The Best Push Mower for Your Lawncare Needs
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Yard Machines 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Mower -
Toro 51480 Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer/Edger Push Mower -
American-Lawn-Mower 14" Classic Reel Mower -
CRAFTSMAN Electric Push Mower -
Yard Machines 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Mower -
GreenWorks 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower -
Husqvarna Outdoor Robotic Mower -
Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-Volt 17-Inch Mulching Walk-Behind Push Mower -
Yard Machines 12A-B2SD500 21" FWD Self-Propelled Push Mower -
Sun Joe Mow Manual Reel Mower with Catcher -
Buyer's Guide
Lawn mowers come in many different styles, and shapes, and there are even different ways to cut or shred grass too. For example, reel mowers, either the manual or powered variety, cut your grass like scissors. They literally snip each blade cleanly off and always give a yard the best manicured looking appearance.
Rotary mowers, which are a cutting blade mounted directly to a rotating engine or deck axle, spin the blades at a high rate of speed and cut the grass as you pass over it. Although effective, the grass tops are frayed where they have been cut and don't look as precisely cut as on a reel mower. To prove this point, virtually all golf courses use powered reel mowers to cut their grass, giving the playing surface a well-manicured look and provides golfers consistent play on every stroke.
The control sources for lawn mowers vary, from being manually pushed to self-propelled or even ridden on, and there are both electric motors and gas engines that spin the blades. The newest form of propulsion are battery operated mowers that are very efficient, but these types are best suited for smaller lawns. And for those who don't like cutting their lawn at all, the newest robotic mowers mean you won't have to step foot in your yard to get the grass cut. Check out these list of best lawn mowers in 2022
For additional information, you can refer to our lawn mower buyer's guide listed below.
The Best Walk Behind Lawn Mowers Compared
Yard Machines 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Mower - Best Push Mower Overall
The reality is that, for smaller or medium sized yards, you won't need more than the Yard Machines Self-Propelled Lawn Mower - CARB Compliant. This is the least expensive self propelled lawn mower here, yet it is CARB compliant to work in any state of the union. It has a 21 inch deck and both a side discharge or a mulching feature while the 140cc Briggs and Stratton motor puts out about 4.5 ft. lbs. of torque, and for most city lawns, you just don't need more power than that. This is a basic self propelled unit at its most simple and with simplicity comes extreme ease of use. No bells or whistles, just a self propelled lawn mower that cuts as good as anything else that comes with a two year warranty.
Toro 51480 Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer/Edger Push Mower - Best Mulching Mower
The Toro Super Recycler Mulching Mower may seem like it’s underpowered, but the deck is specifically designed to throw the clippings back onto the blade using baffles and grooves, making for a very efficient mulching machine.
It features the patented "Personal Pace" self-propelled system that adjusts to your actual walking speed automatically. Yes, this mulcher will cut and bag grass as you want it, but it is fully dedicated to recycling grass clippings back into the lawn. It weighs in at 81 pounds, but it is still easy to maneuver with its self propelled system. It has a seven position height adjustment, and a full five year performance warranty direct from Toro.
Additional features include a deck washing port and a convenient SmartStow fold-up handle for easy storage, Although it’s one of the more expensive mulchers on this list, if you’re looking for serious mulching mower look no further than the Toro 21-inch Super Recycler Mulching Mower.
American-Lawn-Mower 14" Classic Reel Mower - Best Reel Mower
If you want a basic mower that will do the job, then the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 14-Inch Economy Push Reel Lawn Mower With T-Style Handle And Heat Treated Blades is what you want. For smaller lawns, this mower can't be beat, with a 14-inch cutting swath and a light weight of only 19 pounds.
Although the least expensive mower on this list, both the reel and the wheels ride on ball bearings, making this mower super easy to push. Big 10-inch wheels add to that ease, and the infinite carriage bolt adjustment let's you go from 1-inch to 1 3/4-inch in height. This may be an inexpensive mower, but it has some of the best features of the big boys for not a lot of money.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Push Mower - Best Self-Propelled Push Mower
If you are looking for a best mulching mower (which also gives the best bang for the buck) then the Craftsman 190cc Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine, 22'' Front Drive Self-Propelled EZ Lawn Mower has to top this list. Although it’s an overall decent lawn mower, mulching is its first priority. A big 190cc engine, with 6.75 ft. lbs. of torque, puts out plenty of power to get the job done and it's self propelled for ease of use.
