6 Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide. Push grass cutter

29th May 2023

Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide

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When mowing a Bermuda grass lawn, you want a precise, clean cut that leaves behind a greener, healthier and very attractive lawn. To get that right, the best lawn mower for Bermuda grass is one that snips the leaf blades instead of hacking, splitting, tearing, and chewing up grass blades.

If you have a Bermuda grass lawn, you should choose a reel mower over a rotary mower – all the time. It will produce the best cut without damaging the leaves of your lawn, causing browning and possible disease attacks.

But since there are quite many of them out there, I’ll recommend the very best (from testing) and tell you why they’re the best.

Clean, even cut at 1-4 inches (no hacking grass blades).
60% easier to push than other reel mowers.
Won’t scalp your lawn even at low cutting height.
Directs clippings downward (but not on your feet)!
5-position height adjustment 1.25 inch to 3.3 inch.
Best budget-friendly self-propelled mower.
Cuts 400sq. meters on a single charge.
Clean, even cut with rear bagging and mulching.
Very clean cut at 1″ to 3″ height adjustments.
Lightweight (34lbs), easy to push and maneuver.
Wide cutting deck. 20-inches.
Does not jam even in tall Bermudagrass.
Clean, even cut at 1-4 inches (no hacking grass blades).
60% easier to push than other reel mowers.
Won’t scalp your lawn even at low cutting height.
Directs clippings downward (but not on your feet)!

5-position height adjustment 1.25 inch to 3.3 inch.
Best budget-friendly self-propelled mower.
Cuts 400sq. meters on a single charge.
Clean, even cut with rear bagging and mulching.
Very clean cut at 1″ to 3″ height adjustments.
Lightweight (34lbs), easy to push and maneuver.
Wide cutting deck. 20-inches.
Does not jam even in tall Bermudagrass.

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Without a doubt, the best lawn mower for Bermuda grass lawns is a reel mower type as opposed to a rotary one. However, you can still use good rotary mowers if you have and maintain sharp blades (super important for grass health).

Top 6 Reel Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass Lawns

If you mow Bermuda grass tall, it will easily go to seed. If you mow it too low, you’ll cause brown patches in your lawn due to scalping. You have to get the mowing height right. That also goes with the lawnmowers. Bermuda grass thrives when cut between 3/4″ – 1.5″, so be sure to set the height setting on your mower in that range.

Here’s a list of the 6 best push reel lawn mowers for Bermuda grass lawns. Be sure to check out user reviews and the best in the links I’ve provided.

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower – Best For Smaller Lawns

Some Bermuda grass varieties are tough and can be hard to cut, but this lawnmower makes the job lighter.

Quality Yardcare Tools: Designed to help you take back your yard, Fiskars lawn and gardening tools are equipped with Smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space.Advanced design is 60% easier to push than other reel mowers
Advanced Technology for best-in-class cutting performance: The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening.
Superior Ergonomics: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness. One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your comfort and control.

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-25

New technology makes it cut grass without touching.
A lot less friction which is perfect for pushing when mowing Bermuda grass.
Has a cutting height of 1-4 inches, which is perfect for Bermuda grass.
It does have high-quality blades for long-lasting performance without costly annual blade sharpening.
It is easier to push and turn the Fiskars reel push lawn mower – it weighs 52lbs only.
This mower is quiet and will cut 99% of your grass perfectly.

First of all, reel mowers are my absolute favorite for mowing Bermuda grass lawns. Why? Because you don’t want to scalp and cause brown patches (reel mowers won’t scalp your lawn). If you have a few dips here and there, a reel mower will simply scalp the areas regardless of the setting you use.

The Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower is one of the best for Bermuda lawns. Formerly known as the Fiskars Momentum Lawn Mower, this advanced push-mower is great for cutting Bermuda grass even when it gets really dense during the months of summer.

This mower does a great job mulching your lawn although it does not leave a thick layer of clippings on the grass. I wouldn’t recommend heavy mulching anyway because if you’re using a reel mower to cut your grass, the next time you mow will definitely be a big task of pushing through the mulch.

The only disadvantage of the Fiskars 18’’ lawn mower is that it struggles to cut anything that’s taller than 6 inches. If you want to enjoy its work, ensure you mow your Bermuda lawn frequently enough to prevent it from growing too tall for an easy cut. Check out this interesting article I did on the best mowing frequency and height for Bermuda grass. You’ll find it useful.

Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel rotary lawn mower features 20″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ dual tracking wheels
Quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time with this Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower
Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-25

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and great features of this mower for Bermuda grass:

Has the widest blade width and cutting path: 20 inches
It is lightweight and very easy to maneuver, weighing only 34 lbs
Allows an adjustable mowing height of 1 and 3 inches, which is recommended for Bermuda grass
Produces a clean cut with blades snipping evenly across, leaving no torn blades.
Has great maneuverability and stability for a 34-pound lawn mower.
This mower is the easiest to adjust thanks to the quick-snap adjusters.

What should interest you most if you own a Bermuda grass lawn is getting a clean and healthy cut when mowing. For one of the healthiest cuts, the Scotts 200-20 push reel lawn mower gave the best in this sense.

The 2018 version of the Scotts manual walk-behind reel mower comes with a sharpening kit as well as a grass catcher, which is definitely a value add in my opinion.

While testing and reviewing this reel lawn mower, it did not jam at all unlike most other mowers on the market today. You’ll notice that there’s a lever for each wheel for adjusting the cutting height. This produces an accurate height setting, which is very important when mowing different varieties of Bermuda turfgrasses.

Mowing Bermuda grass at 1-1.5 inches produces great turf quality in terms of thickness and health. See this guide on ways to make a Bermudagrass lawn thick.

On the downside, like with all other reel mowers with a push-behind feature, you have to keep tabs on your lawn not to allow the grass to overgrow. The Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower did struggle a little bit when I pushed it through an overgrown, dense patch of Bermuda grass. That is expected since it’s intended use is on grass that’s well-manicured and mowed at least twice a week.

Great States Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch Push Reel Mower

The Great States motor-less lawnmower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-2.75″ for a clean, even cut
18″ cutting width 5-blade manual push mower with 5-blade ball-bearings, and 10″ composite wheels
Push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp longer

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Fine grass cutting-height adjustments from ½ inch to 2 ¾ inches.
The 5 tempered alloy steel blades are very durable.
18-inch blade width means faster mowing of your lawn with fewer passes.
10-inch wheels mean this mower is balanced with very strong traction.
Plated loop-type handle with full-length foam grip

In a few words, the Great States mower 1815-18 is one of the most durable reels out here. That’s thanks to its tempered blades that last long without the need to sharpen.

