Nothing can ruin your Saturday morning faster than using the wrong mower to cut your lawn. Using old gas mowers or riding mowers can make your job harder, stalling out repeatedly or dying on you with your lawn only half mowed.
Using the best lawn mower can change all of that and there are many options available these days. Using the best push mower can make cutting your lawn fast and easy, so you don’t waste your precious time off problem-solving issues with your old mower.
If you need a new mower but you’re not sure which model will work for your lawn or what features you need, then you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the perfect push mower for your yard can be a challenge, especially with so many models to choose from. I’ve put together this buyer’s guide to discuss what features matter in a push mower, what types are available, and how you can choose a model that will last season after season.
I’ve also reviewed many of the best-selling push mowers, narrowing it down to 5 must-have mowers that can take on any type of lawn.
Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each model, how it is rated, and information regarding important features.
Table of Contents
Push Mower Comparison Chart
| Product | Mulching Kit | Type | Deck Size | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Bilt TB130 21 Inch 159cc Gas Lawn Mower   Shop On Amazon! | Yes | Gas | 21-Inches | |
| PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower   Shop On Amazon! | Yes | Gas | 21-Inches | |
| Greenworks Self- Propelled Mower   Shop On Amazon! | Yes | Battery | 20-Inches | |
| Honda 664100 Walk-Behind Mower   Shop On Amazon! | Yes | Corded-Electric | 21-Inches | |
| Husqvarna LC221FHE Briggs & Stratton Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Mower   Shop On Amazon! | Yes | Gas-Powered | 21-Inches |
Best Push Mower-Troy Bilt TB130 21 Inch 159cc Gas Lawn Mower
Our Rating:
This push lawn mower by Troy Bilt features a 21-inch cutting deck, complete with rear bag capabilities, mulching, and side discharge. The rear bag will gather the cut grass, so you can easily dispose of it, or use the grass clippings to mulch your lawn, using the included mulch kit. On the side, the discharge chute has a built-in clip, which attaches to the handle when not in use. The Troy Bilt mower’s mulching capability will be a huge selling point for many buyers who are familiar with the benefits of mulching their lawn.
The Troy Bilt gas lawn mower also has a TriAction cutting system, complete with a rake bumper that lifts the grass, for a cleaner, closer cut. The 159 cc OHV engine is powerful and dependable, offering easy start-up every time. The large 11-inch rear wheels make this Troy Bilt gas mower perfect for maneuvering around obstacles in the yard, tight turns, uneven ground, and smaller lawns. The automatic choke release will prevent the engine from flooding, making start-up and use a breeze.
Pros
- Easily handles long grass
- Gas engine
- Side discharge
- Perfect for a small lawn
- Works on rough or uneven terrain
- Low price
- Compact storage
Cons
- The handle is difficult to assemble
Conclusion
This line of gas-powered mowers by Troy Bilt is easy to start, dependable, and offers the type of smooth maneuvering that makes it easier to mow your entire lawn, guide heavy gas mowers around flower beds, structures, trees, and more. The mulch kit, side discharge chute, automatic choke, and large rear wheels make the tough task of mowing the lawn a breeze, as does the large rear clipping bag, the blade, which is designed to cut finer mulch, and the symmetrical deck that promotes grass flow while eliminating clumping. Overall, this push mower comes with all the features the homeowner or landscaper needs at an affordable price tag.
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower-PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Rating:
One of the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market, this push lawn mower by PowerSmart has a 170 cc OHV gas engine, with a large 21-inch cutting deck that allows you to cut more grass per pass. The single-cylinder 4-stroke gas engine makes it easy to cut through thick or tall grass. The 3-in-1 side discharge and the mulching feature will allow you to fertilize your lawn, spreading grass clippings to the side. This will provide your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs for thickness and growth.
The gas lawn mower also has a forced-air cooling system that provides constant power to the engine, while preventing it from overheating. The steel mowing deck is durable and can handle cutting larger areas, so this self-propelled lawn mower is perfect for both small and large yards.
