By Steve Holdgren

For people with smaller yards that cut their yards frequently this can be a great little mower. The side discharge is perfect for worry free cutting. Grass clippings are actually good for your yard and re-introduce fertilizer. As long as the clippings are short I let them recycle back into the yard. This light mower has a 20 inch cut path so it gets the job done fast and is especially suited to flatter yards. The engine in this mower runs great and the cut is more powerful than I would have thought for the price. The starting can be a pain. Make sure it’s full of gas and oil and prime it plenty before starting.

Quick Specs

• 450E 125cc Briggs & Stratton primer engine
• 20-Inch deck push mower
• Side discharge only
• 4-Quick height adjusters with 5 positions
• 7-Inch Front and Rear Wheels
• 42 Pds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

The only difference in the 10732 is that it’s a self propelled or walk behind mower. But if you prefer you can push it as well. If you’re like me I use push faster than the mower’s self propelled speed, so I like that option. Then on hills I use the self propelled function. This mower is rear wheel self propelled and I like that option much better than front wheel propelled as that causes slipping. Mower is lightweight at 66pds and maneuverable. The Kohler 6.5 gross torque over head valve engine provides plenty of power to cut through tough grass. I’ve always liked Lawn Boy mowers since I cut grass as a kid with them. As all of us know who have used them extensively, the only problem you normally had with these durable little mowers is cranking them when you got the gas/oil mixture wrong, or when they got overheated. This new system starts right up on the first pull as advertised. I had no problems getting it started. The front wheel placements seemed a bit soft to me, as the housing is built from plastic. I thought the cut was smooth, and I like the purring sound from the engine on this mower. The wheels are soft on your yard and designed that way on purpose. Another thing I really like is that the height adjustments are easy and fast to change.

Quick Specs

• Kohler 6.5 ft. lb. cross torque 149cc OHV engine
• Auto Choke
• 21” Cutting Path
• 11” Rear Wheel (7” front)
• $279
• 66 pds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

With durable 12-inch rear wheels, this Husqvarna gas-powered push mower, available for $249.95, is easy to maneuver over all kinds of terrain. It’s durable and that’s the main trait we are looking for. The engine runs smooth and the extra wheel height makes a big difference on rougher terrain. Fairly lightweight at 60 pounds, it conveniently folds up for easy storage in the garage. The 3-in-1 cutting system mulches your grass and either collects it in the rear bag or discharges it to the side. The adjustable height lets you handle short or long grass. The cutting path is today’s standard 21-inches.

Quick Specs

• 140cc Briggs and Stratton Engine
• CARB Compliant
• 21” Cutting Path
• 60 Pounds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

Lawn-Boy’s 21 in. high wheel push mower is lightweight at 61pds and maneuverable. The Kohler 6.5 gross torque over head valve engine provides plenty of power to cut through tough grass. I’ve always liked Lawn Boy mowers since I cut grass as a kid with them. As all of us know who have used them extensively, the only problem you normally had with these durable little mowers is cranking them when you got the gas/oil mixture wrong, or when they got overheated. This new system starts right up on the first pull as advertised. I had no problems getting it started. The front wheel placements seemed a bit soft to me, as the housing is built from plastic. I thought the cut was smooth, and I like the purring sound from the engine on this mower. The wheels are soft on your yard and designed that way on purpose. Another thing I really like is that the height adjustments are easy and fast to change.

Quick Specs

• Kohler 6.5 ft. lb. cross torque 149cc OHV engine
• Auto Choke
• 21” Cutting Path
• 11” Rear Wheel (7” front)
• $239

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

This self propelled push mower is one of the stronger ones available. Husqvarna made a very reliable machine with this one. Its a breeze to push the HU800 around the lawn thanks to the all-wheel drive power with a max forward speed of 3mph. The bag capacity is generous at 2.4 cubic feet as well. The 4-cycle engine starts with a single pull of the cord, and its 3-in-1 cutting system bags, mulches, and side discharges all together. We were impressed with the solid construction of the heavy steel deck, which has side bumpers that rake the grass in for a smooth trim. The cutting deck and be adjusted to nine different levels between 1 and 4.25 inches. The front and back wheels are both 8 inches which makes the handling and maneuverability excellent. There was never a problem with gaining traction on different terrains. All of these features drive the price up a bit and it can be considered a bit expensive compared to other push mowers at around $500.00.

Quick Specs

• 190cc engine
• 22 inch-cutting width
• 4.6 hp
• Self Propelled
• 91 Pounds

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

While gas mowers have been around the longest and are praised for their power, you’ll find that electric and cordless mowers are gaining popularity for being better for the environment. Of course, you never want to sacrifice cutting performance. There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of lawn mower. Which kind you choose is a matter of preference and what your property most needs.

