What Is The Best Gas Lawn Mower

Types Of Push Lawn Mowers

You probably noticed that our list includes three different types of push lawn mowers: gas, electric, and reel. Heres the difference between the three:

Gas push mowers

As you can guess, gas lawn mowers run on well, gas. That means youll have to store fuel for a gas mower and refill the tank when it gets low.

Gas engines also require more maintenance than other types of mowers, since most of them need regular oil changes. Gas mowers are loud, and their emissions arent great for the environment.

On the flip side, gas engines pack the most power, and they arent limited by a batterys run time or an extension cord.

If you have a large yard with a lot of difficult terrain that needs high torque, a gas mower is your best bet.

Electric push mowers

The category of electric lawn mowers includes both battery-powered and corded models. Each type has drawbacks since batteries create time limits and cords deter movement, but each type has benefits, too.

Electric mowers are eco-friendly, quiet, and low-maintenance. For a small- to mid-sized yard , electric mowers are an excellent choice.

Reel push mowers

Reel mowers are old-school. They dont have a motor: You manually make the mower blades spin as you push it.

Reel lawn mowers are typically cheaper than other types , and theyre the most eco-friendly option since they dont use gas or electricity.

Toro 75746 42 Inch 225 Hp Timecutter Commercial V

The Home Depot

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver

• Padded seat and control levers

• Requires regular gas refills

This compact yet powerful zero turn lawn mower from Toro is one of the more affordably priced options on the market. It is gas-powered and has a 22.5 HP twin-cylinder engine, making it an ideal choice for yards up to 2 acres in size. Note that its best suited for flat terrain with a few obstacles, rather than hills or slopes. The 42-inch wide cutting deck houses two sharp cutting blades, and its height is adjustable to achieve a more precise cut.

With a fuel tank capacity of 3 gallons, you dont have to worry about running out of gas in the middle of a job. Although most gas-powered motors are more powerful than their electric counterparts, the additional cost of fuel and the emissions are potential drawbacks. This zero turn mower has some noteworthy creature comforts such as a padded seat, under-seat storage cubby, and built-in cup holder. It also has padded control levers to help reduce user fatigue and improve maneuverability.

The Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower can go up to 7 MPH when moving forward and 3 MPH in reverse. At 502 pounds, it is notably smaller than other options. While its ideal for smaller yards, its not a good choice for bigger jobs or challenging terrain. On the upside, its compact size allows you to mow in tight spaces and makes it easier to store in a garage or shed.

Price at time of publish: $3,800

Best Gas: Honda 21 In Nexite Variable Speed 4

• Twin blades for better mulching

• Select drive control matches walking speed

• Rear-wheel drive assists on hills

• No side discharge

For a powerful mower that can handle thick, overgrown grass, you cant go wrong with this self-propelled model from Honda. While most mowers only offer three cutting options, this four-in-one mower mulches, bags, rear discharges, or shreds leaves, and its dual blades help deliver finer clippings for superior mulching and bagging.

This variable-speed mower has a 21-inch deck and seven cutting heights, and its mounted on nine-inch ball-bearing wheels for improved maneuverability and smoother driving. Its easy to adjust the speed of the mower to match your walking pace, and the handle can be adjusted into three positions for comfort. The mower comes with a 2.5-bushel grass collection bag, and the NeXite deck is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $799

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Type: Gas | Weight: 89 pounds | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, rear-discharge | Size of Yard: 0.5 to 1 acre

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Who Is A Gas Lawn Mower Best For

Do you have a small tennis court sized lawn in a crowded suburb?

You probably dont need the best lawn mower we recommend below. You can get an EGO or Makita electric which are also good just not as rugged.

But if you have a bigger lawn , with tough grass, tough terrain and you prefer the smell of regular gasoline in the morning

Then youll love the Hondas and Toros we recommend below.

Ryobi 48v Brushless 54 Inch 115 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower

• Low-maintenance and easy to charge

• Must be recharged before use

Earning the top spot in our roundup, this fully electric zero turn mower from Ryobi is emissions-free and low-maintenance. Its powered by 115 aH batteries and can mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge, according to the manufacturer. This mower features a 54-inch, 10-gauge heavy-duty steel deck, which can be adjusted to provide a shorter or longer cut. It has a maximum speed of 7 MPH going forward, and 4 MPH in reverse. Despite weighing a whopping 796 pounds, the mower is easy to maneuvereven in tight spaces.

The Ryobi Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower has an advanced control panel that allows you to adjust the speed, reverse mow, check the battery level, and operate the headlights. You can even charge your phone using the built-in USB charging port. Ergonomic controls, armrests, and two cup holders provide a comfortable riding experience.