The wide cutting width is also impressive, meaning you’ll cut your lawn faster. But what makes the Great States Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch Push Reel Mower great for Bermuda grass lawns?

This lawn mower comes with a fine cutting height adjustment capability. You can literally adjust from as low as ½ an inch to 2¾ inches height.

Bermuda grass is a tough southern grass species and can pose a great challenge to most push reel lawn mowers. You need a mower with great traction and this Great States Lawn Mower brand is just the one for this job.

Weight is a major concern when choosing a lawn mower, so with this, you get a lightweight reel mower for your Bermuda lawn. Yes, it is light enough and you can easily lift it, push and pull, and move it to store. Needless to say, you should keep your hands away from those sharp blades.

On the cons side, the Great States mower 1815-18 suffers similar shortcomings like other competitors on this list.

One of the major issues is cutting grass that is too long. This lawn mower will struggle to cut grass that’s above 5 inches long. This, however, is not a unique problem to this model since almost all reel mowers struggle with weeds and long grass.

Another issue is that it does not mow anything when pulled back. Again, this is common with most push mowers so it shouldn’t be a big issue.

Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower 25062

18″ cutting path gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
2-in-1 feature provides mulching and rear bag capabilities
9 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting height from 1 3/4″ to 2 3/4″ for the perfect cut on all grass types

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When I tested this one, I didn’t expect much since most push lawn mowers can be a challenge to use in a large area. However, I was impressed with the Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower on the large areas of Bermuda grass I pushed it over.

This mower is great because it allows you to cut down to 1.75 inches, which is good for Bermuda grass lawns. It also comes with a grass catcher bag included in the package, which is something I liked about it. The other lawn mowers we tested did not include it as part of the overall price.

In a nutshell, here are a few good things and features of this Greenworks reel lawn mower for Bermuda grass lawns:

It is available in varying deck sizes from 18 inches to 20 inches.
The 20’’ version is fast.
What I did not like is that the mower gets easily snagged on twigs and sticks.
Like most top push lawn mowers for Bermuda lawns, it is very easy to adjust the cutting height.
It is VERY lightweight and easy to maneuver around the yard

Overall, this is a great push-behind reel lawn mower for Bermuda grass. However, there are quite a few things I did not like about it.

One of the biggest concerns is the amount of noise it makes. While it is easy to push, I found it makes quite a lot of noise than I like. The blades cut with ease, but the faster you push them, the noisier they become. To me, this is quite a bit of a turn-off because I prefer a quiet lawn mower.

If you’re looking to mow a very small Bermuda lawn, you might want to consider this Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower 25062. For an acre of lawn, this may not be the best for guys who like a quiet mowing time.

Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-BladeLawn Mower

Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1″-2.5″ for a clean and even
Lightweight lawn mower has 16″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels for optimal maneuverability
Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-24

Here are the great features you’ll like on this lawn mower:

Produces a clean cut on grass blades, leaving no damage on Bermuda grass.
Precise cutting height with easy adjustment.
Lightweight reel mower – only 27 lbs
Easy to maneuver – the highest model of the range has 10’’ composite wheels.

This handy yard tool is an absolute pleasure for anyone looking for a solid performance in cutting tough grass using a push reel lawn mower. It comes in 4 deck sizes – 14-inch 4 blades, 14-inch 5 blades, 16-inch 5 blades, and 18-inch 5 blades.

When shopping for the best reel mower under 100, this has got to feature on your list but not just for the price. It comes with some decent features worth considering.

The most important feature that makes this reel mower suitable for Bermuda grass is the clean snip. The cut is so clean you’ll not notice any brown crowns on your Bermudagrass lawn after mowing.

One of the main problems with this Great States push lawn mower is its inability to cut some tough weeds. It also has an 18-inch cutting deck width, which is quite small compared to some of the best models and brands on this list. You’ll need to do a lot more passes to mow a 2000 sq. ft. Lawn with this as opposed to fewer passes with a 20’’ model.

It also does poorly in lawns with sticks. It will get stuck quite often. If your lawn is under a shade with sticks littering it, you may want to consider a gasoline mower rather than a push reel.

Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Hand-push reel mower with 16″ cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer

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In my reviews of the top lawn mowers for Bermuda grass lawns, the Earthwise push reel mower comes in second. I highly recommend it for not only Bermuda grass but also paspalum, zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and centipede grass.

Here are the great features that make this lawn mower perfect for Bermuda grass:

It has an adjustable cutting height between of 0.5″ and 2.5” which is perfect for Bermuda grass turfs.
Available in 16-inch 7 blade, 18-inch 5 blade, and 20-inch 5 blade options
It is very easy to assemble without the need for any tools.
I found the handle well-cushioned for comfort while mowing Bermuda lawns. This lessens hand fatigue.
It has heat-treated alloy steel blades that remain sharp for long.
The 7 blades make it a lot easier to mow and get a clean cut with just one pass.

The Earthwise push lawn mower is a great recommendation for Bermuda grass lawns because it produces a very precise, clean cut, which is exactly what we want when mowing lawns.

It is a piece of lightweight lawn equipment, weighing just 29.5 lbs, meaning you can easily mow a small to the medium-sized lawn without feeling fatigued. I’ve to remind you, though, that you have to time the mowing properly and cut before your grass grows taller than 6 inches.

One of the major disadvantages I found with the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is that you can’t adjust the mower without unscrewing the wedges on both sides. This is not the same case as the 5-blade version. This means you’ll take quite a bit of time to adjust the deck. They should’ve made it a lot easier to adjust everything here.

Another issue I noticed with the 7-blade version is the locking up of the rollers when mowing areas with heavy mulch from the last cut. I think this is caused by the rollers on the reel mower. I prefer wheels to rollers, as these hardly lock up while in use even in areas with dense Bermuda grass.

Best Rotary Mower for Bermuda Grass

Rotary mowers are not the best for Bermuda lawns because they tend to hack and chew up grass blades. They simply leave your lawn looking awful after a few days of mowing.

However, if your lawn is too big (as in the case of golf courses), you’ll need to use a rotary, gas-powered or electric lawn mower to cut the grass.

The top-rated rotary mower for Bermuda lawns is the Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower. You charge this thing, and you’re ready to go out there and mow your lawn.

This one is good if you have a smaller yard, like under 1000 sq feet.

CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40v push lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.Brushless motor : No
LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently. Easy push button start and lighter weight make it a great choice for your lawn.
VERSATILE – Battery powered lawn mower has a single lever 5-position height adjustment with a cutting height range from 1-1/4″ to 3-3/8″ for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 feature offers versatile use with mulching and rear bagging options.

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-24

If you have over 1000 sq feet to mow then here is something more powerful yet still green. I’m getting more and more impressed each year on electric mowers.

