No one wants their lawn to appear uneven or their back to hurt, and a self-propelled lawn mower may be the right tool to maintain a flawless yard with less effort. The standout feature is in the name: These mowers propel themselves. All you have to do is start it and steer.
The best self-propelled lawn mowers offer pace-keeping technology that allows you to walk at your chosen comfortable pace, so there’s no getting stuck running behind a speeding mower. These models also often include a variety of deck levels to choose the optimal cutting height.
The recommendations below are some of the top-performing mowers in their respective categories. Read on to find out what makes a high-quality self-propelled mower and how to select the ideal model for your yard.
- BEST OVERALL: Toro Recycler 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- RUNNER-UP: Craftsman M220 150cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- UPGRADE PICK: Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Honda 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR MIDSIZE YARDS: Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Ego Power+ 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR HILLS: Greenworks 2 x 24V (48V) 20-Inch Brushless Mower
- BEST FOR ROUGH TERRAIN: Troy-Bilt XP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
- QUIETEST OPERATION: Greenworks 40V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
How We Chose the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
There is a wide range of self-propelled lawn mower products available in a variety of types, including gas mowers, electric mowers, front-wheel-drive mowers, rear-wheel-drive mowers, and lawn mowers with multiple cutting options for dealing with grass clippings. From this broad pool of potential candidates, we researched and compared the product specs and features to come up with a list of the best self-propelled lawn mowers.
We selected the list of top self-propelled lawn mowers based on the type of mower, the power of the engine, the cutting deck size, speed output, and the size of the wheels. Any additional features, such as multiple cutting options or an electric start function, improved the standing of the product over similar lawn mowers that lacked these extra features.
Our Top Picks
With so many self-propelled lawn mowers on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one. To make the task of searching easier, the following list of models includes some of the best self-propelled lawn mowers available, chosen for their quality, price, and performance. There are a variety of mowers in different categories, so one of these should be a strong pick for any lawn.
Photo: homedepot.com
The Toro Recycler self-propelled lawn mower is a small but powerful machine that is great for maintaining small to midsize lawns. It has a 140 cubic centimeter (cc)- engine and 10-inch rear wheels that help to grip loose soil and improve traction over hills, slopes, and uneven terrain. The self-propelled mower has a 21-inch steel cutting deck that can be raised or lowered between nine different cutting positions.
This lightweight mower can propel itself forward with variable-speed functionality to help improve user control. The three-in-one grass clipping management system allows you to switch between mulching, bagging, or side-discharging while mowing. However, some users may have difficulty starting the mower if they are unfamiliar with the pull-cord start.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas
- Engine: 140cc Briggs & Stratton
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Hassle-free mower doesn’t require oil changes; just regular top offs to maintain the oil level
- Features 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, or side-discharging for versatile grass clipping management
- Lightweight design and 10-inch rear wheels improve traction and maneuverability
- Get the best look for the lawn with 9 different cutting positions to choose from
Cons
- Pull-cord start may be difficult for new or inexperienced users
Get the Toro Recycler self-propelled lawn mower at The Home Depot, Toro, or Acme Tools.
Photo: acehardware.com
The 82-pound Craftsman self-propelled gas lawn mower has a 21-Inch cutting deck with an adjustable cutting height that can be set to one of six levels. It sits on a set of 8-inch front and rear tires, allowing it to move easily over long, flat ground. The front-wheel-drive mower can be tipped up and quickly turned or maneuvered around lawn ornaments and other objects before putting the front down and letting the mower take over once more.
This gas mower has a recoil cord to start and an auto choke that balances the mixture of air and fuel, so you don’t need to deal with a primer or choke. You control this mower with a squeeze bar and can choose to mulch, bag, or side discharge cut grass.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas
- Engine: 150cc Briggs & Stratton
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Easy-to-use single-speed design is ideal for inexperienced users or beginners
- 3-in-1 design allows for side discharging, mulching, or collecting grass clippings in the rear bag
- Auto choke system requires no priming or choking to start the lawn mower
- You can choose the height of the cutting deck from 1 of 6 settings
Cons
- May have trouble maneuvering up hills due to the 8-inch front and rear wheels
Get the Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
This Greenworks mower uses pace-keeping technology to increase or decrease the speed of the mower to match the user’s pace of walking. A 40-volt engine powers the 70-pound mower. It moves forward only when you depress the squeeze bar, eliminating concerns about the mower rolling away. Greenworks’ SmartCut technology adjusts the power output of the mower to enhance power or increase battery runtime, depending on how thick the grass is.
