--- title: "This Mower Cut Hours Off the Time I Spent Mowing" description: "I tested DeWalt's new mower for weeks, and it covers a lot of ground quickly. But is its unique design right for all lawns?" date: "2025-07-18" modified: "2025-07-18" authors: - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/dewalt-gas-lawn-mower-review/" categories: - "Reviews" tags: - "SPR" --- # This Mower Cut Hours Off the Time I Spent Mowing ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* After testing battery-powered lawn mowers for the past several years, I’d forgotten the raw, unrelenting power a gas mower can produce. Then, I pulled the recoil cord on the [DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower](), and it all came rushing back. DeWalt’s self-propelled 224cc beast cuts a massive swath through tall grass, spins its blades fast enough for clean, healthy cuts, and doesn’t slow down for anything. Those with a large yard or light commercial property who are wondering whether gas mowers are still worth it, I can unequivocally say: yes, this one is. I tested this DeWalt model DW12ABW6RK039 as part of a larger test for BobVila.com’s [self-propelled mower guide](), and it took the award for best wide-cut mower. Over a three-week test period, I mowed acres of tall fescue and buffalo grass with the DeWalt mower. Here’s what you need to know. ### How Powerful is the DeWalt 28-inch Mower? The [DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower]() comes with an electronically governed engine that adjusts speed automatically to handle changing mowing conditions. Whether I was mowing through short fine grass or dense wet grass, it left clean cuts. Don’t be fooled by the engine size: Using this mower is not an ear-splitting experience. The mower comes with a muffler that makes it quieter than gas mowers I’ve used in the past. It’s not as quiet as a battery mower, but it’s noticeably quieter than most gas models. The 28-inch swath is a game changer. It reduced my mowing time by at least a third, and the offset front wheels made it easy to turn the machine around at the end of a row. It features dual blades that leave fine clippings and a professional-looking cut. I could easily switch between bagging clippings, mulching, or using the side discharge chute. - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Attaching the chute for bagging clippings]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Dual mower blades for crisp clean mowing]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Easy-pull recoil cord]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review One-hand cutting height adjustment on the DeWalt mower]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Fully rotating offset front wheels for easy turning]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Powerful 224cc commercial engine on the DeWalt mower]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Removing the grass clipping bag on the DeWalt mower]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![DeWalt Gas Lawn Mower Review Using the Smart Jet port to spray clean the underside of the mower deck]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* [][][] ### Who Is The DeWalt 28-Inch Gas Mower Best For? I’m in awe of this mower, but it’s not made for the average quarter-acre lawn, and at its current price of $1,579 at The Home Depot, it’s priced well above entry-level models. But for homeowners with large yards or even light commercial mowing needs, the [DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower]() is tough to beat. Despite its 160-pound frame and pro-grade performance, it’s surprisingly manageable. The rear-wheel-drive self-propelled system is strong and smooth. Plus, it’s easy to start. I gave the recoil cord a light tug and the engine fired up immediately. Lastly, but by no means least, the DeWalt mower features the Smart Jet deck wash system, which allows the user to connect a hose to the jet port and quickly spray grass and debris out from the underside of the mowing deck. For those looking for a gas-powered mower that covers a lot of ground quickly and delivers clean, crisp cuts, this machine is worth the investment. ## [Get the DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower at The Home Depot for $1,579.]() ## Author Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.