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:
- 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 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
Honda HRG416SKEH Four-Wheeled Self-Propelled Rotary Mower 16″ (New 2020 Engine Model)
Key Features:
- Power source: Petrol
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Colour: Red, grey, and black
- Cutting width:41cm
- Number of positions:6
- Engine: Honda GCVx145 OHC
- Grass bag Capacity:42L
- Cutting Heights:6 between 20-74mm
- Cutting Deck: Pressed Steel
- Weight: 30kg
Honda is a reliable supplier of petrol engines for a variety of applications. Their lawn mower range is no exception to the rule.
Customer reviews indicate that this lawn mower is easy to assemble and starts the first time most times.
The large cutting width of 41 cm combined with the 42L grass bag is likely to reduce the time required to mow large lawns. It is tough, powerful, and easy to operate.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Petrol Powered
- Grass bag Capacity 42L
- 6 Cutting Heights 20-74mm
Cons
- On the heavy side
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
Murray 2x18V (36V) Battery Powered Lithium-Ion
Key Features:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Grey
- Weight: 14kg
- Cutting width: 44cm
Two Briggs and Stratton 18 V lithium-ion batteries and a dual charger are included in the purchase. These give power to a formidable 1, 5 kW/36 V dual battery brushless motor. The brushless motor means greater efficiency as well as less noise output.
The power source is sufficient to mow up to 640m2 with a run-time of up to 36 minutes.
To make the task easier the Briggs and Stratton come with a soft grip handle to minimize vibration. Briggs and Stratton is a reliable and dependable brand.
Pros:
- 44cm Cutting Width
- Up to 640 m2 of large lawns
- 5 Years Warranty
- Including 2x 5Ah Battery and Dual Charger
Cons:
- Limited run time on batteries
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
Kärcher 18v Lawn Mower LMO Battery Powered
Key Features:
- Power source: Battery Powered
- Material: Plastic
- Colour: Yellow/Black
- Cutting width: 36cm
- Number of positions: 4
- Grass Box: 45L
The Kärcher LMO cordless lawn mower has a cutting width of 36cm while the cutting height has 4 settings between 30 and 70mm.
Grass can be collected in the large 45L grass catching box or alternatively spread on the lawn as natural fertiliser due to the integrated mulching plug.
It can mow lawns up to 350 m² on a single battery charge.
Pros:
- 18-36 Battery Set Incl. 18v Battery and Fast Charger
- 350m²
- Cutting Width: 36cm
- Adjustable Cutting Height: 30-70mm
- Mulching Plug
- 45L Catcher Box
Cons:
- Plastic bodies can be damaged easily
Hyundai 40V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Lawnmower
Key Features:
- Power source: Battery Powered
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Colour: Blue
- Weight: 19.9 Kilograms
- Cutting width: 42cm
- Number of positions: 6
- Grass Box: 45L
Hyundai’s 40V Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Lawnmower is extremely lightweight weighing in at a mere 19.9kg. Batteries charge in 80 minutes to provide approximately 15 minutes of mowing time from a single charge.
The massive 42 cm cutting width combined with the 6 adjustable cutting heights will make short work of the largest lawns.
The 45L grass collector bag has a mulching option allowing you to mow a bigger area before it requires emptying.
Quality is guaranteed by the 3-year warranty from Hyundai.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ultra-quiet
- 34cm Cutting width
- 45L grass collector bag
- Mulching option
- Up to 50m²
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Limited programming options
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.
You Might Also Like: How to Level a Horribly Bumpy Lawn Without Heavy Equipment
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.
Share this article
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.