This electric mower is a great alternative to gas-powered options. Just keep in mind that the batteries need to be charged before use. For added convenience, this mower plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and features a rear charging port thats easily accessible. And while this mower has a hefty price tag, it is packed with features and if you have a large yard, it could be well worth the splurge.

Price at time of publish: $5,500

Power Type: Electric | Horsepower: Not applicable | Cutting Width: 54 inches | Weight: 796 pounds | Terrain: Flat with obstacles

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Black+decker Mm2000 20 In13

Amazon

• Winged blades for better grass collection

• Most components are plastic

For a corded mower thats larger and more powerful, this model from BLACK+DECKER is a top contender. Its powered by a 13-amp motor that can handle tall grass, and it has a 20-inch mower deck that lets you cut wider paths on each pass. Plus, it has a six-setting height adjustment thats controlled by a single lever.

This corded mower can side-discharge, mulch, or bag grass clippings, and its unique winged blades are designed for optimal grass collection. The BLACK+DECKER mower is easy to push around your yard thanks to its large rear wheels, and its handle folds down for more compact storage.

Price at time of publish:$219

Cutting Width: 20 inches | Weight: 52.9 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge | Size of Yard: 0.25 to 0.5 acres

Best Gas Lawn Mowers Of 2023

Is your large yard too much for a modern electric mower to handle? You can rely on the tried and true power of a traditional gas lawn mower. Weve ranked several options from different brands to give you the best gas lawn mowers of the year, including:

Note: The prices of gas push mowers and gas riding mowers are vastly different with push lawn mowers costing a couple of hundred dollars and riding mowers costing a couple of thousand dollars .

What do you look for in a best lawn mower? Do you need one thats lightweight and easy to maneuver? Is budget a major concern? Or are you prepared to pay extra for a mower with maximum power? Whatever you need, well guide you to the best gas lawn mower for you.

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Residential Pick: Ego 56v Select Cut Xp 21

The original EGO Select Cut mower made waves with its stacked-blade system. Choosing between better mulching or better runtime, you can select what your priority is. Then EGO went and made it even better by increasing the power with the Select Cut XP. Instead of choosing between the outstanding cut quality of the Select Cut and the higher torque of the Peak Power model, you get the best of both worlds.

Price: $549 bare, $799 with 10.0Ah battery and charger

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Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

Although the two-handed self-propulsion control is a more convenient setup than the one-handed paddle design seen on competitors, it does make accidentally engaging the self-propulsion a little too easy. Usually this isnt an issue, but often the moments when youre grasping to get a better grip on the handle are the times you least want to engage the self-propulsion. For example, if you are mowing across a hill, theres a brief moment during a turnaround when the mower is pointing up or down the hill. When adjusting your grip to make those turns, you may inadvertently tap the throttle, destabilizing your stance or your grip on the mower. If anyone from Egos reading this, theyll probably say were mowing on too steep a hill, but hey, sometimes life throws a steep hill at you.

We think that the hour or so of run time is going to be enough for anyone keeping to about a half-acre, but if thats not enough, additional batteries are available to extend run time infinitely. But batteries are costly. Depending on the Ah, they currently range in price from about $140 to about $250 , and up to about $450 for a 7.5 Ah battery. They all fit, and with a second one on the charger while one is on the mower, you can really minimize or eliminate downtime.

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Best Corded Lawn Mower

Pros: Lightweight for easy maneuverability, push-button start

Cons: The cord can get in the way

The Greenworks 25022 12 Amp Corded Lawn Mower has many features that can make your mowing experience enjoyable. Since it is corded, you don’t need to stop to recharge a battery or gas up. It’s a three-in-one mower that has mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities. You can adjust the cutting height with a single lever. Plus, the 10-inch rear wheels, 7-inch front wheels, and 56-pound size make it easy to push around the yard.

For the past three years, I have used the Greenworks 25022 on my quarter-acre lawn. I particularly like how easy it is to adjust the blade height, and it’s surprisingly light.

There are just a couple of negatives I’ve noticed. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where mowing wet grass is unavoidable. When the grass is wet, it does not feed into the bag of this mower easily. Also, I had to replace the cord after my teenager ran over it with the mower. Cord control is important and takes a little planning.

But if you don’t have a large lawn and want to avoid the hassle of keeping batteries recharged, this Greenworks mower could be a perfect fit.

Best Budget Lawn Mower

*At the time of publishing, the price was $449.

If you simply want a solid gas mower at a great price, we recommend the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340. This is a popular, reliable model with great feedback, and it stands out from similarly qualified machines because it can be folded up and stored in an upright position. According to Toro, this reduces the 20340s storage footprint by up to 70 percent over that of a traditional mower. And though thats not a completely unique feature, it is rare enough for us to single out the 20340even if it lacks the convenience of the Egos or the finesse and mulching ability of the Honda.

