Best Overall
Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self-Propelled Mower
Runner-Up
Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman 21" 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
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In an effort to recommend only the bestlawn caretools , we ’ve used more than 30 gas and electric thrust and ego - propelled lawn mowers to mow dozens of acres . When essay secure lawn mower to include in this self - propelled lawn mower guide , we evaluated this effort - alleviating feature alongside each mower ’s power and performance . After all , just because a lawn mower can propel itself does n’t think it delivers a great cut . The lawn mower that made our final list do both .
Based on our psychometric test , the top option is theToro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Self - Propelled Mower , a example that ’s quiet , well-heeled to apply , and provides an overall excellent performance . However , none of the lawn mower in this scout scored less than a 4 in any testing category . take on to see precisely what we care about each choice before choosing one of the best ego - motivate lawn mower to maintain your property .
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
Whether your currentlawn lawn mower wo n’t stay runningor you simply require to upgrade to a more user - friendly model , any of the following try option will offer reliable resultant and make your routine much light .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value5/5
Toro has built a strong reputation for make durable , high - do equipment , and the Recycler rechargeable lawn lawn mower brings that legacy into the battery - powered world . fit with a 60 - volt , 6 - adenosine monophosphate - 60 minutes battery , it deliver telling mow final result for yards up to half an Akka on a single charge . However , its standout feature are its brand mowing deck and Personal Pace drive organisation . The 22 - in sword pack of cards not only make optimal airflow to lift grass blades for a cleaner , more consistent cut but also heighten mulching and bagging performance . The crusade organisation has a pressure - sensible handlebar that automatically adjusts the mower ’s focal ratio to match your tempo . We ’ve used other mowers with sliding handlebars , but the one on the Toro Recycler is by far the good .
In our tests , the 60V Toro Recycler worked as well as advertised in every way . It excels at cutting all kinds of sens , include overgrown weedy area , and we love that it folds flat for space - save computer memory . The only thing that kept it from earn a perfect grade was its runtime , as the battery run out after mow precisely half an acre . That ’s what the brand predicts and will likely be enough for many yards , but it ’s a little underwhelming compared to other ego - actuate battery lawn lawn mower option .
What our tester says:“The shorten quality of this Toro is believably the good of all the model we tested , and its ego - motivate system of rules is incredibly smooth . Its automatic quickening and retardation feel more lifelike than the others , even on slopes . ”—Mark Wolfe , mathematical product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Toro electric lawn mower atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orToro .
Our rating : relief of Use5/5 ; Cut Quality4/5 ; Noise4.5/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value5/5
The Ego Power+ ego - propel lawn mower escape on a 56V rechargeable Li - ion shelling that provides an impressive blend of power and efficiency . It use brushless electric motors for the drive wheels and a knock-down two - leg brushless motor for the leaf blade , ensuring up to 60 minutes of runtime for the 7.5Ah stamp battery . When purchase as a kit , it comes with a rapid charger that returns the lawn lawn mower barrage to full in only an hour .
The Ego ’s 21 - inch deck adjusts to six peak place setting from 1.5 to 4 column inch and offer mulching , sacking , or side discharge for grass cutting . During our examination on a half - acre cubic yard , we found this mower comfortable and liked how well-off it was to adapt the self - prompt speed via a lever on the handle . Most significantly , it delivered the two thing we were looking for : ample slue power and a uncontaminating ruined appearing . It had no problem trimming normal grass and did not bog down down observably in deep , tall sens . One affair to note , though , is that the drive motor seemed too noisy at times , constitute a screak sound we prefer to muffle with headphones . Also , runtime decreases relatively quickly when using the ego - propel characteristic on slopes , but that ’s pretty common for stamp battery - power mowers .
Photo: Amazon
What our quizzer says:“The Ego ’s cut calibre ranged from secure to excellent . The only fourth dimension we were n’t glad with the solution was when we did a single pass on grass we ’d let spring up for an extra workweek . After mowing the stringy sphere again , the problem was fixed . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review : Ego Power+ 21″ Self - motivate MowerGet the Ego Power+ self - propelled lawn mower atAmazon(with two 4Ah barrage fire ) orLowe’s(tool only ) .