80V 21” MOWER. Provides up to 60 minutes of run-time with 2 fully charged 80V 2.0Ah batteries (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR – 2 x more torque, more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life
GAS-LIKE PERFORMANCE

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-25

Take a look at the review of the Greenworks Pro 80V in this video:

Reel Mower vs Rotary Mower for Bermuda Grass

If you want a lawn that has a soft and inviting appearance, then your best choice is a reel push mower. Rotary mowers that are corded or powered with gas or batteries can give your lawn a “chewed” look at the tip, making it start to brown.

One of the advantages (the one that interests me the most) is the precise cut of the rotating reel along the bed knife at the bottom of the mower. It cuts like a pair of scissors.

The reel cut is beautifully clean and is easier on the grass than a rotary blade, which can tear the grass blade if it is not extremely well-maintained.

Buying Guide: What to Consider

Although reel mowers are the best for Bermuda grass, it doesn’t mean you cannot use a rotary mower at all. Choosing the best lawn mower comes down to your personal preference and most importantly, things to consider.

Here are factors and things to consider when choosing a lawn mower for Bermuda grass:

Cutting height adjustments

Grass cutting height is perhaps the most important feature to look for when choosing a great mower for Bermuda grass lawns.

You want to be able to cut your grass as low as 1-inch. Too low can easily scalp the lawn and cause bare spots.

Pro tip: Choose a mower with the finest cutting height adjustments from 0.5 to 3 inches. This will give you great control in taking care of your Bermuda grass at all stages.

Size of the lawn

Your choice of lawn mower really depends on the size of your lawn. If it is more than 2000 sq. ft., you’ll be so exhausted after each mowing that you’ll not mow often enough.

Bermuda grass requires frequent mowing for the best health and growth.

Is the lawn level enough?

Reel mowers can easily leave swirls in your lawn if it has bumps and uneven ground. To avoid this, you may want to buy a rotary mower for a lawn that’s not level enough. However. For level lawns and yards, a push reel mower is a great choice.

Cutting width (blade width)

The width of the blades on the reel mower, or any other mower for that matter, determines how many passes you’ll need to make to mow the entire yard.

The best push mowers for Bermuda lawns have a blade width between 14’’ and 20’’. For the fastest cut, choose the widest blade width.

However, wider cutting decks might not always be the easiest to push. It can mean more load for you to push and cut, and that may affect maneuverability.

Weight of the mower

Since all of the reel mowers on this list are self-propelled, you want to get a very lightweight mower. This will ensure you get less tired but mow your lawn with ease.

The weight of the mower also affects maneuverability. If your body is well built, you can consider a slightly heavier model in the range of 30 lbs and above. However, most people consider the best reel lawn mower below 28 lbs.

Maneuverability

How easy is it to move around, turn and twist the lawn mower. Bermuda grass is quite tough and you want to move the mower around the lawn without too much struggle.

Lightweight mowers are easier to maneuver. However, you need to check factors that affect maneuverability such as the following:

To best determine this, read and watch reviews to see what to expect when you buy the lawn mower.

Durability

Needless to say, models that give you a longer lifespan for the buck are the most preferred. Most of the mowers I reviewed above come with great strength, durability, and price.

When checking durability, consider the material that makes up the blades and other important parts such as wheels. Some blades are made of tempered steel alloy, meaning they stay sharp and durable for long.

Warranty

A 2-year warranty is a great sign the manufacturer has confidence in their product. So, when buying a push reel mower for Bermuda grass, check if there’s a warranty before making the purchase.

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Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.

1 thought on “6 Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide”

Depending upon individual likes and preferences, a person can either opt for a traditional gasoline-operated mower or go in for the electric variety. Both kinds of mowers – that is, gas-operated as well as electric mowers – have their own individual features. While selecting a mower for a lawn, the overall area of the lawn is a prime consideration. Thank you for the tips and the list. I love this.

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Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews 2023

Deciding on the best self-propelled lawn mower isn’t as easy as it used to be. Do you need commercial or residential quality? Do you want to use gas or batteries for power? How much grass do you need to cut? Are you a mulcher or a bagger?

Having tested dozens of the best walk-behind lawn mowers from entry-level residential to the top professional models, we got our Pro team together to choose our top mowers in a range of scenarios.

One of the big things changing in the market is Honda’s announcement that the brand is exiting the lawn mower market. While you can still buy Honda mowers until they run out of stock, 2023 marks the end of production. We still highly recommend them, but due to the news and iffy availability, we’re not considering Honda as part of our choices this year.

Want to see more, including ride-on and robotic recommendations? Read out Best Lawn Mower Reviews main article!

Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

Commercial: Exmark Commercial X-Series Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

As we bid adieu to Honda this year, the HRC series still gets two thumbs up from us while you can get them. From there, we turn to Exnark and its Commercial X line that complements its Lazer Z zero-turn mowers well. Some professionals will certainly turn to the higher-capacity 30-inch model, but we expect the 21-inch model will find its way onto more trailers.

Exmark wisely uses a Honda 163cc GXV engine with a legendary reputation for reliability. It’s fed by a generous 1-gallon fuel tank and turns the blade at tip speeds up to 18,500 fpm. There’s also an option for a Kawasaki FJ180V engine if you’d like to step up to a 179cc engine.

The deck is 1/4-inch aluminum construction that keeps the weight down (112 pounds) while maintaining high durability. The deck is adjustable from 4.5 inches on the high side all the way down to 1 inch while the drive runs at speeds up to 4.2 MPH.

Manual Push Mower and LONG GRASS. Bosch AHM 38G and Scotts Push Mower

Residential: Toro Super Recycler Series 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Toro runs deep in the residential lawn mower sector and our favorite among them is the Super Recycler series. Getting the best of all the technology Toro has to offer, our top recommendation (model 21565) includes the Personal Pace drive system and the Smart Stow design that allows you to vertically store the mower even though it’s a gas model.

It uses a 163cc Briggs Stratton engine that produces 7.25 ft-lbs of torque and just under 17,000 fpm blade tip speed.

Toro touts a commercial-grade construction on this model and includes a lighter aluminum deck rather than steel. In addition to that, you get outstanding cut quality, especially on the mulching side (you better with the name Super Recycler!). Wrapping it up, the Personal Pace drive system adjusts to your walking pace so there are no levers or dials to adjust.

Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to find the best battery-powered lawn mower, you could only find residential models. Now, there’s an emerging class of professional-grade options and we have picks for both Pros and homeowners.

Professional: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

There aren’t many true commercial self-propelled lawn mowers with lithium-ion power sources. Milwaukee launched their effort in 2022 with a monstrous 10 ft-lbs of torque that tops what you typically see from a 200cc gas engine. It’s more than just muscle, though. Its blade and deck combine to handle mulching and bagging better than most.

