Fast walk behind mower. 7 Best Push & Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mower

Best Push Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mower

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Walk-behind lawn mowers are one of those handy, cannot do without gardening machines, which are designed to save you time and effort in your quest to cultivate and maintain a great looking lawn.

From the first manual ‘Push Reel’ lawn mower invention, yes, there are still some out there, mechanical lawn mowers have come a long way. However, just like most home and garden power tools, the best lawn mower will depend on your garden specifications: size, type of grass, and your physical abilities to be able to maintain your garden.

Our Top Pick for the Best Walk-Behind Mower

Our top pick for the best walk-behind mower is the Honda 663020 HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.

This powerful mower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and is capable of handling most mowing conditions. It has everything you need for an effective and enjoyable mowing experience: self-propelled design, 3 mulching capabilities, multiple heights and speed options, a comfortable folding handle for easy storage, and it is environmentally friendly.

Push or Self-Propelled Mower

Push Lawn Mower

A push or traditional walk-behind mower requires you to physically propel the machine. If you have a small lawn and easy-to-cut grass then a push mower is the ideal choice for you. Besides maintaining your lawn, it is a great way to get some exercise!

A self-propelled mower can either be powered by electricity or gas and has a strong motor that does most of the hard work, and a handle that you can press to propel the machine in the desired direction. All it takes is a gentle push and off it goes, no need for any exertion.

If you have a bad back or are physically challenged in some other way, and if you have a large lawn or a lot of uneven ground to cover, then invest in a self-propelled lawn mower.

Self-propelled Lawn Mowers

Self-propelled mowers offer a keyless start, single and variable speeds and you use the machine by engaging a speed control lever. The speed control lever can be a part of the handle or a separate bar that you press to make the mower move forward. The only energy you have to exert is to guide the mower around the yard.

These energy-saving mowers are usually front or rear-wheel-drive. Front-wheel-drive models are easy to operate and allow you to turn the mower by simply tipping the front wheels back and lifting them off the ground.

Rear-wheel drive tends to provide better traction when mowing across slopes in a back-and-forth pattern. Rear-wheel drive mowers are most effective when they are in the grass collection bag or a container as it can make them more balanced. If the bag or container is too full it can also cause the front end of the mower to rise. So remember to empty it regularly.

Self-propelled lawn mowers may be a little more expensive, but they can save you from physical strain and will make your mowing chores a breeze. But also keep in mind, most manufacturers make their mowers to be lightweight these days, so whether you choose a push walk-behind mower instead of a self-propelled model, most of them will be relatively easy to maneuver around your yard.

Electric, Gas-powered, or Battery-powered Lawn Mowers

Like many mechanical power gardening tools: weed wacker or chainsaws, lawnmowers can be powered either by electricity, gas, or a battery.

Electric (corded)

Electric mowers are ideal for small-sized yards, but they can also work well on medium lawns that have even terrain. They can provide a clean cut like gas-powered mowers, but their key selling points are that they are usually very light and easy to maneuver. Electric mowers are also eco-friendly, they require minimal maintenance and they work well in suburbia as they are quiet.

The downside of using an electric mower is that you have to stay close to a power outlet, or you may need to use an extension cord. Power cords can be dangerous, so you have to be aware of their position while you are mowing and take care that you do not mow over the top of them. Also, the extension cord can come loose from the machine or the initial power source.

Remember: If you have to use an extension cord, heavy-duty 12 gauge cords are the best to use for a lawn mower. Overall, electric mowers work best on small to medium lawns with slight inclines.

Gas-powered Lawn Mowers

Gas-powered lawn mowers are noted to be the most powerful of mowers, so they generally can do a better job at cutting through tall grass and tough weeds. They are also ideal for medium to larger properties that have uneven terrain and hilly areas.

The downside of gas-powered mowers is that they emit fumes, you may have to mix oil with fuel or if they have a separate reservoir for the oil, you have to make sure that you use the right amount of oil and do not overfill the reservoir. If you use too much oil it could cause problems with the engine and the mower could stop working.

Gas-powered mowers are a lot noisier than other types of mowers, but they can help you get your mowing chores done quickly.

Battery-powered Lawn Mowers

if you are looking for a portable, cordless option, then a battery-powered lawnmower is ideal. They can be used for most lawns, small to medium-sized, but they may not work the best with long grass.

Most battery-powered models draw their power from a long-lasting lithium-ion battery and a strong motor, which allows you to cover a large area with just one battery charge. Another key selling point of a battery-powered mower is that most of them are easy to start with just a push of a button.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Walk-behind Mower

Deck Size

The deck size of a mower describes the cutting swath or the cutting area of the mower. The wider the deck the fewer passes you will have to do to cut your lawn. Most cutting decks ranging from 15-inches-21-inches for residential uses.

Remember, the larger the deck, the heavier the mower may be and it may be more difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spots. Also, the mower can take up more storage space. However, if you have a larger lawn, you may need a larger-sized deck.

Lawn Size

If you have a small-sized lawn with low-level grass that is easy to cut, then choose an electric mower or a mower with a 15/16-inches cutting deck.

If you have a medium to large yard with uneven terrain and some slight inclines, a gas-powered or a battery-powered mower with a strong 56-volt lithium-ion battery and a larger cutting deck would be the best choice.

