Lawn mower without bag. How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower

How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower

Now that your dream mower is in front of you (or in your shopping cart), it’s time to rev your electric engine. You’ll want to review your manual for all the details on your specific mower model, but let’s start with a step-by-step guide on using your electric lawn mower. And don’t forget to check out our safety tips below – because safety is always a priority here at Greenworks.

Why Choose an Electric Lawn Mower?

If you want a smoother and more consistent mowing experience, an electric lawn mower takes the top prize. Cordless electric lawn mowers are hassle-free – charge the battery, click into place and you’re ready to mow. With an easy push-button start, no required maintenance and easy-to-store maneuverability, you can say goodbye forever to the hassle of gas mower pull cords and mid-mow refueling. Bonus: you can use your electric mower batteries on an arsenal of additional yard tools – your garage is a one-stop shop for anything you need!

How Do I Mow with a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower?

Great news: while electric mower models can vary, the basic mower anatomy is similar. Although mowers from other manufacturers may vary, c heck out our best practice guide to start mowing with a battery-powered mower. 1. Celebrate your sustainable and efficient electric lawn mower purchase.

Getting started with your new battery-powered lawn mower couldn’t be easier. No pull cords that hurt your shoulder and no dumping gas all over your driveway or yourself. Mowing your lawn has never been this easy – or enjoyable! 2. Charge your batteries.

Whether this is your first or fiftieth time using your electric lawn mower, you’ll need to make sure your batteries are charged and ready for mow time. Securely place your batteries into the designated charger and you’ll be powered up in no time. While your batteries are charging, you can get organized on the other fun parts of having an electric mower. 3. Decide if you want to mulch, bag or side discharge.

• If you’re in the mood to bag your lawn, ensure your side discharge flap is flush with the mower. Take out the bagging plug before you clip in your bagger. Easy peasy!
• If you’d like to mulch your lawn, check that the side discharge flap is flush and the mulching plug is in place. You’re good to go!
• If you’re side discharging, unhook your lawn bag and stick in the plug. Next, attach the side discharge vent – ensure your grass clippings will discharge to the side, not in your face.

Set your cutting height.

You can easily adjust the grass-cutting height for all four wheels with the lever located near the back wheels. And with up to seven height options, you’ll love the versatility and customization of simply moving the wheels up and down.

Insert charged batteries.

Open the lid to the battery compartment and gently slide the fully-charged battery – or batteries, depending on your model – into place. You should hear the batteries click securely into place.

Great news – you can’t do this wrong because the batteries only can slide in one way. Insert the safety key into the correct spot next to the batteries (if applicable) and you’re ready to rev.

Start up your electric mower.

Batteries? Check. Mulch/side discharge/bag in place? Check. You’re ready to turn on your mower. Simply push and hold the start button, pull the start handle– and voila! Your battery-powered lawn mower will purr into action.

Explore your mower’s features.

It’s time. You’ve finally made it to the lawn! While you are basking in the joy of mowing with your new battery-powered lawn mower, take a moment to test drive some of the fun features that your model may have, like the self-propel and turbo options.

While you mow, you can glance at your battery indicator to check how much power you have left. Most models have a battery indicator next to the start button, so keeping tabs on your mower’s available power is easy.

Close it down.

Once your lawn is looking crisp and pristine, you are ready to power down your mower. Spoiler alert: you just need to push the on/off button. It’s that easy! Find a cozy spot in your garage or shed for storage and you’re good to go. If it strikes your fancy, you can even fold it in half and hang it.

Safety Tips for Your Cordless Electric Mower

Safety first, friends. We know you – and your new electric mower – are powered up and ready to start mowing. But before you do, we need to touch on a few critical lawn mower safety tips:

• Protective eye gear: In a perfect world, we’d all have safety goggles at the ready – but if you don’t have a pair handy, make sure to put on protective eye gear like sunglasses or goggles. Add a baseball cap to help deflect any wayward pebbles or sticks that can launch your way – plus a hat will protect your face from the telltale “I just mowed my lawn” sunburn.
• Take a look at your shoes: Yes, your shoes. Most of us don’t think twice about wearing flip-flops during warm weather – but that’s a big hazard for mowing your lawn. Closed-toed shoes are a must, whether they’re gardening clogs, Nikes or anything in between.
• Check your batteries: We’re talking about the battery compartments in the front of your electric lawn mower. Before you lock and load your batteries, look closely at the battery bays to ensure there isn’t any moisture, standing water or leftover lawn debris hanging out in there.
• Pay attention to the weather: We have all been there – rushing to get in a quick lawn mowing before rains. But don’t head out with your lawn mower into potentially dangerous weather – it’s not worth the risk! Thunder and lightning can begin much earlier than rain – so keep an eye on the sky and if it’s too close of a call, hold off on mowing until better weather has arrived.
• Be a responsible mower: We know you will be – but it’s worth the reminder. Avoid mowing through standing water or close to where the kids or family pets are playing. And as tempting as it might be to elevate your mow time into a workout, keep a steady walking pace instead of running behind your mower. You’ve already nailed it on being environmentally responsible with your electric lawn mower – now just keep an eye on your surroundings.

