9 Fixes For When Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start. Key start push mower

Best Electric Start Gas Lawn Mower

After gathering 13 lawn mowers and testing a couple of days Toro Recycler is the winner of our lawn mower list.

Because of its features (auto-drive system, vortex technology, deck wash port, ready to start) and affordable price tag.

I am Mohammad Sojib, working as a garden expert for the past couple of years. Since my childhood, I have loved making gardens and sharing tips with my friends.

However, there are lots of types of lawn mowers available on the market and it’s hard to choose if you don’t know about them.

That’s why here I’m and write an in-depth review only for you.

Top 5 Best Electric Start Gas Lawn Mowers Reviewed

Now we are to the most interesting part of this article, where I will give you a detailed review of the 5 best electric start gas lawn mowers that fit all sizes and types of the yard.

Not only the reviews but also I will provide highlighted features, specifications, and pros and cons.

This way you can quickly compare between the different models and easily make the final purchasing decision.

Ok, Let’s dive into the detailed mower reviews.

Toro Recycler 22 in. Briggs Stratton Personal Pace.

  • Auto Drive (Self-propelled): No height change, no need to push, drive automatically
  • Vortex Technology: Offer more airflow, cutting your grass into clumps clippings and helps to fertilize your lawn
  • Toro’s SmartStow: Another name for the foldable handle that allows setting the height in two unique positions. This feature saves up to 70% garage storage. Along with allows to store mowers in a tiny space.
  • Ready Start: No need to prime the auto choke. Press the power button and it will start automatically.
  • Deck wash port: Automatic deck system, it’s allowed to wash mower deck with a garden hose.
  • Best for: Up to 1 acre (Overall)
your, lawn, mower, start, push

Toro Recycler Personal Space is a self-propelled lawn mower. And it’s an auto-drive system suitable for a young to 70-year-old man. We are in love with its superior performance. Over 4000 customers gave a 4.2 rating out of 5 stars on Home Depot, making it the most trustable lawn mower in the USA.

After working lots of hours, this mower fully meets all our criteria like cut quality, grass management system, and compare performance between flat and hilly (terrain), though we found some drawbacks, these are not major.

The 22 inches stumped 14 gauge steel deck is hard to break in soil or tree clumps and it saves lots of time. Its 150cc engine provides enough power to cut the grass efficiently. But it didn’t perform well on the tall grass.

So, if your lawn’s grass grows quickly then we strongly recommend you set the height cutting height and mow your lawn two times.

However, it’s a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) mower and the RWD drive system provides better traction on the flat or sloped. But the drawback is, plastic-made wheels that sometimes lose traction on large slopes. But not to worry, if your lawn has small flat slopes of flat you can easily avoid it.

Well, for better grass management the TORO offers 3 in 1 versatility whether it’s reducing clumps and adding natural nutrients with the mulching, a clean look with bagging and for the thick grass it offers side discharge.

Long story short, it’s the most reliable lawn mower that offers lots of features price-on-demand. So, if you have up to 1/2 acres of lawns with medium slopes, I will encourage you to go with it.

Honda HRX NeXite HRX217HZA Review

  • NeXite Deck: NeXite deck is made from an extremely durable polymer material. It has similar strength and impacts resistance to polymer materials commonly found in football helmets and car bumpers, etc. Honda uses this for making the mower lightweight besides durable.
  • Micro-Cut Twin Blades: Dual blade and the micro-cut features that allow it to cut grass at any height.
  • Leaf Shredding: Directly helps to produce leaf mulch or compost on the soil.
  • Hydrostatic Cruise Control: Generally cruise control system allows you to control the mower from 0 to 4 MPH. Also, it can help you adjust the speed based on mowing conditions. Prominent features for old men/women.
  • Roto stop: Stop the blade propelling while the mower engine is running. Outstanding features from when you move the mower from one place to another.
  • Best for: 1/2 to 1acre

The Honda HRX217HZA is the most premium and pricey lawn mower on our list. All kinds of the latest technology used in this mower save and make mowing time much easier than before. Over 112 customers gave a 4.8 rating out of 5 stars on Home Depot, making it the most premium lawn mower in the USA.

Its rear-wheel drive (RWD) lawn mower which features the most powerful GCV200 engine which delivers high performance and efficiency on any type of yard.

However, the ball-bearing wheels offer better traction and maneuverability on flat soil of every ground. Also, the machine performed well on the larger slopes.