Our military rank : comfort of Use4/5 ; Cut Quality4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob VIla
This self - propel flatulency lawn mower from Craftsman boast a 150cc engine in an soft - to - maneuver package , ideal for cubic yard up to half an acre . It has a recoil cord start with an motorcar choke coil that balances the assortment of air and fuel , eliminating the penury for a primer and choke while control it always depart on the first pull . It also uses a front - wheel - drive pattern that take a leak it incredibly easy to work .
This pick requires a bit of forum , though the unconscious process is simple and only took us 20 minutes . unluckily , the overall appearance of the handle configuration left something to be want once we were done . The blade and drive ascendance cables attach to the using heavy - duty transmission line ties , and the handgrip is n’t padded , which may stimulate weariness during long mowing sessions . Also , as eager as we were to essay out the front - wheel - campaign system around obstruction in our railyard , we were initially disturbed that a full laden bagger could weigh down the can and induce it to lose grip . Luckily , this never happened , but it is something to watch out for . That aver , this walkway - behind forage mower has good power for cutting mean lawn forage and moving uphill . We suppose it ’s a big choice for a budget - given shopper looking for a indestructible ego - actuate push mower .
Get the Craftsman self - actuate lawn mower atAce Hardware .
photo: Mark Wolfe
Best for Large Lawns
Greenworks 40V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5 ; Cut Quality4/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Grass Disposal4/5 ; Value5/5
With up to 70 minute of runtime per cathexis and a 21 - inch mowing belt , this effective , brushless lawn mower from Greenworks is build up to handle lawns up to half an Accho . It includes two 40V 4Ah batteries and a single - port charger that reload each shelling in 120 minutes . It also has a SmartPace ego - propel characteristic that uses a pressure - tender handgrip to automatically line up to your walking pace and SmartCut technology that adjust power output according to grass length and heaviness , which optimize battery usage .
This ego - impel lawn mower surprise us during testing , as it perform similarly to selection with importantly more electric battery power . We liked that it offer unmarried - lever tumbler height adjustment in seven positions and could mulch , bag , or side put down the cut green goddess . However , we notice that performance in overgrown area changed depend on the grass - disposal option used — it bogged down a turn in mulching mode but worked quite well with the discharge sloping trough in place . Still , the overall cut quality was quite good , and only the most difficult gage patches required a 2d pass .
photo: Mark Wolfe
One other point of note : The ego - propel organization seemed to accelerate unequally go rising and downhill and occasionally had fuss decelerating downhill and across flat ground . This signify it sometimes mat up as if it was run away . However , with its extensive runtime and shelling - management capabilities , this Greenworks lawn mower could make a practiced option for those with larger lawns .
Get the Greenworks self - prompt lawn mower atAmazonorGreenworks .
Best for Small Lawns
DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5" Cordless Self-Propelled Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Cut Quality4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This DeWalt lawn mower has a heedful design and better - than - ordinary build quality that have a dense - tariff 21.5 - inch 15 - gauge stamp - steel deck . Its adjustable front - wheel - drive ego - actuation system eliminates half the work of cut down and countenance you select your own stride . The shipment - sensing motor seamlessly increase torque in tougher mowing conditions , ensuring top - level performance on all types of terrain . It ’s also comfortable to utilise , thanks to its well - laid - out controls and padded handle , and easier to turn than like rear - wheel drive mowers . Most importantly , it surrender a nice even excision .
We screen the DeWalt lawn mower on about 10,000 substantial feet of lawn that admit some short but steep side , weedy blot , and thick Mary Jane . With the edit height at 2.5 inches , it had enough power to pout about 5,000 hearty animal foot per charge . At 3.5 inches , that unfold to about 8,000 square feet and 40 hour of runtime . While that should be plenty for anyone with a quarter - acre to half - acre lot ( minus landscape gardening beds and the private road ) , those with bigger properties may want to purchase additional barrage fire , as recharging takes a full 8 time of day .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
interpret our full review : DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5″ Cordless Self - Propelled lawn mower
Get the DeWalt ego - prompt lawn lawn mower atTractor Supply Co.
Best Electric
Ryobi 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled AWD Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Cut Quality4.5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value4.8/5
The Ryobi electric self - propelled lawn mower is a heavy - duty model with a brushless motor for fantabulous major power efficiency . It works as either an all - wheel crusade or rear - wheel drive paseo - behind lawn mower and has a 21 - column inch cutting deck with a two - leaf blade curve system underneath . you’re able to align the blades to seven heights between 1 and 4 column inch , and the integrated mulch plug make it gentle to toggle from mulching to bulge .
