Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Before you take the leap and buy a self-propelled lawn mower to upgrade from your push lawn mower, there are certain things that you need to consider. These include the engine power, the power source, the height adjustments, and the ease of maneuverability.
Plus, youll also want to consider how much maintenance each model requires and determine whether this fits in with your lifestyle.
Craftsman M105 Gas Mower
Made in the US, this lightweight gas mower designed for ease with a 21 inch deck is the perfect solution for medium gardens.
SPECIFICATIONS
Depth: 34.75-inches | Height: 17.75-inches | Width: 23.88-inches | Blade Length: 21-inches | Engine displacement: 140cc | Weight: 65lbs | Max cutting height: 3.75-inches | Min cutting height: 1.25-inches | Drive type: Push mower | Mower type: Manual push | Start type: Pull cord | Warranty: 2-years limited
Reasons to Buy
If you’re searching for a lightweight push lawn mower, then the Craftsman M105 is a brilliant choice. The 21-inch blade means it works best for gardens under a quarter acre, and a six-height adjustable deck and three different clipping disposal options ensures a thorough trim.
Like many of the mid range offerings on this list, the Craftsman doesn’t offer two blades in its cutting deck for fine mulching, it still has a three-in-one clipping disposal system. This includes a mulching functionality. An extra inclusion with the mower is a mulch kit, which improves the nutritional quality of any caught lawn clippings used later for composting.
The M105 weighs in far less than a lot of its competitors, making it a great option for anyone who does not want to move a 100 lb machine around their garden. Sometimes less is more, especially with a push mower that has none of its own power. While it is easy to move, being a push mower the Craftsman is less suited to hilly gardens than self-powered machines.
How Many Height Numbers In An Electric Mower
The height adjustment is a crucial feature for a self-propelled lawn mower because it orders to have healthy and beautiful grass on the lawn, you should never cut them below thirty percent of their overall height. If you cut the grass below thirty percent of the height then itll weaken them and make them more vulnerable to various kinds of diseases. The grass will eventually go yellow and not look healthy no matter how much you water it.
Therefore, height adjustment is a vital feature that should be considered while shopping for the best self-propelled lawnmower. This will give you the flexibility to cut the grass according to the required height of the grass.
Usually, the mowers come with multiple cutting width adjustment settings. A mower with three or four settings is sufficient enough to work on all types of the grass height. However, the more the merrier as that will give you greater flexibility to cut the grass for all kinds of terrain conditions.
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Go For Electric When Tending To Your Weekend Chores
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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Battery-powered tools are quickly becoming a favorite for many homeowners, as theyre eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and often just as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts. Battery-powered lawn mowers, in particular, are gaining popularity, with more top-name brands releasing their own electric models.
If youre interested in a battery-powered mower, youll want to think about how much time it takes you to mow your lawn. The runtime of these mowers varies anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, and there are both walk-behind and riding models available, depending on the size of your yard.
Here, the best battery-powered lawn mowers to buy.
What Size Cutting Width Do I Need
Cutting width is the size of the lawn mower blade. The larger the blade, the more grass it will cut on each pass.
- Small lawns, less than 50 square metres need a cutting width between 30cm and 34cm.
- Medium lawns, between 50 and 150 square metres need a cutting width between 35cm and 40cm.
- Large lawns, more than 150 square metres need a cutting width bigger than 40cm.
It’s important to choose a mower with the right cutting width for the size of your lawn.
Too large a cutting width on a small lawn and you’ll struggle to manoeuvre it in tight corners, while too small a cutting width on a large lawn, and you’ll find it takes much longer to cut all the grass.
Have you got a big lawn? Here’s our round-up of thetop five lawn mowers for large gardens.
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Why Buy A Self Propelled Mower
There are many good reasons why you should purchase a self-propelled lawn mower:
- Cutting the grass is so much easier with a self-propelled model that it could allow you to mow your lawn instead of paying $30-$60 a week to have it cut for you.
- Many of us dont have the desire or physical stamina to push a heavy lawnmower around for any length of time.
- Many self propelled motors come equipped with both variable and single speeds. You can adjust speeds on the newer models by utilizing a speed control lever which lets the lawn mower move forward. The only thing youll need to do is walk behind the mower and provide a little guidance on how it should move across the lawn.
- There are many options to choose and mowers that will suit every preference. Select a front-wheel, all-wheel, or rear-wheel drive mower. Youll be delighted to learn just what a minimal amount of labor these mowers entail .
- Self propelled mowers generally come with a large number of top-of-the-line features. Check out an automatic-choke recovery system or a sleek dual-lever specially made for height adjustment.