Looking for more details on how to choose an electric lawn mower ? Check out the Greenworks mower buying guide and learn more about zero turn vs riding mowers and push mower vs. self-propelled.

Lawn Mower Grass Catcher Troubleshooting

Stopping every 5 minutes to clear the underside of the mower isn’t much fun! Grass catcher problems can be so annoying.

Troubleshooting a lawn mower grass catcher? Common grass catcher problems like clumping, clogging, uncut grass, and a grass bag that won’t fill are caused by:

In this guide, I will cover all the most common grass catcher problems and their solutions.

Very often, a bad or blunt blade is the root cause of bagging issues. Sharpening or replacing a worn blade will improve bagging performance.

If you need more help, check out the “Blade sharpening video.”

The sharpening video covers safely sharpening the blade both on and off the mower. It also includes balancing the blade and torquing the blade bolt to specification.

What Is Mulching?

I live in Ireland, and it rains a lot; sometimes, it rains persistently, and if you need to cut grass, then you have to cut wet grass. Grass chute clogging is usually caused by cutting conditions but is also commonly caused by a worn cutting blade.

The blade is the business end, and it needs to be in tip-top condition.

Chute – A clogged chute can, of course, be a symptom of an underlying problem. So clearing the chute may not solve the problem. Check the chute for damage or old dry grass build-up.

Clean – Old grass on the deck can cause problems. Regular cleaning will prevent build-up and prolong the life of your mower.

Sharpening – A sharp blade will solve lots of cutting and collecting issues.

Wet Grass – It’s much heavier than dry grass, obviously, and won’t be thrown as far into the grass bag/box by the laboring engine. It also sticks to the underside of the mower, causing clogging and preventing the grass catcher from filling. Mowers don’t cut damp/wet grass very well, especially if it’s tall.

Height – How about the cutting height? It may be set too low. I know this sounds obvious, but try lifting the deck height, and if you want a tighter cut – drop the deck and cut again. Ideally, your mower shouldn’t be cutting more than an inch of grass; ask it to do more, and cut quality suffers.

Try cutting more regularly, and keep your mower deck clean and free from dry grass. Consider coating the underside of your deck with Teflon Non-Stick coating; it helps reduce grass clogging.

Tallgrass – Tallgrass is hard on a mower, especially if you’re asking it to cut the lawn tight with just one cut. Tallgrass will cause the mower to clog.

• Option 1 – Quick fix is to spray the deck with WD40; it does help, but it won’t last.
• Option 2 – Spray deck with DuPont Teflon coating.
• Option 3 – Spray the deck with bed liner, my preferred option. Works on tractors, riders, and walk-behind mowers.

Mulching

As you know, mulching blades chop grass very finely and drop it back onto the lawn, where it helps feed the lawn. Mulching blades are designed specifically for this task, but they can cause lots of clogging problems, especially if the grass is long or damp.

Mulching blades just don’t move grass efficiently because they’re not designed to. They work best when the grass is cut dry, regularly and in small amounts.

Mulching Blades aren’t designed to collect.

Mulching tall wet grass won’t work; the blade is designed to cut just small amounts of grass at a time.

Hybrid Mulching Blade

As you know, a true mulching mower doesn’t collect; its function is to finely chop and drop the clippings. This type of cutting is convenient; it’s a lot less work than emptying a grass bag, which gave mower manufacturers an idea.

The Hybrid Blade (3 in 1) – a mower blade that does it all, collects, mulches, and discharges. Well, it does an OK job, but if conditions become challenging, the quality does suffer, especially if conditions are wet.

The complaint I hear most with the 3-in-1 mulching blades – won’t fill the grass catcher. The solution – remove the mulching blade and fit a lift blade.

If you don’t want to mulch, change your blade for a lift blade; you will eliminate lots of clogging, clumping, and half-filled grass bags.

3 in 1 – The Hybrid mulching blade is kind of ok at everything.

The lift blade is also known as the 2 in 1, so-called because it bags and discharges. The lift blade vacuums the grass upright before cutting and moving clippings to the bag.

They’re designed for collecting grass and are available in low, medium, and high lift. A higher lift blade will require a more powerful engine. The lift is created by curving upwards of the trailing edge of the blade. The higher the lift, the better the bagging. If you love bagging – You need a lift blade.

Honda 3 in 1 – The Honda Hybrid mulching blade is the best in the business. Unfortunately, it can’t be fitted to other mower makes. The reason the Honda is so good at mulching and collecting – twin cut blade setup. Twin stacked blades working together allow blades mulches and move the clippings. Smart!

Grass Bag Won’t Fill

A grass bag/box that doesn’t fill has a few likely causes. The obvious ones: are clogged chute, thatched grass bag, damaged or worn blade, insufficient throttle, and poor engine performance.

Thatched – A thatched grass bag is a common problem. Mowers often get cleaned at the end of the season (well, some do), but bags rarely do. Examine your bag/box as a guide; when held to the light, you should be able to see through it. If the air can’t pass through the bag, then grass won’t be carried into the bag.

