounds
Product Specs
- Power source: One 60V 6Ah battery
- Deck size: 22 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
Toro has built a strong reputation for producing durable, high-performing equipment, and the Recycler rechargeable lawn mower brings that legacy into the battery-powered world. Equipped with a 60-volt (V), 6-amp-hour (Ah) battery, it delivers impressive mowing results for yards up to half an acre on a single charge. However, its standout features are its steel mowing deck and Personal Pace drive system. The 22-inch steel deck not only creates optimal airflow to lift grass blades for a cleaner, more uniform cut but also enhances mulching and bagging performance. The drive system has a pressure-sensitive handlebar that automatically adjusts the mower’s speed to match your pace. We’ve used other mowers with sliding handlebars, but the one on the Toro Recycler is by far the best.
In our tests, the 60V Toro Recycler worked as well as advertised in every way. It excelled at cutting all kinds of grass, including overgrown weedy areas, and we love that it folds flat for space-saving storage. The only thing that kept it from earning a perfect score was its runtime, as the battery ran out after mowing exactly half an acre. That’s what the brand predicts and will likely be enough for many yards, but it’s a little underwhelming compared to other self-propelled battery lawn mower options.
What our tester says: “The cut quality of this Toro is probably the best of all the models we tested, and its self-propelled system is incredibly smooth. Its automatic acceleration and deceleration felt more natural than the others, even on slopes.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Toro 60V Max self-propelled lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Toro.
Best Propulsion
Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
What We Like
- Ideal for yards up to ½ acre
- Excellent self-propulsion power
- As powerful as most gas lawn mowers
What We Don’t Like
- Makes an unpleasant whining sound at times
- Using self-propel on slopes drains battery quickly
Product Specs
- Power source: One 56V 4Ah, 5Ah, 7.5Ah, or 10Ah battery
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4.5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
The Ego Power+ self-propel mower runs on a 56V rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides an impressive blend of power and efficiency. It uses brushless electric motors for the drive wheels and a powerful two-stage brushless motor for the blade, ensuring up to 60 minutes of runtime for the 7.5Ah battery. When purchased as a kit, it comes with a rapid charger that returns the lawn mower battery to full in only an hour.
The Ego’s 21-inch deck adjusts to six height settings from 1.5 to 4 inches and offers mulching, bagging, or side discharge for grass clippings. During our testing on a half-acre yard, we found this mower comfortable and liked how easy it was to adjust the self-propelled speed via a lever on the handle. Most importantly, it delivered the two things we were looking for: ample cutting power and a clean finished appearance. It had no problem trimming normal grass and did not bog down noticeably in thick, tall grass. One thing to note, though, is that the drive motor seemed excessively noisy at times, making a whining sound we preferred to muffle with headphones. Also, runtime decreases relatively quickly when using the self-propel feature on slopes, but that’s pretty common for battery-powered mowers.
What our tester says: “The Ego’s cut quality ranged from good to excellent. The only time we weren’t happy with the results was when we did a single pass on grass we’d let grow for an extra week. After mowing the stringy areas again, the problem was fixed.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower
Get the Ego Power+ self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon (with two 4Ah batteries) or Lowe’s (tool only).
Best Gas-Powered
Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
What We Like
- Low maintenance and easy-to-start
- Cutting deck boosts airflow for superior cut quality
- Automatic drive system is smooth and responsive
- Fold-flat handle saves space in storage
What We Don’t Like
- Wheels must be individually adjusted for deck height changes
Product Specs
- Power source: 163cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine
- Deck size: 22 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
This 163cc gas-powered Toro Recycler delivers outstanding cutting results with its 22-inch Vortex mowing deck and Personal Pace adjustable drive system. In addition to cut quality, those who prefer gas vs. electric lawn mowers will appreciate several other aspects of this machine. It started for us on the first pull every time—no need to choke it or mess around with a fuel lever. It’s also been engineered to never require an oil change. Instead, you simply have to check the oil level periodically and top it off when needed.
During testing, we were incredibly impressed with how smoothly and quietly this Toro ran, especially compared to other gas self-propelled lawn mowers. But the thing we liked about it best was the quality of its cut. Mowing results were consistently excellent, no matter how fast we walked, how thick the grass was, and regardless of whether we mulched or bagged the clippings.
Though it didn’t once stall or slow down, changing the mower height did take extra time since you have to adjust each wheel individually. Realistically, though, this likely won’t be an issue as most users will set it and forget it.
Get the Toro 22-inch self-propelled lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co. or Ace Hardware.
