Many people prefer push mowers. They’re quieter and more affordable than self-propelled models, and they give the user more control. However, many homeowners struggle to find the best push mower for their lawns. So, we did the research for you.
We looked at push mowers from America’s leading lawn care retailers — Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. After carefully comparing each mower, we found the best ones. To ensure you find the best push mower for your yard, we review our top picks, followed by a push mower buying guide.
Our top picks
Top 7 push lawn mowers – reviews
1. Toro Recycler 21311 – Best gas-powered
The best gas-powered push mower is the Toro Recycler 21311. The Recycler’s a durable mower with an excellent cutting system. It’s fast and efficient on lawns up to ½ acre.
Cutting deck: The Recycler has a durable 21-inch steel deck and 2-point height adjustment that ranges from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. Its atomic mower blade makes crisp cuts and super fine mulch, giving your lawn a professionally-maintained appearance.
Power: The mower’s potency is made possible by its Briggs & Stratton E Series gas engine (SAE J1940). The 140-cc 4-cycle engine has 5.5 foot-pounds. of gross torque and high-quality spark plugs. It’s a reliable engine made in the USA with American and foreign parts. The mower has a pull cord starter that ignites the engine with a single tug.
Maneuverability: It has a high wheel design, with 8-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels. It’s smooth on flat and uneven lawns, even with many twists and turns. But it’s a bit heavy. If you can’t comfortably control a 60-pound mower, consider the Self-Propelled Toro Recycler with rear-wheel drive.
Price: The Toro 21311 costs a little more than the average gas-powered push mower but performs much better and is within the typical price range.
Its additional advantages include a large, easy-to-empty rear bag, no oil changes (just top it off), and opt-in service reminders through the MyToro App.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 16 fl. oz.
- Lawn size: Up to ½ acre
- Power source: 140-cc gas engine
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 62 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Free with product registration |
| Cutting height positions | 9 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Reliable engine ✓ High wheels ✓ High-quality atomic blade ✓ Steel deck ✓ No oil changes ✓ Easy to assemble | ✗ Heavy ✗ Struggles on very thick grass ✗ Have to register to get side discharge |
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2. Ego Power+ LM2114 – Best battery-powered
The best battery-powered push mower is the Ego Power+ LM2114. Ego uses cutting-edge cordless technology to create high-performance electric tools that compete with gas-powered potency. It’s low maintenance and emissions-free, ideal for flat lawns as large as ½ acre.
Cutting deck: It has a 21-inch plastic deck with single-lever height adjustment. It’s easy to switch between its seven cutting positions that range from 1.25 to 4 inches. It has a sharp mulching blade for high-quality cuts and thin mulch. It even does a good job on thick grass.
Power: The mower has a high-efficiency brushless motor with reduced vibration and 6 foot-pounds of cutting torque. The 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC lithium battery keeps the mower running for up to 55 minutes and fully charges in 80 minutes with the included Power+ charger. Like most electric mowers, it has an effortless push-button starter.
Maneuverability: It has 7-inch front wheels and 9-inch reel wheels. It moves smoothly on flat ground but isn’t suitable for hilly or uneven lawns. The LM2114 has an adjustable handle with three height positions.
Price: It’s our list’s most expensive mower. Although it costs more than most battery-powered push mowers, it’s reasonably priced for a high-performance model.
Additionally, it has bright LED headlights, IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction, and foldable handles.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 20.5 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ½ acre
- Max runtime: 55 minutes
- Power source: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC lithium-ion battery
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 60.25 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Brushless motor ✓ Push-button start ✓ Weather-resistant ✓ High-quality mulching blade ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Bright headlights | ✗ Expensive ✗ Heavy ✗ Clogs sometimes ✗ Not good on rugged terrain |
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3. Yard Force YF1518-3N1 – Best corded electric
The best corded electric push mower is the Yard Force YF1518-3N1. It works great on flat and sloped lawns less than ½ acre, as long as all the turf is within 50 feet of a power outlet.
Cutting deck: The mower has a 19-inch fabricated steel cutting deck and an 18-inch hardened steel blade. It has seven cutting height positions that range from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. The single-lever height adjuster is easy to use.
Power: Its potent 15 amp electric motor delivers reliable power and up to 3100 rpm. You can safely use it with an extension cord as long as 50 feet, as long as the cord has at least a 12 gauge rating.