A stiff brush will remove the old thatched grass, or better, use a power washer. Cleaning – Stiff brush or a power washer does the job.

Chute Clogs – A clogged chute can be a symptom of an underlying problem. So clearing the chute may not resolve the issue. Check the chute for damage or old dry grass build-up. Grass build-up or damage to the underside of the deck can cause the grass to catch and clog.

Deck Coating – The underside of the deck should be smooth so that the grass moves freely around the deck, up the chute, and into the bag. DuPont makes a Teflon Non-Stick coating which helps reduce grass clogging.

Cleaning – Move your mower to a suitable location, as it leaves a bit of a mess. Just attach and turn on the garden hose. Start your mower to engage the blades.

Why The Grass Trailings?

Grass trailings are commonly caused by a poorly fitting or damaged grass catcher. If you find your grass catcher is damaged, consider buying a new one, they’re available to purchase with or without the metal frame.

Check if the bag/box sits correctly against the mower body. If it’s loose or damaged, the air and grass flow to the bag is compromised.

If all is well with the grass catcher, go ahead and replace your blade.​

Trailings are really annoying; check the bagger is closing snugly.

Check For Blade Damage – A defective blade can cause vibration, uneven cutting, and poor grass collection. Examine your blade, checking for damage, misalignment, or bent or broken trailing/leading edges.

Sharpening

Blades need to be kept sharp. I recommend about twice per season or more, depending on the terrain. Obviously, if your blade is dull, it can cause all sorts of problems, including blocked chute and grass catcher issues. Check out blade maintenance tools here; they make the sharpening process a ton easier.

And if you need a video on the process, it covers it here, sharpening blade on and off the mower.

Impact – When blades hit something hard, well, you know! The damage causes vibration and all sorts of cutting issues.

Bent – Bent blades can’t be repaired; just go ahead and replace them.

What Is PTO Slip?

The blade clutch or PTO (Power take-off) won’t be fitted to all lawn tractors, but it’s easy to locate; it lives right under the engine. A clutch system isn’t common on walk-behind mowers, but Honda and Toro offer them on the higher-end models.

It may be manual or electric; either way, its job is to lock the engine crankshaft to the blade deck pulley when you engage the blades on a button or lever. The clutch, like a clutch in a car, will wear out, and when it does, it causes the connection between the engine and deck to slip.

Symptoms include poor grass collection, uncut grass, and sometimes a burning smell.

PTO – Check the PTO system. The manual version is engaged by a cable. It lives on the crankshaft, right under the engine. Check that the cable is pulling the PTO lever all the way.

Fitting – Replacing the PTO isn’t difficult, but air tools would make it really easy.

Check Deck Belt Condition

Belt wear is also a common reason for a chute to clog; check the deck-cutting belt for damage and general wear tear. A new belt will transfer more of the engine power to the cutting blades and will improve the cutting and bag filling performance.

Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”

If you need walk-behind or ride-on mower blades, bearings, sharpening tools, etc., check out the Amazon.com link below.

Worn – A cutting deck belt that’s slipping will be less efficient at collecting.

Check the belt for proper tension, cracking, glazing, or contamination.

Damaged – Damaged belts will cause vibration and poor general performance.

A typical deck belt might last 4 – 5 years.

Check Engine Performance

It’s also worth considering, is the throttle set correctly? It should be set to fast/run when cutting. Is the engine running as it should? If the engine power is reduced, the mower may still cut well but will be less efficient at collecting.

A small-engine tractor or walk-behind mower should have a tune-up at the beginning of every season, regardless of how well it might be running.

Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”

Bad Gas

Old fuel is the number one cause of poor engine performance, use a gas stabilizer over the winter to help protect your lawn mower carburetor; check out “Carburetor troubleshooting.”

Tune-up – Mowers like a tune-up at least once per season.

Related Questions

How does grass catcher work? A grass catcher works by collecting the grass that is thrown into the bag by the force of the mower blade wings. The grass catcher works best when the walls of the bag/box are clear so that the forced air from the blade can pass through it quickly.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

Lawn mower with mulcher 2023: Get a lawn mower with a bag for healthier grass

The best lawn mower with mulcher is a lawn mower with a bag – and it’ll help keep your lawn fresh and green.

Want a healthier, greener lawn? A lawn mower with mulcher is your new best friend. A mulching lawn mower is essentially a lawn mower with a bag that’s designed to transform your grass clippings into mulch. This material releases vital nutrients as it decomposes, providing your lawn with a nutrient boost.

With a lawn mower with a mulcher, the grass really is greener. Not only does it return goodness to the soil, but it’s also a fantastic way of preventing the lawn from drying out during hot spells. Plus, mulching can reduce the chances of unsightly thatch building up.

It’s not just about looks. A lawn mower with a mulcher is an environmentally friendly choice. It allows you to organically fertilize your lawn, naturally releasing nutrients like nitrogen. Plus, it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, so you can feel good in the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the planet. Even better, it spares you the job of fertilizing your lawn and the associated costs.