Also, with cut quality the 21 inches, micro-cut twin blades tackle all kinds of the toughest mowing jobs. Also, it features a roto stop functionality that allows it to stop the blade while the engine is running.

Additionally, the hydrostatic cruise control system offers to adjust the mower speed depending on your walking speed.

For ensuring durability and making it lightweight, Honda uses a NeXite deck. For better grass management Honda offers a 4 in 1 versamow system with a clip detector. The versamow allows you mulching, bagging, side discharge, and leaf shredding. It does not satisfy us with its mulching capability. But thanks to leaf shredding. It allows the production of leaf mulch.

Also, this mower comes with 3 positions quick release adjustable handles. So if you’re a tall person, don’t worry about back pain.

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Overall, it’s the great mower for price on demand. It fits all sizes and types of lawn types. Also, for ensuring longevity Honda offers a 5-year mower warranty.

If we sum this review, then I’d love to suggest that you, if your budget is high and looking for the most premium lawnmower with robust performance, then I will encourage you to purchase this one.

Yard Force YF22ESSPV Review

  • ReadyStart: No prime or choke or turn pull cord. Just press the power button and it’s start working
  • 20V 1.5 Ah battery: Using for electric start. And it comes with a charger.
  • Deck Wash Port: Allows to wash mower deck, by using the garden hoses reel.
  • Variable speed: Adjust the mower speed based on your walking speed.
  • Hybrid Grass Bag: Wide open mouth than the general grass bagger.
  • Best for: 1/2 to 1 acre

Yard Force YF22ESSPV is the latest lawn mower in the market that comes at a reasonable price. Yard Force is a reliable Band in the USA.

Before choosing any mower, we are trying to see their positive and negative reviews.

If we look at the home depot, it gets 20 reviews where 12 people gave 5-star ratings. Impressive.

Its rear-wheel drive (RWD) self-propelled lawn mower which features a 163cc Briggs Stratton engine. This powerful gas engine always provides enough power to drive on the slopes and tackle the toughest mowing job.

The 12 in. Rear/8-inch front wheels are PVC wrapped. PVC meets the soils and provides better traction in the flat or large lawn slopes.

over, it offers variable speed control features that allow adjusting the mower speed based on the walking speed. Unlike the other gas mowers, it’s very easy to maintain and operate. But the drawback sometimes is to make fewer fumes.

With the grass, its 21 inches 7 position height setting deck allows to cut the grass into the different levels and provides a nice and clean appearance

For better grass management it has a 3 in 1 function. Its bagging (2 Brussel hybrid grass badger ) and mulching plug are so convenient and easy to attach and detach. Also, if your lawn has thick grass, then we suggest using side discharge.

As a bonus kit, the yard force provides a 20 Volt blower-sweeper in the box. It’s good for normal tasks.

After testing all the criteria, truly it’s a great mower. And also like the other mower, the Yard force also provides a 2-year warranty on the engine and chassis that make this mower more reliable.

So if you have a medium budget and are looking for an electric start gas self-propelled lawn mower, hopefully, it meets all criteria.

CRAFTSMAN M270 Reviews

  • FWD: Front wheel drive lawn mower.Good for flat lawn.
  • Automatic Choke: It automatically sets the choke to give optimum starting and running in all conditions.
  • 1.9 Bushel Dust Blocker Bag: 1.9 bushel equal to 25 lbs. It reduces in the air dust and debris while collecting grass clippings for easy clean up or composting.
  • V20 battery: It allows you to start the mower by pressing the push button
  • Deck Wash Port: Connect to the garden hostess reel, it automatically clean the mower deck.
  • Best for: 1/2 to 1 acre flat lawn

Starting with a online reviews of this craftsman m270 lawn mower

My daughter bought this last year. She let me try it last weekend. Im 65, have trouble walking to mow my whole front yard with a small hill on the corner. Loved the push start. The self-propelled helped me mow my whole yard by myself! I needed this mower! Really disappointed to find I can not find this mower anywhere!!

I found it on the Lowes. Over 243 customers gave a 4.1 rating out of 5 stars on Lowes, making it the best lawn mower in the USA.

It’s a self-propelled lawn mower. So if you’re an old man, don’t worry about this weight. You just need to know how to control this mower.

Featuring a reliable 159cc craftsman powerful engine that provides sufficient power to drive the mower and tackles the hardest mowing job.

