Lawn mower with gears. Best Lawn Mowers In 2022

How To Troubleshoot a Riding Lawn Mower That Won’t Move in Gear

Have you ever experienced a situation where you are mowing, and suddenly your lawn tractor stopped moving in gear? If yes, you might have wondered whether it is possible to troubleshoot such issues and if possible, how to troubleshoot a lawn tractor that won’t move in gear?

Firstly, gather up all the necessary tools and materials. Then, thoroughly inspect the drive cable, cable connection, drive belt, drive wheels, and transmission. Repair or replace the faulty elements.

Read the article till the end and learn the ways to troubleshoot a lawn tractor won’t move in gear.

What Causes the Problem?

If your lawn mower fails to shift or move in gears, there must be a motion drive failure issue that prevents the gear system from working smoothly.

That’s the most common reason most mowers experience such failure.

Your lawn mower might also fail to move in forward or reverse gears due to a blocked fuel filter and damaged or clogged air filters. They mainly cause the engine to overheat. As a result, the mower fails to move in any gears accordingly.

But you cannot verify the actual problem without a thorough investigation.

Steps To Troubleshoot A Lawn Tractor That Won’t Move In Gear:

Nothing can be more annoying than encountering such circumstances, and in such a situation, all you need is a useful yet quick-fixing DIY method.

However, several DIY ideas are available on several online consumer forums, blogs, and YouTube vlogs. But all are not dependable and cost-effective.

That’s why I have decided to present an easy-to-do DIY method of troubleshooting your lawn mower when it refuses or fails to move in gears:

Things you will need:

Have a glance at the checklist of the required tools or materials for this troubleshooting task:

Step 1- Check Drive Cables:

As soon as you see that your lawn tractor is not shifting or moving in gears, you should check the current state of the drive cables.

Remember, a broken, loose, or disconnected drive cable will fail to pivot the transmission.

Inspect whether there’s a slack drive control lever. If you have a faulty drive cable, it will freeze up inside its sheath, and you won’t be able to pull up the lever. As a result, the drive cable won’t pivot the transmission forward to engage the drive belt.

If the drive cable looks broken, replace the Drive Cable.

Note: Work on a well-ventilated area that is free from open flame or sparks.

Step 2- Check the Drive Cable connection:

Now, if the drive cable looks perfectly intact and not frozen up, you should check whether the connection between the drive cable connection and the transmission has any loose or disconnection trouble.

To check that connection, carefully disconnect the spark plug wire first.

Then, remove the fuel tank cap and place a plastic sandwich bag over the fuel tank opening.

Next, reinstall the fuel tank cap to avoid gasoline leaking.

After that, tilt your tractor back to lift the front wheels.

Also, secure the tractor handle to keep the tractor steady.

Now, use a screwdriver to remove the bottom mounting screws and release the tractor handle.

Then, lower your tractor to the upright position to remove the top mounting screws of the drive cover.

Next, release the height adjuster lever to pull the drive cover off.

Check whether the drive cable is disconnected from the anchor post or not, and if it’s disconnected, connect the drive cable properly.

In case the anchor post looks broken or damaged, replace the Front Deck Tray.

Step 3- Inspect the Drive Belt and Drive Wheels:

A worn or broken drive belt fails to engage the engine pulley and fails to spin the transmission pulley.

Thus, the next thing to check and service is the drive belt which rarely fails. If the drive belt is broken or worn out, replace the Drive Belt.

Next, you need to inspect the condition of the drive wheels.

First, pry off the hubcaps and use the wrench to remove the wheel nuts.

Then, pull both wheels off the front axle, and you will see that build-up debris inside those drive wheels.

To prevent further damage, thoroughly clean the wheel gears and remove the build-up debris.

But if the wheels look severely damaged or worn out, you should replace the Drive Wheels.

Step 4- Replace the Transmission if needed:

After that, you need to check the current condition of the transmission.

Start by pulling the belt keeper off and disconnecting the drive belt from the transmission assembly.