If you want to keep your options open, you’ll find lawn mowers compatible with other accessories like a bagger. This saves you from having to commit and gives you flexibility.

When choosing one of the best lawn mowers, attachments are just one of the factors to weigh up. A key decision is whether you want a gas or an electric mower. Gas models boast unrivaled power, while electric mowers are a more sustainable option. Check out our guides to the best gas lawn mowers and the best electric lawn mowers to walk you through the key considerations.

For now, we’ve rounded up the best lawn mowers with a mulcher to keep your lawn lush. We’ll help you decide whether a lawn mower with a mulcher is right for you with buying advice about the pros and cons.

Best lawn mowers with a mulcher

Reasons to avoid

As you might expect from the manufacturer that set the record for the fastest lawn mower, the Honda HRN216VKA packs a punch.

The Honda HRN216VKA attracts seriously impressive reviews, scoring 4.6 out of 5 with 6299 reviews on Home Depot. People love it for the sheer power of the engine and the dependable starting. For a gas model, people are pleasantly surprised by its quiet operation, a perk if you’re concerned about mowing near buildings or neighbors. In terms of downsides, a few complain that it’s almost too powerful, making it hard to keep up with. It’s not the easiest to clean, so bear this in mind. A handful mention that some parts are made of plastic, but it still offers good value at 549.

This self-propelled model boasts a powerful 170 cc engine, making quick and easy work of lawn maintenance.

With reliable starting performance, you can wave goodbye to the frustration of your lawn mower not cranking. This model is self-propelled, sparing you the physical exertion of pushing it up hills, ideal on an uneven plot.

A big draw for this model is its versatility, with 3 options for grass clippings. Take your pick from mulching, bagging, and discharging. Easily switch between the 3 with the slide clip director. no need for attachments.

Thanks to the twin-blade system, this mower produces small clippings, which are brilliant for mulching as they decompose more quickly, giving your grass a quick nutrient fix.

Reasons to avoid

The Troy-Bilt TB100 is a nifty mower, perfect for small to medium-sized yards.

The Troy-Bilt TB100 scores a solid 4.4 out of 5 from 1634 reviews on Home Depot. People love that this mower is lightweight and easy to push. Several reviews praise the easy starting, making for a dependable mower. So, what are the downsides? The trade-off for it being compact is that it has a smaller gas tank. On larger plots, you may need to refuel to complete the job, though it shouldn’t present an issue for a smaller yard. A handful of reviews mention it’s awkward to refuel because of the position of the oil inlet and dipstick.

At 60 Ib, it’s super lightweight for a gas model, making it a fantastic choice for people with back problems or limited mobility.

This diminutive machine delivers a great cut, thanks to the TriAction cutting system. It produces small clippings, ideal for mulching. The hose attachment is a thoughtful design feature, making this mower easy to clean.

For the ultimate convenience, this mower comes ready assembled. Simply unfold the handle and off you go.

If you’re on a budget, the Troy-Bilt TB100 won’t break the bank at 369 (at the time of writing). Plus, that price includes a mulching kit. As you might expect, it doesn’t come with the luxuries of more expensive models, though it allows you to mulch the lawn for less. One downside is that you don’t have the option to attach a bagger.

Reasons to avoid

The Toro Recycler 21352 promises the power of gas with less maintenance.

The Toro Recycler 21352 scores a reassuring 4.3 out of 5 out of 9270 reviews on Home Depot. People are impressed with the power and quality of the machine with its sturdy steel-gauge deck. The clean, precise cut is another big draw.

The main downside people mention is the cap design on the bagger. The fit is not entirely snug which some mention results in grass clippings escaping. A few users report the self-propelled function is a learning curve. Finally, a couple of reviewers suggest the grip on the tires could be better, though overall, people are satisfied with their purchase.

With this model, there’s no need to change the oil. simply top up when needed. For this reason, it’s ideal for homeowners new to gas mowers, taking a load off your mind.

The patented cutting technology results in ultra-fine clippings. This is welcome news if you’re looking to mulch your lawn, as the small trimmings decompose more quickly, helping to nourish your grass. It’s named ‘the recycler’ because of its ability to return vitamins and nutrients to the soil.

Versatility is a plus, with 9 choices of cutting height. You can easily switch between mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

The Toro Recycler 21352 is self-propelled, saving you from the exertion of a push mower. At 399, it’s entry-level for a self-propelled model and offers good value.

Reasons to avoid

The Worx WG779 could be a match for you if ease of use is a priority.

The Worx WG779 scores a commendable 4.4 out of 5 with 544 reviews on Home Depot, with 89% recommending this product. People love that it’s lightweight and maneuverable, allowing it to tackle hard-to-reach areas. Reviewers are also impressed with the way it handles hills. Not everyone is a fan of the handle design, with a few reviews mentioning the position is awkward. The battery life draws mixed reviews, with some complimenting it and others suggesting it doesn’t last long enough. Whether it’s right for you may boil down to the size of your yard.

This battery-powered model saves you the faff of refueling. Plus, it’s cordless, which makes navigating obstacles like flowerbeds a breeze. With a narrow deck, this lightweight machine is nimble. an ideal candidate for tackling tight spaces. It’s a great choice if storage space is limited, as you can stow it away easily.

