Best Lawn Mowers Under $500
If you are in the market for a top-quality and functional lawn mower with a budget of $500, then you are going to love our recommendations. For under 500 bucks though, we’ve to narrow the search down to walk behind mowers.
We have done the heavy lifting and research, and in this article, we reveal the top-rated lawn mowers under 500 dollars that can help you maintain a lush and well-manicured lawn.
Best Lawn Mowers Under $500: Top 3 Picks
- Lightweight and easy to assemble.
- Wheels are made with zag treading to provide more traction.
- 140cc gas engine built for efficient mowing.
- Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip for comfort.
- Lightweight and easy to operate.
- Handles thick turf with ease.
- Dual battery ports with automatic switchover ensure longer runtimes.
- Its brushless motor delivers more torque and quiet operation.
- Easy to assemble and maintain.
1. Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Mower Under $500
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Height: 6 positions ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches
- Power: Gas
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side discharge
- Weight: 72 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- The Craftsman M105 is lightweight and easy to assemble.
- It comes with zag treaded tires to enhance excellent traction.
- The push mower is easy to start thanks to its recoil and auto-choke feature.
Cons
- Its small wheels make it difficult to push on wet grass.
- The push mower has a small grass collection bag.
The Craftsman M105 is perfect for mowing yards up to ¼ of an acre. The gas mowing machine operates efficiently on tall grass.
Design
The Craftsman M105 is powered by a 140cc OHV gas engine for smooth lawn mowing operation. This engine also features recoil and auto choke for an easy start.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to push around the lawn. The adjustable loop handle enhances comfort while the zag treaded tires provide traction.
Cutting Power & Performance
The gas lawn mower features a 21-inch convertible deck that ensures efficient cutting performance on lawns.
Its cutting blade ensures neat and nice cuts on the lawn.
It has six cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches to ensure excellent cut quality. The push lawn mower performs better on flat terrain.
Special Features
The Craftsman M105 features a side discharge option that can spread grass clippings to the side.
The mulching feature cuts grass clippings into fine bits to restore nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil.
Its bagging option ensures easy cleanup.
2. Greenworks 40V Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower, MO40L4413:
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Height: 7 positions ranging from 1 3/8- 3 ¾ inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Capabilities: Mulching, bagging and side discharge
- Weight:84.8 Pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros:
- The Greenworks MO40L4413 features a foldable handle design for easy and compact storage.
- Its rear-wheel drive design ensures maximum traction.
- The mower is easy to maintain and assemble.
Cons
- It does not have a roller for striped lawn appearance.
- The batteries are expensive.
The Greenworks MO40L4413 is an efficient and durable self-propelled mower perfect for small and mid-sized yards. The mowing machine is also easy to maintain.
Design
The self-propelled mower is easy to store thanks to its foldable handles. Its SmartPace automatic drive system adapts to the users’ walking speed.
The brushless motor provides more power, longer runtimes and quiet operation. It features a rear-wheel drive to offer great traction on lawns.
The self-propelled mowing machine is powered by two 4.0Ah batteries to provide a runtime of up to 70 minutes.
Cutting Power & Performance
The MO40L4413 model features a 21-inch mower deck to ensure quick and efficient mowing on small and medium-sized yards.
You can adjust the mower’s seven cutting heights from 1-3/8- 3-3/4 inches to ensure customized cuts on lawns.
Special Features
It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities to ensure a healthy-looking lawn.
3. Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Push Lawn Mower:
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Height: 7 positions ranging from 1.375 to 3.75 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Weight: 90 Pounds
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side discharge
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The Snapper XD works well on thick grass, weeds and stalks.
- It is easy to use and assemble.
- The 21-inch cutting deck enables you to mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings with ease.
Cons
- It is a bit heavy.
- Some users complained about the battery design.
The Snapper XD 82V Max is perfect for small and mid-sized yards. It can also cut thick grass with ease.
