The best gas-powered push mower, the Troy-Bilt TB110 2-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower, has a powerful motor, is easy to use, and delivers a clean cut. The best electric push mower, the RYOBI RY401110-Y Cordless Push Lawn Mower, has a long runtime, load-sensing technology, and vertical storage ability. Here are the best push lawn mowers. The Troy-Bilt Mower stands out thanks to the brand’s TriAction cutting system, which uses a rake bumper, specialized blade, and symmetrical deck to deliver a clean, even cut, and finely mulched clippings. It comes with a 1.9-bushel grass collection bag, as well, but keep in mind that there’s no side discharge option. Price at time of publish: $399 This electric push mower can mulch or bag grass clippings—it can be used to side-discharge clippings, but the accessory to do so is sold separately. There are seven cutting heights to choose from, as well as an onboard storage compartment where you can stash an extra battery, and the unit has a telescoping handle and vertical storage ability to save space in your garage. Price at time of publish: $299 One of the downsides of this mower is that it only has three cutting heights, ranging from 1.18 to 2.52 inches, so it’s not ideal for cutting overgrown grass. You’ll also need to navigate around a 14-gauge extension cord (not included) as you mow, but the benefit here is that you have unlimited runtime and very little maintenance is required. Price at time of publish: $108 This corded mower can side-discharge, mulch, or bag grass clippings, and its unique winged blades are designed for optimal grass collection. The BLACK+DECKER mower is easy to push around your yard thanks to its large rear wheels, and its handle folds down for more compact storage. Price at time of publish: $219 The Greenworks PRO Push Mower has a 21-inch deck with seven cutting heights, and its high-efficiency brushless motor provides plenty of power and torque to tackle any task. An onboard battery charge indicator lets you know exactly how much power you have left, and if you invest in an additional battery, the mower has dual ports and can switch over automatically, doubling your runtime. Price at time of publish: $470 This reel mower is 14 inches wide, and it can cut through grass up to 4 inches tall. It even offers an adjustable blade height between 0.5 and 1.75 inches. It has a cushioned handle to give you a comfortable grip, and you can even outfit it with a grass catcher (sold separately). Price at time of publish: $90 This mower has a dual-lever, six-position height adjustment, but one of the downsides is that there are no markings to indicate which setting you’re on. The loop handle is adjustable for operator comfort, but the wheels are all the same size, providing less traction on sloped terrain. Price at time of publish: $349 This 2-in-1 mower gives you the option to bag or mulch clippings, and there are six cutting heights to choose from. A battery charge indicator lets you know just how much power is left, and the grass collection bag has a plastic top that lets you see when it’s full. Price at time of publish: $300
Push vs. Self-Propelled
Push lawn mowers are the standard, but you’ll need to exert more physical effort—especially if your lawn is hilly or uneven. If this is the case, a self-propelled model will be easier to maneuver. Single-speed, self-propelled lawn mowers move at a single pace, between 1 and 3 miles per hour. Variable-speed lawn mowers can be operated at more than one pace, depending on your preference.
Cutting Deck
The width of the cutting deck will determine the amount of time you actually spend mowing. The wider the deck, the fewer passes you will need to make when cutting your lawn. A smaller deck, though, can work better for a small yard with tight spaces because it will allow for easier maneuvering. Grass clippings can be expelled in three different ways: side discharge, bags, and mulching. Side-discharge models send grass clippings right back onto the grass, which is convenient but messy. Bags collect clippings, but emptying them is labor-intensive. Mulching models cut grass clippings into small pieces before spitting them back onto the grass. Some models are multifunctional.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor and product tester for The Spruce. As someone who grew up on a 70-acre farm and owns a 5-acre parcel herself, she’s no stranger to lawn mowers, and she’s written extensively on them. She’s also personally tested the RYOBI 38 in. 75 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower. While selecting lawn mowers for this list, she looked at factors such as their deck size, power source, weight, and any special features that make them easier to operate. She also spoke with Brent Gurney, co-founder and VP of operations at Stratton & Brätt Landscaping, for tips on choosing a lawn mower and maintaining it properly.
