The best self-propelled lawn mower will make life easier. Mowing a lawn is not a task that many garden owners place on top of their to-do list. However, gone are the days when you only had push mowers with a petrol motor. Today there are a variety of lawn mowers available to help you get the best cut for the least effort.
Self-propelled lawn mowers will assist you in difficult terrain by minimising the effort required from you to traverse undulating lawns and big gardens.
In this article we will look at:
- Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
- Electric Self-Propelled Mowers
- Petrol-Powered Self-Propelled Mowers
- Push Lawn Mowers
Our TOP Picks
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Our top picks for the best self-propelled lawn mower models available right now are:
- Our TOP Picks
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Our top picks for the best self-propelled lawn mower models available right now are:Greenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Battery Powered Lawn Mower
Honda HRG416SKEH Four-Wheeled Self-Propelled Rotary Mower 16"
Bosch Lawnmower Advanced Rotak 650 Corded Electric
Murray 2x18V (36V) Battery Powered
Flymo EasiStore 300R Corded Electric Electric
Kärcher 18v Lawn Mower LMO Battery Powered
Hyundai 40V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Lawnmower
Mountfield HP41 Petrol LawnmowerGreenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Battery Powered Lawn Mower
- Mountfield SP53 Elite Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower (Honda Engine)
- Bosch Lawnmower Advanced Rotak 650 Corded Electric
- Greenworks GD40LM46SP 46cm Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
- Flymo EasiStore 300R Corded Electric Electric
- EGO LM1914E-SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower Kit
- Hyundai 46cm Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
- Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower
Greenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Battery Powered Lawn Mower
Key Features:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Green, Black, Grey
- Style:+2x2Ah Battery
- Weight: 20.80kg
- Cutting width: 41cm
- Number of positions: 5
- Grass bag Capacity: 50L
Included Components:Cordless Mower, Grass Bag, 2x 2Ah Batteries, 1x Charger.
Two 2Ah Lithium 40V Batteries are included in the purchase with one installed on the lawn mower while the second battery is on charge. This is a great convenience and saves time and effort.
Large lawns up to 500 m2 can be mowed on a single charge with each battery providing sufficient power to mow 250 m2
You get a choice of five cutting heights and a 2-In-1 Mulching or Collection option. This makes the mower versatile throughout the year.
The length of the lawn can be controlled by five cutting heights between 25mm and 80mm while the cuttings are collected in the large 50L grass collection bag.
Quality is guaranteed with a 2-year guarantee and a 2-year battery Greenworks warranty.
Pros:
- Lawns up to 500m²
- 50L Bag
- 3 Year Guarantee
- 41cm Cutting Width
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy
Mountfield SP53 Elite Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower (Honda Engine)
Key Features:
- Power source: Honda GCVx170 167cc petrol engine with autochoke
- Self-propelled: Yes
- Cutting width: 51cm
- Cutting heights: 5, from 27mm to 90mm
- Grass collector: 60L with full indicator
- Mulching plug: Included
- Warranty: 2 years
If you want a self-propelled petrol mower with a Honda engine, the SP53 Elite is the one to choose. The Mountfield SP53 Elite pairs a Mountfield self-propelled deck with a Honda engine. The Honda GCVx170 starts easily thanks to its autochoke. The 51cm deck and 280mm rear wheels suit medium to large lawns and rough ground. The 60L collector has a full indicator, and a mulching plug comes as standard.
Pros:
- Honda engine
- Wide 51cm cut
- High rear wheels for rough ground
- Mulching plug included
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy to lift into a car
Bosch Lawnmower Advanced Rotak 650 Corded Electric
Key Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Colour: Black and green
- Weight: 16kg
- Cutting width: 40cm
- Number of positions: 7
Mowing lawns is associated with noise and disruption. Well, with Bosch’sProSilence technology, you will have a pleasant experience with noise reduced by up to 75%. This is despite the powerful 1700W the mower delivers.
Grass length is controlled by 7 settings ranging from 25mm to 80 mm.
Height adjustable ErgoSlide handles to suit nearly all postures assist in providing a comfortable mowing experience.
To keep the lawn clear of leaves, the LeafCollect blade collects, shreds, and disposes of leaves.
This is a popular and feature-rich self-propelled lawn mower.
Pros:
- 1700 Watts
- Lawns up to 650 m²
- Cutting Width 40 cm
- Quiet Mowing
Cons:
- Limited by the cord
Greenworks GD40LM46SP 46cm Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
Key Features:
- Power source: Greenworks 40V battery, sold separately
- Self-propelled: Yes
- Cutting width: 46cm
- Cutting heights: 7, from 25mm to 80mm
- Grass bag: 55L
- Guarantee: 3 years
For a battery self-propelled mower, the Greenworks is the best value on this list. The Greenworks GD40LM46SP is a 46cm self-propelled cordless mower for medium to large lawns. The large 25cm rear wheels drive themselves, so you only guide the mower. It can mulch, side discharge or collect into the 55L bag. This listing is the bare tool, so budget for a Greenworks 40V battery and charger if you do not already own one. A 4Ah battery covers up to 600m².