Maneuverability: It has 12-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels that are PVC-wrapped for smooth sailing across various types of grass. It turns smoothly and is easy to control over flat ground and hills. The deck is narrow enough to fit in tight spaces.
Price: Although it’s one of the most expensive corded electric mowers, it costs less than mowers with similar capabilities. It’s more affordable than most gas and battery-powered mowers.
Additionally, it comes with a 14-gallon grass collection bag and folds vertically for easy storage.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 18 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ½ acre
- Power source: 15 amp electric motor
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 46 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Steel deck ✓ Hardened steel blade ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Compact storage ✓ Easy to assemble | ✗ Must be within 50 feet of a power outlet ✗ Struggles on tall grass ✗ Struggles on very thick grass |
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4. Remington RM3100 – Best reel lawn mower
The best reel lawn mower is the Remington RM3100. It’s ideal for low-cut lawns that are less than ¼ acre. Reel mowers are great for lawn care perfectionists because they give you more control and make crisper cuts. They are also affordable and eco-friendly.
Cutting deck: It has a durable alloy steel 5-blade reel that cuts grass with scissor-like precision. You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings or detach the catcher to mulch grass into a fine fertilizer. It has a 9-position dual-lever height adjuster that ranges from .75 to 2.5 inches.
Maneuverability: It’s easy to push on flat, debris-free lawns. Debris, such as rocks and twigs, can jam the reel. It has an ergonomic handle with a satisfying foam grip.
Price: It’s the least expensive mower on our list.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: .75 – 2.5 in.
- Cutting width: 18 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Power source: Manual
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 28.4 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | No |
| Cutting height positions | 5 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Affordable ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Cuts with scissor-like precision ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Great for short grass | ✗ Have to clean lawn debris before mowing ✗ Takes a lot of elbow grease ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Not good for rough terrain ✗ Struggles on thick grass |
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5. Cub Cadet Signature Cut SCP100 – Best for rugged yards
The best push mower for rugged yards is the Cub Cadet Signature Cut SCP100. It’s ideal for flat, sloped, and uneven lawns up to ½ acre. The Signature Cut is built in America with enduring strength and user-friendly operation.
Cutting deck: It’s fit as a fiddle with a 21-inch stamped steel deck. The dual-lever height adjustment is easy to use, with six cutting positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. The mower blade sharply slices grass, even if it’s tall or thick. The deck’s easy to clean with Cub Cadet’s Jet Wash port that connects to a garden hose.
Power: It runs on a 140-cc Briggs and Stratton 550EX Series engine. The 4-stroke engine is the best in its class for torque-to-weight, vibration, and noise level. It’s durable and fuel efficient. The ReadyStart recoil system starts with one pull, no prime or choke.
Maneuverability: With high rear wheels and zag tread, it gets superior traction, even on rugged ground. It has 11-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels. The adjustable handle is easy to control with a comfortable overmold grip. It’s the heaviest mower on our list, but it’s well-balanced and easy for most homeowners to push.
Price: It costs more than most gas push mowers and is our list’s second most expensive lawn mower.
Additionally, it comes with a large 11.9-bushel rear bag that makes cleanup easy.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Fuel tank capacity: 15 fl. oz.
- Lawn size: Up to ½ acre
- Power source: 140-cc gas engine
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 75 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 6 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Reliable engine ✓ High wheels ✓ Zag tread ✓ Steel deck ✓ Wash port ✓ Ergonomic | ✗ Expensive ✗ Heavy ✗ Hard to handle for users under 5 feet tall |
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6. Greenworks MO40B411 – Best for small yards
Our favorite push mower for small yards is the Greenworks MO40B411. It’s compact, affordable, and easy to use. We recommend it for flat lawns up to ¼ acre.
Cutting deck: The mower has a 17-inch hardened plastic deck and a single lever mow-height adjuster. Its five height positions range from 1.25 to 3.375 inches. It comes with a mulch plug and a rear bagger.
Power: It runs on a brushed electric motor and a 40-volt, 4Ah lithium-ion battery. It gets up to 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge, and the battery fully refuels in 2 hours with the included charger. Its battery is compatible with over 75 Greenworks power tools, including string trimmers and leaf blowers.
