For lawn owners who have small to medium size lawns, in other words, up to ¾ acres gardens can effectively mow the lawn with the walk behind push mowers or self propelled lawn mower.
Walk behind mowers are simply the ones that cannot be ridden, opposite to their counterparts riding lawn mower. So, you have to physically walk behind them to cut the grass and specify its direction by your hands.
Table Of Contents
Types of Walk Behind Mowers
There are two types of walk behind mowers, push & self propelled lawn mowers.
1. Push Mowers
These are the grass cutting machines that have to be pushed from behind with the force of the user. We won’t be talking about simple reel mowers because our scope of discussion is a bit advanced. These are the mowers that need human input to move but have a driving mechanism for the cutting blades which is powered by an electric cord or a battery.
2. Self Propelled Mowers
As evident from the name, they are propelled with the help of a drive system that may either be battery powered, corded or gasoline powered. These mowers have a drive unit in the form of an engine or battery that provides force to the wheels through transmission and to the cutting blades as well.
The difference between two types of walk behind mowers is the ability to be propelled physically and mechanically.
If you are looking for the best walk behind lawn mowers, you are in luck because we have prepared a helpful article for you that covers the majority of categories in one place. Following are some of the capabilities that a good walk behind mower must possess.
Best Walk Behind Push Lawn Mowers For The Money
**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
[amazon box=”B00BBQVL5U,B01DL6GVKW,B00GX9WNP2,B078WGPT1H,B0029TLUOA” template=”table”]
Best Walk Behind Self Propelled Mowers For The Money
[amazon box=”B00WFC2K1I,B07BTR5VY5,B00N6XCHRM,B0036C3SN0,B00CSN4Y4A” template=”table”]
Good Walk Behind Lawn Mower Qualities
1. Drive type
It is better if the mower is rear wheel drive because it provides an extra push needed to move the mower forward upslope.
Although it is not a necessity and a forward wheel drive could also be suitable but if you have narrowed your search to two models of the same price range with one forward wheel and the other rear wheel; go for the latter one.
Especially for yards with slopes, a rear wheel or all wheel drive is your best companion.
2. Adjustable heights
This applies to the height of the cutting deck and the driving handle. Adjustability in both these areas would increase the versatility of the lawn mower.
At some places, the grass would be taller on part of receiving more water and also there will be patches where it is thin and small so you require a cutting deck that can cut the grass in both scenarios.
As for the handle, it should be able to extend to different lengths because, at some points where there is a slope, you might have to shorten the length while in places that are confined, you need to elongate the handle.
3. Wheels
The wheels must be large and rugged otherwise the mower won’t be able to access the terrain properly. Usually, rear wheels are larger than the front ones which are an efficient configuration. The tread of the wheels should be such that they can beat the upside-down of the yard.
4. Cutting deck
Actually this is the part which mows the grass. The cutting deck should be wide enough to mow your entire lawn in a desirable span of time with blades that give a clean and equal grass cut.
Generally, you have to replace the blades or get them sharpened after two seasons but the longer the time of replacement, the better is the quality of the blades.
Some electric walk behind mowers are fitted with load sensing technology that channelizes the power of the battery according to the need of the blades. For example, if the grass is thick and wants more power and speed, a greater voltage is given to the blades so that they can provide an efficient cut and vice versa.
5. Power
The mower must be powered by a reliable unit. Either it’s a battery or an engine, it must be long lasting and effectual.
There shouldn’t be running problems associated with them, therefore, we either recommend brushless motors for electric mowers or Briggs & Stratton, Honda or Husqvarna engines for gasoline-powered lawn mowers.
You may have to push the mower uphill so the power of the mower must be such that it feels no difficulty in accessing slopes or rough terrains.
Factors To Determine The Choice Of The Mower
1. Size of the yard
Walk behind mowers have cutting decks that range from 3014-21 inches. Depending on the size of the lawn, you may choose the mower accordingly.
2. Time of mowing
Even if you have a small lawn but want it to be mowed quickly, you would need a large lawn mower. Owing to the time you can dedicate to the cutting operation; you can purchase models of variable deck widths.