Design
The battery mower runs on a Briggs & Stratton 82V Max 2Ah lithium-ion battery to provide a runtime of up to 90 minutes per charge.
Its load sensing technology ramps the power up and down for optimal efficiency.
Its vertical storage capability makes the mower easy to store while the push-button start enhances easy starting.
Cutting Power & Performance
The Snapper Max XD comes with a 21-inch mower deck to ensure efficient mowing of grass on a single pass.
The mower operates efficiently on thick grasses, weeds and stalks.
The battery-powered mower has seven cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1.375 to 3.75 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Its smart cut technology allows the mowing machine to adjust power based on one’s grass thickness and length.
Special Features
The electric mower gives you an option to mulch, bag or side discharge clippings to enhance a well-manicured lawn.
4. EGO Power + LM2021 Lawn Mower
- Cutting Width: 20 inches
- Cutting Height: 1-4 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side Discharge
- Weight: 55.2 Pounds
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The EGO Power + LM2021 is equipped with a brushless motor for longer run-time and extended motor life.
- Its LED headlights ensure better visibility while mowing in low-light or dark areas.
- The lawn equipment is easy to use and assemble.
Cons
- It does not have space for the extra battery.
- The mowing machine does not handle leaves well.
The EGO Power + LM2021 can mow through a yard full of long grass like a gas-powered mowing machine.
Design
The battery-powered mower is equipped with a foldable handle design for easy and compact storage.
The mower is powered by a 5.0 Ah battery that can offer a 60-minute runtime on a single charge.
The LED headlights provide ultimate vision in darker areas while its brushless motor ensures longer run-time and extended motor life.
Cutting Power & Performance
The battery mower has a 20-inch steel mower deck for superb mowing performance on lawns.
Its cutting options range from 1 to 4 inches to enable you to mow the grass to an ideal height.
The cordless mowing machine is equipped with a factory-sharpened steel blade that spins clockwise to ensure effective cutting.
Special Features
The side discharge option spreads grass clippings to the side.
Its mulching feature chops up grass clippings into finer pieces so that they can add nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil.
The bagging feature catches clippings for zero hassle cleanup.
5. Makita XML03Z 36V Cordless Lawn Mower
- Cutting Width: 18 inches
- Cutting Height: 13/16- 3 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Weight: 57.8 Pounds
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side discharge
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros:
- The efficient cordless lawn mower comes with foldable handles that can ensure easy storage and transportation.
- Its rubberized soft grip handle enhances added comfort.
- The mowing machine offers an outstanding value for your money.
Cons
- Not the most suitable for large yards
- The mower’s bail bar is poorly designed.
The Makita XML03Z has enough capacity to tackle yards that are up to 1/3 acre. It offers an outstanding value for your money.
Design
The battery lawn mower is equipped with a rubberized soft grip handlebar to provide ultimate comfort.
The cordless mower can use four 18-volt LXT batteries to handle over ½ acre in 53 minutes or less.
Its extreme protection technology (XPT) is designed to provide resistance to water and dust in harsh job site conditions.
Cutting Power & Performance
The XML03Z model features an 18-inch mower deck that enhances excellent cut quality on yards that are up to 1/3 acre.
Its brushless motor offers up to 3,300 RPM for fast and efficient cutting on lawns. You can adjust the cutting positions from 13/16 to 3 inches for customized cuts on lawns.
Special Features
The Makita mower offers mulching, bagging and rear discharge options for a healthy-looking lawn.
6. Black + Decker 21-inch Gas-Powered Mower
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Height: 6 positions ranging from 1-1/2 to 3 inches
- Power Source: Gas
- Weight: 77.8Pounds
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side discharge
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
- The mowing machine is maneuverable and easy to assemble.
- Its front-wheel drive design provides better traction on flat terrain.
- The steel deck extends to the edge of tires for reduced edging and clean cuts.
Cons
- The mower is quite noisy.