Also, if you have a lot of mowing to do or have a lawn that has a lot of hilly areas, you could choose a self-propelled mower that does most of the work.

To mulch or not to mulch?

Most mowers come with mulching capabilities. They can either shoot the grass clippings to the side, collect the clippings into a bag, or just mulch the grass clippings back onto the lawn from the rear of the mower.

If the mower shoots the clippings to the side or just on the lawn, you have to consider using a rake to collect the clippings to put them under a tree or in the garbage bin.

Some mowers come with a 3-in-1 mulching feature where they can do all three, and you can choose which is the best for you. If the machine mulches the grass into the attached bag or container, you will have to stop continually if you have a lot of areas to cover.

Also, mowers that come with a 3-in-1 mulching feature may be more expensive. So it all depends on your gardening modus operandi and budget.

Height Adjustment

Gardening experts say that we should not cut our lawns to less than 30% of their overall height as cutting them shorter can weaken them. In the hotter weather, grass can become more brittle and break easily, so choosing the height of the mower to the grass level is important for a healthy-looking lawn.

Fortunately, most mowers come with a Smart height adjustment feature, which gives you a range of heights to choose from, and these height levels can be easily adjusted by a single handle.

Extra Safety Features

If you choose an electric push mower, it can be easily started with a key or by pushing a button. This option is great for those of us with back problems or for elderly people who still like to get some exercise out in the fresh air and like to maintain their own lawn.

Trying to pull on a cord multiple times can be hard work and frustrating, and also cords can break after long term use.

Some mowers give you variable speed controls. Some mowers are ergonomically friendly and have operator-friendly features like a foldable handle for greater portability and easy storage.

Warranty and Customer Support

Of course, we do not expect our mowers to function effectively forever. At some point, hopefully not straight away, they will need to be fixed. Some manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty which is not very long, especially if you are going to be using the lawnmower a lot, and especially for heavy-duty mowing chores.

Other manufacturers offer a generous 4-year warranty, it can be a limited warranty, so it is best to read the fine print. A good tip before purchasing, besides reading this article, is to visit the manufacturer’s website.

Another thing to look out for with product warranties is that some manufacturers have two warranties for their mowers, one for the machine itself and another for the motor. So keep your eye out for these details that can be easily overlooked.

Good customer support and an accessible service center are essential when things go wrong or you just want to ask a question about your mower. So have a look at these details as it is all part of being a savvy gardener who wants to make sure that their money is well spent.

Best Walk-Behind Mowers – Reviews

Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower

If you have a small-sized yard and you are looking for a walk-behind mower that is easy to handle and maneuver around tight spots such as flower beds and along the edge of pathways, then the Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower is a great choice.

It is lightweight at 29lbs, delivers a smooth cutting performance, and it features 3 height settings (low, medium, high) so that you can set it to your desired height for the best cutting action.

The mower is easy to set up as it comes almost pre-assembled, so all you have to do is attach the blades and tighten the handles, plug it into a power outlet and you are all ready to go. If you need to purchase an extension cord, choose a 12 gauge cord.

Although the body of the mower is made from plastic, do not be fooled, it is powered by a durable 12 Amp electric motor so it can power through thick grass quickly. It has a 21-inch cutting deck, which gives it a rather wide cutting swath.

The wheels are lightly constructed and may have trouble negotiating uneven and rocky terrain, but it is designed primarily for small lawns with even terrain.

If you are a homesteader who needs a maintenance-free, easy-to-use mower that is ergonomically friendly, the Sun Joe mower will be a good choice for your mowing needs.

Pros

• Affordable
• Ideal for small lawns
• Lightweight
• Powerful
• Easy to maneuver in tight spots

BLACKDECKER Corded Lawn Mower

This BLACKDECKER Corded Lawn Mower is powered by a 13 Amp motor that will deliver all the cutting power you need to maintain your small-sized lawn. The mower is easy to assemble, all you have to do is attach the handle.

It has an excellent cutting ability with a cutting radius of 20-inch. The EdgeMax cutting deck allows you to cut close to the edge of fencing and around flower beds so that you can effectively manicure your lawn to perfection.

The mower is portable, easy to operate, and has a 3-in-1 grass management system, mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities, a single lever height adjuster with 7 height settings from 1.5-4-inches. The 13-gallon nylon grass collection bag allows you to check to see how much grass or debris is in the bag.

It is also ergonomically friendly with a carrying handle for easy transport and storage. Overall, the BLACKDECKER lawnmower can provide you with an excellent and clean cutting performance.

Pros

• Ideal for small lawns
• Press button start
• Quiet
• Seven setting height adjustment
• Excellent cutting ability
• Portable
• See-through nylon grass collection bag
• Carrying handle

EGO Power LM2000-S Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

EGO Power is an award-winning company that has consistently delivered high-quality power gardening tools, and its LM2000-S Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower does not disappoint.

It is a lightweight, emission-free, powerful mower that can be easily started with just a push of a button. The EGO Power walk-behind mower is an ideal option for any homesteader who has a small to medium-sized lawn. It has a 20-inch cutting deck, and the 5.0Ah 56-Volt Lithium-Ion battery has enough power for mowing areas up to 1-acre and can even tackle slight inclines and uneven terrain.

