What Is The Best Gas To Use In A Lawn Mower
Motor oil comes in different grades, from Single Grade Oil to Full Synthetic Oil. Just like any vehicle, your gas lawn mower needs the right kind of fuel to power its engine and ensure it works to its optimal best.
Generally speaking, 10W30 is the most common motor oil used for a wide range of lawn mowers available on the US market today. However before topping up the oil in your mower, check your owners manual as this will detail the exact grade of fuel required, in addition to the viscosity rating to use.
Husqvarna 7021p 160cc 3
Likes:
- Features 11 rear wheels that increase maneuverability in all terrains
- Lightweight, efficient, and simple to control and use
- Best in class Honda engine
Dislikes:
- Bolts on handle tend to work loose
- Bag door is poorly constructed
The Husqvarna 7021P features a high spec Honda engine , 3 cutting systems mulch, side discharge, and rear bag collection has a compact design, and maneuvers easily in tight spaces.
It also offers 9 cutting height positions, double ball-bearing wheels, a soft-grip handle, and folds for easy transport and storage.
Best Gas Lawn Mowers 2021
BySophie Birdpublished 3 November 21
The best gas lawn mowers are the most powerful way to cut grass, making all lawn jobs easier
The best gas lawn mowers are quite simply the muscle car equivalent in the grass cutting world. These are where the power is, which means no matter the size of the workspace, these are the tools to get the job done.
Brands including Craftsman, Toro and Honda are all included in this guide which aims to help you find the perfect model for you. As such, an array of pricing and size options are included to suit varying types of yard – with most models also packing twin cutting blades. The right top-rated gas lawn mower for you should save you time while making your lawn maintenance life easier.
One big difference in price and ability is between manually pushed models and those that are self-propelled. The latter being ideal for those that don’t want to have to push hard, perfect if you’re either not able of if it’s a hilly surface you’re working on. That in mind, look out for weight, drive type and cutting width when deciding which is best for you. Also keep a look out at Black Friday as you can snap up some great deals on gas lawn mowers around that time.
You may also want to look at the best electric lawn mowers or the best rider lawn mowers, if they’re better suited to your needs.
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Under $: Craftsman M210 21
Getting a good self-propelled lawn mower for less than $300 is tough. You typically find OEM engines instead of brand names, the power levels drop, and you lose some cut quality. Still, there are some that do the job well.
Our pick for the best walk-behind lawn mower for the money under $300 goes to Craftsmans M210. It uses a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine for power. The trade-off is that its a single-speed drive and will mulch or bag, but not side discharge.
On a positive note, this is a mower thats Made in the USA with global materials by folks in Tupelo, MS.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Self Propelled Lawn Mower
The best self-propelled lawn mowers are great for just about any size yard. Before you even begin to look for a mower, take a look at your yard. Start your search by determining whats best for your unique situation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you survey your property and needs-
Yard Size, Shape, & Obstacles
Is your yard big or small?
Are there lots of obstacles, islands or plants in your yard?
If you have a relatively small yard or limited storage space, you might be better served by an electric model or a simpler, smaller gas push mower thats easier to store.
If you have a larger yard then a self propelled mower is a great solution. They require less physical strength and stamina.
Terrain & Hills
The size of your yard is only part of the equation. Mowing a hilly yard is much different than a flat, square lot. Self-propelled lawn mowers are ideal in these circumstances.
If your yard does have a lot of hills or is oddly shaped, you may want to consider a rear wheel drive mower with larger back wheels. This type of gas mower is easier to turn and maneuver.
On the other hand, if you live on a relatively flat lot, a front wheel drive self propelled mower is usually a better choice.
Grass Type and Lawn Care Preferences
Another major factor to consider is how youd prefer to manage your grass clippings.
If your grass is thick youll want to consider a bagging lawn mower as thicker grass is more difficult to mulch.
Personal Preferences
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Honda Hrx217hza: Best Gas Lawn Mower Overall
Reasons to avoid
We’ve chosen the Honda HRX217HZA as our best overall gas-powered mower because it’s got all the features you’ll ever need in a mower coupled with that fantastic Honda engine and build quality.
Let’s start with the engine size. At 200cc it’s the most powerful engine in our buying guide, matching the Honda HRX217VKA and just a whisper ahead of the Weibang WB537SCV-3IN1. You get twin blades with the Honda HRX217HZA too, and a 4-in-1 Versamow System, which means you can easily switch between mulching, bagging, discharging and leaf-shredding.
The difference between this model and the similarly named Honda HRX217VKA, also in our buying guide, is the addition of Roto Stop technology, which means you can stop the blades without stopping the engine, and Hydrostatic Cruise control for simple, precise control of the mower’s speed.