3. Budget
There are cheaper as well as expensive models available in the market. Depending on the money you are ready to invest, you can choose mowers that are above $500 or lower than that. We have a specific article for self propelled mowers under $300 and one which is best for the money.
4. Type of terrain
If you have a hilly lawn, a rear wheel or an all-wheel drive is preferable. They provide you with the extra pushing force that is required for the mower to be driven up the slope.
Note: Hey! if you’re looking for lawn mowers to be used commercially then don’t waste your time here and visit this article of 10 best commercial grade lawn mowers.
Best Push Walk Behind Mowers Reviews
If you have a garden with uneven terrain, you need to look for a model that can sustain the wear and tear of this terrain. Such a model should be chosen that is not very heavy, is able to access uneven yards, can cut grass of different heights and has big rear wheels because it allows a smooth movement over bumps. The size of the lawn will define your ultimate choice because you need the mower with suitable deck width otherwise it would be very tiring.
[aawp box=”B00BBQVL5U” title=”1. Greenworks 25322 (Best Cheap Mulching Lawn Mower Under $300)”]
You might have observed this model several times in the list of lawn mowers but it still doesn’t get out of style. Greenworks is a well-reputed brand especially in the range of walk behind mowers; be it the coded electric mowers or the convenient cordless push mower and self-propelled one, it has always provided its customers with great options.
For those who don’t have enough money to spend on an expensive lawn mower can eye at this one specifically. This model comes from Greenworks and has impressed a large number of customers.
This particular model comes with a 40V 4Ah battery which gives a run time of about 30-40 minutes. The battery and charger are EnergyStar certified and provides a regulated supply of voltage and current during operation which is critical for a longer life of the battery.
With the help of 16-inch cutting deck, it provides mulching and bagging capability. Through 5 height adjustments, the user can handle grass heights of 1.25 – 3.625 inches.
It’s lightweight and portable owing to the collapse-able handles. Many of the customers have appreciated the fact that it starts on the very first or second press of the button even after being used for a year or so.
Greenworks 25322 comes with a hefty 4-year warranty and the battery is compatible with any other tools rated at 40V. The charger and battery are included within the package.
Features:
- 40V 4Ah battery
- Run time of 30-40 minutes
- EnergyStar certified
- 16-inch cutting deck
- 5 height adjustments
- 4-year warranty
[aawp box=”B01DL6GVKW” title=”2. EGO LM 2000 (Best Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower For Hills)”]
This is a new model in the field of lawn mowers but has shone with full might since its inception in the market.
EGO LM2000 runs on 4 Ah Lithium battery which has a rating of 56V and provides a run time of minutes. That means you can mow ½ acres of your garden on a single charge. Luckily enough, the charger is pretty good and pumps the battery back to full life in just 30 minutes.
To perform with a good effect on the hills, it is equipped with a 600W magnetic motor that has got enough torque to cut grass uphill. Of course, it is not self-propelled so you have to apply some force to push it up.
The cutting deck is 20 inches wide and supports 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities. It can be raised through 5 height adjustments to mow grass of variable heights.
Additionally, the material of construction is IPX4 water resistant and because there is no electric cord included, you can use it in the drizzle as well.
The wheels are good, large and rugged which renders good effect while tackling hills. The handle is very comfortable and can be folded after use for easy and space saving storage. There are headlights on the front of the battery compartment so you can also use it at night.
As for the warranty, it provides 3 years of kit warranty and 5 years of tool warranty. This is extremely advantageous and a bit unlikely too, considering the fact that it doesn’t cost that much but EGO has been established as a respectable brand by now and this model is not a surprise.
Features:
- 4Ah lithium ion battery rated at 56V
- 600W motor
- 20-inch cutting deck supports 3-in-1 cutting capability
- 5 height adjustments
- IPX4 water resistant body
- Headlights
- Comfortable handle
- 5-year warranty on tools and 3 years on kit
- Charges in 30 minutes
If you’re interested in walk behind mulching mowers then visit our article of 14 best mulching mowers.