The EGO Power battery takes about 30 minutes to charge and it has a run-time that is equivalent to about 45 minutes before you have to recharge it again. It is specially designed for residential use as it is a quiet operator and environmentally friendly with no harmful emissions.

The walk-behind mower is designed with a 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge, 6 height adjustments to choose from, easy to access grass collection bag, and LED headlights if you need to mow your lawn in low light conditions.

It is portable and can be easily folded for storage. Extra features include a battery and charger, and a very generous 5-year limited warranty, but remember to read the warranty carefully to see what it does and does not cover. The walk-behind mower also comes with a battery and a charger.

Pros

• Ideal for small to medium yards up to 1-acre
• Powerful
• Quiet
• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Smooth cutting performance
• Fast charging battery
• Compact

GreenWorks Cordless Lawn Mower

The GreenWorks Cordless Lawn Mower has everything you need for maintaining a small-sized lawn. It is lightweight, starts with just a touch of a button, and provides that much-needed power due to the 40-volt lithium-ion battery, which will give you consistent power for up to 40 minutes before having to recharge the battery.

You can choose from 5 height settings, which can easily be adjusted with a single lever, and the innovative Smart CUT technology adjusts the power or runtime based on the thickness of your grass, and the 7-inch rear wheels and 6-inch front wheels mean you can effortlessly maneuver the machine over your lawn.

The mower has a durable 16-inch reinforced poly plastic cutting deck, and it can also mulch the clippings into a rear collection bag, which is easy to attach and detach.

The mower comes with an easy fold handle system for greater portability and storage, and a battery and charger are also included.

Pros

• Ideal for small lawns and basic mowing needs
• Lightweight
• Great battery life
• Five height settings
• Easy to maneuver
• Compact and easy to store

Cons

• Not ideal for tall grass or tough weeds
• Technical support is not very helpful
• One year warranty

Honda 663020 HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

There is a lot to love about the upgraded Honda 663020 HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. If you suffer from a bad back or you are an elderly homesteader and would prefer a mower that is easy to maneuver and delivers a superior cut, this mower is tailor-made for you.

It has a powerful, reliable, and fuel-efficient engine that can tackle the toughest jobs. The automatic choke system means you do not have to worry about tugging on a pull cord. Just start the mower and go.

This user-friendly designed mower has so many handy features that make it perfect for small to medium-sized lawns. It has a 21-inch heavy-duty steel cutting deck that cuts a wide area, 7 cutting height levels, and a safety brake system.

Thanks to Honda’s intuitive Smart Drive design, you can easily adjust the mower’s 5 variable speeds by placing your hands on the padded lever and rotate it to match your mowing conditions. You will have more control over the machine’s mowing action and can choose from a slow walk to a faster walking pace.

The twin blade MicroCut system can cut the grass into small clippings and dispose of the clippings through the rear of the mower. Equipped with a 3-in-1 Clip Director system, you can mulch, bag, and discharge with no tools or additional attachments.

This lightweight mower is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around trees and shrubs. A 2-position quick-release folding handle allows for compact storage in a garden shed.

The highlights of this mower are its self-propelled feature, powerful premium Honda engine with an easy-to-start automatic choke system, and superior cut and mulching performance. Its Honda engine is environmentally friendly with a 50-state EPA and CARB emission certification, and the mower is covered by a 3-year residential warranty.

Pros

• Easy starting automatic choke
• Smart drive self-propelled design
• Works best on flat terrain
• Superior cutting and mulching action
• Plenty of power
• Seven cutting heights
• Five variable speeds
• Fuel efficient
• Three-year residential warranty

Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Craftsman has been manufacturing high-quality garden power tools for over 80 years, so you can rest assured that when you buy one of its mowers you can expect an excellent mowing experience. The Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is designed to handle almost any type of lawn terrain.

It is powered by a strong and reliable 159cc OHV gas-powered engine, and with alloy steel cutting blades, you will have no trouble finishing your mowing tasks quickly.

Ready Start™ no prime, no choke technology means the machine is easy to start and will have the mower up and running quickly and ensuring a smooth cutting performance.

Its durable 21-inch steel cutting deck is ideal for rugged conditions and there are 6 height positions to choose from. The M215 has 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities, and the attached bagger catches all the grass clippings.

If you have a lawn that has uneven terrain or thick grass, the zag traction on the large 11-inch rear wheels will give you very good grip and control in rough mowing conditions.

The 8-inch front wheels also give you that much-needed maneuverability in tight spots and around gardening obstacles.

If you suffer from allergies, Craftsman has designed this mower with environmentally-friendly specifications. The EZ Bushel Rear Bag with Dust Blocker protects you from the dust that can arise from grass clippings and other kinds of debris.

One of the highlights of this model is that it is vibration-free and its engine has a reduced noise level, which makes it one of the quietest mowers on the market. Overall, the Smart design of the Craftsman push mower provides you with an effortless and efficient mowing performance.

Pros

• Ideal for small to medium yards
• Powerful
• Easy pull start
• Ergonomic design
• Good maneuverability
• Can handle uneven terrain and tough weeds
• Six height positions
• Comfortable to operate
• Vibration-free and reduced noise

Cons

• Plastic tires are not overly durable
• Bagger does not attach securely
• Customer service is not very helpful

PowerSmart DB2194PR Lawn Mower

Maintaining a beautiful lawn can require a lot of time and effort but not when you own the PowerSmart DB2194PR Lawn Mower. This push mower is an efficient mowing machine that is ideal for small to medium-sized yards.