The self - actuation on this Ryobi is formidable , which is necessary for a lawn lawn mower of this weight unit . At 77 pounds with bombardment , it ’s a hefty mower to maneuver on anything but plane terrain and would be even more so in the absence of ego - actuation . However , once we found a comfortable f number setting , manoeuvre the Ryobi became much easy — even though the self - propel paddle took us some time to get used to . We barely touched them when the speed was set on high-pitched , and the lawn mower practically pulled us forward . We find that low- and average - swiftness mise en scene were loosely our gratifying patch .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
This ego - impel push lawn mower act through denser patch of grass quite well , mulch evenly and dispersing clippings from the side shoot without leaving any clump . Due in part to its formidable battery mightiness , the Ryobi ’s cross - cut multiblade scheme delivers an excellent overall snub . It creates a great - looking lawn while slice everything into a fine mulch , make it easier to go for extended periods between pout .
Read our full reassessment : Ryobi 40V 21″ Brushless Self - motivate AWD Mower
Get the Ryobi ego - propelled lawn mower atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Beth Cranston for Bob Vila
Best Gas-Powered
Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Cut Quality5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Grass Disposal5/5 ; Value4.7/5
This 163cc gas - power Toro Recycler deliver spectacular cutting results with its 22 - column inch convolution mowing deck and Personal Pace adjustable driving organisation . In addition to cut character , those who prefergas vs. electric lawn mowerswill appreciate several other facial expression of this car . It started for us on the first pull every time — no motive to choke it or passel around with a fuel lever . It ’s also been organise to never require an oil change . or else , you simply have to check the petroleum spirit level sporadically and top it off when necessitate .
During examination , we were incredibly impressed with how smoothly and quietly this Toro ran , especially compared to other gas ego - propelled lawn mower . But the thing we wish about it advantageously was the quality of its cutting . Mowing issue were consistently fantabulous no matter how tight we walk , how thickset the grass was , and no matter of whether we mulched or bagged the clippings . Though it did n’t once stall or slow up down , changing the mower tallness did take extra clip since you have to adjust each bike individually . Realistically , though , this in all likelihood wo n’t be an publication as most drug user will gear up it and block it .
Photo: Beth Cranston for Bob Vila
Get the Toro 22 - inch self - propel lawn lawn mower atTractor Supply Co.orAce Hardware .
Best Cordless
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21" Dual Battery Mower Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Grass Disposal4.5/5 ; Value4/5
When Milwaukee Tool set out to design a lawn mower , it target professional calibre and carrying into action . The M18 Fuel 21 - inch self - propelled lawn lawn mower features a tough sword deck , variable - speed rearward - cycle drive , and a muscular motor that drives vane focal ratio up to 3,300 rotation per minute and delivers more torsion than a 200cc petrol - powered mower .
The kit we tested came with a dual charger and two 18V 12Ah rechargeable battery . The mower draws from both barrage simultaneously for 36 volts of operating power and up to 60 minutes of pout per charge . In addition to its sizeable runtime , what we liked well about this mower is that the motor mechanically switches from standard to high - lift mode when it senses extra - duncical sess . gamey - lift mode created more uplift than any other battery electric lawn mower we screen , resist the supergrass straight up for a superclean cut of meat after a single passing play . It easily pack the bag full of press cutting , did n’t go out clump behind when mulch or discharging , and did a outstanding job picking up leaves and debris . In standard musical mode , the M18 lawn mower had batch of cutting strength , but bagging was slightly less efficient because the ho-hum brand hurrying reduced flow of air and uplift .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Milwaukee barrage - powered lawn lawn mower atThe Home Depot , Amazon , Ace Hardware , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Also Consider
Worx Nitro 80V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Our military rating : Ease of Use4/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Grass Disposal4/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Worx Nitro power - part system packs a puncher , return up to 60 minutes of ability with four 20V 5Ah Worx Power Share Pro batteries . This highly equal to 21 - column inch mower offers a single - lever tumbler deck of cards - tiptop adjustment ; a one - touch in full collapsable hold ; a charge - level indicator ; and a pick of side discharging , sacking , or mulching . Plus , the build - in mulch / expelling lever tumbler eradicate the fuss of a mulch plug . This ego - propel lawn mower with old bag also has a payload - sensing multistage motor that mechanically increase output for hard mowing conditions .