You also get one of our favorite features, which is the electric key start, so there’s no cord to pull. Just turn a key and the mower springs into life. In fact, it’s hard to think of a feature of a lawnmower that you’d want and that you can’t find here. The Honda HRX217HZA might be expensive, but if you pay a little more you get a mower that will last you a lifetime.
Our Final Opinion About The Sun Joe Mj401e Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this electric lawn mower is designed to suit the needs of everybody. It is a wallet friendly choice that offers high quality, consistent mowing and it can be used for any type of yard. It is very easy to use and can handle nearly any job thrown its way its few inadequacies are small prices to pay for a mower of this caliber.
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Our Self Propelled Lawn Mower Buying Guide
A well-kept lawn is a thing of beauty. Not only is it nice to look at, having perfectly mowed grass makes it more enjoyable to have fun out in your yard. However, if you have a sizable grassy area or just dont enjoy sweating while pushing a manual lawn mower along, then a self-propelled lawn mower may be a good choice for you.
Walk-behind push-mowers are powered by your strength, where you move them by pushing them over the grass you want you cut. A self-propelled lawnmower takes most of the manual labor out of mowing your yard because it is powered by a transmission. Typically, this kind of lawnmower runs on gas, though there are some that are cordless electric models as well. You can find self-propelled lawn mowers that come with variable speeds, which the operator controls in order to move the mower forward. For most people, a single-speed mower will do the trick. If different people with unique walking speeds will be using it, then you may need a variable speed mower. Instead of having to push the lawnmower, though, you only have to walk behind the mower and steer it where you want to go.
Self-propelled lawn mowers that are front-wheel drive provide more dexterity when it comes to turning and maneuvering. This kind of mower is perfect for those who have flat lawns. On the other hand, if you have a sloped lawn, then a rear-wheel drive lawn mower is a better choice. These offer better traction on curved land.
Lawn Size And Terrain
The size of your lawn might be the single most important thing to consider when buying a mower.
If you have a large yard, you want to find a self-propelled lawn mower with a big gas tank or large capacity battery so you can finish your mowing on a single charge without the need to refuel or recharge.
You should also analyze the terrain of your lawn before buying a lawn mower. For instance, a lightweight mower is going to be easier to maneuver up and down hills.
On the other hand, if you have difficult terrain that is more bumpy, up and down, or otherwise challenging to mow over, larger wheel size and adjustable cutting height could be helpful features.
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Gas Mowers Vs Electric Mowers
Gas mowers tend to trend lower in price than their electric counterparts though they do require you to get a little messy considering you have to refill the gas and change the oil. They also run longer and don’t require long charge times in between trimmings. Gas mowers tend to be louder , but they do work exceptionally well when going through overgrowth.
Electric mowers used to be tethered by cables, but the advent of rechargeable batteries have really pushed electric mowers to popularity. They generally don’t last very long, so they’re more suited to smaller yards. Electric mowers require less maintenance than gas options, and they tend to be lighter in weight and smaller, making them easier to store.
Tips On Purchasing A Self Propelled Lawn Mower
If youve never purchased a lawn mower before or dont have much experience with outdoor power equipment, shopping for a self propelled mower can feel pretty intimidating.
Should you get a push mower or self-propelled mower?
What features should you look for?
Gas or electric?
While all of these questions are important, its vital that you begin with your needs dont just look for the latest and greatest features.
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Playing With A Full Deck
The size of the deck that is, how wide the front is is one of the key differentiating factors between different self-propelled lawn mower models. Deck size dictates how much grass gets cut at once. Most self-propelled lawn mowers feature decks that are 53 centimetres wide, although wide-deck models can be up to 76 centimetres wide.
Naturally, wide-deck models are more expensive than their standard-sized counterparts, but they may represent a significant value depending on the size of your yard. Once youve measured the size of your lawn, consider how many rows of mowing you would have to do with a 53-centimetre deck versus a 76-centimetre deck. If its a big yard, buying the larger deck could cut your mowing time down by 30%.
Best For Large Yards: Ego Power+ Select Cut Self
If you’re working with a large yard, you might consider the EGO Power+ Select Cut . This cordless walk-behind lawn mower runs on an advanced lithium fuel-gauge battery, offering over an hour of grass cutting on a full charge.
It’s even more powerful than gas mowers and is easy to control, thanks to the brand’s Touch Drive Technology. Additionally, it has an innovative cutting system with three interchangeable blades.
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Toro Recycler Personal Pace Self Propelled Mower
Likes:
- 3-in-1 bag, side discharge, or mulch mower switches rapidly from mulcher to bagger in seconds simply by flipping its quick-change lever
- All wheel drive allows superior traction in every cutting condition
- Washout porch on deck underside allows user to clean easily by attaching the hose to the mower-deck
Dislikes:
- Locking mechanism needs to be improved
- Self-propel mechanism disables too easily
The Toro 22 variable speed self-propelled lawn mower uses a recycler cutting system with an atomic blade lift and front-throw chamber to suspend and recut grass clippings into a very fine mulch.