As you roll into fall, the mower’s high-lift mode keeps the blades at 3300 RPM to help pull those lightweight leaves and clean up your lawn. Other features include 180° LED lighting, LED battery indicators facing you, variable speed thumb bar (in addition to the speed wheel), a durable build, and much more.

Price: 1099.00 with two 12.0Ah batteries and dual-port Rapid charger

Residential: EGO Select Cut XP 21-Inch Lawn Mower with Speed IQ

The evolution of EGO’s flagship mower is interesting. It started with the dual-battery Peak Power model that raised the bar of what lithium-ion is capable of. Then, we saw the first stacked-blade SelectCut options that improved cut quality and effectiveness in tall grass. The two technologies combined in the SelectCut XP. Now EGO adds Speed IQ to the mix.

Speed IQ is a self-propelled drive system that automatically adjusts to your pace. However, it’s not a spring-loaded set of handles like Toro uses on its Personal Pace models. Instead, there’s a sensor doing some serious engineering magic… and it works like a charm from our brief time with it at Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE).

Price: 599.00 bare, 999.00 with a 12.0Ah battery and Turbo charger

Best Large Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Can a battery-powered commercial mower really displace gas models? Greenworks Commercial has an 82V 30-inch model that got our attention at the Equip Expo in late 2022, and it’s hard to ignore as a legitimate option. It has the power to replace a 200cc gas engine with blade speeds up to 16,000 FPM. On a full charge, it can cover up to 2 acres.

There are drive system features worth considering as well. Independent hub wheel motors engage what Greenworks calls the Easy Turn System (ETS), making the mower easier to maneuver. Another big deal is that there is a powered reverse function—something that’s incredibly helpful with the weight of mowers in this class. The controls are all up next to your hands and there’s even a display to help you keep track of your battery levels.

Price: 1999.99 bare, 2999.99 with three 8Ah batteries and a dual-port charger

Residential: Toro TimeMaster 30-inch Personal Pace Mower

With 10 ft-lbs of torque delivered from its Briggs Stratton 223cc engine, the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster is our pick as the best large walk-behind lawn mower. Not only does it deliver big power to turn its time-saving 30-inch blade, but it also features Toro’s Personal Pace self-propelled drive and Spin-Stop that lets you stop the blade without shutting off the mower.

It all adds up to big-time savings on larger lawns. Grab model 21200 if you want an electric start or the 21199 if you don’t mind a recoil start and want to save 100.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for the Money

Toro’s 21-inch Recycler (21352) offers an excellent value for budget-minded homeowners. It’s a Made in the USA rear-wheel drive system powered by a Briggs Stratton 140cc engine. It comes ready to mulch, bag, or side discharge and you don’t have to worry about changing the oil. Just check the levels and add more when it’s necessary.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Brand

No one in the self-propelled lawn mower market dominates like Honda. Their engines enjoy a reputation for quality and durability every other manufacturer is shooting for, and their mowers are simply outstanding.

They typically run at a premium, though. Both Honda mowers and Honda-powered mowers are more expensive than similar designs from other brands. The big kick in the pants is Honda leaving the market, though.

That opens the door for Toro. There are a lot of Toro models we recommend for good reason and hit a wide range from budget-friendly homeowner mowers to commercial zero turns. It’s one of the best-selling brands of walk-behind mowers.

Getting hard sales figures is tough to come by, and it’s always possible we missed the mark. However, we see more Honda and Toro walk-behind mowers on commercial trailers and residential lawns than any other brand.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Bagging

You don’t have to ditch your current self-propelled lawn mower and buy a whole new one to improve your bagging efficiency. In most cases, adding a high-lift blade to your current mower will make a significant difference. With the exception of electric mowers, you don’t need to worry too much about matching the brand making the blade, but you do need to match the arbor style and the length. The package should tell you which brands it is compatible with.

If you’re still in the market for a new mower, higher RPMs make for better airflow and bagging. Check mowers with a 160cc or higher engine and compare the top blade speeds. You can always swap blades, but you can’t change the speed.

Pro Tip: If you have a 2-point or 4-point deck height adjustment, set the front wheels of your mower one notch higher than the rear to improve bagging.

Best Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower

Similar to a high-lift blade for bagging, you can improve your mulching efficiency with a mulching-specific blade. These usually have additional cutting edges that cut the clippings more times before they drop back into the grass. Keeping the blade sharp ensures you get the best mulching results every time you mow.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, look for a 160cc or higher engine to give you the torque you need to keep your blade speed high in thicker grass. Remember, you can always add a mulching blade, but you can’t make up for an underpowered engine.

Pro Tip: You get the best mulching results if you’re only taking an inch or two off the top of your grass, so make sure you stay on top of lawn maintenance during the peak cutting season.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Priorities

Best Rear-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills: YBravo Gen II 25-inch Commercial Mower

After running into issues with other commercial walk-behind mowers, we turned to YBravo 25-inch commercial mower to take care of a 3-acre soggy field that our ZTs only bogged down in. Its Kawasaki 180cc engine kept the blade turning where others simply stalled.

When it’s time to move out of the radio station swamp and you’re going for a more professional look, its cut quality is excellent as well. Available in a 21-inch and the 25-inch model we tested, Ybravo is worth serious consideration.

If you have a Bad Boy dealer closer to you, check out the same model sold under the Bad Boy brand name.

Best All-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Toro 22-inch Personal Pace All-Wheel Drive Mower 21472

AWD mowers are what you turn to for work on slopes and uneven terrain where it’s possible to have a wheel or two lose traction. For the best all-wheel drive self-propelled lawn mower, we like the Toro 21472 Personal Pace model.

Its 22-inch deck is on the larger size of standard mowers and the Personal Pace system is easy to work with once you get used to it. If you switch between mulching and bagging, the mower’s lever system is super simple.

Packing plenty of power with its 163cc Briggs Stratton engine, it’s not so much that it destroys the competition. It’s that its performance is excellent and the innovations are genuinely helpful while keeping its price in check.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Recommendations

Not every mower earns an award, but there are several other models we recommend that didn’t find a place earlier in the article. Check these options out if one of the others doesn’t fit your needs.

Best Lawn Mower Buying Guide – What We Look For

Gas vs Battery

Gas power still wins the day when you’re highest priorities are keeping your purchase price down and your power level high. With advancements in battery and motor technology, the OPE world is shifting towards battery power, though. It’s cleaner and quieter to run and requires less maintenance.

However, you have to look at premium models to get true gas power, and runtime can be a limiting factor. It’s also less likely you have a service center nearby that can get you back up and running quickly if there’s a problem.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, there are a lot of battery-powered options available. Once you get beyond that size, you need to consider how many batteries you’ll need and legitimate options really start to thin out once you hit 1/2 an acre. With larger lawns, newer battery-powered zero turn mowers are a legitimate option.

Take a deeper look at the comparison between gas and battery power in this article.

Commercial vs Residential

This might be better titled “professional vs homeowner” considering there are both commercial and residential professional crews. Regardless, commercial mowers are built with better components and commercial engines, creating a machine that is built to last for years of high-hour daily use.

If you’re a homeowner mowing once a week or so, a good residential mower can still last for 5 or 10 years (or more) if you take care of it. It just uses components and engine designs better fit for occasional use.

Engine Size and Cutting Power

If you stay on top of your mowing and cut quality isn’t a high priority, an engine as small as 140cc is likely fine.

Move up to the 160cc–180cc class for better performance when the grass is thicker and taller, or when you want to make sure you get excellent mulching, bagging, and/or clean cuts. The greater power improves lift and is less likely to bog down in thick patches.

How to Find the Best Lawn Mower | Consumer Reports

When you’re looking at deck sizes beyond 22 inches, you should start looking for engines in the 180cc–200cc range (or higher) to ensure it can keep the RPMs high while it’s cutting such a large swath.

Cut Quality

We look for three major components of cut quality: evenness, mulching size, and bagging efficiency.

Evenness is pretty straightforward. When we’re testing, we look for grass blades that weren’t cut and indications that there wasn’t enough lift to clip all of the blades at the same level.

When mulching, smaller clippings are better since they drop down closer to the base of the remaining grass. We also look to see if a mower is prone to leaving trails and clumps.

For bagging, it’s all about how much grass is collected, if the chute tends to clog while we’re cutting, and how much grass is deposited back to the ground.

Noise Level

One of the major benefits of battery-powered mowers is the lower noise levels compared to gas, but that doesn’t mean gas mowers have to be obnoxious. We expect higher levels than battery-powered models and that is typically the case.

When we test noise levels, we measure from our operator’s ear to get an idea of what the person using the mower should expect. Even though some mowers are quieter than others, we still recommend hearing protection when you’re using a gas model.

Fuel Efficiency

How efficient gas mowers use fuel has a very direct effect on your wallet, especially when you’re mowing every day as a Pro.

Fuel efficiency testing is more than just a runtime calculation. The cutting swath of a mower comes into play, especially on those 25 and 30-inch models. With larger lawns, it’s possible to get more cutting done per gallon of gas with an engine that uses more gas per hour.

Deck Size

21 or 22 inches is pretty standard for most mowers. Jumping up to a 25-inch or 30-inch mower may seem tempting, but it’s not for everyone.

If your lawn is a 1/4-acre or less, the time you gain with a larger deck might not mean a whole lot of time savings. Where you really gain some time is on lawns that are a 1/2-acre or more.

Keep in mind, larger deck-size mowers are heavier. When you have to mow wet or soggy areas, the weight can work against you.

Steel vs Plastic (Poly) Deck

The vast majority of gas mowers have steel decks while battery-powered models have a much higher percentage of plastic poly decks.

Those poly plastic decks are tougher than they look, but they probably won’t hold up as well as steel in the long run. It’s still highly unlikely that you’ll wear through one before it’s time to replace the mower, though.

However, there’s a whole lot more design flexibility that comes with poly decks, and engineers can do some amazing things to help with airflow that directly affects cut quality along with bagging and mulching efficiency.

Deck Height

Here in Florida, we have a lot of St. Augustine grass that we cut at 3 1/2 inches, so we prefer a mower that has at least a 4-inch maximum deck height.

Depending on what species of grass you have, you might be able to get away with a lower height, but 4 inches is a good all-around benchmark.

On the low end, most of us aren’t cutting golf course greens (you’d use a reel mower for that, anyway), so the minimum deck height usually isn’t an issue.

However, if you use a blade that dethatches or scalps for maintenance or re-seeding, you might want to make sure the deck height gets low enough—typically 1 1/2 inches or less.

Height Adjustment

Single-point height adjustments are the easiest since you can raise or lower the deck with just one lever. It’s common on battery-powered lawn mowers, but not so much on their heavier gas counterparts.

Part of that is because the single-point mechanisms tend to introduce additional flex into the system and the weight of a gas mower puts more strain on the mechanism. So while we generally prefer single-point, we understand why gas mowers may opt away from them.

Pro Tip: Set the front wheels one notch higher than the rear wheels to improve bagging efficiency on 4-point or 2-point adjustable mowers.

Adjustment Levels

If you’re really OCD, more height adjustments mean more precise cutting. Realistically, most of us are going to find a good height on any mower as long as it hits the maximum and minimum heights we mow at.

Setting the Speed

The type of speed adjustment your self-propelled lawn mower has can make or break your experience. There are pull levers, thumb push levers, full push bars (Toro’s Personal Pace), and iterations on those.

Try it at the dealer before you buy it. If you hate working the mechanism for a couple of minutes, imagine what it’s going to feel like after 30 minutes or an hour.

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

Front-wheel drive lawn mowers are typically the least expensive and work well for even terrain. They also help you turn the easiest since you lift up the drive wheels as you make your turns.

Rear-wheel drive mowers add some cost but create better traction on hills and slopes. They’re particularly good at pushing the mower’s weight uphill where front-wheel drives start to lose traction as they try to pull the weight.

All-wheel drive mowers are the most expensive and generally do the best job on hills, slopes, and uneven terrain. On particularly bumpy areas where it’s likely one or more wheels will lose traction, it’s the best bet.

Wheel Size

Larger wheels tend to handle bumps and uneven terrain better than smaller wheels according to manufacturers. However, it’s a claim that Consumer Reports says isn’t really the case.

Electric Start

If you’ve used a gas engine, there’s a good chance you’ve worn out your arm pulling the cord to start it. There’s no doubt that having an electric start on your mower can take away a lot of the frustration.

It won’t make up for poor maintenance, though. A well-maintained mower starts easily on the first or second pull. That begs the question as to whether the electric start is worth an extra hundred dollars.

It’s totally up to you, but if it’s in the budget, we want it.

Mulch, Bag, or Side/Rear Discharge?

Most quality mowers are 3-in-1, meaning you can bag, mulch, or side/rear discharge. Less expensive models often only provide options for bagging and mulching. Which one you choose depends on what type of grass you have, how fast it grows, and your personal preference.

In central Florida where St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia dominate our landscapes, the summer heat and rains make our grass grow incredibly fast. Most of us mulch out of necessity since we almost need a dumpster for the volume of clippings we create.

