Tired of pushing a heavy mower across your lawn? A self-propelled lawn mower can be a game-changer, doing the hard work for you. These machines use a drive system to move forward on their own, requiring you only to guide them. This makes tackling hills, thick grass, and large yards significantly easier and less physically demanding.
With options ranging from powerful gas models to quiet, eco-friendly cordless electric mowers, choosing the right one depends on your yard’s size and your personal preferences. Our roundup of the best self-propelled mowers is designed to help you find the perfect match for your home, highlighting key features and benefits to simplify your decision.
The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Your Yard
- Greenworks 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
- Snapper 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled
- WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
- Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. Lawn Mower
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
- Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch 3-in-1 Versamow Lawn Mower
- Toro Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Self-Propelled Gas Mower
Greenworks 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
Experience the freedom of cordless mowing without sacrificing power. The Greenworks 40V mower features a self-propelled drive system that takes the effort out of moving across your lawn. Its durable 21-inch steel deck is built to handle large areas of grass quickly and efficiently.
At the heart of this mower is a brushless motor, which provides more torque for tough grass, operates quietly, and is engineered for a longer lifespan. With a cutting height adjustable from 1-3/8 to 3-3/4 inches and a lightweight design of just 21.65 pounds, you can achieve a precise cut with minimal physical strain.
Snapper 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit
This Snapper mower kit offers a complete cordless solution for medium-sized lawns. It comes with two 82V 2.0Ah lithium-ion batteries and a rapid charger, providing up to 45 minutes of run time. The self-propelled transmission features a variable speed control, allowing you to set the perfect pace for your walking speed and grass conditions.
The 21-inch steel mowing deck offers a versatile 3-in-1 design, giving you the option to mulch, bag, or side-discharge your grass clippings. This flexibility lets you choose the best method for your lawn’s health and your cleanup preferences, making it a highly adaptable tool for any homeowner.
WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
Ideal for smaller yards up to 1/8 acre, the compact WORX mower is both lightweight and feature-rich. It starts instantly with the push of a button and includes two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries and a dual charger. A significant benefit is that these same batteries are compatible with over 140 other WORX tools and products.
This mower stands out with its Intellicut feature, a patented sensor technology that automatically adjusts the cutting power based on grass density. It increases power for thick patches and conserves battery in thinner grass, ensuring a smooth cut and maximizing your battery life with every use.
Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. Lawn Mower
For those who prefer the consistent power of gas, the Honda HRX217 is a top-tier choice renowned for its reliability and performance. It is equipped with a powerful 187cc Honda engine known for easy starts and durable operation. The mower’s 4-in-1 Versamow System offers unparalleled clipping management.
This system allows you to mulch, bag, discharge, or use a unique leaf shredding mode. You can even set a dial to mulch and bag simultaneously, finely shredding clippings for the bag to hold more material. This level of control and Honda’s reputation for quality make it a long-term investment for a pristine lawn.
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is designed to compete directly with gas mowers, featuring a Select Cut multi-blade system that promises a premium cut. It includes a high-capacity 56V 7.5Ah ARC Lithium battery, providing up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge for extensive mowing sessions.
Its most notable feature is the Touch Drive self-propelled technology. This system puts a control dial in the palm of your hand on the mower’s handle, allowing you to adjust your speed from a slow walk to a brisk pace with a simple turn. This intuitive control makes maneuvering and pacing exceptionally easy.
Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Step up to professional-grade battery power with the Greenworks PRO 80V mower. This model delivers significant torque and run time, making it suitable for larger and more demanding lawns. The self-propelled function ensures easy operation across various terrains, including gentle slopes.
As part of the Greenworks PRO lineup, this mower is built for durability and performance. It offers the convenience of cordless electric operation with the power often associated with gas models, all while maintaining zero emissions and quiet operation. It’s a robust solution for homeowners looking to minimize maintenance without compromising on cutting power.
Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch 3-in-1 Versamow Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Honda HRN216VKA brings the trusted Honda engine technology and the versatile 3-in-1 Versamow system to a popular price point. This mower provides the reliability and easy starting that Honda is known for, coupled with a self-propelled drive for user comfort.
With the 3-in-1 capability, you can easily switch between mulching, bagging, and side discharge to manage your clippings according to your needs. This model is an excellent balance of Honda’s engineering quality and practical features, making it a dependable and efficient choice for regular lawn maintenance.
Toro Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The Toro Recycler with SmartStow technology offers a clever solution for storage. This feature allows you to fold the handle over the deck and store the mower vertically, taking up significantly less space in your garage or shed. The 22-inch deck is slightly larger than standard, helping you cover more ground with each pass.
It is a self-propelled gas mower with a reputation for a superior mulching performance. The Recycler cutting system is designed to finely cut grass clippings and return them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, promoting a healthier turf. It’s a smart, space-saving choice for homeowners who need gas power and efficient storage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When I first started looking for a self-propelled lawn mower, I was overwhelmed by the options. It’s not just about picking the shiniest one; you need to think about what your yard actually demands. The right choice can make mowing feel effortless, while the wrong one can turn it into a weekly chore. Let me walk you through the key things I consider.
First, think about your yard’s terrain. If you have a relatively flat lawn, a single-speed mower might be all you need. But if your property has hills or uneven ground, you’ll want a model with variable speed control. This lets you slow down for tricky inclines and speed up on the straightaways, giving you much better control and safety.
Next, you have to decide on the power source. Gas mowers are the traditional workhorses. They offer unlimited runtime and a lot of power, which is great for larger or tougher lawns. The downsides are the maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, air filters) and the noise and fumes. Electric mowers come in two flavors: corded and cordless. Corded models are lightweight, quiet, and start with the push of a button, but you are tethered to an outlet and the cord can be a hassle. Cordless battery-powered mowers offer fantastic freedom and are also very low-maintenance. Their runtime is limited by the battery, so they are best for small to medium-sized yards. For me, the quiet operation and lack of gas are huge pluses.
Drive type is another critical factor. Most self-propelled mowers are front-wheel drive (FWD). These are good for flat yards and are generally more maneuverable. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) provides better traction and is superior for hilly terrain because the drive wheels are pushing the mower up the slope. All-wheel drive (AWD) is the top-tier option for tackling all sorts of challenging landscapes, from wet grass to steep hills.
Don’t forget about the cutting deck. A wider deck means you can cut more grass with each pass, reducing your mowing time. However, a wider mower can be harder to navigate around tight corners and garden beds. For most suburban lawns, a deck between 21 and 22 inches is a sweet spot. Also, look for a mower with a durable steel or aluminum deck and easy height adjustment levers that let you change the cutting height for all wheels at once.
Finally, consider the extra features that make life easier. A easy-fold system for compact storage is a game-changer if you’re short on shed space. Mulching capabilities are great for feeding your lawn, and a bagging option is handy for keeping things tidy in the fall. When you’re looking at the 8 best self-propelled lawn mowers for homeowners, weighing these factors will help you find the perfect match for your grass and your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a self-propelled mower over a push mower?
The biggest advantage is the reduced physical effort. The mower does the work of moving itself forward; you’re really just there to guide it. This is a massive benefit if you have a hilly yard, a large property, or simply want to make your weekly mow less of a workout. It turns a strenuous push into a manageable walk.
Are battery-powered self-propelled mowers powerful enough for my lawn?
Modern battery-powered mowers are surprisingly powerful. For the average suburban lawn, they are more than capable. The technology in lithium-ion batteries has advanced tremendously, providing ample runtime for yards up to half an acre or more, especially if you invest in a second battery. They start instantly, are much quieter, and require virtually no maintenance compared to gas models.
How often do I need to perform maintenance on a gas self-propelled mower?
Gas mowers require a consistent maintenance schedule to run well. After every use, you should clean off any clippings from the deck. Beyond that, you’re looking at changing the oil and air filter at least once a season, replacing the spark plug annually, and sharpening the blade a couple of times a year. The most critical task is managing the fuel, either by using a fuel stabilizer or running the engine dry before storing it for the winter.
Can I use a self-propelled mower on a steep hill?
You can, but you need the right type. A rear-wheel drive (RWD) model is highly recommended for steep hills because the powered wheels are in the back, providing better traction and stability as they push the mower up the incline. A front-wheel drive model might struggle or even slip on a steep slope. Always mow across the slope, not up and down, for maximum safety.
What should I do with the clippings: bag, mulch, or side-discharge?
This depends on your preference and the condition of your lawn. Mulching is often the best choice as it chops the clippings finely and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. I only bag when the grass is excessively long or wet, or when I want a super-clean look. Side-discharge is useful if you’re cutting very tall grass and don’t have a bagger, but it leaves rows of clippings that you’ll likely need to rake up afterward. When reviewing the 8 best self-propelled lawn mowers for homeowners, I looked for models that offer all three options for maximum versatility.