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Which lawn mower best buy


9 Best Lawn Mowers of 2022

Written by Kevin Kavanaugh

Updated July 26, 2022

Walk-behind lawn mowers have come a long way since their days as one of the welcome sounds that summer had finally arrived. Through the years, the majority have been powered by gasoline, with a few brands selling corded electric models for those with small yards and limited storage.

Gasoline mowers were king until just a few short years ago. As more and more consumers sought more eco-friendly cars, homes and, yes, power equipment, advanced battery technology answered the call.

Today, consumers can drive an electric car, thrive in a solar-powered home and maintain their property with battery-powered equipment. But are the new electric push lawn mowers as good as the old internal combustion mowers? We decided to find out.

We tested nine gasoline, electric-corded, and battery-powered lawn mowers from the leading brands. We were eager to see if the battery-powered mowers could handle a large yard as well as the tried-and-true gasoline models. We weren't disappointed. The Honda HRN216VKA (available at Amazon) came out on top as Best Overall—it performed flawlessly in our tests and was a pleasure to use.

For the non-gasoline mowers, the Ego Power+ LM2135SP (available at Walmart) is our choice for Best Electric Lawn Mower. This mower set up was quick and it handled our testing well. The Ego Power+ also includes features not found on similar electric models.

Credit: Reviewed / Kevin Kavanaugh

The Honda HRN216VKA is the best lawn mower we've tested.

Best Overall

Honda HRN216VKA

After extensive testing, our overall pick for the best lawn mower is the Honda HRN216VKA, a 21-inch self-propelled gas mower. Honda has produced superior power equipment for many years and this mower, which operates with rear-wheel drive, is no exception. It can handle the toughest lawns with ease and won’t take up much room in the garage.

The set-up was easy and the mower started on the first pull. Its smooth running engine was quieter than the other gasoline mowers and it had more than enough power to cut and mulch the grass even while going uphill.

The Honda has a stacked and offset blade design that produces smaller clippings, which allows for better mulching and bagging. This means more efficient cutting and fewer stops to empty the bag. The bagging and mulching options can be easily and safely selected, once the mower is off, by using one lever on the mowing deck.

The innovative self-propel system is comfortable on the hands, provides adequate speed control, and can even be adjusted for those who are taller or shorter. Folding the handle for storage can be done quickly and the Honda even has a gas shut-off valve for off-season storage.

Cons

Buy now at Amazon

Buy now at Home Depot

$549.00 from Lowe's

$725.29 from Walmart

Credit: Ego Power+

The Ego Power+ LM2135SP is the best electric lawn mower we've tested.

Best Electric Lawn Mower

Ego Power+ LM2135SP

Until a few years ago, those who preferred not to buy an internal combustion mower had little choice. But advanced battery technology has finally arrived and the benefits can readily be seen in the Ego Power+ LM2135SP, a 21-inch self-propelled electric mower. This cordless mower with a cutting width of 21 inches utilizes a 56-volt battery to power through up to 60 minutes of lawn cutting.

The Ego Power+ is powerful, comfortable, and a joy to use. Even though the battery only lasted about an hour, the mower performed extremely well mulching and driving itself uphill. It has plenty of torque and is capable of doing anything a gasoline-powered mower can do. It is clean, easy to use, and efficient.

The set-up on this mower was the easiest of the bunch. The handle slides and folds across the mower with ease, making storage a snap. Adjusting it to a personal height takes seconds.

A quick 50-minute charge on the battery and you’re ready to go. The battery charger even has a cooling fan that improves charging times and keeps the battery cool.

Like some of our other mowers, the Ego Power+ has twin blades that improve mulching and keep the trips to empty the bag to a minimum. Cutting height is achieved with one easy to access lever.

Operation is straightforward, and the composite deck makes the mower light and easy to maneuver around yard obstacles. Simply depress the power button, pull the green handle and the blades begin to spin. Dual buttons on the handle make engaging the self-propel feature safe and comfortable.

The Ego Power+ comes with LED headlights for convenience, and it was the only mower we tested that could propel itself when the blades were not spinning. This was a nice feature that eliminated pushing the mower back to the garage.

How We Tested Lawn Mowers

The Testers

Credit: Reviewed / Kevin Kavanaugh

We spent the summer mowing a half-acre New England lawn, over and over again.

Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.

Ray Lane is a retired supermarket store manager, avid golfer, and product tester for Reviewed. His lawn is the envy of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and he has used several push mowers over the years. At 82 years of age, his input on the mowers was critical, specifically when evaluating ease of starting, maneuverability, and safety.

The Tests

Credit: Reviewed / Kevin Kavanaugh

We tested lawn mowers on both flat land and hills to test maneuverability and power.

After ordering from retailers like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, we assembled each mower and took note of the ease of the set up and how quickly we could adjust the handle to our preference. We then added gasoline, a battery, or an electrical cord to get the mower ready. We evaluated at the ease of setting the cutting height, first testing a high cutting height and then a lower one.

We took each mower on a few passes of an uncut half-acre lawn, measuring approximately 22,000 square feet, noting how it cut at a high height and a lower height while we monitored both the bagging and mulching features. Then we took each mower up and down a grassy hill to see how they performed. Our final test was testing storage capability.