Powered by a strong gas 4-stroke engine and equipped with a 21-inch durable steel deck and 8-inch rear wheels, this mower is easy to push. It can easily cope with uneven terrain and cut through thick, tall grass.

There is no priming or choking required, just pull on the cord and the mower will leap into action. Safety features include the start and stop lever that prevents any accidental startup. Once you are ready to resume mowing, just engage the lever again.

Although this mower is gas-powered, the motor runs smoothly and is known for its longevity and overall clean-cutting performance.

The PowerSmart mower has 3-in-1 bagging, mulching, and side discharge capabilities, and the 5 cutting height positions can be adjusted for varying lawn conditions. Its foldable handle and lightweight, compact design also make the mower easy to transport and store away.

Pros

• Good value for money
• Ideal for small to medium-sized yards
• Powerful engine is easy to start
• Clean cutting ability
• Start and stop lever
• Works well on uneven terrain and can cut through thick, tall grass
• Lightweight and compact design
• Foldable handle

Our Top Pick for the Best Walk-Behind Mower

Our top pick for the best walk-behind mower is the Honda 663020 HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.

This powerful mower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and is capable of handling most mowing conditions. It has everything you need for an effective and enjoyable mowing experience: self-propelled design, 3 mulching capabilities, multiple heights and speed options, a comfortable folding handle for easy storage, and it is environmentally friendly.

Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers of 2023

Learn which walk-behind lawn mower models are the best for your lawn budget. Compare the key technical details, pros cons, and what are the best features.

An overgrown and unkempt lawn can be a homeowner’s nightmare.

Getting a landscaping crew can be expensive, so a quality walking lawn mower can help you tackle all the grass in your yard.

Walk-behind lawn mowers are the practical and manageable solution for most homeowners whether in an urban, suburban, or even rural setting.

But with so many lawn mowers coming in all shapes, sizes, and types, finding the perfect one for your needs can be hard work to find.

PropertyNest searched through dozens of walking or walk-behind lawn mowers to find the top models and brands for any kind of feature, function, and type of job.

Honda HRN216VKA Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best Overall

Given all the money in the world, we think you can’t get better for your money than Honda walking lawn mowers because their engines are unmatched.

They are the finest in the business, but the best of the best comes with a hefty price tag. These walking mowers are not cheap.

The Honda 21 in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower with Auto Choke has 7 different cutting heights, ensuring you can make your lawn look just as you like it.

With its 5 adjustable speed positions, it is built not only for cutting the toughest of lawns but also for making sure you stay comfortable while doing it.

This particular model doesn’t just mow but also lets you decide how you want to dispel the clippings, whether it’s to mulch, bag, or discharge in the rear.

Honda Pros and Cons

• Tough enough to handle any lawn
• Reliable
• 7 different cutting heights
• 5 different speeds

Troy-Bilt TB100 Briggs Stratton Engine Gas Lawn Mower: Best for Value

If you only have a small amount of grass that needs cutting and want a mower that will not break the bank, check out the Troy-Bilt.

The Troy-Bilt 21 in. 140cc 500e Series Briggs Stratton Engine 2-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower with High Rear Wheels is far cheaper than most gas mowers on the market yet does not sacrifice the power that is associated with a gas engine.

With a 140cc Briggs and Stratton OHV engine, it can handle any average-sized lawn easily.

Its 6 different cutting heights allow homeowners to keep their lawns between 1.25 to 3.75 inches.

Customers rave about this mower because it is the perfect light-duty walking lawn mower. Capable of handling any suburban lawn out there.

Even with its lightweight design, this lawn mower has improved traction to help the user with hills and uneven terrain.

And when you’re done, the handle folds so you can easily store this lawn mower even with tight storage space.

Toro 21466 60 V Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best Battery-Powered

If you are a California resident and need a powerful lawn mower, you should keep the name Toro in mind as you transition out of gasoline-powered lawn equipment.

With plenty of gas-powered mowers on the market, Toro’s electric mowers outshine all others in terms of quality.

Most electric walking mowers do not have the power to be self-propelled, but Toro’s 60v battery gives this mower an unmatched cruise control.

The Toro also has a whopping 9 different cutting positions, making it so you can cut at any height you could ever want.

It is easy to start and easy to run, with a 40 minute run time, it is great for jobs that will not take too long.

Sun Joe 24V-X2-16LM 48 V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower: Best Lightweight

A heavy mower can be a real pain to drag around, especially if you only have a small lawn that needs clipping.

At under 36 pounds, the Sun Joe 48-Volt 16-in Push Cordless Electric Lawn Mower 4 Ah is half the weight of most gas mowers.

Its 2 24-Volt, 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries give the Sun Joe a shocking 65-minute run time making this light little mower outrun most of its electric peers.

This mower is very popular in older communities since it is so lightweight and easy to use.

While its 16-inch deck is smaller than most mowers, it is excellent for getting in between flower beds and other areas you would usually have to weed.

