After Testing More Than 30 Lawn Mowers, We Found the 9 Best Self-Propelled Models

In an effort to recommend only the best lawn care tools, we’ve used more than 30 gas and electric push and self-propelled lawn mowers to mow dozens of acres. When testing good lawn mowers to include in this self-propelled mower guide, we evaluated this effort-alleviating feature alongside each mower’s power and performance. After all, just because a mower can propel itself doesn’t mean it delivers a great cut. The mowers that made our final list do both.

Based on our tests, the top option is the Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower, a model that’s quiet, easy to use, and provides an overall excellent performance. However, none of the mowers in this guide scored less than a 4 in any testing categories. Read on to see exactly what we liked about each pick before choosing one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers to maintain your property.

1. BEST OVERALL: Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
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2. RUNNER-UP: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
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4. BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Greenworks 40V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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5. BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5” Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
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6. BEST ELECTRIC: Ryobi 40V 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled AWD Mower
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7. BEST GAS-POWERED: Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
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8. BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21″ Dual Battery Mower Kit
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9. ALSO CONSIDER: Worx Nitro 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Whether your current lawn mower won’t stay running or you simply want to upgrade to a more user-friendly model, any of the following tested options will provide reliable results and make your routine much easier.  

Best Overall

Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower

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What We Like

• Durable and efficient brushless motor
• Automatically adjusts to your pace
• Bags and mulches without clumping
• Folds flat for vertical storage

What We Don’t Like

• Runtime is less than competition
• A bit heavy at 85 pounds

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Specs

• Power source One 60V 6Ah battery
• Deck size 22 inches
• Cutting heights 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5

Toro has built a strong reputation for producing durable, high-performing equipment, and the Recycler rechargeable lawn mower brings that legacy into the battery-powered world. Equipped with a 60-volt, 6-amp-hour battery, it delivers impressive mowing results for yards up to half an acre on a single charge. However, its standout features are its steel mowing deck and Personal Pace drive system. The 22-inch steel deck not only creates optimal airflow to lift grass blades for a cleaner, more uniform cut but also enhances mulching and bagging performance. The drive system has a pressure-sensitive handlebar that automatically adjusts the mower’s speed to match your pace. We’ve used other mowers with sliding handlebars, but the one on the Toro Recycler is by far the best.

In our tests, the 60V Toro Recycler worked as well as advertised in every way. It excels at cutting all kinds of grass, including overgrown weedy areas, and we love that it folds flat for space-saving storage. The only thing that kept it from earning a perfect score was its runtime, as the battery ran out after mowing exactly half an acre. That’s what the brand predicts and will likely be enough for many yards, but it’s a little underwhelming compared to other self-propelled battery lawn mower options. 

What our tester says: “The cut quality of this Toro is probably the best of all the models we tested, and its self-propelled system is incredibly smooth. Its automatic acceleration and deceleration felt more natural than the others, even on slopes.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Toro electric mower at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Toro.

Runner-Up

Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Ideal for yards up to ½ acre
• Compatible with a range of Ego Power+ batteries
• As powerful as most gas lawn mowers

What We Don’t Like

• Makes an unpleasant whining sound at times
• Using self-propel on slopes drains battery quickly

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Specs

• Power source One 56V 4Ah, 5Ah, 7.5Ah, or 10Ah battery
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4.5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5

The Ego Power+ self-propel mower runs on a 56V rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides an impressive blend of power and efficiency. It uses brushless electric motors for the drive wheels and a powerful two-stage brushless motor for the blade, ensuring up to 60 minutes of runtime for the 7.5Ah battery. When purchased as a kit, it comes with a rapid charger that returns the lawn mower battery to full in only an hour. 

The Ego’s 21-inch deck adjusts to six height settings from 1.5 to 4 inches and offers mulching, bagging, or side discharge for grass clippings. During our testing on a half-acre yard, we found this mower comfortable and liked how easy it was to adjust the self-propelled speed via a lever on the handle. Most importantly, it delivered the two things we were looking for: ample cutting power and a clean finished appearance. It had no problem trimming normal grass and did not bog down noticeably in thick, tall grass. One thing to note, though, is that the drive motor seemed excessively noisy at times, making a whining sound we preferred to muffle with headphones. Also, runtime decreases relatively quickly when using the self-propel feature on slopes, but that’s pretty common for battery-powered mowers. 

