Best Self-propelled Lawn Mower for Best Mowing Experience

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Your yard is in rough shape and you're someone who prefers doing things on your own. That means you need a lawn mower. Chances are, you have encountered self-propelled lawn mowers bearing in mind that there is a wide range of models available in the market today. Let’s begin with what defines basic differences between self-propelled and a regular lawn mower.

Self-operated lawn mowers operate by the power produced in the motor, and their wheels, therefore sparing the energy that you would have applied while pushing the lawn mower. This feature proves particularly useful when you’re using the mower to work in a large area with inclined areas. In general, self propelled lawn mowers are ideal for more sprawling lawns and thus are better.

The Best Self-propelled Lawn Mowers

1. Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower

Sale
Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn...
  • [60V 21” LAWN MOWER] - Delivers more power and performance...
  • [UP TO 60 MINUTE RUN-TIME] – Achieve up to 60 minutes run-time,...
  • [SELF-PROPELLED] - Effortlessly conquer hills with self-propelled...
  • [50% MORE POWER / 60% LESS NOISE] – 50% more power than 40V...
  • [WATERPROOF IPX 4] – Waterproof with IPX 4 rating to thrive in...
With two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger, the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is an easy to use tool which can be used for a long time in a dark environment thanks to LED headlights installed. Key features include an 21” cutting deck, a self-propelled drive system meant for medium to large yards among others.

The Greenworks 60V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is perfect for those who want an easy-to-use and environmentally friendly cultivator capable of working with most domestic lawns. It does so with the convenience of operating in gas equivalent to without some of the drawbacks, namely battery duration limiting it from being useful in very large yards. The use of LED lights, and self-driven operation makes it very easy and comfortable to use.

Pros:

  • Quiet operation
  • Durable and lightweight construction
  • Features LED headlights
  • Eco-friendly and low maintenance

Cons:

  • Heavier than non-propelled models
  • High initial cost compared to gas mowers.

2. YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed 

Sale
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel...
  • Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable...
  • Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spike tread pattern...
  • Easily clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck...
  • Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
  • 7 cutting heights from 1.38 in. to 3.55 in.

Thanks to its 6 speed CVT drive, this Gas Mower has rear wheel drive (RWD) coming from a 201cc engine thus making it a very powerful and versatile mower. It has 3 features: mowing and collecting grass clippings in a bag, mowing and leaving clippings on the lawn, and mowing only for side discharge. The larger and more complex the lawn, such as those with many hills and slopes, this is the right model of a mower you need.

The YARDMAX 22 inch is a great lawn mower for a big or inclined lawn as the device is quite powerful and is a gas mower. It does need some constant maintenance and it should be stored, but it has adjustable speeds, RWD traction, 3 in 1 cutting which makes it ideal for professional mowing.

Pros:

  • Delivers high torque for thick or tall grass.
  •  Excellent traction on slopes and uneven ground
  • 6-speed CVT transmission which offers smooth, adjustable speed control
  • 3-in-1 functionality

Cons:

  • Assembly may be slightly challenging for first-time users

3. Worx Nitro 40V 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (WG760)

Worx Nitro 40V 21" Self-propelled Lawn Mower w/Aerodeck...
  • AERODECK TECHNOLOGY: Vented design boosts air volume in the...
  • MADE STRONGER, LASTS LONGER: Brushless Motor 2.0 delivers 40%...
  • SELF-PROPELLED WITH VARIABLE SPEED: This walk-behind...
  • INTELLICUT TECHNOLOGY: Built with patented sensors, this lawn...
  • SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same PowerShare batteries...

The Worx Nitro WG760 is an advanced cordless self-propelled lawn mower that come equipped with two 5.0Ah PowerShare batteries respectively as well as IntelliCut technology for power demanding needs. It has Aerodeck cutting system which increases the operations of fresh air matching for better mulching plus cutting, plus also, speed control ideal for the different grounds.