Keep in mind, since it is so small and lightweight, many people have complained that it will get bogged down quickly if faced with too much grass or if you start walking too fast.

Sun Joe Pros and Cons

• Very lightweight
• 2-year warranty
• 65 minute run time
• Quiet
• Fast battery charging

Honda HRX217HYA GCV200 Lawn Mower: Most Durable

As mentioned before, when it comes to tough walking lawn mowers, Hondas are the gold standard.

If their everyday mower is not tough enough for the jobs you are looking to do, then their commercial option should do the trick.

It is not cheap, but this is the walking mower that professionals rely on for daily use.

Its Roto-Stop safety feature stops the blades but keeps the engine running, so if you need to step away for a second, you can without having to restart the machine.

If you have a couple of acres of 12-inch grass that needs to be cut regularly, you can not go wrong with a Honda HRX217HYA.

There are plenty of customers that bought commercial Hondas 25 years ago and claim that they are still running smoothly today.

Greenworks 25142 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower: Best for Small Lawns

If you have a lawn that is a little too large for a weed-eater yet too small for a full-sized walking mower, consider getting a Greenworks 25142 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower.

Since it is a corded mower, you never have to worry about recharging the batteries or topping it up with gas. Just plug in and go.

However, you will be restricted to how long your extension cord is, and you will want to make sure you do not accidentally roll over it while the blades are spinning.

It’s lightweight enough to be carried with one hand yet durable enough to handle any small yard.

Plus, at less than 140, this is the cheapest mower on our list.

CRAFTSMAN M430 Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower: Best for Large Lawns

If you have a really large yard and are looking to get it cut quickly and efficiently, then a CRAFTSMAN M430 223-cc 28-in Self-propelled Gas Push Lawn Mower Briggs Stratton Engine would be perfect for you.

With its pace control system, you just have to start walking, and the mower will adapt to your pace, so there’s no switching between speeds.

Its Briggs Stratton engine does not need to be primed like most gas mowers and is large enough to handle the toughest and tallest grass.

Since it is a very large walking mower, it is equipped with 4 wheels for optimal mobility.

If you are worried about fitting this beast of a mower in your garage, fear not because its handles fold in for easy storage.

CRAFTSMAN Pros and Cons

• Huge deck
• 2-year warranty
• Great mobility for its size
• Pace control system

What Types of Walking Lawn Mowers Are There?

Walking lawn mowers are typically used on smaller lawns. If you are sitting on acres and acres of property, you would probably opt for a riding mower, but for many homeowners, a good walking mower is all you will ever need.

That said, there are various types of walking lawn mowers with numerous features and a range of prices.

Cylinder Mower

A cylinder mower or reel mower is a walking mower with vertically rotating blades at the front.

They are known for having a more precise cut than most mowers. Also, since the process does not damage the grass as much, cylinder mowers keep lawns healthier.

While great for flat lawns, cylinder mowers are not suited for uneven or rough terrain. Therefore, they are most popular amongst gardening enthusiasts who want an immaculate yard.

Rotary Mower

Rotary mowers are by far the most common type of walking lawn mower on the market. They have a single rotating blade that cuts in a horizontal motion.

While the cut you get from a rotary mower is not as precise as a cylinder mower, they are much easier to use and can handle most slopes and uneven patches of your yard.

Almost all the mowers recommended above are rotary mowers.

Push Mower

The term “push mower” is usually associated with any mower that is not self-propelled, but traditional push mowers are mowers that do not require power.

People like these mowers because they are incredibly cheap and lightweight, but they do take a fair amount of physical excretion to operate.

Making these great if you want a little bit of exercise with your weekend chores.

Hover Mower

As their name implies, a hover mower hovers above the ground while it cuts. This gives it the unique ability to cut in any direction with ease.

They are relatively inexpensive and very lightweight, making them a popular option among homeowners.

Unfortunately, since they do not have much power, they are not suitable for large yards or tough grass.

What is the Difference Between Gas and Electric Walking Lawn Mowers?

The difference between the two is pretty big, so figuring out which one is right for your lawn should be your first step. As a general rule, though, if you have a smaller yard, you should be okay with an electric mower, but you will have to go with gas if you have a larger yard.

Gas Lawn Mowers

Gas-powered lawn mowers have been the standard for generations, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Firstly, gas-powered engines are more powerful than electric ones and thus can handle a lot more grass. You can also use a gas mower on wet grass, where an electric one would get bogged down.

Not only are their run times longer than electric, but you will also still be using your gas-powered mower years after an electric one would have broken down.

On the other hand, gas engines require a lot of maintenance. You will have to replace air and gas filters and regularly top up the oil.

Given that they use a very flammable liquid for fuel, they are more dangerous. Also, the starting process for a gas mower is more complex.

Electric Lawn Mowers

There are two main kinds of electric-powered walking mowers, and like everything else, there are pros and cons to each.

Chord-Powered

The best part about a chord-powered mower is that its run time is unlimited. So as long as you are plugged in, you can keep mowing.

Since they draw their power from an outlet, they are also some of the lightest and easiest mowers to use on the market.

You will have to get used to carrying around an extension cord when you mow and make sure that you do not accidentally run it over.

Also, the voltage that you can pull from an outlet is not as strong as gas or battery-powered mowers, so cord-powered mowers can not handle a lot of grass.