Pros:
- Self-propelled
- Mulch, side discharge or collect
- Big 55L bag
- 3 year guarantee
Cons:
- Battery and charger cost extra
Flymo EasiStore 300R Corded Electric Electric
Key Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Material: Plastic, Metal
- Colour: Orange and Grey
- Weight: 8.9kg
- Cutting width: 30cm
- Grass box: 30L
Flymo EasiStore 300R Corded Electric has a 1200W motor able to cut most lawns. Flymo is known as one of the most user-friendly mowers on the market.
Its 30cm cutting width combined with the cutting height settings between 20-60mm produce a neat finish to your lawn.
The 30 L grass box collects grass clippings while you mow. It is light and easy to store.
Pros:
- 30 cm Cutting Width
- Close Edge Cutting
- Rear Roller
- Manual Height Adjust
- Lightweight
- Space Saving Storage Features
Cons:
- Smaller grass box than the competition
EGO LM1914E-SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower Kit
Key Features:
- Power source: EGO 56V battery, kit with battery and charger
- Self-propelled: Yes
- Brushless motor: Yes
- Cutting width: 47cm
- Cutting heights: 7, from 20mm to 80mm
- Grass box: 55L
For premium cordless self-propelled mowing, the EGO sets the standard. The EGO LM1914E-SP is a self-propelled cordless mower that drives its own wheels, so you steer rather than push. The EGO LM1914E-SP runs on EGO’s 56V battery platform, which also powers EGO trimmers, blowers and hedge cutters. The brushless motor is quiet and efficient, and the 55L grass box means fewer stops to empty it.
Pros:
- Self-propelled drive
- Brushless motor
- Battery and charger included
- Large 55L grass box
Cons:
- Expensive
Hyundai 46cm Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
Key Features:
- Power source: 139cc 4-stroke petrol engine with auto choke
- Self-propelled: Yes, rear-wheel drive
- Cutting width: 46cm
- Cutting modes: Collect, mulch, side and rear discharge
- Grass box: 60L
- Deck: Steel
For a budget self-propelled petrol mower, the Hyundai is excellent value. The Hyundai 46cm self-propelled petrol mower gives you four ways to deal with clippings: collect them, mulch them, or throw them out of the side or rear. The rear-wheel drive pulls the mower along, which helps on medium lawns and gentle slopes. The auto choke makes starting simple, and the 60L grass box means fewer trips to the compost heap.
Pros:
- Self-propelled
- 4-in-1 cutting modes
- Huge 60L grass box
- Auto choke
Cons:
- Petrol engines need servicing
- Louder than electric mowers
Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower
Key Features:
- Power source: Petrol powered
- Material: Polypropylene
- Colour: Red
- Weight: 19kg
- Cutting width: 39cm
- Number of positions: 5
The Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower has a cutting width of 39cm cutting width and weighs in at a mere 19 kilograms.
A 40L grass collector box makes it ideal for small- or medium-sized gardens,
Cutting height can be set in 5 positions ranging from 25-70mm.
Additional traction is provided by the grooved wheels making it more sturdy and agile around the garden.
Pros:
- 39cm cutting width
- 123cc ST120 Autochoke petrol engine
- Up to 250m² lawns
- 40L grass collector
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Small fuel tank for smaller lawns
Frequently Asked Questions
Push vs self-propelled lawn mower?
Self-propelled lawn mowers reduce the effort required to get around which is helpful, especially on large and/or undulating lawns. However, you may lose some of the control you will have over a push lawn mower.
Push lawn mowers are ideal for smaller lawns where you require absolute control over the lawn mower to manoeuvre it around.
What is the average life of a self-propelled lawn mower?
Self-propelled lawn mowers, and standard lawn mowers, should last a minimum of eight years.
The life span of a lawn mower is dependent on the number of times it is being used and the size and condition of the lawn being mowed.
Most lawn mowers are rated by the number of service hours that they will perform.
Do self-propelled mowers go in reverse?
Yes, they can. Self-propelled lawn mowers do not have a reverse gear. However, to pull it back you must release the self-propel drive bar and pull the mower backward.
Pulling the self-propelled lawn mower backward will not damage the lawn mower if the self-propelled bar is released.
How fast does a self-propelled lawn mower go?
Variable-speed self-propel lawn mowers can go between 1.6 and just under 5 km per hour depending on whether it is a one-speed or multi-speed model.
High-speed models can go up to 6 km per hour which is ideal for large lawns.