Gas Mowers

A gas lawn mower with a high-horsepower motor is ideal for large, hilly properties. That extra power come in handy when you have to push it up an incline or run it over roots.

• Pros:
  • Full freedom of mobility.
  • Extra power.
  • Well suited to long, dense grass.
• Cons:
  • Gas and noise pollution.
  • Require regular maintenance.
  • Buying gas and oil gets expensive.

Electric Mowers

Lauded for being better for the environment, electric mowers operate through a power cord. They are useful tools for small, flat yards.

• Pros:
  • No smelly gas fumes released into the air.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Quieter.
  • Cheaper to operate with electricity than gas.
• Cons:
  • Mobility is limited by the power cord, which may be too short, and the location of your power outlets.
  • Mowing a large lawn or one covered with trees would be cumbersome.

Cordless Mowers

By not releasing harmful emissions or being tethered by a power cord, cordless lawn mowers are a smart option for small, flat yards.

• Pros:
  • Don’t require gas.
  • Quieter.
  • Rechargeable battery eliminates the need for a power cord.
• Cons:
  • Mowing is limited by the strength and lifespan of the battery.
  • Not as efficient at cutting thick, tall grass.

In the end, you’ll make the best choice when you consider how large your yard is. A expansive, rough terrain calls for a gas mower for the greatest power and efficiency. However, if you have a small lawn and you prefer not to use gas, then an electric or cordless mower is a viable option.

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Safety Features on a Lawn Mower

Operating a lawn mower shouldn’t be a dangerous task if you know what you’re doing and if the mower is equipped with basic safety features. Handle Lever: Some new models are designed with safety in mind and come equipped with a lever or bar on the handle that you must hold down to keep … [more]

5 Tips for Better Lawn Mower and Lawn Care

Mowing the yard can be hot, grueling work, but a well-maintained machine can make the job a bit easier. Keeping the lawn mown and tended also gives you healthier, thicker, prettier grass. 1. Blades: Mowers with sharp blades perform better all around. The average mower needs to have its … [more]

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Lawn mowers of all varieties have certain inherent risks. You have to know how to operate it properly and keep it well maintained to avoid accidents. Above all, children should not operate lawn mowers and should understand that they are dangerous yard tools. General Mower Safety: Don’t let … [more]

Front vs Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Self-propelled lawnmowers have two types of drive: front wheel and rear wheel. But what does that mean, and which one is better? Essentially, when a gearbox propels the rear wheels, it’s a rear wheel drive mower. When the gearbox propels the front wheels, it’s a front wheel drive mower…[more]

Self Propelled Mower Comparison: Husqvarna HU800AWD vs Honda GCV190

If you are in the market for a new high-powered self-propelled lawnmower, it may help to compare the features of two popular models, the Honda GCV190 and the Husqvarna HU800AWD. The two lawnmowers are in the same price range—the Honda GCV190 is $699, whereas the Husqvarna HU800AWD is $509.99…. [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Push Mowers

While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Riding Mowers

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

Handle Lever

Some new models are designed with safety in mind and come equipped with a lever or bar on the handle that you must hold down to keep the engine running. Some people appreciate this feature; others find it tiresome to grip the lever the whole time. However, this feature does make it easier to pause the mower as you cross over a driveway or sidewalk.

Blade-Brake Clutch System

Sometimes you need to turn off the blades briefly but you don’t want to kill the motor. The blade-brake saves you the trouble of restarting the engine.

Back Flap

For additional safety, a mower should possess a rubber flap at the back that protects you from objects sent flying by the blades. Just to be cautious, it’s advised to wear goggles to protect your eyes.

More Mower Articles

5 Tips for Better Lawn Mower and Lawn Care

Mowing the yard can be hot, grueling work, but a well-maintained machine can make the job a bit easier. Keeping the lawn mown and tended also gives you healthier, thicker, prettier grass. 1. Blades: Mowers with sharp blades perform better all around. The average mower needs to have its … [more]

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Lawn mowers of all varieties have certain inherent risks. You have to know how to operate it properly and keep it well maintained to avoid accidents. Above all, children should not operate lawn mowers and should understand that they are dangerous yard tools. General Mower Safety: Don’t let … [more]

Gas vs. Electric vs. Cordless Lawn Mowers

While gas mowers have been around the longest and are praised for their power, you’ll find that electric and cordless mowers are gaining popularity for being better for the environment. Of course, you never want to sacrifice cutting performance. There are advantages and disadvantages … [more]

