Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers for Lawn Maintenance

A self-propelled mower can make your mowing faster, and with fewer hassles. This is because, unlike regular push mowers, they use the power of the engine to turn the wheels. 

If you are in the market for a suitable self-propelled lawn mower for your yard work then you are going to love our recommendations.

We have done the heavy lifting and research, in this article, we revealed the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market, and how to pick a suitable one for your lawn care.

In a hurry? Check our top picks of the top-rated and efficient self-propelled lawn mowers for different categories below:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Honda 664100 HRX217VKA Walk Behind Mower
The Honda 664100 has a powerful engine, automatic choke, seven cutting heights, and a 4-in-1 Versamow system for increased mower performance.
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Best Budget: Greenworks 48V Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 48V lawn mower comes with an efficient brushless motor that offers more torque and longer life.
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Best Gas: Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Powered by a reliable engine, its durable 21-inch cutting deck enables homeowners to mow wider areas of grass with fewer passes.
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Best for Large Yards: EGO LM 2135SP Battery-Powered Self Propelled Mower
The EGO LM 2135SP cordless mower offers an excellent cutting performance, thanks to its Select Cut Multi Blade System.
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Best Battery: POWERWORKS 60V 21-inch SP Mower, MO60L512PW
The POWERWORKS MO60L512PW lawn mower delivers 45 minutes of run-time with a 60V 5Ah Lithium-ion battery.
READ REVIEW

1. Best Overall: Honda 664100 HRX217VKA Walk Behind Mower

The Honda HRX217VKA is an efficient mower suitable for handling tough mowing jobs. It is designed with advanced features such as NeXite Deck, 4-in-1 Versamow System for a top mowing performance.

Design

The Honda HRX217VKA is powered by a reliable Honda GCV200 engine which enhances superior mowing performance on heavy and thick grass. The engine also provides reliable service for a long time and starts at the first pull of a cord.

Its 21-inch cutting deck is made of a NeXite to resist rusts, dents and corrosion. Its automatic kill switch prevents potential injuries while mowing.

The self propelled gas mower is equipped with the Honda Select Drive control which enables users to adjust the mower’s speed with a simple twist of the knob. Its large 9-inch ball-bearing wheels ensure easy maneuverability and smoother drive on lawns.

Cutting Power & Performance

The Honda 664100 comes with a twin-blade MicroCut cutting system which offers golf-course-like results. In addition, they offer cleaner and crisper cuts for a healthy-looking lawn. 

The self-propelled lawn mower has an adjustable deck height (7 cutting positions) that ranges from 0.75-4.0 inches to suit your mowing needs.

Speed

It has a ground speed of 0-4 mph to enable you to mow your yard faster than several other mowers out there.

Special Features

The 4-in-1 Versamow System allows the operator to discharge, bag, mulch or shred leaves without requiring attachments or additional tools.

Read full Honda HRX217VKA Review

2. Snapper 1687914 Self Propelled Mower

The Snapper 1687914 is a durable and top rated self-propelled electric lawn mower suitable for slightly larger yards. It can side discharge, mulch or bag via the 3-in-1 option.

Design

The self-propelled mower runs on a 2.0, 4.0 or 5.0 Briggs & Stratton Lithium-Ion battery. The 2aH lithium-ion batteries provide consistent power for up to 45 minutes of run time. Its compact vertical storage capability ensures easy storage in tighter spaces.

The brushless motor technology offers power and reliability to mow the yard for a long time. The Snapper 1687914 has an ergonomic over-molded rubber handle which enhances maximum comfort while mowing. It comes with a load sensing technology to make mowing easier.

Cutting Power & Performance

The battery-powered lawn mower comes with a 21-inch deck for efficient mowing on lawns. Its seven cutting positions can be adjusted from 1.37-3.75 inches to enable you to cut the grass to a desired height or size.

The Snapper 1687914 is capable of mowing slightly larger yards, offering users more coverage on each pass. This will make you reach the far corners of your yard.

Speed

It has a ground speed of up to 3.95 mph.

Special Features

The 1687914 model can side discharge, mulch and bag via the 3-in-1 option. This will enhance a greener and healthier lawn.

3. Craftsman M215- Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

The Craftsman M215 is a sturdy self-propelled mower perfect for small and medium-sized yards.

Design

The M215 has a solid build-up which enhances its longevity and durability. Its 8-inch front and 11-rear wheels ensure easy and smooth maneuverability on even and uneven terrains. The auto choke feature enhances an easy and fast start.

