Rear drive lawn mower. Front Wheel vs Rear Wheel Lawn Mower – Which is best

Front Wheel Drive vs Rear Wheel Drive Lawn Mower – Which is best?

Self-propelled lawn mowers usually come in one of two drive options: front or rear wheel drive.

Both types have their pros and cons. Depending on your yard, there are real advantages to choosing one type or the other.

But, which one is right for you?

Front Wheel Drive Lawn Mowers

Front wheel drive mowers are now one of the most common type of self-propelled mowers. Front wheel drive systems are very simple and inexpensive to produce, which helps make front wheel drive mowers the cheapest self propelled option.

While push mowers will probably always be the cheapest option, front wheel drive mowers are a good choice for buyers on a budget who don’t want to have to push a lawn mower all over the yard.

Front wheel drive mowers work well on flat, smaller yards. But, they can really struggle when going up hill or over uneven terrain. Since the drive wheels are in the front, they lose traction any time the user leans on the mower’s handle. When pushing a mower uphill or over bumps, most of us tend to lean on the handle, lifting the front wheels up slightly.

Front wheel mowers do have a real advantage when it comes to turning though. With the drive wheels up front, the user can quickly pivot the mower without any interference from the propulsion.

Advantages of a Front Wheel Drive Mower

• Cost is the biggest advantage of front wheel drive lawn mowers. They’re a great budget option for homeowners.
• Front wheel propulsion has a real advantage when turning. This makes them a great choice for buyers with small lawns or oddly shaped yards that require lots of turning.
• Front wheel drive is also a great choice for those with flat yards.

Disadvantages of Front Wheel Drive Mowers

• Front wheel drive doesn’t work as well going up or down hills.
• Uneven ground can be a problem for these types of mowers too.

Rear Wheel Drive Mowers

Until recently, rear wheel drive mowers were the only type of self propelled walk behind mower available. This means that there are lots of them available on the new and used market.

As the name implies, rear wheel drive mowers send power to the rear wheels of the mower. This is typically done with a simple belt and a few gears or pulleys.

Because the user is walking behind the mower holding a handle that connects near the rear drive wheels, this type of lawn mower typically gets great traction on all sorts of terrain. From hills to bumps or wide open spaces, rear wheel mowers will keep moving right along with you.

With slightly more complex drive systems rear wheel drive lawn mowers can be a bit more expensive than their front wheel drive counterparts though. But, you will typically find better motors and components on rear wheel drive mowers.

Advantages of Rear Wheel Drive Mowers

• Rear wheel drive gets better traction on hilly yards and uneven ground.
• models are available with this style of mower, including models with better engines and components.
• Rear wheel drive will cut more evenly on most lawns.

Disadvantages of a Rear Wheel Drive Mower

• The cost of rear wheel propulsion mowers is usually higher than front wheel drive or basic push mowers.
• These lawn mowers may be more difficult to turn in some circumstances than front wheel drive models.

What About All Wheel Drive Mowers?

All wheel drive mowers are another type of self propelled walk behind lawn mower that are becoming more popular. All wheel drive isn’t available from very many manufacturers yet, but more models are coming all the time.

With all wheel drive, you get the best of both worlds. With all four wheels pushing the mower forward, these mowers can roll over all types of lawns, including hills, easily.

The added complexity of all wheel drive does make these lawn mowers a bit more expensive though.

Advantages of All Wheel Drive Mowers

• All wheel drive gets great traction on uneven, hilly, or flat ground.
• the few models available do have excellent build quality and components.

Disadvantages of All Wheel Drive Mowers

• They are more expensive than other types of walk behind lawn mowers.
• All wheel drive is heavier and sometimes more difficult to turn.

Front Wheel Drive vs Rear Wheel Drive Lawn Mower: Which is Best for You?

Now that you know more about the different types of self propelled lawn mowers, it’s time to decide which is right for you.