The mower has a 21-inch steel deck with dual lever 6 position height change that allows it to cut the grass 1.25-in. to 3.75-in.high

Also, it has a variable speed control feature that is very essential to begin a self-propelled lawn mower.

On the other hand, the front-wheel-drive system performs well in the flat with obtsalace types of yards. But it didn’t perform well on lawn slopes. It loses traction every time.

Overall, it’s a great mower, if you have flat lawns. Otherwise, if your lawn has large slopes, then we won’t recommend it.

DeWALT DW33 Lawn Mower Review

  • High-lift Marbain(R) blade: Create more airflow, and it’s incomparable wear resistance
  • Ergonomic Pistol Grips: Hold your hand in a good position.
  • Electric PTO Clutch Brake: Used to engage and disengage rotating blades on outdoor power equipment.
  • Caster Front Wheel: Help to increase speed, straight line trachkings and also better cornering. It also increases the mower wheel’s traction.

Starting with its 33-inch mowing steel deck that saves up to 50% time than ever. This is a walk-behind lawn mower and specially made for commercial purposes.

The mower packs with a giant 382 cc power engine that provides consistent performance while the larger cutting deck cuts the grass enough on each pass.

How to Start an Electric Lawn Mower

On the other hand, its caster wheel provides better traction in any type of lawn, like flat, uneven, or slopes. Also, this mower performs well on the larger slopes. And also began a self-propelled lawn mower; it also has adjustable speed control features.

However, for increasing productivity the mower has 8 position height change settings with a single lever. The razor-sharp blade cuts any type of grass. And it can also cut the weeds. But I do not recommend you cut the weeds. It damages the blade’s sharpness.

When it comes to grass management, this mower features mulch, bagging, and side discharge. Bagging is so convenient. It allows 2 gallons of grass at a time.

So if you’re working on 1/2 or up to 1 acre of lawn you don’t need to empty the bagger many times.

Overall, DeWALT DW33 is the best mower for these people who are too lazy to do their mowing job. And also if you want to start a lawn mowing business and are looking for a walk-behind lawn mower at a reasonable price, then I encourage you to purchase this mower.

Guide to Buying Best Electric Start Self Gas Lawn Mower

As we mention the 5 lawn mowers, all of them are worth buying based on your needs. But of course, you can not buy them all. It is time to make the right decision to save money. That is where this buying guide creates an image that helps to understand what’s the best for you.

Here are all the important factors that you need to consider while you looking for an ideal mower:

Cost-effectiveness

As a garden expert, the lawn mower is an essential part of my life. If you maintain a garden or lawn, you should choose the right lawn mower that lasts at least 5 years plus. Some people are choosing the cheap lawn mower. They can not deliver high performance and also make noise that is so annoying. And sometimes neighbors are brothers at this lawn mower sound.

Before purchasing a mower, you should know all the features that meet your criteria and offer on demand. If it isn’t then eliminate the mower from your list.

Long livity

You buy a lawn mower for 300 – 500 USD, and after using it for 1 year you have to go to customer care to repair your lawn mower.

In my experience I saw lots of people buying lawn mowers after a season of a few weeks. They are breaking the deck and the blades lose their sharpness.

In our review, we analyze all of those things and write an in-depth article. So don’t worry.

Ease Of Use

As a gas mower, it requires maintenance every year for a long life. So the best thing is knowing the lawn mower maintenance.

See the mower design and operating system. If you think all of them are user friendly and safe for you, pick them.

Versatility

You can not do all the different lawn tasks with the lawn mower. But instead of different work, look at versatile elan mowing features like grass management features (3 in 1 or 4 in 1), variable speed, and different levels of height change. It will save time and effort.

Special Features

Here are some special features that you can look for

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about electric start gas lawn mowers.

Why You Should Consider a Gas-Powered Lawn Mower?

Aside from longevity, the gas mower is far better than an electric lawn mower. Also, they tackle every type of thought mowing job and provide robust performance.

Do mower deck wash ports work

Yes. It works. A deck wash port helps to clean the lawn mower deck with a garden hose reel. If clean the mower deck from the grass clipping and other debris.

Which is the best lawn mower for old men or women?

For old men or women, we recommend a self problem lawn mower that has a single lever height change and also a foldable handlebar.Above we mention 5 different lawn mowers, so I would recommend that Toro is an excellent choice. Even so, you can consider other lawn mowers.