The Briggs Gold Series engine is one of the most reliable on the market, featuring a 20 percent reduction in start-up pulling power, so it's easier to start than most of the others. The front wheel drive is variable speed so you'll easily be able to match your walking pace, it has a big 22-inch cutting swath, a nine position height adjustment and high rear wheels for better maneuverability.
The precision-cut designed deck weighs in at a healthy 96 pounds but it features a clean-out port, side and rear discharge ports, a cloth bag for bagging, all in one of the least expensive mowers we’ve selected. Performance, price, accessories, and a two year warranty make this mulching mower the best of the best that will take on the biggest yards.
Yard Machines 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Mower - Best Budget Lawn Mower
If you want a bit more power and a bit more cutting width, then the Yard Machines 21 Inch Side Discharge Push Mower will do you good. The 148cc Briggs and Stratton motor puts out about 5.5 ft. lbs. of torque, and that's all the power you'll need for smaller city lawns. The wheels are fully adjustable for height and it comes with a side discharge chute. Although ideal for smaller lawns, the extra boost of power and cutting width makes it a viable choice for medium sized lawns as well. The Briggs motor is very reliable and the mower comes with a two year warranty. This is another basic but decent budget mower to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
GreenWorks 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower - Best Electric Lawn Mower
For the first time, we have a battery powered mower that operates good as a gas powered unit. The GreenWorks 25302 Twin Force G-MAX 40V Li-Ion 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower with two batteries and a charger gives you gasoline engine performance in a battery operated mower. The twin 40 volt Lithium Ion batteries provide an astounding two hours of run time, and for virtually any city or suburban yard, you won’t need a longer cutting time.
This mower mulches or bags, has a one position height adjustment, weighs only about 42 pounds. In most cases, that's two times as light as a gas powered mower, and that low weight makes it incredibly maneuverable over any terrain. Although this is not an inexpensive mower, it actually compares favorably with some of the better gasoline push-type mulchers and baggers. With a four year warranty, this baby has got to be seriously considered.
Husqvarna Outdoor Robotic Mower - Best Robotic Lawn Mower
The new kid on the robotic block is the solid and heavy duty Husqvarna Automower 220AC. It has the capability to cut up to 1/2 an acre without recharging and designed to cut more frequently than other robotic mowers. This not only allows the cutting blades to work easier, but it also keeps your lawn perfectly manicured.
This mower can go up a 20 degree incline. Although pricey, it may be the best cutting mower on this list because it cuts so frequently but it has an anti-theft alarm for protection. At 20 pounds it's one of the lightest mowers on our list and easily finds its way back to the charging base. For a manicured look on smaller yards, this Husky may be right for you.
Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-Volt 17-Inch Mulching Walk-Behind Push Mower - Honorable Mention
There may be more expensive lawn mowers out there, but none give you the features nor the cutting ability of the Cub Cadet SC100 21 inch 159cc Push Lawn Mower. With about 7 ft. lbs. of torque, it has plenty of power to get the job done. It's a true 3 in 1 mulcher, with a rear and side discharge design for maximum grass distribution versatility. It even has a built-in deck washing port, so you can hook up your hose and go; that's a nice feature on a push mower.
Big eight inch front and rear wheels mounted on genuine ball bearings (instead of less expensive sleeve bearings) make it easy to push. It comes with the patented Cub Cadet SureStart system, which means it will start in one or two pulls for the next three years. You'll pay a good price for this mower, but you’re getting the best performing push mower out there for the money spent along with a three year warranty.
Yard Machines 12A-B2SD500 21" FWD Self-Propelled Push Mower - Honorable Mention
For a high wheel design at a great price, the Lawn-Boy 10730 Kohler High Wheel Push Gas Walk Behind Lawn Mower is the way to go. High wheels give better maneuverability and a more even cut on uneven terrain, and the 6.5 ft. lbs. of torque from the Kohler engine will make sure all the power is there for the toughest jobs. It is a three in one mulcher/bagger, with one of the largest mower bags available. It has the Lawn Boy True Start system that guarantees a start in one or two pulls, meaning starting will never be a hassle.