What You Should Know About Buying Lawn Mowers

Credit: Reviewed / Kevin Kavanaugh

Self-propelled lawn mowers can take some of the effort out of walk-behind mowing.

There are two basic types of walk-behind mowers: push and self-propelled.

The push type of mower is usually smaller, lighter, and easier to store. They are used primarily for smaller, more level lawns. They are perfect for cleaning up areas that larger riding lawn mowers may miss. They may be run by gasoline, cords, or battery.

Self-propelled lawn mowers usually have a larger cutting diameter and can move on their own through operator controls. These mowers can also be powered by gasoline, cords, or battery. Since they take the brunt of the pushing away, self-propelled mowers are perfect for larger lawns up to a half-acre, and they can easily handle hills and sloped lawns.

Gasoline, Corded Electric, or Battery—Which Lawn Mower is Right for You?

Credit: Reviewed / Kevin Kavanaugh

Battery-powered lawn mowers can be powerful and efficient.

Gasoline

Gasoline-powered lawnmowers have kept lawns manicured for decades. They are powerful, reliable, and affordable, and come with features such as self-propelled movement, mulching features, and self-cleaning availability. They are powerful enough for large lawn care jobs and can tackle any lawn from a quarter- to half-acre acre. Any lawn bigger than that would necessitate a riding mower.

But gas-powered mowers emit dangerous carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, require yearly maintenance, and require the storage of gasoline and oil. This may not be suitable for some consumers.

Corded Electric

Corded electric mowers have been around for years and were historically the choice of consumers who had smaller lawns and didn't need the more powerful gasoline mower. While powerful enough to get most cutting or trimming jobs done, the one obvious drawback to a corded mower is the electrical cord.

For any yard worthy of mowing, a long electrical extension cord is required to power the mower. This can be a minor annoyance, such as having to keep the cord free from getting tangled in trees and bushes, to a major annoyance when you drive over it and cut it into small pieces.

However, corded electric mowers require no gas, oil, or maintenance and, other than a blade sharpening from time to time, can perform reliably for years.

Battery

Battery-powered cars, power equipment, and tools have been around for a long time. The electric motors were strong and reliable enough, but the battery was not. Just a few years ago, an electric car could expect to go only 100 miles on a charge, and power tools and equipment didn't last long either. In the past few years, battery technology has improved by leaps and bounds.

Electric cars can expect hundreds of miles on a charge and power tools and equipment can last a full day. This lithium battery technology found its way to lawnmowers and it has created a viable option for those consumers who don't want gas and don't want a cord. These battery-powered mowers are powerful, efficient, lightweight, and green. Many now use brushless electric motors, which are more efficient, produce more torque, and are longer lasting than the older electric motors with brushes.

Other Lawn Mowers We Tested

Toro SmartStow Personal Pace Auto-Drive 21465

After testing both the Honda and Toro lawn mowers, we found it hard to name our favorite gas-powered model. It was that close. In the end, it all came down to how the mower felt during operation. Both mowers performed flawlessly through the tests, but the Honda maintained the edge.

The Toro has the largest cutting area at 22 inches, and is powerful and comfortable to use, thanks to its Personal Pace self-propel system. To engage the self-propel, simply push the lever forward a bit and the mower begins to move forward, push it a little more and the mower moves faster. After a couple of rows of cutting, you will see how easy it is to regulate speed. This system is not as intuitive as the Honda’s, but it still works quite well.

Another great feature: The Toro has Briggs and Stratton’s check-don’t-change oil system that never requires an oil change. Storage is also a snap as the handle folds down and the mower can be stored vertically.

Buy now at Home Depot

$696.58 from Walmart

Craftsman M140 CMXGMAM1125500

The Craftsman M140 lawn mower was a solid performer in each of our tests, but wasn’t an overall favorite due to its lack of self-propelled capabilities and weight distribution. On a level lawn this mower will get the job done, but on hills and around obstacles it was a bit more bulky than others we tested.

This is the only mower we tested that has the cutting deck cleaning system. Simply attach a garden hose to the connection on the mower, start the mower, and turn the water on. The deck is instantly cleaned within seconds. It’s a nice feature for this affordable, but capable unit.

Pros

Buy now at Lowe's

Ryobi RY401150

The 21-inch Ryobi RY401150 40-volt brushless mower set up quickly and easily right out of the box. It includes double blades and cuts clean and clear.

This mower comes with two batteries that can be installed in the top of the machine. One notable drawback is that only one battery powers the mower at a time—cut your grass for approximately 30 minutes and when the first battery is depleted, you stop and move a switch to engage the second battery. Ryobi says that the batteries will last for 70 minutes, but stopping to change batteries seems counterproductive.

Otherwise, the mower performed well and completed all of the tests. It has a one-lever height adjustment and is light enough to maneuver around obstacles. It has plenty of power and handled the hill with little strain.

While both the Ego Power+ and Ryobi were solid performers on the electric front, the Ryobi was let down by its self-propel controls. The controls are located under the bar, but the lever is vague and unresponsive. Because the lever is designed for thumbs only, you need to push the lever in an awkward manner to get the mower up to speed.