Best Cordless
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21" Dual Battery Mower Kit
What We Like
- Outstanding torque and blade speed
- Overcomes tough conditions without bogging down
- Self-propelled variable-speed rear-wheel drive with dual controls
- Batteries recharge in 2 hours
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than most residential mowers
- Longer wheelbase; less maneuverable in constricted spaces
Product Specs
- Power source: Two 18V 12Ah batteries
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 7 positions
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4.5/5; Value 4/5
When Milwaukee Tool set out to design a lawn mower, it targeted professional quality and performance. The M18 Fuel 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower features a rugged steel deck, variable-speed rear-wheel drive, and a powerful motor that drives the blade speed up to 3,300 revolutions per minute and delivers more torque than a 200cc gas-powered mower.
The kit we tested came with a dual charger and two 18V 12Ah rechargeable batteries. The mower draws from both batteries simultaneously for 36 volts of operating power and up to 60 minutes of mowing per charge.
In addition to its ample runtime, what we liked best about this walk-behind mower is that the motor automatically switches from standard to high-lift mode when it senses extra-thick grass. High-lift mode created more uplift than any other battery electric mower we tested, standing the grass straight up for a superclean cut after a single pass. It easily packed the bag full of clippings, didn’t leave clumps behind when mulching or discharging, and did a great job picking up leaves and debris. In standard mode, the M18 lawn mower had plenty of cutting force, but bagging was slightly less efficient because the slower blade speed reduced airflow and uplift.
Get the Milwaukee M18 Fuel self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Wide-Cut
DeWalt 28” Self-Propelled Gas Mower
What We Like
- Powerful mowing performance
- Wide 28-inch swath width
- Quieter than typical gas mowers
- Rotating front wheels
What We Don’t Like
- Probably overkill in small yards
Product Specs
- Power source: 224cc gas engine
- Deck size: 28 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 to 3.75 inches
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.75/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4.75/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
With all the progress in rechargeable battery technology, it’s easy to forget the sheer grass-cutting ability of a gas-powered mower. The DeWalt 28-inch 224cc lawn mower is nothing short of a monster. With its wide swath width, we were mowing acres of grass in record time. What’s more, we never had to wait for a battery to finish charging since it’s gas-powered. It was all-power, all the time. Another perk? The DeWalt started consistently on a single pull of the recoil cord.
This is a large and heavy mower—it weighs around 160 pounds and is built like a tank. It has a commercial-grade engine with a built-in muffler that reduces gas-engine noise. It’s still not as quiet as a battery mower, but it’s quieter than our other gas mower. We appreciated the 3-point height adjustment and the variable speed options, and we liked the fully rotating front wheels that make it easy to change directions with the mower. There’s no more need to lift the front wheel and pivot on the back wheels when reversing directions.
The DeWalt offers mulching, bagging, and side discharge, and all three worked well in our tests. Our favorite feature was something we’ve never seen on a push mower before—the Smart Jet wash system that allowed us to connect a garden hose to a valve on the mower deck after mowing for quick and easy under-deck cleanup.
Get the DeWalt 28-inch self-propelled mower at The Home Depot.
Best Extended Mow
Kobalt 80V 25” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
What We Like
- Exceptional runtime on a single charge
- Compact, maneuverable design
- Single-lever cutting height adjustment
- Clean, consistent cut quality
What We Don’t Like
- Front lift when engaging self-propulsion
Product Specs
- Power source: Two 80V 4Ah batteries
- Deck size: 25 inches
- Cutting height: 1.25 to 4 inches
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5 /5; Cut Quality 4.75/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.75/5
Of all the self-propelled battery mowers we tested, this 80V Kobalt mower ran the longest on a single charge—a full 95 minutes, which is 15 minutes longer than the manufacturer’s stated runtime. Of course, that could partly be due to the fact that, in our testing, we were mowing a large, 3-acre area of buffalo grass, which is relatively fine and doesn’t create a lot of blade resistance. Still, it was impressive.
The Kobalt excels in many areas, but given the amount of power it wields, it could stand to be a bit heavier. It weighs in at around 70 pounds, and it has a relatively short front-to-back design, which makes it easy to maneuver in small yards where longer mowers might have trouble. The problem was that our Kobalt popped a wheelie every time we engaged the self-propulsion. A little more weight in the front might reduce that effect.
We found it very easy to adjust the cutting height using the single lever; that’s a major improvement over having to adjust the height at all four wheels. The cut quality with the Kobalt was very good. We found mostly clean-cut grass blades when we inspected the lawn close up. We would recommend the Kobalt to anyone who’s looking to mow an acre of lawn or so on one battery charge.