The cutting depth is highly adjustable, preventing you from scalping your lawn. You can choose from 5 positions based on ideal height and make quick adjustments for uneven terrain. If storage space is a concern, then you’ll appreciate the gas lawn mower’s foldable design.
Pros
- 3-year warranty
- Large rear wheel design
- Self-propelled gas mower
- Steel deck
- Mulching blade
- Compact storage
Cons
- Price
Conclusion
This PowerSmart self-propelled lawn mower is designed to handle the toughest and tallest grass, easily. Equipped with a powerful engine, a large steel cutting deck, and a mulching kit that allows you to mulch your lawn as you go, this gas mower takes all the work out of mowing the lawn, while allowing you to get the job done quickly and easily.
Best Battery Powered Mower-Greenworks Self-Propelled Mower
Our Rating:
This battery-powered mower by Greenworks features a 45-minute runtime and is powered by two 5Ah USB batteries. However, the runtime can vary depending on the length of the grass and the difficulty of the terrain. For example, hilly terrain or thick, tall grass, can use up more power, causing the battery to run out of juice faster, compared to the runtime for long or medium-high grass and flat terrain. The brushless motor offers longer life, quiet operation, and more torque. The Greenworks mower features variable speed control and a self-propelled rear-wheel drive to give the user maximum traction, control, and maneuverability. The large steel deck is 20-inches wide, so you can cover more grass in a single pass, allowing you to mow your lawn quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Battery-powered
- Self-propelled
- Perfect for residential lawns
- 20-inch steel deck
- Rear-wheel-drive
Cons
- Grass can accumulate in the under deck housing
Conclusion
This Greenworks line of electric mowers is loaded with power, offers a long battery life and two batteries that provide a combined power of 48-volts. This self-propelled mower includes variable speed control for improved traction and a powerful design that allows you to handle even the most challenging terrain.
Best Walk Behind Mower-Honda 664100 Walk-Behind Mower
Our Rating:
This Honda electric corded mower is self-propelled, with an integrated select drive speed control, which provides ultimate comfort and control. This self-propelled mower comes loaded with a 4-in-1 Versamow system, complete with a clip director. This allows you to shred leaves, use a rear discharge, bag, or mulch. You can also adjust the deck, choosing from 7 mowing heights ranging from ¾-4-inches. The tires measure 9-inches and come with rear ball bearings that provide smoother movement over challenging terrain. The cruise control feature allows you to go from 0-4 miles per hour, so you can adjust the mower’s speed based on your stride. Speed adjustment is easy, just rotate the speed adjust dial, then engage the driver lever for maximum comfort and intuitive speed control.
Pros
- Twin blade system
- Rear discharge
- Blade stop system
- Mulching feature
- Double ball bearings
- Cruise control
- Durable mower blades
Cons
- Pull cord start
Conclusion
This gas-powered mower comes with plenty of features that are designed to make mowing even larger lawns a cinch. Some potential buyers may be disappointed that this self-propelled lawn mower comes with a pull cord start instead of an electric start, however, many users have reported that it reliably starts up after the first or second pull. This Honda lawn mower comes with some great features, including rear discharge, a mulching feature, variable speed, cruise control, and like all Honda mowers, it offers a reliable performance.
Best Gas Lawn Mower-Husqvarna LC221FHE Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Mower
Our Rating:
This gas-powered mower comes equipped with a Briggs and Stratton engine and front-wheel drive. This gas lawn mower is perfect for flat lawns and features a 21-inch cutting width, which allows the blades to cut more grass per pass. This gas lawn mower also comes with a push-button electric start, for fast, easy, and reliable startups every time. The front-wheel-drive system makes this one of the best push lawn mowers on the market. Controlling and maneuvering this self-propelled lawn mower is a cinch, even if you have uneven terrain. Like most top-of-the-line self-propelled mowers, this lawn mower is easy to control and adjust, thanks to the high rear wheels. The 4-point blade height adjustment feature allows you to adjust the height of the blade, based on grass length.
