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We have mowed dozens of acres of grass with more than 30 lawn mowers, including self-propelled lawn mowers, so we’ve seen a few things. In testing these nine models, we evaluated this strain-alleviating feature as well as each mower’s power and performance. After all, just because a mower can propel itself doesn’t mean it delivers a great cut. The mowers on this list can do both.
Each of these models is among the top-performing mowers in their respective categories. Read on to find out how comfortable they were to use and how well they performed. Plus, learn what features we looked for when selecting the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Toro 60V MAX 21″ Super Recycler Mower
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5” Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ELECTRIC: Ryobi 21″ Self-Propelled All-Wheel-Drive Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GAS-POWERED: Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Worx Nitro 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Before we began testing, we researched dozens of self-propelled models, focusing on performance and user-friendly features. These features included load-sensing motors and engines, multiple grass-disposal options, single-lever height adjustment, and more. We took brand reputation and user reviews into consideration as well. We then narrowed our testing options to include mowers with sought-after features from a variety of brands.
In testing, we assessed everything from the basics to more complicated performance characteristics. We looked at assembly and storage and how certain features, such as grass-disposal options and self-propel, affected battery performance in electric mowers. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we looked at cutting power and quality as well as the overall power and mobility of these self-propelled models. We scored each mower’s ease of use and performance, ranking them and giving them awards based on their best quality or what we thought would be their best use.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 18+ hours |
| Tests performed | 4 to 6 |
| Price range | $420 to $800 |
Our Top Picks
With so many self-propelled lawn mowers on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one. Here are our tried-and-tested favorites.
Best Overall
Toro 60V MAX 21" Super Recycler Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Power source: One 60-volt (V) 7.5-amp-hour (Ah) battery
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions
Pros
- Mows up to 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet) per charge
- Motor automatically adjusts output to match mowing conditions
- Rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
- LED headlights allow for ample visibility in darker areas or nighttime mowing
Cons
- Longer recharge time than the competition
- Top mowing speed is too fast for imperfect conditions
The Toro Super Recycler boasts the smoothest self-propel system of all the models we tested. Its three-phase motor automatically increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions, then eases off on less challenging terrain to conserve battery life. Underneath the 21-inch rustproof cast-aluminum deck is a powerful vortex air-intake system. This feature increases airflow so that grass blades stand up, allowing the mower to evenly slice through them and deliver a clean cut.
The mower has springs and shocks to absorb bumps on uneven terrain and a self-adjusting, self-propelled drive system. Its included 60V 7.5 Ah battery delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge and recharges in 3 hours. This model was one of the most comfortable mowers we tested, thanks to its robust self-propulsion system. Although it was not the only mower with a pressure-sensitive handle, this one functioned the best. It paired the slightly more resistant, but buttery smooth, handle movement with a higher top-end speed for self-movement that felt almost effortless on most terrain.
The Toro offered excellent cut quality as well. However, we did have to do a second pass for best results in overgrown areas. It’s a great choice for anyone who prioritizes smooth operation and needs a top-quality cut on a lawn under a half acre.
Get the Toro 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower at Acme Tools.
Runner-Up
Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
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
Pros
- 60 minutes of runtime works for yards up to a 0.5 acre
- Fast battery charging time of about 60 minutes, making it suitable for multiple uses
- Battery works with many other Ego Power+ tools
- Exhibits mowing power similar to a gasoline lawn mowers
Cons
- Drive system emits a whiny sound that some users may not like
- Using the self-propel feature decreases battery runtime by up to half, depending on terrain
The Ego Power+ is a self-propel lawn mower powered by a 56V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Brushless electric motors for the drive wheels and a powerful two-stage brushless blade motor ensure a long runtime per charge—about 60 minutes with a 7.5 Ah battery, which we used in testing. With the included rapid charger, the lawn mower battery takes just 60 minutes to recharge, which is impressive.
The Ego’s 21-inch deck adjusts to six height settings from 1.5 to 4 inches, and it offers mulching, bagging, or side discharge for grass clippings. During our testing on a half-acre yard, the Ego Power+ was easy and comfortable to operate. We liked the simple speed adjustment for the self-propelled pace—a lever located on the left side of the handle—but the drive motor seemed excessively noisy. Runtime did decrease when we used the self-propel feature, but that’s not unusual for battery-powered mowers.