Then, thrust the transmission lever forward to engage the internal gears. At the same time, use your hand to rotate the transmission pulley.

If you see that the transmission pulley is not turning, it means the transmission is locked up.

If you notice that the pulley is turning while you thrust the transmission lever, but the transmission is not rotating the front axle, it means your transmission is the main culprit causing such troubles.

In both cases, you need to replace the Transmission.

Undertaking such repair or maintenance to the lawn tractor can be hazardous. Therefore, always read the instructions manual of your lawn tractor first before operating, servicing, or troubleshooting it. Make sure you have the standard mechanical expertise to handle this type of troubleshooting task.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a lawn tractor to stop moving forward or reverse?

A lawn tractor might stop moving into forward or reverse gears if the transmission bypass lever is engaged or because of a loose, worn, or broken pump belt and tensioner pulley.

What causes the lawn tractor to lock up?

This can arise due to seized piston of the lawn tractor. In general, the piston can seize when you keep your lawn tractor standing for a long time in wet conditions or if the crankcase does not have enough oil in it.

Why my lawn tractor only shifts in reverse?

Often users complain that sometimes their lawn tractors only go in reverse, which mostly happens due to the drive belts slipping.

Lawn tractors are equipped with drive belts. These drive belts are responsible for connecting the engine-generated energy to the axle of the drive wheels. But when the drive belt turns old, excessively worn, or broken, it tends to slip and causes such issues.

Final Verdict

Now that I have explained all the steps to troubleshoot a lawn tractor that won’t move in gear, you can easily get your lawn tractor running again in no time.

Besides, the earlier mentioned reasons, such commotion can occur due to some other faulty areas.

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Best Lawn Mowers In 2022

GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.

That clean-cut lawn does not just materialize on its own, it takes a bit of effort here and there. Even more so, the work done on your lawn is only as good as the lawnmower you use to achieve it. But it’s not just about the final product with these devices, it’s also about the process that leads to it. So, if there’s nothing about it all that feels peaceful and seamless, then you must be using the wrong lawnmower. Searching for the right one may be understandably frustrating, finding that balance between a zen experience and stellar craftsmanship is not easy at all. But, with these options below, it should essentially be a walk in the park to pick one of the best lawn mowers out there.

The Best Lawn Mower

When it comes to mowing a lawn, there really is an art to it. Not only does it take time, but also takes both dedication and a good lawnmower. You really want to go for a product that transforms a tedious process into one that is rather soothing. Luckily, the Greenworks 16-inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower ticks all those boxes, and even more. A whole lot can be said about how great this product is, but here are the basics. Before that, it should be noted that it does need to be assembled before use.

The first thing that stands out as quite impressive is the fact that it has 2-in-1 capabilities. Not only is it equipped with a functional rear bag, but it equally mulches when the need arises. Simply pick the option that suits you best and run with it. Speaking of running with it, this cordless lawn mower runs quite smoothly and is incredibly easy to maneuver thanks to the attachment of a 6-inch front wheel and a 7-inch rear wheel. Then there’s the addition of a 16-inch cutting deck, this also helps in terms of maneuverability. Since it’s so slender, it can function quite seamlessly in a medium or small-sized yard. Furthermore, it has the ability to cut all types of grass types quite effectively.

Powered by a G-MAX 40V 4Ah Li-Ion Battery

Can be used on all grass types

Easy to toggle between bagging and mulching

Too small for large yards

Only works with an extension cord

When it comes to corded lawn mowers, there’s a whole lot to be considered. How powerful is it? How good is it in terms of mobility? Is it easy to operate? The great thing about the American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower is that all the answers to these questions are readily available. There’s really no type of grass that this piece of lawn grooming equipment cannot tackle and it is equipped with a wide range of features that make this possible. Altogether, the end result is always a timely, clean, uniform cut.

