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 ... [+]
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
- Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower: Kobalt Max Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
- Best Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower: Ryobi Brushless Cordless Electric Battery Walk Behind Self-Propelled Mower
- Best Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower: Green Machine Brushless Electric Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Best Value Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
- Best Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Troy-Bilt Briggs and Stratton Gas Engine Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower For The Hills: Honda Gas Self-Propelled Mower
- Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower For Large Yards: Toro TimeMaster Personal Pace Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
- Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower For Small Yards: Makita LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower
How We Chose The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
To choose the best self-propelled lawn mowers, we spoke to three lawn care experts for their advice on what to look for in these machines. We then looked at the most popular models on the market and narrowed the field based on features like deck width, power, additional features and value. Reviews from real owners were taken into account as well to ensure we have the best sense of how these machines perform across a variety of lawns and yard conditions.
What To Look For In Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
There are a few different elements to consider when shopping for a self-propelled lawn mower. Keep these in mind as you search for the right model for you.
Type
Self-propelled lawn mowers can generally be broken into two camps: mowers that are powered by gas and those that are powered by battery. As a whole, gas-powered mowers tend to provide more power and oomph to cruise over hills and rough terrain than their battery-powered counterparts. However, you need to regularly fill the fuel tank and may have to deal with smelly fumes. These machines also tend to be noisier than battery options. Battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers are more eco-friendly than gas options and are simple to start. However, you’re limited by the run time of your battery. Ultimately, the best type of lawn mower for you is one that meets your needs and personal preferences.
Lawn Size
Self-propelled lawn mowers are designed to work within a specific lawn size. Most self-propelled lawn mowers won’t go above an acre in mowing, simply because most people prefer to use a ride-on mower at that point. Consider your lawn size when choosing a machine. Manufacturers will typically state on the label what acreage a machine is designed for, and it’s important to get a good match. Otherwise, you could end up running out of gas or battery juice before the job is done, leading to more time (and frustration) during your mow.
Cutting Options
Most self-propelled mowers will give you options when it comes to cutting your lawn. That includes the height of your cut, and the ability to flip between lengths (many will run from just over an inch to up to four inches of cutting length). Many mowers will also allow you to mulch, bag or side-discharge your clippings. While bagging is a popular choice, keep in mind that you’ll need to dispose of those grass clippings somehow. Some models, like the Honda Gas Self-Propelled Mower, will even shred leaves for you. Just be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to see what options are available to you, and how to utilize them.
Is It Worth Buying A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
Self-propelled lawn mowers cost more than push mowers, but experts say the added cost is worth it. “Busy homeowners who don't have the time to spend on yard work will appreciate the convenience and efficiency of a self-propelled mower,” James says. “If you have a large yard or hilly terrain, a self-propelled mower will make your life exponentially easier.” Self-propelled mowers also give you precision and control, “allowing you to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn with minimal effort,” he says. Keep this in mind, too, per James: “For those who take pride in their lawn and want the best possible results, a self-propelled mower is a must-have tool. It's a smart investment in both your time and the appearance of your property.”
Are Push Mowers Better Than Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers?
It depends on what you’re after. “In most cases, a self-propelled mower will allow for an easier lawn mowing experience, since it does the majority of the work for you,” says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter. “However, there are certainly some scenarios where you might like to have more control over the mower—such as if your lawn has lots of landscaping elements, or if you’d just prefer to do most of the ‘driving’ yourself.” If cost is a concern, Monson recommends choosing a push mower. “Push mowers are generally much more affordable than their self-propelled counterparts,” he says. Push mowers are also more agile and can be used to navigate tight spaces, he points out. But if you don’t feel like manually powering your way around your yard and you have the budget for it, James says a self-propelled option is the way to go.
Which Is The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower To Buy?
There are a lot of options with self-propelled mowers and the best one is ultimately a machine that suits your needs. For example, if you have a hilly yard, a model like the Honda Gas Self-Propelled Mower is a good mower to choose based on its power and traction. If your yard is on the smaller side, consider the Makita 21-Inch LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, which is designed for lawns as small as 1/4 acre. But, for most self-propelled lawn mower needs, the Craftsman Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a great option. It covers up to an acre, has a nice range of grass cutting heights and features a price tag many lawn owners will feel comfortable with.