While it might be tempting to just go with the cheapest model available or, if you’re so inclined, to buy the most expensive lawn mower you can find, neither of these are likely to be the best choice for you. Your yard should ultimately determine what mower you buy.

If you have a small flat yard, a front wheel drive lawn mower is probably the best pick for you. Front wheel drive models are easy to maneuver and inexpensive and are really all you need for a small lawn.

If, on the other hand, you have a big yard with some hills or uneven areas, you’ll be much happier with a rear wheel drive lawn mower. An all wheel drive mower could work also, but really isn’t necessary for most homeowners.

And overall, for most yards, a rear wheel drive lawn mower is the way to go. They work well on all types of lawns, tend to be built a bit better than front wheel drive mowers, and can be found a reasonable prices.

The best riding mowers: Mow your lawn faster

Up your summer lawn care game with a riding mower that makes for a faster, more eco-friendly mowing experience.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovel.

Riding mowers are a popular mower choice for homeowners, especially if you have a big property to maintain every summer. They have cutting decks measuring from 42 to 72 inches, so you can make short work of everything from typical lawns to large properties, like sports complexes and golf courses.

Unlike their push mower counterparts, riding mowers have more features to consider in order to find the right fit for your yard. You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission, so you can set and forget your speed or operate your mower like a car. You can even get riding mowers with cruise control or all-wheel drive for better traction.

While gas engines are far more common among riding mowers, there is a wide selection of battery-powered models if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for lawn care. My pick for the best overall riding mower is the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP for its 24HP engine, 54-inch cutting deck, and ability to mow up to four acres with a full gas tank. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as well as our other top picks.

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP

Best riding mower overall

• 24HP engine
• 54-inch cutting deck
• Automatic transmission
• Attachments and accessories available

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kohler | Cutting width: 54 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 4 acres

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP riding mower is an excellent choice for a variety of lawns. It’s built with a 24HP Kohler engine and a 54-inch cutting deck to let you handle inclines and rough terrain or haul tools, mulch, and potting soil around your property.

The hydrostatic, automatic transmission makes operation similar to a typical car, so you can spend more time actually cutting your grass and less time learning how to drive your mower. With a 3-gallon tank, you’ll be able to mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Best electric riding mower

• 2.5 acre max range
• Quick-charge batteries
• LCD heads-up display
• USB charging ports

Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor tech specs: Engine: 80V brushless electric | Cutting width: 46 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 2.5 acres

Electric riding mowers have become more popular in recent years as homeowners and landscaping professionals look for ways to make lawn care more eco-friendly. The Ryobi 80V electric lawn tractor features a 46-inch cutting deck and enough power to let you mow up to 2.5 acres on a single charge, and you can recharge your mower batteries in as little as 2.5 hours.

This means you can take care of other tasks, like weeding or landscaping, while you’re waiting for your mower to recharge. An LCD screen gives you a heads-up display of run time, battery levels, and reminders to inspect and sharpen your mower blades. It even has two USB ports for charging your phone while you mow.

Toro Titan Max

Best zero-turn riding mower

• Mows up to 7 acres at once
• Highly maneuverable
• 10-gauge steel construction
• Tool-free air filters

Toro Titan Max tech specs: Engine: 26HP Kohler 7000 | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 7 acres

Zero-turn riding mowers are popular with homeowners who have larger properties or lots of obstacles like trees or specialized landscaping. The Toro Titan Max’s exceptional maneuverability and larger cutting decks make quick work of yards up to 7 acres in size, while the 26HP Kohler 7000 engine uses a dual hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive operation.

Toro also made regular maintenance a bit more streamlined with tool-free air filters. The deck and mower body are made from tough, 10-gauge steel to stand up to dings, rocks, run-ins, and anything else your lawn can throw at it.

