Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers of 2022

What is a self-propelled lawn mower?

At first glance, a self-propelled lawn mower looks just like a regular gas or electric push mower. Indeed, both machines, alongside the reel mowers, are varieties of the walk-behind kind. The difference between them is the presence on the self-propelled of an extra drive system, which pushes the mower along as you guide it as found on some walk behind string trimmers too.

The extra drive system is a true life-saver on big lawns or on hilly terrains, as you won’t have to make the effort of actually pushing a heavy mower.

Because self-propelled lawn mowers move on their own, they are also a great choice for the elderly or physically impaired people who don’t have the force to push a mower without aid.

How do self-propelled lawn mowers work?

Self-propelled lawn mowers come with a speed control lever positioned either on the handle or incorporated as a separate shifter. When engaged, the drive system pushes the mower for you, and all you have to do is stand behind it to maintain or change the direction.

While all self-propelled lawn mowers work in the same way, there are important differences between the speed and drive systems that can determine whether or not the mower is suitable for your yard.

Self-propelled lawn mower speed

Self-propelled lawn mowers can have either single or variable speeds, and we recommend to steer clear from the former because it reduces your control. If the speed is too slow, it may take too long to finish the task. If it is too fast, the mower might provide uneven cuts, especially on thicker or longer grass, and it might also have scarce mulching capabilities.

Variable speeds, on the other hand, let you decide how slow or fast to go depending on your physical condition or the condition of your lawn so that you can achieve even cuts.

Lawn mower drive system

When it comes to the drive system, you will be able to pick from either front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive.

• Front-wheel drive: Works best on flat terrains but its greatest feature is that it helps you navigate around obstacles with incredible ease. You can reduce traction and maneuver the machine into tighter spots and corners by simply pushing down on the handle to lift the wheels a little bit.
• Rear-wheel drive: Is ideal for hilly terrains, because you won’t be able to influence traction when pushing down on the handle. However, these mowers are harder to maneuver around obstacles.
• All-wheel drive: These are perhaps the best self-propelled lawn mowers, allowing you to cut across a variety of flat and hilly surfaces. They are also fairly easy to maneuver in awkward spaces, but they are usually more expensive.

Gas vs. electric self-propelled lawn mower

One of the things you’ll have to decide when buying a lawn mower is whether you want a gas or electric model.

• Gas lawn mowers: Impress with high power and torque. They can deal with all types of grass and are suitable to use on larger lawns. On the other hand, they are quite noisy and banned in some regions and states due to their emissions. Nevertheless, these machines are preferred by professionals.
• Electric lawn mowers: Can be either corded or cordless, but the cordless electric lawn mowers are much more popular. They are powered by batteries which may have shorter or longer run times. Despite this drawback, they are comparable with the gas mowers in terms of power and are becoming increasingly popular especially among homeowners due to their lower noise and zero level of emissions.

Which one is right for you?

If you are a homeowner looking to manicure your lawn, a cordless electric lawn mower is undoubtedly your best choice. Some of the top-rated models come with powerful batteries that can easily match a gas mower in terms of power and capabilities.

If you mow lawns for a living, a gas machine might suit you better, as you won’t have to worry about battery life and run time.

Lawn mower cutting width and height

You might have decided which is the best self-propelled lawn mower for you, but there are a few other things to weigh in before hitting the market. Two of the most important features of a lawn mower are the cutting width and height.

Mower cutting width

Self-propelled lawn mowers are usually designed for yards between 1/2 and 1 acres, and most of them come with cutting decks in the 18-22 inches range. While these widths are ideal for the indicated yard sizes, you must pay attention to any present obstacles.

• If there are many obstacles in your yard, such as trees, flower beds, or even garden furniture, a narrower deck could be easier to maneuver.
• If you have few obstacles, a wider deck can help you finish your chores faster.

Mower cutting height

Depending on the type of grass you have, you might need to set the cutting deck lower or higher to maintain your lawn healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.

In broad lines, cold-season grass should usually be cut shorter, at heights between 0.5 and 2.5 inches, while warm-season varieties should be cut at heights between 2 and 4 inches.

Luckily, most self-propelled lawn mowers have adjustable cutting decks that let you choose the preferred height between 1 and 4 inches.

However, you should check the specific model you want to buy and make sure its cutting height settings match your needs.

Grass clippings management

Self-propelled lawn mowers can have either 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 clippings management systems.

• The 2-in-1 function: Lets you mulch or bag the clippings. The mulch function shreds the clippings and throws them on the lawn, where they act as a fertilizer. However, because it is not recommended to mulch the lawn in late spring and early fall, the bag function gathers the clippings for you for easier disposal.
• The 3-in-1 function: Consists of mulch, bag, and side discharge. The latter is ideal for utility mowing or larger lawns if you don’t want to empty the bag too often.

How to fix and adjust a self-propelled lawn mower

If you’re wondering how to adjust and fix a self-propelled lawn mower if it stops performing, here are a few maintenance tips that can help you.

Lawn mower maintenance tips:

• Clean the cutting deck immediately after mowing to keep the blades sharp for longer, use a lawn mower lift to get the mower off the ground.
• If you have a gas mower, check its oil level and spark plugs regularly to prevent leaks and clogs.
• Remove the batteries from the mower during winter and recharge them regularly to prolong their lifespan.
• Oil all moving parts – and especially the blades – regularly.
• Store your mower in a shed or garage if it rains and during winter.

Other things to consider

If you want to make sure that yours is indeed the best self-propelled lawn mower, don’t forget to check the following features.

• Ball-bearing wheels: Self-propelled mowers may have either bushing or ball-bearing wheels. The latter is easier to push, and it will really make a difference on hilly terrains or if the mower is on the heavier side.
• Break-blade clutch: Lets you release the handle control without stopping the engine, so you can stop mowing if needed and resume work from where you left it without having to restart the motor.
• Vertical storage design: Helps you save space in your shed or garage by collapsing the handle and storing the mower vertically against a wall.
• Wash-out fittings: Let you attach a garden hose to the mower to clean grass clippings and weeds quickly and easily.
• No oil change: Saves you the hassle of changing the oil on a gas mower. You’ll only have to top it up periodically.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for the Money

Best value

Greenworks M-210-SP 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

Best residential self-propelled lawn mower

An outstanding cordless lawn mower, easy to maneuver and powerful enough to mow your lawn quickly.

Check price on Amazon