This mower consistently delivered the two things we were looking for: cutting power and a clean finished appearance. The mower had no difficulty cutting normal grass and did not bog down noticeably in thick, tall grass. Finish quality ranged from good to excellent. The only time we didn’t get a clean finish in a single pass was when the grass grew for an extra week. That was fixed by simply mowing stringy areas again. With its powerful cutting performance and decent runtime, this mower is a great option for a variety of lawns up to a half acre.
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 Bang for the Buck
Craftsman 21" 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
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
Pros
- Self-propelled front-wheel drive assists the user while mowing to prevent strain
- Auto choke makes it easy to start; no priming or choke required
- 3-in-1 grass-disposal options: side discharge, mulch, or bagging
Cons
- Self-propelled feature is 1 speed, so it doesn’t adjust with user’s pace
- Nonpadded handle could lead to user fatigue with extended use
This gas-powered model lives up to Craftsman’s well-respected reputation—all for a reasonable price. This 73-pound self-propelled gas lawn mower boasts a 150cc engine, ideal for yards up to half an acre. The front-wheel-drive mower can be tipped up and quickly turned or maneuvered around obstacles before putting the front down and letting the mower take over once more.
It 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. We began testing with assembly, which took a quick and easy 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the overall appearance of the handle configuration left something to be desired—the blade and drive control cables are retained on the handle by heavy-duty cable ties—and we were disappointed by the unpadded handle.
On the other hand, the mower started easily on the first pull. It had good power for cutting average lawn grass and moving uphill, although it slowed down just a bit in overgrown grass. As we expected, the front-wheel drive made turning easy. That said, it’s important to note that with this configuration, a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction, though we did not experience this. This could be a great pick for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled push mower.
Get the Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower at Ace Hardware.
Best for Large Lawns
Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: One 40V 4Ah battery
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.38 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions
Pros
- Dual battery ports feature automatic switchover for an extended uninterrupted runtime
- Self-propelled with automatic pace adjustment to alleviate strain on user
- Heavy-duty steel deck can handle thin to thick grass varieties
- 10-inch rear wheels help to maneuver over slopes, hills, and uneven terrain
Cons
- Pace-adjustment feature is less smooth than that of competitors
- Less effective at mulching dense grass than comparable options
With up to 70 minutes of runtime per charge with two batteries and a 21-inch mowing swath, this efficient, brushless lawn mower from Greenworks tackles larger lawns, up to half an acre (or even more for flat, manicured yards). It includes two 40V 4Ah batteries and a single-port battery charger that recharges each battery in 120 minutes.
The SmartPace self-propel feature operates with a pressure-sensitive handle that automatically adjusts wheel speed to the user’s walking pace, while the SmartCut technology adjusts the motor’s power output depending on how long and thick the grass is, optimizing battery usage.
This self-propelling lawn mower also offers single-lever height adjustment in seven positions, and its three-in-one cutting options offer the ability to mulch, bag, or side discharge the cut grass.
In testing, we were surprised to find that this mower performed similarly to others with significantly more battery power. However, we noticed that performance in overgrown areas changed depending on the grass-disposal option used; it tended to bog down a bit in mulching mode but easily mowed overgrown areas with the discharge chute in place. Those areas also cut down our runtime by about half. Overall, the cut quality was quite good. Only the most difficult grass patches required a second pass to achieve decent results.
The self-propel system worked fairly well, but it was not perfect. It accelerated unevenly going uphill and downhill and occasionally had trouble decelerating with the user going downhill and across flat ground; sometimes it felt as if it was running away. Still, for its extensive runtime and battery-management capabilities, this Greenworks mower could make a good choice for those with larger lawns.
Get the Greenworks self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon or Greenworks.
Best for Small Lawns
DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5" Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Two 20V 10Ah batteries
- Deck size: 21.5 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel mower deck with 3-way grass-clipping management
- Front-wheel drive self-propel system supports safe operation and smooth turns
- 2-stage brushless motor preserves battery life and automatically increases power for tougher mowing conditions
- Ergonomic cushioned hand grip is comfortable to use and reduces operator fatigue
Cons
- Shorter runtime not ideal for longer, denser grasses
- Takes a long time to recharge the batteries with the included DCB107 battery chargers
This DeWalt mower has better-than-average build quality with a heavy-duty 21.5-inch 15-gauge stamped-steel deck and a thoughtful design. Its adjustable front-wheel-drive self-propulsion eliminates half the work of mowing, lets you choose your own pace, and works on all kinds of terrain. The load-sensing motor seamlessly increases torque in tougher mowing conditions.