Pros
- Briggs and Stratton engine
- Electric push start
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Side discharge
- 4-point blade height adjustment
Cons
- Heavy
- Price
Conclusion
These self-propelled models are designed to make mowing your lawn fast and simple. If you’re tired of using your standard heavy push mower or you have a large property or uneven terrain, then you need the best self-propelled mower, one that comes loaded with all the right features, including side discharge, electric start, front-wheel drive, and a low maintenance design. This gas-powered lawn mower by Husqvarna earned top marks for reliability, power, and ease of use. While the price may be steep, this walk-behind mower offers a solid performance and the type of power you need to take on more challenging terrain or neglected lawns.
Push Mower Buyer’s Guide
Push mowers are lawn mowers that are designed to be propelled and controlled by someone on foot. With precision control and a small cutting base, homeowners and pros alike can use this type of mower to easily tackle the most challenging terrain.
Types of Push Lawn Mowers
There are many different types of push lawn mowers to choose from, including:
- Reel mower
- Walk-behind mower
- Self-propelled
Reel Mowers
Reel mowers were invented in 1830. The design itself is very simple, consisting of gears that spin a whorl that’s placed between eight blades that are spiral-shaped. These blades pass by a blade that’s stationary and located on the rear of the reel mower. These models are safe to use and can be a great green solution. They’re also a good choice if you have a small yard. However, these lawn mowers are powered by the user. There’s no engine, so its cutting capability is all up to you. These mowers can be difficult to use on uneven lawns and impossible to use on properties half an acre or more.
Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
This is the most common type of push lawn mower on the market. It’s available in either electric or gas. These mowers are a better choice than a reel style mower for many reasons. These powerful mowers allow you to easily mow around obstacles, sloping terrain, thick grass, and high grass. They’re also very durable, so just about anyone can use one. They offer better stability and traction compared to other types of lawn mowers and can be powered by hydraulics or belts.
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
A walk-behind mower requires the user to move the mower forward, using a little elbow grease. Self-propelled models will take all the work out of mowing a lawn. Most models come equipped with transmissions that drive and power the wheels and controls that are easy to use. These mowers will get the job done faster than other types and they can even be a better option for large properties compared to a riding lawn mower since you can fit this type of mower in tight spaces and maneuver it around obstacles such as flower beds and trees.
Power Options
When you’re shopping for the best push lawn mower, you’ll have your choice between electric or gas-powered
Electric Lawn Mowers
There are corded and cordless electric mowers available. If you choose a corded electric lawn mower, you won’t have to worry about charging it up before use or running out of juice while you mow. However, you will have to deal with cords.
Electric models that are battery-powered can have a runtime that ranges from 30-60 minutes. Battery power will be affected by terrain type and grass thickness and height. Battery-powered models may also die on you when you’re in the middle of mowing your lawn, however, cordless mowers give you the freedom to mow your lawn quickly, without dealing with extension cords or the fear of accidentally slicing through one.
Gas Push Mowers
Gas lawn mowers are the most common type of walk-behind mowers. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight mower, you’ll want to go with an electric mower, since the average gas mower can weigh around 90-100 pounds. Keep in mind, gas lawn mowers are much louder than their electric counterparts. In most neighborhoods, you will not be able to use gas lawn mowers before a certain time in the morning. This is something to consider if you normally like to beat the heat and get a jump on lawn maintenance before 7 am.
Function
All mowers cut grass, but not all mowers will bag grass clippings, mulch the clippings, and discharge the clippings.
Two-Function Mowers
This type of mower mulches and bags the clippings. Mulching can be very healthy for a lawn since it returns the grass clippings, which are high in nitrogen, back into the ground. However, this option isn’t the best choice for high grass conditions in the early summer or during the fall when the grass bounces back from summer stress.
