Most expensive push mower. Best American Made Lawn Mowers (actually made in USA)

Best American Made Lawn Mowers (actually made in USA)

With so many lawn mower manufacturers in the world, it can be hard for homeowners to choose the best brand to purchase from. One thing that might factor into your decision is where the lawn mowers are made. Today, I’ll reveal the best American made lawn mowers.

Even if a company is based in a foreign country, they might still assemble their mowers in America, and today I’ll be focusing on the best American made lawn mower brands to consider if where your mower is manufactured matters to you.

The Best American Made Lawn Mower Brands

Here is my list of great brands that manufacture or assemble lawn mowers in the United States.

• Honda, based in Tokyo (headquarters in Georgia, USA)
• John Deere, based in America
• Troy Bilt, based in America
• Cub Cadet, based in America

Be aware that not all of their mowers are made in the United States, but many of them are. If you specifically want an American made lawn mower, find out where each individual model is made before you make your purchase.

It’s also important to know that while there are many mowers which are assembled in the USA, some of these will include parts manufactured elsewhere.

In today’s global economy this is pretty common, and doesn’t necessarily mean that they are of lower quality.

You can still take pride in knowing that your mower was built in America if you see “Assembled in America” on its serial number sticker.

That means American hands put your mower together piece by piece, and that your dollars are contributing to the US economy by supporting the American factory where the mower was built.

The following article is a more detailed look at each of the brands mentioned above, as well as their most popular mowers.

Honda – Based in Tokyo, Mower Headquarters in Georgia

One of the most well-known car companies in the world, Honda also makes lawn mowers.

Honda Power Equipment is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. It’s where pretty much all of the 21-inch push and self-propelled Honda lawn mowers sold here in the United States are built.

Honda Power Equipment has been building mowers here in the USA since 1979.

Their lawn mowers are known for starting quickly, lasting for a long time, and requiring very little maintenance, which is why I’m the proud owner of one.

One feature that makes these benefits possible is the two blade cutting system their mowers have. This helps reduce wear and tear on the blades and the engine, increasing longevity and decreasing maintenance costs.

The main disadvantage of Honda mowers is that they can be pretty expensive. Their walk behind mowers definitely cost more than some of their competitors.

That said, they’re excellent, and if you can afford one it’s what I recommend. I own and use a 21″ self propelled Honda mower I purchased from The Home Depot, and it has been going strong for 9 years with no issue thanks to some basic spring mower maintenance each year and winterizing my mower properly each fall.

I also use ethanol-free gas called TruFuel which you can purchase online or in-store from Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or online from Amazon. It’s more expensive than regular gas, but will keep your engine running clean and won’t go bad if you let it sit in your mower over the winter.

Here are a few of Honda’s most popular models:

Honda 3-in-1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Lawn Mower

Honda’s best selling mower is the 3-in1 Variable Speed Gas Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, and most purchasers like the price. This walk behind mower has a variety of features that make it stand out.

The engine is incredibly powerful and has variable speeds you can adjust, making it very effective but easy to control. It allows you to switch between mulching and bagging very easily with a one step clip director.

Finally, oil and gas changes are simple because you get help measuring the liquids as you pour them, and you have longer gas/oil lines.

It’s ideal for yards that are half an acre to one acre in size, since it’s a relatively small but still powerful mower.

Honda 4-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

This mower is similar to the previous one, but it allows you to do much more and comes with more features. It has a Roto-Stop blade stop system, as well as variable speed Select Drive.

With its 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director, this machine means you can mow as well as leaf shred, discharge, mulch, and bag.

John Deere – Based in the USA

John Deere is a USA homegrown veteran in the lawn mower manufacturing business. Most John Deere tractor mowers are American made.

They’re assembled in the United States, mostly using American-made parts.

First releasing mowers in 1963, they have built up a reputation for delivering high quality riding mowers that can tackle any yard work issue.

The main thing to be aware of with John Deere mowers is that they are probably the most expensive riding mowers on this list.

But you definitely get your money’s worth for how durable they are and how diverse their features are.

John Deere S120 42-Inch Deck 22 HP Hydro Lawn Tractor

One of John Deere’s most popular products is the John Deere S120 42-Inch Deck 22 HP Hydro Lawn Tractor. You can rest assured that it’s built in the USA.

Yes, this is a big investment, but if you’ve got an enormous property, a lawn tractor may be what you need.

This lawn tractor features the top-notch performance of a 22 HP V-twin John Deere branded engine. You’ll find oil changes only take about 30 seconds with this mower, as it includes the John Deer Easy Change System.