The all-wheel drive system provides awesome traction while keeping the deck level to ensure a proper cut and prevent gouging.
Theres no need to choke or prime the engine it starts right up. It also sports a check-and-add feature which guarantees no oil changes will be necessary for the entire life of the engine.
What To Look For In A Self Propelled Mower
A self-propelled mower should automatically turn the blade off every time you release the handle for safety reasons.
Some mowers also have what is called a blade override system that will automatically disengage a blade from spinning while at the same time allowing the engine to keep on running. Youll be able to cut grass faster, and that will extend the engines life because it wont have to stop and start every 2-3 minutes.
Choose the wheel size that is best for your property and for your motor. If the wheels on the mower are too small, they wont be able to get around on those hilly or uneven areas, despite the fact that the machine has levers for elevating or lowering, since the weight of the mower will be pressing down the wheels .
Stay away from smaller plastic wheels as well. Theyre twice as likely to crack or break if theyre left unprotected in the sunlight, if theyve battled with numerous small rocks, or if theyve been continuously exposed to very wet conditions.
Recommended Reading: How To Mow Lines In Your Yard
Durability: How Long Do Electric Mowers Last
As youll be investing your hard-earned money in the machine, it must last you a while so that you can make the most use of it. From the engine to the wheels, everything should be of top-notch quality to ensure that the machine gives you service for years. Before making the purchase, always read reviews from the users to ensure the quality and durability of the unit.
Other Features To Consider
- Type of ignition: Some lawn mowers start with the push of a button while others require pulling a cord. If you have strength and dexterity limitations, you should be aware of this.
- Size of wheels: Lawn mowers with big wheels handle rough ground easier, but smaller wheels on more lightweight models can be easier to manoeuvre and turn.
- Handling: It’s also important to make sure your lawn mower is easy to handle. Choosing a push lawn mower gives you precision, but unwieldy controls defeat the purpose. A self-propelled mower can make that weekend slog a much easier job.
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Other Things To Look For
When shopping for a self-propelled mower, keep the following things in mind, too:
Engine size: This goes for gas-operated engines only. When you see an engine reading, such as 149 cc or 190 cc, youre seeing the measure of volume or capacity an engine has for its power output. The cc stands for cubic centimeters and basically tells you how much horsepower your mower contains.
A mower with a lower reading is best for light work and smaller yards. The more powerful engines provide more force for cutting through thick grass and rough terrain.
Cutting width: Also known as the deck size, a mowers cutting width lets you know how much of an area your yard machine can cut at once youll see it yourself in how wide the stripes across your lawn are. The smaller the deck, the longer the mowing time.
The number of deck positions reflects the varied height options available to cut your grass. Most of the mowers on this list have deck positions that range from four to seven. These choices help you customize the cut of your grass to your liking.
Rear wheel diameter: Larger wheels in back can help with maneuverability and improved traction by effortlessly going over bumps and hills and other rough terrain. If you have a flatter plot of land, this feature may not weigh as heavily in your decision.
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Black+decker Corded Lawn Mower
This BLACK+DECKER Corded Lawn Mower is powered by a 13 Amp motor that will deliver all the cutting power you need to maintain your small-sized lawn. The mower is easy to assemble, all you have to do is attach the handle.
It has an excellent cutting ability with a cutting radius of 20-inch. The EdgeMax cutting deck allows you to cut close to the edge of fencing and around flower beds so that you can effectively manicure your lawn to perfection.
The mower is portable, easy to operate, and has a 3-in-1 grass management system, mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities, a single lever height adjuster with 7 height settings from 1.5-4-inches. The 13-gallon nylon grass collection bag allows you to check to see how much grass or debris is in the bag.
It is also ergonomically friendly with a carrying handle for easy transport and storage. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER lawnmower can provide you with an excellent and clean cutting performance.
Pros
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Is It Safe To Cut Wet Grass
If it’s from rain or morning dew, it is never safe to mow wet grass, especially with a push mower. Wet grass can be slippery, which can lead to twisted ankles on rough terrain or steeper incline — and more serious injuries if you fall onto your push mower. Wet grass clumps up in the discharge chute of your mower, making the engine work harder to cut grass, which can lead to burnout, broken belts, and faster-dulling blades. Clumping will also require you to stop frequently to clear chute clogs, which can lead to nasty cuts — or lost fingers and hands — if the blades aren’t fully stopped.
Wet grass clumps can also kill portions of your lawn, since they can gather in big piles, cutting off air and sunlight. And you won’t be able to get an even cut on wet grass, due to the blades quickly becoming duller in addition to the clumping. You’ll get tall stripes and patches like you missed entire passes, which means you’ll have to essentially mow your lawn twice.
In the end, it’s best to wait for your yard to fully dry before cutting the grass to keep your push mower in good shape and all of your limbs intact.