Thanks to the battery-powered operation, this model is kind to the planet, as you avoid the emissions of a gas mower. It also comes with a mulching kit, which makes it a sustainable choice.

At 335, it falls into the middle range of mowers on our list.

The drawbacks? Bear in mind that this mower is significantly narrower than others, meaning you will need to make more passes to cover the ground. Due to its diminutive size, this mower may be best suited for small yards.

Reasons to avoid

If you’re a battery-powered mower skeptic, the Ryobi RY401170 may be the one to convince you otherwise.

The Ryobi RY401170 is a crowd-pleaser, with a score of 4.7 out of 5 out of 2171 reviews on Home Depot. An outstanding 94% of reviewers would recommend this product. People rate it as a gas replacement mower and love the fast charging. Many are impressed with how quiet it is, ideal when mowing near buildings and neighbors. Out of the very few negative reviews, a few report issues with faults, though the 3-year warranty should give you peace of mind. A handful of reviewers complain about the battery life, so it may not be ideal for the largest yards or in tough conditions.

This machine promises the performance of gas without the hassle. If you are caught out by the batteries, you’ll be pleased to know it offers fast-charging capabilities.

With this model, you benefit from the convenience of cordless, so you don’t have to worry about getting the wires in a tangle. It delivers a superior cut and offers options for mulching, bagging, or side discharge as well as 7 cutting deck positions.

The Ryobi RY401170 has a 20-inch cutting deck which is on the small side. On a positive note, it takes up less storage space, plus the folding handles allow you to stow it away vertically. On the other hand, the narrow frame means it will take you more time to cover the ground.

Pros and cons of having a lawn mower with mulcher

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Unsure whether a lawn mower with a mulcher is right for you? When selecting a lawn mower, it’s crucial to properly weigh up your choices.

“A lawn mower with a mulcher ultimately provides a greener look to your lawn,” says Adam Stally, Owner and Group Managing Director of Horace Fuller.

“Lawn mowers equipped with a mulcher are beneficial for numerous reasons besides the obvious one of saving time from disposing of the collected grass clippings. [It gives you] a healthier lawn from the grass roots in the soil receiving elevated levels of essential nutrients and moisture,” says Adam Stally, Owner and Group Managing Director of garden machinery supplier Horace Fuller.

Plus, a mulch retains moisture during hot weather. “[There’s] less need to water your lawn, saving water usage and reducing the risk of diseases and weed growth,” adds Adam. So a mulcher offers benefits for both you and your lawn.

So what are the trade-offs? For those who like a super-manicured look, you might not be so keen on leaving grass clippings on the lawn. If you’re concerned about the mess, look for a model that produces fine clippings. they will be less noticeable and decompose more quickly.

A lawn mower with a mulcher can be problematic if your lawn already has diseased patches or is infested with weeds. “A mulching lawn mower during the damp season can negatively contribute to a weed problem. If disease is already present in the lawn, mulching will only lead to spreading this throughout. Any weeds about to seed should not be mulched as this would distribute the seeds into larger areas of grass and harm it as a result,” cautions Adam.

We recommend treating the disease and eradicating weeds before using a lawn mower with a mulcher.

The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers in 2023 for Making Your Yard Work Easier

These lawn mowers drive themselves, taking the load off you in the process.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 21, 2023

One of the perks of the warm-weather season is getting to spend time outside. If you own your own home and have a yard, it’s very likely that in order to enjoy your outdoor space, you need to mow the lawn. The larger the yard, the more work it will be to maintain. If you have a lot of grass to cut, you’d be wise to consider a self-propelled lawn mower especially now that there are a ton of sales just in time for Memorial Day.

The primary difference between a standard push mower and a self-propelled mower is that the former moves when you push it, and the latter essentially moves itself with only your guidance. Once the engine is running, all you have to do is squeeze a handle or push a lever and the mower will start moving forward with you as you walk.

Turning the mower around is your job, but once you have your heading, just keep the drive handle squeezed and escort the mower down the path, no pushing necessary.

Self-propelled law mowers take power off the engine and route it via a belt to a pulley on the transmission and axle. When you move the drive control lever on the mower handle, you tension the belt, causing the pulley to turn, and this drives the transmission, moving the mower forward.

Move the drive control lever back and the tension is released, the pulley stops turning, and the mower stops moving forward. The belt-driven transmission is a time-tested design to power the mower and take the load off you in the process.

What to Consider

A mower is like many consumer products in that the more features a manufacturer adds, the more expensive it becomes. But a longer or more eye-catching list of features isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes less is more. Here are the most important to keep in mind.

Front-wheel drive mowers tend to be less expensive than rear-wheel drive units. They can be easier to turn because you don’t have to disengage the drive wheels to do so. Simply push down on the handlebar to raise the front wheels off the ground. However, their traction isn’t as strong on hills or when the bag is full, as there isn’t as much weight over the drive wheels.