It features five cutting heights that can all be accessed from one side of the mower, and a domed mower deck for optimal mulching. The best feature is the “No Worry Warranty”, which covers basically everything for two full years. If you’re looking for one of the best deals on a quality mower, it would be hard to beat this Lawn Boy.
Sun Joe Mow Manual Reel Mower with Catcher - Consider
If you want a quality mower with the biggest cutting swath, than the Sun Joe Mow Joe 20-Inch Manual Reel Mower with Grass Catcher is for you. The 20-inch wide cutting width is the largest on this list and will get you on and off your lawn faster than any of the others.
The nine position height adjust is moved by one lever for simplicity, comes equipped with a grass catcher and it weighs about 30 pounds. The rear guide wheels distribute the weight evenly, and the 10-inch wheels make pushing relatively easy. The foam grip handle eases fatigue on your hands, and this mower is capable of cutting smaller to medium sized lawns.
Buyer's Guide
Lawn mowers were invented in England during the 1830's. These early models were cylindrical reel mower types specifically made to cut the grass on sporting fields, both cricket and soccer being the main needs for a level and even grass surface. The rotating blade cylinder made a crisp clean cut of the grass, and by the early 1900's, these became motorized and therefore easier and faster to use.
The common powered rotary mower did not make an appearance until the late 1950's, when small engines were able to turn the blade fast enough to effectively cut the grass. These mowers were lighter and less complex, and quickly overtook cylinder mower sales.
Today, modern lawn mowers are either manually, gasoline, or electrically powered (corded or battery). For a detailed description of what power source is right for you, please see the lawn equipment power source buyer's guide.
Lawn Mower Types
Reel Mowers
Reel mowers, or cylinder mowers, have several blades mounted on a horizontal axis cylinder. These blades literally spin and sandwich the grass blades between a stationary cutting bar, slicing the grass in two, much like a pair of scissors, leaving an exceptionally well manicured lawn in its wake. They're inherently heavy but modern materials make manual push mowers light and easy to move. In fact, if you want a mower that is 100 percent eco-friendly, a manual reel push mower is your only choice.
Cylindrical cutting is the best and healthiest way to cut grass. The clean cut allows the grass to spring faster while the cut line is level and even throughout the entire mowed area. Most commercial grass cutting applications, like golf courses, football fields and baseball diamonds, among others, use a powered reel mower to obtain the most uniform grass-cut playing field possible. These are the most expensive lawn mower types available, but the superior cut provided by a reel mower can't be denied.
Rotary Mowers
With the advent of higher speed small engines in the late 1950's, rotary mowers began to replace reel mowers. The mowers simple construction is basically a small engine mounted on a metal deck which spins a metal blade beneath it. These mower types are generally inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use effectively.
Rotary mowers work on the principle of chopping the grass off at a selected height by blade rotation contact. The blade must rotate fast enough to chop the grass off instead of just bending it over. This “chopping” motion actually shreds and damages the tip of the grass, causing it to yellow slightly as the shredded top portion dies. The best rotary mowers will have the highest blade revolutions per minute, or RPM's, and therefore give a better contact cut than slower moving blades. In general, the higher the horsepower of the motor, the better the cut will be.
Mulching Mowers
Mulching mowers cut the grass in such fine particles that there is no discharge port and no bagging. The grass literally biodegrades in your lawn and acts as an all natural fertilizer. You'll never have to worry about grass clippings, although most mulching mowers also give you the option to bag or discharge the clippings if you so desire.
All rotary mulching mowers use a special type of mulching blade that keeps the grass suspended in the air below the deck so that the blade can cut it several times before it drops to the ground. Many also employ a specially engineered deck to aid in grass suspension.
Features
Automatic Blade Stop
Virtually all powered lawn mowers have an automatic blade stop feature, usually a small rod beneath the handle. Before starting, you pull the rod up until it contacts the handle which allows the blades to rotate. If the rod is released, as in you let go of the handle for any reason, the blades will automatically stop rotating. This safety features has saved many a finger and toe from being sliced by turning blades.
Grass Discharge
Unless a lawn mower is strictly a mulching mower, it will have a grass discharge port located either on the side or at the rear of the unit. Side discharging is the most common and the least expensive rotary lawn mowers will have this feature. Rear discharge is a feature where a bag must be inserted at the rear of the mower to catch grass clippings.