What our tester says: “The Ego’s cut quality ranged from good to excellent. The only time we weren’t happy with the results was when we did a single pass on grass we’d let grow for an extra week. After mowing the stringy areas again, the problem was fixed.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Read our full review: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower

Get the Ego Power+ self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon (with two 4Ah batteries) or Lowe’s (tool only).

Best Bang for the Buck

Craftsman 21" 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower

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What We Like

• Affordable lawn equipment that lives up to the Craftsman name
• Auto choke makes it easy to start
• 3-in-1 grass-disposal options

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t adjust pace; 1 speed only
• Handle isn’t padded

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Specs

• Power source 150 cubic centimeter (cc) Briggs & Stratton gas engine
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1.25 to 3.75 inches in 6 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5

This self-propelled gas lawn mower from Craftsman boasts a 150cc engine in an easy-to-maneuver package, ideal for yards up to half an acre. It has a recoil cord start with an auto choke that balances the mixture of air and fuel, eliminating the need for a primer and choke while ensuring it always starts on the first pull. It also uses a front-wheel-drive design that makes it incredibly easy to turn. 

This pick requires a bit of assembly, though the process is simple and only took us 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the overall appearance of the handle configuration left something to be desired once we were done. The blade and drive control cables attach to the using heavy-duty cable ties, and the handle isn’t padded, which may cause fatigue during long mowing sessions. Also, as eager as we were to test out the front-wheel-drive system around obstacles in our yard, we were initially worried that a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction. Luckily, this never happened, but it is something to watch out for. That said, this walk-behind grass mower​ has good power for cutting average lawn grass and moving uphill. We think it’s a great choice for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled push mower.

Get the Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower at Ace Hardware.

Best for Large Lawns

Greenworks 40V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Dual battery ports with automatic switchover
• User-friendly automatic pace adjustment
• Heavy-duty steel deck can handle thick grass
• 10-inch rear wheels are great on uneven terrain

What We Don’t Like

• Pace-adjustment feature isn’t super smooth
• Not the best at mulching dense grass

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Specs

• Power source One 40V 4Ah battery
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1.38 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 5/5

With up to 70 minutes of runtime per charge and a 21-inch mowing swath, this efficient, brushless lawn mower from Greenworks is built to handle lawns up to half an acre. It includes two 40V 4Ah batteries and a single-port charger that recharges each battery in 120 minutes. It also has a SmartPace self-propel feature that uses a pressure-sensitive handle to automatically adjust to your walking pace and SmartCut technology that adjusts power output according to grass length and thickness, which optimizes battery usage.

This self-propelling lawn mower surprised us during testing, as it performed similarly to options with significantly more battery power. We liked that it offered single-lever height adjustment in seven positions and could mulch, bag, or side discharge the cut grass. However, we noticed that performance in overgrown areas changed depending on the grass-disposal option used—it bogged down a bit in mulching mode but worked quite well with the discharge chute in place. Still, the overall cut quality was quite good, and only the most difficult grass patches required a second pass.

One other point of note: The self-propel system seemed to accelerate unevenly going uphill and downhill and occasionally had trouble decelerating downhill and across flat ground. This meant it sometimes felt as if it was running away. However, with its extensive runtime and battery-management capabilities, this Greenworks mower could make a good choice for those with larger lawns.

Get the Greenworks self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon or Greenworks.

Best for Small Lawns

DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5" Cordless Self-Propelled Mower

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What We Like

• Heavy-duty 21.5-inch steel deck
• 2-stage brushless motor automatically increases power as necessary
• Ergonomic cushioned grip reduces operator fatigue

What We Don’t Like

• Runtime not ideal for longer, denser grasses
• Included battery charger is relatively slow

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Specs

• Power source Two 20V 10Ah batteries
• Deck size 21.5 inches
• Cutting heights 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.5/5

This DeWalt mower has a thoughtful design and better-than-average build quality that features a heavy-duty 21.5-inch 15-gauge stamped-steel deck. Its adjustable front-wheel-drive self-propulsion system eliminates half the work of mowing and lets you choose your own pace. The load-sensing motor seamlessly increases torque in tougher mowing conditions, ensuring top-tier performance on all types of terrain. It’s also comfortable to use, thanks to its well-laid-out controls and cushioned handle, and easier to turn than comparable rear-wheel drive mowers. Most importantly, it delivers a nice even cut. 

