The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers That Save You Time And Energy
Mowing the lawn will always be a chore, but there are certain machines like a self-propelled lawn mower that can make the process easier on you. The best self-propelled lawn mowers cruise around your yard with minimal effort on your end, while creating a professional-grade cut you can be proud of. Our top pick is the Craftsman Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower for its moderate price tag and comfortable speed, but there are other great mowers that made our list, too.
The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower features a four-stroke engine and rear wheel drive to. [] help you navigate up and down hills without much effort on your part.
While a self-propelled lawn mower looks like a push mower, it’s distinctly different. Unlike a push mower, a self-propelled mower powers itself forward while you simply do the steering. These are a great option for “anyone who values their time and energy,” says Noah James, owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, a lawn maintenance company based in Surrey, Canada.
Self-propelled mowers also tend to be a little more rugged than push mowers and are better able to navigate hills and uneven lawns. “These mowers are designed to handle the toughest terrain, meaning that they can make short work of even the most challenging lawns,” says Tom Monson, owner of Monson Lawn Landscaping, a lawn care company based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
To find the right self-propelled lawn mower for you, experts say it’s important to consider elements like cutting width, your yard size, the power source you prefer and, naturally, your budget. With that in mind, these are the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market to make mowing day a little easier on you. (While you’re at it, consider our lists of the best lawn mowers and best riding lawn mowers.)
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Overall
Craftsman Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: Gas | Weight: 73 pounds | Run time: Unspecified | Cutting options: Side discharge, rear discharge, mulching | Yard size: 1 acre
This Craftsman mower has a powerful 150cc Briggs and Stratton engine to help power through yards up to an acre—an impressive span for a machine that’s under 450. The 21-inch deck covers a solid amount of ground as it works, while 3-in-1 capabilities give you the options to side discharge, mulch or bag your grass clippings. Enjoy six height adjustments, ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches to get that just-right cut. Front wheel drive helps move this machine along at a comfortable pace. Keep in mind that this Craftman can easily handle uneven terrain, so you don’t need to stress about bumps and lumps in your yard.
Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower
Kobalt Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: Electric | Weight: 80 pounds | Run time: 80 minutes | Cutting options: Side discharge, mulching, bagging | Yard size: 1 acre
Kobalt’s 80-Volt Max is a powerhouse as far as electric self-propelled lawn mowers go. This machine can cut lawns up to an acre in size with an impressive 80-minute runtime. Startup is simple: Just push a button and get to work. The mower comes with two batteries and automatically switches to the second when the first runs out of juice, allowing you to keep working seamlessly. A single-lever, seven-position height adjustment lets you go from 1 3/8- to 4 1/8-inch cuts. There are even LED headlights in case you need to mow in dim conditions. This mower is designed to tackle both flat and hilly yards. Once the job is done, fold the handles down for space-saving storage.
Best Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
Ryobi Brushless Cordless Electric Battery Walk Behind Self-Propelled Mower
Cutting width: 20 inches | Power source: Battery | Weight: 44 pounds | Run time: 42 minutes | Cutting options: Mulching, bagging, side discharge | Yard size: 1/2 acre
This Ryobi model is packed with features you want in a battery-powered mower. For starters, it’s lightweight, making it simple to steer around your lawn. It also offers an impressive seven height options, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, along with a 20-inch cutting width to tackle plenty of yardage in one pass. The mower allows for mulching, bagging and side discharge—your choice—and can go for up to 42 minutes before needing a recharge. Once the work is done, the mower folds up and can be stored vertically to save space.
Commercial Grade Self-Propelled Push Mowers
There’s no substitute for dependability and durability. That’s why our push mowers are simple to maintain and built to withstand grueling day-in and day-out commercial mowing duties. Self-propelled rear wheel drive, easy to detach rear baggers, heavy-gauge steel decks with reinforced edges, sturdy push bars and solid, dense rubber wheels combine to deliver the strength to stand up to the most demanding commercial use.
Kawasaki FJ180 179cc
21″ or 25″ Deck
.92
When Push Comes To Shove, There’s Just no Better Push Mower
The patented, proprietary two-speed, heavy-duty transmission is built tougher with over-sized gears and with needle and ball bearings throughout. The Blade Spindle assembly is built stronger with a forged spindle shaft for optimum strength and a die cast aluminum housing that dissipates heat faster. The powerful professional-class engine starts quickly and is always up to the task of all day mulching and mowing, and at speeds up to 5 mph.
