When you’ve grown tired of using your body as the fuel source to power your walk-behind push mower, it might be time to upgrade to the best self-propelled lawn mower. These mowers don’t look much different, but you’ll notice the difference almost immediately. Rather than using your back, legs, and arms to push the mower around your front lawn and backyard, the mower has a transmission that pushes the drive wheels. So, you’re simply steering the outdoor power tool to go where you want it to. Doing yard work becomes a much more pleasant experience, and you might not even mind when the lawn needs a trim. So, how do you pick the best one? Well, there are several factors you’d need to consider, including design and cost. Check out some of the best self-propelled lawn mowers on the market today and then pick the one you want!

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BEST OVERALL | Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke

Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke

Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke

The Honda HRR216K9VKA offers 3-in-1 variable speed, which will take you from a stand-still up to 4 miles per hour. It’s not exactly super speed, but for cutting your lawn, it’s quite a bit of power. You can thank the GCV160 engine for that. You also get to choose whether you use the self-propelling feature or not, which can make it a bit easier to pull the mower backward when needed.

The Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 includes micro blades, which will chop your grass finely, and it can mulch any fallen leaves you have on your yard, too. Plus, you get to choose between about six different height settings, which means you can choose how long or short you want your grass cut. Like most mowers, this one is powered by gasoline. So, you’ll need to mix the fuel with oil and fill the reservoir. This isn’t a gas-guzzler, though, so you should be able to get through at least a few cuttings without having to refill.

And if you’re worried about a pull-start, you should let go of that worry. It typically starts with one pull, so it’s easy to get started each time. Additionally, this isn’t a terribly heavy lawn mower, which means it can be easily operated by almost anyone. This is a bit of an investment at the front, but it should last much longer than others that are marketed as low-cost mowers (and it’s still affordable). The MSRP of the Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke is $399, but be sure to check the current Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 here.

BEST DESIGN | Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Walk Mower Kit with (2) 2Ah Battery & (1) Rapid Charger

Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Walk Mower Kit with (2) 2Ah Battery & (1) Rapid Charger

Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Walk Mower Kit with (2) 2Ah Battery & (1) Rapid Charger

Typically, a self-propelled lawn mower requires a mix of gasoline and oil to get it going. The Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Walk Mower Kit, though is battery-powered. This kit comes with two batteries and a charger, so you have everything you need to get started with mowing your lawn in a much greener way. There are no emissions to choke you while you’re trimming up your front and back yards, and this machine is quieter than you may expect.

You still get variable speeds, and this mower pulls along without you having to give it a shove. One charge will last about 45 minutes, which is plenty of time for most yard work. Since this comes with two batteries and a charger, though, you can simply switch one out and keep working if you have a larger yard, or a veritable jungle to tame. You get the choice of mulching your clippings, bagging, or discharging what the mower chews up.

There are seven height adjustments, so you can choose the one that works best for your lawn – keep your grass longer, or give it a sharp, shortcut. This is a lightweight machine compared to other powered lawn mowers, so it’s easy to use. And it’s easier to start with just the push of a button – no cords to pull. Compared to corded units, this is a better choice, too, because there’s no need to worry about cords tangling or not reaching. The Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Walk Mower Kit has an MSRP of $599, but be sure to check the current Snapper XD SXD21SPWM82K here.

EASIEST TO USE | Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower

Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower

Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower

Upon first glance, it seems that the Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower would be too small to tackle large jobs, but that’s just a misconception. Yes, this is a better unit for small to medium lawns, but it can handle more than you’d expect. It’s lightweight, but it packs enough power to handle hills and steep banks with no problem. The gas-powered mower starts quickly and easily, and it usually starts with just one pull of the cord. This machine is great for maneuvering around big items you can’t move such as a playset or a hot tub.

The 21-inch wide cutting width is big enough to make a quick job of a small lawn. The self-propulsion sets a good walking pace, and all you have to do is hold on and let the mower do all the work. At only about 75 pounds, this is a lightweight mower, which makes it easy to maneuver and easy to store. It can have a few issues with thicker grass, but patience and determination will get you through it.

It only has two height levels, so you can choose how short you want your grass trimmed, but that should be enough for small lawns. You can also choose how you want this lawn mower to deal with the trimmings. Either set it to mulching or choose the side discharge option. It’s a little pricey compared to other, more powerful lawn mowers, but it could be a good choice for those looking for a smaller unit. The MSRP of the Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower is $480, but be sure to check the current Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower here.

MOST VERSATILE | Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Hi-Wheel Mower in 22-Inch

Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Hi-Wheel Mower in 22-Inch

Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Hi-Wheel Mower in 22-Inch

For years, Husqvarna has been designing top quality lawn tools like riding mowers and weed trimmers. Although the Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc mower in 22-Inch carries the Husqvarna name, it has a Honda engine, and that makes a big difference. Honda engines are known for being top-notch and lasting long past its warranty. The 4-cycle engine packs a powerful punch, too. It has a reliable start, so you can get your gas mower going, typically, on the first pull of the cord.

The four-wheel drive feature makes this a breeze to mow up hilly spots of your property, and it handles uneven spots with ease. Deep grass also isn’t an issue for this mower, and more importantly, the motor. It just keeps chugging away. Perhaps the only thing to keep an eye on is the quality control of parts and the body of the mower – defects have been oft-reported.

The homeowner, or more appropriately, the lawn owner, who would need this sort of beast of a lawn mower has about an acre or more to trim. The self-propulsion makes it easy for you to set the pace of mowing, but it doesn’t require much effort on your part. Just direct the mower where you want it to go, and it’ll provide the power (along with the fuel, of course). The Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Hi-Wheel Mower in 22-Inch has an MSRP of $499.95, but be sure to check the current Husqvarna 961450021 HU800AWDH Honda 190cc here.

BARGAIN BUY | Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower

Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower

Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower

When budget determines how much mower you can get, the Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower helps you make a smart choice. You’ll have to settle for a slightly less powerful engine at only 163cc, but it’s a Briggs & Stratton engine, which means you’re still getting a high-quality motor. The deck is 21 inches across, so you’re still going to be taking on wide swaths of grass as you mow.

You get the option of mulching, bagging, or simply discharging the grass trimmings, which is often the case with a self-propelling lawn mower. At only 81 pounds, this mower is easy to move and store. The adjustable handle makes it comfortable for you to use, regardless of your height. Plus, it has sturdy wheels, which is important when you have uneven terrain to pass.

This mower will make mowing quicker and easier for you, no matter what type of lawn you have to care for. It’s still kind of pricey, but it’s one of the best budget self-propelled lawn mowers on the market with a three-year warranty. The MSRP of the Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower is $339.99, but be sure to check the current Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower here.

BOTTOM LINE

The best self-propelled lawn mower should make your yard work easier and quicker to take care of, and that’s what each of these featured mowers does. All you’re really doing is choosing which one works best for your size lawn, and what’s most important to you. There’s an eco-friendly option, a powerful option with the best design and price, and a budget-friendly choice. Bottom line is, though, that any of these lawn mowers are going to be better than your old push mower. And if you’re looking for more mower options then check out our Best Riding Lawn Mowers right here!