We tested the DeWalt mower on about 10,000 square feet of lawn that included some short but steep slopes, weedy spots, and dense grass. With the cutting height at 2.5 inches, it had enough power to mow about 5,000 square feet per charge. At 3.5 inches, that extended to about 8,000 square feet and 40 minutes of runtime. While that should be plenty for anyone with a quarter-acre to half-acre lot (minus landscaping beds and the driveway), those with larger properties may want to purchase additional batteries, as recharging takes a full 8 hours.

Read our full review: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5″ Cordless Self-Propelled Mower

Get the DeWalt self-propelled lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co.

Best Electric

Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled AWD Mower

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What We Like

• Evenly cuts and distributes grass clippings
• Handle and self-propel paddle height are adjustable
• Folds for compact, vertical storage
• Self-propel feature works even when blades are off

What We Don’t Like

• 77-pound weight can be a lot on hills
• Sensitive self-propel paddles take getting used to

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Specs

• Power source Two 40V 6Ah batteries
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1 to 4 inches in 7 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.8/5

The Ryobi electric self-propelled lawn mower is a heavy-duty model with a brushless motor for excellent power efficiency. It works as either an all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive walk-behind mower and has a 21-inch cutting deck with a two-blade cutting system underneath. You can adjust the blades to seven heights between 1 and 4 inches, and the integrated mulch plug makes it easy to toggle from mulching to bagging.

The self-propulsion on this Ryobi is formidable, which is necessary for a lawn mower of this weight. At 77 pounds with batteries, it’s a hefty mower to maneuver on anything but flat terrain and would be even more so in the absence of self-propulsion. However, once we found a comfortable speed setting, maneuvering the Ryobi became much easier—even though the self-propel paddles took us some time to get used to. We barely touched them when the speed was set on high, and the mower practically pulled us forward. We found that low- and medium-speed settings were generally our sweet spot.

This self-propelled push lawn mower moved through denser patches of grass quite well, mulching evenly and dispersing clippings from the side shoot without leaving any clumps. Due in part to its formidable battery power, the Ryobi’s cross-cut multiblade system delivers an excellent overall cut. It creates a great-looking lawn while slicing everything into a fine mulch, making it easier to go for extended periods between mowing. 

Read our full review: Ryobi 40V 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled AWD Mower

Get the Ryobi self-propelled lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Best Gas-Powered

Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Low maintenance and easy-to-start
• Steel Vortex cutting deck boosts airflow for superior cut quality
• Automatic drive system is smooth and responsive
• Fold-flat handle saves space in storage

What We Don’t Like

• Wheels must be individually adjusted for deck height changes

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Specs

• Power source 163cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine
• Deck size 22 inches
• Cutting heights 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5

This 163cc gas-powered Toro Recycler delivers outstanding cutting results with its 22-inch Vortex mowing deck and Personal Pace adjustable drive system. In addition to cut quality, those who prefer gas vs. electric lawn mowers will appreciate several other aspects of this machine. It started for us on the first pull every time—no need to choke it or mess around with a fuel lever. It’s also been engineered to never require an oil change. Instead, you simply have to check the oil level periodically and top it off when needed. 

During testing, we were incredibly impressed with how smoothly and quietly this Toro ran, especially compared to other gas self-propelled lawn mowers. But the thing we liked about it best was the quality of its cut. Mowing results were consistently excellent no matter how fast we walked, how thick the grass was, and regardless of whether we mulched or bagged the clippings. Though it didn’t once stall or slow down, changing the mower height did take extra time since you have to adjust each wheel individually. Realistically, though, this likely won’t be an issue as most users will set it and forget it.

