The Top 10 Push Mowers for 2023
On a grassy field, a red and black push mower
The push lawn mower is an essential piece of equipment for urban and suburban households, whether they employ vintage reel cutters or cutting-edge electric engines. Which push mowers are the best ones available, given the wide range of choices?
To assist you in choosing the finest push lawn mower for your yard, we conducted research. For our selection of the Top 10 Best Push Lawn Mowers, we considered the power, cutting deck width, weight, unique features, user reviews, and pricing. Additionally, we have a buyers guide and a push mower FAQ.
A push lawn mower is what? Push mowers, sometimes referred to as walk-behind mowers, are the most common tool used to maintain small- to medium-sized lawns. Push mowers are a more affordable option to riding mowers for gardens that are smaller than an acre.
Costs for push lawn mowers range from $50 to $1,000. Here, we highlight push lawn mowers in every price range to provide you the finest selection in each category:
Lowest price qualifies as “inexpensive” is under $150
$150 to $500 for “moderate”
$500 and over is considered “expensive”
Speaking of affordable lawn care tools, new developments in battery technology have sparked a boom in the manufacturing of electric lawn mowers. These green vehicles can cover a standard residential lawn for up to 90 minutes on a single charge, which is more than enough time.
We’ll evaluate lawn mowers in a variety of categories in this post. These mowers, which range from pricey alternatives to opulent self-propelled vehicles, are the most dependable and well-liked items available.
When available, we have provided numerous purchasing alternatives to make it simple to compare pricing.
Best Gas Mower: Craftsman M105
The Craftsman M105 is a sure bet if you’re searching for a reasonably priced gas-powered mower and don’t want to spend additional money on things you won’t use. Although it isn’t the most expensive machine available, its dependability, toughness, and affordability set it apart from the competition.
The Craftsman M105 is one of the most effective machines available for the money because to its lightweight design and 21-inch cutting deck. With an automated choke, just one pull is required to begin. Heavy-duty zag-tread tires are used on the 6-inch front and 7-inch rear wheels to help them navigate rough terrain. The M105 may be configured for bagging, side discharge, or mulching cuttings. This mower is advised by Craftsman for suburban yards up to 11,000 square feet.
Best Self-Propelled Gas Mower: Honda HRX 217VKA
A self-propelled mower can be the best option for you if your yard is huge or has uneven, steep terrain. The best walk-behind mower on the market, the Honda HRX series is favored by both professionals and homeowners.
This mower won’t elude you since “Select Drive” offers exact speed control. With the “blade stop” function, you may completely turn off the blade without interrupting engine power. The drawback of this push mower is its high price, although financing is an option to ease your financial burden.
Best Battery-Powered Mower: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Mower
An established name in environmentally friendly electric lawn mowers is Greenworks. One of the lightest alternatives on the market, this model comes in at 37.5 pounds. This machine tackles small- to medium-sized lawns like a pro thanks to a push-button starter, a fast-charging battery, and 45 minutes of continuous usage.
This battery-powered solution from Greenworks makes the cut because of its affordable pricing and portability. On a single battery charge, it can manage yards up to half an acre. Consider the Pro 80-Volt mower or the 20-inch dual-blade mower from Greenworks for bigger yards.
Best Self-Propelled Electric Mower: EGO Power+ 21-Inch Select Cut
With little effort, this EGO Power+ electric lawnmower provides your yard a clean cut. The motor’s effort is reduced because to the two-blade technology, which also produces consistently precise trimming. With a variable-speed throttle, it is capable of moving at speeds of over 3 mph, and LED lights allow it to mow in low light.
The smart battery used by EGO Power+ tools charges in under an hour and is suitable for all of their power tools. This battery-powered lawn mower offers the greatest value for medium- to large-sized lawns.
 Best Corded Electric Mower: Black + Decker MM2000
This corded mower has all the efficiency and usefulness of a 20-inch cutting deck without the need to maintain a gas engine or charge batteries. The Black + Decker MM2000 can mow a yard as big as your extension cable will allow and begins at the push of a button.
This Black + Decker model outperforms the competition when compared to other mowers in the same price range. It is lighter than other 20-inch mowers, weighing in at less than 50 pounds. The “EDGEMAX” deck enhances agility without compromising cutting breadth, and its 13-amp motor produces more power than its 12-amp rivals.
This flexible mower is unquestionably the finest in its class with seven height settings.
Best Budget Mower: SunJoe MJ401-E
This SunJoe delivers a powerful punch in a little frame, making it ideal for anybody who has a small yard in an urban area or is simply seeking for a less priced mower.
It’s a simple mower; it lacks several of the features found on more costly models. For instance, it doesn’t mulch grass cuttings and only has three height adjustment options. This definitely isn’t the best option for you if you’re passionate about grass maintenance.
However, if you’re looking for a straightforward mower that works well without breaking the budget, the SunJoe MJ401-E could be the best option for you.
Best Reel Mower: American Lawn Mower Co.Â
The American Lawn Mower Co. also produces 16-, 18-, and 20-inch models, but this 14-inch model is excellent for city yards. Additionally, the detachable grass catcher attachment may speed up cleanup.
Best String-Style Mower: Black + Decker 3-in-1 Cordless
This clever construction combines two crucial lawn-care items into a single unit. In a matter of seconds, a normal string trimmer may become a cordless mower.
With only one tool, you can edge, trim, and mow small lawns for less than 15 pounds. Since it is lightweight, you may use it on sloping terrain that other mowers can’t. However, the Black + Decker string mower is not a fantastic choice for larger yards because it only has a 40-minute battery life included.
