Maintaining a beautiful, green lawn requires much work, but finding the lawn mower for your yard can be difficult and time-consuming. There are a lot of factors that go into picking the perfect lawn mower for your yard. Depending on the terrain of your property or deciding on gas or battery power, you can learn about all the diverse types of lawnmowers and find the perfect fit in this guide.
What to Consider When Buying a Lawn Mower
Before you purchase your lawn mower, it is essential to consider several key variables. You will first want to consider the diverse types of lawnmowers, including the following variation attributes:
- Cutting width.
- Type of fuel used.
- Engine size.
- Price.
Type of Lawn Mower
The lawn mower you select is the first component you will want to factor in. There are many different lawnmowers, so choosing the one that best suits your yard is essential.
Self-propelled
These lawnmowers push themselves with a pressure-sensitive bar on the handle. Its wheels assist you by moving forward in any direction you choose.
Walk-behind
Requiring the most work, the walk-behind lawnmowers have no feature to assist you and are pushed manually.
Electric
Electric lawnmowers do not use gas like most mowers; they run on lithium-ion batteries. They have some advantages that make them more appealing. They start up instantly, are quiet, and do not require much maintenance.
Riding
Riding lawnmowers are equipped with a steering wheel that is easy to manage. They also have more oversized mowing decks and a good turning radius.
Zero-turn
Zero-turn lawnmowers are also riding lawnmowers. They are more comprehensive and allow for 360-degree pivots in one place, making them more convenient for avoiding obstacles in the yard.
Lawn Mower Cutting Width
Not all lawns are created equally.
This should be understood, but you do not need a zero-turn mower for a small lawn, and you would not cut a sizeable rural yard with an 18-inch deck lawn mower. This is where cutting width comes in. The width a lawn mower can cut strongly correlates with how quickly you can mow your lawn. If you have a wider cutting width, it will be easier for you in a more oversized yard. The smaller cutting width is great for smaller yards and is more agile for situations where you need to get around obstacles.
Lawn Mower Fuel Type
The two primary fuel sources for lawnmowers are gas and electricity. Electric lawnmowers can be corded or battery-powered; corded lawnmowers may have a constant power supply but can be inconvenient to use in bigger yards.
Gas vs. Electric
Gas-powered lawnmowers are a great option as they provide more power and have longer runtimes on a single tank. The drawback of using a gas-powered lawn mower is that they do need constant maintenance.
Battery-powered lawnmowers are easier to use. They are super easy to start and quiet compared to gas-powered lawnmowers. The drawback of using them is that they do not provide as much power, and the lithium-ion batteries only give about 45 minutes of runtime.
Lawn Mower Engine Size
Researching the engine size of a lawn mower is another crucial variable before you purchase. A larger engine will suit you if you know you will deal with more challenging conditions, such as tall and wet grass. Engine volume is measured in CCs (cubic centimeters), so the higher the CC, the more torque your lawn mower will have.
Lawn Mower Price
The last thing to factor in is price. This can be the dealbreaker when purchasing anything, and lawnmowers are an investment. By factoring in all the previous things, try to get the best option you can at an affordable price.
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
A self-propelled lawn mower is one of the more common mowers available today. It appears like a traditional push mower but has one distinguishing feature. A transmission guides the mower forward, negating the need to push it manually. This provides a handful of advantages: first, it requires less energy from the user; second, it creates a more even cut as the mower’s speed is consistent. Self-propelled mowers usually carry a higher price tag than push mowers and have more mechanical parts, so they may require increased maintenance over their lifespan.
Honda 21-inch Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Lawn Mower (HRN216VKA)
As a part of Honda’s newer HRN series, this mower features innovative power, design, intuitive controls, and more effortless operation and serviceability, making you more efficient during lawn care. The HRN216VKA provides 9% more power and 18% more torque than previous Honda models. Seven cutting heights and five different speed settings offer maximum control over your lawn-cutting abilities. This Honda lawn mower is a 3-in-1, which means it can mulch, bag, and discharge. The Auto Choke feature makes starting the mower easier, so you are not tiring out your arms trying to power it up.
Honda 21-inch Self-Propelled 4-in-1 Versamow Lawn Mower (HRX217VKA)
The standout feature of this Honda lawn mower is its 4-in-1 Versamow System with Clip Director that allows for mulch, bag, discharge, and leaf shred cutting options. The twin-blade MicroCut System uses four cutting surfaces that create ultra-fine clippings, so you are not left with a clumpy mess during mulching. The MicroCut System also creates more clippings per bag to mow 30% farther before emptying. It has a variable speed Select Drive that can be switched between 0 to 4 mph for complete control over the mower’s rate. The NeXite deck provides a lifetime limited warranty, so you do not have to worry about rust during the equipment’s lifespan.