Get the Toro 22-inch self-propelled lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co. or Ace Hardware.

Best Cordless

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21" Dual Battery Mower Kit

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What We Like

• Outstanding torque and blade speed
• Overcomes tough conditions without bogging down
• Self-propelled variable-speed rear-wheel drive with dual controls
• Batteries recharge in 2 hours

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than most residential mowers
• Longer wheelbase; less maneuverable in constricted spaces

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Specs

• Power source Two 18V 12Ah batteries
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1 to 4 inches in 7 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4.5/5; Value 4/5

When Milwaukee Tool set out to design a lawn mower, it targeted professional quality and performance. The M18 Fuel 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower features a rugged steel deck, variable-speed rear-wheel drive, and a powerful motor that drives blade speed up to 3,300 revolutions per minute and delivers more torque than a 200cc gas-powered mower. 

The kit we tested came with a dual charger and two 18V 12Ah rechargeable batteries. The mower draws from both batteries simultaneously for 36 volts of operating power and up to 60 minutes of mowing per charge. In addition to its ample runtime, what we liked best about this mower is that the motor automatically switches from standard to high-lift mode when it senses extra-thick grass. High-lift mode created more uplift than any other battery electric mower we tested, standing the grass straight up for a superclean cut after a single pass. It easily packed the bag full of clippings, didn’t leave clumps behind when mulching or discharging, and did a great job picking up leaves and debris. In standard mode, the M18 lawn mower had plenty of cutting force, but bagging was slightly less efficient because the slower blade speed reduced airflow and uplift.

Get the Milwaukee battery-powered lawn mower at The Home Depot, Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Also Consider

Worx Nitro 80V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Charging system can replenish battery onboard
• Single-lever deck-height adjustment
• No mulch plug required
• LED headlamps increase visibility in low light

What We Don’t Like

• Removing and installing Base Camp power pack is awkward

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Specs

• Power source Four 20V 5Ah batteries
• Deck size 21 inches
• Cutting heights 1.5 to 4 inches in 7 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 4.5/5

The Worx Nitro power-share system packs a punch, delivering up to 60 minutes of power with four 20V 5Ah Worx Power Share Pro batteries. This highly capable 21-inch mower offers a single-lever deck-height adjustment; a one-touch fully collapsible handle; a charge-level indicator; and a choice of side discharging, bagging, or mulching. Plus, the built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates the hassle of a mulch plug. This self-propelled lawn mower with bag also has a load-sensing multistage motor that automatically increases output for difficult mowing conditions.

While that’s a relatively long list of useful features, the most unique thing about this Nitro mower is its Base Camp power pack. Base Camp combines the power of the four included batteries to produce 80V of power while doubling as a four-way charger (onboard or offboard) that restores life to depleted batteries in just 2 hours. We found the onboard charging option especially convenient since runtime decreased by almost half under a heavy mowing load—though that’s typical for a load-sensing motor. The only thing we didn’t like about Base Camp is that removing and installing it is much more cumbersome than working with a single battery. 

What our tester says: “We liked this mower’s smart power output and excellent finish quality. It did a great job conserving power in well-maintained areas and increasing effort to tackle overgrowth.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Worx self-propelled lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or Worx.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

Before testing, we researched dozens of self-propelled models, focusing on performance and user-friendly features. We looked for models with load-sensing motors and engines, multiple grass-disposal options, single-lever height adjustment, and extras like lights and ergonomic handles. 

Once it came time to test, we assessed everything from the basics to more complicated performance characteristics. We evaluated assembly and storage as well as how certain features, such as grass-disposal options and self-propel, affected battery performance in electric mowers and fuel use in gas options. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we looked at the power, cut quality, and mobility of these self-propelled models. We then scored each mower’s ease of use and performance, ranking them and giving them awards.

What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

When choosing one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers, essential features to consider include deck size, cutting options, and power. Evaluating personal needs and lawn size will also help you determine the best type of mower to select.

Engine Size and Motor Power 

Electric mowers have motors, while gas lawn mowers have engines. The power of a gasoline engine is described in cubic centimeters, and knowing which size gas engine to look for can help you choose one suitable for your yard. 