As mentioned, there’s no type of grass that this sturdy device cannot handle, but, the smaller the lawn the better equipped it will be. With the help of its 11-Amp motor, this compact (yet heavy-duty) lawn mower can brave through some of the scariest lawns out there. The best thing about this that it does not need any oil or gas to get it done. On an unrelated note, it is fitted with a 14-Inch steel blade that works perfectly on grass that measures anything between an inch to 2.5 inches in height. Even better is the fact that this mower is incredibly user-friendly. In fact, to get it started users simply need to push a button. Our guide to the best robot lawn mowers features some incredibly useful products that will save a lot of your time.

Adjustable cutting height

Equipped with a discharge and mulching system

Can cut all types of grass

Lightweight and easy to carry

Maneuverability is not easy

Here’s another one that’s simply perfect for cozy yards everywhere. So, if your yard is a bit on the large side, there’s something else out there that’s perfect for you. Back to the matter at hand, the GreenWorks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower is the compact piece of equipment that is set to change your lawn/yard for the better. There are so many useful and functional components that work hand-in-hand here to ensure that users get stellar results altogether. Take the fact that this is a 3-in-1 functioning device. Not only is it fitted with a handy mulching function, it equally has a side discharge and a rear bag.

For further functionality, there is the addition of a 20-inch steel deck that makes for easy maneuverability and speedy work altogether. If you’re impressed by that, then the fact that it is armed with a total of 7 height adjustment positions should amp that up. This ensures that even more people will find this mower a lot more accessible than the other options on the market. The cutting height itself ranges from a total of 1 ½ up to 3 ¾ inches no matter the type of grass involved. Since this is a corded lawn mower, it simply needs to be plugged in to function. Additionally, a 12 Amp motor is installed within to further power the land mower. For more amazing options like this, check out our reviews of the best riding lawn mowers.

Fitted with a 20-Inch Steel Deck

Gets clogged up in mulch mode

Too lightweight to mow evenly in some cases

Here’s a unique brand; one that has really made outdoor grooming their business. Come rain or shine, snow or hail, Snow Joe Sun Joe has some of the best equipment for carrying out chores outdoors. Based on this information alone, it is evident how well-thought-out and efficient the Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower will turn out to be. It is a great addition to any home that has a small to medium-sized lawn. Since it happens to be a cordless lawn mower, it is most definitely powered by a battery.

The battery that runs the show here is a 8 V 4 Ah rechargeable lithium-ion and best believe that it is as durable as they come. It can mow about ¼ an acre of land non-stop using just one charge. If that is not impressive enough consider the sturdy steel blade attached which can easily cut a path that measures 14 inches in width, and all this is even better because it can be done in just one single pass. That’s definitely not all that this mower has to offer, it is equally fitted with an adjustable deck and as such users can choose between a total of 3 positions when it comes to cutting height. You may also be interested in some of the best lawn edgers from our list, so check them out.

Fitted with a detachable 40-liter grass catcher

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery

The Greenworks G-MAX 40V 17” Brushed Mower is one of the top mowers in its class. It runs on a 40V lithium battery that provides around 60 minutes of run time, which is enough to cover a mid-sized yard without the need for recharging. If you need more time, it is possible to buy the batteries separately. The Greenworks G-Max comes in two different deck sizes – 17-inch and 20-inch. For this article, we’ve selected the cheaper 17-inch because it’s easy to maneuver and doesn’t weigh as much. If you have a large garden though, the extra three inches of cutting power might be worth it.

Using a single lever, you can adjust the height of the blades in five different levels, offering a cutting height range from 1¼-inch to 3⅜-inch. This versatility is one of the reasons the Greenworks is often preferred over cheaper lawnmowers and why it consistently gets rave reviews from users and experts alike. We also love the 2-in-1 bagging and mulching feature. If you don’t want the cuttings, collect them in the bag and dispose of them accordingly. Otherwise, leave the bag off and spread them over the garden.