The Toro 20340s storage feature is called the SmartStow system, which is made possible by the Briggs & Stratton engines unique design. Its a simple process: You fold the handle over the body of the mower and lock it in place. Then , you set the mower upright or wheel it around like a piece of luggage, much like you would a cordless model. It makes storage easy, not to mention cleaning the underside of the mowing deck or inspecting the blade.

The 20340 comes with Toros unique control system, Personal Pace. In a nutshell, the variable-speed mower adjusts to how fast youre walking based on the pressure applied to the control bar . If youre walking fast, you press it forward if you slow down, the mower does too. The same system works well on the Toro SnowMaster .

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How We Tested And Selected

We put all of the mowers we test through the paces using our standard Popular Mechanics methodology: We cut turf grasses such as fescues and blue grass and rougher non-turf grasses like Timothy, clover, orchard grass, and wild oats, all in both normal and shin-deep heights. We mow uphill, downhill, and across the faces of hills. The maximum slope we cut is about 30 degrees. That may not sound like much, but itâs about all you can do to stand on it, let alone push a mower up it or across it. We mow damp and wet grass to test general cutting performance and whether clippings accumulate on the tires. And we cut dry and dusty surfaces to see how well the bag filters under less-than-optimal conditions.

A couple of the mowers weâve selected but havenât tested yet . But we tested the previous, now discontinued generation of each of those machines. And based on the performance and build quality of their predecessors, we think any of these three self-propelled mowers is a likely candidate to handle your mowing needs this summer.

What Is The Best Small Engine Or Lawn Mower Gas

Fuel for your lawn mower or outdoor power equipment must meet these requirements:

• Clean, fresh, unleaded
• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI If operating at high altitude, see below
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE , is acceptable. Some fuel stations are now selling gasoline with up to 15% ethanol. This E15 product is not recommended or approved for use in small engines.
• A canned fuel product such as Briggs & Stratton Advanced Formula Ethanol-Free Fuel can also be used. This fuel combines ethanol-free unleaded gasoline with a fuel stabilizer to prolong the life of the fuel.

Note: LOOK BEFORE YOU PUMP! Do not use an unapproved fuel type or modify your Briggs & Stratton engine to run on alternative fuels. These actions can cause damage to small engines and will void your Briggs & Stratton warranty.

All fuel is not the same. If starting or performance problems occur in your lawn mower or equipment, change fuel providers or change brands.

Fuel Recommendation for High Altitude Climates

At altitudes over 5,000 feet , a minimum 85 octane / 85 AKI gasoline is acceptable. To remain emissions compliant, high altitude adjustment is required. Operation without this adjustment will cause decreased performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions.

Operation of the engine at altitudes below 2,500 feet with the high altitude kit is not recommended.

Mixing Oil & Fuel for Small Engines

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What To Look For In A Gas Lawn Mower

Now, well go over the factors we considered when choosing the best gas lawn mowers. These are the specifications you should look at to help you decide which mower will most likely be best for your needs.

Power: More power is the biggest advantage gas lawn mowers have over their electric counterparts. If youre shopping for a gas mower, power is likely important to you.

In a gas push mower, we determine power based on the size of the engine, measured in cubic centimeters . Those with larger engines will have a higher potential power output. Most push lawn mowers have engines ranging from 140 cc to 200 cc.

For riding mowers, we measure the power of the engine with horsepower , as you do for a car. The more HP an engine has, the higher its power output. Most riding lawn mowers have anywhere from 14 to 24 horsepower. Those closer to the high end of that range are best for properties of several acres.

Cutting width: A mowers cutting width is determined by the size of the mowing deck. The wider the deck, the more ground the mower will be able to cover at once, and the fewer passes youll have to make to mow the lawn.

Keep in mind that wider mowing decks also mean worse maneuverability and more difficult storage. Smaller cutting widths may be better for homes with smaller yards and limited storage space.

Fuel capacity: The size of the fuel tank in a push mower doesnt usually vary much, so you dont have to pay that much attention to it.

Yard Machines 125cc Gas Walk

This manual walk-behind mower is an excellent option for maintaining the appearance of small lawns. It has a 20-inch cutting deck, three cutting heights as opposed to the more common six, and side discharge as the only cutting option.

However, its compact weight of 50 pounds and tiny profile make it easier to handle around flower beds, trees, and lawn decorations.

Although it lacks the choices and functionality of certain walk-behind mowers, it is substantially less expensive and easy to use. And after the mowing is complete, the handle collapses for compact storage.

Pros

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Everything You Need To Know About Gas

What is Gas mower?

A gasoline-powered lawn mower, also simply known as a “gas mower,” mainly gets its name from the built-in combustion engine, which is usually powered by diesel.

Thanks to its characteristics, these mowers free you from worrying about cutting the cord that powers your engine or running out of battery juice in the middle of the field. Therefore offers you maximum freedom and flexibility when mowing.