• Small engines around 125cc are good for modest-size yards with moderate yearly lawn growth. 
• Average-size engines between 140cc and 180cc are suitable for small- to medium-sized yards and moderate to heavy yearly lawn growth.
• Large engines exceeding 180cc are best for bigger yards, dense grass, and heavy yearly lawn growth.

A battery-powered lawn mower measures motor power in volts, with mowers using between 18 and 120 volts. Most electric lawn mowers run on about 40V and 80V, as that range is sufficient for handling the same tasks as gas mowers equipped with 140cc to 180cc engines. 

Though not particularly common, you can also buy an electric corded lawn mower with a 10- to 15-amp motor. Corded mowers are generally best for small, well-maintained lawns. 

Speed Control 

Some mowers operate at only one speed, while others include several settings up to 4 miles per hour. Self-propelled lawn mowers that move at different speeds have a variety of speed-control options, including squeeze handles, drive bars, dials, and pace-keeping systems that automatically adjust to users’ walking speeds. 

In general, mowers with pacing systems or squeeze bars are easiest to use. These mowers either adapt to your pace as you walk or go faster as you squeeze the bar toward the handle, making them a user-friendly choice.

Mulch, Bag, or Side-Discharge Options

Traditionally, lawn mowers (including riding lawn mowers) have one of several cutting options to manage grass clippings, including bagging, mulching, and side discharging. However, most lawn mowers now come with two or even three cutting options for managing grass clippings in one machine.

• Single-option mowers are straightforward, though they don’t provide the versatility to adapt to differing lawn conditions. That’s why most mowers now offer more than one option.
• Two-in-one mowers offer two of the three available cutting options for dealing with grass clippings. They are more versatile than single-option mowers but fall short of the options provided by a three-in-one mower.
• Three-in-one mowers are quickly becoming the industry standard. As the name indicates, they allow you to choose bagging, mulching, or side discharging in a single machine for more cutting versatility.

Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, or All-Wheel Drive

Self-propelled lawn mowers generally have either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, meaning either the front or back two wheels are powered. However, there are some all-wheel drive models on the market as well.

• Front-wheel-drive mowers are great for even terrain. They are easy to tip back, which stops them from moving forward. This immediate pause in momentum makes them easier to maneuver around lawn ornaments and other obstacles.
• Rear-wheel-drive mowers tend to have more power than front-wheel-drive products, though they also are more expensive. These mowers are suitable for hilly terrain, taking some of the strain from the user. However, they aren’t as easy to maneuver. 
• All-wheel drive mowers are well suited for yards with more extreme slopes and rougher terrain. 

Rear-Wheel Diameter 

The size of a mower’s rear wheels varies based on its design and the type of terrain it is built to handle. Some self-propelled lawn mowers have four wheels of equal size, typically between 7 and 8 inches in diameter.

However, mowers suited to yards with thicker grass or uneven terrain often feature larger rear wheels that range from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. Larger-diameter wheels improve maneuverability and traction, making them ideal for bumpy ground and heavy lawn growth.

Recoil vs. Electric Start

Another feature to consider when searching for the best self-propelled lawn mower is how it starts.

• Electric starts exist on all electric self-propelled lawn mowers, but this feature is also present on some gas mowers. By pushing a button or turning a key, the mower communicates with the engine and automatically starts. However, the mower will not start if the electric start isn’t powered. If this is a concern, consider a lawn mower that has both an electric start and a backup recoil cord.
• Recoil cords are the traditional way to start a gas lawn mower. You pull a cord that physically cranks the engine, prompting it to start. As anyone who has ever used one of these lawn mowers knows, though, the recoil cord often takes three or four pulls before the engine turns over. 

Deck Width and Height

The width of the cutting deck (the part of the mower that houses the blades) can determine how maneuverable a mower is and how long it takes to finish mowing a lawn. Smaller mowers, such as those with 16-inch decks, may fit through small garden gates and turn tight corners easily, but they’ll require more passes to mow a yard. Larger mowers, such as those with 21-inch decks, can make short work of a larger yard but may not maneuver as well in tight spaces.