[aawp box=”B00GX9WNP2″ title=”3. Greenworks M-210 (Best Dual Blade Push Lawn Mower For The Money)”]
Everybody wishes for a product which is good for the money. That means, it must possess features that are hard to find in models of that price range. The following model is one such type.
It is not a surprise that it comes from Greenworks because the company is reputed as one of the best push lawn mower brands. Their ability to provide impressive models for every price ranges that are both reliable and effective in performance has earned them widespread respect amongst their customers.
Backed up by a huge number of customer reviews, this model has managed to impress the majority of them. It is fitted with dual 40V batteries (one rated at 4Ah and the other at 2 Ah) that give a total run time of 60 minutes.
Greenworks M210 mower is capable of mowing ½ acres of land within 45 minutes owing to its comprehensive cutting deck and battery performance.
Started by a single push button, it is a very user-friendly mower. The handle is padded with foam to prevent any hand fatigue and it can be adjusted as per the angle of incline you desire. The batteries can be easily inserted through the plastic covering and disengaged likewise.
If we talk about the cutting deck, it is 20 inches wide and incorporated with dual blades which promises a clean grass cut within no time at all. Any sort of grass can effectively be mowed with these.
In addition to it, it is inculcated with a smart cut technology that adjusts the power of the battery to the blades according to the thickness of the grass.
Through 5 height adjustments, the user can cut grass of heights 1.75-3.625 inches and operate that in either mulching or bagging modes.
The wheels are another factor to consider when operating on rough terrain and this model has covered that well. The rear wheels are 10 inches in diameter while the front ones are 7 inches.
As a matter of fact, this is a very reliable mower because its charger is very accurate that charges the batteries along with a constant voltage level. This ensures that the batteries can be used for a long period of time.
There is a warranty of 4 years on the product which might fascinate you for making a quick purchase.
Features:
- Dual 40V batteries which give a run time of 60 minutes
- 20-inch cutting deck
- 5 height adjustments
- Rear wheels are 10 inches while the front ones are 8 inches large
- 4-year warranty
Are you looking for the best models of mowers that can cut the grass on the hilly terrain, then check this buying guide of best lawn mowers for the hills.
[aawp box=”B078WGPT1H” title=”4. Snapper XD82V MAX (Best 3 in 1 Push Lawn Mower For Rough Terrain)”]
Snapper, being a reputable lawn mower brand, provides high-quality machines and this model is no different. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 82V battery ensures that you can undergo the mowing operation of your entire yard on a single charge and that too, powerfully.
In fact, it delivers nearly the same grass cut as a gasoline-powered self-propelled lawn mower. You can choose from options of 2, 4 or 5Ah batteries.
The motor is rated at 1000 or 1200 Watts and is brushless in nature which is more reliable than the conventional DC motor.
It has a cutting deck of 19 inches which supports all 3 types of grass cutting methods (mulching, bagging, and side discharge). The grass catcher bag can hold a total of 2.1 feet3 of grass clippings.
Cutting deck can be raised through a total of 7 height adjustments which is one of the most important features when dealing with rough terrain.
One of the unique features is the load sensing technology that adjusts the power of the battery according to the needs of the cutting blades; if the grass is thick, it would channelize more power and vice versa.
For the comfort of the user, the handle is padded with rubber. It provides a comfortable and ergonomic experience in addition to the easy-to-reach electric start button. The handle can be adjusted for the angle of inclination so a person of every height can use it. After the operation, the handle can be collapsed and it can be stored vertically for space-saving.
Wheels are big and rugged to enhance their effectiveness when dealing with rough terrains.
You would get a battery and a charger along with the package if you order from the following link. Much to the excitement, it offers a warranty of 5 years on parts and 2 on batteries which pretty much explains the level of reliability we have here.
