The best self-propelled lawn mowers make lawn care quick and easy. But with so many options, finding the best one is a tall task. So, we researched for you.
We compared self-propelled mowers from America’s leading lawn care retailers — Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. We looked at each one’s power, performance, durability, and ease of use to find the best models. To help you find the right mower for your yard, we reviewed the top self-propelled mowers and supplied a handy buyer’s guide.
Our top picks
Top 3 self-propelled lawn mowers for over ½ acre – reviews
1. Toro TimeMaster 21199 – Best gas-powered
The best self-propelled gas lawn mower for yards over ½ acre is the Toro TimeMaster 21199. Whether your lawn’s flat, sloped, or uneven, it effortlessly glides through the grass, making sharp slices and super fine mulch. It’s packed with all the bells and whistles needed to mow large lawns quickly and painlessly.
In addition to shortening the time you spend mowing, it also shaves time off cleanup. You can collect clippings in its rear bag or let them fall on the lawn. The fine mulch quickly decomposes into the soil, giving your grass a healthy helping of natural nitrogen. When it gets dirty, just connect a hose to its washout port to clean the underside of the deck.
Power: It has a high-performance engine that’s potent and durable. The 223 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV engine has 10 ft.-lb. of torque.
Self-propelled features: Speed control is effortless with Toro’s Personal Pace System. Instead of fiddling with knobs and levers, the mower’s auto-drive syncs to your walking pace. Additionally, it has a traction assist handle and rear-wheel drive.
Cutting deck: You can cover a lot of ground in minutes with its extra-wide 30-inch stamped steel deck. It has a dual-blade cutting system with gator-style blades. Grass circulates back into the deck several times, creating extra fine mulch. And if you need to step away, Toro’s blade stop system keeps the blade still while the engine’s running.
Additional features: Compact storage, durable cast-aluminum frame, adjustable handle, tool-less adjustments
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.25 in.
- Cutting width: 30 in.
- Drive: Rear-wheel
- Engine: 223 cc Briggs & Stratton
- Fuel tank capacity: .3 gallon
- Lawn size: ½ – 1 acre
- Warranty: 3 years
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Blade break ✓ Washout port ✓ Excellent air flow ✓ Durable ✓ Powerful ✓ Fast | ✗ Small gas tank ✗ Loud ✗ Pricey |
Where to buy
2. RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210 – Best cordless electric
The best battery-powered self-propelled lawn mower for large yards is the RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210. It’s a low-maintenance alternative to gas-guzzling models. The mower handles flat and sloped lawns as large as ¾ of an acre. It’s packed with power but as quiet as a dishwasher.
Power: It comes with two lithium-ion batteries and gets up to 70 minutes of runtime. It’s part of RYOBI’s 40V HP Brushless series and is as potent as a 170 cc gas mower. RYOBI’s technology monitors each battery cell to improve efficiency, safety, and durability. It has an LED fuel gauge and comes with a charger.
Self-propelled features: It has RYOBI’s SMART TREK variable speed system that intuitively adjusts to your walking speed. The mower’s all-wheel drive handles steep hills and uneven terrain, but with less runtime. If your lawn has tough terrain, consider purchasing an extra battery to prolong runtime.
Cutting deck: RYOBI backs the durability of the RY401210’s composite deck with a limited lifetime warranty. It has a high-performance dual-blade cutting system. The blade speed automatically adjusts based on mowing conditions to cut quickly and evenly. The system prevents clumping and evenly disperses fine mulch throughout your lawn.
Additional features: Foldable, high-intensity LED headlights, single-lever mow height adjustment, adjustable handlebar
Specifications
- Batteries: 40-Volt, 6 Ah (2)
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Drive: All-wheel
- Lawn size: ½ – ¾ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Cutting speed automatically adjusts ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Bright headlights ✓ All-wheel drive ✓ Quiet | ✗ Not as fast as large yard gas mowers ✗ Not enough runtime for some large yards ✗ It takes a while to charge the battery |
Where to buy
3. Cub Cadet CC800 – Best wide area mower
The 33-inch, 10.5 horsepower Cub Cadet CC800 may be overkill for most homeowners, but it’s worth considering if you have a large yard, rugged terrain, and deep pockets. It’s the best lawn mower on our list for ½ – 1 acre lawns with vast, unobstructed grass. The mower’s built tough and comes with a laundry list of luxury features.
Power: With a 344 cc, 10.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton OHV engine, it’s the most potent mower on our list. It has a key-operated electric starter and a large, 2-gallon gas tank with a fuel-gauge window.
Self-propelled features: The mower has 4 forward speeds and 1 backward speed. It has excellent traction with rear-wheel drive and 16-inch pneumatic rear wheels.