John Deere S240 Lawn Tractor with 48-inch Deck

Another best selling mower from John Deere is the S240 Lawn Tractor with a 48-inch Deck. This made in the USA mower has a very powerful engine with a 48 inch deck that cuts grass easily and performs versatile functions.

The automatic drive transmission gives you multiple speed choices so you can mow small and large lawns easily.

This mower is the most expensive one on this list, but it’s extremely durable and able to tackle multiple different yard work tasks.

From cutting grass, to mulching, to removing snow, this mower offers a comfortable all-in-one tool for yard work.

Troy-Bilt – Based in the USA

Troy-Bilt is a slightly lesser known manufacturer, but their mowers are high quality and able to perform multiple different jobs.

This company mainly designs mowers for smaller yards, and it has surprisingly affordable prices.

The only downside is that Troy-Bilt mowers aren’t the best for large lawns, as they are designed for lawns that are half an acre to one acre in size.

But if multiple people are working on one large lawn, you might find that Troy-Bilt mowers are a great inexpensive option.

Troy-Bilt 21-Inch 140 cc Briggs Stratton Gas Push Lawn Mower

Built in the United States from American-made parts, the Troy-Bilt 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower uses a tri-action cutter to easily and evenly cut your grass.

This is an affordable mower option that is great for small properties. It has 11-inch rear wheels that make it easy to mow a variety of terrains.

With a Prime ‘N Pull 140 cc Briggs and Stratton engine, this Troy-Bilt mower starts quickly and easily. You always get evenly cut grass because this machine has the brands TriAction cutting system.

Troy-Bilt 17 HP Gas Pony 42K Riding Lawn Mower

If you want a tractor mower but don’t want to spend a fortune, consider the Troy-Bilt 17 HP Gas Pony 42K Riding Lawn Mower. It’s one of the most affordable ones on the market.

This riding mower features a 17HP Kohler engine so that you’ll get excellent performance even in more challenging weather.

Like the other mowers I’ve listed here, this riding lawn mower is USA-made. Another perk is this mower’s Step-Thru frame design. It gives you more leg room.

Cub Cadet – Based in the USA

Last but not least, Cub Cadet. This brand can compete even with John Deere when it comes to mower quality.

Cub Cadet mowers are known for having well designed cutting systems that make having a beautiful lawn easy.

Furthermore, some Cub Cadet mowers include features you don’t typically find in other brands. Cruise control and speed you can control with a pedal are a few examples.

Cub Cadet SC 300 Signature Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The Cub Cadet SC 300 Signature Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is one of the most powerful push mowers around. It’s also an affordable choice.

This mower features a 173 cc commercial-grade Kohler engine. It’s rear wheels are 11-inches high. That helps you deal with every kind of terrain smoothly. The front-wheel drive is also key to this.

Cub Cadet ZT1-46 KH Zero Turn Mower

The Cub Cadet ZT1-46 KH Zero Turn Mower is a big investment. However, it’s one worth making if you’re looking for this type of riding mower. Made in the USA, this is a great choice for a large property up to two acres.

This riding mower has a 22 HP 725cc Kohler Kt7000 Series Twin-Cylinder Engine. If you have slight or small hills on your property, this mower can deal with them.

It’s easy to get onto the deck of this Cub Cadet riding mower, and you can access the engine easily. I’m a big fan of Cub Cadet’s full line of zero turn mowers.

There Are Many Good American Made Lawn Mowers

As we’ve seen here, each of the brands I talked about above offer a great selection of mowers. These are what I consider to be the best made-in-the-USA mowers.

American made lawn mowers give you peace of mind and pride in buying a made-in-the-USA machine.

Now you know about fantastic mower options that you should consider. Before you go, though, also learn about the lawn mower brands to avoid at all costs.

Choosing the Best Type of Lawn Mower for You

Lawn care is a chore, and there’s no way around it, but with a new lawn mower, it can be a much more enjoyable experience. This guide covers the different kinds of lawn mowers and explains how to choose the best type of lawn mower for your yard.

Types of Lawn Mowers: Exploring Your Options

There are many different types of lawn mowers, and it can be hard to decide which one is best for your lawn. Learning about the most popular types of lawn mowers and the advantages and disadvantages of each can make shopping for a lawn mower easier.

To start, most mowers are either “walk-behind” designs or riding lawn mowers, and many different types fall into each category. There are also robotic lawn mowers available that make lawn mowing even easier.

Push Lawn Mowers

When most people think of a lawn mower, they picture a push mower. A push lawn mower is a type of lawn mower that the user pushes and operates manually.

They can run on electricity, gasoline, battery, or manual power.

Get the most out of the best type of lawn mower for you. Read OPE‘s guide to mowing like a Pro!