Rear-wheel drive mowers do cost more and aren’t as easy to turn, as you do need to disengage the drive—but this isn’t too much of a hassle. Rear-wheel drive mowers shine on hills and inclines, and when the grass bag is full. In either scenario, weight is shifted rearward and over the drive wheels, which enables superior traction, thus making the self-propel more effective.

An engine as small as 125 cc can power a mower, but most are somewhere in the 140 cc to 190 cc range. A large engine helps when powering through tall, lush grass or in extreme conditions, such as with a side discharge chute in place and mowing tall weeds in a border area. Also, the extra torque provided by a larger engine can improve bagging when the going gets tough (tall, leaf-covered grass in the fall). But if you mow sensibly and pay attention to deck height—and especially if you don’t let your lawn get out of control—an engine between 140 and 160 cc has more than enough power to get the job done.

A mower can have all four wheels the same diameter (7 to 8 inches), or it may have rear wheels that range from 9.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. Larger rear wheels help the mower roll more easily over bumpy ground.

With some mowers you can start the engine with the twist of a key or the press of a button. It’s a great option, but a luxury. Keep the mower engine tuned and use fresh fuel with stabilizer added to it, and you’ll never have trouble starting.

Any number of mechanisms can control a mower’s ground speed—a squeeze handle, a drive bar that you press forward, even a dial. There’s no single right answer here. Look at the design and think about how you like to work. For example, if more than one person will be using the mower (and not all of them are right-handed), a drive control like that on a Toro Personal Pace mower might be the answer. Just push down on the bar to make it go faster. Let up on the bar to slow down.

A mower that can bag, mulch, and side discharge is known as a three-function mower, the most versatile kind. Two-function mowers bag and mulch or mulch and side discharge.

Mowers will typically have one, two, or four levers to control the deck height. Single-lever adjustment is the easiest to use, but it requires more linkage, which adds weight and complexity. If, for some reason, you find yourself varying deck height frequently, it’s a good option. Otherwise, two or four levers work just fine.

Only Honda makes a gas-engine mower with a high-impact plastic deck (there are battery mowers that have plastic decks). Otherwise, mowers generally have a steel deck, and a few manufacturers—Toro, for one—offer a corrosion-resistant aluminum deck. An aluminum deck won’t rot the way a steel deck will, but you still need to keep it clean.

This is a hose fitting mounted on top of the mower’s deck. When you’re done mowing, hook up a hose and run the mower to power wash the underside of the deck. We’ve had mixed results with these, but they’re better than just letting a mass of dried grass clippings accumulate.

expensive mowers come with a more durable bag with more dust-blocking capability. If you bag a lot, especially leaves or other lawn debris in the fall, then you need a mower with a higher quality dust-blocking bag. Having said that, if you rarely bag, the standard one that comes with a mower will last you the life of the mower.

Also called wide-area mowers, machines in this subgroup help homeowners better reconcile their need for more power and speed with the fact that they may not have enough storage for a tractor or zero-turn mower. A typical residential walk mower has a single-blade deck that cuts a swath from 20 to 22 inches wide. Wide-cut mowers (built for homeowner use) have either a single blade or, more typically, a pair of blades, cutting from 26 to 30 inches with each pass. Some of these are rated for light commercial use and have larger decks, in the 32-inch range, and engines that start at 223 cc and go up to about 337 cc.

Wide-cut mowers typically employ gear or hydrostatic drive transmissions, and they have top speeds of about 4 to 6 miles per hour. At their fastest, they move so quickly you have to trot to keep up with them. Needless to say, they’re overkill for small yards; only opt for one of these if you’ve got a significant plot of land that you need to keep tidy, but not one so large that you’d be better off going with a full-on riding mower.

How We Tested and Selected

We compiled this list based on Popular Mechanics mower testing and our knowledge of the lawn mower market at large. For our testing, we put mowers through the paces using our standard Popular Mechanics methodology: We cut turf grasses such as fescues and blue grass and rougher non-turf grasses like Timothy, clover, orchard grass, and wild oats, all in both normal and shin-deep heights. We mow uphill, downhill, and across the faces of hills. The maximum slope we cut is about 30 degrees.

That may not sound like much, but it’s about all you can do to stand on it, let alone push a mower up it or across it. We mow damp and wet grass to test general cutting performance and whether clippings accumulate on the tires. And we cut dry and dusty surfaces to see how well the bag filters under less-than-optimal conditions.

Honda HRN 216VKA

Key Specs

Honda mowers enjoy a sterling reputation. Having tested their walk and self-propelled mowers for the last 30 years, we feel confident that Honda’s entry level mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for power and durability. The HRN features a GCV 170 gas engine that’s built to withstand long hours of operation.

If you do your own maintenance (and most owners who buy this class of product do), you’ll appreciate the easily accessible spark plug and the fuel shutoff valve that enables better winter storage. Close the fuel shutoff and run the mower until it sputters to a halt. This will clear the carburetor of any gasoline, which will prevent the ethanol in it from disintegrating and causing running issues later on. Open the shutoff valve in the spring, add some fresh gasoline, and the mower should start easily.

