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Mowing is a critical part of maintaining a healthy lawn, but the backbreaking work of pushing a mower is often less than fun. Thankfully, advances in technology have brought us self-propelled lawn mowers, which have changed this tedious chore forever. This kind of lawn mower moves forward as you squeeze the handlebar and requires less force from the operator.
Because the world of self-propelled lawn mowers is vast, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. To help demystify the process, we’ve reviewed the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market. Read on for an in-depth review of the top models, as well as relevant information about finding the right one for you.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
Let’s jump right in with our picks for the best 8 self-propelled lawn mowers.
Husqvarna LC221FHE Self-Propelled Mower
Husqvarna is a brand well known for its self-propelled mowers, and we had to include this gas-powered option in our roundup. It features a powerful Honda GCV 160 series motor, front-wheel drive, and weighs a relatively light 80 pounds.
Husqvarna put a 4-point height adjustment on this mower, which allows for precision mowing. The unit is easy to maneuver, and users like that it folds down for storage. It’s excellent for flat lawns, as well as difficult mowing conditions. And for those that prefer a non-recoil gas-powered motor, this one’s push to start the system works perfectly.
Why We Like It
- Push-button start
- Mulching capability
- Front-wheel drive
- 3-year limited warranty
Our Verdict
This Husqvarna model packs lots of features that users love, namely quiet power, smooth performance, and an easy push-button start.
Editor Rating 4.5/5
Honda HRX217K5VYA 4-in-1 Versamow System Lawn Mower
Honda offers a wide range of features with the Versamow Lawn Mower, including a 4-in-1 system that mulches, bags, discharges, and leaf shreds. It can handle all types of terrain, and the mower boasts a highly durable construction that will stand up to years of use.
The Versamow offers users both excellent cutting precision and safety features—the most important of which is that the engine shuts off, and the mower ceases movement if the flywheel releases. It’s also got a three-position handle that enhances its ergonomics, and when the time comes to store the unit, its folding handle makes storage a breeze.
Why We Like It
- Extended five-year warranty
- Adjustable blade height
- Auto-choke feature
Our Verdict
If you want a little bit of everything and don’t mind spending a bit more, this product is perfect for you. It offers premium all-around features that get the job done.
Editor Rating 5/5
Lawn-Boy 17734
Powered by a Kohler XTX 149cc OHV engine, this rear-wheel-drive lawn mower provides precision, control, and outstanding traction. The electric start gets you up and running in no time, and the 21” steel deep-dome deck is lightweight but robust.
Users can adjust the deck height at two different points, which makes changing the mowing height quick and easy. The mower features a large bag that reviewers like, as it means you can go for longer without dumping the trimmings. Plus, the company guarantees your mower’s starting capabilities for two years as long as it has undergone regular maintenance.
Why We Like It
- CARB compliant in California
- 2-year warranty
- 3-in-1 discharge
- No oil change required
Our Verdict
This lawn mower is user-friendly and highly dependable. You can’t beat the number of features it packs, which makes it a welcome addition to any yard.
Editor Rating 5/5
Greenworks 21-Inch 40V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
Greenworks’ battery-powered mower features a 21” steel deck for robust cutting. It is a 3-in-1 model that offers side discharge, mulching, and bagging. Seven height adjustment settings allow you to achieve the cut you want, from 1-3/8” to 3-3/4”, and the unit’s large wheels can tackle any type of terrain.
When it comes to power solutions, Greenworks implemented an intelligent two-port battery design. The mower powers from one battery and automatically switches to the other when needed. The batteries charge quickly, and you can purchase them with the mower or separately.
Why We Like It
- Vertical storage makes it space efficient
- Push start engine
- Dual battery storage
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a battery-powered mower, this one is an excellent option. Though we would say that it is better suited to smaller yards since the battery life is still not long enough for more extensive gardens.
Editor Rating 4/5
Troy-Bilt TB490 XP
The Troy-Bilt 21” cutting system permits grass cutting from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. It features a 190cc Honda GCV series automatic choke system engine, which stops the engine from flooding, and it has four-wheel drive. The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, bagging, or side discharge, and the mower has 11” rear wheels and 8” front wheels that can handle all types of terrain.
Troy-Bilt’s height adjustment is simple to change, and it features an easy-grip handle that’s comfortable to use. Users also like the bumper guard, as it keeps the mower’s moving parts safe from obstructions.
Why We Like It
- Three-year limited warranty
- A bumper guard protects the mower
Our Verdict
The TB490 XP is powerful, fast, and effective. It has received many excellent reviews and works well on hills.
Editor Rating 4.5/5
Snapper XD SXD21SSWM82K
Snapper created the next battery-powered mower on our list, which provides up to sixty minutes of run time thanks to two 2.0 batteries. The 82-volt batteries allow for quiet operation, and the mower has dual battery housing like in the Greenworks model. As is typical with this kind of mower, it has a 3-in-1 steel deck that mulches, bags, and side-discharges.