Get the Kobalt self-propelled lawn mower at Lowe’s.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
| Products tested | 11 self-propelled mowers |
| Time spent testing | 3+ weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 to 6 |
| Price range | $420 to $1,500 |
Before testing, we researched dozens of self-propelled lawn mowers, focusing on performance and user-friendly features. We looked for models with load-sensing motors and engines, multiple grass disposal options, single-lever height adjustment, and other extras like lights and ergonomic handles.
Once it came time to test, we assessed everything from the basics to more complicated performance characteristics. We evaluated assembly and storage as well as how certain features, such as grass disposal and self-propulsion, affected battery performance in electric mowers and fuel use in gas options. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we looked at the power, cut quality, and mobility of these self-propelled models. We then scored each mower’s ease of use and performance, ranking them based on our results and giving them appropriate awards.
| Product | Ease of Use | Cut Quality | Noise | Grass Disposal | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ego Power+ 22” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | 4.75 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Toro 60V Max 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | 5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 |
| Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.7 |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21″ Dual Battery Mower Kit | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| DeWalt 28” Self-Propelled Gas Mower | 4.75 | 5 | 4.75 | 5 | 5 |
| Kobalt 80V 25” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | 4.5 | 4.75 | 5 | 5 | 4.75 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When choosing one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers, essential features to consider include deck size, cutting options, and power. Evaluating personal needs and lawn size will also help you determine the best type of mower to select.
Engine Size and Motor Power
Electric mowers have motors, while gas lawn mowers have engines. The power of a gasoline engine is described in cubic centimeters, and knowing which size gas engine to look for can help you choose one suitable for your yard.
- Small engines around 125cc are good for modest-size yards with moderate yearly lawn growth.
- Average-size engines between 140cc and 180cc are suitable for small- to medium-sized yards and moderate to heavy yearly lawn growth.
- Large engines exceeding 180cc are best for bigger yards, dense grass, and heavy yearly lawn growth.
A battery-powered lawn mower measures motor power in volts, with mowers using between 18 and 120 volts. Most electric lawn mowers run on about 40V and 80V, as that range is sufficient for handling the same tasks as gas mowers equipped with 140cc to 180cc engines.
Though not particularly common, you can also buy an electric corded lawn mower with a 10- to 15-amp motor. Corded mowers are generally best for small, well-maintained lawns.
Speed Control
Some mowers operate at only one speed, while others include several settings up to 4 miles per hour. Self-propelled lawn mowers that move at different speeds have a variety of speed-control options, including squeeze handles, drive bars, dials, and pace-keeping systems that automatically adjust to users’ walking speeds.
In general, mowers with pacing systems or squeeze bars are easiest to use. These mowers either adapt to your pace as you walk or go faster as you squeeze the bar toward the handle, making them a user-friendly choice.
Mulch, Bag, or Side-Discharge Options
Traditionally, lawn mowers (including riding lawn mowers) have one of several cutting options to manage grass clippings, including bagging, mulching, and side discharging. However, most lawn mowers now come with two or even three cutting options for managing grass clippings in one machine.
- Single-option mowers are straightforward, though they don’t provide the versatility to adapt to differing lawn conditions. That’s why most mowers now offer more than one option.
- Two-in-one mowers offer two of the three available cutting options for dealing with grass clippings. They are more versatile than single-option mowers but fall short of the options provided by a three-in-one mower.
- Three-in-one mowers are quickly becoming the industry standard. As the name indicates, they allow you to choose bagging, mulching, or side discharging in a single machine for more cutting versatility.
Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, or All-Wheel Drive
Self-propelled lawn mowers generally have either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, meaning either the front or back two wheels are powered. However, there are some all-wheel drive models on the market as well.
- Front-wheel-drive mowers are great for even terrain. They are easy to tip back, which stops them from moving forward. This immediate pause in momentum makes them easier to maneuver around lawn ornaments and other obstacles.
- Rear-wheel-drive mowers tend to have more power than front-wheel-drive products, though they also are more expensive. These mowers are suitable for hilly terrain, taking some of the strain from the user. However, they aren’t as easy to maneuver.
- All-wheel drive mowers are well-suited for yards with more extreme slopes and rougher terrain.
Rear-Wheel Diameter
The size of a mower’s rear wheels varies based on its design and the type of terrain it is built to handle. Some self-propelled lawn mowers have four wheels of equal size, typically between 7 and 8 inches in diameter.
However, mowers suited to yards with thicker grass or uneven terrain often feature larger rear wheels that range from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. Larger-diameter wheels improve maneuverability and traction, making them ideal for bumpy ground and heavy lawn growth.
