Mower Types: Push Mowers vs. Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
What’s the difference between a standard push lawn mower and a self-propelled lawn mower? With a standard push or walk-behind mower, you provide the drive power. You might find them best suited for small- and medium-sized yards since they require more work to cut grass. However, they can also handle large yards.
Compared to similar self-propelled mowers, standard push mowers:
- Are more economical
- Provide more exercise
- Are lighter
- Require less maintenance
- Allow total control over pace
Self-propelled lawn mowers have a drive system that moves the lawn mower forward on its own. All you need to do is steer. Self-propelled lawn mowers usually have a control on the handle to change the mower’s speed or disengage the drive system. A self-propelled lawn mower is a good option for cutting grass if you have a large lawn — one greater than a 1/2 acre in size — or have hilly terrain, but these mowers can also handle small, level lawns.
Compared to similar standard mowers, self-propelled mowers:
- Require less effort to mow
- Help you mow faster
- Let you mow hills easier
- Are available with larger, more powerful engines
Gas Lawn Mowers
Gas-powered lawn mowers have a long history of being the conventional option for yards up to an acre in size. Most gas-powered lawn mowers have a pull start, but some feature an electric starter that eliminates the need to use the pull cord.
Pay attention to the engine displacement, or size of the cylinder, when choosing a gas push lawn mower. Manufacturers measure displacement in cubic centimeters (cc). A higher cc measurement means a more powerful engine that can handle heavier cutting.
Gas push mowers need the right fuel, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's requirements. Read our guide to fueling power equipment for additional tips to keep your lawn mower running properly.
Electric Push Mowers
Battery-powered mowers or cordless mowers are quieter than gas mowers and require less maintenance. Instead of running on gasoline, they use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Charge times vary by battery and charger, ranging from 30 minutes for quick-charge batteries to several hours.
Cordless mowers come with a variety of different battery types and voltages. The higher the voltage (v), the more power output from the battery. Amp-hour (Ah) measurements on a battery-powered lawn mower give you an idea of runtime. Higher amp-hour ratings indicate a longer potential runtime. A cordless mower with a brushless motor operates more efficiently than a mower with a brushed electric motor, making better use of battery power. A brushless motor runs cooler and can improve the lifespan of the motor. Take a look at What Can You Do With an Electric Mower? to see some cordless mower capabilities.
You can also find corded electric mowers that offer many of the same benefits as cordless mowers. However, they require a suitable extension cord, which limits their range to small yards.
Some battery-powered lawn mowers use batteries that can power other lawn equipment of the same brand. If you have several compatible devices, you can use one battery while others are charging.
Reel Mowers
A manual lawn mower, or reel lawn mower, is a good option if you have a small, flat yard and don’t want to rely on power cords, batteries or gasoline. As you push the mower, a set of rotating knives spin against a fixed blade, creating a cutting action similar to scissors and giving the grass a clean cut.
Push reel mowers are compact and are quieter than other types of lawn mowers. You don’t need to perform the maintenance that a gas push mower requires. There’s no need to change the oil, spark plugs or filters. They don’t require the charging and battery care of an electric lawn mower either.
Reel lawn mowers have adjustable mowing heights, and some include a bagger option to collect grass clippings. Reel lawn mowers are best for lawns 1/3 acre or smaller. Keep in mind that the smaller cutting width of a push reel mower means spending more time and effort to mow your lawn. You may need to mow more often since reel mowers struggle in tall grass and weeds.
Other Push Mower Features and Options
- Torque measures, in foot pounds (ft-lbs), the force that keeps the mower blades spinning. Higher torque offers a better cut in tall or thick grass.
- Cut width indicates how wide a strip of grass you can mow in a single pass.
- Twin blades are designed to chop clippings more finely for mulching and bagging.
- An interchangeable blade system lets you optimize the mower for mulching, bagging or (on battery-powered mowers) extended runtime.
- A blade brake clutch stops the blade from spinning but allows the engine to keep running. This feature lets you empty the grass-collection bag without restarting the mower.
- Dual or single-lever height adjustment makes changing the height of the cut easier than adjusting a lever at each wheel.
- LED headlights help you maintain a straight mowing path, especially when mowing in shaded areas or when the work lasts into the evening.
- A collapsible mower or a model that’s designed for vertical storage will help you make the most of the space in your garage or shed.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Push Mower
Still not sure which push mower is right for your yard? Here are a few things to consider before buying a new lawn mower.
The Size of Your Yard
A smaller yard of less than an acre means you can go with either a gas-powered lawn mower, an electric lawn mower or a reel lawn mower. It's all about personal preference here.
The Terrain of Your Yard
front-wheel-drive (FWD) self-propelled mower. Free-spinning rear wheels make it easier to turn these mowers as you move across the yard.
If your yard has obstacles (trees, planting beds, etc.) to navigate around, a push mower with large rear wheels is a good choice. A front-wheel-drive mower lets you tip the mower up and turn it easily.
For an uneven lawn a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) self-propelled model may be the right walk behind lawn mower for you. It provides traction toward the center of the mower, helping you move up and down hills more easily.
How Much Lawn Mower Maintenance You’re Willing to Do
Gas-powered lawn mowers need more regular care than other types, such as changing the oil, spark plugs and filters. Read these mower maintenance best practices for tips on gas mower upkeep.
All lawn mowers need regular cleaning and blade care, but reel lawn mowers have a set of knives you need to sharpen by hand. Our guide, Reel Mowers: How to Use and Maintain a Manual Mower has step-by-step instructions for sharpening the knives.
How Much Energy You’re Willing to Expend With Your Lawn Mower
If you’re looking to make mowing your lawn double as exercise, go with a standard push mower. If you don’t want to expend as much energy, a self-propelled lawn mower will do most of the work for you while allowing you to control your pace.
How You Want Your Lawn Mower to Handle Grass Clippings
Lawn mowers with bag systems collect clippings, keeping your lawn looking clean without raking and reducing the spread of weed seeds. In the fall, they're also useful for clearing leaves. Keep in mind that emptying the bag adds time to your mowing.
Mulching mowers have decks designed to contain the clippings, allowing the blade to cut them to a smaller size. The clippings fall onto the lawn as mulch to add nutrients to the soil.
Some areas don't allow yard waste in landfills. If you rake or bag clippings and your community doesn't have a collection program, you can compost some of them or use them for mulch. Just make sure your clippings are free of weed seeds and pesticides. Read Making Compost for information on turning yard waste into nutrients for your soil. See Landscaping With Mulch for tips on using mulch.
Finding the Best Push or Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Still not sure which lawn mower is best for you and your landscape? Browse Lowe’s selection of push and self-propelled mowers online to shop by yard size, drive system, power type, cut width and more. Or shop for a mower at your local Lowe’s, where our associates can help match you to a mower that’s perfect for your yard.