Finding the best push mowers of 2021

By Sean Brenglinger

For 90% of homeowners, a push mower is the ideal type of lawn mower.  Push lawn mowers are reliable, handy to have, and can accommodate a range of lawns and terrain types.  Even if you have a large lot that you mow with a riding lawn mower, a push mower is pretty important to get into the nooks and crannies of your lot.

So, to make things easy for you, we’ve brought you the best push mowers on the market in 2019.  This is based on extensive research of online reviews, combined with my three decades experience as a landscaper.

Pros

• Large 12-inch rear wheels navigate most terrain
• 21-inch wide deck

Pros

• Plenty of power
• Six height adjustments
• Easy to assemble and start

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Side chute (along with bag) option
• Very low maintenance

Pros

• Load-sensing tech to meet demands of tough grass
• Push-button start
• Vertical storage

Pros

• 20-inch wide steel deck
• Extremely lightweight
• Low noise

Riding Mowers: A Buyers Guide

It’s tough to find the best push mowers without a set of features to look for. After all, not every lawn is the same size or has the same terrain.

Similarly, every operator has different physical capabilities and preferences, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mowers. Therefore, it’s helpful to know what to keep in mind before shopping. Here we’ll cover the types of mowers, features to look for, and more.

Types of Mowers: Gas, Cordless, Corded

There are three primary types of mowers available on the market today: gas, cordless, and corded. Of course, there are also manual mowers, but we’ve skipped those as the key here is convenience and features—and a blade-only mower isn’t suitable for most mowing scenarios. Here’s more on the other three types of mowers and the considerations for each.

Gas

Gas-powered mowers tend to require more upkeep than other models, but they also tend to deliver more power. Depending on the engine rating and the deck size, consumers can expect bulkier and heavier machines with more horsepower to traverse even the hilliest of yards.

Of course, with the bulk comes more weight, which means these mowers aren’t quite as maneuverable as lighter weight models. Plus, they require regular maintenance, including gas refills, oil changes, and more.

Cordless

Cordless mowers rely on rechargeable batteries for power and depending on the size of the yard; consumers might need multiple batteries to get through one mowing session. Battery life varies, but most mowers can last about 45 minutes to one hour on a single charge.

Many cordless mowers come with extra batteries, which provide continuous power as one can charge while the other is in use. Cordless mowers may have a bit less power than gas-powered motors, but they’re also lighter and less bulky overall. Regular maintenance is practically nonexistent, apart from charging the batteries.

Corded

Corded mowers might remind us of vacuum cleaners in many aspects, but the technology has come a long way! Corded mowers do have the drawback of requiring consistent power via an extension cord, but for smaller yards or those which are difficult to access with a larger mower, corded options might be the best push mowers for those applications.

Corded mowers are low-maintenance as well, requiring only an extension cord with the appropriate amperage to operate seamlessly. These mowers are a bit louder than cordless models but still much quieter than gas options.

Things to Consider

Any mower can cut grass; that much is true. But depending on many factors, including the user’s ability level and the size of the yard, one type of mower might suit their needs better than others. Here’s what to consider when looking at lawn mowers.

Weight

Push mowers range in weights from under 50 pounds to over 100, but in general, gas mowers are the heaviest. They require substantial upper body strength to operate and often deliver a lot of power in return.

Electric mowers tend to weigh less, which makes them easier to maneuver, but this can make them feel a bit “cheap” in comparison with gas-powered models. However, for those with mobility challenges or other health issues, a lighter weight mower makes caring for the lawn accessible.

Another consideration is the tradeoff between lightweight and usability; some lighter mowers tend to tip over when the bag gets full, making more frequent emptying necessary. More frequent stops to empty the bag may add more strenuous physical activity to mowing, so this is an important consideration.

Overall Size

Overall size is another consideration which often comes up in terms of storage space. For those with smaller yards and even smaller storage spaces, a lightweight mower that stows vertically might be a great fit.

In contrast, the best push mowers for people with expansive lawns might be bulkier models, but those will require more storage space for optimum performance. After all, storing the mower out of the elements helps ensure a productive life.

Adjustability Features

Nearly all mowers feature grass cutting height adjustments, among other features, and it’s important to look at what features are available. Determine which features are non-negotiable—such as an ergonomic handle, a folding handle, or a single-lever cutting height adjustment—and why they matter.

For example, a single-lever cutting height adjustment means more flexibility in switching up settings for different terrain. Deciding which features are most important helps narrow down the choices in the push mower category.

Lawn Mower Use and Maintenance

Once you’ve invested in a quality lawn mower, it’s equally important that you use and maintain it properly to get the best results.  You can read our full guide on how to mow a lawn, but here are the high points.

Keep Your Blades Sharp and Balanced

There is nothing more detrimental to your lawn than dull lawn mower blades.  If you cut grass with a dull blade, it yanks the grass out of the ground.  If the blades are sharp, however, it cuts them clean, leaving the grass in tact.

Sharpening blades can be dangerous.  Be sure to unplug the spark plug before you change the blades – you don’t want to start the engine and cut your hand off.  Then use a file or bench grinder to sharpend the blade.

Practice Grass Cycling

Don’t bag your clippings.  Not only is a pain in the butt, it’s a waste of nutrients.  All of those clippings have nutrients that can be recycled into the soil and reduce the need for extra fertilizer.  Make sure your lawn mower has a mulching blade.

Mow in Alternating Patterns

Since mowing tends to push the grass blades one way (which ever way the mower blade turns, usually clockwise), you want to alternate the direction in which you mow the grass.  If you really want a nice lawn, cut it twice each time you mow, one in each direction.  That’s how baseball fields get that nice criss-cross pattern.

Final Thoughts

With these five best push mowers of 2019, it’s easier than ever to achieve a neatly-trimmed lawn with less stress and possibly even less work. A range of features helps accommodate every need and ensure an appealingly manicured lawn.

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