Features:
- Powered by 82V Briggs & Stratton battery
- 1000,1200W powerful motor
- 19-INCH cutting deck
- 7 height adjustments
- Load sensing technology
- Padded handle which can be collapsed after use
- 5-year warranty
[aawp box=”B0029TLUOA” title=”5. Sun Joe MJ401E (Best Push Lawn Mower For Small Yard)”]
If you have a small lawn, you need not to invest a lot on the lawn mower. A simple reel mower would be cheap but it requires effort and doesn’t give a very nice cut, therefore, we have selected this tiny model for you.
It has a cutting deck of 14 inches which can be raised through 3 adjustable heights. Sun Joe MJ401E can easily manage grass of your small yard and that too, with precision, the blades are sharp and inclined at just the sweet angle to give a cleaner grass cut.
You can either mulch or attach a 10.6-gallon grass bag on the rear side depending on the need. This mower is operated through a 12A motor that is connected with the cable but that doesn’t mean a lot of problems because the size of the lawn is small.
For easy maneuverability and going into tight corners, this is a great option considering its small size and tractive wheels. Mower starts with a push button and the handle can be collapsed after use for easy storage.
Features:
- Cuts grass of height 1.18 inches to 2.52 inches
- 14-inch cutting deck
- Corded model
- Mulching and rear discharge ability
- Backed up by a great number of reviews
- Very cheap
You’re looking mower for your tiny gardens, check this buying guide of best lawn mowers for small gardens, you’ll definitely get benefits and untapped information too.
Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers Reviews
From here own, we move towards self propelled options. They are more convenient because you don’t have to physically push the mower yourself and just guide the direction by walking behind. This means you can mow larger lands without getting tired.
They are more expensive than the push mowers but that is pretty evident considering the fact it is minimizing your effort. The only thing you need to do is to decide its direction.
As for the maintenance, if it is a fuel-powered lawn mower, you have to change the oil of the oil filter, clean the air filter regularly and check the fuel consistently. The spark plug needs to be changed every successive season too.
[aawp box=”B00WFC2K1I” title=”1. Troy-Bilt TB330 (Lightweight Self Propelled Mower)”]
If you are looking at a lightweight model that can be picked up to be cleaned easily and taken to the garden shed for storage conveniently, you need to look at this Troy-Bilt machine. The lightweight doesn’t mean it is not durable or resistant to corrosion. You may read the reviews if you want before buying it.
Although it is a gasoline-powered lawn mower and very durable but is still as light as one can wish for. The reason is the use of high-grade material which is weather-proof and light at the same tie.
It has a 21-inch cutting deck which is incorporated with TriAction cutting system that uses a combination of three blades to provide a supreme grass cut. Its cutting deck is fashioned out of steel but the rest of the frame is made of a high-class polymer which amounts the total weight to a mere 38lbs.
If we talk about the features, it is laden with plenty. A 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine powers this machine and gives power the wheels and the cutting blades.
To entertain its usage on hills, it contains a rear wheel driving mechanism to provide that extra push needed to move the mower upslope. The deck can be raised through five height adjustments.
In addition to it, it supports 3-in-1 cutting modes with a 1.9-bushel large grass catcher bag. To assist in all conditions, it has even got a single lever speed control which provides a total of four speed options.
As for the wheels, they are a bit small to our liking but still, 8 inches is not that small of a diameter. They are easily handled and maneuverable.
The company offers a 2-year warranty on the product while a high star rating on Amazon makes this model a likable choice. Whether you want the job done swiftly or in normal time, do it with this mower now.
Features:
- 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- 38lbs in weight
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Cut grass from 1.25-3.75 inches
- TriAction cutting system
- Rear wheel drive
- 3-in-1 cutting capability
- Single lever speed control
- 2-year warranty
[aawp box=”B07BTR5VY5″ title=”2. Troy-Bilt TB 220 (Best Electric Start Self-Propelled Mower For The Money)”]
It is a gas powered model that gets every nature of lawn mowing work done. Rated as a heavy duty mower, it can be used to cut grass on a plain as well as incline terrains.
Because of the gas engine, it weighs a shy below 80 pounds but if you have to exert only a little effort, it doesn’t play a huge role.