All this maintenance stuff is great, but we can also tell you that our past test findings on other Hondas prove that their cut quality is outstanding for cleanliness. Sharp blades deliver a velvet-like finish. And their bagging ability is also quite good, in the same league with other well-bagging mowers from Toro.

In all, if you take mowing seriously, you should enjoy this Honda. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider the Honda HRX, which features a mower powerful engine and a composite deck that won’t rust and is renowned for its durability.

One note is that Honda has announced that it will cease selling lawn mowers in the United States after this year—so if you’re considering buying one, best do it sooner rather than later.

Toro Recycler 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion

Key Specs

Toro mowers have garnered more recommendations from us than any other brand for two reasons: build quality and cut quality. These were amply demonstrated in our testing as the Recycler turned in the best ratio of cut area per amp-hour of battery in the self-propelled category, while at the same time not skimping on cutting, mulching, or bagging quality.

We attribute this outstanding mower performance to three features, all upgrades to the previous version of this machine. First, the air vent at the front of the mower deck seems to improve mulching and bagging performance. Toro calls it Vortex technology, a design that increases air flow under the deck. This helps to stand the grass for a cleaner cut, which improves mulching performance, and also allows better airflow into the bag when collecting the clippings.

Next, the company’s redesigned “Atomic” blade configuration appears to assist the air flow and clipping movement. Finally, the three-phase, 60-volt motor is exceptionally efficient, resulting in a large cut area for a single battery.

Toro has maintained features that make this mower work: rear wheel drive, a one-piece deck that’s all steel (no plastic nose), 11-inch wheels to help it roll over roots and crevices, and the same fold-forward handle that was an industry breakthrough when it was introduced some years ago.

Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

Key Specs

This is one of Ryobi’s top-of-the-line mowers, and it’s American-made construction is something we wish we saw more of. It delivers a tremendous cut area with its two 6-Ah batteries providing a total of 12-Ah of capacity, and its X-shaped blade leaves a pristine surface in its wake.

Ryobi estimates the design should provide 70 minutes of run time; we didn’t time our cut, but it strikes as plausible. Its rear-wheel drive and reasonably aggressive tire tread pattern provide good hill climbing and sidehill cutting performance, and its bagging on all surfaces (level, sidehill, and uphill) is also commendable.

Other ease-of-use features include an easily installed or removed bag that mounts and dismounts straight up and down through the handle; deck adjustment is quick and easy thanks to a single-level deck height adjustment. The straight edge deck is polypropylene; it will never rust and needs very little care other than basic cleaning.

Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Briggs Stratton Personal Pace

The Toro Timemaster 30-in. mower has been around for several years and has earned a reputation as a sturdy workhorse for homeowners who want to cut down on their mowing time. It’s also used by some professionals as well. A few years ago the Timemaster got a slightly more powerful Briggs and Stratton gas engine, so it should have no issues powering through most demanding mowing jobs.

The Timemaster is rear-wheel drive and features Toro’s Personal Pace drive system that’s used on many of its self-propelled mowers. This allows the mower to move at your speed by simply pushing down or releasing the handle, which is spring-tensioned.

With a 30-in. deck, Toro claims the Timemaster will help you reduce your mowing time by about 40% compared to using a standard-sized mower. You can mulch, back, or side discharge with the Timemaster, and the handlebar can be locked in a fully vertical position to reduce space consumption in storage.

If you have half an acre to a full acre of lawn to mow and prefer the experience of a walk-behind mower versus a tractor or zero-turn, the Timemaster is worth a look.

Craftsman M220

Key Specs

Craftsman mowers have been doing very well in our tests, so we can recommend this one because it’s so much like the many other of the brand’s models that we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a good blend of maneuverability and power, you’ll get it with this mower. Its front drive helps move it along and makes it easy to turn.

It’s important to note that front-drive mowers do lose some traction when running uphill, particularly with a full grass bag. But if your slope is less than 20 degrees, and you’re not bagging uphill, you’ll be fine. The side discharge will also help you handle tall grass. Adjust the two deck levers to bring the mower up to full height and have at the rough stuff.

The fact that this mower bags, mulches, and side discharges is a plus, enabling you to handle a wide range of mowing conditions, from early spring and late into the fall. Three-function mowers like this are our preference for that versatility.

Toro Super Recycler Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Key Specs

This is a beauty of a mower, with a cast-aluminum deck and a smooth-running Briggs Stratton 163-cc engine. We tested the Honda engine-equipped version, and it was effective at both bagging and mulching, even in moist grass.

Equipped with rear-wheel drive and the Personal Pace system (the farther you push the drive bar, the faster the mower goes), it’s an effective hill climber and moderately effective on sidehill cutting. It has relatively small 7.5-inch tires on all four corners, which causes this Toro to bump up and down a bit on washboard surfaces. But the good news is that it’s equipped with a far higher quality tire than we’re used to seeing these days. We didn’t notice them pick up any grass on moist surfaces.

Other features we like include its forward-fold handle that has a built-in shock absorber that Toro calls a Flex Handle Suspension, and a high-quality grass bag that loads through the handle, from the top.