Buy now at Home Depot

Sun Joe iON100V-21LM

The 20-inch battery-powered Sun Joe mower worked well in our tests, but did not have the ease of use or the battery range of mowers like the Ego Power+ LM2135SP.

The Sun Joe set up quickly out of the box and the battery was ready to go in under an hour. The handle adjustment was easily marked and a breeze to use as was the lever for the deck height adjustment but we were concerned that the height adjustment lever stuck out a bit far from the side of the mower.

Power was good and the mower completed all tests with power to spare. The mower is very quiet, efficient and cut the grass perfectly. The directions for the mower were clear and we started it without a problem, and the mower blades lever and the self-propel lever were clearly marked and easy to access.

However, we had some challenges adjusting the speed knob for the self-propel. In other mowers, speed is adjusted through a more intuitive lever or handle bar button arrangement. The Sun Joe has a speed adjustment knob similar to a volume knob on a TV or radio. We found it difficult to dial in our preferred speed as we walked. It wasn't an instinctive adjustment but one that required us to look at the knob and select a speed.

After our tests, we discovered that the wires running from the handlebar controls to the mower were not secured well enough against the handle. This impeded our efforts to remove and replace the grass clippings bag. Since the bag is emptied numerous times during a weekly mow, these wires could become a long term issue to the owner. Overall, the Sun Joe was a pleasure to use but needs some refinements to compete with other battery-operated models on the market.

Greenworks 25022

For a corded mower, the Greenworks 25022 lawn mower performed quite well. The mower set up was easy and once it was plugged in, it fired right up.

Of course, before you use the mower there is the issue of finding your extension cord, unravelling it, and finding a suitable outdoor plug. This took some time. But once plugged in, the mower took on the task with ease.

It has a powerful 12-amp electric motor that may not conquer the back 40, but is perfect for smaller yards and trimming duties. Not being self-propelled, it took some effort to push the lawn mower and cord uphill and then navigate a path back so as to not cut the cord.

It is capable of clean and even mowing, and its small size makes storage a breeze.

Cons

Troy-Bilt TB130 XP

The 21-inch Troy-Bilt TB130 XP lawn mower was our least favorite of the gasoline mowers. Set-up took longer than any of the mowers and, for storage capabilities, the handle had to be reattached in two different sections of the mower.

The mower handle never gave us the confidence that we had it right, and it was too small for the weight of the mower. Once the handle was set, the mower started on the first pull.

The Troy-Bilt is not self-propelled and is a bit on the heavy side, so even pushing it along the level grass took some effort. The hill was something else, indeed.

The Troy-Bilt does make a nod to the environmentally conscious consumer with its check-don’t-change oil system. Instead of draining used oil and trying to find appropriate disposal stations, Troy-Bilt uses an innovative air cleaner system that traps dirt and keeps the oil clean. Just check, add, and cut. The mower performed well, but there are better ones available for the price.

Sun Joe MJ401E

The 14-inch Sun Joe MJ401E lawn mower is the least expensive of our mowers at just $99, and it is the easiest to store. Its diminutive size makes it the perfect lawn mower for small yards and trimming duties. It’s light enough to pick up and move and it comes with an easy-to-use bagging system.

Still, this is not a lawn mower for cutting the typical suburban lawn, as its light weight, short wheel base, and small wheels make it a little unstable over roots and ruts.

Of all of the lawnmowers tested, the Sun Joe provided the most difficulty when it came time to adjust the height of the blades. The mower utilizes solid axles, front and rear, and the axles are located in a three-notch system under the mower. To change the height of the cut, you need to pull the spring-loaded axles from their positions and move them up or down. It’s a challenging exercise.

The Sun Joe is corded, so cutting area is limited. To its credit, it’s powerful enough when running, but the limited scope means you would have a hard time tackling an entire yard.

Buy now at Snow Joe

Buy now at Home Depot

$114.34 from Overstock

$108.00 from Walmart

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Meet the tester

Kevin Kavanaugh

Contributor

Kevin Kavanaugh is a retired public school teacher and a product tester for Reviewed. Kevin has been cutting lawns for just about 50 years. He has always been intrigued by all things mechanical, be it watches, power equipment, vintage bicycles, or classic cars.

See all of Kevin Kavanaugh's reviews

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The Best Lawn Mowers of 2022

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Photo: Debbie Wolfe

A good lawn mower is crucial for maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn. With so many options and brands to choose from, selecting a mower that is appropriate for your yard can be challenging. To this task easier for you, we got our hands on some of the most popular options and put them to the test on our own lawns.

Whether you’re replacing an old mower for your current lawn or buying one to maintain a new property, it’s important to choose one that fits the size and terrain of the property. This guide explores the features and factors that are important to consider when shopping for the best lawn mower while reviewing some of the top models on the market.

We tested the following lawn mowers to find out how they would perform in terms of cutting ability, finish quality, and operator comfort. Read on to learn more about the criteria we used to select our picks. Then check out our lawn mower reviews to learn why we consider these models to be some of the best lawn mowers available.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Honda 21″ Walk Behind Mower
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman M220 150-cc 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
  3. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Ego Power+ 21″ Mower
  4. BEST RIDING LAWN MOWER: John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor
  5. BEST CORDED LAWN MOWER: American Lawn Mower 14″ 120V Corded Mower
  6. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Toro 50 in. TimeCutter Zero Turn Mower
  7. BEST ROBOTIC: Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower

Photo: Mark Wolfe

Types of Lawn Mowers

The first step to selecting the right mower is to decide which type of mower best suits the yard.