It is fitted with a 159cc Briggs & Stratton 625ex OHV engine. Overhead Valve engines offer quieter operation and provide better fuel efficiency than the L-Head Engines.
Because the valves are located in the cylinder head, their working sound is not resonated in the chamber and ultimately, you hear less noise.
This engine has high power and can conveniently mow the grass around the trees, and go over bumps and other obstructions.
It is a front wheel drive so it is best suited for flat lawns. It contains a 21-inch steel cutting deck.
The cutting height is adjustable between 1.25-3.75 inches which means you can also cut long grass from it however there have been complaints of its stoppage on long, wet grass so we recommend its use on small to medium grass terrains for supreme performance.
The handle is long and has 3 adjustable height settings but there is no padding on the grip so you have the probability of getting hand fatigue if used for a long time. The height is varied using two levers.
As for the mulching capabilities, it contains all three. It can mulch with exceeding levels of satisfaction and have a separate chute for side discharge. The chute is detachable. For bagging capacity, it contains a 1.9-bushel container that can store the grass but it tends to fill quickly if you have a large lawn.
Still, it is convenient enough. A good thing about this mower is the wash port. This port allows you to clean the deck from the underside after you are done with mowing so that the grass clippings are not deposited in the wheels and other gaps to halt the movement.
The 8×8 inch wheels allow access to harsh terrains like wet grass and place with heavy weeds. They can be maneuvered with ease and provide the freedom of sharp turns.
The mower starts through pulling recoil and customers have raved about its first-time starting quality. You seldom have to pull the starter more than once to start the engine. In case, you have to stop the engine, you release the blade control handle.
This is a very convenient lawn mower that works best for not-very-long grass and plain terrains. The users are advised to change the oil after every 25 hours of use. Troy-Bilt gives a two-year warranty for this model.
In our opinion Troy-Bilt TB 220 is the best self propelled lawn mower for the money.
Features
- 159cc front wheel drive OHV engine
- 21-inch Steel deck
- Dual-lever Height adjustment
- Designed with 8×8-inch wheels
[aawp box=”B00N6XCHRM” title=”3. Husqvarna HU800AWDH (Top Self Propelled Lawn Mower)”]
This is one of the most useful self-propelled lawn mowers considering the fact that it is an all-wheel drive and can be used for plain and hilly terrains alike. Powered by a 190 cc 4-stoke engine, this is powerful enough to cut any class of grass cleanly and swiftly.
It’s cutting deck is 22 inches wide and supports all three types of grass clippings method. If you want to increase the fertility of the soil, you can insert the mulching plug and do that, otherwise, you can spray the clippings either on the rear side in the grass bag or on the side through the chute.
It can be raised through levers present on each wheel which is a great option to have as you may across some terrains which require only one side of the mower to be lifted up. There is even a deck wash port for cleaning the grass clippings after the mowing operation.
Wheels are great too. The rear ones are 11 inches large while the front ones are 8 inches with both having ball bearings in them. You can change the height of the drive handle as well which is pretty cool because different users have different heights and this facilitates them greatly.
The pull string which starts the engine is light on the hand and only after a year or two, will you start complaining that it doesn’t start on the very first pull. The built is very durable and the and will remain with you for a long time. Its ability to perform in every terrain makes it our top pick.
Features:
- 190 cc 4 stroke engine
- 22-inch cutting deck
- 3-in-1 cutting ability
- 11-inch large rear wheels
- The handle is adjustable
- Durable built
[aawp box=”B0036C3SN0″ title=”4. Sarlo WX24 SP High Wheel Mower (Best For Small Yards)”]
This is another rear wheel drive lawn mower with an exceptional and a heavy duty engine. It features a 190cc Briggs & Stratton Engine which specializes in the provision of top-notch engines that are free of emissions, requires mild maintenance and offers high presentation.
A 190cc power means it gives enhanced surge to not only wipe off the grass but also the weeds and runners that are destroying the outlook of your charmingly alluring lawn.