Featuring 8-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels, this self-propelled mower can handle most yards. Its three-in-one cutting options offer the ability to mulch, bag, or side discharge the cut grass. The deck of the mower sets to one of seven different height positions to best suit the user’s grass preferences.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Engine: 40 volts
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Dual battery ports feature automatic switchover for an extended uninterrupted runtime
- Pace-keeping technology ensures the mower won’t be too slow or move too fast for the user
- 10-inch rear wheels help to maneuver over slopes, hills, and uneven terrain
- 7 different cutting deck height positions to choose from to get the optimal lawn height
Cons
- Light-duty mower may have difficulty with bigger yards and heavy yearly lawn growth
Get the Greenworks 40-volt brushless self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon or Greenworks.
Photo: homedepot.com
Reduce cutting time and tackle large yards in a hurry with this premium self-propelled lawn mower by Toro. The heavy-duty mower has a powerful 223cc engine that drives the wheels and cutting blades through thick patches of grass with relative ease. This machine features a broad 30-inch cutting deck that can quickly trim large lawns for easy yard maintenance.
The gas mower uses a dual-force cutting system to slice the grass trimmings into small pieces, rapidly mulching the grass. If you need to stop to move a stick, rock, or some other object out of the way, the lawn mower motor will keep running while the Blade Stop function stops the rotation of the blades to keep you and any nearby individuals safe from harm. However, the bulky size of the mower (at 140 pounds) may make it more difficult to maneuver.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas
- Engine: 223cc Briggs & Stratton
- Deck:30-inch steel deck
Pros
- Broad 30-inch cutting deck reduces the time it takes to cut a large lawn
- Heavy-duty 223cc engine powers through tough patches of grass and thick lawn
- Dual-force cutting system rapidly mulches grass for a superior cut
- Safe Blade Stop function stops the blades without shutting off the engine
Cons
- Mower weight of 140 pounds may increase the physical strain on the user
Get the Toro TimeMaster self-propelled lawn mower at The Home Depot, Toro, or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: lowes.com
One of the more troublesome issues when it comes to lawn maintenance is navigating tight corners or narrow strips of lawn. The Honda self-propelled lawn mower increases user control with its variable-speed settings. By slowing the speed of the mower, you can navigate the 21-inch deck around bends, into narrow corners, or along the edge of the garden without losing control.
This self-propelled lawn mower has a tough, durable steel cutting deck and a powerful 170cc Honda engine to drive the cutting blades through thick patches of grass. Speed up the mower to quickly tackle long straight strips of lawn, but keep in mind that the 8-inch front and rear wheels are not well suited for hills or slopes.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas
- Engine: 170cc Honda
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Heavy-duty 170cc engine provides power to cut through wet or thick grass without an issue
- You can choose between 7 adjustable cutting height positions for the ideal cut
- Variable-speed control makes it easy to quickly mow long, straight stretches of grass
- Easy oil-change system helps keep up with maintenance without taking a lot of time
Cons
- 8-inch front and rear wheels may have difficulty on hills and slopes
Get the Honda self-propelled lawn mower at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Photo: amazon.com
The self-propelled lawn mower weighs 65 pounds and comes with a battery charger and an 80-volt battery that helps it drive the blades through weeds, damp grass, and dense foliage. The battery lasts up to 45 minutes, allowing you to quickly power through small to midsize yards before needing to recharge the battery.
The electric Greenworks lawn mower includes the option to mulch, bag, or side discharge cut grass, and it can fold up for vertical storage, taking up less space in the garage or shed. It is a rear-wheel-drive option with 8-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels that can move easily over uneven or hilly terrain.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Engine: 80 volts
- Deck: 21-inch alloy-steel deck
Pros
- Powerful 80-volt battery lasts for up to 60 minutes of runtime
- Lightweight design is easy to maneuver around a small or midsize yard
- High 10-inch rear wheels help to grip hills, slopes, and uneven terrain
- Quiet electric mower operates with no emissions and does not require regular oil changes
Cons
- Battery may not last a full 45-minutes when mowing thick or wet grass
Get the Greenworks Pro 80-volt self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon (4Ah battery) or Greenworks.
Photo: lowes.com
The Ego Power+ 21-inch electric lawn mower is an excellent choice for large yards because the mower uses two 56-volt batteries to extend the maximum runtime up to 80 minutes, giving you lots of time to trim the grass. This 90-pound mower also has variable-speed settings to increase or decrease the speed of the front-wheel-drive self-propelling system.
Adjust the height of the 21-inch cutting deck between six different positions. Take advantage of warm summer evenings using the bright LED headlights that allow you to continue working as the sun goes down. The 8-inch front and back wheels run smoothly across level ground, though the front-wheel-drive mower may struggle with hills.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Engine: 56 volts
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Get up to 80 minutes of runtime with the pair of 56-volt batteries
- Variable-speed settings propel the mower at 0.9 to 3.1 miles per hour
- The bright built-in LED headlights help to wrap up the job as evening falls
- Height-adjustable design allows you to get the ideal grass length
Cons
- 8-inch front and rear wheels may have difficulty on hills and slopes
Get the Ego self-propelled lawn mower at Lowe’s, Acme Tools, or Mowers Direct.