While that ’s a relatively long list of utile feature article , the most unique thing about this Nitro mower is its Base Camp power pack . Base Camp combine the major power of the four included battery to raise 80V of exponent while double as a four - way charger ( onboard or offboard ) that restores living to depleted batteries in just 2 hours . We found the onboard charging option especially convenient since runtime decreased by almost half under a clayey mowing load — though that ’s typical for a load - sensing motor . The only matter we did n’t like about Base Camp is that removing and installing it is much more awkward than working with a single battery .
Photo: Amazon
What our examiner says:“We wish this mower ’s sassy power turnout and first-class goal lineament . It did a slap-up caper conserving power in well - maintained sphere and increase effort to tackle overgrowth . ”—Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and author
Get the Worx ego - propelled lawn lawn mower atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , Target , Best Buy , orWorx .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Before examination , we explore dozens of ego - motivate models , centre on performance and substance abuser - friendly features . We looked for manikin with load - sensing motors and engines , multiple grass - disposal options , single - lever tumbler height adjustment , and extra like lights and ergonomic handle .
Once it came time to essay , we assessed everything from the rudiments to more complicated performance characteristic . We evaluated assembly and storage as well as how certain features , such as grass - disposal options and ego - propel , affected battery performance inelectric mowersand fuel usage in gas options . ultimately , and perhaps most importantly , we looked at the power , cut quality , and mobility of these self - actuate model . We then mark each mower ’s repose of function and public presentation , ranking them and consecrate them laurels .
What to Consider When Choosing a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When choosing one of the best self - propelled lawn lawn mower , all-important features to consider include deck size , cutting option , and major power . pass judgment personal needs and lawn size will also aid you mold the best eccentric of mower to select .
Engine Size and Motor Power
Electric lawn mower have motor , whilegas lawn mowershave engines . The power of a gasoline engine is discover in three-dimensional centimeters , and knowing which size gas pedal engine to look for can aid you choose one worthy for your yard .
A barrage - powered lawn mower measures motor power in volts , with mower using between 18 and 120 volts . Most electric lawn mowers play on about 40V and 80V , as that range is sufficient for handling the same task as gas pedal mowers equipped with 140cc to 180cc railway locomotive .
Though not specially common , you may also bribe an galvanic corded lawn mower with a 10- to 15 - ampere motor . cord mower are generally best for lowly , well - maintained lawn .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Speed Control
Some lawn mower operate at only one fastness , while others include several preferences up to 4 Admiralty mile per hour . Self - propelled lawn lawn mower that move at different speeds have a variety of speed - control options , let in squeeze handgrip , private road bars , dials , and pace - keeping scheme that mechanically adjust to users ’ walking velocity .
In world-wide , lawn mower with pacing systems or clinch bars are easiest to use . These mowers either accommodate to your step as you walk or go faster as you squeeze the bar toward the handgrip , progress to them a exploiter - favorable pick .
Mulch, Bag, or Side-Discharge Options
Traditionally , lawn lawn mower ( includingriding lawn mowers ) have one of several cut option to manage grass clippings , include sacking , mulching , and side discharging . However , most lawn lawn mower now come with two or even three cutting options for managing pot clippings in one motorcar .
Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel, or All-Wheel Drive
ego - propelled lawn mowers generally have either front - bike or rear - bicycle drive , signify either the front or back two wheels are powered . However , there are some all - rack drive models on the market as well .
Rear-Wheel Diameter
The size of a mower ’s rearward wheels varies base on its excogitation and the type of terrain it is make to handle . Some ego - actuate lawn mowers have four wheels of adequate size , typically between 7 and 8 inches in diam .
However , mowers suit to 1000 with thicker grass or scratchy terrain often feature larger rearward wheels that range from 8 to 12 inches in diam . Larger - diameter wheels improve maneuverability and traction , ready them idealistic for bumpy footing and heavy lawn growth .
Recoil vs. Electric Start
Another feature to think when searching for the undecomposed ego - impel lawn mower is how it starts .
Deck Width and Height
The breadth of the cutting deck of cards ( the part of the mower that domiciliate the blades ) can determine how maneuverable a mower is and how long it deal to finish mowing a lawn . Smaller mowers , such as those with 16 - inch decks , may fit through small garden William Henry Gates and turn loaded corners easily , but they ’ll require more passes to mow a grand . Larger mowers , such as those with 21 - inch decks , can make unforesightful work of a big yard but may not head as well in tight place .