Cutting deck: Its 33-inch rust-resistant, stamped steel deck is the widest on our list. It has a dual-blade system with mulching and side discharge, but the bagging attachment is sold separately.
Additional features: SmartJet high-pressure wash port, 8-inch ball-bearing caster front wheels, blade break, single-lever mow height adjustment
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 33 in.
- Drive: Rear-wheel
- Engine: 344 cc Briggs & Stratton
- Fuel tank capacity: 2 gallon
- Lawn size: ½ – 1 acre
- Warranty: 3 years
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Attachment Sold Separately |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 8 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ High-pressure washout port ✓ Pneumatic rear wheels ✓ Blade break ✓ Easy to start ✓ Durable ✓ Fast | ✗ Hard to navigate around landscaping ✗ Doesn’t fit in narrow passages ✗ The levers take a couple uses (or WD-40) to loosen up✗ Pricey |
Where to buy
Top 3 self-propelled lawn mowers for under ½ acre – reviews
1. Toro Super Recycler 21564 – Best gas-powered
The best gas-powered self-propelled mower for yards under ½ acre is the Toro Super Recycler 21564. It quickly cuts medium lawns that are flat, uneven, or slightly sloped.
Power: It has a durable 190 cc Briggs & Stratton engine with a push-button electric starter.
Self-propelled features: Like the TimeMaster 21199, it has Toro’s intuitive Personal Pace auto-drive system. The mower’s easy to steer, even through rough terrain.
Cutting deck: It has a 21-inch, commercial-grade cast aluminum deck. With super sharp blades and superb airflow, it finely mulches and crisply cuts.
Additional features: Underdeck bumpers, no oil changes, foldable, shock-absorbing handle, adjustable handlebar
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.25 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Drive: Rear-wheel
- Engine: 190 cc Briggs and Stratton Engine
- Fuel tank capacity: .24 gallon
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Warranty: 5 years
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 9 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Shock-absorbing handle ✓ Doesn’t need oil changes ✓ Excellent air flow ✓ Easy to steer ✓ Easy to start ✓ Durable | ✗ Difficult to push uphill ✗ Difficult to move backward |
Where to buy
2. Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP – Best cordless electric
The best self-propelled, battery-powered mower for medium yards is the Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP. This monster machine runs on industry-leading technology, allowing it to compete with gas-powered models. It’s durable, efficient, and user-friendly. The LM2135SP consistently gives high-quality cuts to ¼- to ½-acre lawns that are flat or hilly.
Power: The mower has a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 7.5 Ah battery. It runs up to an hour on a single charge, and the included Power+ Rapid Charger recharges the battery in one hour. Ego has the industry’s top-rated battery platform. Their ARC Lithium batteries rank first in power, performance, and durability.
Self-propelled features: Ego’s Touch Drive technology uses pressure from the palm of your hand to engage the mower. It has a variable speed dial that adjusts from .9 to 3.1 MPH and rear-wheel drive.
Cutting deck: It has a 21-inch weather-resistant poly deck and a dual-blade cutting system. You can customize each cut with its three interchangeable lower blades — a mulching blade, a high-lift bagging blade, and an extended runtime blade.
Additional features: Bright LED headlights, IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction, single-lever mow height adjustment
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 7.5 Ah
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Drive: Rear-wheel
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Interchangeable blades ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Bright headlights ✓ IPX4-rated weather-resistant | ✗ Doesn’t mow wet grass ✗ Not enough runtime for some medium-sized yards |
Where to buy
3. Troy-Bilt TBWC 28B – Best wide area mower
If you have a medium lawn with vast open space, consider the Troy-Bilt TBWC 28B. It’s the best lawn mower for ¼- to ½-acre lawns with wide-open areas of grass. It’s sturdy and easy to handle on flat, hilly, or uneven ground.
Power: It has a 223 cc Briggs & Stratton PXi1000 engine and a recoil starter. The PXi1000 is potent and dependable with 10 ft.-lb. of torque.
Self-propelled features: Troy-bilt’s InStep drive system inherently syncs with your walking pace. The mower drives well on rough ground with rear-wheel drive and 10-inch semi-pneumatic rear wheels.
Cutting deck: It has a 28-inch stamped steel cutting deck with an integrated mulch plug.
Additional features: Wash port, foldable handle, single-lever mow height adjustment
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 28 in.
- Drive: rear-wheel
- Engine: 223 cc Briggs & Stratton Engine
- Fuel tank capacity: .25 gal
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Warranty: 3 years
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 6 |
| Dual blades | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Comes completely assembled ✓ 10-inch semi-pneumatic rear wheels ✓ Washout port ✓ Durable ✓ Powerful ✓ Fast | ✗ Hard to navigate around landscaping ✗ Doesn’t fit in narrow passages ✗ Pricey |
Where to buy
Top 2 self-propelled lawn mowers under $500 – reviews
1. Toro Recycler 21462 – Best gas-powered
The best self-propelled gas mower under $500 is the Toro Recycler 21462. It gives ¼- to ½-acre lawns a pro-quality cut without breaking the bank.