Although in years past you could get a side discharge bagger, most modern lawn mowers only allow rear bagging options. Reel mowers always discharge from either the back or the front, and they're capable baggers as well as mulchers.
Height Adjustment
All mowers have a height adjusters, usually from 1/2-inch to 3 inches with the most common adjusters attached to each wheel with height grading slots. You simply move the adjuster to the correct height slot and then follow suit on each wheel for a level cut.
Better adjusters will allow you to set the height of the front wheels with one lever, and then set the height of the rear wheels with another. The best height adjusters allow you to set all 4 wheels at the same height with just one adjustment lever.
High Wheel Cutting
The best cutting rotary mowers employ larger rear wheels which make them easier to push and keeping the unit level on inclines and rough terrain. Generally, high wheel mowers cost more than mowers with the same sized wheels all around, but if your yard is comparably flat, you'll see little or no benefit when cutting with a high wheel design despite it being easier to push.
Self Propulsion
Virtually all powered mowers come in a self-propelled model, but they will be more expensive than a push-only version. However, you'll find the ease of cutting a lawn with a self-propelled machine proves it's worth the extra cost.
In its simplest form, the lawn mower engine also propels either the forward, rear, or the side wheels on a powered reel mower. All you do is guide the mower on the correct path while the mower does all of the work for you.
Front Wheel Drive
- This type is better for flatter ground and is easier to maneuver because when you turn, you literally lift up the front wheels and pivot on the rears.
Rear Wheel Drive
- Works better on hills because the weight of the lawn mower goes to the rear wheels as you go up an incline. This means there will always be positive contact and limited slippage with the powered wheels.
The disadvantage with rear wheel drive is you'll have to follow the mower and physically turn it as the rear wheels keep pushing the machine forward. Many rear drive mowers have a drive release mechanism so you can stop the forward motion of the rear wheel drive and then pivot the machine around in a circle.
Side Drive Wheels
- These wheels on self propelled reel mowers are the easiest to turn. You merely put pressure on the handle to one wheel and the mower will pivot effortlessly on that side.
What's Best for You
With so many different models and types available, you'll have to ask yourself the question, "What's best for me?"
Reel Mowers
These give you the best cut of them all, and they are the only mowers available in a manual push configuration. Powered reel mowers are heavy and expensive, but if you want the best manicured lawn, this is what you need. They'll need basic motor maintenance, but if you are familiar with gasoline powered small engines, that won't be a problem.
If you like your mowing chores to be part of an exercise routine, then a manual push reel mower is what you want. They are also 100 percent environmentally friendly and virtually maintenance free. However, you'll have to cut the grass regularly to keep it short. Manual push mowers become more difficult to use if the grass gets too high.
Rotary Mowers
These types must always be powered mowers so you'll always have to deal with a power source. Basic push types are generally lightweight and inexpensive, but if you want the best self-propelled machines, you'll pay for that convenience. They do require some maintenance, but anyone with basic do-it-yourself skills should have no problem.
Gasoline
For decades, gasoline powered lawn mowers have been the standard lawn mower for city dwellers and suburbanites alike. Modern gas mowers are easy to start, require little maintenance, and can go anywhere as long as they have gas in the tank. Small engine repair shops have made a business out of servicing gasoline lawn mower engines, while parts and accessories are readily available at your local hardware store.
Electric
Modern corded electric motors are the equal of gasoline motors, with the same power, cutting and mulching ability. They are virtually no-maintenance machines and start by the flip of a switch. The only issue is that you are always tethered to a cord.
Cord recommendations for all models are 100 feet or less, so if you can't cut your lawn in a 100 foot space, a corded electric isn't for you. For smaller lawns however, electric powered lawn mowers make very little noise, are environmentally friendly, and they won't wake the neighbors on a Sunday morning. They're also the least expensive lawn mowers available.
Battery Powered
The newest Lithium-Ion batteries equal the running time of gasoline mowers and are just as effective at cutting and mulching. No oily maintenance choorse, no power cords to worry about, very little noise is generated, and they can be taken anywhere. And if you want a longer run time, all you do is just get another battery. Although these are currently the most expensive lawn mowers available at present, their ease of use and environmental friendliness is second to none.