The Black + Decker 140cc push mower is suited for small and medium-sized yards.
Design
The gas lawn mower features durable 8-inch wheels with bar treading that work effortlessly on level grounds.
In addition, the tires allow the mower to drive through loose or hard soil without much effort.
It runs on a reliable 140cc engine for a smooth mowing operation. This engine has a recoil start for easy and quick starting.
Cutting Power & Performance
The push lawn mower comes with a 21-inch mowing deck to enable efficient and quick mowing of grass on lawns.
The steel deck extends to the edge of tires for reduced edging and clean cuts. It can work well on flat terrain.
Furthermore, its front-wheel drive design can pull through uphill slopes.
Whether your lawn needs a full or light cut, the six different height settings will enable you to cut the grass to an ideal height.
Special Features
To ensure a well-manicured lawn, the gas-powered mower can mulch, bag and side discharge grass clippings.
7. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
- Cutting Width: 20 inches
- Cutting Height: 1-3 inches
- Power Source: Manual
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 35lbs
Pros:
- The mowing machine requires minimal maintenance.
- It is easy to use and assemble.
- The Scotts 2000-20S has large wheels that provide it with extra stability.
Cons
- Not ideal for tall grass.
- It struggles with larger twigs.
The Scotts 2000-20S model is a lightweight and easy-to-operate mower suitable for small and mid-sized yards.
This reel mower prevents tearing and ripping of grass blades to maintain the health of the lawn.
Design
The Scotts 2000-20S mower is equipped with an ergonomic cushioned handle to ensure comfort while mowing.
Its quick-snap adjusters enhance effortless operation while the dual-tracking wheels enable you to push the mower with ease.
The mowing machine has five heat-treated helix steel blades to ensure smooth cuts on lawns.
Cutting Power & Performance
The reel mower comes with a 20-inch deck for superb mowing performance in small yards.
Its deck is a bit wider than several reel mowers, meaning that you can mow the grass in a lesser time.
Its cutting options range from 1-3 inches to suit homeowners’ varying needs. It can work well on thick turf.
Special Features
The mower’s precision blade technology enables the mower to make accurate, smooth and nice cuts on lawns.
8. EGO Power + LM2130SP Electric Lawn Mower
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Cutting Height: 7 positions, ranging from 1.5-4 inches
- Weight: 62.17 Pounds
- Capabilities: Mulching, Bagging and Side Discharge
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- The cordless mowing machine comes with three interchangeable blades to ensure customized cuts.
- A user commented that the mower worked well on hilly terrain.
- Its brushless motor enables the mower to mow tough grass with high power.
Cons
- The EGO Power+ LM2130SP is a bit heavy.
- A user complained that the speed controller did not last long.
The battery mower offers a fume-free and quiet mowing operation. It is lightweight and highly maneuverable.
Design
The LM2130SP is powered by a 56V 7.5 Ah battery which offers up to a 60-minute runtime.
Its push button start enhances quick and easy starting. The mower’s LED lights illuminate your path while mowing at dawn or dusk.
The rear-wheel drive feature provides superior traction. Furthermore, the mower is easy to store thanks to its foldable handles.
Cutting Power & Performance
The cordless mower features a 21-inch mower deck for superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.
Homeowners can adjust the cutting heights from 1.5-4 inches to enable them to have customized cuts on lawns.
The Select Cut multi-blade feature is made up of three blades that can be used interchangeably to achieve your desired cut.
The mowing machine is ideal for yards that are up to 0.5 acres and performs well on slopes and hills.
Special Features
The Ego Power Plus mower gives an option to mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings for a well-manicured lawn.