How to Buy the Best Self-Propelled Lawnmower
Buying a self-propelled lawn mower is not a decision to be taken lightly.
The following factors should be seriously considered when making a shortlist of self-propelled lawn mowers. You need to look at the various lawn mower types as well as the features and benefits of the various options.
Power Supply
Self-propelled lawn mowers are available in a variety of power supplies.
Cordless battery driven self-propelled mowers are the most popular but have a limitation on the duration before the batteries have to be recharged or replaced with the backup battery.
Popular alternatives are petrol propelled self-propelled lawn mowers that are cordless as well and can easily be refilled. However, battery powered mowers produce less noise than petrol powered lawn mowers.
Electrical powered self-propelled lawn mowers may have an uninterrupted power supply but it is corded which can become quite annoying when mowing a big lawn. Furthermore, the length of the cord could restrict the distance that you can mow before having to change the electrical connection.
Lastly, the least preferred lawn mower is the electrical push lawn mower. This is generally used on small lawns that can be completed in a short time.
Type of Mower
- Cylinder
Cylinder self-propelled lawn mowers come standard with cylindrical blades that rotate vertically as in most other lawn mowers.
However, there is a cylinder at the back of the mower that keeps the lawn short and well-manicured.
Cylinder lawn mowers are generally powered by petrol or electrical connection.
- Rotary
Rotary lawn mowers generally only have a single blade rotating horizontally under the shell of the mower. This is the most popular type of mower that copes with most grass conditions.
These mowers are generally powered by electric, rechargeable battery or petrol engine.
- Robot Lawn Mowers
Robot self-propelled lawn mowers are becoming a favourite as they can recognise obstacles and lawn edges. However, they come a quite a substantial premium.
These self-propelled robot lawn mowers require no input from you. All you have to do is place it on the lawn and watch it work on your behalf.
- Hover
Hover lawnmowers do not have any wheels and hover above the ground. They are not suitable for larger lawns.
The fact that they hover makes them easier to push and adept at mowing undulating lawns.
Generally, hover self propelled lawn mowers are powered by electricity.
Other Lawnmower Factors To Consider
Other factors to consider in which self-propelled lawn mower to buy.
Lawn Size
The size of your lawn will play a significant role in deciding on the type of lawn mower you require.
Our research has shown that electrical push lawn mowers are the best choice for people that have a small yard not exceeding half an acre.
The size category of your lawn can be calculated as set out below:
- Small lawn (up to 100 sq m): electric and cordless lawn mowers.
- Medium lawn (100 – 250 sq m): electric, cordless, battery, and petrol lawn mowers.
- Large lawn (250+ sq m): petrol or battery powered lawn mowers.
Terrain
If your lawn is large, slopes, or is undulating it would be advisable to invest in a self-propelled lawn mower.
Small, flat lawns are suitable for push lawn mowers.
Gardens with decorative items, flower beds, rocks, and fountains will benefit more from zero-turn radius lawn mowers that can be manoeuvred easily.
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Grass Box
The size of the grass box is another significant decision maker in the purchase of your self-propelled lawn mower.
It is placed at the back of the lawn mower to catch the loose grass as it is being cut.
Larger grass boxes will minimize the number of times that you have to stop mowing and empty the grass box thus saving time on the overall task.
Mulch Mowers
Technology advanced and you now get lawn mowers with a mulch option.
This technology chops up the grass clippings finely and replaces them on the lawn as mulch to assist in replacing nutrients in the grass.
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a lawn mower determines the footprint of every pass. Larger cutting width reduces the number of times that you have to push the lawn mower to cover the whole lawn.
Generally, the following sizes are ideal for:
- Small lawn: 30 cm cutting width.
- Medium lawn: 35-40 cm cutting width.
- Large lawn: 40 cm+ cutting width.
Cutting Height
To control the height of the lawn you can set the cutting height. Most lawnmowers can be set using a lever to adjust the cutting height.
Setting the cutting height allows you to control the height of the grass thus leaving it longer in autumn or during dry periods. Much will depend on the weather conditions as well as your preference. The specific type of grass is also a factor.
The cutting height setting generally ranges between 20mm to 60mm.
Conclusion
Self-propelled lawn mowers make your life much easier as you don’t have to put extra effort in to push the lawn mower much harder on uneven terrain or in thicker grass.
There are a wide variety of power options to propel the self-propelled lawn mowers ranging from battery powered, electricity, petrol, and robot lawn mowers.
Our top pick is the Greenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Battery Powered Lawn Mower as it can mow large lawns using one battery while the second one is charging, the large 50 l grass box, and the 3-year guarantee.
We trust that you found this article informative and readied you for the purchase of a self-propelled lawn mower.
Should you have any questions, please drop us a line or add them to the comments.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