QA

Are there special maintenance considerations with self-propelled mowers?

Yes. Both front- and rear-wheel drive mowers typically feature a drive belt, which can crack or wear out over time. Fortunately these belts are not difficult or particularly expensive to replace.

Secondly, you may have to replace the drive wheels occasionally. These wheels are driven with gears. there are typically teeth on the inside diameter of the drive wheel that line up with a gear on the axle. These teeth can wear out, especially if they are made of plastic. Higher-end mowers may feature drive wheels with a metal gear that meets the metal axle gear, which improves longevity of these components.

My lawnmower says I don’t ever have to change the oil, but just add oil when needed. Is this OK?

It’s not a good idea to never change the oil in your lawn mower. In a lawn mower, same as a car, oil degrades over time and is less effective at reducing heat and friction in metal components. Changing the oil in your lawn mower is easy to do and will significantly increase its service life. For most homeowners, changing the oil at the beginning or end of each mowing season should be sufficient, though there is certainly no harm in doing it more often.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

Why You Need a Mulching Lawn Mower

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Mulching lawn mowers mash up clippings into small particles that nourish your grass. They’re great for the lawn and the environment.

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Mowing a lawn is enough of a chore without going back and raking up the clippings. But if you don’t do it, that bed of clippings might suffocate the grass.

You could collect the clippings in a bag, dump them in a pile, add in other organic material and turn it into useful compost. Or you could pulverize the clippings into particles small enough to safely leave on the lawn. That’s exactly what a mulching lawn mower does.

Mulching lawn mowers come in all power options, including gas and electric (corded or cordless). Some you ride, and some you push. If you like your current lawn mower, there may be a kit that lets you convert it to a mulching model. No matter which kind you choose, you’ll have greener grass, because the mulch adds nutrients to the soil.

How Does a Mulching Mower Work?

Mulching mowers feature rotary blades that spin on a horizontal plane. But instead of the straight blades, like a conventional rotary lawnmower, these are shaped to direct clippings toward the underside of the deck and cut them several more times before falling back on the lawn. Some mulching blades are curved, some serrated, and some are both.

A mulching mower has no side or back outlet. This allows clippings to swirl around under the mower deck. When you buy a conversion kit, it typically includes a cover for the discharge opening. The mower won’t mulch properly without it.

How To Use a Mulching Mower

If you’re not careful, some of that swirling grass under the deck of a mulching mower may Band together into clumps, which the grass can’t absorb. Here’s how to prevent this:

• Mow the grass only when it’s dry. Wait for the morning dew to dissipate. If you’re planning to water, do it after you mow.
• Mow the grass often. This prevents oversized clippings from creating a layer of thatch.
• Mow more slowly than you would with a regular mower to give the blades times to mulch.
• Clean the blades and the underside of the deck before and after mowing.
• Sharpen the blades frequently to maintain cutting power.
• Weed the lawn before mulching. If you mulch weeds, you just spread the seeds. If the lawn has lots of weeds, bag the clippings until you can reduce the weed population.

To keep the grass healthy, set the mower height so that it cuts no more than one-third of the length of each blade. The grass should generally be about 1/2-in. longer than it would be if you were collecting the clippings. This keeps the roots healthy and hides the pulverized clippings that fall back onto the lawn.

Is Mulching Good for Your Grass?

Yes. And it’s also good for the environment.

• Clippings provide nutrients the grass needs, including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Because the clippings are ground into small particles, they decompose quickly, making the nutrients readily available.
• Waste products from the microorganisms responsible for decomposition combine with the soil to produce carbon-rich humus. This helps the soil retain moisture. A cover of fresh clippings aids that process.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings account for more than 12 percent of municipal solid waste. So every bag of clippings used as mulch takes some strain off your local landfill.

Top Mulching Lawn Mowers

If you’re looking for a push mower, you can choose a corded, cordless or gas model. Or you could opt for a gas-powered riding mower. Here are some awesome mid-range choices. Once you’ve finalised your pick, don’t forget about getting a lawn mower cover, too.

Best Corded

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The GreenWorks 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower offers back or side discharge as well as mulch mode. There are no emissions and no batteries to charge.

Best Cordless

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The Worx 40V Power Share comes with a battery charger and two 20V batteries that provide enough power to mulch 1/8-acre on a single charge. The batteries can be used with any other Worx tools.

Best Gas

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The Craftsman Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower is a standard pull-start mower with auto-choke, which means you simply pull the cord and go. Like the GreenWorks, it offers back and side discharge plus mulching options. It features six height settings and a 21-inch cutting deck.

Best Riding

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The Husqvarna Riding Mower offers an 18.5-horsepower gas engine and a top speed of 7.4 mph, making it one of the faster riding mowers on the market. Air induction prevents grass from flattening under the blade. The mulching kit and clipping bag are sold separately.

Chris Deziel has been active in the building trades for more than 30 years. He helped build a small city in the Oregon desert from the ground up and helped establish two landscaping companies. He has worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot’s Pro Referral service. His work has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker. Deziel has also published science content and is an avid musician.