Walk-Behind

Walk-behind mowers consist of two different kinds of mower: push and self-propelled. Self-propelled mowers have power wheels that pull the mower forward. Some self-propelled mowers have an adjustment feature to increase or decrease the travel speed for improved operator comfort and convenience. Manual mowers have no power-assisted wheels and must be pushed manually by the user.

Riding

Riding mowers include zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, and rear-engine riding mowers. Zero-turn mowers, the most expensive lawn mowers on the market, have a motor that sits behind the operator and are controlled using two levers. The mowers get their name from their ability to pivot 360 degrees in place. Zero-turn mowers also have very broad mowing decks. Their size and maneuverability make them ideal for cutting large lawns with obstacles the user must drive around.

A lawn tractor looks similar to a farm tractor with its motor in the front of the mower. The user operates the tractor from a driver’s seat using a steering wheel. Lawn tractors have broad mowing decks but do not have the small turning radius of a zero-turn tractor. Because of their balance and traction, lawn tractors are well suited for mowing hilly terrain and may be used for other property management tasks like towing a utility cart or plowing snow.

Rear-engine lawn mowers are similar to lawn tractors but have their engines in the rear. Rear-engine lawn tractors typically have smaller decks, though they allow for greater visibility and nimbler handling for the operator.

Robotic

The newest type of lawn mower, robotic mowers look similar to robotic vacuum cleaners, only they are larger and have bigger wheels that enable them to move through grass. Robotic lawn mowers can mow a yard automatically while being controlled via a smart device.

These lawn mowers are powered by a rechargeable battery and can be programmed to mow the lawn at programmed times and intervals. Robotic mowers require the user to set up wires in the yard that create boundaries for the mower so it doesn’t wander away. They also use laser-eye technology that spots obstacles in the yard so the mower can evade them.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Mower

In addition to mower type, it’s vital to consider other factors like deck size and fuel requirements when shopping for a lawn mower. Ahead, learn more about these and other important characteristics of lawn mowers.

Drive

Self-propelled mowers come in different drive wheel options including front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive.

Cutting Width and Yard Size

A mower’s deck size determines the width of the swath of grass it can cut with each pass and hence how quickly it can mow the lawn. A wider deck also makes a mower less nimble, which can make it awkward to mow small lawns with flower beds, trees, and gardens to navigate.

A walk-behind mower with a deck up to 22 inches is usually a good size for a smaller yard of up to about half an acre. Riding mowers with decks that range between 30 and 46 inches are a good choice for lawns up to 1 acre. Zero turn mowers and lawn tractors with 48- to 60-inch decks can be efficient choices for larger properties.

Fuel Type

Lawn mowers can use three types of fuel sources: corded electricity, gas, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Electric mowers supply a constant source of power; however, they are limited by a cord that connects to a standard wall outlet. This makes corded lawn mowers somewhat awkward to use. However, they are extremely durable, have no batteries to recharge or replace, and are almost entirely maintenance free.

Gas-powered lawn mowers provide the greatest amount of power, run a long time on a single tank, and have no recharge time to worry about. However, gas mowers are loud, require more maintenance to keep in top condition than electric mowers, and produce exhaust fumes.

Battery-powered mowers run on lithium-ion batteries. They are easier to start than gas-powered lawn mowers and create no exhaust fumes; however, they are less powerful and are limited to about 45 minutes of runtime per charge. Battery-powered mowers are also significantly more expensive to purchase than gas mowers, and the batteries typically need to be replaced every 5 years.

Blade Type

Mowers come in two blade types: the more common rotary and the cylinder blade. Rotary blades are the type of blade found on most residential lawn mowers. They consist of a blade or blades that spin on a horizontal plane, cross-cutting the tops of grass blades to trim them to the desired height.

Cylinder blades, which can cut grass to a very low height without damaging it, have historically been confined to use on sports fields and golf courses. They consist of a rotating cylinder that is equipped with blades that wrap around the cylinder in a spiral pattern. The blades cut the grass using a shearing action that creates a cleaner cut than rotary blades, which can tear grass and leave a ragged edge.

While cylinder mowers (also known as reel mowers) make more precise cuts, they are not capable of cutting through taller grass. In fact, their cutting ability ranges from a height of about 1/16 of an inch to 1 inch. This limits this type of mower to varieties of grass that can survive being cut to a low height, such as Bermuda grass.

Disposal Options

Mowers offer different grass-disposal options including side discharge, mulching, and bagging. Side discharge ejects the grass clippings out of the side of the mower onto the lawn. Mulching keeps the grass clippings under the deck, allowing the blade to cut them multiple times to produce a fine mulch that quickly incorporates into the soil. Mowers that support baggers collect the clippings in a bag at the rear of the mower.

Additional Features

Mowers come with additional features that make them easier to operate and maintain. Deck height adjustment allows the user to increase or decrease the mowing height for optimal lawn health. These useful add-ons include mowing decks with built-in wash-out ports that make them easier to clean, switches that make it easy to change between cutting options, and easy-to-operate variable-speed controls for self-propelled mowers.