Recoil vs. Electric Start
Another feature to consider when searching for the best self-propelled lawn mower is how it starts.
- Electric starts exist on all electric self-propelled lawn mowers, but this feature is also present on some gas mowers. By pushing a button or turning a key, the mower communicates with the engine and automatically starts. However, the mower will not start if the electric start isn’t powered. If this is a concern, consider a lawn mower that has both an electric start and a backup recoil cord.
- Recoil cords are the traditional way to start a gas lawn mower. You pull a cord that physically cranks the engine, prompting it to start. As anyone who has ever used one of these lawn mowers knows, though, the recoil cord often takes three or four pulls before the engine turns over.
Deck Width and Height
The width of the cutting deck (the part of the mower that houses the blades) can determine how maneuverable a mower is and how long it takes to finish mowing a lawn. Smaller mowers, such as those with 16-inch decks, may fit through small garden gates and turn tight corners easily, 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 but may not maneuver as well in tight spaces.
Unlike width, deck height is adjustable. When you adjust the deck height, you adjust the cutting height of the mower’s blades. Some mowers feature convenient one-lever adjustment, while others require two or more levers. Most height adjustments range somewhere between 1 and 4 inches. Keep in mind that some grass varieties should be cut at longer lengths for optimal health. If you have one of those varieties, a mower with a high cutting height is your best bet.
Yard Size
For most people, the larger their yard, the larger and more powerful the mower they need. Grass type and terrain may also affect mower choice. Here’s a general breakdown of which size mowers are best for different yard sizes:
- Mowers with a cutting deck of at least 21 inches and a runtime of at least 60 minutes or a 180cc or larger gas engine make quick work of larger yards of a half acre or more.
- Push mowers with a cutting deck between 18 and 21 inches and a runtime of at least 45 minutes or a 150cc gas engine work well for lawns from a third to a half an acre.
- Mowers with a cutting deck between 14 and 20 inches and a runtime of 30 minutes or a 125cc gas engine work well for small lawns up to a quarter acre.
Keep in mind that grass-disposal and self-propel features may decrease total runtime for battery-operated mowers. Those with large yards may consider purchasing additional batteries to extend continuous runtime. Though extra batteries are an additional expense, you’ll still likely save in the long run versus paying the cost of lawn mowing.
Additional Features
Additional features to consider may include the mower’s weight, deck material, handle positions, and storage options. Although these mowers propel themselves, you still might consider the mower’s weight. Weight can be critical if the mower is only self-propelled while cutting or if it needs to be lifted over concrete curbs or into storage.
If weight is a concern, take a look at the mower’s deck material. More traditional mowers have steel decks, which are durable but can be heavy, while some mowers have plastic decks, which may be lightweight but are prone to cracking. Some mower decks are made of aluminum, which is weather-resistant, lightweight, and durable.
Handle positions may seem minor, but if you have limited storage space or aren’t the only one mowing the lawn, they could be a deciding factor. Some handles adjust to better match user height, and others fold all the way down for more compact storage.
FAQs
Here are some answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about self-propelled lawn mowers.
Self-propelled push mowers have a front- or rear-drive system that moves them forward without the user doing anything except holding on and steering. If you’re looking to mow your lawn with less physical strain, then yes, these mowers are worth investing in.
The price range in our list of top picks is between $420 to over $1,000.You can certainly find models that are sold outside of that range, but do your research to make sure the discount or extra cost is worth it.
Most mowers will last 10 years or more, depending on how well you care for your machine. Regular maintenance and proper storage are key to getting the most life out of your lawn mower.
It depends. The whole point of a self-propelled mower is that its system makes it easier for users to push. However, you will also want to factor in the weight of the machine, the terrain that’s being mowed, and the tightness of the space you’re mowing. Each of these factors can affect the ease with which a mower can be pushed.
Self-propelled mowers do not go in reverse. The drive wheels operate in the forward direction only. To back up, the drive control has to be disengaged (doing so varies by brand/model); then, the user can pull it backward manually.
The main disadvantages of self-propelled mowers are that they tend to cost and weigh more. However, the weight is generally offset by the fact that the self-propelled feature makes them easier to push, and the cost may be worth it in terms of decreased user strain.
Most self-propelled mowers do well on small to moderate hills, but their capabilities will differ depending on drive type and power source. Generally speaking, rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive mowers maintain their traction on slopes better, and gas models may deliver more consistent power output on hilly terrain.
Yes, you should be able to turn off the self-propelled feature on a push lawn mower. However, the process varies between models, so check your user manual for the exact steps.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industries. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and outdoor power equipment.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
