The 10 Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in August of 2018. You can make tidying up your yard a lot easier by using one of these convenient, self-propelled lawnmowers. We've included both gas-powered and electric models with intuitive controls, integrated transmissions, and large cutting decks that slice through swaths of grass without the physical manpower demanded by their push-behind counterparts. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Honda HRX217K4HZA
2. Craftsman M310
3. Ego Power+ LM2100SP
Editor's Notes
September 18, 2019:
It's no secret that maintaining a perfect yard can be a bit of a hassle. While we aren't going to say that these self-propelled mowers take all the headache out of the job, they will make the cutting aspect significantly easier and less strenuous. Hopefully that means you'll have a little extra energy to work on trimming those hedges, spreading fertilizer, ripping out weeds, edging a straight line by your driveway, fixing that clogged sprinkler head ... we think you get the idea.
We feel most people can generally agree that one of the most annoying aspects of working with outdoor power equipment is dealing with gasoline. Not only is it expensive, smelly, and dirty, but the engines that run on them are loud and require regular maintenance. However, it is often hard to find battery-powered models that offer the same level of performance. Luckily for you, we have spent the time doing just that, so you don't have to. The Honda HRX217K4HZA, Ego Power+ LM2100SP, Snapper XD, Yard Force YF120vRX, and Powerworks MO60L512PW can all stand toe-to-toe with their gas-powered brethren. The Yard Force YF120vRX even boasts a 100-minute run time when the two included batteries are fully charged, and the Honda HRX217K4HZA recharges itself as it runs, something no gas-powered model can do.
If you still prefer tried and true gasoline engines despite that, we have the Craftsman M310, Husqvarna LC221RH, Troy-Bilt TB490, Honda HRR216K9VKA, and PowerSmart DB8620. We feel the Craftsman M310 offers the best bang for the buck, as it performs equally as well as many models that cost significantly more, but the PowerSmart DB8620 boasts the easiest maneuverability, with its innovative three-wheel design.
Special Honors
Cub Cadet SC 900 The rear-wheel driven SC 900 boasts a 32-inch cutting deck and 196cc performance-tuned engine that should help you power through large yards relatively quickly, and with minimal hassle. It has a traditional recoil start, but with the addition of auto choke, so you won't have to mess around with too many things when trying to fire it up. cubcadet.com
WorldLawn WYW36FS481VH Designed for commercial use, or for those with multiple acres of manicured lawn on their property, this hydro-driven walk behind model has a 36-inch deck, 6.5 MPH maximum speed, and a 14.5-horsepower engine. Depending on your needs, you can also customize it during purchase to include a stand-on platform, mulch kit, grass collection bag, and more. worldlawn.com
4. Snapper XD
5. Yard Force YF120vRX
6. Powerworks MO60L512PW
7. Husqvarna LC221RH
8. Troy-Bilt TB490
9. Honda HRR216K9VKA
10. PowerSmart DB8620
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.