Many riding mowers have LED headlights for nighttime mowing, drink holders, adjustable plush ergonomic seating, and many other convenient features.

Photo: Debbie Wolfe

Our Top Picks

We tested mowers that range from corded lawn mowers for small yards to powerful self-propelled gas lawn mowers for medium-size yards to riding mowers that can handle 3 acres or more. Read on to learn more about these mowers, how they performed during our grass tests, and why we think they are some of the best.

Photo: homedepot.com

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Whether it’s a car, generator, or lawn mower, it’s tough to beat the reliability and durability of Honda engines—and such is the case with this self-propelled gas lawn mower. Its powerful GCV170 engine powers not just one but two blades, giving it a cleaner, more precise cut over most other gas-powered lawn mowers that have just a single blade.

With its rear-wheel drive, this mower is ideal to contend with yards that have slopes and more-rugged terrain. Its engine is formidable, and so are its features. An easy-to-use clip system makes it simple to switch between its three grass-clipping options—mulching, side discharge, and bagging—and the well-designed speed controls add to the quality of this premium self-propelled walk-behind mower.

In our tests, this Honda walk-behind mower’s high-quality components and thoughtful design really stood out. The engine layout and oversize gas gap made fueling up and adding oil easy and can simplify oil and filter changes. After a quick 5-minute assembly of the handle and bagger and adding fuel and oil, the mower started on the first pull. The engine ran smoothly and surprisingly quietly.

The variable-speed controller at first felt awkward until we realized that we could adjust the angle to any of five positions. The mower had plenty of power for mowing and driving the wheels, even in dense, tall grass, and on steep slopes. If the goal is to find a top-quality walk-behind mower that is easy to use and leaves a great-looking finish, this would make an excellent choice.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Honda lawn mower at Northern Tool + Equipment.

Photo: lowes.com

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Craftsman is a well-established, well-respected brand in the world of lawn mowers, and this gas-powered model is no exception. It boasts a powerful 140-cc engine and an ample 21-inch mowing deck, making it ideal for yards up to ¾ of an acre.

Large 8-inch rear wheels with heavy tread make it easy to push this mower, while six cutting heights offer versatility. The mower also offers three disposal settings: mulch, side discharge, and bag. And while this mower may lack the power assist of other walk-behind mowers, it is significantly cheaper, making it a good choice for those with level yards who may not need a self-propelled mower.

We liked the Craftsman mower’s affordability and simplicity. It only required about 20 minutes of easy assembly. The completed handle configuration was a bit less refined in appearance, the grip area is unpadded metal, and the blade and drive control cables are retained on the handle by heavy-duty cable ties.

After adding oil and gas, the mower started easily on the first pull. It had good power for cutting average lawn grass and pulling uphill, but it bogged down ever so slightly in tall, overgrown grass. The front-wheel-drive feature made turning easy, but a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction (we did not experience this). The fuel tank size is adequate to mow about a half acre per fill-up. This could be an excellent value pick for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled mower.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Craftsman lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Photo: acehardware.com

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The Ego Power+ comes ready to mow, including a battery and rapid charger. The advancements Ego has made with its battery-powered mower sets it atop the cordless models. It boasts 45 minutes of runtime, thanks to its brushless motor and large 56-volt, 5-Ah battery. With its 21-inch deck, the Ego is suitable for yards up to half an acre. The Ego Power+ also includes other features that make it an attractive buy, including speed controls that the user operates with an intuitive dial and bagging, mulching, or side-discharge capability.

Overall, the Ego Power+ cordless mower was easy and comfortable to operate in our tests. The preset self-propelled pace felt comfortably moderate but not leisurely. The mower had no difficulty cutting normal grass and did not bog down noticeably in thick, tall grass. Finish quality was good to excellent.

We did notice that mowing in “push” mode (without the self-propelled motor running) extended battery life by about 20 minutes to as much as 65 minutes per charge. Buying a second battery for extended runtime, or as backup for tougher mowing, may be a wise investment. This mower would be a good choice for small and midsize lawns up to about a half acre and for owners who want to reduce noise, exhaust, and fuel handling.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Ego lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.

Photo: lowes.com

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Larger yards from ½ to 2 acres call for a bigger machine for mowing. The John Deere S130, with its 22-horsepower V-twin engine and 42-inch deck, offers excellent mowing ability plus performance and comfort features that extend its range of use. The 20 by 10-8 rear tires and wide stance provide excellent stability and help to cushion the ride. It features hydrostatic operation, single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, ergonomic deck-height adjustment lever, dash-mounted digital fuel gauge, LED headlights, and John Deere’s Easy Change 30-second oil change system. The included drop-pin towing hitch and PTO make it compatible with a wide range of John Deere branded and non-branded yard implements such as utility carts, spreaders, sweepers, snow blowers, and more.

In our extensive test, the S130 lawn tractor proved to be a comfortable, capable riding mower with good maneuverability in a wide range of conditions. It easily handled grassy slopes up to 13 degrees (4.5 vertical feet per 20 linear feet), which is the limit recommended by the manufacturer. Measured against leading competitors, it offered a tighter real-life turning radius thanks to superior weight balance, and a seat base that is 3 inches higher to provide a better operator vantage point.