Maneuverability: It’s compact and easy to push on flat lawns. It makes smooth turns and is easy to navigate around obstacles.
Price: It costs about $100 less than the average battery-powered push mower.
The Greenworks MO40B411 is a simple solution to afford lawn care. It folds compactly for storage, and you can even hang it on a wall.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.375 in.
- Cutting width: 17 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Max runtime: 45 minutes
- Power source: 40-volt, 4 Ah lithium-ion battery
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 40.89 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | No |
| Cutting height positions | 5 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Compact ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Push button start ✓ Quiet ✓ Easy to store ✓ Good customer support | ✗ No side discharge ✗ Brushed motor ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Not good on rugged terrain |
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7. Ryobi RYAC130-S – Best under $200
The RYOBI RYAC130-S is the best mulching mower for homeowners with small, flat lawns and tight budgets. It’s low-maintenance, affordable, and ideal for routine mowing on lawns as large as 1/4 acre.
Cutting deck: It has a 13-inch ABS plastic deck with an easy-to-use single-point mow height adjuster. Its 5 cutting height positions range from .905 to 2.44 inches. You can mulch or bag grass clippings. And if you want a broader deck, it also comes in a 16-inch model.
Power: The mower runs on a reliable 11 amp electric motor. You can safely use it with an extension cord as long as 100 feet, as long as it has at least a 12-gauge rating.
Maneuverability: It’s lightweight and easy to push on flat lawns, even around twists and turns. However, its low-wheel design isn’t advisable for hilly or rugged yards.
Price: It costs less than most push mowers, including corded electric models. The RYAC130-S is our list’s cheapest rotary mower.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: .905 – 2.44 in.
- Cutting width: 13 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Power source: 11 amp electric motor
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 23 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | No |
| Cutting height positions | 5 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Affordable ✓ Push button start ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Fits in tight spaces ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to maneuver around landscaping | ✗ Narrow cutting width ✗ Must be within 100 feet of a power outlet ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Struggles on thick grass ✗ Not good on rugged terrain |
Buyer’s Guide
To find the best push mower for your yard, please consider the following:
Power source
Push lawn mowers can run on the following types of power:
- Gas: Gas-powered lawn mowers are the most potent. They give homeowners with large yards the most bang for their buck. However, gas lawn mowers are also high-maintenance and loud. Additionally, they emit toxic gas fumes. The best gas mowers are great for medium to large yards.
- Battery: Battery-powered mowers are low-maintenance, cordless, and easy to start. Most run on lithium-ion batteries. They don’t emit harsh fumes, but lithium mining is bad for the environment. They have the shortest runtime and longest refuel time. The best battery mowers for large yards cost a pretty penny, but light-duty models are affordable.
- Corded electricity: Corded electric lawn mowers have unlimited runtime. They’re affordable, low-maintenance, emissions-free, and easy to start. But the extension cord keeps you on a leash. They’re also the least potent rotary mowers.
- Manual: Manual reel lawn mowers make crisp scissor-like cuts. They’re affordable, precise, and eco-friendly. Most cut grass shorter than rotary mowers. However, cutting the grass with a reel mower takes a lot of time and energy. Reel mowers are best for yards less than ¼ acre.
Cutting width
The size of a mower’s cutting deck determines the width of its cut. Most push mowers have a 13- to 21-inch cutting width.
The table below shows the width of push mowers by power source.
| Power Source | Cutting Width Range |
| Manual | 14 – 20 in. |
| Corded Electric | 13 – 21 in. |
| Battery | 13 – 21 in. |
| Gas | 20 – 21 in. |
Wider mowers cover more land with each pass, so mowing takes less time. However, smaller mowers fit in tight spaces and are easier to maneuver around landscaping.
Cutting height
Most rotary mowers (gas, battery, and corded electric) have height adjustments as low as 1 to 1.25 inches and as high as 3 to 4 inches. Most reel mowers cut shorter than 1 inch, with some models having a minimum cutting height as low as ½ inch.