Battery-Powered

Battery-powered mowers are by far the easiest walking mowers to use. Just press a button and start mowing without worrying about priming your engine or lugging around an extension cable.

They do not use fossil fuels, so they are much better for the environment than gas-powered mowers.

Keep in mind that the physical batteries that the mowers use are expensive and usually unique to that particular product and brand.

Also, most battery-powered mowers last from 30 to 60 minutes which is shorter than gas and obviously shorter than chorded.

What is a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?

When it comes to walking mowers, there are two kinds, push mowers and self-propelled mowers. As the names imply, the push mowers have to be pushed while the self-propelled ones will use the engine’s power to move them along.

Obviously, self-propelled mowers are the nicer of the two, especially if you are dealing with a heavy mower, but do not discount-push mowers altogether.

Push mowers are, on average, much cheaper than their self-propelled peers and are made lighter so that pushing them is not too much of a hassle.

Consider your budget and the size of your yard before deciding which is suitable for you.

How to Care for Your Walking Lawn Mower

Like all tools, you will want to take good care of your walking lawn mower, regardless of if it is gas or electric.

The most important thing you can do when you get a new piece of equipment is to familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual.

While it may be somewhat tedious, your manual will have all the information to ensure your mower runs properly for years.

One of the first things your manual will tell you is to clean your mower after every few uses. Making sure your mower is not clogged up with grass and debris is essential for its operation.

Also, regardless of your power source, you will have to sharpen and balance your mower blades periodically.

If it looks like your mower is not cutting as well, as usual, take it into a shop and get your blades redone, it will drastically improve your mower’s cutting ability.

Care of Gas Mowers

If you have a gas mower, then there are some other things you will want to do regularly to make sure it is running correctly.

Believe it or not, your gas can go bad if it is left out for too long.

Running an engine on bad gas can ruin it, so be sure to empty your tank at the end of every season.

You will need small engine oil for your gas mower, and this oil will have to be topped up every so often for your engine to run right.

If your mower is dying on you after it starts, it is very likely that your air or gas filters are clogged up.

It would be best if you were replacing both of those filters on a yearly basis. With help from the manual, you can do that yourself or take it to a shop.

If your mower is not starting at all, it may be because your spark plug has gone bad.

All gas mowers should come with a spark plug wrench so you can easily inspect your plug. Your spark plug should be coffee-colored. If it is black, then you will know that you need a new one.

Methodology

How We Picked the Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

Here are the key factors we focused on when selecting the best lawn mowers for this list:

Customer Satisfaction

The first thing we look at is the customer ratings, regardless of how good the mower seems on paper. If a product has bad reviews across multiple websites, we will never endorse it.

Brand Accessibility

If you can not get your hands on the equipment, then it would not make much sense for us to suggest them. Therefore, our picks can be found nationwide brands like Lowes and Home Depot.

Pricing

We would never suggest a product that is priced unfairly. Every price above is appropriate for the industry standards and its features.

Quality Features

Our walking lawn mower choices are equipped with every feature needed to get the job done and the standard of quality to ensure it lasts for years.

Marcus Pagliarulo is living in Texas, writing about all things construction and landscaping. Having worked as a landscaper and on job sites for years, and most recently being head groundskeeper at a prestigious guest ranch in northern Wyoming, he shares his knowledge and insights with readers.

Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower review: cut your yard faster with this speedy self-propelling lawn mower

Honda understands that push mowers can be heavy, slow, and hard to maneuver which is why they designed the HRN216VKA. Like many walk-behind mowers, it has a self-propel system but combined with a Smart Drive handle, it can reach speeds up to 4 mph. Mowing on inclines and turning tight corners is irrevocably easier. If that wasn’t great enough, the HRN216VKA has mulching, bagging, and discharge functions and seven different cutting heights.

• Can be stored flat
• Mulch, bag, and discharge capabilities
• Self-propel speeds up to 4 mph
• No engine choke required
• Includes 1.9-bushel rear bag
• Seven different cutting heights

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Mowing any yard can be tiresome – especially with a heavy or cumbersome lawn mower. That’s why the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower caught my eye.

I’ve used self-propel lawn mowers in the past, but most self-propel systems required a little bit of a push. When I discovered that the Honda HRN216VKA boasted a self-propeller that could reach speeds up to 4 mph, I was ecstatic to try it out. Would it make mowing my lawn easier? Faster? With a half-an-acre yard and some slopes to contend with, I discovered those answers soon enough.

Keep on reading below to learn all about my experience testing the Honda HRN216VKA and whether it makes the cut as one of the best lawn mowers.

Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower: key specifications

Honda HRN216VKA Self-Propelled lawn mower | MRSP 519 at Honda Featuring a Honda GCV1270 engine with autochoke system, 3-in-1 Clip Director for mulching, bagging and discharge and a Smart drive variable speed function.

What is the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower like to use?

The Honda HRN216VKA arrived at my home already assembled, but from what I’ve read, assembly is simple and could take up to 10 minutes to complete.

As it is a gas mower, I filled the tank with the suggested amount of gas (the oil had already been added to the tank when it arrived at my house). Then, I adjusted the wheels with the dual levers to my preferred height. I’m not a fan of the Honda’s plastic wheels, but I can overlook that because it has seven different cutting adjustments that range from 1–4 inches. Plus, I liked how easy it was to adjust the cutting height with the levers on the wheels.

Clipping collection and mulching options Before I started the mower, I had to decide whether to mulch, bag, or discharge the yard clippings. The Honda HRN216VKA has a Clip Director on the side of the deck. All it takes is sliding it to the right or left to choose which function I desire the mower to do. The Honda comes with a 1.9-bushel bag – which is easy to get on and off – but I preferred to use the mulching feature most of the time. I tested the lawn mower in the fall/early winter so my yard was full of leaves and I wanted to recycle the leaves as mulch so as to provide my yard with some nutrients.

As far as the discharge option, it’s a rear discharge which means it is designed to spit the clippings on the backside of the mower – right on your legs. This seems like an unnecessary (and messy!) feature to me, but the option is built into the mower if that’s something you prefer.

Operation To start the mower, I pulled the flywheel brake safety system lever toward the handle and gripped it with my left hand while my right hand pulled the recoil starter rope. It usually takes one or two pulls for the engine to start. I like that it doesn’t require an engine choke.

Of course, the first thing I wanted to try was the Smart Drive Self Propel system. The folks at Honda made the lever an ergonomic paddle lever that can be pushed down with your thumbs or palm. I use my thumbs on both hands, but you can easily use just one hand if you’d like. The lever can be adjusted in five different positions which means I was able to find a comfortable position for my wrist.

I will warn you – the Smart Drive Self Propel has a kick. It can go from 0 to 4 mph immediately. Too much pressure and the lawn mower will buck and zip forward. If you’re not holding on tight, it could escape your grip. However, if you don’t apply enough pressure, you’ll basically be pushing the lawn mower (I did push the lawn mower without the self-propel to see how heavy it was and it’s not too bad). I can attest that it took me a few tries to intuitively get a feel for how to use the Smart Drive Self Propel.

Once I got the hang of it, I got to work mowing the lawn. When I pushed the Smart Drive Self Propel lever all the way down, thus achieving 4 mph, I found myself jogging to keep up with the lawn mower. This was good on evenings when the sun set early, and I wanted to finish the lawn before it got dark. Of course, I didn’t always use the 4 mph setting, but even 2 and 3 mph is a brisk walk.

As I mentioned, if you push too hard on the lever, the lawn mower will buck off the ground, which isn’t great for the plastic wheels when the mower comes crashing down. That said, the Honda’s self-propel lever provided a great burst of power when I needed to mow up an incline and around corners.

On the other hand, if I was mowing horizontally on an incline, I tried to use a lower speed. When I used a higher speed mowing horizontally on an incline, the lawn mower seemed to bump up and down more than I liked and missed blades of grass. The last thing I’ll note about speed has to do with the mulching feature. I found that the leaves were better mulched at a lower speed than a high one.

The 21-inch cutting deck is on the smaller end of standard push mowers, which typically range between 21–36 inches wide. This isn’t a major drawback because the Smart Drive Self Propel offers speeds that allow me to cut just as quickly as I might have with a larger cutting deck.

Self-Propel Smart Drive on the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower

The most notable feature of the Honda HN216VKA lawn mower is the Self-Propel Smart Drive feature. Most self-propel features on lawn mowers are designed as levers that you pull, however, Honda engineers worked with an ergonomic specialist to develop a control and cone clutch transmission in the form of a paddle lever that you adjust with the simple push of your thumbs or palm. You can use one hand or both hands and even adjust the position of the lever up or down in five different settings for the comfort of your wrist.

Best yet – it provides instant speed up to 4 mph which is fairly fast. I believe the fastest self-propel systems reach 6 mph. With this function, you don’t have to really push the lawn mower, only guide it along the path you want it to take.

Mulch, bag and discharge feature on the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower

Honda has made it easier to choose what to do with your grass and leaf clippings thanks to their 3-in-1 system with Clip Director. On the deck, you’ll see find a green clip that can be slid left or right and stops on three different functions: mulching, bagging, or discharging.

You don’t have to add attachments to mulch or discharge, but you will have to add the included 1.9-bushel bag if you choose the ‘bagging’ setting. This shouldn’t take but a minute or so.

How does the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower rate online?

On the Honda website, the Honda HRN216VKA has a 4.2 rating out of 643 reviews, and on the Home Depot website, 82% of customers out of 4,640 reviews recommend the HRN216VKA.

With ratings like that, it’s fair to say that most customers are satisfied with their purchase. Some reviewers weren’t fans of the plastic wheels, and a few pointed out issues with the self-propel feature. Some reported that it required a learning curve, while others noted that it occasionally stopped working and needed maintenance under the three-year warranty plan.

How does the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower compare to similar models?

The only other lawn mower that I’ve personally tested is the Troy-Bilt TB260 XP SpaceSavr Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. It’s more affordable than the HRN216VKA Lawn Mower and has a self-propelling system. Although Troy-Bilt doesn’t advertise the speed of the lawn mower’s self-propel system, I can confidently say that the Honda is much faster. Where the Troy-Bilt has front-wheel drive, the Honda has rear-wheel drive. The main area where the Troy-Bilt excels above the Honda is its SpaceSavr design which offers the option of vertical storage. It also does slightly better when mowing horizontally on an incline.