The high, open-back seat was well cushioned and supportive while allowing excellent ventilation. The deck height, blade engagement, and throttle controls were well positioned for convenience and safe operation. Even with the slightly elevated price tag, this mower offers tons of value, making it an excellent choice for most larger yards.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the John Deere riding lawn mower at a local John Deere dealer.

Photo: amazon.com

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Corded lawn mowers make an easy, affordable choice for smaller yards where a gas-powered mower would be a hassle. This mower from American Lawn Mower Company can keep the yard looking great at a low price point, without worrying about the mess or expense of gasoline or batteries.

Its 14-inch deck suits smaller yards and smaller storage areas. At about 20 pounds, this mower is easy to maneuver for those who might struggle with a heavier model. It also has a surprising range of options, allowing one to bag or mulch clippings (though it oddly has no side-discharge option). It also offers a convenient single lever for height control, eliminating the need to make height adjustments for each wheel individually.

In our tests, this model delivered a rock-solid performance. Assembly, which entailed installation of the handle and cord retainers, took about 10 minutes to complete. It mowed well, even in dense, weedy grass, and the bagger worked well. The small size and lightweight build limit this mower’s practicality more than its corded motor does.

By starting close to the electrical outlet and mowing progressively farther away, we easily minimized the risk of cord damage or entanglement. As an affordable mower for small yards, with arguably the least environmental impact, this quiet, capable corded electric model could be the best choice.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the American Lawn Mower electric lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Photo: homedepot. com

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If spending an entire afternoon mowing the lawn isn’t a problem, those with yards that could house a couple of football fields require a mowing deck that can level large swaths of green in a single pass. With its massive 50-inch deck, the aptly named TimeCutter from Toro is ready for a big job. This large mower, which boasts a 24.5-horsepower engine, can reach speeds of up to 7 miles per hour, making it capable of handling yards of 3 acres or more.

Toro also makes sure the operator will be comfortable while covering all that ground with its adjustable MyRIDE suspension system that absorbs bumps in the lawn as well as vibrations from the engine. Plush seating provides support and comfort for longer mowing sessions. Toro also includes other useful features, including a foot-lever-assisted deck-height adjustment, toolless oil-change system, and a cupholder.

When we tested the 50-inch Toro TimeCutter, we timed its performance on a 1-acre area of an old field converted to lawn. The MyRIDE suspension system smoothed out the ruts and bumps for a comfortable ride at near top speed. It mowed the acre in 20 minutes, a blistering 3-acres-per-hour pace. The finish quality was excellent, and it used less than 3 quarts of gasoline. As a point of comparison, a 22-hp, 46-inch lawn tractor that has been used to mow the same area takes nearly an hour and uses more than 1.25 gallons of gas.

Even before factoring in the amazingly comfortable ride, we appreciated the prospect of mowing in one-third the time and reducing fuel and maintenance expenses by half on this large lot. For large grassy areas, it’s hard to beat the efficiency of a zero turn mower, and the TimeCutter makes an excellent pick.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Toro TimeCutter lawn mower at The Home Depot or a local Toro dealer.

Photo: amazon.com

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Pushing the edge of lawn mower technology further is this robotic lawn mower from Worx. It functions similarly to a robot vacuum cleaner by mowing a preset area of up to a quarter acre on its own. The operator sets up wire barriers that the lawn mower won’t cross, ensuring it only mows in a set area. It has a laser eye that guides it around any obstacles that might be in the yard. A single front caster and two large rear-drive wheels carry it through the yard while allowing it to turn on a dime.

The Worx Landroid M can also connect to a smart device, through which the user can program daily schedules or direct the mower to stop or start. It runs off the same 20-volt Worx battery that powers the company’s other yard tools and will automatically return to its charging station when the battery gets low.

Testing the Landroid M required a detailed setup process, but then the operation was almost completely hands-off. After installing the Landroid mobile app, the base station, boundary wire, and establishing the mower’s Wi-Fi connection, we programmed the robot for a daily mowing schedule. Setup and programming were straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions and tutorial videos on the Landroid app. The whole process took about 2.5 hours, including time taken to watch videos. The covered area included a sloped section, a narrow corridor, a broad contiguous area, and an off-limits landscape bed.

Landroid mowed on time every time and stayed inbounds without a problem. On an evening when rain moved in during the mowing cycle, Landroid’s rain sensor picked it up and sent the unit back to its base station to wait it out. The only challenge we encountered was that the mower initially did not dock properly after mowing because the base station was not sitting level. After fixing that issue, it simply worked.

A week after we installed the Landroid, the grass it cut still looked freshly mowed with the exception of the edges, while the adjacent lawn outside Landroid’s coverage needed to be cut. Those looking to infuse the time-, fuel-, and labor-saving benefits of robotics into their lawn care routine would do well to consider Landroid.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Worx robotic lawn mower on Amazon.

Our Verdict

While electric and battery-powered mowers make excellent options for some property owners, many others still require the free-ranging, on-demand convenience of a gas-powered mower. For those with up to a half acre, the Honda lawn mower is a worthy choice thanks to a combination of durability and reliability, superior cut quality, and user-friendly controls. Those caring for larger acreage may appreciate the John Deere riding lawn mower’s engine power, functional versatility, operator comfort, and easy maintenance.