Standard Features
Pros and cons of corded electric lawn mowers
If you have a very small yard, a corded electric mower may be just what you need. You’ll get the eco-friendliness and low noise of a battery-powered mower without ever running out of juice. Many homeowners with simply-shaped lawns find that corded models provide an easy, affordable mowing experience that suits their lawn and budget.
Most manufacturers recommend corded mowers for lawns up to one quarter of an acre. Some models say they’ll work on up to half an acre. But would you want to tote an extension cord across even a quarter of an acre? For some homeowners, a corded mower is ideal even for a larger lawn. It depends on personal preference and the layout of your lawn (hills, flat, outlet location).
To run a corded mower, you’ll need a conveniently placed garage or outdoor outlet and pay close attention to where your cord is at all times. (Standard grounded outlets work fine.)
Corded electric mowers don’t currently (no pun intended) have a self-propelled option, but they are very lightweight. The smallest models with plastic (poly) decks are especially lightweight, even compared with battery-powered machines. The more moderate and larger sizes weigh about the same as a midsize battery-powered model.
Corded models are tethered to an outlet, so their power is measured in amps (amperes). Most models range from 9 to 13 amps for 14- to 21-inch cutting widths. The higher the amps, the more power you have to mow tough areas and long grass.
Some homeowners have a difficult time powering through thick or tall grass with a corded mower. Follow the tips we suggested in the “Battery-Powered Workaround” section above to help your mower get through the tough sections.
The main takeaway? Corded electric mowers are an affordable, powerful-enough option for homeowners with smaller lawns. If you don’t mind learning how to manage the cord, these machines are effective for small suburban lawns.
| Pros of corded electric lawn mowers | Cons of corded electric lawn mowers |
| ✓ Lightweight✓ Most affordable of the three mower types✓ Never run out of power — no fading battery or empty gas tank✓ Push-button or lever start — no pull cords✓ Mow forward or backward (watch the cord!)✓ Easy to use✓ Quiet operation✓ Ideal for small yards✓ Steel or poly deck material✓ Low environmental impact — no gas or emissions✓ Most come with the option to mulch and bag; some come with a side discharge option | ✗ No option for self-propelled✗ Not ideal for lawns over ¼ of an acre✗ Extension cord not included✗ Cord can be a hassle✗ Mower may bog down in tall or thick grass✗ May be difficult to find a repair dealer for your brand. Some machines are seen as disposable. |
Pros and cons of gas lawn mowers
(Note: Since lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are a category unto themselves, we’ll FOCUS only on gas-powered push mowers and gas-powered self-propelled mowers in this section.)
If old gas and high decibels get your goat, a gas lawn mower is not for you. If you appreciate power and performance, you’ve met your perfect mower match.
Gas lawn mowers are the defending champions of American mowing. They have a multi-decade history of helping homeowners keep their lawns manicured and neat without the aid of a family cow or scythe. These workhorses are a key component in a DIYer’s toolkit and have many advantages:
FAQ on electric vs. gas lawn mowers
How long do electric lawn mowers last?
Mower companies, like cars, put out long-lasting models and lemons. It’s hard to generalize because some people say they’ve had theirs for a decade, while other mowers go belly up in a few years.
The best way to figure out a mower’s lifespan? Call your local small engine repair shop. Ask which models are reliable and which are duds. Ask what they can fix or are willing to fix. By asking experts who have experience repairing all types of mowers, you will get great advice.
Here are a few other questions to consider:
— Do you have an engine shop that is willing or able to repair your model? (Call them and ask.) — How long will you be able to get parts for the machine? Are there generic parts available, or does your mower only accept parts from that company? — How expensive are basic repairs? If repairs cost more than buying a new machine (or almost as much), will you repair your mower, or would you rather upgrade and buy a new machine? — Can you do the repairs yourself, or would you send the mower to the shop?
Is it safe to cut wet grass with an electric lawn mower?
Remember the adage, “Electricity and water don’t mix?” Your corded electric mower manual agrees.
Can electric mowers cut long grass?
The short answer is they prefer not to. Electric mowers are like the electric hair trimmer the barber uses as he’s putting the finishing touches on your summer haircut. The scissors do the heavy cutting first. The electric clippers come in at the end and finish out the shorter hair.
Electric mowers are more of a supplemental maintenance tool. They like to cut regularly mowed lawns and take off the extra one-third of the blade that has grown since your last mow. There are ways to help your electric mower along if the grass has grown a little high: Raise the mower height, tilt the mower on the back wheels, or take those sections at a slower speed.