Unlike width, deck height is adjustable. When you adjust the deck height, you adjust the cutting height of the mower’s blades. Some mowers feature convenient one-lever adjustment, while others require two or more levers. Most height adjustments range somewhere between 1 and 4 inches. Keep in mind that some grass varieties should be cut at longer lengths for optimal health. If you have one of those varieties, a mower with a high cutting height is your best bet.

Yard Size

For most people, the larger their yard, the larger and more powerful the mower they need. Grass type and terrain may also affect mower choice. Here’s a general breakdown of which size mowers are best for different yard sizes: 

• Mowers with a cutting deck of at least 21 inches and runtime of at least 60 minutes or a 180cc or larger gas engine make quick work of larger yards of a half acre or more. 
• Push mowers with a cutting deck between 18 and 21 inches and a runtime of at 45 minutes or 150cc gas engine work well for lawns from a third to a half an acre.
• Mowers with a cutting deck between 14 and 20 inches and a runtime of 30 minutes or 125cc gas engine work well for small lawns up to a quarter acre.

Keep in mind that grass-disposal and self-propel features may decrease total runtime for battery-operated mowers. Those with large yards may consider purchasing additional batteries to extend continuous runtime. Though extra batteries are an additional expense, you’ll still likely save in the long run vs. paying the cost of lawn mowing. 

Additional Features

Additional features to consider may include the mower’s weight, deck material, handle positions, and storage options. Although these mowers propel themselves, you still might consider the mower’s weight. Weight can be critical if the mower is only self-propelled while cutting or if it needs to be lifted over concrete curbs or into storage. 

If weight is a concern, take a look at the mower’s deck material. More traditional mowers have steel decks, which are durable but can be heavy, while some mowers have plastic decks, which may be lightweight but prone to cracking. Some mower decks are made of aluminum, which is weather-resistant, lightweight, and durable.

Handle positions may seem minor, but if you have limited storage space or aren’t the only one mowing the lawn, they could be a deciding factor. Some handles adjust to better match user height, and others fold all the way down for more compact storage.

FAQs 

Here are some answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about self-propelled lawn mowers.

Q. Are self-propelled lawn mowers worth it?

Self-propelled push mowers have a front- or rear-drive system that moves them forward without the user doing anything except holding on and steering. If you’re looking to mow your lawn with less physical strain, then yes, these mowers are worth investing in. 

Q. How much should I pay for a self-propelled lawn mower?

The price range in our list of top picks is between $420 and $1,000.You can certainly find models that are sold outside of that range, but do your research to make sure the discount or extra cost is worth it.

Q. How long should a self-propelled lawn mower last?

Most mowers will last 10 years or more, depending on how well you care for your machine. Regular maintenance and proper storage are key to getting the most life out of your lawn mower.

Q. Are self-propelled mowers hard to push?

It depends. The whole point of a self-propelled mower is that its system makes it easier for users to push. However, you will also want to factor in the weight of the machine, the terrain that’s being mowed, and the tightness of the space you’re mowing. Each of these factors can affect the ease with which a mower can be pushed.

Q. Do self-propelled mowers go in reverse?

Self-propelled mowers do not go in reverse. The drive wheels operate in the forward direction only. To back up, the drive control has to be disengaged (doing so varies by brand/model); then, the user can pull it backward manually.

Q. What is the disadvantage of a self-propelled mower?

The main disadvantages of self-propelled mowers are that they tend to cost and weigh more. However, the weight is generally offset by the fact that the self-propelled feature makes them easier to push, and the cost may be worth it in terms of decreased user strain. 

Q. Do self-propelled mowers go up hills?

Most self-propelled mowers do well on small to moderate hills, but their capabilities will differ depending on drive type and power source. Generally speaking, rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive mowers maintain their traction on slopes better, and gas models may deliver more consistent power output on hilly terrain.

Q. Can you turn off a self-propelled lawn mower?

Yes, you should be able to turn off the self-propelled feature on a lawn mower. However, the process varies between models, so check your user manual for the exact steps.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industries. 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 Timothy Dale.

 

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