Toro 21-inch Super Recycler Lawn Mower (21563)
Toro’s Super Recycler Lawn Mower is a landscaper’s dream. It features top-of-the-line dual-blade accelerators that are incredibly sharp, combined with under-deck bumpers to cut clippings into ultra-fine mulch, adding vital nutrients and vitamins back into your lawn. For lawn enthusiasts who prefer bagging, the power of the Vortex air intake technology and a commercial-grade bagging tunnel push clippings further back in the bag, utilizing all the available space. With that technology, you will spend less time emptying the bag. Flex handle suspension technology delivers ultimate comfort so you can easily glide over bumps or holes in your yard.
Honda 21-inch Commerical Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (HRC216K3HDA)
Built for professionals, the Honda Commercial Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is built for simple starting, easy operations, and quick stopping, with a handful of other advanced features. The mower’s Honda GXV160 commercial engine provides unmatched power and quiet operation with superior noise control. The exclusive Honda MicroCut twin-blade system creates finer clippings, giving you better mulch. The HRC216K3HDA offers eight different heights best suited to all types of grass and mowing conditions for added flexibility in clipping height. The steel deck features front axle and bumper protection for increased durability.
Toro 30-inch Personal Pace TimeMaster Lawn Mower (21200)
If you need to clear a more extensive lawn quickly, this mower is for you. With the enormous 30-inch deck, you can cut wider paths than many other self-propelled lawnmowers. The TimeMaster features Personal Pace with Traction Assist that senses your preferred walking pace and automatically adjusts so you are controlling the mower and not it is controlling you. The Traction Assist handle creates additional control over the lawn mower’s path and speed. A Quick Stow Storage Handle allows for two storage positions and manages heights for added comfort. The deck height can easily be adjusted at 2 points for quick adjustments.
Product Image | Product Name | Cutting Width | Engine Displacement | Weight | Cutting Positions | Price |
Honda 21-Inch Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Lawn Mower | 21 inches | 170 cc | 82 lbs. | 7 | $ | |
Honda 21-Inch Self-Propelled 4-in-1 Lawn Mower | 21 inches | 200 cc | 88 lbs. | 7 | $$ | |
Toro 21-Inch Super Recycler Lawn Mower | 21 inches | 163 cc | 92 lbs. | 4 | $$$ | |
Toro 30-Inch TimeMaster Lawn Mower | 30 inches | 223 cc | 166 lbs. | 6 | $$$$ |
Best Electric Lawn Mowers
Battery-powered mowers are all the rage as part of the evolution of cordless outdoor power equipment. EGO is a brand commonly associated with cordless lawnmowers, but many other top brands, such as Makita, DEWALT, Milwaukee, and Echo, have quickly joined the party. An electric motor has many advantages, such as zero fuel emissions, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance. They are also usually much lighter than their gas-powered counterparts.
Cordless mowers are not without their drawbacks, though. They tend to be more costly than a gas mower, and their shorter run times can hinder you as you may run out of power in the middle of mowing, depending on the size of your yard.
Makita 36V LXT Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower Kit (XML11CT1)
Makita’s 36V LXT Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower provides an efficient mowing experience without any mess or noise. The XML11CT1 can hang with its gas counterparts with a powerful motor that delivers up to 3,000 RPM for a faster cut. Four LXT 5.0Ah batteries provide up to 40 minutes of run time and can be recharged in about 45 minutes, so you do not have to worry about too much downtime if you run out of juice in the middle of mowing. A single lever quickly adjusts the entire deck to your desired cutting height of 1-1/4- to 4-inches. A folding handle allows the mower to be stored in a compact, upright position.
EGO 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower (LM2102SP)
EGO’s 21-inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower features enough torque to contend with gas-powered motors to work through the most challenging conditions. With that powerful motor combined with LED headlights, you will have no problem cutting all hours into the night. Powered by a 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery, the mower has an ultimate run time of about an hour with a similar recharge time. The LM2102SP offers mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options. Push-button, start, a folding handle, and single-lever deck-height adjustment make this one of the more feature-rich cordless mowers on the market.
Echo eFORCE Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower (DLM-2100SPC2)
Echo’s eFORCE Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is another fantastic addition to their outstanding outdoor power equipment lineup. Its powerful brushless motor provides performance like that of gas models. Dual battery storage allows for maximum power and performance, and an auto-switch battery makes it easy for power to switch to the backup battery once the first is drained of energy. Runtime of up to 70 minutes is one of the most extended runtimes on the market and can be recharged in 150 minutes with a standard charger and 75 minutes with a rapid charger. A cushioned handle reduces hand fatigue and creates a more comfortable cutting experience.