Betting on a new Champion or sticking with an old reliable
Whether you’re ready to get inventive and eco-friendly with electric mowers or stick with the tried-and-true gas mower, your local small engine repair shop and home improvement store are great spots to get the dirt on top-notch mower models.
If you’re not ready to take the plunge and buy your own electric or gas lawn mower just yet, don’t sweat it. Let one of our local lawn care professionals mow and edge the lawn with their time-tested, professional-grade (gas-powered) lawn care equipment.
Main Photo Credit: Rudy and Peter Skitterians | Pixabay
Explore Walk-Behind Mowers
Rugged durability meets expert engineering to deliver flawless performance. With features that boast incredible control, unmatched efficiency and increased comfort you’ll get exactly what you need from your mower. And, as always, each model is guaranteed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut mow after mow, season after season.
Walk-behind push mowers feature 21″ steel cutting deck decks – ideal for small and medium sized yards with no hills. The Cub Cadet Signature Cut line offers a 3-in-1 solution with the choice of bagging grass clippings, mulching or side discharge.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled push mowers deliver a powerful drive system and up to 23″ wide, steel decks, giving you the ability to mow up to a ½ acre with hills and obstacles. The Cub Cadet Signature Cut line offers a 3-in-1 solution with the choice of bagging grass clippings, mulching or side discharge.
Wide-Area Walk-Behind Mowers
Wide-area, self-propelled push mowers give you the ability to mow up to 2 acres. Large 28” and 33″ steel cutting decks, electric start engines and front caster wheels are ideal for larger yards with hills and obstacles.
Latest News
Wide-area mowers offer more mowing power and speed with less storage needs.
The lawn mower tractor test program at Consumer Reports rate products on multiple criteria, such as reliability and satisfaction.
The Cub Cadet SC100HW is a great mower at a knock-down price and the triple-cut blade system makes it great for quality mulching.
No matter where you use it, the Cub Cadet SC 900 is an outstanding mower that works across a wide range of mowing conditions, from lush to dusty, tall grass to normal height.
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Engine Disclaimer: The engine horsepower information is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. See your local Cub Cadet Dealer for warranty details.Pricing Disclaimer: Posted price is in USD Dollars and is manufacturer’s suggested sale price. Models and pricing may vary by location. Taxes, freight, set-up and delivery not included. Optional equipment, accessories and attachments sold separately. See your retailer for details. Image Disclaimer: Products may vary from depicted model image in design, required attachments, safety features and non-functional appearance, and may not reflect dealer inventory or unit specifications. Specifications Disclaimer: Specifications subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect retailer inventory and/or unit specifications. Operator’s Manual Disclaimer: The operator’s manual posted is for general information and use. To ensure the download of the operator’s manual specific to your unit, we require a model and serial number. Speed Disclaimer: Actual vehicle speed varies based on load, use and environmental conditions. Battery Disclaimer: Battery and battery powered product performance varies with load, use and environmental conditions. Software Disclaimer: Software available on Company websites is provided on an “as is” basis without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The download and use of any software is done at the user’s own risk. Professional Products: Cub Cadet commercial products are intended for professional use. UTV: Cub Cadet Utility Vehicles (UTV) are intended for off-road use by adults only. Please see the operator’s manual and the warning labels posted on the vehicle itself for more details. Email disclaimer: Sign up to receive communication on services, products and special offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. Please refer to our Privacy Policy.
What You Should Know About Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled lawn mowers can take some of the effort out of walk-behind mowing.
There are two basic types of walk-behind mowers: push and self-propelled.
The push type of mower is usually smaller, lighter, and easier to store. They are used primarily for smaller, level lawns. They are perfect for cleaning up areas that larger riding lawn mowers may miss. They can be run by gasoline, cords, or battery.
Self-propelled lawn mowers usually have a larger cutting diameter and can move on their own through operator controls. These mowers can also be powered by gasoline, cords, or battery. Since they take the brunt of the pushing away, self-propelled mowers are perfect for larger lawns up to a half-acre, and they can easily handle hills and sloped lawns. These self-propelled mowers aren’t fully robotic lawn mowers so you still have to do some work guiding them around your yard.
What Is A Self-propelled Lawn Mower?