Photo: amazon.com
Tackle tough hills and uneven terrain with this Greenworks self-propelled mower that has a rear-wheel-drive system and variable-speed control to help increase traction and maneuverability over difficult ground. Two 24-volt batteries power this self-propelled electric lawn mower, allowing it to last for up to 45 minutes of runtime.
Use the electric push button to start the mower. After the job is done, the handle can be folded over for convenient vertical storage in the garage or shed. Its three-in-one cutting options offer the ability to mulch, bag, or side discharge the cut grass. The 79-pound mower has 8-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels that are made with deep treads to help grip uneven ground as the self-propelled system pushes the mower across the lawn.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Engine: 48 volts
- Deck: 20-inch steel deck
Pros
- 3-in-1 cutting options improve lawn mower versatility for enhanced user control
- Simple-to-use electric push-button start system is more convenient than a pull-cord start
- Powerful rear-wheel-drive system and variable-speed control improves traction and maneuverability
- 10-inch rear wheels have a deep tread pattern that grips soft slopes and uneven ground
Cons
- Maximum runtime can be reduced when cutting wet or thick lawns
Get the Greenworks 48-volt brushless self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon or Greenworks.
Photo: homedepot.com
Most yards are not completely flat. They have hills, slopes, uneven ground, and rough terrain that can affect the maneuverability of a lawn mower. However, the Troy-Bilt XP self-propelled mower is designed with tough 11-inch rear wheels that improve the grip and traction of the mower, allowing it to move over flat, sloped, uneven, or rough terrain without a problem.
The lawn mower has a 163cc engine that is suitable for most average-size yards with moderate to heavy yearly growth. It runs on gas and has three different options for handling grass trimmings, including bag, mulch, and side discharge. Choose one of six height settings to get the optimal lawn length, but just keep in mind that this mower will still need to be started with a pull cord.
Product Specs
- Type: Gas
- Engine: 163cc Briggs & Stratton
- Deck: 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- Medium-size 163cc engine is great for yards that get moderate to heavy yearly growth
- Ready Start system requires no priming or choking to start the lawn mower
- 11-inch rear wheels provide additional traction, making it easier to control across uneven terrain
- Choose between 6 adjustable cutting heights to get the ideal lawn length
Cons
- Lawn mower engine must be started with a pull cord
Get the Troy-Bilt self-propelled lawn mower at The Home Depot or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: amazon.com
The Greenworks 21-inch 40-volt self-propelled lawn mower uses a battery-powered engine to cut a lawn in near silence. One active battery sits in the live battery port, and a second battery (sold separately) can ride along in the storage port for quick switching when the first battery runs out.
You control this mower with a squeeze bar and can choose to mulch, bag, or side discharge cut grass for optimal versatility. The 8-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels make it easier to run the self-propelled lawn mower over bumpy or uneven ground and to avoid struggling to keep the blade from hitting the ground.
Product Specs
- Type: Electric
- Engine: 40 volts
- Deck: 21-inch alloy-steel deck
Pros
- Variable-speed rear-wheel drive system improves traction on hills and rough terrain
- Durable steel cutting deck resists damage from sticks, stones, and other hard debris
- Quiet electric engine ensures that the mower cuts through tall grass without waking the neighbors
- Mulch or use a rear bag or side discharge for easy grass-clipping management during use
Cons
- Doesn’t include a second backup battery; must be purchased separately
Get the Greenworks 40-volt cordless self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon or Greenworks.
What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When choosing a new self-propelled lawn mower, there are many factors to consider. Some of the essential features to take into account include grass type, cutting options, and engine power. Evaluating personal needs and lawn size will also help you determine the best type of mower to select.
Engine Power
The power of a gasoline engine is described in cubic centimeters and can help narrow the choices to gas mowers that are suitable for a particular yard.
- Small engines—around 125cc—are good for modest-size yards with moderate yearly lawn growth.
- Average-size engines—from 140cc to 180cc—are suitable for small- to medium-size yards, and they can handle moderate to heavy yearly lawn growth.
- Large engines—exceeding 180cc—are best for bigger yards with tall grass and heavy yearly lawn growth.
Similarly, a battery-powered lawn mower measures engine power in volts. Engine power for these self-propelled battery-powered lawn mowers ranges from 18 volts for small engines to 120 volts for very large engines. However, most of these lawn mowers run on about 40 and 80 volts, which is more than enough to handle the same tasks as gas mowers equipped with 140cc to 180cc engines.
Speed Control
Self-propelled lawn mowers have a variety of speed-control options, including a squeeze handle, drive bar, dial, and even a pace-keeping system that automatically adjusts to the user’s walking pace.