How We Chose the Best Lawn Mowers

All of the mowers included in our list exceeded quality standards established in our shopping criteria and proved worthy through testing. We selected each of the above mowers based on our previously mentioned shopping considerations. After sourcing the mowers and assembling the mowers according to the manufacturer’s instructions, we tested them in an average yard in order to gauge capabilities in several key areas. The most critical aspects we observed included general quality and durability, mowing power and cut quality, and operator comfort and convenience.

We also tested each according to its claimed abilities. Riding mowers were used for larger and sometimes rougher areas and were assessed for power, speed, and comfort. Walk-behind and push mowers were mostly restricted to testing on well-established and well-maintained lawn spaces and closely monitored for cut quality and user convenience. We actually pre-mowed the grass ahead of testing the robot mower since it is intended to maintain rather than reduce grass height.

FAQs

For those who have concerns about maintaining a lawn mower or are wondering how big an engine the mower needs, read on for answers to these and other common questions.

Q. How long should a lawn mower last?

Most mowers can last about 10 years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained.

Q. How powerful of a lawn mower do I need?

Engine sizes for walk-behind mowers range from 140 cc to 190 cc. For tough terrain with thick grass, a larger engine is usually a better choice.

Q. Can I replace the pull cord on a lawn mower?

Yes. In fact, replacing the pull cord on a mower is a fairly simple repair, requiring just a screwdriver and wrench.

Q. How long does a lawn mower’s battery last?

As a general rule of thumb, a riding lawn mower’s battery can last about 4 years. The rechargeable battery on an electric mower can last about 5 years.

Q. How do I clean my lawn mower?

To clean a mower, tip the mower over to access the deck. Remove any grass clippings or debris that may be wrapped around the blade or stuck to the bottom of the deck. Wet the deck with a garden hose, then spray the underside with an all-purpose cleaner. Scrub the deck with a brush, then rinse thoroughly. Turn the mower back upright and use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe down the housing.

Q. How often do I need to change spark plugs in my lawn mower?

Change the spark plugs in the spring at the beginning of the mowing season or after 100 hours of use.

How to choose a lawn mower and which is better: electric vs. petrol

There is a saying in England that the ideal lawn becomes only after 200 years of constant mowing. It is unlikely that our owners will wait so long, because with proper care, the lawn will certainly thank you with a thick and juicy cover in the next season. Grass is like hair: the more you cut it, the thicker it becomes. It remains only to choose the right "scissors". It’s not even worth mentioning the old grandfather’s braid, because you can’t achieve a flat lawn with it. And with the abundance of today's technology, few people dare to get up at dawn to wave their scythe until the dew subsides. There is only one way - to buy special equipment. In the store, all “hairdressing” tools are conditionally divided into 2 groups: gasoline and electric models. We will figure out how to choose a lawn mower, taking into account the design features, the type of your site and the amount of work ahead.

Contents

A lawnmower is a term for all the machines that help to deal with rough vegetation. In fact, there are three options for such a tool: a trimmer, a lawn mower and a lawn mower itself. Each of them is designed for specific tasks.

The trimmer and brushcutter are very similar in shape, so many sellers believe that these are synonymous words. Both tools have a rod, a motor and a cutting part. They work with both wearing special shoulder straps and holding the equipment in their hands.

Now about the differences. Trimmers have less power and cut grass with a line (cord). They are suitable for mowing grass and weeds under trees, lawns with uneven terrain, etc.

Lightweight trimmers with line cutting tool

Motoscythes are more powerful and can cope with bushes, thick weeds, such as burdock or nettles, etc. Their cutting part is equipped with knives, although fishing line can also be used. During operation, the lawn mowers buzz more strongly and the load on the hands is more significant. But trimmers consume less gasoline.

Motor scythes are more powerful than trimmers, and the cutting tools in them are knives

The most voluminous type of tool is the lawn mower. It is a cart with a motor (or without it in mechanical models), which moves on wheels and cuts the grass with knives. A person controls the tool with a handle. This option cannot be called the best lawn mower for giving, because it is designed only for flat, well-groomed areas where there are no trees or shrubs. Close to them, this bulky unit will not be able to mow the grass. Another disadvantage is that it does not like rocky areas.

The lawnmower is designed for mowing grass on a flat surface without stones

Therefore, it is not bad if the household has both types of scythe: a trimmer (or motos) for hard-to-reach and hilly places and a lawn mower for flat areas. We have already considered trimmers in more detail. Now let's try to figure out which lawn mower is better.

Criteria #1 - power and noise level

Petrol-powered lawn mowers are much more powerful than electric lawnmowers. The latter are powered from the network, which means that manufacturers cannot install too powerful electric motors, otherwise the 220 W network will not withstand the voltage. True, some models are additionally equipped with a battery, but it is designed for an operating time of up to 2 hours.

But the weaker the motor, the quieter it works. When mowing the site with a gasoline unit, you will feel what the roar of the engine is. No wonder the accessories for the most powerful lawn mowers include headphones.