- Other features of the current crop of self-propelled lawnmowers are their affordability, their 3-in-1 discharge systems which give you a choice of whether you want to bag the grass, mulch the grass, or just let the grass shoot out the side, their larger bag capacity, and the availability of full warranties.
How Much Do Gas
Budget is one of the most important considerations when buying one of the best gas lawn mowers. Thankfully, theres a range of prices available, so whether you want to splurge on your mower or seek out something more affordable, youll find a suitable model.
Generally, prices for affordable or mid-range gas-powered push mowers are from about $160 to up to $400. On the more expensive side, higher-end self-propelled models can push up the price to nearer the $900 mark and beyond, though they will make your life considerably easier when it comes to mowing.
As you might expect, more affordable models have fewer features to test out, though they will still provide an excellent, if basic, mowing experience. If you can afford to spend a little more, then there are plenty of extremely useful features that will importantly save you time. That includes blade stop technology, which cuts the movement of the blades but leaves the motor running, so you can unblock your mower without even having to cut the power supply off.
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Husqvarna Lc221fhe Fwd Lawn Mower Gas
Feel complete peace of mind while using Husqvarna LC221FHE FWD Lawn Mower Gas!
The brand name Husqvarna brings you the gas-powered efficient mower solution for your residence that gives flexible functionalities with your desired preferences it meets every style and is easy to maneuver every time around every obstacle areas of your garden.
Construction & Design
The gas-powered lawnmower measures 64.8x21x41 and weighs 80lbs. It is powered with Honda GCV 160 Series trouble-free start with auto-choke engine intended for mid to heavy-duty usage and has a quiet, smooth performance.
21 PremierCut gives a better lift for manicured specialized-looking mowing results the dual trigger drive activation gives suitable variable-speed control through either hand.
Technology
The rear-drive is self-propelled with high rear-wheel and 3-in-1 gas lawnmower gives mulching functionality. The optional parts along with accessories also include replacement blade. 4-point height adjustment makes precision-mowing easy.
Durability & Ease Of Use
The mower comes with decent quality that starts easy with efficient and high-quality engine built for constant use. With 11 high, rear ball-bearing wheels give smooth function and maneuverability.
Pros
Have years of reliability and performance with Honda 213-in-1 Self Propelled Self-Charging Electric-Start Lawnmower!
Construction & Design
Technology
Durability & Ease Of Use
Pros
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.
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Snapper 1687982 Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower
Best Overall Self Propelled Battery Mower
Do away with messy gasoline with this battery-ran self-propelled lawn mower. It’s easier for you and better for the environment. The 1,200-watt brushless motor will give you plenty of power to mow through even the toughest lawn. And, because it doesn’t use gas, you can stow it vertically to save space in your garage.
Why We Liked It: This battery mower runs quieter and cleaner and doesn’t produce any carbon emissions. It utilizes 2 batteries. In fact, with just two 2.0 batteries, the mower can run for up to 90 minutes. Therefore, it’s the best mower for the environment.
Cutting WidthPowerHeight Position
Consider the Start
Briana Yablonski
Self-propelled mowers come with one of two start mechanisms: a recoil system that involves pulling a cord or an electric start that involves turning a key. Sometimes recoil systems require quite a bit of determination to get started, even after priming. Therefore, an electric start is easier on the body.
Really Tight On Budget Consider Self
If you are on a shoestring budget, and would like to get a functional and budget-friendly self propelled lawn mower, you might want to consider going for a mower like the Greenworks 40V 21-inch cordless mower. Learn more about some of the best self propelled lawn mowers under $300.
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Snapper 7800849 Commercial Lawn Mower
Likes:
- 10 rear wheels allow improved traction and better maneuverability on the hilliest of yards
- Blade break shuts off for safety reasons
- Good industrial mower and high-quality engine
Dislikes:
- Expensive option compared to other models with similar features
- Some users experienced the welded on height adjusters occasionally breaking
The Snapper HI-VAC 3-N-1 Variable Speed Lawn Mower has a 21 deck, 7-position height-of-cut, and a commercial series Honda 163cc GXV160 engine.
It features a smooth-turn differential, a 14-gauge heavy duty steel mowing deck, steel axle and reinforced bracing, as well as a Hi-VAC deck which sucks up and cuts grass clippings with its unique rolled deck edge and blade.
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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Best Overall: Ryobi 40
RYOBI is a favorite among homeowners for cordless yard equipment, so it should come as no surprise that the brand makes the best self-propelled lawn mower. Though it moves with the power of a gas mower, the 40-Volt Brushless model runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It comes with its own charger, too, which makes maintenance a breeze.