We tested the DeWalt mower in about 10,000 square feet of lawn that included some short but steep slopes, weedy spots, and dense grass. We mowed it three times, requiring just over two full battery charges each time. Recharging was a time-consuming 8 hours with the included chargers.
We were able to mow about 5,000 square feet per charge with the grass catcher in place and with the cutting height at 2.5 inches. At 3.5 inches, that extended to about 8,000 square feet and 40 minutes of runtime. Still, that should be plenty for anyone with a quarter-acre lot and most half-acre lots when the house, driveway, landscape beds, and other nongrass areas are removed from the equation.
We liked that this mower was comfortable to operate on all kinds of terrain. The controls were well laid out for easy operation, and the cushioned handle felt comfortable while we mowed. It was also easier to turn than rear-wheel drive mowers and, most importantly, it delivered a nice even cut. Overall, the quality of this DeWalt mower is better than most and is a solid choice for home lots under a half acre or about a quarter to a third acre of lawn.
Read our full review: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Get the DeWalt self-propelled lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co.
Best Electric
Ryobi 21" Self-Propelled All-Wheel-Drive Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Two 40-volt 6-amp-hour lithium-ion batteries
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 7 positions
Pros
- Evenly cuts and distributes grass clippings for a cleaner-looking finish
- Both handle and self-propel paddle height are adjustable for greater user comfort
- Handles fold down for compact, vertical storage
- Self-propel feature works even when the blades are turned off, so it always moves easily
Cons
- Included charger holds only 1 battery at a time
- Sensitive self-propel paddles take some getting used to
- Might be too heavy for some users to maneuver or for those working on very uneven territory
The Ryobi electric self-propelled lawn mower is a heavy-duty model that boasts a brushless motor for excellent power efficiency. It features an option to use all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and it comes with a 21-inch cutting deck with a two-blade cutting system underneath. Users can adjust the blades to cut grass between 1 inch and 4 inches tall, and seven height adjustments are controlled by a simple lever. It also includes three grass-disposal options—bagging, mulching, or side discharge—as well as a new integrated mulch plug that toggles from mulching to bagging.
The self-propulsion on the Ryobi is formidable, and it’s necessary for a lawn mower of this weight. At 77 pounds with batteries, it’s a hefty mower to maneuver on anything but flat terrain, and would be even more so in the absence of self-propulsion. Once we found a comfortable speed setting, however, maneuvering the Ryobi became much easier. The self-propel paddles took us some time to get used to. The paddles are particularly sensitive when the speed is set on high; we barely touched them and the mower practically pulled us forward. We found that low- and medium-speed settings were generally our sweet spot.
The Ryobi moved through denser patches of grass quite well; it also mulched evenly and dispersed clippings evenly from the side chute—no clumps of grass were left anywhere. Together with formidable battery power, the Ryobi’s cross-cut multiblade system delivers a better overall cut.
For those with larger yards and dense lawns, the Ryobi fits the bill. It delivers a great-looking cut with the least amount of maintenance both in terms of lawn care and mower care (less upkeep than gas counterparts). The Ryobi easily handles lawns that go for extended periods between mowing, since this mower slices everything into a fine mulch.
Read our full review: Ryobi 21″ Self-Propelled All-Wheel-Drive Mower
Get the Ryobi self-propelled lawn mower at The Home Depot or Ryobi.
Best Gas-Powered
Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Deck size: 22 inches
- Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions
Pros
- Low maintenance and easy-to-start 163cc gas engine provides ample cutting power
- Rugged steel Vortex cutting deck boosts airflow and uplift for superior cut quality
- Smooth and responsive automatically adjustable drive system for user comfort
- Fold-flat handle and vertical storage compatibility saves space in storage
Cons
- Wheels must be individually adjusted for deck height changes
This 163cc gas-powered Toro Recycler uses a 22-inch Vortex mowing deck and Personal Pace adjustable drive system. The mowing results were outstanding. Those who prefer gas self-propelled lawn mowers will appreciate several aspects of this machine. First, it started for us on the first pull every time—no need to choke it or mess around with a fuel lever. It ran smoothly and noticeably quietly for a gas mower. Another notable detail is that it has been engineered to never require an oil change. Just check the oil level and top off when needed.