Always wear ear muffs when operating the mower to protect your hearing from loud noises

By the way, the maximum power in gasoline models can cause damage to the car. Imagine that you are mowing an area with a medium power scythe, and a pebble or bone brought by a dog accidentally falls under the knife. How does the engine react? It's stalling! The stone is taken out and calmly mowed further. If the same object manages to fall under a powerful gasoline lawn mower, then the strength of the “horses” will be enough to move the jammed knives further. As a result, the cutting mechanism finally bends, causes deformation of the shaft and breaks the bushings. The case "smells" of a major overhaul!

For country needs, gasoline engines with 6-7 “horses” are enough, therefore, before choosing a gasoline lawn mower of higher power, think about whether you have “pitfalls” on the site that will provoke such breakdowns.

When choosing a lawnmower, you should not chase high-power motors, because they take a lot of gasoline and are difficult to manage

Criterion #2 - Performance

Productivity, of course, is tied to power. Large and medium-sized areas are easier to mow with petrol models because they can work for a long time without stopping. An electric motor can't handle that kind of speed. They work for about 15 minutes, and then they are allowed to rest to avoid overheating of the mechanism. Those. this power is enough for a lawn in front of the house, but hardly for mowing 10 acres. In addition, before choosing an electric lawn mower, consider the distance of the site from the power source. The standard cord size of the unit is no more than 20 meters. And if you need to mow 50 meters from the outlet, then you will have to buy more than 30 meters of extension cord. A good cable + automation + the cost of the mower itself = the price of a medium-powered gasoline model. So is it worth it to “attach” to a wired unit, if for this cost you can buy a “free, not leashed horse”.

The electric mower is connected to the mains, so in large areas it requires an additional cable

Criterion #3 - Service

But in terms of maintenance, electric models are much easier. They do not require constant monitoring of the level of oil and gasoline, so for people who are poorly versed in the intricacies of pouring liquids into engines, it is better to buy an electric option.

Criterion #4 - security level

If we analyze which lawn mower to choose in terms of safety, then both options have their drawbacks. So, gasoline models are not encouraging with the amount of exhaust gases that one way or another will have to be inhaled by the scythe, especially when processing small areas. Electric units do not have any harmful emissions, but they cannot be used in wet weather. In addition, with careless handling, there are cases when the cutting part runs into the cable and cuts it, which can be dangerous. And yet, if according to the instructions to mow only in rubber boots, then it is more comfortable to work with an electric mower.

Criteria #5 - Unit weight

When choosing a petrol lawn mower, consider who will have to work with it. Due to the powerful motor, this unit has a significant weight, and it is harder to manage it than the electric version. The load on the hands is large, which means that it will be difficult for women, teenagers and the elderly to work with such equipment. Electric models are more manoeuvrable, easier to drive and run smoother. The mower can only direct the cart in the right direction.

If you have already decided which lawn mower to give preference to - gasoline or electric, pay attention when buying to certain nuances that apply to both types of units.

Availability and performance of grass catcher

Many models are equipped with a grass catcher, which collects the vegetation cut by the knives. The advantage of such a device is that after mowing you do not need to additionally rake the grass, but you will periodically have to stop work to clear the full bag.

Soft grassbags make grass filling easier to control

Grass catchers are available in two versions: soft (mesh) and hard (plastic). In soft ones, it is easier to control the filling level: as soon as the bag stops inflating when air is supplied, it means that it is already full. You can't test a plastic container like that. But when mowing wet grass, the second option is definitely more convenient, because wet blades of grass stick to the walls of the mesh and clog it so much that you have to wash the bag after work, or even vacuum it.

Mulching function

Some lawnmowers have a tool that finely shreds whatever gets in and throws it away as mulch to feed the lawn. It seems to be a useful addition, but! Good mulch is obtained only when mowing absolutely dry soft grass. If you mow a wet lawn, then the mulching material is knocked into clods. Lumps scattered across the lawn clog the roots of the grass and prevent it from growing normally. As a result, "bald patches" may form on your lawn. In addition, excess mulch leads to the accumulation of so-called felt, which gradually rises higher and interferes with the normal growth of grass. You will have to rake the entire lawn to comb out the excess.

The mulching function is useful only for those owners who do not care about the quality of the lawn. This relieves them of the need to take out mowed vegetation somewhere.

Grass side discharge

This is a useful feature for places where you need to cut grass on roadsides.

Front wheel drive or rear wheel drive models (for petrol lawn mowers)

There are two types of drive in petrol units. The front one is easier to manage. With this technique, you can turn around right on the spot, without turning off the engine. But when the grass catcher is full, or the grass is heavy (wet, high), you will have to constantly push the mower to keep it moving. Rear-wheel drive models practically do not slip, but in order to deploy them, the wheel drive lever must be turned off.

Front-wheel drive mowers are more manoeuvrable, but may skid when the grassbag is full

Grass cutting height adjuster

If you have to deal with different areas, then this function is convenient, especially since it takes no more than 3 minutes to adjust. In the event that the equipment constantly mows the same area, the same height is usually set, which means that it makes no sense to overpay for the regulator.

No one agrees on what the best lawn mowers look like. Any model can be a great helper in the household, if it was selected taking into account the above tips, and not just the manufacturer's brand and price.