Cub Cadet CC30E

Best compact riding mower

• Battery-powered
• Great for yards up to 1 acre
• Compact design great for small storage areas and narrow spaces
• Push-button cruise control

Cub Cadet CC30E tech specs: Engine: 56V electric | Cutting width: 30 inches | Transmission: Hydrostatic/Automatic | Max yard size: 1 acre

Compact riding mowers like the Cub Caded CC30E are great for suburban lawns on the smaller side. The CC30E features a smaller design that is perfect for storing in multi-use sheds and garages or maneuvering through gates and narrow spaces. The 30-inch cutting deck and 56V battery let you mow up to 1 acre (or one hour) at once.

It uses a hydrostatic drive for smooth, intuitive driving while the 18-inch turning radius lets you easily mow around trees and other obstacles. It even features a push-button cruise control, so you can set-and-forget your forward speed and concentrate on mowing around obstacles, as well as staying aware of your surroundings.

DeWALT Z160 Commercial

Best riding mower for large properties

• Mow up to 10 acres
• 5.5 gallon gas tank
• Dual hydrostatic drive
• Great for hills and inclines

DeWALT Z160 Commercial tech specs: Engine: 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin | Cutting width: 60 inches | Transmission: Dual hydrostatic/automatic | Max yard size: 10 acres

The DeWALT Z160 Commercial zero-turn riding mower is designed from the ground up to handle large properties. The 60-inch cutting deck and 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine let you mow up to 10 acres at once, making it an almost perfect choice for rural properties or landscaping professionals. The dual hydrostatic drive makes operation smoother, though the twin-stick steering does take some getting used to.

With 22-inch rear wheels, you can easily take on inclines and rolling hills that may be on your property. A 5.5-gallon fuel tank means you’ll spend more time actually mowing and less time refueling. And if you opt for the bagger attachment, you’ll be able to gather up to 11 bushels of clippings before you need to empty.

What is the best riding mower?

I chose the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP as the best riding mower you can buy. It features a 54-inch cutting deck and 3-gallon fuel tank, letting you mow up to 4 acres in a single go. The 24 horsepower engine also lets you take on steeper inclines and rough terrain or haul tools and gardening supplies around your property. The hydrostatic drive makes operation similar to a typical car, while an LED display gives you accurate usage hours for streamlined maintenance.

Best riding mower

Cutting width

Transmission type

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

Which is the right riding mower for you?

Other than your budget, there are a lot of features and scenarios you have to consider while shopping for a new riding mower. The size of your yard will determine how wide the cutting deck should be, though either a 42 or 46-inch version will be more than enough for most yards.

You can choose either a manual or hydrostatic transmission. A manual model lets you set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS, while hydrostatic models operate more like cars, going faster the harder you press the pedal. This makes them more intuitive to operate but also more expensive.

Zero-turn mowers are designed for mowing in oddly-shaped areas or around lots of obstacles like trees, lamp posts, and lawn ornaments. They’re called zero-turn because they have a zero-inch turn radius; you pivot around either rear wheel for ultra-tight turning.

Buy this best riding mower.

If you need.

A well-rounded riding mower. The 54-inch cutting deck and 24HP engine let you mow up to 4 acres at a time.

Ryobi 80V electric riding lawn tractor

An all-electric riding mower. The electric engine requires less maintenance than gas models, making your lawn-care routine more eco-friendly.

An excellent zero-turn riding mower. Precision maneuvering lets you mow around trees, landscaping, and other obstacles with ease.

A compact riding mower. The 30-inch deck and smaller build make this riding mower perfect for smaller suburban lawns.

A riding mower that can handle larger properties. This commercial-grade, zero-turn riding mower lets you cut up to 10 acres at once.

How did we choose these riding mowers?

