There are not many chores that are more taxing than mowing a lawn. Even though it seems like a simple job of cutting grass, a ton of factors come into play such as the lawn size, the physical condition of the user, and the terrain. For instance, it’s challenging to mow very tall grass. When it rains, both the grass and ground surface become wet, making mowing much more difficult. Mowing on an uneven terrain or small slopes can also be pretty hard, which is where a self-propelled lawn mower comes in handy.
A self-propelled lawn mower is exactly what it sounds like: a mower with an automatic forward momentum. This means that you don’t have to push it physically. Self-propelled mowers have risen in popularity in the past couple of years.
Features to Consider When Buying a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The size of your lawn
The first aspect you need to consider is your yard size. But, truth be told, self-propelled lawn mowers are perfect for any medium- or large-sized lawn. In contrast, push mowers and reel mowers are a cheaper option for those with small yards.
If you have a very big yard, you’ll want to consider a gas mower as opposed to an electric one. Corded electric mowers may not have the range, forcing you to buy a long extension cord. Cordless mowers are a better alternative since they don’t have any cord limitations. But they may not have the juice to keep them running for long.
Terrain
Push mowers are best suited for flat lawns and yards. For those with steep, uneven or sloped terrain, self-propelled lawnmowers will be much easier to navigate.
Cutting width
Before getting a self-propelled lawnmower, you also need to determine just how wide you want the machine to cut. For a big yard, a wider mower will get the task done much faster. While this might not seem like a big deal to you, several inches per single pass can make a significant difference.
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews
#1 Troy-Bilt TB330 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower
Are you looking for a self-propelled mower that will give you the best value for your money? Look no further than the Troy-Bilt TB330, which is a rear wheel drive mower. This mower derives its power from the 163cc Briggs & Stratton Engine, which has a superb performance.
Another key feature of this lawn mower is the ReadyStart technology. So, all you have to do is pull the starter one or two times to get the mower running. It also has a wide cutting deck of about 21 inches. This way, you can cut more grass at a time.
Furthermore, this mower has six cutting height adjustments, which you can set using the lever. With a side discharge, mulch and a 1.9-bushel capacity bag, this lawnmower offers a great deal of versatility.
Features
- Uses 163cc OHV engine
- Comes with a 21-inch TriAction cutting system
- Fitted with 8×8-inch wheels
- 4-speed settings ranging from 0 to 3 mph
Pros
- Offers variable speed system
- The bushel bag offers convenience when collecting grass clippings
- An adjustable and ergonomic handle for ease of use
- The TriAction is more effective than standard blades
- Cutting height is adjustable using the lever
Cons
- Has only fourspeed variations
Husqvarna HU800AWDH is the best all-wheel drive self-propelled lawn mower. By putting more power into all its four wheels, the mower provides much better traction than a two-wheel drive model. And this is not the only trait that makes this mower stand out.
It is also powerful, reliable, and has an easy-starting engine. If you factor in the powder-coated cutting deck, you’re sure to get a first-class mowing experience. The powder coating helps the cutting deck to last longer.
What’s more, the Husqvarana is a 3-in-1 steel mower. Essentially, you can bag or mulch your grass clippings. And, thanks to the variable drive system, you’ll be able to mow at your own speed.
Features
- Powered by a 190cc 4 cycle engine
- It’s an all-wheel-drive lawn mower
- Has a cutting width of 22 inches
- Comes with a user manual
- Includes warranty
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Easy maneuverability in all kinds of grass
- Has a variable speed transmission
- The cutting deck is coated with powder for durability
Cons
- The warranty fails to cover key design defects
The Honda HRR216K9VKA is the best self-propelled lawn mower for under $500. Being a self-propelled model, all you need to do is engage in this function and it will push itself along. Another beauty about this gas mower is its variable speed. If it’s moving too fast, no need to struggle to keep up with it; just decrease the speed setting. The speed ranges between 0 and 4 mph, which is manageable for most people.
One of the greatest challenges when using gas mowers is having to prime the pump with the choke. If you’re not familiar with the lawnmower’s working mechanism, you will end up flooding the engine, forcing you to wait a while before it starts running again. Luckily, Honda has incorporated an auto choke, meaning that you don’t have to prime anything.
Also important to note is the lawnmower’s twin blade. This feature allows you to perform ultra-fine micro cuts on your lawn; hence, keeping it looking neat and well-groomed.
Features
- Uses micro cut twin blades
- Has a smart drive system
- Variable speed settings
- Equipped with an auto choke
Pros
- It’s one of the most powerful lawn mowers
- Easy to start with a single pull
- Offers six height options—helps to keep grass long and weeds at a minimum
- Capable of mulching leaves and grass
- Has foam grip handles for comfort
Cons
- Lacks a washout port to ease the task of cleaning its deck
- Tends to slide when mowing downhill
#4 Ryobi. 20″ RY40190 Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
If gas powered tools aren’t your cup of tea, the Ryobi Electric self-propelled lawn mower is an excellent alternative. It is light, maneuverable and is friendlier to the environment than gas lawn mowers that release harmful fumes.
This lawnmower uses a lithium-ion battery, which provides a run time of up to 40 minutes on a single charge. In fact, this mower can accommodate two batteries, allowing you to mow for a prolonged period before having to recharge.
The Ryobi 40-volt mower is suitable for lawns that stretch to half an acre or less. It also has a 20-inch cutting path and seven adjustable cutting positions. Overall, this self-propelled lawn mower is the perfect choice for yard care multi taskers as its batteries are compatible with Ryobi’s other cordless equipment.
Features
- Powered by a 40V brushless motor
- Weighs 55 lbs.
- Measures 59”x21.5”x39”
- Has a large 20-inch deck
- Includes battery and charger
Pros
- It’s a 2-in-1 mower—suitable for mulching and bagging
- The easy-start technology and single height adjustment
- The telescopic adjustable handle enables the user to set the right height for comfort
- The 40V 5Ah battery increases power and efficiency
Cons
- Expensive
#5 Snapper RP2185020 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For gardeners interested in a lawnmower that doubles up as a mulcher, the Snapper RP2185020 will not disappoint. It boasts six cutting surfaces, which finely mulch the grass clippings. This helps in breaking them down more easily and also feeding your lawn. Another highlight of this self-propelled lawn mower is the Briggs & Stratton 850 engine that doesn’t require any priming or choking. All you need to do to get this mower running is to pull the cord. Apart from being so easy to start, this engine provides a quiet operation and optimal durability.
The mower uses a rear wheel drive system with high 10-inch rear wheels that provide superb traction on hills and thick grass.
Features
- Powered by a Briggs & Stratt on 850 engine
- It’s a rear wheel drive lawn mower
- Comes with six cutting surfaces
- The front axle is made up of rugged solid steel
Pros
- Pretty easy to assemble
- With the self-starting engine, the machine is ready to start mowing at any time
- Allows for height adjustment
- Equipped with 10-inch wheels, which provide good traction even on rough terrain
- Suitable for mulching thanks to the 6-inch cutting surface
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Sometimes, the self-starting engines don’t restart easily
The Bottom Line
You should take time to consider the best features of a self-propelled lawn mower before buying one. Remember to account for the maintenance, blade preparation, the size of your lawn and the terrain in your surroundings.