When comparing self-propelled vs. push mowers, self-propelled models are quicker and easier to use. They’re also more potent. On the other hand, push mowers are cheaper and better at handling twists and turns.
With the help of a mower expert, we examined both types of walk-behind mowers. After explaining the differences between push and self-propelled mowers, we give actionable advice on choosing the best one. Our head-to-head comparisons show the best mower for your personalized lawn care needs.
What is a self-propelled mower?
| Cutting width: 21 to 33 inches Number of blades: 1 to 2 Terrain: Flat, hilly, uneven Typical price: $400 to $950 Yard size: < 1 acre |
Self-propelled mowers have a drive system that moves them forward, so you don’t have to push. Instead, just steer the mower as you follow behind. Consequently, it takes less effort to mow with a self-propelled mower than a push mower.
Most self-propelled mowers use a lever on the handlebar that engages the drive system. Gas models have a drive belt that transfers energy to the mower’s gearbox and wheels. However, self-propelled electric lawn mowers don’t need belts. They use magnetic energy instead.
Self-propelled features
Self-propelled mowers have many options to choose from. Consider the following self-propelled lawn mower features.
They have one these types of drive systems:
- AWD (All-wheel drive) is best for steep slopes because it provides excellent balance and traction.
- FWD (Front-wheel drive) is best for flat lawns with many turns because it’s easy to steer but has poor traction.
- RWD (Rear-wheel drive) is between AWD and FWD, so it’s ideal for uneven or moderately sloped lawns.
Many self-propelled mowers have 3-in-1 cutting decks, but others sell attachments separately for these cutting features:
- Mulch plugs mince grass clippings into a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer. The best mulching mowers have deep, dome-shaped decks with ample airflow.
- Side discharge chutes speedily expel grass clippings, evenly distributing them onto the lawn. It’s the fastest way to mow large lawns.
- Rear baggers collect the grass clippings, making it easy to dispose of or collect them for a compost pile.
Other critical self-propelled components include the following:
- Speed control: Variable speed is usually controlled by the amount of pressure applied to the drive lever. The best self-propelled mowers have intuitive systems that automatically sync to your walking speed.
- Breaking: Typically, the mower only moves when the drive lever is pushed down. Once you let go, the mower stops. Flywheel brake systems instantaneously stop the engine upon release.
- Number of blades: Dual-blades cut more evenly and make finer mulch than single-blade self-propelled cutting systems. One of the best ways to use grass clippings is fertilizing grass. Finely mulched clippings are better lawn food because they decompose quickly and are less likely to smother turf.
- Tires: Large pneumatic tires with heavy-duty tread get better traction on rugged lawns. Ball-bearing front wheels are durable, with less friction for a smoother drive.
- Starter: Gas-powered self-propelled mowers have a pull cord or an electric starter. The latter is much quicker and easier.
- Extras: Many homeowners also appreciate upscale features, such as a deck washout port, a shock-absorbing handle, or bright LED headlights
What is a push mower?
Rotary Drive System: Michelle Selzer
| Cutting width: 13 to 21 inches Number of blades: 1 rotary or 4 to 7 reel Terrain: Flat Typical price: $115 to $370 Yard size: < ¼ acre |
Instead of a drive system, push lawn mowers rely on the operator’s strength to move forward. There are two types: rotary and reel. Rotary blades spin mechanically, but reel push mowers cut manually. Although reel mowers are affordable, eco-friendly, and precise, it takes much more time and sweat to mow with one.
Rotary blades are regular garden-variety mower blades. They’re found on all self-propelled mowers. Receiving power from an engine or motor, the rotary blade speedily spins like a helicopter’s rotor blade. As it trims the turf, its spinning creates suction that pulls the grass upward. Mowing is much quicker and easier with rotary mowers.
In contrast, reel push lawn mowers have spiraling blades on a horizontal axis. As you push the mower, its wheels and reel spin. One at a time, 4 to 7 reel blades meet a stationary bed knife. Like scissors, they seamlessly slice the grass. Reels cut lower and crisper than rotary blades.
Push mower features
To purchase the best push mower, consider the following:
Lightweight design: Push mowers use the operator’s might to move, so lightweight models make mowing more manageable.
Cutting features: Fewer push mowers have 3-in-1 cutting capability than self-propelled models. However, some rotary push mowers have a mulch plug, a side discharge chute, and a rear bag. In contrast, most real mowers don’t come with any of the former features. Some have a small rear bag, and I’ve seen a handful with mulching capability.
Gas vs. electric: When comparing gas vs. electric, the best mowers for small yards are often electric. Electric push mowers are low-maintenance and emissions-free. They’re also easier to start. Push gas mowers have pull-cord starters, and electric mowers have push-buttons.
Head-to-head comparison: self-propelled vs. push mowers
Next, we compare self-propelled and push lawn mowers in the below categories. We also provide tips on choosing the ideal mower for your lawn and lifestyle.
| Self-propelled | Push | |
| Ease of use | ✔ | ✗ |
| Speed | ✔ | ✗ |
| Weight | ✗ | ✔ |
| Power | ✔ | ✗ |
| Fuel efficiency | ✗ | ✔ |
| Turns | ✗ | ✔ |
| Rugged terrain | ✔ | ✗ |
| Features | ✔ | ✗ |
| Maintenance | ✗ | ✔ |
Ease of use
Winner: Self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled: Their drive system moves the mower forward, so mowing takes less effort.
Push: Mowing with a push mower is labor-intensive because the mower relies on the user’s strength to move forward.
Speed and efficiency
Winner: Self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled: With a drive system, it takes less time to mow. Self-propelled mowers are also available with wider cutting decks, so they cut more grass with each pass. Some models mow up to an acre.