60 minutes continuous run time

2-in-1 bagging/mulching feature

Single lever 5-position height adjustment

Versatile and lightweight cutting deck

Impressive run time from a single charge

Great height adjustment options

Option to bag or mulch grass cuttings

Battery lifespan could be improved

The design of the BLACKDECKER 3-in-1 Lawn Mower is nothing short of miraculous. With almost no effort at all, this machine converts from a lawnmower to a strimmer, then to an edger. That means you don’t have to fill your garden shed with three different machines. Save space, save money, and save time with this amazing lawnmower. Now, before we launch into the different features, it’s important that we manage your expectations. This is a small lawnmower that isn’t hugely powerful. It’s absolutely perfect for small, flat yards. If you’ve got a sprawling plot of land, full of hills and holes, you’ll probably need something with a bit more guts.

It’s powered by a BLACKDECKER’s 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery (you get two included with the mower) which last around 5X longer than similar 18-volt batteries. They don’t actually publish the total run time but it will be long enough to cover most small gardens. One feature that really impressed us was the Power Drive Transmission, which allows it to power through thick grass without getting bogged down.

Three-in-one design (mower, trimmer, edger)

Powered by 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery (2 included)

AFS (Automatic Feed System)

The only tool you need for a small garden

Includes two batteries for doubled run time

Underpowered for large gardens

Sometimes it’s best to go back to basics. If you don’t have a huge plot of land that needs mowing, you might find that this Push Reel Lawn Mower is better suited to your needs. Made by the American Lawn Mower Company, this primitive machine doesn’t need any electricity or gas to power it, just a bit of elbow grease. One of the benefits of this design is that it’s completely eco-friendly. You can keep your grass looking neat and tidy without worrying about the effect it’s having on our planet.

The cutting blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which means they’ll stay sharp much longer than cheaper manual mower blades. This reel mower comes pre-assembled, all you have to do is attach the handle to the blades and you’re off. The other benefit, of course, is that you can be burning those calories whilst cutting your grass.

Adjustable cutting height (0.5” – 1.75”)

Heat-treated alloy steel blades

Eco-friendly alternative to gas and electric-powered mowers

Get fit whilst mowing your grass

Not suitable for tall people

Lawn Mower Buying Guide

The wrong mower will not only leave your lawn looking decrepit, but it can also be increasingly frustrating. Equally, considering the fact that these products don’t come cheap, getting it right the first time in terms of acquisition is usually the aim. Whether you are a first-time buyer or this is a repeat purchase, there are certain things that need to be taken into account. In that vein, here are some pointers that are sure to land you the best piece of equipment for you.

Features To Look For In Lawn Mowers

Air Filter. Consider the air filter and the cover over it, in an adequate setup, it should be quite easy to remove. Pricier models are fitted with large paper air filters, seeing as these are a lot better when it comes to trapping dirt. These are also great for dry, dirty and dust-ridden areas, or simply when there are a lot of leaves involved. When it comes to the moderate-priced options, a piece of moistened foam is inserted with some clean engine oil. So, take all this into consideration and choose wisely.

Deck Size. This term is thrown around a lot when it comes to land mowers. It simply refers to the width of the blades on the mower itself. In general, these decks are between the neighborhood of 20 inches to 70 inches. Nevertheless, people commonly go for something that’s about 30 inches and 60 inches. Basically, the larger the deck size, the larger the cutting path is, and in turn, it takes a lot less time to mow your lawn. The latter is only the case when the yard in question is relatively uniform and flat. Though they can cut faster, it is increasingly hard to maneuver around bushes, trees and the rest. In such terrain, smaller decks are a lot easier to use.

Size of the Lawn. When it comes to using lawnmowers, it is recommended that they are used on only ½ an acre or less than that. Anything more than this will prove to be incredibly tedious even if the machine in question is self-propelled. So, for a plot of land larger than what is mentioned, a riding mower should be considered. This will conserve a whole lot of energy since it allows users to sit as they maneuver it.

Terrain. Another thing to take into consideration is the fact terrain in question. It greatly determines a whole lot when it comes to the lawnmower and components you need. In the case that the lawn in question is a small one then the usual push mower or even a reel mower will suffice. In the case that there are bumps and even slopes involved, then a self-propelled mower is a better option. It gives that extra oomph needed to go up since it is powered by an engine. In the same vein, if you are faced with uneven terrain or one riddled with obstacles, then go for a zero-turn-radius mower. It is a lot easier to steer altogether and will deliver a better end result thanks to its capabilities.