The best part is the quality of the cut. It didn’t matter how fast we walked or how thick the grass was or whether we mulched or bagged the clippings. We experienced no stalls or slowdowns, and the finish quality was consistently excellent. The only minor criticism we offer is the need to adjust levers on every wheel to change the mowing height, but 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
Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Briggs & Stratton 82V 2.0 Ah MAX lithium-ion battery
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.375 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions
Pros
- Automatically adjusts to any individual user’s pace
- Powerful motor doesn’t bog down in dense grass
- Single-level cutting-height adjustment for user-friendliness
- Folds into a compact unit for ease of storage
Cons
- Less runtime per charge than some competitors
- StepSense feature feels somewhat “sticky”
This self-propelled battery lawn mower features a variable-speed transmission and design features that accommodate different grass-cutting demands. The StepSense feature automatically adjusts the self-propelled speed to match the user’s walking pace. Load-sensing technology in this model automatically adjusts power output based on the thickness of the grass to provide a clean cut while maximizing energy efficiency. The mower’s impressive 21-inch steel cutting deck boasts seven height adjustments that are easily changed from behind the mower with a single lever. The deck can mulch, side discharge, or bag with a capacity of up to 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings.
When the yard work is done, this mower folds up conveniently for vertical storage in the garage. The kit includes two 2.0-Ah batteries, which are supposed to provide up to 90 minutes of runtime but, in our tests, only lasted for 60 minutes. They also recharged in about 60 minutes.
The Snapper XD traversed all types of terrain and left behind a smooth, even cut on a single pass. It easily powered through overgrown grass and weeds up to 10 inches tall, although extended use in tall weeds reduced runtime by about half.
We were more impressed by the blade motor’s load responsiveness than by the automated pace-adjustment system. The StepSense feature worked well on relatively flat ground, but on inclines, it felt somewhat sticky or uneven. In overall mower performance for the price, this model offers excellent power and runtime to mow about a third of an acre (or 15,000 square feet) per charge.
Get the Snapper self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon.
Also Consider
Worx Nitro 80V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Four 20V 5 Ah batteries
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4 inches in 7 positions
Pros
- Flexible charging system replenishes battery power onboard or offboard
- Single-lever deck-height adjustment for user-friendliness
- Bag, side discharge, or mulch; no mulch plug required
- LED headlamps for mowing at night and in other low-light conditions
Cons
- Removing and installing Base Camp is more awkward than a single battery
The Worx Nitro power-share system packs a serious lawn mowing punch, delivering up to 60 minutes of power with four 20V 5 Ah Worx Power Share Pro batteries. At a moderate price, this highly capable 21-inch mower offers numerous features to compete with other mowers we tested.
Its convenience features include a single-lever deck-height adjustment; a one-touch fully collapsible handle; a charge-level indicator; and a choice of side discharging, bagging, or mulching. Plus, the built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates the hassle of a mulch plug. The load-sensing multistage motor automatically increases output for difficult mowing conditions.
A standout feature on the Nitro mower is the Base Camp power pack. Not only does it combine the power of the four included batteries to produce 80V of power, it doubles as a four-way charger, recharging the depleted batteries in just 2 hours. Better still, it can be used for both onboard and offboard charging.
In testing, this mower’s smart power output and finish quality performed well. It did a great job conserving power while providing an excellent cut on previously maintained lawn areas, then increased output almost immediately to tackle overgrown areas. The finish quality was good to excellent in both the previously maintained area and in the overgrown area.
On the downside, battery runtime varied based on conditions, but that is often the case with load-sensing motors. Battery runtime decreased by as much as 50 percent under a heavy mowing load. Another drawback was removing and installing the Base Camp; we found it to be much more cumbersome than working with a single battery. All in all, however, the pros outweigh the cons with the Worx.
Get the Worx self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When choosing one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers, some of the essential features to take into account include grass type, 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 mowers have engines. 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, dense grass, and heavy yearly lawn growth.
A battery-powered lawn mower measures motor power in volts. Power for these mowers ranges from 18V for small engines to 120V for very large motors. However, most electric lawn mowers run on about 40V and 80V, 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. 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.
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, so the front two wheels are powered or the 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. 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.
- All-wheel drive mowers are well suited for yards with more extreme slopes and rougher terrain.
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.
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 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 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 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 their mower and vice versa. Grass type and terrain may also affect your choice of mower. Here’s a general breakdown of what size mowers are best for different yard sizes:
- Mowers with a cutting deck of at least 21 inches and 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.
- Mowers with a cutting deck between 18 and 21 inches and a runtime of at 45 minutes or 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 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.
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 the mower 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 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 you’re not 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 and $800.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, but it depends on how well you take care of 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 backwards manually.
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.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.