I used to work for MTD Products (now owned by BlackDecker), which assembles a variety of lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other powered lawn equipment. Using the expertise and knowledge I gained during my time there, I looked for riding mowers with these qualities:

Comparing the 2 Best Walk Behind Mowers Ever! TORO Recycler vs Super Recycler. MainStreetMower

• Motor size: You’ll want a riding mower with at least a 10HP engine to give you enough power to handle minor inclines and lawns up to half an acre. Larger riding mowers like the John Deere Z530M have more powerful engines, often topping out over 20HP to let you tackle rough terrain and even haul equipment.
• Cutting width: Many riding mowers have either a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, which is great for lawns between.5 and 1.5 acres. However, if you have a large, multi-acre property, you’ll want to choose a larger cutting deck. Many brands have options between 50 and 72-inch cutting decks.
• Transmission type: The less expensive riding mowers will have either a 6 or 7-speed manual transmission. This means you will use a dedicated lever to set your engine’s forward and reverse speeds, with a single brake pedal for stop control. The more expensive models feature a hydrostatic drive, which operates in a similar way to an automatic transmission in a typical car or truck.
• Accessories: Lawn care goes beyond regular mowing. I chose riding mowers that have the ability to hitch small trailers or wagons for hauling tools, mulch, or potting soil. I also chose mowers from brands that make after-market add-ons, like rear bagging units for collecting grass clippings, mulching kits for re-feeding lawns, and snow plows for year-round use.

How do you decide which riding mower to buy?

Assuming you have a budget in mind, the first thing you need to do is find out how big your lawn is. You can either find your lot size on your memorandum deeds if you’ve bought your house, or you can check your city’s website to see if you can request lot measurements if you’re renting. If your lot measures about an acre, you’ll be able to use a 30 or 42-inch cutting deck without any issues. For lawns up to two acres, a 42 or 46-inch deck is ideal. And if your lot is over two acres, you can get a mower with up to a 72-inch cutting deck to handle larger areas.

The transmission type is also important. Many newer models have what is known as a hydrostatic drive. This means that they operate similarly to how a car drives: You push the pedal and it moves forward or backward. And the harder you push, the faster you go. This makes it easier to learn how to drive, but that also makes the mower more expensive. stripped-back models have variable speed manual transmissions, which allow you to set and forget your speed so you can FOCUS on paying attention to obstacles and people who may be nearby.

And finally, you’ll want to consider the power source for your new riding mower. Gasoline engines are far more common, but there is now a wider variety of battery-powered models to choose from. The perks of a gas engine are that you’ll get near-infinite run times (as long as you have enough fuel to keep the engine going) and a bit more power for handling steep inclines and rough terrain. The downsides are dealing with exhaust emissions and maintenance that can be a time and money sink. Electric models don’t need engine maintenance, so you save a bit of money in the long run. But they usually have a maximum run time of about an hour, which means that you may have to plan your mowing over several days if you have a larger yard.

How big of a yard do I need for a riding mower?

Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring one acre or larger. A model with a 42-inch cutting deck is great for mowing up to two acres, so if you have more land than that, you’ll want to spring for a 46, 54, 60, or 72-inch cutting deck.

If you’re right on the threshold, you can get what’s known as a mini rider. They usually have compact bodies for easier storage and 30-inch cutting decks to make short work of lawns that are just a touch too large for a push mower.

How long should a riding mower last?

No matter if you choose a gas or battery-powered riding mower, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your mower. For gas engines, you should change the oil and filters, clean the spark plugs, and sharpen the blades before you mow for the first time in the spring. And you should use fuel treatments like STA-BIL to prevent gas in the tank or extra jerry cans from going bad from moisture contamination. This prevents buildup of gunk that can ruin your engine, improves engine performance, and gives you a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.

Electric mowers don’t need engine maintenance, but you should perform thorough inspections at the start of mowing season to check for battery damage, corrosion on battery contacts, damage to the battery housing, and also to sharpen the blades. If you do regular maintenance, not only will you save money by avoiding big repairs from worn-out parts, but you can also expect your riding mower to last 10 years or more.- which is great news, since they can be an expensive investment.

What is the cheapest riding mower?

Unfortunately, riding mowers aren’t ever really what we consider budget-friendly. However, there are models like the Murray MT100 that retail for less than 2000 without sacrificing power or cutting width.

Are there alternative riding mowers worth considering?