Attachments. There are types of lawnmowers, specifically riding lawnmowers, which happen to be compatible with a range of attachments. These attachments come in handy in terms of increasing the range and usability of the lawnmower in question. When it comes to the attachments themselves, they come in different shapes, sizes and forms. Some of them include lawn aerators, lawn rollers, dump carts, and fertilizer spreaders. Be sure to take into consideration whether you need attachments for your machine and if you do, then be sure to find out exactly which ones will help upgrade it.

Types Of Lawn Mowers

Cordless Lawn Mower. The most obvious thing here is that it does not need a cord to function. These babies happen to be battery operated, as such, it involves minimal noise, no gas at all. There’s also minimal maintenance and of course, no fumes. Even better is the fact that the cordless lawn mowers are not demanding when it comes to maintenance. The main selling point here is the fact that these are extremely environmentally-friendly and have low power usage. Altogether, this is a wonderful choice for anyone who has a small yard.

Riding Lawn Mower. When it comes to bigger yards, this is the surest bet that you’ll get that well-manicured lawn. This design allows users to mount the machine and maneuver it using a steering wheel. There are even options that utilize a lap bar for steering instead of a traditional steering wheel. With a riding lawn mower, it is incredibly easy to tackle larger plots of land with as little energy exerted as possible. Think of it as driving without the purpose of getting from one destination to another, but rather that of uniformly cutting grass. One of the main hitches is linked to their size, it’s a lot harder to stow them away. Then, of course, there’s the fact that they are a bit more on the pricey side.

Robot Lawn Mower. This type of mower really takes the stress out of keeping a well-manicured lawn. They actually cut the grass without a whole lot of human interference. A robot lawn mower pretty much operates in the same way a robot vacuum cleaners do. Since they basically run with input entered, it critically reduces the effort and time put into mowing a lawn. But best believe that all that convenience comes at quite a high price. It is no surprise considering the fact that they work quite autonomously and are fitted with sensors that help with maneuvering.

Deco Home Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck, 40V Battery, Push Start, 45L Grass Bag, Side Chute

• Up to 40 minute run time, variable no-load speeds
• Push button start and live battery charge indicator
• 7 easy select cutting deck heights, from 1 to 3
• Includes 45L grass bag and side discharge shoot
• IPX1 waterproof battery housing

Deco Home Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck, 40V Battery, Push Start, 45L Grass Bag, Side Chute

Decrease quantity for Deco Home Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck, 40V Battery, Push Start, 45L Grass Bag, Side Chute Increase quantity for Deco Home Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck, 40V Battery, Push Start, 45L Grass Bag, Side Chute

Deco Home Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck, 40V Battery, Push Start, 45L Grass Bag, Side Chute

Keep your lawn perfectly manicured without the cost and pollution of gasoline!Save time and money with trips to the gas station using the Deco Home Cordless Electric Lawn Mower. Perfect for small to medium sized yards, easily cut and tame your messy lawns to get the professional and manicured look you want! Light and quiet, this cordless mower includes a rechargeable battery that is ready to go in just 2 hours! Save time and save money with the power of electricity!

Unlike it’s pollution causing counterparts, this electric motor features reduced noise and a powerful 750 watt motor. The 16” cutting deck gives you a wide cutting path that will get through your yard in no-time. Choose from 3800 to 3000 RPM speeds that be used to cut through thicker grass or extend your run time. Easier to maintain, electric mowers require little service.

The included battery is rated at 40 volts, powerful enough to run your mower up to 40 minutes at a time. As with any mower, the longer your grass is the harder it will be to cut. this can impact how long a battery charge will last. Long-lasting and durable, the battery also comes with a charge adaptor for fast and safe charging.

Easily set the desired height of the cutting deck with the accessible built-in cut height selector. use the large top-facing handle to choose from 7 cutting heights from 1 to 3 inches. Additionally, a battery charge indicator and simple start/stop function is within reach at the top of the mower.