Push: With narrow cutting decks and relying on the user’s might to move, cutting grass with a push mower takes a long time. They’re best for lawns under ¼ acre.
Weight
Winner: Push mowers
Self-propelled: Most self-propelled lawn mowers weigh 55 to 140 pounds, but some weigh over 300 pounds.
Push: Most rotary push mowers weigh 20 to 55 pounds, while reel mowers weigh 20 to 35 pounds.
Power
Winner: Self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled: They have larger, more potent engines/motors. Most gas models have a 140 to 344 cc engine with 7 to 10 foot-pounds of torque. Electric self-propelled lawn mowers run on lithium-ion batteries that power a brushless motor.
Push: Gas-powered rotary models usually have a 125 to 170 cc engine with 4.5 to 6.5 foot-pounds of torque. Electric rotary push mowers may be corded or cordless. Corded electric push mowers have brushed motors, but most battery push mowers have brushless motors. However, reel mowers only have as much power as their operator can provide.
Fuel efficiency
Winner: Push mowers
Self-propelled: They consume more fuel than push mowers because they’re heavy with larger engines and drive systems.
Push: Rotary push mowers are lightweight with small single-purpose engines — rotating a single blade. Since it takes longer to mow with a push mower, the fuel savings decrease as lawn size increases. However, push mowers still save some gas on larger lawns. Reel push mowers are solely fueled by human strength, making them the most fuel-efficient.
Maneuvering turns
Winner: Push mowers
Self-propelled: It’s more difficult to maneuver them around landscaping, especially models with AWD or RWD. However, FWD self-propelled mowers are easier to maneuver around curves and landscaping.
Push: With narrow decks and maximum operator control, push mowers have better maneuverability around twists, turns, and obstructions. They also fit in narrower passages.
Mowing rugged terrain
Winner: Self-propelled
Self-propelled: It takes much less elbow grease to mow slopped or uneven lawns. Many models have large rear wheels and pneumatic tires with high-traction tread. They also have stronger engines that enhance cutting power. Models with RWD or AWD are best for rugged lawns.
Push: A few push mowers have heavy-duty tire tread, but I still lack the strength to mow a rugged lawn with them.
Available features
Winner: Self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled: First off, they have a drive system with features like variable speed and rear-wheel drive. Many models also have headlights, electric starters, and deck washout ports. They also tend to have better air filters and more durable frames and decks. Additionally, some have a dual-blade cutting system that makes cleaner cuts and finer mulch.
Push: Most are basic. Very few have fancy features such as headlights or a washout port. None have dual blades or a drive system. Reel push mowers have the least features. The most you can hope for with a reel mower is a small rear bag, mulching, or composite wheels.
Maintenance
Winner: Push mowers
Self-propelled: Jeff Yochum, lead maintenance tech at Ring Container Technologies in Valdosta, GA, says, “The drive system needs maintenance, whether it be just belts or a gearbox and belts. Generally, you have more moving parts that can break, such as cables. You also have more wear and tear on the tires.“
Push: He also explains why push mowers are low-maintenance: “They have far fewer moving parts plus a simplistic and rudimentary design, which gets the job done.”
Cost
Winner: Push mowers
Self-propelled: The average self-propelled lawn mower costs $660. Most gas models cost $365 to $1,000, and most electric ones cost $450 to $800.
Push: The average push mower costs $245. Most gas models cost $250 to $360, and battery push mowers usually cost $250 to $450. However, the best budget mowers are corded electric and reel push mowers, with an average price of $190 and $135, respectively.
Which mower should you choose?
Most people prefer self-propelled mowers. However, push mowers are best for homeowners with yards under ¼ acre on a tight budget. The chart below will help you make your final choice.
| Self-propelled | Push |
| Have a yard over ¼ acre | There’s a lot of landscaping to mow around |
| Want to mow quickly | It’s a small yard with many obstacles and not much open space |
| Want to mow with less effort | The homeowner wants to get a good workout |
| Have hills or uneven terrain | An eco-conscious consumer purchases a reel mower to cut carbon emissions |
| Have thick grass that grows quickly | A lawn care perfectionist gets a reel mower to improve cut quality |
FAQ about self-propelled vs. push mowers
You can, but it won’t be easy. Using a self-propelled mower as a push mower takes a lot of strength because of their weight and drive system. According to Yochum, “When you push the mower, you have to spin the gearbox along with the mower’s weight. It will require a lot more effort than a standard push mower.”
Push mowers tend to last longer than self-propelled mowers because they have fewer moving parts that receive damage. Self-propelled mowers last up to 8 years, while push mowers have an average lifespan of around 10 years.
The tires on a self-propelled mower won’t grip wet grass, so it’ll be a slippery experience. However, it’s best not to mow wet grass with any kind of mower.
No, electric self-propelled mowers aren’t as powerful as gas models. Yochum explains why: “The electric models require a lot more energy to do the same job as a gas-powered mower. Basically because gas engines pack more power into a smaller package.”
It’s easier to bag grass clippings with a self-propelled mower because the drive system helps you haul the weight.
When to call a lawn care pro
I recommend hiring a lawn care pro if you want a lush lawn without much elbow grease. Lawn Love makes it easy to find quality pros at affordable rates. We manage a vast network of outdoor pros who have passed a background check and verified their insurance. On top of that, we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
In addition to mowing, we help with fertilization, gutter cleaning, and over 30 other outdoor services. It only takes a couple of minutes to hire a local pro using our user-friendly app or by calling our pleasant support staff.
Sources:
Jeff Yochum, lead maintenance technician at Ring Container Technologies. (2025). Personal interview.
Main Photo Credits:
Self-propelled mower: Stephan Ridgway | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
Push lawn mower: Trik | Adobe Stock Free | License
