Find the best self-propelled mulching lawn mower for your yard with our expert guide. Our test team has spent years evaluating electric and gas lawn mowers on every variety of grass, lawn condition, and yard size. Read our top 5 recommendations, including the Snapper XD 82V Max cordless mower, which features a lithium-ion battery-powered engine, 21-inch deck, and easy-to-use push-button start.
Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mowers provide a convenient way of cutting grass. With a motor that propels the mower forward, you can just walk behind it instead of pushing it around the yard, guiding your cutting machine as you go.
Which is the best self-propelled mower to buy? Find out which self-propelled mowers are the best based on the engine size, cutting width, deck position, rear wheels, and price point.
Table of Contents
How We Tested
Our test team has spent years putting electric and gas lawn mowers through their paces on every variety of grass, lawn condition, yard size, footprint, and composition. We tested every function and control for use, comfort, power, and quality. We mowed flats, washboard terrain, uphill, downhill, and sidehill. We mowed tall grass and weeds, as well as perfect lawns planted with bluegrass and fine grasses that required a lot of precise labour.
We evaluated the side discharge capabilities of mowers, bagged, mulched, and even looked at whether wheels had a propensity to take up wet grass clippings. Our lawn and tool specialist Roy even laid on a few tiny patches of grass after he completed mowing to assess the tactile feeling in order to get a better idea of the end result because we’re so fussy about mower testing. Due to our intensive testing and research, we are convinced that this guide will lead you to the best lawn mower for your yard. Shop one of the items listed below that our experts have recommended so you may have the best-looking yard possible.
Top 5 Best Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower
1. Snapper XD 82V Max cordless mower
Specifications
- Power source: lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 80.9 lbs
- Deck positions: 7
- Voltage: 82 volts
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Run time: 45 minutes (90 minutes if using both batteries)
- Rear-wheel diameter: 10 inches
The Snapper XD 82V Max is a heavier model than most electric mowers; however, it compensates for its weight by being more durable. A lithium-ion battery-powered Briggs & Stratton engine powers this machine, and it weighs almost 81 pounds and has a 21-inch deck.
Is there anything else good about this model? Its brushless motor, easy-to-start push-button starter, ergonomic handles, and fast-adjustable height settings. Due to its short run time of 45 minutes (90 minutes with both batteries), which for some, it may not last long; this lawn mower is best for small to medium-sized yards.
As a whole, this mower performs well. In addition, its blade power can be automatically adjusted to cut through thick, tall grass. It also has a higher rear wheel, contributing to its greater manoeuvrability. To save space, you could also store this vertically when you are done.
Pros
- Easy to maintain (doesn’t require any special maintenance)
- Sensors that detect loads intelligently
- Easy-to-use push-button start
- Batteries with fast charging
Cons
- Gas mowers aren’t as powerful
- Approximately an hour of battery life
2. GreenWorks Pro 80V cordless mower
Specifications
- Power source: lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 74.1 lbs
- Deck positions: 7
- Rear-wheel diameter: 10 inches
- Voltage: 80 volts
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Run time: 60 to 70 minutes
A cordless, lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mower from GreenWorks with an 80-volt battery provides up to 70 minutes of run time and only requires 30 minutes to charge fully.
Could it possibly be better? Its brushless motor delivers roughly the same power and efficiency as a 160 cc gas motor without producing any pollution.
This model is not only environmentally friendly but offers several conveniences as well:
Even better, this mower’s battery works with 20 more GreenWorks lawn tools, making it ideal for brand-loyal homeowners.
Pros
- Compatible batteries for GreenWorks tools
- Budget-friendly
- Eco-friendly and low-maintenance
- A smart-cutting technique
- Fast-charging batteries run for at least an hour
Cons
- Nearly 80 pounds makes it a bit heavy
3. GreenWorks GMAX 40V brushless mower
Specifications:
- Power source: lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 67 lbs
- Deck positions: 7
- Rear-wheel diameter: 10 inches
- Voltage: 40 volts
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Run time: About 40 minutes (up to 80 minutes if using a dual-port)
GreenWorks GMAX 40V brushless mowers are easy to use and convenient. You won’t have to fuss with problematic pull-cords or rise with the sun to get to work since this electric start self-propelled mower features a brushless motor with a quiet operation. You’ll be able to run for about 40 minutes on the battery once you start up or longer with dual ports.
In addition to being lightweight, the GreenWorks mower is best suited for cutting small yards; it comes with a 21-inch steel deck that mulches, bags, and discharges; it is rear-wheel drive; and it has a single lever for adjusting height, from 1⅜ inches to 3¾ inches.
In addition, this mower requires almost no maintenance, as it does not require gas or oil. Grass clippings and debris will need to be cleaned from the undercarriage and periodically wiped off with a dry cloth.
You can afford this mower and meet your lawn care goals for less than $500. Could it get better? You don’t need many garages or shed space to store it vertically since you can store it vertically.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- An easy push-button start
- Easy to maintain
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Battery life is shorter
- Recommended for small yards
4. Powerworks MO60L512PW
Specifications
- Power source: lithium-ion battery
- Voltage: 60 volts
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Run time: About 45 minutes
- Weight: 68 lbs
- Deck positions: 7
In addition to Powerworks’ cordless lawn mower, the company makes a brushless lawn mower with a 60-volt lithium-ion battery with a 45-minute runtime. The system is ideal for those with large yards smaller than half an acre.
Like other lawn mowers of the same type, the MO60L512PW has a 21-inch steel deck that can be varied in height with a single lever, making it quick and easy to cut grass.
This self-propelled lawn mower is virtually noiseless and includes a safety on/off switch, three-in-one bagging, mulching, side discharge modes, and smart-cut functionality.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that the extra power required by Smart cut technology, especially when mulching, may affect runtime. During storage, you won’t need to worry about how this mower’s handlebars will fold up, making vertical storage convenient. As its 68-pound weight may be a bit too heavy to hang up, plan on leaning it against a wall.
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining, there isn’t much to it. Following each mowing, wipe down the mower and clear away grass clippings. Then, remove the battery so that it can charge, and you’ll be good to go.
Pros
- The quiet motor
- Foldable and vertical storage
- A low-maintenance building
- The battery is compatible with ten other 60V tools
- Three-in-one capabilities
Cons
- Large yards are not recommended
- Short running time
5. Honda 664060
Specifications
- Power source: gas engine
- Engine size: 160 cc
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Deck positions: 6
- Rear-wheel diameter: 8 inches
Honda is known for its longevity, not its complex features, so this model may not have many bells and whistles. Ultimately, what matters is that it gets the job done.
As soon as you pull the cord, the gas engine will automatically start, choke, and give you the option of adjusting the speed between 0 and 4 mph. The 21-inch cutting deck of this mower does not worry about tall grass, and the clippings are mulched and discharged quickly to the side for disposal.
As a precautionary measure, the engine will immediately stop once the blade-control lever is released. You should not mow damp or wet grass, as this can lead to engine failure.
Pros
- Auto choke
- It is lightweight
- Easy to use
- Safety brake for flywheels
Cons
- A wet lawn can cause an engine to stop
Buying Guide – Best self-propelled mulching lawn mower
Consider the following factors when choosing a self-propelled mower:
Size of the engine
Gas-powered engines suffer from this problem only. If you see reading for an engine, such as 149cc or 190cc, this is the volume or capacity of the engine. This is the engine’s amount that grows with the output of its power. Cubic centimetres stand for horsepower, which is measured in cubic centimetres.
Smaller yards and light work require a mower with a lower horsepower rating (e.g. below 160 cc). For cutting thick grass and rough terrain, a powerful engine (160 cc and above) will provide more power.
Cutting width
Known as the cutting width, a mower’s deck size is the measurement indicating how wide the blades can cut – you’ll see it for yourself in the width of the stripes on your lawn. Smaller decks require more time to mow.
Deck positions
Grass can be cut at various heights based on the number of deck positions available. There are four to seven deck positions on most mowers listed here. You can adjust your lawn’s cut according to your preferences.
Rear-wheel diameter
When going over bumps, hills, and rough terrain, larger wheels in the back can help with manoeuvrability and traction. You may not consider this factor as much if your parcel of land is flatter.
Price
The self-propelled mower market has budget-friendly models as well as those with fancy features that are more expensive. Budget-friendly mowers don’t mean they don’t work as well as more expensive models; they mean they do the job without any additional bells and whistles. Compare the options and determine what’s right for you.
Other things to consider
When choosing a self-propelled mower, you must consider weight, power source, and speed. Despite this, weight isn’t as critical since these self-propelled vehicles eliminate the need to push full-on.
It is also up to you which power supply to use, whether electric or gas. A gas mower might be more powerful, but for small yards and no need for heavy-duty.
There is no doubt that all of the self-propelled mowers on the list have varying speeds, which means you can set your desired speed at whatever mph you like. Nonetheless, some models come with only one speed, so keep an eye out for those.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth investing in Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower?
You can save time and energy by using a self-propelled mower. Due to the mower’s ability to move mechanically through challenging areas, a self-propelled mower can cut thick grass with minimal effort.
Do mulching lawn mowers perform better?
Mulching not only eliminates bagging of grass clippings and lowers fertilizer costs by reducing fertilizer usage. Gas or electric-powered mowers with mulching capacity are available as walk-behind and ride-on mowers.
Do self-propelled mowers work well?
The short answer to this question is yes. Self-propelled mowers do not require the operator to exert additional effort to propel the mower forward. Instead, the mower’s transmission is responsible for doing this for the homeowner. There is nothing more you need to do than walk behind it and steer it in the direction you want. By adding this functionality, different ages and abilities of mowing can enjoy mowing.
What happens if a self-propelled mower is pushed backwards?
In most cases, you cannot drive a self-propelled lawnmower backward under power. Most self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mowers have only one speed for forwarding motion under the engine’s propulsion. Your hands can be used to move it back if you wish manually.
What is the cost of a self-propelled lawn mower?
In most cases, homeowners can find something that balances power and price between $350 and $400. Outdoor power tool users are familiar with the most popular brands, and the self-propelled mowers offered by Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and others are all of high quality.
Conclusion
This list of Self-Propelled Mulching Lawn Mower is packed with a lot of information, so make yourself comfortable and browse through it carefully before making a decision.
Consider your budget, whether you want a model that goes all out with special features and extra conveniences, and what features are most important to you.
This list may suit your preferences and needs exactly, but we hope it gives you a good place to start when trying to decide what option is best for you.