The M215’s dust control system reduces the dust and pollen that comes from the bag while in use. In addition, the gas mower runs on a powerful and efficient 159cc engine for a smooth-running mowing operation.

Cutting Power & Performance

The self-propelled lawn mower comes with a 21-inch mowing deck which allows you to mow wider areas of grass with fewer passes. The cutting blades are sharp enough to ensure precise cuts on small and medium-sized yards.

It has six cutting positions which can be adjusted from 1.25-3.75 inches via the dual lever for nice cut quality.

Special Features

The Craftsman M215 can side discharge, mulch or bag via the 3-in-1 option. The mulching feature restores nutrients to the soil while the bagging option collects grass clippings for easy disposal.

Read full Craftsman M215 review

4. PowerSmart PSM2322SR Self Propelled Lawn Mower

The PowerSmart PSM2322SR mower is built to cut through tough and thick grass with ease. It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities

Design

The gas-powered mower’s foldable handle design provides quick and tidy storage. This will save enough space and keep your house in an organized manner.  The 200CC OHV gas engine offers a powerful backup for mowing tall and tough grass.

The self-propelled mower has a forced air-cooling system that provides continuous power to the engine to get your yard work finished in a quick time. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver on lawns. In addition, the mower is easy to assemble.

Cutting Power & Performance

The PowerSmart PSM2322SR lawn mower is equipped with a 22-inch cutting deck for a fast trim in your yard. It can cover a large amount of area in a short time.

Its 5 height settings which can be adjusted from 1.2-3.5 inches enable you to cut the grass to the desired height/size. It performs well on hilly terrains.

Special Features

The cutting deck can side discharge, mulch or a rear bag via the 3-in-1 cutting option. The mulching feature re-cuts the grass clippings into tiny pieces to restore nitrogen into the soil while the bagging feature catches clippings for easy cleanup.

5. Best Budget: Greenworks 48V 20’’ Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

The Greenworks 48V electric self propelled lawn mower is versatile and suitable for handling yards up to ¼ acre with one 24V battery and ½ acre with a 48V battery.

Design

The cordless mower has a self-propelled rear-wheel drive and variable speed control for greater traction, control and maneuverability on lawns. Its efficient brushless motor offers more torque, longer life and quiet operation.

The Greenworks 48V guarantees a run time of up to 45 minutes with two fully charged 5Ah USB batteries. The foldable handle design ensures easy and compact storage.

The USB ports are integrated into BAG 708, BAG709, BAG710, BAG711 batteries. This makes it portable for tablets, phones and other compatible electronic accessories. The LED lights enhance safe mowing in dark conditions

Cutting Power & Performance

The self-propelled lawn mower comes with a 20-inch cutting deck for a quick and efficient mowing job on lawns. It has seven cutting positions to suit your mowing needs.

The Greenworks 48V can handle yards up to ¼ acre with one 24V battery and ½ acre with a 48V battery.

Special Features

The side discharge spreads the grass clippings to the side, while the mulching feature restores nutrients to the soil.

The bagger collects grass clippings for easy disposal and the turbo button enhances leaf pickup, premium striping and maximum power.

6. PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower DB2321SR

The PowerSmart DB2321SR is a versatile self-propelled ideal for small and medium-sized yards. It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities.

Design

The DB2321SR model comes with a foldable handle design for easy storage. The lightweight mower runs on a 170cc 4-stroke engine for a smooth lawn mowing experience. 

Its rear-wheel-drive mode enhances easy maneuverability on rough and uneven terrains.

Cutting Power & Performance

The durable 21-inch steel cutting deck offers incredible grass-cutting performance. It has a five-position height adjustment which can be adjusted from 1.2-3.0 inches to suit users’ varying needs.

The self-propelled lawn mower performs well on flat and uneven terrains. The mower performs well on tall and tough grass and can also operate efficiently in tighter spaces.

Special Features

It has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities. The mulching feature re-cuts the grass clippings into tiny pieces to restore nitrogen into the soil while the bagging system collects lawn clippings and dead leaves for easy disposal.

7. Best Battery: POWERWORKS 60V 21-inch SP Mower, MO60L512PW

The POWERWORKS MO60L512PW is a sturdy mower that delivers a powerful cutting performance. It has enough capacity to maintain yards that are up to ¾ acre.

Design

The self-propelled lawn mower runs on a 60V 5Ah Lithium-Ion battery which offers up to 45 minutes of run-time. Its battery is compatible with all Powerworks 60V and Snapper 60V tools. The MO60L512PW’s easy push-button start eliminates the pull cord.

It can be stored vertically to reduce mower storage up to 70 %. It is lightweight and easy to assemble. The self-propelled mower features a secondary on/off switch for improved safety.

Cutting Power & Performance

The 21-inch cutting deck offers efficient mowing performance on lawns. It has seven cutting height positions which can be adjusted from 1 3/8- 3 ¾  inches to enable you to achieve a nice cut on all types of grass. 

The efficient 60V brushless motor offers more torque and power and longer run-time to cut thick and tall grass. Furthermore, it is ideal for yards that are ¾ acre.  

Special Features

The self-propelled mower can side discharge, mulch or bag grass clippings via the 3- in-1 option.

Read full POWERWORKS MO60L512PW review

8. Best For Large Yards: EGO LM 2135SP Battery-Powered Self Propelled Mower

The EGO LM 2135SP is one of the top-rated self-propelled lawn mowers for hills capable of delivering optimal mowing results on medium to large yards.

Design

The self-propelled mower has a 56V ARC 7.5Ah lithium battery which offers you 60 minutes of mowing time. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver on lawns.

The 2135SP features a Touch Drive Technology which puts full control of the self-propelled system in the palm of your hands, using pressure to engage the system. Users can easily control the variable speed with a convenient button for safe mowing operations. 

The mower can be easily folded for easy and compact storage. The bright LED headlights enhance safe operations in dark conditions. The EGO LM 2135SP has a weather-resistant construction.

Cutting Power & Performance

It comes with a 21-inch cutting deck for great grass-cutting performance on all grass types. You can adjust the deck height between seven height settings from 1.5-4 inches to suit users’ mowing needs.

The Select Cut multi-blade cutting system is equipped with two interchangeable lower blades that offer a nice cut quality. It performs well on wet grass and slopes that are up to 15 degrees.

Special Features

The battery-powered lawn mower has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities for a top-notch mowing performance.

Final Verdict

When it comes to great performance, versatility and solid cutting capability, the Honda 664100 HRX217VKA Walk Behind Mower is our top pick.

The self propelled gas lawn mower runs on a reliable Honda GCV200 engine which enhances superior mowing performance on heavy and thick grass. Its large 9-inch ball-bearing wheels ensure easy maneuverability and smoother drive on lawns.

The cutting deck is made of NeXite to resist corrosion, dents and rust. Its cutting options range from 0.75-4.0 inches to suit your desired grass height. If you are looking for something reliable and solid, the Honda 664100 HRX217VKA might be worth checking out.

Really Tight on Budget? Consider Top Rated Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Under $300

If you are on a shoestring budget, and would like to get a functional and budget-friendly self propelled lawn mower, you might want to consider going for a mower like the Greenworks 40V 21-inch cordless mower. Learn more about some of the best self propelled lawn mowers under $300.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Here are a few important factors to consider to help you get a suitable self-propelled lawn mower for your lawn maintenance:

Engine Size

The engine of self-propelled mowers mostly range from 140cc-190cc. A self-propelled lawn mower that has a low reading (below 160cc) is suitable for smaller yards and light work while the ones that are 160cc and above offer more force to cut through thick grass and rough terrain.

If you have tall and lush grass in your yard, consider getting a self-propelled mower with a large engine. 

Storage options

Self-propelled mowers that come with a foldable handle design are easy to store in the garage/shed. Some mowers also have a forward-fold feature and can stand on end to save more space.

Lawn Size

The size of your lawn can also determine the type of self-propelled lawnmower to purchase. If you have a small lawn, you might not need to get a mower with a super-long runtime. 

However, if you have a large yard, it is important to look for gas lawn mowers that can last longer than the electric ones. You can also look out for the one with a wide cut which will enable you to make fewer passes across your yard.

The Drive

It is important to also consider drives- all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Why? Front-wheel drive lawnmowers are perfect for flat terrain.

The ones with rear-wheel drive are best suited for uneven terrain (slopes, hills, valleys) while the all-wheel drive is best suited for bumpy terrain. You should select based on the terrain of your yard.

Rear Wheel Diameter

It is advisable to get a self-propelled mower that comes with large wheels at the back. This will enhance improved traction and maneuverability over hills, bumps and rough terrain. If you don’t have hilly or bumpy terrain, this feature might not matter.

Frequently Asked Questions