Front vs Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Self-propelled lawnmowers have two types of drive: front wheel and rear wheel. But what does that mean, and which one is better? Essentially, when a gearbox propels the rear wheels, it’s a rear wheel drive mower. When the gearbox propels the front wheels, it’s a front wheel drive mower…[more]

Self Propelled Mower Comparison: Husqvarna HU800AWD vs Honda GCV190

If you are in the market for a new high-powered self-propelled lawnmower, it may help to compare the features of two popular models, the Honda GCV190 and the Husqvarna HU800AWD. The two lawnmowers are in the same price range—the Honda GCV190 is $699, whereas the Husqvarna HU800AWD is $509.99…. [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

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While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Riding Mowers

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

By Steve Holdgren

If you’re looking for an electric mower that doesn’t release stinky gas fumes but isn’t encumbered by a power cord, then the Earthwise 60120 is an environmentally friendly solution. Effective at mulching, bagging, or discharging clippings, the mower adjusts from 1.75″ to 3.75″ with a single lever. The design is sturdy and well-constructed, with large ball-bearing wheels making the heavy mower easy to push and maneuver. The only tricky aspect is the rechargeable battery, which can’t be plugged in for more than 24 hours. Also, it needs to be charged every month during the off-season, which could be hard to remember. Regardless, this cordless mower is an effective cutter and reasonably priced at $295.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

Ideally suited for small properties, this Greenworks electric mower handles grass and leaves quite well. It’s perhaps not powerful enough to cut through thick or tall grass quickly, but it still works its way through it. We liked having a single lever for adjusting the height to 7 positions, and the strong steel deck gets up close to edges, reducing the need for a trimmer. While dragging a power cord can be cumbersome, this model includes a cord lock to keep it from accidentally disconnecting while you’re mowing. For $199.99, this Greenworks mower is an efficient machine that doesn’t release emissions and saves you from dealing with gas.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

For the moderate price of $489.99, the Toro 20332 is an efficient self-propelled mower that also lets you work at your own pace by pushing the mower faster when it’s convenient. Switching from bagging to mulching is as simple as pushing a lever. The 8-inch rear wheels make it highly maneuverable even on uneven ground. While the blades may need to be sharpened to get the best cutting results, this Toro mower features a powerful 190 cc motor and a recoil starter that’s easy to get going on the first or second try.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

For the price of $449, this Snapper self-propelled gas mower offers great value. A unique feature is the fresh start system, an insert in the gas cap that drips a fuel preservative into the tank. This feature keeps the gas stabilized over an extended time, and you can replace the insert when it goes dry. We also liked having 9 height positions, from 1.25″ to 4″, letting us cut all types of grass. While it’s pretty loud as a gas mower, it’s well suited to either small or large lawns and offers great cutting power.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

At $699, this Honda self-propelled mower is expensive, but as they say, you get what you pay for. With this machine, that includes a 4-in-1 cutting system that efficiently mulches, bags, and discharges clippings and shreds leaves. The rear bag’s capacity is adequately large at 2.5 bushels, and the twin blade system cuts grass into extra fine pieces. We appreciated the 7 height positions from 0.75″ to 4″, which provide a wide range for all types of grass and terrain. While it’s heavy at 89 pounds, the self-propelled motor is strong and the large, rugged wheels make it easily maneuverable.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

A sturdy self-propelled gas mower from Craftsman, this machine effectively mulches, bags, or discharges clippings. The rear wheel drive provides better traction than front wheel. We were satisfied with the spring-loaded height adjustment system, which makes changing the height of each wheel a simple process. While this is a fairly noisy mower at 93 decibels, it has a powerful motor and variable drive that makes it easy to maneuver over varied terrains. A moderately priced mower at $350, it also features a wide deck, making the mowing process go faster.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

A powerful motor and effective mulching capabilities make this Black & Decker cordless electric mower stand out. The simultaneously adjustable wheels are a nice feature, letting you switch to a new height in a matter of seconds. While battery-operated mowers don’t typically have the range of mobility that gas mowers do, this model includes a removable battery. If your yard is large, you can always buy an additional battery so you can mow the whole thing in one go. At $384.39, this mower is slightly expensive, but it runs quieter and cleaner than its gas counterparts.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

An electric push mower for the environmentally conscious, the Toro 20360 has the advantage of being cordless, giving you greater mobility. The rechargeable battery plugs into the wall and takes 12 to 16 hours to full charge, as indicated by the LED display. With a 4-inch-deep deck, this Toro mower mulches very efficiently; you can either collect the clippings in the included bag or discharge them. Height adjustable and cutting a wide 20-inch path, this Toro, available for $349, makes short work of your yard and runs fairly quietly, too.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve