Best Lawn Mower for Picking up Leaves

When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Using a suitable and efficient lawn mower to pick up leaves will ensure a neat, healthy and attractive lawn. 

Furthermore, the mowing machine should have a bagging system that will collect the leaves as you mow. 

Looking for the best lawn mower for picking up leaves for your yard? Then you are going to love our recommendations in this article.

In this article, I share the seven best lawn mowers for picking up leaves available on the market right now.

In a hurry? Check our top three recommendations below:

Top 3 Lawn Mowers for Picking up Leaves

Editor's choice
Greenworks Pro 80V Lawn Mower, MO80L410
  • Brushless motor provides more torque and quiet operation.
  • Innovative smart cut technology senses grass and auto-adapts power for a superb cut.
  • Lightweight and easy to use.
Best Budget
Sun Joe MJ401C 14-inch Cordless Lawn Mower
  • Lightweight and easy to assemble
  • Removable safety key prevents accidental starts.
  • Steel blades mow a 14-inch-wide path with precision in a single pass.
Highest Rated
Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower
  • Easy to use and assemble
  • Lightweight and highly maneuverable.
  • Ensures quiet operation.

Best Lawn Mower for Picking up Leaves- Top 7 Picks

1. Greenworks Pro 80V Lawn Mower, MO80L410

  • Cutting Width: 21 inches
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Cutting Height: 7 positions ranging from 1-3/8- 3-3/4 inches
  • Capabilities: Bagging, Mulching and Side discharge
  • Weight: 64.2 Pounds
  • Warranty: 4 years

Pros:

  • The self-propelled mower is lightweight and maneuverable
  • It is easy to use and assemble.
  • The Greenworks Pro 80V model has foldable handles for easy storage.

Cons

  • Some users complained about the battery life

The Greenworks Pro 80V cordless lawn mower is well-rated because of its easy assembly, ease of use and noise level.

Design

The cordless mower has a lightweight construction which makes it easier to navigate on your lawn. It runs on a 4.0Ah battery which provides a 45-minute runtime.  

The lawn mower features a foldable handle design to ensure convenient storage. Its auto-switch technology enhances extended  run times. 

It is easy to use, easy to maintain and can operate quietly. Furthermore, it has a brushless motor and smart cut technology for top-notch performance.

Cutting Power & Performance

The self-propelled lawn mower comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for optimal grass-cutting performance in your yard.

This mowing machine has enough capacity to climb hills with up to 20 degrees incline.

It has seven mowing heights that can be adjusted from 1- 3/8- 3-3/4 inches for customized cuts on lawns.

Special Features

The cordless mower has mulching, bagging and side discharge options for an attractive lawn appearance.

2. Greenworks 2 x 24V (48V) 20-inch Push Mower

  • Cutting Width: 20 inches
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Cutting Height: 7 positions ranging from 1.375 to 4 inches
  • Capabilities: Mulching, bagging, side discharge and leaf pick up
  • Weight: 67.9 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

Pros:

  • The Greenworks lawn mower comes with a 4-port system for longer runtime.
  • It is well-rated for its maneuverability and safety features.
  • The battery mower is easy to assemble.

Cons

  • Some users disliked the mower because of its battery life.
  • A user complained that the mower bogged down on thick grass.

The Greenworks MO48L4212 push mower is well-liked for its lightweight design and easy assembly. 

Design

The push lawn mower is equipped with a brushless motor that offers quiet operation, longer life and more torque. 

Its 4-port system enhances extended runtime while the vertical storage capability makes it easy to store the mower.

The Greenworks mowing machine is powered by two fully charged 4Ah USB batteries that can provide a runtime of up to 45 minutes.

Cutting Power & Performance

The battery-powered mower is equipped with a 20-inch mower deck that gets the job done quicker and more efficiently.

Its seven cutting heights range from 1.375-4 inches to suit your mowing needs. It is an efficient mower that can pick up leaves.

Special Features

The battery lawn mower can mulch, bag, side discharge or pick up leaves to enhance neat and attractive lawns.

3. Black + Decker Lawn Mower, 20-inch (MM2000)

  • Cutting Width: 20 inches
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Cutting Height: 7 positions ranging from 1-1/2 to 4 inches
  • Capabilities: Mulching, bagging and side discharge
  • Weight: 46.85 pounds
  • Warranty:  2 years

Pros:

  • The Black and Decker MM2000 model is easy to assemble.
  • It is lightweight and maneuverable.
  • The corded electric mower has a 20-inch EDGEMAX deck that can cut close to fences and landscape borders.

Cons

  • Some users complained about the durability of the mower’s motor.
  • Not the best for tall grass.

The Black + Decker MM2000 is powered by a 13 Amp motor that can tackle any mowing task. It can mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings.

Design

The corded electric lawn mower comes with handles that can ensure easy lifting and transportation. The mowing machine can be folded down for easy storage.

Its 13-amp motor can mow through thick grass and overgrowth. Its corded design provides unlimited runtime for your mowing tasks.

Cutting Power and Performance

The electric mower features a 20-inch mowing deck for efficient mowing on small and medium-sized lawns. Its deck design enables you to cut close to landscape borders and fences.

The fabric design of the bag makes it easy to determine if your bag is full. The mower enables you to adjust the cutting height from 1-1/2 to 4 inches for excellent cut quality.

Special Features

The mowing machine can mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings.

4. Sun Joe MJ401C 14-inch Cordless Lawn Mower

  • Cutting Width: 14 inches
  • Cutting Height: 3 positions ranging from 1.18-2.52 inches
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Capabilities: Bagging
  • Weight: 28.5lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • The mowing machine is easy to maintain and assemble.
  • It comes with a removable safety key that prevents accidental starts.
  • The steel blade is capable of mowing a 14-inch wide path.

Cons

  • Some users complained about the battery design.
  • Not ideal for large yards.

The Sun Joe MJ401C is a good pick if you want the convenience of a push lawn mower without compromising on power. It is ideal for small and medium lawns.

Design

The cordless lawn mower has a lightweight design, making it easy to push on your lawn. 

It runs on a 28V 4 Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is enough to mow up to ¼ acre of continuous mowing per charge.

It comes with a removable safety key that prevents accidental starts. The mowing machine is easy to start, maintain and assemble. Its collapsible handle enhances easy storage.

Cutting Power and Performance

The push lawn mower is equipped with a durable steel blade that mows a 14-inch wide path. It is perfect for small or mid-sized lawns.

You can tailor the cutting height with a 3-position manual height adjustment. Its cutting options range from 1.18-2.52 inches.

Special Features

The Sun Joe MJ401C mowing machine comes with a detachable 10.6-gallon grass catcher for easy cleanup.

5. Greenworks 40V 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower: Best Leaf Mulching Lawn Mower

  • Cutting Width: 16 inches
  • Cutting Height: 5 positions ranging from 1-1/4- 3-3/8 inches
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Capabilities: Bagging and Mulching
  • Weight: 37.5 Pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

Pros:

  • The Greenworks lawn mower is highly maneuverable.
  • It maintains a quiet operation.
  • The battery lawn mower is easy to assemble.

Cons

  • Not ideal for large lawns.
  • Some users complained about the mower’s battery life.

The Greenworks 40V lawn mower is suitable for small and medium-sized lawns. It is lightweight and maneuverable on lawns.

Design

The Greenworks 25322 comes with foldable handles for easy storage. Its push button start ensures easy starting.

The battery mower is powered by a 4.0Ah battery which provides a runtime of up to 45 minutes. Some users liked the mower for its easy assembly and lightweight design.

Cutting Power and Performance

The cordless lawn mower is equipped with a 16-inch mower deck which allows for easy maneuvering on small and mid-sized lawns with efficiency.

Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 1-1/4- 3-3/8 inches to enable you to cut the grass to an ideal size/height. This lawn mower can easily clear up leaves and other yard debris.

Special Features

The Greenworks 40V mower can mulch or bag via the 2-in-1 option.

6. Craftsman M105 Lawn Mower

  • Cutting Width: 21 inches
  • Cutting Height: 6 positions ranging from 1-1/4- 3-3/4 inches
  • Power Source: Gas
  • Capabilities: Side discharge, Bagging and Mulching
  • Weight: 72lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

  • The Craftsman M105 mower offers outstanding value for your money.
  • It performs well on flat grounds.
  • The gas-powered mower has zag treaded tires to provide traction on lawns.

Cons

  • Not the best for large lawns.
  • Not efficient on slopes and inclines.

The Craftsman M105 is an efficient and durable lawn mower suitable for small and mid-sized yards. It is well-liked for its maneuverability and value for money.

Design

The Craftsman M105 mowing machine is powered by a 140cc OHV engine for a smooth mowing operation. It comes with zag treaded tires that offer better traction while mowing.

The mower features an adjustable loop handle for convenient handling while carrying out mowing operations. It is easy to assemble and start.

Cutting Power & Performance

The gas-powered mower features a 21-inch mower deck that allows you to mow wider areas of grass with fewer passes

The mower blades enhance smooth and nice cuts on the lawn. It has six cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-1/4- 3-3/4 inches to suit your mowing needs.

The gas mower is ideal for small to mid-sized yards. In addition, it can work well on flat ground.

Special Features

The mowing machine offers an option to side discharge, mulch or bag via a 3-in-1 option.

7. Husqvarna Z254 Zero-Turn Mower: Best Riding Mower for Leaf Pickup

  • Engine: 26HP Kohler engine
  • Power Source: Gas
  • Cutting Width: 54 inches
  • Cutting Height: 6 positions, ranging from 1.5-4 inches
  • Weight: 549 lbs
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Number of Deck Positions: 6 Positions
  • Front wheel size: 11 inches
  • Rear wheel size: 18 inches
  • Capabilities: Side discharge, bagging and mulching (Mulching kit and bagger attachment sold separately)

Pros:

  • The gas-powered mowing machine is equipped with a rear engine guard that offers protection to the engine.
  • Its wheels ensure stability while you mow uphill.
  • The Husqvarna Z254 mower has air induction mowing technology to improve grass lift on the lawn.

Cons

  • The Husqvarna Z254 mower consumes a lot of gasoline.
  • A user complained about poor blade design.

The gas lawn mower is perfect for medium and large-sized yards. It has a cutting-edge design combined with other innovative features to make mowing easy.

Design

The zero-turn mower runs on a 26HP Kohler engine for a smooth lawn-mowing operation. Its cooling fans keep the mower engine operating at an ideal temperature.

The mowing machine comes with a removable foot pan to enable you to gain access to the top of the mower deck with ease.

The deck lift system is spring assisted for ease of use while the anti-slip foot area enhances safe and comfortable use.

Cutting Power & Performance

The ride-on lawn mower features a durable 54-inch mowing deck for superb grass-cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards. 

It is a great fit for thick grass and uneven grounds.

The air induction mowing technology offers superior cut and improved grass lift on your lawn. Its six mowing heights range from 1.5-4 inches to enable you to achieve customized cuts.

Accessories

The Husqvarna Z254 offers a full line of mower accessories such as triple baggers, mulch plates, the mulch kit, hitch kit and LED headlights.

Lawn Mower for Picking up Leaves: Comparison Chart

Here is a head-to-head comparison of top-rated lawn mowers for picking up leaves available on the market :

SpecsGreenworks MO80L410Greenworks 48VBlack + Decker MM2000Sun Joe MJ401CGreenworks 40V 25322Craftsman M105Husqvarna Z254
Deck Size21 inches20 inches20 inches14 inches16 inches21 inches54 inches
Engine PowerN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A140cc26HP
Warranty3 years3 years2 years2 years3 years2 years3 years
Cutting Height1-¼- 3-⅛ inches1.375-4 inches1-½ -4 inches1.18-2.52 inches1-¼- 3-3/8 inches1-¼-3-¾ inches1.5-4 inches
Positions7 positions7 positions7 positions3 positions5 positions6 positions6 positions
Battery/ Motor4Ah battery4Ah USB batteries13 amp28V 4Ah battery4.0Ah batteryN/AN/A
Cutting CapabilitiesMulching, bagging and side dischargeMulching, bagging, side discharge and leaf pickupMulching, bagging and side dischargeBaggingBagging and mulchingMulching, bagging and side dischargeMulching, bagging and side discharge (mulching kit and bagger sold separately).
Weight64.2 Pounds67.9 Pounds46.85 Pounds28.5lbs37.5 Pounds72lbs549 lbs
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Final Verdict

When it comes to easy assembly, lightweight construction and ease of use, the Greenworks Pro 80V MO80L410 is our number #1 pick.

The self-propelled mower is easy to maneuver on lawns. It features a foldable handle design to ensure convenient storage.

The battery lawn mower comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for excellent grass-cutting performance on lawns. 

This mowing machine has enough capacity to climb hills with up to 20 degrees incline.

Greenworks Pro 80V Lawn Mower, MO80L410
  • Brushless motor provides more torque and quiet operation.
  • Innovative smart cut technology senses grass and auto-adapts power for a superb cut.
  • Lightweight and easy to use.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Lawn Mower for Picking Up Leaves

If you are in the market for a durable, efficient and sturdy lawn mower for picking up leaves, here are some factors to consider:

Lawn Size

The lawn size is an important factor to consider before purchasing a lawn mower for picking up leaves.

If you own a small lawn, you do not need to get a large mowing machine that will take it forever to push around.

Homeowners with large lawns should get a lawn mower with a large cutting deck that can cover more ground in a lesser time.

Bagging Capability

You should always get a lawn mower that has a bagging capability. This enhances easy cleanup or disposal. 

When you consider the bagging capability, check the size of the bag and the number of leaves that the bag can hold. In addition, check if the bag can be easily attached or removed from the mowing machine.

Power

If you want to go for a gas-powered mower, ensure that you purchase a mower that has a powerful engine.

This will enable the mower to handle bagging and mulching leaves with efficiency. Furthermore, a mower with a powerful engine can also work on large lawns and also operate for a long time.

Height Adjustment

This is also another factor to consider before getting a mower for picking up leaves. If the grass blades are set too low, they may tear the leaves instead of mowing the grass cleanly.

If these blades are set too high, the mower may fail to cut the leaves and can leave behind a messy layer of mulch.

Setting an ideal height for picking up leaves depends on the thickness of the leaf cover and the type of grass.

Ease of Use

It is also important to purchase a lawn mower that is easy to use. In addition, make sure that the lawn mower has easy controls for seamless and efficient mowing operation.

Mulching Capability

Be on the lookout for a mower with a mulching function. This will allow the mower to shred grass clippings into finer pieces and then restore nutrients to the soil.

Self-Propelled vs Push Mower

If you want a walk-behind mower for picking up leaves, you need to consider these two mower types. Self-propelled mowing machines are perfect for large lawns.

On the other hand, push mowers are ideal for mowing leaves in tight spaces.

Features of the Best Blades for Mulching Leaves

The best blades for mulching leaves should have some important qualities that can ensure a smooth lawn experience. Here are some of them:

Durable and Top-Quality Blade Design

Getting durable mower blades for your lawn mower will enable it to last long.

The best mower blades such as Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 and Maxpower 331981B  mulching blades are made of top-quality materials that will help extend their lifespan

Fitment and Mounting Options

Although different mulching blades come with diverse mounting holes, it is better to get the one with a five-point or six-point star for easy installation. Using these blades will only require you to remove one bolt.

Curviness and Suction Power

This is also another feature to check while getting top-rated blades for mulching leaves. A superb mulching blade should have curved flaps on the corners to enhance optimal mulching results.

Furthermore, an ideal mulching blade should also create a greater suction power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a riding lawn mower to pick up leaves?

A: Yes, you can use a riding mower to pick up leaves from your yard.

Is it better to pick up leaves or mow them?

A: It depends on what suits your mowing needs.

Do lawn mower baggers pick up leaves?

A: Yes, a bagger can help you to collect grass clippings, leaves and debris and you mow your lawn.