The one lawn mower that is most comparable to the Honda HRN216VKA is the Toro 21382. It’s equipped with a Honda GCV160 engine, mulching, bagging, and discharge system, and a similar self-propel system. The difference is that the Toro lever is not ergonomically designed (like the Honda is), however, the Toro can reach speeds up to 4.8 mph, where the Honda only reaches 4.0 mph. (I don’t think that extra 0.8 mph will make a difference) Other areas where the Toro stands out is the 2.1-bushel bag, a five-year-warranty, and higher-quality wheels. Perhaps this is why the Toro is 699, which is about 180 more than the Honda.

Should you buy the Honda HRN216VKA lawn mower?

The Honda HRN216VKA is a solid lawn mower. It may take you a few times to figure out how to use the self-propel lever properly, but once you have it down, you’ll be amazed by how easy mowing becomes. You essentially won’t have to push the lawn mower, just guide it to where it needs to go at speeds up to 4 mph. This is especially helpful for those with inclines in their yard.

Yes, the mower is on the pricier end, but this has to do with the high-quality and high-power GCV170 engine and outstanding features like the mulching, bagging, and discharge system, MicroCut twin blades, seven different cutting heights, eight-inch wheels, and rear wheel drive.

With this Honda lawn mower, mowing your yard will be a whole lot easier and less stressful on your body.

Honda HRN216VKA Self-Propelled lawn mower | MRSP 519 at Honda Featuring a Honda GCV1270 engine with autochoke system, 3-in-1 Clip Director for mulching, bagging and discharge and a Smart drive variable speed function.

About this review, and our reviewer

Alex Temblador is a Dallas-based award-winning author and freelance writer that has covered home, design, architecture, and art in publications like Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Home Gardens, Dwell, Architectural Digest, Artsy, Neighborhoods.com, Culture Trip, among many others. She recently bought her first home, a green Sears Roebuck house that’s over 100 years old, sits on half an acre of land and features a stunning wraparound porch, original hardwood floors, doors, and a butler pantry. Alex loves to test products for Gardeningetc, Real Homes, and Homes Gardens buying guides and reviews which has helped to expand the richness of her first-time homeowner life. The Mixed Latinx writer can usually be found working or relaxing in her outdoor spaces.

As with all our reviews, the Honda HRN216VKA was tested first-hand in Alex’s backyard, using it just as you would so you know exactly what you are buying. The products are given to us free of charge and we test them for as long as possible before sending them back to the brand unless we are able to keep it. This means that we can continue to use the product which gives us the opportunity to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it’s fared over a period of time.

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. were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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.

• Power source: Gas
• Self-propelled: Yes
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Rear discharge or shred leaves
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 113 lbs

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.

• Power source: Electric/battery
• Self-propelled: Yes
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Side discharge
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 88 lbs

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

• Power source: Electric/battery
• Self-propelled: No
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Side discharge
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 66 lbs

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

• Power source: Electric/battery
• Self-propelled: Yes
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Side discharge
• Drive: All-wheel
• Weight: 89.5 lbs

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

• Power source: Electric/battery
• Self-propelled: No
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Rear discharge
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 58 lbs

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

• Power source: Electric/battery
• Self-propelled: Yes
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Side discharge
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 78 lbs

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

• Power source: Electric/corded
• Self-propelled: No
• Cutting options: Bag, Mulch, Side discharge
• Drive: Rear-wheel
• Weight: 65 lbs

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.

Its small size makes storage a breeze.

Cub Cadet my speed walk behind lawnmower set up and demo

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.

Cons

The Craftsman M220 is one of the more cumbersome mowers we’ve tested. Set up was more involved—to adjust it to my height I had to first kneel on the floor and remove two fasteners from the bottom of the handle and then pull the handle out of the body. Another two fasteners at the base of the handle allowed me to set the handle angle. The better mowers have release buttons and adjusting levers that allow the operator to make these adjustments quickly and safely while standing.

The mower started on the first pull and seemed to have enough power to tackle any lawn. However, the two levers on top of the handle—one to start and one for speed of self-propulsion—are difficult to operate. Both are difficult to grab if your hands are small to medium, and the levers are too far from the handle for comfortable operation. They’re also not intuitively placed; you have to look each time you make a pass.

The biggest disadvantage of this mower is that it is equipped with front-wheel drive. When self-propelled mowers first came out many years ago, a front-drive system was easy for manufacturers to design and implement and the homeowner didn’t have to push dead weight. The design worked for many years because there was nothing else. But over the years rear-drive systems were developed and it produced a more balanced, more comfortable cutting experience.

When cutting a lawn, the operator naturally has some weight on the handle. Add to this the weight of the grass in the bag off the back of the mower and you have a very light front end. Because the weight of the mower is not over the wheels, the front wheels tend to spin and grasp through each pass. This results in uneven lines, a hard to control mower (especially on a bumpy terrain), premature wearing out of the plastic front wheels, and difficulty trying to trim around obstacles. This antiquated front drive system really lets this mower down.

Cons

• Controls are cumbersome
• Front Drive System limits control and comfort
• Not nimble around obstacles

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.

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Meet the testers

Director, Content Development

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.

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.

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