Three-Function
Three function models allow a mower to bag the grass, mulch it, and then side discharge it. Side discharging will come in handy for utility mowing. It will also help if a lawn gets away from you and you need to adjust the mower’s deck to its full height to take grass down a few stages.
Must-Have Features
With so many push lawn mowers on the market, finding the perfect model for your yard can be a challenge. The best push lawn mowers are easy to handle, maintain, and maneuver around obstacles or over uneven ground.
Whether you choose a manual push mower, a cordless mower, or you have your eye on gas lawn mowers, there are features available that can ensure push mowers last season after season.
Deck Levers
A deck lever is available in groupings of 1, 2, and four. The single lever design is the most convenient, however, the single-lever system also comes with a lot of linkages that can add too much weight. It must be kept well lubricated if you want it to work properly. The two lever design is a good compromise between the other alternatives. This design has more linkages than a four-lever model, however, it’s easier to get the height adjusted correctly. The four lever design is considered the standard.
Transmissions
Push mowers are equipped with a few types of transmissions. The hydrostatic transmission is by far the most expensive, but it also offers the smoothest operation. It drives the hydraulic fluid past the impeller which spins in the output shaft that controls ground speed. This is by far the most reliable and smoothest running transmission.
The usual rear or front-drive walk mower relies on some form of belt and pulley system that’s designed to direct the power from the engine’s output shaft to the gearbox located on the rear or front axle. There are many different variations of this design, however, each type works well and is pretty easy to repair and maintain.
Blade Brake Clutch
The blade brake clutch is commonly found on top-of-the-line push mowers. This feature allows the user to completely release the operator control handle without it stopping the engine. This feature allows the user to pause their mowing, move an obstacle out of the way and continue mowing without having to restart the engine.
Deck Size
Deck size refers to a lawn mower’s blade width. Mowers that have a bigger deck come with wider blades. Deck size usually ranges from 20 to 50 inches. The reason people tend to prefer bigger decks is that they can easily cut larger areas of grass per pass. This means you can mow your lawn faster.
A wider deck is perfect for flat lawns and lawns that have a uniform shape. Yards that have obstructions or obstacles such as flower beds, boulders, or rocks can make it difficult for mowers with bigger decks to maneuver.
Cutting Height
Cutting height refers to how high the grass is when you cut it. Most mowers come equipped with adjustable cutting height settings which will raise or lower the blades depending on the height of the grass. This also allows you to dictate the height of your grass so you can leave it longer during the fall or dry weather. Typically, the cutting height will range from 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters.
Electric Starts
If the idea of pulling a pull cord starter isn’t very appealing to you, look for a mower that comes equipped with an electric start. An electric starter and built-in battery will eliminate the need to pull-start your mower. This is perfect for people with strength or shoulder problems. An electric start will also come in handy when you need to stop the mower to empty the grass catcher or pick up an obstacle that’s in your path. Simply switch off the engine, then push the start button when you’re ready to go. Firing up the mower is just a button push away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Lawn Mower Should I Buy?
A push mower is perfect for lawns that are a quarter of an acre up to two acres. Lawns over two acres can be difficult to mow with a walk-behind model, in which case, you should invest in a riding lawn mower.
What Time of Year Do Mowers Go on Sale?
Typically, seasonal products are more affordable when the demand is at its lowest. Lawn mowers are available at a lower price during the fall, once the mowing season has ended.
How Long Does a Push Mower Last?
With proper care and maintenance, a push mower can last for ten years. Without proper maintenance, the mower will last one to five years.
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Push Mower?
The oil in your mower should be changed every fifty hours or once every spring or summer.
Final Thoughts
If you have the right push mower, you can tackle the dreadful task of mowing the lawn in a fraction of the time it would take using a low-quality mower. If you’re tired of wasting your day off struggling with a mower that doesn’t have the maneuverability and power you need, then check out the five mowers that landed on my list and use this buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision, so you can invest in a mower that has the power and cutting efficiency you need to cut your lawn quickly and efficiently.