Keep clippings off of your freshly cut lawn with the included and detachable 45-liter grass collection bag. If you need to cut through the tougher stuff, the included side chute expels cut grass to keep the cutting deck empty and at maximum cutting power.

Product Highlights for Cordless Lawn Mower 16 Deck:

750W MOTOR WITH VARIABLE RUN SPEEDSTackle your messy lawn with a 16” cutting deck and at the flip of a switch select 3000 or 3800 RPM

CORDLESS OPERATIONCut the cord, but not literally, with up to 40 minute operating times using the 40V top-loading battery

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIESCut like the pros with included 45L grass collection bag and side discharge shoot, depending on need

FAST HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTCut grass to your desired height in seconds with the easily accessible spring-loaded height adjuster (note to rob: include height adjustment range from 1” to 3”)

ELECTRONIC CONTROL PANELPower on your mower with the flip of a switch and see how much power is left in your battery.

• Battery: 40V 4.0 Ah
• No Load Speeds
• High Speed: 3800 RPM
• Low Speed: 3000 RPM
• Cutting System: Rotary Blade
• Cutting Deck Size: 16 in
• Cutting Height Levels: 7
• Cutting Height Range: 1 in. 3 in
• Collection Bag: 45L
• Weight: 33.9 lb (15.4 kg)
• Packing: 29.5 x 18.5 x 16.9 in
• No Load Run Time: 45 min
• Run Time On Lawn: Up to 30 min
• Charging Time: Around 2H
• Ingress Protection Degree: IPX1

Man Gear: Perks of a Reel Mower

Personally, mowing the lawn has always been a chore for me. I mowed an acre growing up and hated pretty much everything about it. Most especially, I remember the amount of time the lawn mower was inoperable, causing all the fuss, tinkering, and buying gas. My mechanical ability as a kid was limited and my single mother did her best. However, often times, we would be lost waiting for our neighbors and family to have the free time to repair the thing and get us back up to speed.

I’ve since grown and become a homeowner of 2 years now. The heavenly task of yard upkeep has been bestowed upon me. As luck would have it, the in-laws gifted us an extra lawn mower and the extra “gift” worked for a month before it broke down.

Jumping at the chance, my greener wife gave me her best spiel for a reel mower. I tend to trust her instincts and goofy dreams for things, so a quick search online and two-day shipping later, we owned a reel mower. Now that we’ve had it for a season or two, I can say it has grown on me and a proper endorsement of its perks and exploration of its drawbacks is only fair.

#1 No gas!

Being frugal, green, and maybe leaning towards lazy, we don’t need gas for our reel mower. I suppose it saves us a few bucks per summer, but the hassle of remembering, executing, and paying for said gas is circumvented. The hassle of correct gas? Gone. It also saves me the headache of using the new leak proof gas cans that never work properly.

#2 Start and Stopping

With 2 toddlers and one kiddo on the way, the wife and I consider chore flexibility a top priority.

A pull-start motor is low on the flexibility list. Find a branch you missed, wife needs to ask you a question, or child about to swan dive off the swing set, you will inevitably have to stop and restart the motor. Depending on how finicky your lawn mower is, that can be a pain (this was a pain). Depending on how patient you are, you might find no issue with this or you might start getting feisty with the daredevil toddler. With a reel mower, you have 100% flexibility to stop, go do the_ and resume with minimal effort.

#3 Little/No Noise

See Perk Number 2? The kiddo and flexibility part? The reel mower is so quiet, it does not wake our kids during naptime, the most sacrosanct time of day. Do you one better- we are able to mow any time night or day without disturbing the neighbors or the kiddos with the noise. EVEN BETTER- any child or animal with an aversion to loud noises are happy outside with you as you mow. With the ability to have this flexibility, we can actually get it done.