Handle Positions

Most lawn mowers have 3 handle positions you can set. For tall guys like me or average-height guys like Clint, it helps you find a more comfortable grip. Some mowers opt for 2, or sometimes just 1 handle position.

Value

Value is more than just price. We take a broad look at the performance and features compared to the price to determine the value of each mower.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers?

That’s not us. We only recommend what we’d actually use, even if we don’t earn a commission from it. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

How to Start a Push Lawn Mower

This article was co-authored by Jeremy Yamaguchi. Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others.

There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 669,176 times.

Starting a lawnmower can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. While there are some differences between lawnmowers, the same basic technique works for many of them. With a little practice and some elbow grease you’ll be starting your lawnmower like a pro in no time!

Starting the Lawnmower

Prepare to start the lawnmower. Move the lawnmower to an open, grassy area. Clear away any children’s toys or rocks. [1] X Research source

Make sure your mower has gas and oil. If your mower has a 4-stroke engine, you can check the oil by opening the oil fill cap or dipstick. If your mower has a 2-stroke engine you’ll need to mix oil in the gas. Make sure you mix the the right kind of oil with the gas, and in the proper ratio for your engine.

If the spark plug isn’t firmly attached, refer to your user manual. You may need to take the lawnmower to a mechanic to have it fixed.
Have a mechanic change the spark plug once a year. [2] X Research source
If the mower is cold, set the choke. The choke helps provide a richer fuel-air mixture to the engine, which helps it stay running until it warms up. Once the mower has been running for a few minutes turn off the choke.
If it doesn’t start or make any noises at all, the spark plug may not be attached. Check the spark plug and try again.
If it sputters and sounds like it’s trying to start (but doesn’t) you may not have enough gas in the tank.

Diagnosing Problems

You MUST disconnect the spark plug before doing this. Otherwise, you risk the lawnmower starting with your hands inside of it.
If the starter is still stuck after clearing out the debris, see a mechanic.
Check your user manual to see if it addresses this issue. Some models have “quirks” that can be easily fixed if you know how to do it.
Always be careful when changing the height of your lawnmower. Make sure the mower is off and the spark plug is disconnected.

Taking Care of Your Lawnmower

If your lawn mower doesn’t have a dipstick attached to the oil lid, look for a “fill” line inside the oil tank. If the oil level is below that line, add more oil.
If you decide to change the oil yourself, remember to properly dispose of the leftover oil by taking it to a recycling facility. Used oil can contaminate groundwater and damage the environment.
Never attempt to work on machinery alone. If you get hurt, no one will be around to help you.
Avoid filling the gas tank too high. If you do, the gas may spill out and cause a fire.
If you’re not sure what kind of gas to use, refer to your user manual.
To care for your lawn during a hot summer, mow high and water deeply and infrequently. [11] X Research source
Choose a fertilizer for your lawn depending on whether you want to achieve growth, replenish missing nutrients, or develop stronger roots. [12] X Research source
Once you figure out what works for your lawn, stick to that plan and see it through.

Community QA

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It is likely that the fingers on the starter clutch are staying open when you pull it so they are being tapped by the metal cup on the fly wheel that they grab onto when the pull starter is being engaged. It’s a typical sound for older used mowers and nothing to be too concerned about. If it continues after it’s started it could be the result of a rod knocking in the engine, at this point replace the engine or the mower.

The Best Lawn Mowers of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Honda HRX217VKA

The Honda HRX217VKA is powerful, heavy and ideal for larger lawns. Read

Ego Power LM2135SP

This mower is powerful, comfortable, and a joy to use. It performed extremely well mulching and driving itself uphill. Read

Honda HRN216VKA

Honda has produced superior power equipment for many years and this mower, which operates with rear-wheel drive, is no exception. Read

Kobalt KM 5080-06

The electric Kobalt KM 5080-06 was flexible and easy to operate, and can run bagged or bagless. Read

Hart HLPM061US

The Hart HLPM061US performed well across terrains and has a simple to use speed control. Read

Cons

Until just a few short years ago, gas lawn mowers were king. As more consumers are seeking eco-friendly cars, homes, and, yes, power equipment, advanced battery technology answers the call.

Today, consumers can drive an electric car, thrive in a solar-powered home and maintain their property with battery-powered equipment. But are the new electric push lawn mowers as good as the old internal combustion mowers? We decided to find out.

We tested gasoline, electric-corded, and battery-powered lawn mowers from the leading brands. We were eager to see if the battery-powered mowers could handle a large yard as well as the tried-and-true gasoline models. We weren’t disappointed. The Honda HRX217VKA (available at Amazon) came out on top as Best Overall, edging out its predecessor and our previous winner, the Honda HRN216VKA.

For the non-gasoline mowers, the Ego Power LM2135SP (available at Walmart) is our choice for Best Electric Lawn Mower. This mower set-up was quick, and it handled our testing well. The Ego Power also includes features not found on similar electric models.

The Honda HRX217VKA was a pleasure to use.

Quiet and powerful, the Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch NeXite lawn mower is the one to have for larger spaces. It is not designed for small yards, and you won’t be darting in and out of flower beds and shrubbery.

It is a pleasure to use. We had tested Honda mowers before and were familiar with their operation and overall product quality. The HRX217VKA did not disappoint. Easy to assemble and set up right out of the box, it started on the first pull of the cord.

Right away you can feel the heft of this mower with its innovative NeXite deck and powerful motor. It’s heavier than most mowers, but it feels planted on the lawn and tracks perfectly. It’s a mower for large lawns, and it makes the most difficult cuts a breeze.

With its 200cc motor and Select Drive Control, this mower easily cuts, bags and mulches the heaviest grass with ease. The Select Drive Control is almost intuitive as it lets you adjust the walking speed with a variety of settings.

The controls on the mower are large and easy to use. You can set the mower to bag or mulch or anywhere in between. Its user-friendly platform is clearly marked. You will use this lawn mower for years and years to come.

Cons

The Ego Power LM2135SP is the best electric lawn mower we’ve tested.

Until a few years ago, those who preferred not to buy an internal combustion mower had little choice. But advanced battery technology has finally arrived and the benefits can readily be seen in the Ego Power LM2135SP, a 21-inch self-propelled electric mower. This cordless mower with a cutting width of 21 inches utilizes a 56-volt lithium ion battery to power through up to 60 minutes of lawn cutting.

The Ego Power is powerful, comfortable, and a joy to use. Even though the battery only lasted about an hour, the mower performed extremely well mulching and driving itself uphill. It has plenty of torque and is capable of doing anything a gasoline-powered mower can do. It is clean, easy to use, and efficient.

The set-up on this mower was the easiest of the bunch. The handle slides and folds across the mower with ease, making storage a snap. Adjusting it to a personal height takes seconds.