Aside from being self-propelling, Snapper has added a unique feature to this mower: StepSense. StepSense creates a more comfortable mowing experience by sensing your pace and automatically adjusting to it. It offers a pretty standard 21-inch cut width and seven height adjustment options.
The only downside is that it can be challenging to use the self propel feature in tight areas.
Why We Like It
- Vertical storage
- Quiet operation
- StepSense
Our Verdict
Snapper delivers with this battery-powered mower that adjusts to your rhythm and provides impressive power for as long as you need it.
Editor Rating 4.5/5
Troy-Bilt TB220 FWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
This second option from Troy-Bilt is a front-wheel-drive excellent for small to medium-sized lawns. An OHV engine powers this mower, and it has durable 8×8 wheels that can handle all types of landscapes. This model features a 21-inch deck that gives it a light design, making it easy to maneuver and earning it excellent recommendations from users.
It’s a 3-in-1 mower, so you can either bag, mulch, or side discharge the grass. Users can also adjust the height of the mower for a more comfortable mowing experience.
Why We Like It
- 3-in-1 mulching capabilities
- Reliable engine
Our Verdict
This mower is no-fuss, highly rated, and easy to maneuver, even if you have reduced mobility.
Editor Rating 5/5
Craftsman M215 159cc Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower
Craftsman offers excellent value with this self-propelled lawn mower. It features a 21-inch cutting deck that allows you to complete the job quickly, especially in small to medium-sized yards, and front-wheel drive. An OHV gas engine provides plenty of power, and it’s equipped with recoil and auto choke.
Craftsman included six different cutting height settings, and they added 11-inch rear tires to the model, which give it a bit of extra power when cutting on difficult terrain. Users like that they can adjust the speed of self-propulsion, which makes for a more pleasant cutting experience.
Why We Like It
- 3-in-1 system
- Manufactured in the US
- Available with or without a cover
Our Verdict
If you’re looking to get the benefits of a self-propelled lawn mower at an affordable price point, this Craftsman model is worth considering.
Editor Rating 5/5
Buyer’s Guide Questions
Are There Different Types of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers?
Here’s a brief overview of the two kinds of self-propelled lawn mowers.
Gas-Powered
Gas-powered lawn mowers are arguably the most popular type of mower. You pull a cord to start them, and there is no recharging or wires involved in its operation. They cost less than electric mowers but negatively impact the environment.
Electric
Electric mowers require you to plug them in, and they are quieter, more comfortable to start, and pollute less than their gas-powered counterparts. They typically offer less power, so they’re better for small lawns, and you can also find cordless options, too—though it’s important to consider charging time when looking at these models.
What Are Some Features to Look for When Buying a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
Here are some features to pay attention to before purchasing.
Noise
Noise is a critical concern in lawn mowers. You should wear ear protection when using a gas-powered mower, which is quite noisy. If you’d rather go without ear protection, or if your neighbors are a concern, a quieter electric model may be the way to go.
Recoil vs Push Start
Up until recently, starting a lawn mower with recoil used to be incredibly challenging. You could spend ages pulling and pulling on the cord to no avail. Luckily, most new models have an auto choke feature, which means you can usually start the mower with just a pull or two.
If you’d prefer not to deal with recoil mowers, look for a model with a push start button.
Though they are more common in electric mowers, you can find plenty of gas-powered mowers with push start capabilities.
Variable Speed
For those that work in a big yard or have physical impairments that require slower speeds, you may want to think about purchasing a model with variable speed settings. This feature, common in new models, allows you to control how fast your mower goes. Variable speed is handy if you have a lot of ground to cover or you need to be able to slow down at times.
Blade Override
Anyone who’s ever pushed a gas-powered mower knows the agony of stopping to remove a branch or a rock from your path and having to restart the mower. This problem is because most mowers stop both the blades and the motor when you release the handle.
Blade override eliminates this problem by stopping the blades but keeping the motor running. This type of system increases the price of your mower, but it’s a handy feature that’s worth it.
Top Pick
Electric start, RWD, and CARB compliance were just a few of the reasons we chose the Lawn Boy 17734 as our top pick. This mower has plenty of features that make it a great choice: a user-friendly design, impressive traction, and dependability. And the best part of all is that you can achieve the cut you want at a reasonable price.
Premium Choice
If you want it all—excellent functionality, lots of features, and durable construction—and don’t mind spending a little extra, the Honda Versamow delivers. It’s our premium choice thanks to its fantastic safety features, ability to provide precision cutting, and auto choke capabilities that make it easy to start.
Great Value
For those looking to spend a little less but still receive fantastic quality, the Craftsman M215 mower is an ideal choice. You get variable speed, the ability to trim grass at several different heights, and solid back tires to help navigate different terrains. This model is the perfect compromise between price and performance.
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