Power: It has a reliable 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine with 7.25 ft.-lb. of Torque and a pull starter.
Self-propelled features: Toro’s Personal Pace system naturally matches your walking speed without knobs or levers. It has rear-wheel drive and 10-inch rear wheels. It’s easy to steer, even on inclines and rough patches. You can switch between bag and mulch mode in seconds, while the engine’s running.
Cutting deck: It has a 22-inch stamped steel deck with superior airflow. You should expect straight, clean cuts and fine mulch.
Additional features: No oil changes
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 22 in.
- Drive: Rear-wheel
- Engine: 163 cc Briggs & Stratton
- Fuel tank capacity: .25 gallon
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Warranty: 2 years
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 9 |
| Dual blades | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Intuitive self-propelled system ✓ Doesn’t need oil changes ✓ Excellent air flow ✓ Easy to steer ✓ Durable | ✗ Takes multiple pulls to start ✗ Clippings sometimes fall out the bag ✗ Not as powerful as higher-priced models |
Where to buy
2. Greenworks LMF414 – Best cordless electric
The best self-propelled electric mower under $500 is the Greenworks LMF414. It gives excellent value to homeowners with lawns under ½ acre.
Power: With its included 5 Ah battery, the mower gets up to 45 minutes of runtime and fully refuels in 150 minutes using the included charger. Its brushless motor runs on one 40-volt lithium-ion battery.
Self-propelled features: It has rear-wheel drive.
Cutting deck: The mower’s 21-inch steel deck comes with Greenworks’ SmartCut system that intuitively adapts to your grass.
Additional features: Single lever mow height adjustment, stores vertically
Specifications
- Battery: 40-volt, 5 Ah
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Drive system: Rear-wheel drive
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 3-year tool, 3-year battery
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Dual blades | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Reasonably priced ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Adaptable cutting system ✓ Durable | ✗ Battery takes a long time to charge ✗ Least powerful mower on our list ✗ The deck clogs sometimes |
Where to buy
Buyers guide to self-propelled lawn mowers
To choose the best lawn mower for your yard, please consider the following:
Power source
Before buying a lawn mower, compare the pros and cons of gas vs battery-powered mowers.
Gas-powered lawn mowers
Gas-powered lawn mowers are the most efficient and cost-effective option for large yards and tall, thick grass. Although some high-end battery-powered models compete with gas-powered potency, the most mighty mowers run on gas.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Most potent lawn mowers ✓ Get the most bang for your buck ✓ Long runtimes ✓ Affordable parts | ✗ Release toxic fumes ✗ High-maintenance ✗ Harder to start ✗ Louder |
When comparing gas mowers, please look at the following:
- Engine displacement: Measured in cubic centimeters (cc), this tells you the engine’s size. Larger engines are typically more powerful with higher performance. Most self-propelled gas mowers have 150 – 200 cc engines, but some are as large as 345 cc or as small as 140 cc.
- OHV engines: They generate higher torque at slower speeds, leading to greater efficiency, less fuel consumption, and better durability than a standard mower engine.
- Fuel tank size: Mowers that hold more gas run longer without refilling the tank. The average self-propelled mower holds about ½ gallon of gas.
- Electric start: Gas mowers with an electric starting system are easier to start.
Battery-powered lawn mowers
Electric self-propelled mowers typically run on lithium-ion batteries. These cordless mowers are low-maintenance, easy to start, and typically quieter than gas models. They don’t emit harsh fumes, but lithium mining harms the environment.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Don’t release toxic fumes ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Quieter | ✗ Shorter runtime ✗ Batteries can take a long time to charge ✗ High-performance models are expensive ✗ Lithium mining is bad for the environment |
When comparing battery mowers, please look at the following:
- Runtime: Most cordless electric lawn mowers run 40 – 60 minutes on a single charge. All else equal, batteries with higher amp hours (Ah) last longer.
- Voltage: Like the engine displacement of a gas engine, battery voltage indicates a lawn mower’s power and performance potential. Most battery-powered, self-propelled mowers run on 40 to 60 volts.
- Included battery/charger: When looking at lawn mower prices, compare apples to apples. If a model doesn’t have a battery and charger, add the cost of a lithium-ion battery and charger before comparing.
Drive system
A self-propelled lawn mower works with a drive system that pushes it forward. In contrast, push mowers rely on human strength.