Briggs & Stratton have been enjoying the 100 years of widespread recognition of their customers with regards to their provision of high-class engines.
The plow-style handles make the steering and moving around an easy task as you can hold the handle from dual grips depending on your height and use if for countless minutes without complaining about bad posture and back pains.
This becomes very helpful on lawns that have slopes because mowing upwards exerts a force on the backbone and if the handle is not comfortable, it can be frustrating.
It has a 24-inch steel cutting deck which is wider than the previous two models so that you can cut a wider area of the lawn but it has a 2-in1-1 mulching capability and provides the facility of only mulching and discharge.
There is no grass catcher with it so if you have a problem with grass cuttings lying on the lawn as you cut through it, do not buy this. The blade is perfect and chops off anything in its way.
The specialty of this mower is the 16-inch front wheels and 8 inch high front wheels which apart from assisting in movement, can help to chop off the weeds especially those that are around the trees and get missed by the blade.
The size of this mower is small and is regarded as a compact model. It takes little space on your garage or garden shed compared to its other competitors.
The assembling phase may be tricky because the package doesn’t come with an instruction manual and you might have to consult videos or a person who is knowledgeable about lawn mowers. It is a great answer for your lawn needs.
Features:
- Self-propelled high wheel mower
- Cutting height (in.): 1-4
- Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 72 x 23 x 36
- Weight 130 pounds
[aawp box=”B00CSN4Y4A” title=”5. Honda HRX217KVA (Fastest Self Propelled Lawn Mower)”]
Want a fast model that gets the job done in a jiffy? This Honda model might be the answer.
This Honda self -propelled lawn mower is not only a fast lawn mower but a quite effective one as well. The combination of a powerful engine, responsive self-propulsion, and 2-in-1 cutting capability earns this a respectable recognition amongst the lawn owners.
Powered by a 190cc auto choke Honda engine, it can achieve speeds up to 4 MPH which is not recommended to use however because then you have to face difficulty in keeping up with the pace of the mower.
It has a cutting deck of 21 inches with a total of seven height adjustments that can cut grass of height 0.75 inches to 4 inches which is exceptional as to the lowest level of this range because seldom will any mower cut grass as short as this.
But it has to be kept in mind, that you have to adjust the placement of each wheel separately. The blades have four cutting surfaces instead of conventional two which gives a very clean grass cut.
There is a very large 2.5-bushel grass catcher bag to hold your grass clippings and minimizing the need to dump them midway your cutting operation.
It offers rear-wheel drive which is suitable for slope as well. It has a variable drive system which is located in the middle of the handle and can be used to adjust the angle of handle to suit your needs.
Moreover, its unique feature is the ability to regulate how much clippings should be mulched and how much would go in the rear bag at the same time. This share is regulated through a simple lever.
Honda HRX217KVA comes up with a five year warranty and a good customer service that is not prone to keep you waiting.
Features:
- 2-in-1 cutting ability
- 190cc auto choke Honda engine
- Speeds of 4MPH
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Seven height adjustments
- Cuts grass as short as 0.75 inches
- Cutting blades have 4 cutting surfaces instead of the conventional 2
- Rear wheel drive
- Adjusted for the share of grass clippings to be mulched and rear discharged
- 5-year warranty
FAQs:
1. What is the best push lawn mower to buy?
It depends on your needs. We have discussed the factors affecting the choice for the best push mower at the start of the article. It is entirely up to your needs.
As a rule of thumb, if you have a large lawn with slopes, you need a self-propelled lawn mower and if you have s small lawn and not enough money, corded or cordless push mowers should be looked at.
2. Why does my push mower shake a lot?
A loose or damaged blade could cause this shaking. Tighten the blade and change them if they are damaged. Also, tighten up the engine’s bolts while you are at it.
3. Why doesn’t my lawn mower start?
Check for a faulty spark plug first of all if it is a fuel powered lawn mower. Unplug it and clean with a cloth before plugging it again. If that doesn’t work, tighten up the pull string as it might be loose. Contact a nearby mechanic if nothing solves the problem.
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