Pros of Push Lawn Mowers

All types of push lawn mowers have several advantages and are the perfect size for lawns under a ¼ acre. They are easy to use and significantly less expensive than riding lawn mowers.

It’s also easier to move obstacles out of your way when you’re using a push mower.

Here are the advantages of the different drive types of push lawn mowers:

Cons of Push Lawn Mowers

One of the biggest drawbacks of push mowers is it takes longer to mow, so they aren’t great for large lawns. Most push lawn mowers don’t mow through thick grass as easily as large riding lawn mowers, which can be tiring.

Here are the disadvantages of the different drive types of push lawn mowers:

Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

Similar to cars, self-propelled lawn mowers can be front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). They propel themselves forward when you start them and put them in gear.

Pros of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

Self-propelled lawn mowers can make mowing your lawn easier. They also make it easier to mow hillsides and slopes.

Here are the advantages of the three main types of self-propelled lawn mowers:

Cons of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

All types of self-propelled lawn mowers are more expensive than standard push mowers. Furthermore, they are heavier, which makes them difficult to transport, should the need arise. Likewise, they don’t work well with small lawns because they are difficult to turn.

Here are the disadvantages of the three main types of self-propelled lawn mowers:

Riding Lawn Mowers

When you have a lawn that’s over a ¼ acre, a riding lawn mower is the best choice.

There are many types of riding lawn mowers, however, they easily go under one of the following design labels lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear-engine mowers. Commercial lawn mowers typically fall within this category.

Pros of Riding Lawn Mowers

There are several advantages to choosing a riding mower.

For example, they are more comfortable and convenient and will save you time and energy. Plus, you can use them with various attachments to do more than mow your lawn.

Here are the advantages of the three main types of riding lawn mowers:

Cons of Riding Lawn Mowers

The biggest drawback of a riding lawn mower is the initial expense, and repairs and maintenance are also more expensive with riding lawn mowers.

Here are the disadvantages of the three main types of riding lawn mowers:

Robotic Lawn Mowers

The first robotic lawn mower came out in 1969, called the MowBot. It was a precursor to modern household robotic appliances like the Roomba.

Today, robotic mowers operate based on satellite location or boundary wire systems and are accurate within 2-3 centimeters.

Pros of Robotic Lawn Mowers

The main advantage of robotic lawn mowers is that they take care of your mowing independently. They are quieter, cost less to operate, and their cutting pattern leaves a neat and tidy lawn.

Since they mow more frequently, they can leave the grass clippings for mulch, which benefits the soil by putting nutrients back into your lawn. They are great for seniors and disabled people, and they will even mow your lawn while you’re on vacation.

Cons of Robotic Lawn Mowers

If robotic lawn mowers sound like a dream come true, they are, but with some caveats.

They come with a high price tag, and you must keep your lawn free of obstacles, like kids’ toys. Installation can be complex, and they aren’t well-suited to mowing on hillsides and steep slopes.

They also work best on simple yards, and they don’t do the best job of trimming the edges.

Cost Ranges of Different Types of Lawn Mowers

Most people have to consider a budget when purchasing a lawn mower, but it’s important to understand that cheaper isn’t always better. It’s best to balance the pros and cons of each type of mower with the cost.

Factors Influencing Cost

There are several factors that affect the cost of lawn mowers. When you’re comparing different types of mowers, consider these factors:

Power sources

Corded electric models are usually the least expensive, followed by gas-powered models, and battery-powered lawn mowers, which are the most expensive.

Cutting width

The width of the mower deck is an important factor because it determines how fast you can mow your lawn.

Fuel and battery capacity

A larger fuel tank or an extra battery will make mowing less of a hassle, but it will cost more.

Speed

Most riding lawn mowers can go about 4 to 9 miles per hour, and zero-turn mowers are even faster. Be aware that going too fast can compromise the cutting performance of your mower.

For commercial purposes, there are several different types of zero-turn lawn mowers that provide the speed necessary to keep up with large areas.

Price Comparison of Lawn Mower Types

Here are the average price ranges for different types of lawn mowers. Keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lawn mower to find the best one for your yard, lifestyle, and budget.

Push Lawn Mowers Price Range

Push lawn mowers remain one of the most popular choices for homeowners, and they are the most affordable.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Cost Range

One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of self-propelled (SP) mowers is their power source. Many self-propelled lawn mowers are powered by gas because it takes a lot of energy to drive the wheels.

Riding Lawn Mowers Price Range

Within each category of riding lawn mowers, there are many factors that affect the cost, including the size of the deck, the type of transmission, and the brand. Fortunately, that makes it easier for people on tight budgets to find a riding lawn mower in their price range.