Some mowers operate at only one speed, while others include several speed settings up to 4 miles per hour. The speed controls and speed options will differ among self-propelled lawn mowers, and what is right for one person might not work best for the next. Additionally, the mower may not move as quickly through tall grass or over uneven terrain.
Take a look at the mower’s speed control before purchasing to find one that works with the user’s lawn-mowing style. For example, a squeeze bar is an excellent option for a self-propelled lawn mower that will be used by more than one person. This style moves the mower faster as you squeeze the bar toward the handle.
Cutting Options
Traditionally, lawn mowers have one of several cutting options to manage grass clippings, including bagging, mulching, and side discharge. However, most self-propelled lawn mowers now come with two, or even three, cutting options for grass clippings in one machine.
- Single-option mowers are simple and straightforward, though they don’t provide the versatility to adapt to differing lawn conditions, which is 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 (bagging, mulching, or side discharging). 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 vs. Rear-Wheel Drive
Self-propelled lawn mowers have either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, so the front two wheels are powered or the back two wheels are powered.
- Front-wheel-drive mowers are great for even terrain. Users like the ability to tip the mower back, removing the wheels from the ground and halting the progression of the lawn mower. This immediate pause in the momentum of the mower makes it 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.
Rear-Wheel Diameter
The rear-wheel diameter can vary depending on the size of the mower and the terrain that it is equipped to handle. Some self-propelled lawn mowers have four wheels of equal size that are frequently between 7 and 8 inches in diameter.
However, mowers that are better for bumpy ground and thick grass have larger rear wheels than front wheels, with rear-wheel diameters ranging from 8 to 12 inches. This wheel configuration is best if the yard has heavy lawn growth or very uneven ground.
Recoil vs. Electric Start
Another feature to consider when searching for the best self-propelled lawn mower is whether it starts with the push of an electric ignition or if you need to pull a recoil cord to crank the engine.
- 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 to the engine and automatically starts up with little effort. 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 the 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 rarely works the first time, often taking three or four pulls before the engine kicks over.
Weight
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 the mower needs to be lifted over concrete curbs or into storage.
When lifting the mower for storage or moving it across difficult terrain, a lighter machine is easier to manage. Self-propelled lawn mowers range in weight from about 60 pounds to 100 pounds. Battery-powered mowers typically weigh less than gas-powered mowers and are a good option for those concerned about handling a heavy machine.
Maintenance
Most lawn mowers, power tools, and yard equipment, including self-propelled mowers, require some type of maintenance to ensure that they continue to work effectively and last as long as possible.
Very little difference exists between the maintenance of gas mowers versus electric lawn mowers. One requires gas tank refills, and the other has a battery that needs regular charging. Beyond this, all self-propelled lawn mowers require some ongoing maintenance to keep them working properly.
Common maintenance requirements for self-propelled mowers include regular oil changes, washing to remove dirt and debris, and inspecting the mower blades to ensure they are sharp and do not have nicks or cracks.
FAQs
After learning about the features of self-propelled mowers, there may be some lingering questions about how these mowers work, what features to look for, and what size is appropriate for the yard. Some of the most common questions and answers are below.
Q. What does a self-propelled lawn mower do?
A self-propelled mower has a front- or rear-drive system that moves the mower forward without the user doing anything except holding on and steering.
Q. What should I look for when buying a lawn mower?
There are many important things to consider when buying a lawn mower. Some unique features include a blade-stop system that automatically stops the blade from spinning when the trigger is released and an electric-start system on a gas lawn mower so you don’t need to pull a recoil cord to crank the engine.
Electric starts are a feature that may be better for mowers with an auto choke because the power transferred to the engine is consistent, instead of relying on the pull of the user. Other features to look for are a side discharge, rear discharge, or included bag attachment to know how the machine handles grass clippings. More features are discussed in detail in the What to Consider section above.
Q. What size lawn mower do I need?
Gas lawn mowers are generally better than electric mowers for large yards, but the ideal size of the self-propelled lawn mower depends on the size of the yard. Large yards with more than 1 acre of lawn to mow are best with a mower with a powerful engine and a deck measuring between 21 to 23 inches in width. Users with lawns smaller than 1 acre can invest in mowers with cutting decks that measure 18 to 20 inches in size.
Q. Is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive better for a lawn mower?
Both front-wheel and rear-wheel drive are suitable for self-propelled lawn mowers. A front-wheel-drive mower is better for cutting tall grass across mostly level terrain and for easier maneuverability. Choose rear-wheel-drive mowers for better power, traction, and fewer problems mowing hilly or uneven terrain.
Q. What is the most reliable brand of lawn mowers?
There are several different brands of lawn mowers that are known for their reliability, cutting power, and high-quality performance including Greenworks, Ego Power, Craftsman, and Toro.
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