Whether you’re shopping at a big-name DIY store like Lowe’s, a local hardware store, or an authorized brand dealer, there are tons of options for a new riding mower. You can choose either gas or battery-powered models, cutting deck widths from as small as 30 inches to as wide as six feet.

Here’s a short list of other riding mowers I thought were great choices:

John Deere Z530M

The John Deere Z530M features a 60-inch cutting deck for making quick work of large properties. Exceptional maneuverability lets you mow around trees, lawn decor, and other obstacles with ease.

Husqvarna YTH1942

The Husqvarna YTH1942 features an updated, 19 horsepower engine and 42-inch cutting deck to take on inclines and haul dirt, mulch, and gardening equipment.

Murray MT100

For under 2000, you’ll get a 13.5 horsepower engine, a 42-inch cutting deck, and a 6-speed manual transmission with the Murray MT100.

The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, According to 33,620 Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best self-propelled lawnmowers 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Self-propelled mowers take the back-breaking work out of lawn maintenance by focusing the power on the engine to propel it forward. Unlike push mowers, thanks to the rear-wheel drive of a self-propelled lawnmower, the only thing users must do is steer the mower in the right direction. Self-propelled mowers are ideal for large lawns, sloped yards, or anyone who doesn’t really want to have to push a heavy lawn mower around.

Unlike walk-behind lawn mowers, self-propelled mowers also provide a more even cut since there is less pulling, and starting and stopping on the lawn mower. These machines can save more time on residential lawns too since a self-propelled model has more cutting power, better traction, and a more powerful engine than a regular push mower.

Here is a list of the best self-propelled lawnmowers, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best self-propelled lawnmower.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers 2023

Up ahead, you’ll find our choices for the best self-propelled lawnmowers, from cordless to gas-powered models.

Best All-Wheel-Drive Mowers: Troy-Bilt XP 21-inch All-Wheel Drive Gas Mower | Buy Now

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Thicker Grass: Honda 21-inch Mowers Self-Propelled Mower | Buy Now

Best Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Ryobi 40V 20-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower | Buy Now

The following self-propelled lawnmowers are cut out to handle tall and thick grass or uneven ground.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA) and homedepot.com as of February 2023

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower—Swisher Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

This self-propelled, pull-cord Swisher lawn mower with its 11.5 HP Briggs Stratton engine is just the ticket for large yards of up to four acres. Gas mowers are the most powerful self-propelled mowers around, and this variable-speed mower will make short work of even thick and unruly grass.

While it’s one of the most expensive mowers on this list, its big 16.6-inch rear wheel diameter and large cutting capacity allow this unit to handle four times the distance of most other mowers.

“Absolutely perfect,” raved one reviewer of this gas lawn mower. “This thing is a monster and will cut through just about anything. Very simple assembly. Most was pre-assembled. Just had to assemble the handle and controls to the handle.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 24 inches

Toro 21 in. Rear Wheel Drive vs. Toro Smart Stow 22 in. Front Wheel Drive. Comparison Video

Acres covered: 2–4 acres

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US2,767.49, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply

Best Rear-Wheel Drive Mowers—Toro Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The Vortex technology of this gas engine Toro self-propelled lawn mower is ideal for sloped and uneven terrain. It has an easy pull cord and there are nine cutting height options that range from one to four inches tall.

Like most three-function mowers, this gas lawn mower has a side discharge for grass clippings that can be used for leaf shredding or users can collect grass clippings with the included bagger.

One customer who gave this product five stars described, “The mower is very easy to start and started immediately on the first pull. Moves easily over the ground with the high rear wheels and is lightweight. The cut is even and easily adjustable.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 22 inches

Acres covered: ¼–½ acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US449, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Walmart

Best Front-Wheel Drive Lawn Mower—Toro Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

For entirely flat lawns, this front-wheel-drive Toro lawn mower is perfect. As far as walk-behind mowers go, this three-function mower can cut tall and thick grass, has mulching capabilities, and has the option to side-discharge grass clippings or bag them.