Robotic Lawn Mowers Cost Range

When choosing the right robotic lawn mower for your yard, consider the factors influencing the cost.

Large yards need a robotic mower with a longer battery life. By paying more, you can get extra features like edge-cutting, traction wheels for slopes, and additional charging stations for different zones.

Additional Costs to Consider

It’s also important to consider the following costs when comparing lawn mower prices.

• Accessories and attachments
• Maintenance and repairs
• Replacement parts and blades
• Fuel and electricity costs
• Storage solutions and protective covers

Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Your Lawn and Needs

There’s a lot to cover when choosing the best lawn mower for your yard. To purchase the best mower for your personal needs, take the size of your lawn and the terrain of your yard into account, and balance your budget with the features of the lawn mower you’re considering.

You should also consider your lawn care requirements. If you’re growing a clover lawn and only need to mow your yard a few times a year, you probably don’t need to spend as much as you do if you’re mowing every week.

Types of Lawn Mowers FAQs

Which type of lawn mower is best for small yards?

A battery-powered walk-behind mower is ideal for a small yard because you can mow quickly, and you’ll save on fuel costs.

What type of lawn mower is ideal for large properties or uneven terrain?

Riding mowers are ideal for large properties, but they aren’t all suitable for uneven terrain. Front-engine riding lawn mowers are usually the best choice for uneven ground. However, it’s best to use caution on sloped areas, and you should use a walk-behind mower or weed eater on steep hillsides.

How do I maintain and care for my lawn mower?

The best maintenance routines for your lawn mower depend on the type of mower you have, but all mowers benefit from regular blade sharpening. Sharp blades will help your lawn stay lush and green.

How often should I replace my lawn mower blades?

For most homeowners, the annual replacement of your lawn mower blades is adequate. Sharpening twice per season or after about 25 hours of use is recommended.

Are electric or battery-powered lawn mowers worth the investment?

The most popular type of lawn mower is an electric-powered lawn mower, and battery-powered mowers are right behind them. They are simple to operate and maintain, making them a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.

The best hand push mowers in 2023

Our round up of tried and tested hand push lawn mowers.

If you’re looking for a straightforward lawn trim, then a traditional hand push mower could be the garden tool for you. With no battery, fuel or electricity to worry about, manual lawn mowers are a more environmentally-friendly option.These pedestrian powered machines are pushed along the lawn and the cylinder blades rotate to trim the grass as you move. They do require a little more push power than automatic mowers, and walking briskly will give a better cut so you’ll get a workout and burn calories each time you mow. And although a push mowers isn’t for every garden – they’re best for small to medium-sized (up to 250m²) lawns on flat ground with few bumps, the exercise will help keep you fit and they’re generally much more of a budget option compared to their high-tech counterparts. They’re kind to your neighbours too, as they’re much quieter than powered mowers. Cylinder mowers generally give a smoother, sharper finish than rotary mowers and their rear roller creates elegant stripes. Usually small, they’re easy to store and light enough to manoeuvre well around the garden,

If you’re not sure which type of lawn mower is best for you, take a look at our reviews of the best electric lawn mowers and the best cordless lawn mowers.

Best hand push lawn mowers at a glance

Our expertise

To help you find the right hand push mower, we tested a range of these traditional machines. Everymower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to setting up and storage, ease of handling, performance and value for money. Every mower in our round-up has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

Best Buy hand push lawn mowers

Webb 30cm Autoset sidewheel

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Comfortable to push and hold
• Cuts all grass smoothly and tightly
• Front loading grass bag catches clippings well
• Quiet

Easy to put together and use this simple hand push mower is comfortable, thanks to rubber grip handles, even when pushing over longer grass. It has six cylinder blades offering four cutting heights that are easy to change. The mower cuts from 40mm right down to 10mm, so it gives a precise, neat clip but also cuts longer grass well. It’s quiet, copes with even bumpy ground easily and the 17 litre front collector was the best at collecting clippings in our test. We gave it a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best budget push mower in 2023.

Gardena Comfort Hand Cylinder 400C

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Very easy height-of-cut adjuster
• Large grass collector that catches clippings well
• Feels sturdy and well designed
• Cuts well

While there is more to assemble with the Gardena push mower, our tests found the instructions for putting it together clear to understand. The shaped handle was comfortable to use and folds down simply for easy storage. Our experts were impressed with the four easy to adjust cutting heights displayed on a clearly visible scale. The grass collector has a 49 litre capacity but is sold separately. This mower is guaranteed for two years and we gave this a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best push mower all round in 2022.