There are three main types of self-propelled drive:
- All-wheel drive (AWD) mowers propel forward using all four wheels. They’re the best for steep slopes because they have the best traction.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) mowers propel using their two rear wheels. They work well on slopes and rough ground, but are sometimes tough to navigate through obstacles.
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) mowers propel using their two front wheels. They’re best for flat lawns with many twists and turns. They don’t do well on steep slopes or uneven terrain, but are the easiest to turn.
Lawn size
Self-propelled lawn mowers are best for lawns that are ¼ to 1 acre. You want a mower that’s appropriate for your lawn size:
- < ¼ acre: We recommend the best push lawn mowers for small lawns under ¼ acre. Homeowners with small yards also should consider the best reel lawn mowers and the best mowers under $300.
- ¼ – ½ acre: Look for a walk-behind lawn mower (self-propelled or push) with a 21- to 28-inch cutting width. Some of the best robotic mowers also work great on medium lawns.
- ½ – 1 acre: Choose a self-propelled mower with a cutting width between 30 and 36 inches to get the lawn mowed promptly.
- > 1 acre: The best lawn mowers for big yards that are over an acre are riding lawn mowers with a 36 to 48-inch cutting width. The best zero-turn mowers for multi-acre properties have a cutting width over 48 inches.
Grass type
Ensure the mower can cut grass to your lawn’s ideal mowing height. The table below shows suggested heights for common types of turfgrass.
| Grass type | Cutting height (inches) |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 |
| Bermudagrass | 1 – 2 |
| Buffalograss | 2 – 4 |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 3 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 4 |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 |
Cutting features
Most of the models on our list are “3-in-1” mowers that come with the following cutting capabilities:
- Mulching grass clippings: Mulching lawn mowers make lawn care a cinch. They grind up grass so you can leave the clippings on your lawn to biodegrade into the soil. Grass clippings are a natural source of nitrogen that benefits turfgrass and other nitrogen-hungry plants. There are many ways to use grass clippings as mulch.
- Side discharge: Grass clippings are expelled through a discharge chute and blown several feet away. So, it works best in large areas of lawn with few landscaping obstacles. The blades move quickly, giving a cleaner cut. Due to the cutting speed, it’s the best way to cut wet grass.
- Rear bagging: Lawn mowers with a bag attachment help homeowners who want to collect grass clippings for disposal or a compost pile. The advantages of bagging your clippings include reduced allergies and fewer pests.
Also consider the number of mower blades:
- Single-blade mowers are best for smaller yards and typically have no more than a 22-inch cutting width. They generally are lighter and less expensive than dual-blade models.
- Dual-blade mowers require a larger engine (or motor), so they are often heavier and more expensive. But they give the grass a cleaner cut and mulch clippings more finely.
Cost
Most self-propelled lawn mowers cost $410 to $915, but some cost as much as $2,300 or as little as $350.
| Average cost of a self-propelled mower | $660 |
| Typical price range | $410 – $915 |
| Extreme low | $350 |
| Extreme high | $2,300 |
FAQ about self-propelled lawn mowers
How do you maintain a self-propelled mower?
The best lawn mower maintenance is the same for self-propelled and push mowers:
- Read the manual: It includes vital details such as a maintenance schedule, troubleshooting, and safety tips.
- Clean the deck: You should clean the mowing deck at least twice a year, but you may need to clean it more frequently if you do a lot of mowing.
- Sharpen the blades: Lawn mower blades typically need sharpening after 20 to 25 hours of use.
- Clean or replace the air filter: Gas-powered mowers usually need the air filter cleaned or replaced every three months.
- Change the oil: Gas mowers usually need an oil change once a year or after 50 hours of use (whichever comes first).
- Change the spark plugs: Gas-powered mowers typically need their spark plugs changed once a year or after 25 hours of use.
- Winterize each year: Drain the gas or add a fuel stabilizer to winterize a gas mower. All you have to do for a battery-powered mower is remove the batteries.
Proper maintenance will prolong your lawn mower’s lifespan and reduce the need for lawn mower repairs.
What brand of lawn mower is the most reliable?
The most reliable lawn mower brands are:
- Toro
- Cub Cadet
- Ego
- Greenworks
- Honda
- Troy-Bilt
How long do self-propelled lawn mowers last?
A good quality self-propelled lawn mower typically lasts 8 to 10 years, about the same as a good push mower.
When to hire a lawn care pro
Good-quality lawnmowers aren’t cheap, and even the best ones require elbow grease. So, save yourself the stress and find a local lawn care pro. Lawn Love connects to world-class outdoor services pros that have affordable rates.
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Main Photo Credit: andreas160578 | Pixabay, with text overlay created using Canva Pro