Runner-Up Gas Mower: PowerSmart 21-Inch Mower
This inexpensive gas lawn mower offers excellent value. The PowerSmart 21-inch is a fantastic option for medium-sized lawns since it is lighter and simpler to manage than other 21-inch gas mowers.
The single-lever height adjustment on this lawnmower has five settings. It can be stored easily by folding into a small form, and it may also be stored vertically.
Runner-up Electric Mower: Snapper XD 82V MAX
This mower combines the strength of a Briggs & Stratton engine with the ease and little environmental effect of a battery-powered mower, with a remarkable 90-minute battery life. The motor’s output is automatically adjusted by the load-sensing technology to reduce energy consumption and extend battery life. We do not advise this mower for yards with hills due to the weight of the heavy-duty blades and powerful motor.
Guide for Purchasing Push Lawn Mowers
A lawnmower may be a costly purchase. To assist you in making a wise choice, this buying guide will go through the many varieties of push mowers and their features. We’ll also go through the measures that were employed to compile this ranking.
Push Mowers: Types
When selecting a push lawn mower, there are several alternatives to take into account. The top contenders in this list come from a variety of categories. Here are the fundamentals of several mower kinds and how they work.
Lawnmowers with Gas
A gas mower is just a lawn mower that runs on gasoline, and it has been a mainstay of lawn maintenance since 1919. As a result, you will need to always have enough petrol on available to keep it filled and ready to go.
Oil is also necessary for gas mowers to operate without overheating. Different oils are needed for various engine types.
Similar to automotive engines, 4-stroke engines require only occasional oil changes since the oil is maintained in a separate, recirculating system.
Special oil needs to be mixed right in with the gasoline when using 2-stroke engines. Both the oil and the fuel are used up.
Because their parts operate at such high rates and produce a lot of heat, gas lawn mowers need more maintenance than other models. Learning a little bit about small engine repair if you’re set on a gas mower will ultimately save you money.
Gas engines are more powerful than the majority of electric engines and don’t have a battery life constraint. A gas engine can be the best option for you if you have a big yard or very thick grass. To decrease dangerous carbon emissions, several areas have banned the purchase of new gas lawn mowers. Before making a purchase, check the laws in your area.
Powerful Lawn Mowers
There are two primary types of electric mowers: corded and battery-powered.
Lawn mowers with cords may operate continuously when they are plugged into your house’s AC electricity. Your extension cord’s length is the only restriction on them.
Mowers powered by batteries may run continuously for 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the battery voltage. Many battery-operated lawn mowers include multiple batteries to increase their range.
Electric mowers are low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. They are also quiet, so if you want to mow at the crack of dawn, they won’t annoy your neighbors. For small to medium-sized urban and suburban yards, electric mowers are a better option if you don’t mind cutting out a power cable or changing a battery in the middle of mowing.
Autonomous Lawn Mowers
Mowers in this category can run on either gas or electricity. A self-propelled mower’s main characteristic is that the engine rotates both the wheels and the blade. As a result, you may maneuver the vehicle while walking behind it without exerting much effort.
Self-propelled lawn mowers cost more than conventional push mowers but need less effort and time to operate.
Self-propelled mowers make maintaining a lawn much simpler if you have a bigger lawn or are unable to lift a hefty mower.
Lawnmowers on a reel
Reel lawn mowers are powered by their original source, which is you. A rotating blade spins as you push the mower, catching grass between its moving and stationary edges. The top of the grass is precisely cut by the two blades, which operate like scissors.
Reel mowers are the most environmentally friendly and silent alternative, and are typically safer for younger people, while requiring significantly more effort to operate. Modern reel mowers are efficient and affordable, making them a good choice whether you prefer working out while mowing your lawn or are on a limited budget.
How to Choose a Lawn Mower
We looked at a number of lawn mowers to establish the worth of our top choices. When comparing costs and features, we concentrated on four key specifications:
Power Power isn’t a standard unit of measurement for everything. Mowers with gas engines are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), those with corded engines in amps, and those with batteries in voltage. In every situation, the greater the number, the more power and money you’ll receive out of it.
The more powerful your engine is, the faster it will spin and cut through thicker or taller grasses. For low-powered motors to do what a high-powered motor can, many passes at various cutting heights may be necessary.
In general, gas engines have higher power than other kinds. You might need to use a gas mower if your grass is tall or your turf is thick.
Cutting deck width
The number of passes you’ll need to make to completely shave your lawn depends on the breadth of the mower’s cutting deck. A broader deck results in a shorter total work, but it has a significant disadvantage. More power is needed to operate wider blades since they are heavier. Because of this, broader mowers are sometimes more costly.
Spending a few more minutes working with a smaller machine may be the most cost-effective option if you have a tiny yard. A smaller mower will often be able to negotiate bends and corners more effectively if you have elaborate landscaping or several garden beds.
Weight
Simply simply, it will be harder to drive a heavier lawn mower. Most motors, particularly gas engines, gain weight as their output rises. Steel components are more enduring than plastic, but they increase the weight of a mower overall. A large lawn mower might not be an option if you have physical restrictions.
However, self-propelled lawn mowers are the heaviest kind. The overall weight becomes less important if you pass the weight limit associated with a motorised powertrain.
Consider a lightweight or self-propelled alternative if your yard is big or has plenty of slopes.
Price is the most crucial element in establishing an item’s value since it serves as the benchmark against which all other data are measured.
Costs for push lawn mowers range from $50 to $1,000. To find the mower with the best value, we carefully compared the prices of each mower with the preceding three statistics and user feedback.