Final Verdict: Best Electric Start Gas Lawn Mower

As we can see, all lawn mowers come and pack with distinct features and prices. After testing lots of hours we can suggest Toro personal space is the best electric start gas lawn mower that meets all our criteria at an affordable price range.

But if you have more budget, then I will encourage you to choose Honda HRX.

And also, hopefully, all of our lawn mowers are great for those looking for the electric start gas lawn mower.

We just love our work and share tips with you…!

Phone Number: (210) 891-5196

Email Address: admin@mowerslab.com

There are a number of reasons, mechanical and otherwise, why a mower won’t run. The good news is that fixing most all of the issues is easy enough for a DIYer to handle.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Lawn care can be tedious, but once the grass starts growing in the spring, mowing becomes a fact of life in most neighborhoods. When you finally muster the strength to tackle that first cut of the season, there are few sounds as disheartening as that of a lawn mower engine that turns over but doesn’t start.

Before you drag the mower in for repairs or invest in costly replacement parts, first make sure that a clogged air filter, soiled spark plug, damaged safety cable, clogged mowing deck, or contaminated gas isn’t to blame. Work through the following steps, and you may be able to get your puttering grass guzzler up and running again in no time.

A lawn mower repair professional can help. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from pros near you.

Fix underpowered lawn mower and increase battery life

Change the lawn mower carburetor filter.

Your lawn mower’s air filter guards the carburetor and engine from debris like grass clippings and dirt. When the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty, it can prevent the engine from starting. To keep this from happening, replace paper filters—or clean or replace foam filters—after every 25 hours of engine use.

The process for removing the filter depends on whether you are operating a riding or walk-behind lawn mower. For a riding mower, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake; for a walk-behind mower, pull the spark plug wire from the plug. Then, lift the filter from its housing.

The only choice for paper filters is replacement. If you’re cleaning a foam filter, wash it in a solution of hot water and detergent to loosen grime. Allow it to dry completely, and then wipe fresh motor oil over the filter, replace it in its housing, and power up the mower—this time to the pleasant whirring of an engine in tip-top condition.

Check the spark plug.

Is your lawn mower still being stubborn? The culprit may be the spark plug, which is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If it’s loosened, disconnected, or coated in water or carbon residue, the spark plug may be the cause of your machine’s malfunction.

Locate the spark plug, often found on the front of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire, revealing the plug beneath. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the spark plug and remove it.

Check the electrode and insulator. If you see buildup, spray brake cleaner onto the plug, and let it soak for several minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Reinstall the spark plug, first by hand, and then with a socket wrench for a final tightening. If the problem persists, consider changing the spark plug.

Clear the mower deck of debris.

The mower’s deck prevents grass clippings from showering into the air like confetti, but it also creates a place for them to collect. Grass clippings can clog the mower deck, especially while mowing a wet lawn, preventing the blade from turning.

If the starter rope seems stuck or is difficult to pull, then it’s probably due to a clogged deck. With the mower safely turned off, tip it over onto its side and examine the underbelly. If there are large clumps of cut grass caught between the blade and deck, use a trowel to scrape these clippings free. When the deck is clean again, set the mower back on its feet and start it up.

Clear the vent in the lawn mower fuel cap.

The mower started just fine, you’ve made the first few passes, then all of a sudden the mower quits. You pull the cord a few times, but the engine just sputters and dies. What’s happening? It could have something to do with the fuel cap. Most mowers have a vented fuel cap. This vent is intended to release pressure, allowing fuel to flow from the tank to the carburetor. Without the vent, the gas fumes inside the tank begin to build up, creating a vacuum that eventually becomes so strong that it stops the flow of fuel.

To find out if this is the problem, remove the gas cap to break the vacuum, then reattach it. The mower should start right up. But if the lawn mower won’t stay running and cuts off again after 10 minutes or so, you’ll need to get a new gas cap.

Clean and refill the lawn mower fuel tank.

An obvious—and often overlooked—reason your mower may not be starting is that the tank is empty or contains gas that is either old or contaminated with excess moisture and dirt. If your gas is more than a month old, use an oil siphon pump to drain it from the tank.

(It’s important to be careful as spilled oil can cause smoking, but there are other reasons this might happen. Read more about what to do when your lawn mower is smoking.)