#4 Kid and Animal safe

With a motorized lawn mower, you are always worried about the occasional piece of stick or walnut that goes flying out after being hit by the blades. My wife recalls the rules in place when she was younger- keeping distance, wearing hearty shoes, turning it off at any sign of malfunction. Small children, pets, or not, the reel mower has no risk of flying debris. My barefoot kids frequently “help” me push our reel mower (starting them young), my pregnant wife is able to go barefoot and unworried about the fumes, and I can baby wear. Truly a safe option for the whole family.

#5 Low maintenance

If you find the right mower for you, taking care of them is a breeze. Keep the blades sharp and the axle clean, which they recommend doing every 3-5th cut with the reel mower. I would compare the maintenance of a reel mower to the care of a bike meeting the care of a knife- if you know how to take care of both, you know how to maintain a reel mower.

Now before you run out and get one I will talk about a couple of the downsides I have experienced.

#1. Harder time with tall grass

Most reel mowers have a hard time with taller grass. If we go on vacation and the neighbor kid forgets to mow the lawn, we have to cut our lawn twice to get it back down to normal size. I have had to adjust the setting to the tallest cut. The following day, it will need to be lowered down and cut again to get the grass back to manageable size.

#2 (Perk #6?) It’s exercise.

During peak season, I have to mow twice a week to keep the grass where I like it. Any slope, sinkhole, or tree roots can make this difficult and any interruption I might have makes me lose my momentum. Restarting that momentum is about the same effort of pushing a full double stroller (toddlers tend to be my go-to measurements lately). It is exercise, for better or worse, a bit more intensive than a motorized mower walk or a breezy motorized rider drive might be. Dependent on the size and slope of your yard, not to mention your health, the reel mower might not be right for you.

#3 Grass Clippings

A reel mower is not a mulching mower so either you will have to purchase the bag attachment and toss your clippings (unless you compost) or rake up your grass after mowing, especially if it’s long. Another chore, yay! Our reel mower’s bag attachment is close to a joke. It frequently requires us emptying the clippings, requiring more momentum on my part and more exercise (again, good thing or bad thing?)

All in all, I love our switch. It is good for us for now and the foreseeable future on our 0.25 acre yard and the 3 under 3 plus pup lifestyle.

Neal is a husband, father of 2 and 1 on the way, Middle School religion teacher, Youth Minister, Faith Formation Coordinator, nerd, and sports enthusiast.

The 8 Best Self-propelled Lawn Mowers From Gas to Electric to Robotic

The grass is greener when you have a self-propelled lawn mower.

If you dropped your keys in the grass and you’re having trouble locating them, it’s probably time to give the lawn a trim. Whether you’re new to lawn maintenance or you’re looking to get a new lawn mower, a self-propelled lawn mower could be the right pick for you. Rather than the lawn mowers you sit on — aptly called a riding lawn mower — self-propelled lawn mowers push themselves, and you just guide the mower to wherever you want it to go.

Self-propelled lawn mowers are easier to use than push mowers, which are powered by your own movement, and they’re apt for most residential lawns. They’re good for going over bumpy and hilly areas, but you’ll probably pass out if you try to use it on your multi-acre property, as they do require a decent amount of effort to use. We found a self-propelled lawn mower for every kind of person at every budget — these are the seven best self-propelled lawn mowers.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Lawn Mower

Lawn Size

When shopping for any lawn mower, the first thing customers should consider is the size of their lawn, says Lacy Williams, Vice President of Product Development for Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mowers at Ryobi. A smaller lawn means a smaller deck size can be acceptable, whereas a larger lawn may require a larger deck or higher voltage battery platform when it comes to cordless products.” In short: for small lawns, a small deck and short runtime are ok, but for bigger yards a wider deck and longer runtimes — potentially those provided by gas engines rather than electric motors — will save you a lot of heartache.

Of course, if your lawn is too big, then you’re not going to want a self-propelled lawn mower at all, as it will take too long to mow your lawn and be too physically demanding (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Shoppers who have a yard that is one acre or less will find that a walk-behind self-propelled lawn mower will meet their needs, whereas those with a yard larger than one acre may want to investigate a riding lawn mower for their lawn maintenance.