A quick 50-minute charge on the battery and you’re ready to go. The battery charger even has a cooling fan that improves charging times and keeps the battery cool.

Like some of our other mowers, the Ego Power has twin blades that improve mulching and keep the trips to empty the rear bag to a minimum. Cutting height is achieved with one easy-to-access lever.

Operation is straightforward, and the composite deck makes the mower light and easy to maneuver around yard obstacles. Simply depress the power button, pull the green handle and the blades begin to spin. Dual buttons on the handle make engaging the self-propel feature safe and comfortable.

The Ego Power comes with LED headlights for convenience, and it was the only mower we tested that could propel itself when the blades were not spinning. This was a nice feature that eliminated pushing the mower back to the garage.

Other Lawn Mowers We Tested

Previously our pick for best lawn mower, the Honda HRN216VKA is a 21-inch self-propelled gas mower that’s a great choice for any yard. Honda has produced superior power equipment for many years, and this mower, which operates with rear-wheel drive, is no exception. It can handle the toughest lawns with ease and won’t take up much room in the garage.

The set-up was easy and the mower started on the first pull. Its smooth engine is quieter than the other gasoline mowers, and it has more than enough power to cut and mulch the grass even while going uphill.

The Honda has a stacked and offset blade design that produces smaller clippings, which allows for better mulching and bagging. This means more efficient cutting and fewer stops to empty the grass bag. The bagging and mulching options can be easily and safely selected, once the mower is off, by using one lever on the mowing deck.

The innovative self-propel system is comfortable on the hands, provides adequate speed control, and can even be adjusted for those who are taller or shorter. Folding the handle for storage can be done quickly. This Honda lawn mower even has a gas shut-off valve for off-season storage.

Cons

The Kobalt 80V 21-inch electric mower is a great choice for anyone that wants an affordable, flexible, compact mower that is easy to maneuver and doesn’t require extension cords or gas cans. The mower is strong enough to chop through thick grass, and offers a highly adjustable cutting height.

At 66 pounds it is very easy to operate, with the ability to go bagged or bagless, and you can fold up the push handle for compact storage.

The main draw here is the 80V battery system, which gives you an hour of runtime in our testing, enough to cut about 7,500 square feet on a full charge. It also works in a variety of other Kobalt tools, and spares will run you right around 150. Charging the battery takes around 45 minutes when it’s dead, and it just pops into the battery slot and the mower can turn on with a press of a button if the safety key is inserted—much easier than having to use a traditional pull start.

Overall if you need a nice, basic mower to get the job done and want to go cordless, this is an excellent choice. It cuts clean lines, it’s easy to use, it can handle most lawns with ease, and the light weight makes it much easier to move up and around slopes and hills.

Especially if you’re planning to invest in a range of electric tools, this is a good system to buy into.

Cons

This Hart lawnmower was a pleasant surprise.

After removing it from the box and charging the batteries, we fired it up and took it out to the thick, lush grass.

It performed beautifully; its powerful electric motor cut through the lawn with ease and even increased its revolutions when we cut thicker grass. This mower easily handles a larger lawn.

The Hart mower moved with power and confidence through the lawn, and the simple-to-use speed control was right there at your fingertips. While our winning Honda gas mower has a sophisticated Select Drive System, the Hart’s simple slide bar works as well or better.

This excellent lawnmower has the power and convenience of mowers costing much more.

Cons

The Toro is a worthy competitor to the top-ranking mowers on this list.

This Toro lawn mower has the largest cutting area at 22 inches, and it is powerful and comfortable to use, thanks to its Personal Pace self-propel system.

To engage the self-propel, simply push the lever forward a bit and the mower begins to move forward, push it a little more and the mower moves faster. After a couple of rows of cutting, you will see how easy it is to regulate speed. This system is not as intuitive as some of the others, but it still works quite well.

Another great feature: The Toro has Briggs and Stratton’s check-don’t-change oil system that never requires an oil change.

Storage is also a snap as the handle folds down and the mower can be stored vertically.

Cons

At just 58 pounds, this mower makes cutting small lawns a lot of fun. The rear discharge chute allows you trim close to trees, beds, and shrubbery. I found myself zipping around obstacles using only one hand.

This is a simple machine with one battery in the center. Charging time is quick, and once the battery is in you’re on your way.

This is not a lawn mower for the back 40. With a 20-inch cut and a small electric motor, it is just not capable of handling larger lawns. But for most mid to small yards, this mower can clean up the area in no time.

Light and easy to store, this is the perfect mower to keep a lawn looking great.

Cons

The 21-inch Ryobi RY401150 40-volt brushless mower set up quickly and easily right out of the box. It includes double blades and cuts clean and clear.

This mower comes with two batteries that can be installed in the top of the machine. One notable drawback is that only one battery powers the mower at a time—cut your grass for approximately 30 minutes and when the first battery is depleted, you stop and move a switch to engage the second battery. Ryobi says that the batteries will last for 70 minutes, but stopping to change batteries seems counterproductive.

Otherwise, the mower performed well and completed all of the tests. It has a one-lever height adjustment and is light enough to maneuver around obstacles. It has plenty of power and handled the hill with little strain.

While both the Ego Power and Ryobi were solid performers on the electric front, the Ryobi was let down by its self-propel controls. The controls are located under the bar, but the lever is vague and unresponsive. Because the lever is designed for thumbs only, you need to push the lever in an awkward manner to get the mower up to speed.

Cons

For a corded mower, the Greenworks 25022 lawn mower performed quite well. The set-up was easy, and once it was plugged in, it started right up.

Of course, before you use the mower there is the time-consuming task of unearthing your extension cord, unraveling it, and finding a suitable outdoor plug. Once plugged in, the mower embraces its purpose with ease.

It has a powerful 12-amp electric motor that may not conquer larger lawns, but is perfect for smaller yards and trimming duties. Not to mention it offers clean and even mowing.

Not being self-propelled, it takes some effort to push the lawn mower and cord uphill and then navigate a path back so as to not cut your cord.

Cons

The 14-inch Sun Joe MJ401E lawn mower is the easiest to store. Its diminutive size makes it the perfect lawn mower for small yards and trimming duties. It’s light enough to pick up and move, and it comes with an easy-to-use bagging system.

Still, this is not a lawn mower for cutting the typical suburban lawn, as its lightweight, short wheel base and small wheels make it a little unstable over roots and ruts.

Of all of the lawnmowers tested, the Sun Joe provided the most difficulty when it came time to adjust the height of the blades. The mower utilizes solid axles, front and rear, and the axles are located in a three-notch system under the mower. To change the height of the cut, you need to pull the spring-loaded axles from their positions and move them up or down. It’s a challenging exercise.