Unlike width , deck height is adjustable . When you adjust the deck height , you adjust the cutting tiptop of the mower ’s blades . Some lawn mower feature convenient one - lever tumbler adjustment , while others want two or more lever . Most height adjustments rank somewhere between 1 and 4 inches . Keep in mind that some grass variety should be turn out at long length for optimum wellness . If you have one of those varieties , a lawn mower with a high cutting off height is your in effect bet .
Yard Size
For most hoi polloi , the larger their yard , the larger and more powerful the mower they need . sess eccentric and terrain may also touch on mower choice . Here ’s a cosmopolitan dislocation of which size mowers are salutary for different grounds sizes :
Keep in mind that grass - garbage disposal and ego - propel characteristic may decrease full runtime for battery - operated mowers . Those with large yards may consider purchasing additional battery to reach out uninterrupted runtime . Though extra batteries are an additional disbursal , you ’ll still likely save in the long run vs. paying thecost of lawn mowing .
Additional Features
Additional features to study may admit the lawn mower ’s weight , pack of cards stuff , handle side , and storage options . Although these mower motivate themselves , you still might consider the mower ’s weight . Weight can be vital if the mower is only ego - propelled while cutting or if it postulate to be lifted over concrete curbs or into computer storage .
If weight is a concern , take a aspect at the mower ’s deck material . More traditional lawn mower have sword decks , which are durable but can be arduous , while some mowers have plastic deck , which may be lightweight but prone to cracking . Some mower decks are made of aluminium , which is conditions - resistant , lightweight , and long-lasting .
grip position may seem minor , but if you have limit storage space or are n’t the only one mowing the lawn , they could be a deciding factor . Some handle adjust to better fit user superlative , and others fold all the way down for more compact entrepot .
Photo: Amazon
FAQs
Here are some answers to a few of the most commonly asked interrogative about self - propelled lawn lawn mower .
Self - propel thrust mowers have a front- or rear - drive scheme that move them forward without the substance abuser doing anything except holding on and steering . If you ’re count to mow your lawn with less physical strain , then yes , these lawn mower are worth invest in .
The price range in our leaning of top picks is between $ 420 and $ 1,000.you’re able to certainly incur models that are sell alfresco of that range , but do your research to ensure the deduction or extra cost is worth it .
Photo: amazon.com
Most mowers will last 10 years or more , reckon on how well you worry for your machine . Regular maintenance and right storage are cardinal to capture the most life out of your lawn lawn mower .
It depends . The whole power point of a self - propel lawn mower is that its system makes it easy for substance abuser to push . However , you will also require to factor in the weightiness of the machine , the terrain that ’s being mowed , and the tautness of the space you ’re mowing . Each of these factor can move the repose with which a lawn mower can be crusade .
ego - propelled mowers do not go in reverse . The cause wheels work in the forward direction only . To back up , the parkway ascendence has to be disengaged ( doing so varies by brand / mannequin ) ; then , the user can pull out it backward manually .
Photo: The Home Depot
The master disadvantages of self - propelled mowers are that they tend to be and weigh more . However , the weight is generally countervail by the fact that the ego - propelled lineament makes them easier to push , and the cost may be deserving it in terms of lessen drug user strain .
Most ego - propelled lawn mower do well on small to moderate hills , but their capabilities will differ depending on drive eccentric and power seed . more often than not speak , rear - wheel or all - roulette wheel - drive lawn mower maintain their adhesive friction on slopes better , and natural gas models may deliver more coherent major power output on mountainous terrain .
Yes , you should be able-bodied to wrick off the self - incite feature on a lawn lawn mower . However , the summons deviate between models , so check your user manual of arms for the exact whole step .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and production quizzer with a background in the nursery and landscaping industries . For more than 20 years he cut down , edge , institute , cut , cultivated , irrigated , and revivify beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and write reviews about the up-to-the-minute outside power equipment , script tools , lawn upkeep products , and other outside - endure goods .
extra inquiry supply by Timothy Dale .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
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We ’ll avail you fructify up your first garden — whether that ’s a few sess on your patio , a raised bottom , or an in - dry land plot out back — and select the right plant for your soil and region .
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