Cobra HM381

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Compact and light
• Quiet
• Comfortable
• Easy to adjust the height of cut
• Good value

We awarded this a BBC GardenersWorld Magazine Best Buy for the best value push mower in 2022 and found it easy to put together with clear instructions. It’s compact and lightweight making it easy to push and operate and the handle is padded for extra comfort. There are four cutting heights ranging from 13-38mm, which can be simply adjusted and a 26 litre grass collector is included. It comes with a two year warranty.

Webb WEH18

Our rating: 4.5 out 5

• Quiet
• Nine heights of cut
• Wide cut
• Very simple height-of-cut adjustment
• Tackles long grass
• Effective front grass collector

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best for performance, this traditional cylinder mower design has a solid, heavy rear roller and a 22 litre collection box. The instructions for assembling it are clear and it’s light, easy to manoeuvre and quiet to use. There’s a generous choice of nine cutting heights, which are easily adjusted and range from 25-76mm, which is the highest in our test and ensures it handles long grass well. The front-loading grass collector on this model collects clippings well and it comes with a warranty of two years.

The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Husqvarna HiCut 64

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

• Comfortable handle and adjustable heights
• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Good, efficient cut, and tackles longer grass
• Height of cut adjustment difficult
• Roller doesn’t touch the ground
• Grass collector sold separately

This Husqvarna hand mower requires more assembly than most and tools are required plus, our testers found that the instructions could have been clearer. However, the mower is comfortable to use with handy flexible handle heights and it’s a quick and efficient mower. Testers weren’t keen on the height of cut adjuster. The grass collector has a large capacity of 45 litres but it’s sold separately and doesn’t collect all the clippings, especially when windy. It comes with a one year warranty but if you register, this is extended to two years.

Einhell GE-HM 38 S-F

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

• Lightweight
• Quiet
• Simple to change height of cut
• Adjustable handle height
• Grass collector doesn’t catch all the clippings and they fall out when emptying
• Not as smooth a mow as some

Our expert testers liked that the handle on this manual lawn mower had a choice of two heights and that it was padded for extra comfort while in use. Clear instructions are included and assembling the model is relatively simple. There are four cutting heights to choose from which can be easily swapped using a lever. The grass collector is included and has a 26 litre capacity. It’s guaranteed for two years.

How to choose a push mower

Before you choose a push mower think about the following:

Have you got the right lawn?Cylinder mowers need an even surface for the scissor action of the blades to work well, so your lawn must be fairly bump free and 250m² or below. Simpler shapes are easier, unless you opt for a compact model with a smaller cutting width that can be manoeuvred more easily around trees and island beds and under shrubs.

Do you like mowing the lawn?Hand push mowers take more effort than powered mowers, but they are easier to push if the grass isn’t too long. Cylinder mowers work best on fairly short grass and will struggle or not cut long grass at all. So you need to cut regularly or choose a mower with a high height of cut to let you catch up if you miss a mow now and then.

Can you look after your mower?Cylinder blades need regular checking and adjusting to ensure a precise cut and prevent the mower chewing the grass rather than cutting it. Adjustment isn’t difficult, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re not mechanically minded.

Do you need a grass collector?Most mowers come with one, but some are sold separately and nearly all the grass collectors in our test failed to catch clippings well, particularly when windy. Although front collectors work best, they block your view. If you’re happy to mow regularly (twice a week in the growing season), you may not need one at all and can simply let the short clippings fall down onto the grass and act as a mulch.

Do you have storage?These mowers must be kept indoors to prevent the blades rusting, so if storage space is tight, choose a model that’s light enough to hang up or has folding handles.

Cut in long straight lines, walking briskly – the faster you walk, the better the mower will cut.

To create stripes, mow around the edge of the lawn first, then start in one corner, mowing up and down. When you finish a stripe, turn and line up the mower with the completed stripe, as

When adjusting or cleaning the mower, stand it on a flat surface with a block in front of the wheels to prevent ir rolling forwards.

How we tested push mowers

All the mowers in our test are cylinder-type, with blades and a rear roller. Each mower was unpacked, assembled snd tested on a flat, circular lawn and on a sloping, less even, shaped lawn to see how ell they performed. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Setup and Storage. Assessed the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions and how easy the mower is to store.
• Handling. Focused on comfort and ease of use, handle height adjustment and how to change the height of cut, its weight, the effort needed and manoeuvrability.
• Cutting performance. Looked at cutting width, the range of cutting heights, collection capacity and the quality of cut.
• Value for Money. Considered all the above as well as quality and design, warranty and price.

For more information on our testing process see How We Review.

This review was last updated in May 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.