The Sun Joe is corded, so cutting area is limited. To its credit, it’s powerful enough when running, but the limited scope means you will have a hard time tackling an entire yard.

How We Tested Lawn Mowers

The Testers

We spent the summer mowing a half-acre New England lawn, over and over again.

Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.

Ray Lane is a retired supermarket store manager, avid golfer, and product tester for Reviewed. His lawn is the envy of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and he has used several push mowers over the years. At 83 years of age, his input on the mowers was critical, specifically when evaluating ease of starting, maneuverability, and safety.

The Tests

We tested lawn mowers on both flat land and hills to test maneuverability and power.

After ordering from retailers like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, we assembled each mower and took note of the ease of the set up and how quickly we could adjust the handle to our preference. We then added gasoline, a battery, or an electrical cord to get the mower ready. We evaluated at the ease of setting the cutting height, first testing a high cutting height and then a lower one.

We took each mower on a few passes of an uncut half-acre lawn, measuring approximately 22,000 square feet, noting how it cut at a high height and a lower height while we monitored both the bagging and mulching features. Then we took each mower up and down a grassy hill to see how they performed. Our final test was testing storage capability.

What You Should Know About Lawn Mowers

Self-propelled lawn mowers can take some of the effort out of walk-behind mowing.

There are two basic types of walk-behind mowers: push and self-propelled.

The push type of mower is usually smaller, lighter, and easier to store. They are used primarily for smaller, level lawns. They are perfect for cleaning up areas that larger riding lawn mowers may miss. They can be run by gasoline, cords, or battery.

Self-propelled lawn mowers usually have a larger cutting diameter and can move on their own through operator controls. These mowers can also be powered by gasoline, cords, or battery. Since they take the brunt of the pushing away, self-propelled mowers are perfect for larger lawns up to a half-acre, and they can easily handle hills and sloped lawns. These self-propelled mowers aren’t fully robotic lawn mowers so you still have to do some work guiding them around your yard.

What Is A Self-propelled Lawn Mower?

The first self-propelled lawn mowers started to appear in the late-1960s. As suburbia grew and lawns got larger, pushing a heavy steel mower around on a summer afternoon wasn’t what most people wanted to be doing.

The first self-propelled mowers had primitive front-wheel drive systems that worked well enough, but the mowers often moved along too slowly. Sure, you weren’t pushing but you were caught in a slow-moving lawn-cutting procession. Early mowers either moved too slowly or too fast to match a natural walking speed.

Today’s mowers offer a much better propulsion system. The Honda NeXite Variable Speed 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self-propelled Mower with Select Drive Control, for example, allows a variety of walking speed settings. Owners can literally dial in their preferred walking speed so that they become one with the mower, not being pulled and not having to push.

The Ego Power Select Cut 56-Volt Brushless 21-in Self-propelled Cordless Electric Lawn Mower even allows the operator to drive out to the lawn without the blades turning. That is a great feature.

Today’s self-propelled mowers reduce operator fatigue and make cutting the grass easier than years ago. Self-propelled mowers make cutting on hills safer and more efficient. And with modern speed options they make a summertime chore a little more enjoyable.

Gasoline, Corded Electric, or Battery—Which Lawn Mower is Right for You?

Battery-powered lawn mowers can be powerful and efficient.

Gasoline

Gasoline-powered lawnmowers have kept lawns manicured for decades. They are powerful, reliable, and affordable, and come with features such as self-propelled movement, mulching features, and self-cleaning availability. They are powerful enough for large lawn care jobs and can tackle any lawn from a quarter- to half-acre acre. Any lawn bigger than that would necessitate a riding mower.

But gas-powered mowers emit dangerous carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, require yearly maintenance, and require the storage of gasoline and oil. This may not be suitable for some consumers.

Corded Electric

Corded electric mowers have been around for years and were historically the choice of consumers who had smaller lawns and didn’t need the more powerful gasoline mower. While powerful enough to get most cutting or trimming jobs done, the one obvious drawback to a corded mower is the electrical cord.

For any yard worthy of mowing, a long electrical extension cord is required to power the mower. This can be a minor annoyance, such as having to keep the cord free from getting tangled in trees and bushes, to a major annoyance when you drive over it and cut it into small pieces.

However, corded electric mowers require no gas, oil, or maintenance and, other than a blade sharpening from time to time, can perform reliably for years.

Battery

Battery-powered cars, power equipment, and tools have been around for a long time. The electric motors were strong and reliable enough, but the battery was not. Just a few years ago, an electric car could expect to go only 100 miles on a charge, and power tools and equipment didn’t last long either. In the past few years, battery technology has improved by leaps and bounds.

Electric cars can expect hundreds of miles on a charge and power tools and equipment can last a full day. This lithium battery technology found its way to lawnmowers and it has created a viable option for those consumers who don’t want gas and don’t want a cord. These battery-powered mowers are powerful, efficient, lightweight, and green. Many now use brushless electric motors, which are more efficient, produce more torque, and are longer lasting than the older electric motors with brushes.

How often should I mow my lawn?

Cutting the lawn too often and only cutting it when it gets overgrown are both unhealthy for a lush, beautiful lawn. The rule of thumb in the lawn-care industry is to keep the grass between 3 inches and 3.5 inches in length. This allows the grass to be long enough to thrive in hot, summer weather.

When cutting grass, never take more than a third of the blade at once. In other words, never cut more than an inch or so. Not only does this cause clumping of grass on the lawn or in the mower bag, but it takes too many nutrients and moisture from the grass itself.

After the late winter fertilizer treatments and the often heavy rains, lawns start to come to life. You’ll find that the grass will need cutting every 4 to 5 days in order to remove just enough length. As the summer wanes on and the temperature rises, the grass will grow a bit slower and a once week cutting is adequate.

It is also important to keep the blades of your lawnmower good and sharp. Since the lawnmower blades are often made of steel, they will develop a dull edge after a season of cutting. A dull edge on a blade will tear the grass and not cut it. This may result in browning of the tips of the grass and put more stress on the mower as well.

While you are under the deck checking those blades—and always disconnect the spark plug wire before going under the mower—be sure there is no old clumped up grass clinging to the mower deck.

Meet the testers

TJ is the Director of Content Development at Reviewed. He is a Massachusetts native and has covered electronics, cameras, TVs, smartphones, parenting, and more for Reviewed. He is from the self-styled “Cranberry Capitol of the World,” which is, in fact, a real thing.

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Sources:

https://www.crabgrasslawn.com/best-lawn-mower-for-bermuda-grass/
https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-self-propelled-lawn-mower-reviews/
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Push-Lawn-Mower
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/home-outdoors/best-right-now/best-lawn-mowers

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