Additional features include an ergonomic handle for more comfortable cutting, adjustable heights, and a foldable handle for more compact storage.

One reviewer described it as “very lightweight and easy to use. Love the front-wheel drive. Easy to assemble. It all worked. The front-wheel drive makes it easier to get in smaller spaces. Overall a great mower.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 22 inches

Acres covered: ¼–½ acre

Wheel-drive: Front

Best All-Wheel-Drive Lawn Mower—Troy-Bilt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The four-wheel-drive on this Troy-Bilt mower makes it an excellent in-between option to a front or rear-wheel-drive mower. Unlike a push mower, this tool can easily be used on both flat and uneven terrain.

The dual-lever height adjustment on this self-propelled mower ranges between 1.25–3.75 inches, and the steel deck can easily be cleaned using a garden hose.

One happy buyer commented, “I have owned many mowers over the years, but this exceeds all of them put together. Loving the four-wheel drive. Would recommend this mower to anyone.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 21 inches

Acres covered: ½–1 acre

Wheel-drive: All

BUY NOW: US589, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Lowe’s, Troy Bilt

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Uneven Terrain—Greenworks Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

For a professional-grade cordless mower that can manage cutting the grass even on uneven terrain, many customers felt that the Greenworks Pro 25-inch mower was the tops, particularly given its rear-wheel-drive system and electric start with an easy cordless start-up.

Walk-behind mowers are great for smaller yards, and the large rear wheel diameter on this mower provides a good grip that can easily handle sloped yards of up to one acre. It also has a rear discharge that can either bag or mulch grass for added nutrients to a lawn or compost.

One purchaser explained, “What I didn’t expect is how incredibly powerful it would be and all the features it has. I’m so impressed with its ability to glide smoothly over uneven surfaces and just how quiet it actually is.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 25 inches

Acres covered: ½–1 acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

Best Lawn Mowers with Hydrostatic Cruise Control—Honda Auto-Choke Self-Propelled Gas Mower

Honda engines on gas mowers are known for their power and impressive engine size, and this Honda hydrostatic self-propelled mower is no exception; it even has cruise control for easy maneuverability and more precise cuts.

Features on this gas lawn mower include twin blades, an auto choke system that makes starting on each pull easier, a sizeable 2.5-bushel bag, a roto-stop that turns off the blades instead of the engine, and an adjustable quick-release handle.

One satisfied purchaser reported, “The hydro-static self-propelled feature is great as you can adjust the speed on the go without having to adjust the speed with the engaged handle.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 21 inches

Acres covered: ½–1 acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US999, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Amazon

Best Lawn Mower for Residential Use—Greenworks Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

For a greener, quieter, and lighter mowing experience, this Greenworks mower with a rear bag, side discharge, and mulching capabilities was highly rated by many customers who commented that it is an ideal machine for use on most residential lawns.

This self-propelled model has an electric start, a brushless motor, and one 80V battery that utilizes Smart Cut Technology that automatically knows when to increase blade speed to cut grass that is thicker and taller than average.

One happy shopper noted, “With the 80V 4-amp battery, this mower has more than enough power for routine residential lawn needs, even if you don’t have the time to mow weekly. I find the mower lasts with the 4-amp battery for one hour.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 16 inches

Acres covered: ¼–½ acre on one charge

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US549.99, Amazon

Also Available at: Walmart

Best Lawn Mower for Thicker Grass—Honda Mowers Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Even thick, tall, and wet grass doesn’t stand a chance against this Honda 21-inch lawn mower. The appeal of this mower is its powerful Honda engine combined with its twin blades that cut through Bermuda grass or any other unruly grasses with ease.

Its seven cutting positions allow users to adjust from 1.8–4 inches for a perfectly tailored lawn. This variable-speed tool can mulch, bag, or rear discharge grass and it folds down when not in use for more compact storage in a garage or shed.

One customer called this 3-in-1 mower with auto-choke a “great mower” that is “powerful” and added that they “tested it with a thick, tall, and wet grass” and “it went through it all with no problem.