Terrain

Do you have steep hills that you need to mow? In that case, a self-propelled mower is likely what you’ll want. They’re easier to push up those hills than a standard push mower, and they’re also safer than a riding mower, as there’s less danger of it rolling on top of you while mowing along a steep incline. Self-propelled lawn mowers are a great option for those who would like the propulsion system to move the lawn mower forward, Williams says. Systems like Ryobi Smart Trek adaptive variable speed self-propelled technology allows users to easily adapt the mower’s speed to their pace, helping them finish the job quickly and with less fatigue.”

Gas Mowers vs. Electric Mowers

Gas mowers tend to trend lower in price than their electric counterparts, though they do require you to get a little messy considering you have to refill the gas and change the oil. They also run longer and don’t require long charge times in between trimmings. Gas mowers tend to be louder (think motorcycle revving), but they do work exceptionally well when going through overgrowth.

Electric mowers used to be tethered by cables, but the advent of rechargeable batteries has really pushed cordless electric mowers to popularity. “Cordless lawn mowers have several advantages over gas mowers, Williams says. Cordless mowers are quieter, require less maintenance, and have zero emissions compared to their gas counterparts. They also are lighter weight and provide easier operation for users. Cordless mowers can accomplish this while being just as powerful — if not providing more power — than gas-powered lawn mowers. An added benefit of cordless mowers is the use of brushless motors that can increase performance when encountering heavy grass, as opposed to gas mowers that can be bogged down in those situations. Of course, no mower is without its drawbacks, as cordless mowers tend to not last as long as gas mowers, so they’re better suited for smaller yards.

What to Look for in a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Two-Function vs. Three-Function

Mowers will either be two-function, which bag or mulch, or three-function, which allows you to bag, mulch or discharge (either from the side or the rear). expensive models will offer three functions, though some cheaper models may have the three-in-one function. Not everyone will need the choice for mulching and discharging, so don’t think a three-function mower is always better — it depends on whether or not you need those functions.

Ignition

While all electric mowers have an electric ignition, gas mowers are available with either an electric starter (usually in the form of a button) or a pull cord. Most agree that pull cords are a pain to use — they’re rough on your shoulder, which can be torturous if you have an injury or arthritis, and are far less convenient than pushing a button. However, a pull cord does have some advantages. They’re less complex and don’t require a battery to operate, meaning they’re easier to maintain in the long run and you’re less likely to run into problems.

Deck Size

You don’t necessarily want your mower to have big deck energy. While riding mowers have mowing decks that are anywhere from 42 to 60 inches wide, they’re meant to be used for massive lawns. Since you’re likely only mowing a yard that’s an acre or smaller with your self-propelled lawn mower, a deck between 18 and 25 inches is likely where you’ll end up. A wider deck will allow you to get the job done quicker, because it’s covering more ground, but it’s also going to be harder to maneuver and won’t be able to reach into narrow areas like a smaller deck would.

The Drive

Not all lawns are completely flat, and that’s when it’s time to consider drives: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Front-wheel drive mowers are ideal for flat terrain, and they’re also a little cheaper than other mowers. They’re easier to maneuver and steer like a charm.

Rear-wheel drive mowers put the power into the back wheels, which makes it easier to go over hills.

All-wheel drive mowers give you some of the best control over bumpy terrain but you will have to shell out a bit more money.

What About Robot Lawn Mowers?

Robot lawn mowers are the newest style to emerge in the marketplace, and they’re really their own segment. But since they do propel themselves, and since you can’t ride them, we’re going to include them here. Robot lawn mowers work much in the same way as robot vacuums — they map your lawn, usually with the help of you setting up some sort of boundary, and then mow automatically, either on a schedule that you set or on demand. They offer more convenience since you don’t actually have to go out and mow the lawn yourself, but they suffer from the same drawbacks as robot vacuums: they’re small and not very powerful, they can sometimes map erratically and miss spots and they may get stuck and require your intervention. They’re certainly getting better, but it will likely be a few years before robot mowers become ubiquitous.