The table below shows mow height recommendations for common types of grass.
| Grass Type | Ideal Mowing Height |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 in. |
| Bentgrass | 0.25 – 1 in. |
| Bermudagrass | 1- 2 in. |
| Buffalograss | 2 – 4 in. |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 in. |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 3 in. |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2 – 3 in. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2 – 3 in. |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 in. |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 4 in. |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 in. |
Lawn size
Push mowers are best for small to medium-sized lawns less than ½ acre. To purchase the best lawn mower, please consider your lawn size:
- Less than ¼ acre: Most homeowners with small lawns prefer push mowers with a cutting width of 21 inches or less. If you’re on a budget, consider getting one of the best mowers under $300.
- ¼ – ½ acre: Most homeowners with ¼ to ½ acre lawns use a walk-behind mower with a 21- to 28-inch cutting width. However, some prefer the best robotic mowers. Self-propelled lawn mowers quickly cut the grass without much elbow grease. But push mowers cost less than self-propelled ones and give you better control.
- ½ – 1 acre: If your lawn is ½ to 1 acre, we recommend self-propelled mowers with a 28- to 36-inch cutting width.
- More than 1 acre: The best lawn mowers for big yards are 36- to 48-inch riding lawn mowers. If your lawn’s 2 acres or more, consider the best zero-turn mowers with a cutting width of at least 48 inches.
Cutting functionality
Many push mowers come with the following cutting features:
- Mulching plug: The best mulching mowers grind grass into a fine, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Leaving the grass clippings on your lawn helps it stay healthy and lush.
- Side discharge: Side discharge works best on large yards because the blades move faster, and the clippings fly several feet away.
- Rear bagger: Many mowers either come with a bag attachment or sell one separately. Instead of falling to the lawn, grass clippings are collected in the bag. It makes it easy to dispose of the clippings or add them to a compost pile.
Weight
Most push mowers weigh 25 to 55 pounds, but some heavy-duty gas-powered mowers weigh as much as 75 pounds and small reel mowers can be as light as 18 pounds.
Here are some things to think about when evaluating the weight of a push mower:
- Performance: Lawn mowers for large yards typically weigh more than the best mowers for small yards. High-performance mowers have a broader deck and a larger engine (or motor) to quickly cut a lot of grass.
- Durability: Heavy-duty mowers with steel decks, sturdy frames, and enduring gearboxes tend to weigh more.
- Comfort: Heavier mowers are harder to push. Consider your physical capabilities before purchasing a heavy push mower. If you can’t comfortably push a lot of weight and your lawn is over ¼ acre, you’ll prefer a self-propelled mower. They have a drive system that moves them forward.
The following table shows the typical weight range of push mowers by power source.
| Power Source | Typical Weight Range |
| Manual | 20 – 35 lb. |
| Corded Electric | 25 – 50 lb. |
| Battery | 30 – 55 lb. |
| Gas | 50 – 65 lb. |
Cost
Most push lawn mowers cost $115 to $370, with the average push mower costing about $245.
| Average push mower price | $245 |
| Typical price range | $115 – $370 |
| Extreme low | $85 |
| Extreme high | $640 |
The price of a push mower varies with its power source, as shown in the table below.
| Power Source | Typical Price Range |
| Manual | $95 – $170 |
| Corded Electric | $160 – $225 |
| Battery | $250 – $445 |
| Gas | $280 – $360 |
FAQ about push lawn mowers
1. What are the most reliable lawn mower brands?
The most reliable walk-behind lawn mower brands include:
- Toro
- Cub Cadet
- Honda
- Ego
- Greenworks
- Troy-Bilt
2. What are the best self-propelled lawn mowers?
The best self-propelled lawn mowers include:
- Toro TimeMaster with Personal Pace (21199)
- RYOBI Whisper Series (RY401210)
- Troy-Bilt 28-inch with High Rear Wheels (TBWC 28)
3. What are the best gas push mowers?
The best gas push mowers on our list:
- Best overall: Toro Recycler 21311
- Best for rugged yards: Cub Cadet SCP100
Gas push mowers also worth mentioning:
- Our third favorite: Troy-Bilt TB125B
- Best under $300: Yardmax YG1650
When to hire a lawn care pro
Many homeowners find hiring a pro more affordable than purchasing, maintaining, and fueling their push mower. Lawn Love links you to local lawn care pros who are qualified and insured. You don’t even have to be home when we come, and you can manage the entire service through our user-friendly app.
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main Photo Credit: Pixabay with type overlay