Add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a fuel stabilizer to extend the life of the gas and prevent future buildup. A clogged fuel filter is another possible reason for a lawn mower not to start. When the filter is clogged, the engine can’t access the gas that makes the system go. If your mower has a fuel filter (not all do), check to make sure it’s functioning properly.

First, remove the fuel line at the carburetor. Gas should flow out. If it doesn’t, confirm that the fuel shutoff valve isn’t accidentally closed. Then remove the fuel line that’s ahead of the fuel filter inlet. If gas runs out freely, there’s a problem with the fuel filter. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on replacing the filter and reassembling the mower.

Inspect the safety release mechanism cable.

Your lawn mower’s reluctance to start may have nothing to do with the engine at all but rather with one of the mower’s safety features: the dead man’s control. This colorfully named safety bar must be held in place by the operator for the engine to start or run. When the bar is released, the engine stops. While this mechanism cuts down on the likelihood of horrific lawn mower accidents, it also can be the reason the mower won’t start.

The safety bar of a dead man’s control is attached to a metal cable that connects to the engine’s ignition coil, which is responsible for sending current to the spark plug. If your lawn mower’s engine won’t start, check to see if that cable is damaged or broken. If it is, you’ll need to replace it before the mower will start.

Fortunately, replacing a broken control cable is an easy job. You may, however, have to wait a few days to get the part. Jot down the serial number of your lawn mower, then head to the manufacturer’s website to order a new cable.

Check to see if the flywheel brake is fully engaged.

The flywheel helps to make the engine work smoothly through inertia. When it isn’t working properly, it will prevent the mower’s engine from working.

If it is fully engaged, it can make a mower’s pull cord hard to pull. Check the brake pad to see if it makes full contact with the flywheel and that there isn’t anything jamming the blade so the control lever can move freely.

If the flywheel brake’s key sheared, the mower may have run over something that got tangled in the blade. It is possible to replace a flywheel key, but it does require taking apart the mower.

Look out for signs that the mower needs professional repairs.

While repairing lawn mowers can be a DIY job, there are times when it can be best to ask a professional to help repair a lawn mower. If you’ve done all of the proper mower maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer, and gone through all of the possible ways to fix the mower from the steps above, then it may be best to call a pro. Here are a few signs that indicate when a pro’s help is a good idea.

  • You see black smoke. The engine will benefit from a technician’s evaluation, as it could be cracked or something else might be worn out.
  • Excessive oil or gas usage. If you’ve changed the spark plugs, and done all of the other maintenance tasks, and the mower is consuming more than its usual amount of oil or gas, consult a professional for an evaluation.
  • The lawn mower is making a knocking sound. When a lawn mower starts making a knocking sound, something could be bent or out of alignment. It may be tough to figure this out on your own, so a pro could help.
  • A vibrating or shaking lawn mower can be a sign of a problem beyond a DIY fix. Usually something is loose or not aligning properly.

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

Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a 30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even 1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a 30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even 1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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.

Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a 30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even 1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Whether you’re buying your first mower or replacing an old one, navigating the maze of models and features can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you narrow your choices.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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Family Handyman

Don’t forget electric mowers

If you don’t have a huge lawn, a battery-powered mower may be perfect. Cordless mowers are quieter, require less maintenance, and of course, run without gas or oil. But best of all, you’ll never have to start a gas engine—you just push a button or lever and you’re mowing.

As lithium-ion battery technology has improved, most manufacturers have included cordless mowers in their lineup, so you’ll have plenty of choices. Many of these mowers can cut an average suburban yard (about one-fifth of an acre) on a single charge. for battery-powered mowers are similar to those of their gas-powered rivals, and you’ll find most of the same features, too.

Family Handyman

Match the drive system to your terrain and yard size

If your lawn is relatively flat and not huge, chances are you’ll be perfectly happy with a push mower—that is, a mower that’s not self-propelled. In addition to being cheaper, mowers without power to the wheels are lighter, have fewer mechanical parts to wear out, and are usually easier to maneuver. If you have hills or a large yard, a self-propelled mower is a better choice. Front wheel drive mowers pull the mower along but may lose traction on hills, where you tend to push down on the handle. And if you bag your grass, the weight of the bag will reduce the traction on the front wheels, making the drive wheels less effective. In most cases, rear- wheel drive is the best option since it works great on hills and with a bag. All-wheel drive is needed only for severely sloping terrain. If you buy a self-propelled mower, consider upgrading to variable speed for more flexibility in matching your mowing speed to the lawn conditions and your walking speed.