Lawn Mowers Under $500 Comparison Chart
Here is a head-to head comparison of top-rated lawn mowers under 500 dollars available on the market :
| Specs | Craftsman M105 | Greenworks MO40L4413 | Snapper XD 82V Max | EGO Power+ LM2021 | Makita XML03Z | Black + Decker 140cc | Scotts 2000-20S | EGO Power+ LM2130SP |
| Deck Size | 21 inches | 21 inches | 21 inches | 20 inches | 18 inches | 21 inches | 20 inches | 21 inches |
| Engine Power | 140cc | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 140cc | NA | N/A |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 5 years |
| Cutting Height | 1.25-3.75 inches | 1-⅜-3-¾ inches | 1.375- 3.75 inches | 1-4 inches | 13/16-3 inches | 1-½- 3 inches | 1-3 inches | 1.5-4 inches |
| Battery | N/A | (2) 4.0Ah batteries | Briggs & Stratton 82V Max 2Ah batteries | 5.0Ah battery | (2) 18-volt LXT batteries | N/A | N/A | 56V 7.5 Ah battery |
| Cutting Capabilities | Mulching, baggingand side discharge | Mulching, bagging and side discharge | Mulching, bagging and side discharge | Mulching, bagging and side discharge | Mulching, bagging and side discharge | Mulching, bagging and side discharge | N/A | Mulching, bagging and side discharge |
| Weight | 72lbs | 84.4 Pounds | 90 Pounds | 55.2 Pounds | 57.8 Pounds | 77.8 Pounds | 35lbs | 62.17 Pounds |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a durable and reliable lawn mower under $500, the Craftsman M105 gas mower is our top pick.
It runs on a 140cc OHV engine for efficient mowing on lawns. The adjustable loop handle enhances comfort while mowing while the zag treaded tires provide traction.
The push mower features a 21-inch cutting deck for quick and efficient mowing on lawns. It performs better on flat terrain.
- Lightweight and easy to assemble.
- Wheels are made with zag treading to provide more traction.
- 140cc gas engine built for efficient mowing.
Are Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers Good on Hills?
Commercial walk-behind mowers are ideal for a hilly terrain because they are easy to maneuver. Their motor can easily lift their weight and mow on slopes.
In addition, they hold their lines better on sloped grounds than riding and zero-turn mowing machines.
Homeowners can easily raise the mower deck on these models which will help them while they are trying to avoid obstacles while mowing on the slope.
Factors to Consider Before Buying A Lawn Mower Under 500
Here are some of the factors to consider before getting a lawn mower under $500:
Deck Size
It is advisable to consider the deck size of your mower before you get one.
The wider the deck, the less time you will spend mowing.
Getting a lawn mower with a 21-inch deck will enhance quick and efficient mowing in your small or mid-sized yard.
Engine
The cutting performance of most gas walk-behind mowers is influenced by engine power.
Their mower engines range between 140cc-190cc. It is important to get a mowing machine with a powerful engine that can tackle tall and tough grass.
Power Source
Lawn mowers are powered by gas, batteries or electricity.
If you are looking for a quieter and eco-friendly mowing machine, you can choose a cordless or corded lawn mower.
Gas mowers are suited for homeowners with large lawns because they are more powerful.
The drawback is that they are noisier than their electric-powered counterparts.
Ease of Use
This is one of the important factors when you want to buy a mowing machine for under 500 dollars.
Make sure that you select a mower that comes with an ergonomic handle for ultimate comfort.
You should also consider lightweight mowers to ensure easy maneuverability on lawns. Furthermore, choose a lawn mower that is easy to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a lawn mower last?
A: Most lawn mowers will last around 10 years but it may vary based on maintenance, how often you use them, and the climate you live in.
When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?
A: The best time to buy a mowing machine is when the demand for a product is directly proportional to its supply while the price acts inversely proportional.
You may need to check out for a new mower from October to mid-January.
During this period, there is always a steep decrease in price and many retailers put lawn mowers at a cheaper rate to clear out the existing stock to pave way for new ones.
Which brand of lawn mower is the most reliable?
A: There are a lot of reliable mowing machines available on the market. Some of them include Greenworks, Craftsman, Black and Decker, EGO Power +, and Snapper brands.