DEWALT 2x20V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower (DCMWSP255Y2)
DEWALT’s Cordless Lawn Mower is a cut above the rest. The mower has a brushless, direct-drive motor, plenty of power, and a longer runtime of 70 minutes. Auto-sensing technology maintains a steady speed so you get an even cut and allows for higher RPM so the mower can manage thicker grass. 11-inch rear wheels allow excellent traction when mowing, so you can quickly get up and down hilly surfaces. The folding handle makes it easy to transport the mower and allows for vertical, compact storage that takes up 70% less space. A dual-lever height adjustment allows for more cutting options from 1-1/2- to 4-inches.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower (2823-22HD)
Milwaukee is one of the latest additions to the cordless lawn mower market, but the late start allowed them to bring all the bells and whistles to their mower. The M18 FUEL Cordless Mower features a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor that delivers more max torque than 200cc gas models for the most demanding cutting applications.
An advanced electronic package provides instant throttle response on the blade and drive motor, reaching full throttle in under one second. Two M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 Batteries deliver up to 60 minutes of runtime on a one-half acre of cutting while removing one inch of grass. The batteries can be recharged in a little over 2 hours.
Product Image | Product Name | Cutting Width | Weight | Battery Recharge Time | Price |
Makita 36V LXT 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower Kit | 21 inches | 88 lbs. | 0.75 hrs | $$ | |
Ego 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower Kit | 21 inches | 79 lbs. | 1 hr | $$ | |
Echo 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower | 21 inches | 48 lbs. | 2.5 hrs | $$ | |
DEWALT 2x20V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower Kit | 21.5 inches | 75 lbs. | 8 hrs | $$$ | |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower Kit | 21 inches | 85 lbs. | 2.16 hrs | $$$$ |
Best Push Lawn Mowers
Gas-powered push mowers are remarkably like self-propelled options, with the significant difference being all the forward power comes from you. The main draw of these mowers is they are usually cheaper than a self-propelled model, and that is because the transmission that pushes a self-propelled mower is removed. They also offer more control over the mower, considering you are the primary power source, so you will not find it getting away from you. That control also makes push mowers more maneuverable.
The obvious drawback of a push mower is it takes more manual energy to operate. In that same vein, push lawnmowers are better suited for flat lawns because it is more challenging to push a lawnmower up uneven terrain.
Oregon 22-Inch Push Lawn Mower (MNA152707)
Oregon offers one of the most affordable gas lawnmowers with its 22-inch Push lawnmower (MNA152707). However, they did not sacrifice any power or features with the lower cost. Powered by a Briggs and Stratton 550ex series motor, this mower is capable of 140cc to manage some of the most demanding cutting jobs around. The ReadyStart systems require no priming or choking to start the mower, saving time and making you more efficient. The mower features three modes of operation: mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The high-domed steel deck provides superior mulching, so you are not leaving large clumps of grass around your yard.
SKIL PWRCORE 20V Cordless Push Lawn Mower (PM4912B-20)
You will not find a much better deal on a cordless mower than the SKIL PWRCORE Cordless Push Lawn Mower. Two PWRCORE 20 4.0Ah lithium batteries feature technology that warps each cell with cooling material for a 25% longer runtime and two times the battery life. Both batteries take less than one hundred minutes to recharge if you run out of juice. For added convenience, the SKIL mower features a push-button start to get mowing faster and a single-lever height adjustment between six settings. When you are finished mowing or storing the mower at the end of the season, the telescoping handle folds down completely, creating a smaller footprint in a garage or shed.
Toro Recycler Push Lawn Mower (21332)
This Toro Push Lawn Mower is explicitly built for homeowners looking for a high-quality mower with a user-friendly design. The push mower features Toro’s patented recycler-cutting technology, creating a finer mulch that returns nutrients to the soil for greener, healthier-looking lawns.
Lightweight and maneuverable 11-inch rear wheels provide optimum traction over rough terrain, so you are not fighting with your lawn while mowing. The crowning feature of the 21332 is its hassle-free maintenance that requires zero oil changes. Just check the oil levels in the lawn mower and fill it when needed.
DEWALT 2x20V MAX Cordless Push Lawn Mower (DCMWP233U2)
This mower features all the power and performance with plenty of additional convenient features you expect from the DEWALT brand. The cordless push mower features a brushless direct-drive motor that provides 75 minutes of runtime, so you will never run out of battery life while mowing. It features six different cutting positions between 1-1/4- to 3-3/4-inches for maximum control over the height of your grass. Innovative, auto-sensing technology maintains a high RPM, so you will not have to worry about getting bogged down in long grass while mulching, bagging, or using the side discharge.
EGO Select Cut Cordless Push Lawn Mower (LM2133)
Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to EGO’s Select Cut Cordless Push Lawn Mower. The mower features a multi-blade cutting system that delivers more torque than premium gas options. The system comes with two interchangeable blades, the EDGE Premium Mulching Blade and the EDGE Premium Bagging Blade. The mulching blade is ideal for your weekly mowing and delivers the quality and performance expected from a high-end lawn mower. The bagging blade is a heavier-duty blade that cuts grass into fine fragments, making it ideal for bagging and mulching. Bright LED headlights provide the additional option of mowing in the later hours.