It powers up with the push of a button, and the high-capacity battery can cover up to a half-acre of grass on a full charge. The built-in bag ensures a clean lawn with no trimmings in sight, and it’s super easy to empty, thanks to a lock-and-release design. This self-propelled mower also has seven different settings for grass height and folds down for effortless storage.
Which Is The Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Well, though we only picked 5 because they will easily get the upper hands over other mowers in the market today based on their maneuverability, ease of access , speed, durability, warranty, and other important factors. Taking all of the above-mentioned mowers into account, we have found the following mower to be the winner:
We recommend the Best Value for Money Self Propelled Lawn Mowers:
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Craftsman M105 140cc 21
- Your purchase includes One Craftsman M105 140cc Gas powered Push Lawn Mower, One bagger and engine oil
- Lawn Mower width 21 | Weight 65 lbs. | Minimum Cutting Height 1.25 | Maximum Cutting Height 3.75 | Front wheel size 7 | Rear wheel size 8 | Engine 140cc Briggs and Stratton
- 3 in 1 Capabilities: Unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching
- Minor assembly is required but is easily accomplished with little to no mechanical experience
- Engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer or choke just pull to start. Unit is gas-powered and not self-propelled. Product folds for storage
Best Premium Mower Honda Hrx217vka 4
If youre looking for the best self-propelled mower on the planet, complete with capabilities that far exceed the average model, we rate the Legendary Honda HRX217VKA 4 -in-1 Versamow System Mower, as #1.
The features, dependability, and power of this lawn mower are truly a cut above other mowers. In fact, many pros consider this the best commercial self-propelled lawn mower for using in those tight spaces they cant get to with a riding mower.
Considered to be the Cadillac of Honda Mowers, the HRX217VKA mower also includes Smart Drive. A feature that allows you to adjust your drive speed, and includes a powerful Honda 160 cc OHV engine and Rear-Wheel drive. Youll have no problem tackling sloped lawns with this RWD mower, even with its 90 lbs of weight.
It is a beast and can climb over practically any hilly or uneven lawn. This high-end front-wheel drive mower offers 4 -in-1 Bag, Mulch, and Side discharge grass clipping options.
This Honda mower gives you 6 mowing height options and features its unrivaled and patented Honda Twin-blade micro-cut system Leaf Clippings with four cutting surfaces, allowing you to mulch wet leaves, and virtually eliminate raking in the Fall.
Next to using a Lawn aerator this mower cutting system is the best piece of equipment you can use to maintain a healthy lawn.
When considering the price of this model, ask yourself what value you place on that feature alone.
Watch the Incredible Honda HRX217VKA Video And See It in Action:
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Lawn Size: Do I Need Self Propelled Electric Mowers
The size of the lawn is a factor that you should take into consideration while buying the lawnmower. One lawnmower doesnt work well for all sizes of lawns. So, make sure the one you go for is suitable for your lawn.
Walk-behind mowers are an excellent choice for small lawns. These mowers are quite budget-friendly and easy to operate as well. There are Eco-friendly which is a huge plus considering their price. On the other hand, riding mowers work excellent with larger lawns as they can mow super-efficiently and quickly.
What Are The Features To Look For While Buying Self
During a testing phase, experts keep meticulous notes about all self-propelled lawn mowers performance, easiness of handling, consistency of cut, and time necessary to complete the job. Before getting a lawn mower, just inspect those features pointed out by experts.
Construction & Design
Ports help you wash a mower they are a lifesaver when the mowers all mud-spattered and choked with grass. Proper preservation is necessary if you desire your mower to run like new for a long time.
If theres a wash-out port, hose your mower down. This would be sufficient to wash all filth and leave its blades shining.
The size/front width of deck is a key differentiating aspect between dissimilar self-propelled lawn mowers. Deck size states how much grass will be cut immediately. Most feature 21 decks, wide-deck models can be 30 wide. Once youve measured lawn size, consider how many mowing rows would be done with a 21 deck against a 30 deck. If its a full-size yard, buying a larger deck could diminish your mowing time by 30%.
The best mowers include a cutting width of 22-20 and present the triple alternative of side discharge, mulching method, or rear bag. The cutting blades width determines how many passes it takes to trim your yard. A broad path means you spend lesser time pushing a lawn mower.
Technology
Front-wheel drive does give outstanding maneuverability, particularly if mower has pivot wheels. If your yard/lawn has many obstacles, this may be a superior choice.
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