Worx Nitro 40V 21” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is one of the best choices for powerful cordless and environment-friendly machines. IntelliCut and variable speed control and provide flexibility and comfort irrespective of the nature of the lawn, battery capacity restricts large areas of usage. For those who already own Worx PowerShare tools, the batteries’ capability of swapping out is an additional advantage.

Pros:

  • Features two 5.0Ah PowerShare batteries
  • Environmentally friendly and low maintenance
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy-to-store design

Cons:

  • Replacement batteries can be expensive

4. EGO Power + LM2130 56 Volt Cordless Lawn Mower 

Sale
EGO Power+ LM2130 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Select Cut...
  • Select Cut Multi-Blade System for premium cutting performance...
  • Get 45 minutes of run time on a single charge when used with the...
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • 7-position cutting height adjustments: 1.5"- 4"
  • 3-in-1 function: mulching, bagging, side discharge

This model now has a self-propelled system and a new 1000W brushless engine and comes equipped with a new twin blade for improved mulching and bagging. Though you can always switch to the Tri-Cut blade system for a much better than the other experience of mulching. Along with this, it has a new back battery insertion angle to check the newly designed 6 segment charge indicator of new EGO 56V batteries.

When working with the mulching plug, the higher lift and teeth cut grass still finer for more efficient mulching which consequently results in a slightly longer operating time. A trade-off that is worth it for all those people who love mulching as a method of maximising soil fertility. This means you can naturally hit the power-up start-button with the thumb of your left hand.

From the same handle, you can switch on the front LED lights meaning you won’t need to bend when operating this self-propelled lawn mowers as is normally the case. Part of this is a center mounted speed control dial that when turned turns on the self-propelled mower drive system.

Pros:

  • It uses a Twin-blade system
  • It has a better speed control

Cons:

  • The optional tri-cut mulching blade reduces run-time

5. Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Sale
Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled)...
  • CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks...
  • DURABLE 21” STEEL DECK – The 21” steel deck allows you to...
  • SELF-PROPELLED – Rear wheel drive and variable speed control...
  • INNOVATIVE SMARTCUT TECHNOLOGY – Senses grass and auto-adapts...
  • VERSATILE – Single lever, 7-position height adjustment for the...
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower provides professional grade cutting power equal to that of gas mowers at a cost that is environmentally friendly and easy on the maintenance. It comes with a 4.0Ah battery and can handle over 75 different tools making it suitable for medium to big yards.

The Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is a professional-grade walk behind lawn mower that delivers excellent performance all while being cordless. The Greenworks 60v G-MAX Cordless Chain Saw has a dual battery port, variable speed control, and compatibility with Greenworks tools, which make this product a good buy for those with a large area or the previous Greenworks tools.

Pros:

  • 75+ tool compatibility
  • It features LED headlights
  • Folds for compact storage

Cons:

  • Replacement batteries can be pricey

Buying Guide for the Best Self-propelled Mower

A. The Engine Size

The engine used to power mowers can be as small as 125 cc. Yet they are mainly between 140 cc and 190 cc in most cars most of the time. Remember that self-propelled mowers are propelled by a large engine and are easier to operate when they are cutting through high and thick grass.

B. The Diameter of the Rear Wheels

The larger  the diameter of the rear wheels the better the mow ride over rugged terrains and ground.

C. The Speed Control

In various models of a mower, the speed of operation can be regulated in various manners as well. Some use a squeeze handle.

Some even have a drive bar which is either pressed forward or dialed. It’s helpful if you skim through the design you presume to work on.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Self-propelled Lawn Mower

1. Can my self-propelled mower mow wet grass?

Most lawn mowers have blade that are quite capable of making a cut on wet grass. Nevertheless, it is ineffective to do so. It is because when wet the formation of grass clumps thereby increasing the level at which they are cut by the mower. Besides that, it could wet the soil.

2. Can I use regular car oil in a self-propelled lawn mower?

Yes. Check for specific guidelines on how to do this.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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