Product Image | Product Name | Cutting Width | Weight | Fuel Type | Price |
SKIL PWRCORE Cordless Push Mower | 18 inches | 47 lbs. | Electric | $ | |
Toro Recycler Push Mower | 21 inches | 49 lbs. | Gas | $$ |
Best Riding & Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
Riding and zero-turn lawnmowers are the big dogs of all mowers built to manage large lawns or fields. They are both technically riding mowers, but you envision a lawn tractor when you think of a traditional riding mower. A lawn tractor is a good option if you need to be more efficient while cutting your grass but do not necessarily have the budget for a sizeable commercial-level mower. The main drawback of a lawn tractor is its lack of maneuverability.
If you want to be able to move around your lawn like a seasoned pro, turn to a zero-turn lawn mower. Two lap bars can pivot and make sharp turns, thus increasing your efficiency. Their maneuverability and enormous size provide the maximum cutting capability. Because of their larger size and additional versatility, zero-turn options are more significant investments than lawn tractors.
Husqvarna 24HP 48-Inch Riding Lawn Mower (960 43 03-03)
A quality entry-level riding mower, the Husqvarna TS 148X offers innovative performance, durability, and operator comfort. As a part of their one hundred Series, the mower features a deluxe comfort seat with an extra-thick cushion for improved comfort, so you do not have to worry during more extended mowing applications. An ergonomic, soft-touch steering wheel reduces hand fatigue. Many of the other features of this mower are all about convenience. The automatic choke creates effortless operation as you can turn the key and go without wasting time trying to start the mower. Cruise control maintains a constant speed even when mowing over rough terrain.
Toro 50-inch TimeCutter Zero-Turn Lawn Mower (75750)
The Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower was built to replicate the power of their landscape contractor equipment in a homeowner model. Living up to its namesake, the TimeCutter features a 50-inch deck that cuts mowing time up to 50%, so you can spend more time relaxing in the sun. The IronForged deck is built tough for increased durability over the mower’s life. A handcrafted high-back seat with armrests provides ultimate comfort while mowing. Intelligent Speed Technology offers more control over the mower without losing blade speed. An under-seat compartment makes it easy to store essential accessories and tools safely.
Husqvarna 24HP 54-Inch Riding Lawn Mower (960 43 03-21)
The Husqvarna 54-inch Riding Lawn Mower features a versatile ClearCut cutting deck combined with a powerful 24 HP Kawasaki engine, so you are guaranteed a perfect-looking lawn in less time. This riding mower is built to manage the rough spots on your lawn efficiently. A dash-operated differential lock works in tandem with large rear wheels for increased traction without overheating the mower. A high-back seat provides added comfort during longer cutting projects, preventing back pain or fatigue. The easy-access fuel cap does not require the engine hood to be open during refueling, making you more efficient.
EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower (ZT4204L)
The EGO POWER+ Z6 Zero-Turn Riding Mower is the perfect fit for power and convenience. Four 56V 10.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries and four brushless motors provide 22 HP, equivalent to many gas models. With that horsepower and a top speed of 8 MPH, the Z6 can clear up to two acres on a single charge. An onboard LCD interface makes it easy to customize your ride between control, standard, and sport modes. Other convenient features such as LED lights, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth technology create a lawn mowing experience unlike any other on the market today.
DEWALT Z148 Commerical Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower (47AHBCA6038)
The DEWALT Z148 Commercial Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower is built for efficiency, performance, and comfort. Adjustable lap bars can be dialed in for maximum comfort and control over the mower. A wide-foot pan is perfect for operators of all sizes to feel comfortable during long days. Offset front caster wheels allow for stable deck balance for an even, professional cut and maintain a smoother ride at higher speeds. This mower is capable of up to 8 mph so that you can cut more at a faster speed. Automotive-inspired, adjustable high-back seat absorbers impact over rough terrain, so you are more comfortable throughout the day.
Product Image | Product Name | Cutting Width | Weight | Engine Displacement | Max Forward Speed | Price |
EGO POWER+ 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower | 42 inches | 571 lbs. | Electric | 7 mph | $$$$ | |
DEWALT 48-Inch Commercial Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower | 48 inches | 1,184 lbs. | 726 cc | 8 mph | $$$$$ |
Shop more lawnmowers from some of the top brands in the industry, such as Black and Decker, Bluebird, Generac, and more, at Acme Tools.
One Comment
Sean Falconer
May 10, 2022 at 3:16 pmAll of your posts seem really long. I have a hard time staying focused or wanting to read this whole thing. Why not just put these in a table so customers can compare them side by side.