The first self-propelled lawn mowers started to appear in the late-1960s. As suburbia grew and lawns got larger, pushing a heavy steel mower around on a summer afternoon wasn’t what most people wanted to be doing.
The first self-propelled mowers had primitive front-wheel drive systems that worked well enough, but the mowers often moved along too slowly. Sure, you weren’t pushing but you were caught in a slow-moving lawn-cutting procession. Early mowers either moved too slowly or too fast to match a natural walking speed.
Today’s mowers offer a much better propulsion system. The Honda NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self-propelled Mower with Select Drive Control, for example, allows a variety of walking speed settings. Owners can literally dial in their preferred walking speed so that they become one with the mower, not being pulled and not having to push.
The Ego Power Select Cut 56-Volt Brushless 21-in Self-propelled Cordless Electric Lawn Mower even allows the operator to drive out to the lawn without the blades turning. That is a great feature.
Today’s self-propelled mowers reduce operator fatigue and make cutting the grass easier than years ago. Self-propelled mowers make cutting on hills safer and more efficient. And with modern speed options they make a summertime chore a little more enjoyable.
Gasoline, Corded Electric, or Battery—Which Lawn Mower is Right for You?
Battery-powered lawn mowers can be powerful and efficient.
Gasoline
Gasoline-powered lawnmowers have kept lawns manicured for decades. They are powerful, reliable, and affordable, and come with features such as self-propelled movement, mulching features, and self-cleaning availability. They are powerful enough for large lawn care jobs and can tackle any lawn from a quarter- to half-acre acre. Any lawn bigger than that would necessitate a riding mower.
But gas-powered mowers emit dangerous carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, require yearly maintenance, and require the storage of gasoline and oil. This may not be suitable for some consumers.
Corded Electric
Corded electric mowers have been around for years and were historically the choice of consumers who had smaller lawns and didn’t need the more powerful gasoline mower. While powerful enough to get most cutting or trimming jobs done, the one obvious drawback to a corded mower is the electrical cord.
For any yard worthy of mowing, a long electrical extension cord is required to power the mower. This can be a minor annoyance, such as having to keep the cord free from getting tangled in trees and bushes, to a major annoyance when you drive over it and cut it into small pieces.
However, corded electric mowers require no gas, oil, or maintenance and, other than a blade sharpening from time to time, can perform reliably for years.
Battery
Battery-powered cars, power equipment, and tools have been around for a long time. The electric motors were strong and reliable enough, but the battery was not. Just a few years ago, an electric car could expect to go only 100 miles on a charge, and power tools and equipment didn’t last long either. In the past few years, battery technology has improved by leaps and bounds.
Electric cars can expect hundreds of miles on a charge and power tools and equipment can last a full day. This lithium battery technology found its way to lawnmowers and it has created a viable option for those consumers who don’t want gas and don’t want a cord. These battery-powered mowers are powerful, efficient, lightweight, and green. Many now use brushless electric motors, which are more efficient, produce more torque, and are longer lasting than the older electric motors with brushes.
How often should I mow my lawn?
Cutting the lawn too often and only cutting it when it gets overgrown are both unhealthy for a lush, beautiful lawn. The rule of thumb in the lawn-care industry is to keep the grass between 3 inches and 3.5 inches in length. This allows the grass to be long enough to thrive in hot, summer weather.
When cutting grass, never take more than a third of the blade at once. In other words, never cut more than an inch or so. Not only does this cause clumping of grass on the lawn or in the mower bag, but it takes too many nutrients and moisture from the grass itself.
After the late winter fertilizer treatments and the often heavy rains, lawns start to come to life. You’ll find that the grass will need cutting every 4 to 5 days in order to remove just enough length. As the summer wanes on and the temperature rises, the grass will grow a bit slower and a once week cutting is adequate.
It is also important to keep the blades of your lawnmower good and sharp. Since the lawnmower blades are often made of steel, they will develop a dull edge after a season of cutting. A dull edge on a blade will tear the grass and not cut it. This may result in browning of the tips of the grass and put more stress on the mower as well.
While you are under the deck checking those blades—and always disconnect the spark plug wire before going under the mower—be sure there is no old clumped up grass clinging to the mower deck.
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TJ is the Director of Content Development at Reviewed. He is a Massachusetts native and has covered electronics, cameras, TVs, smartphones, parenting, and more for Reviewed. He is from the self-styled “Cranberry Capitol of the World,” which is, in fact, a real thing.
Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. 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 Tony Carrick and Glenda Taylor.