Specifications

Cutting width: 21 inches

Acres covered: ¼–½ acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US549, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon

Best Lawn Mower for Tall Grass—Toro Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Those who need a reliable lawn mower that is powerful enough to tackle taller grass will appreciate the dual-force cutting system of this Toro self-propelled mower that features a Briggs and Stratton 223cc engine.

The seven-position height options allow users to tailor grass height from 1.25–4.25 inches, and its large rear wheels make this unit optimal for use on inclined and sloped terrain. This mower features a side discharge, comes with a bagger, and can also mulch lawn debris.

It has two convenient and compact storage positions, and one happy customer wrote, “Significantly reduced time for me to cut yard. It trims well around curves. Good power for taller and damp grass. I’m very happy with the mulching performance.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 30 inches

Acres covered: ½–1 acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

Best Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower—Ryobi Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

When it comes to a compact cordless self-propelled lawn mower, nothing received higher reviews than this Ryobi mower with practically effortless push-button electric start, brushless motor, 40V battery, and high-intensity LED lights.

Customers rave about this model’s efficient and quiet performance, its convenient seven cutting heights, bagging (easy-release), and mulching options. This particular model also includes a five-year warranty.

One satisfied shopper reviewed this mower as follows: “I bought this mower for a smaller yard, and it works great. No more gas hassle and smell. Perfect for hard-to-reach areas [and] very maneuverable.”

Specifications

Cutting width: 20 inches

Acres covered: ¼–½ acre

Wheel-drive: Rear

BUY NOW: US499, The Home Depot

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon

The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers—Summary

Capable of tackling large lawns that are up to four acres, the Swisher 11.5 HP self-propelled lawn mower (US2,767.49 The Home Depot) came in very highly recommended by many satisfied shoppers. For anyone looking for a more compact self-propelled lawn mower that can mow wet, thick, and tall grass, then the Honda mower with a 21-inch deck (US549, The Home Depot) is a great option for a reputable brand.

Choosing the Best Self-Propelled Mowers—Buying Guide

Below we will cover the various mowers available to buy, starting with front, rear, and all-wheel drives, then outlining the different power sources.

Types of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

There are several different types of self-propelled lawnmowers on the market, each with its own perks, depending on what you’re looking for.

Rear-Wheel Drive Mower (RWD)

An RWD mower is optimal for people who have steep inclines on their properties. The rear wheels on these mowers create more traction to help propel the lawn mower forward.

Front Wheel Drive Mower (FWD)

Front-wheel drive mowers are best for people with a flat lawn with many trees or bushes. FWD allows the lawn mower to maneuver around obstacles by reducing traction on the front-wheel drive. This type of lawn mower should not be used on inclines since the front wheels will be ineffective.

All-Wheel Drive

An all-wheel-drive self-propelled mower works well for sharp inclines and rough terrain—the engine powers all wheels, rather than simply having a rear-wheel drive or front-wheel power.

Electric Mowers

An electric mower requires an electrical outlet to operate, so the area that can be mowed is highly dependent on how long the extension cord is. Electric lawn mowers are not ideal for larger yards but, on the plus side, they don’t require as much maintenance as a gas-powered mower and are typically really easy to operate with no messy gas, oil, or fumes to deal with.

Cordless Mowers

A cordless mower is powered by batteries that must be charged at regular intervals. Batteries generally don’t last more than an hour and are best for smaller lawns. For larger lawns, a backup battery on hand is recommended to have on hand when one dies to extend mowing time. Unlike a gas engine model, this lawn mower is quiet, requires little maintenance, and doesn’t produce fumes.

Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers

A self-propelled gas lawn mower uses a gas-powered motor to provide propulsion. A gas lawn mower has a more powerful engine than electric mowers or battery-powered models and may come with twin blades for more efficiency and less cutting time. It also usually has a larger engine size than other models.

We hope our review of the best self-propelled lawn mower has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including mower sharpeners, edgers, trimmers, and sweepers, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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