The Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Our Top Pick: Husqvarna HU700AWD Honda GCV160cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Mower
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The time spent mowing your lawn can be a time for relaxation and meditation. It can also be a time for pain and misery. Pushing a lawn mower back and forth for hours at a time can start to wear on your back as well as your mind. If your looking for the best lawn mower 2022, then self propelled lawn mowers are what you are looking for. They have the capabilities necessary to take much of the strain off of your body and mind. With this type of lawn mower, you don’t have to worry about pushing hundreds of pounds of metal for hours at a time. All you have to do is guide it, and let it do the pushing for you.
Let’s Have a Quick Look of Our Top 4 Picks:
#1. Husqvarna HU700AWD Honda GCV160cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Mower
View it on Amazon: -*
*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Husqvarna is responsible for some of the premier lawn mowers on the market today. Though they especially excel in the manufacture of zero turn mowers, they also put out high quality self propelled lawnmowers. Their top self propelled lawn mower at the moment is the Husqvarna HU700AWD Honda GCV160cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Mower. Its versatility combines with its power and function to create a mower that is both highly effective and easy to use.
Let’s start by talking about the mower’s driving ability. It possesses all wheel drive, giving it exceptional maneuverability in all types of terrain, from long, shaggy grass, to wet, soppy grass. With this mower, you won’t have to worry about making it up hills or pushing through the elements. The speed of the mower corresponds directly with how fast the user walks, so if you want to walk slow, the mower will hold back and bare with you. If you want to walk a little faster, the mower will feel the pressure you’re putting on it and push forward. At around 105 pounds, this mower is very lightweight, making it easy to turn and move around corners.
The mower’s wheels are the same size in both the front and rear of the mower, measuring in at 8 inches in diameter. Each wheel is attached to a ball bearing, giving the mower a very smooth and consistent drive. Slightly inset from the back wheels, the front wheels allow the mower to move in a straighter line, necessitating less guidance by the user. All of the mower’s wheels are attached to its 22-inch, powder-coated deck which provides high performance and excellent durability.
The engine of the mower is very easy to start. Pulling the recoil starter once or twice will usually get the mower up and running, and once the Honda gcv160 – 160cc 4 cycle engine is revving, the mower will propel with ease, and cut with consistency. With the ability to mow, mulch, and bag grass, the mower is very versatile, allowing you to output your glass clippings in the best way you see fit. A very nice feature of the mower is its ability to adjust blade height with the use of just one lever. Most self propelled lawn mowers require you to change the blade height at each and every wheel, but this mower easily adjusts blade height with a simple flick of the wrist.
Online reviewers love this mower for how light it is, with one reviewer stating that it is the lightest and easiest to maneuver self propelled lawn mower he has ever used. Reviewers also give the mower credit for how easy it is to raise and lower its cutting height, noting its ability to adjust heights with the use of just one lever.
Some reviewers complained about the mower’s ability to mulch grass, stating that it left rather large grass clippings even when in mulching mode. Another negative criticism of the mower was about its wheels, with one reviewer stating that the wheels couldn’t gain any traction on the mossy portions of his yard.
In summary, the Husqvarna HU700AWD Honda GCV160cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Mower combines maneuverability and versatility to create a mower that’s both highly functional and easy to use. Whether you want to bag, mulch, or mow your grass; whether you have to mow hills or flat land, this mower will get the job done. If you’ve been using a push mower and are looking to move up to something a little more relaxing, the Husqvarna HU700AWD Honda GCV160cc 3-in-1 All Wheel Drive 4X4 Mower is the best you’re going to find. It can be purchased for around $450.00 on most online retail sites.
#2. Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower
View it on Amazon: $439.00*
*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Honda is renowned as one of the top automobile manufacturers in the world. But, in addition to automobiles, the company is also responsible a number of other products. One of theses products is lawn mowers. Honda’s premier self propelled lawn mower at the moment is the Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower . Its combination of versatility and power makes it one of the nicest self propelled lawn mowers on the market. Find our top above ground sprinkler picks here
With exceptional rear while drive, this mower does a great job of staying aligned, mowing in straight lines without little to no guidance. This provides you with extra relaxation while you’re mowing, resulting in a better lawn mowing experience overall. While the mower has some traction problems when going sideways on hills, it does a great job of climbing and descending hills. Variables speeds allow you to change change the drive pace to any speed between 0 and 4 miles per hour. This allows you to set a pace that is suitable for your natural walking speed. The overall weight of the mower is very light, weighing in at around 84 pounds, and making it very maneuverable.
Each of the mower’s four wheels measures in at 8 inches in diameter, giving it a set position that is low to the ground, and ensuring an even cut. These wheels are attached to the mower’s deck with ball bearings, creating a smooth and consistent roll that will ensure ultimate drive-ability at all times. The deck of the mower measures in at 21 inches, giving the mower quite a bit of cutting area, and reducing the amount of times you must walk back and forth.
With a powerful GCV160 engine, this gas-powered mower sports a twin blade that cuts grass with consistency as well as speed. It makes use of a pull starter, which is typically successful with just one try. You won’t have to prime the engine and struggle to get the motor running every time you try to mow. Six different blade heights from 1 1/8 to 4 inches allow you to cut your grass at the height you deem suitable. Height is adjusted with levers that are connected to each wheel. As far as cutting options go, this mower can bag, mow, and mulch grass.
Many online reviewers called this mower the best they’ve ever owned, stating that it cuts consistently, move at an even pace, and has plenty of horsepower to cut through any texture of grass. Reviewers also give it credit for easily it starts up, with one reviewer stating that it starts up on the first rope pull without any engine priming.
Some reviewers criticize this mower for its lack of ability to cut lengthwise on hills, stating that the wheels will sometimes slip. Other reviewers complained of how hard it was to push the buttons down on the control panel. One reviewer even said that he had to take brakes in order to give his thumbs a chance to rest.
Taking everything into consideration, the Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke is a high-powered mower that cuts and moves consistently. Though it may have some trouble on hilly areas, it does a great job on flat land, scaling all types of terrain, and doing so while never missing a beat. If you have a flat and small to medium sized yard and are looking for a self propelled mower, the Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke might just be the mower for you. It’s available for around $440.00 on most online retail sites, and will undoubtedly make your mowing experience a relaxing one.
#3. Troy-Bilt TB370 163cc 21-inch In Step RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Coming in as the #3 self propelled lawn mower on our list is the Troy-Bilt TB370 163cc 21-inch In Step RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. Highlighted by its powerful, easy-to-start engine, and supreme cutting ability, this Troy-Bilt mower will clean you lawn up in a hurry, and let you relax while doing it.
This mower offers rear wheel drive that, when combined with its light 91 pounds of weight, offers excellent maneuverability. Its In Step variable speed drive system automatically conforms to the speed at which you walk, providing comfort and relaxation to slow and fast walkers alike. It also offers exceptional traction on terrains of all kinds, whether you’re in wet or dry grass, or on slick moss.
As far as the mower’s wheels go, it has two identical front wheels backed by two identical rear wheels. The front wheels measure in at 8 inches in diameter while the rear wheels measure in at 11 inches in diameter. This is known as a high wheel layout, and it will help to give the mower more traction and a smoother ride than would be present with a mower that has a low wheel layout. Each wheel is connected to the mower’s 21 inch deck with the use of ball bearings. This gives the mower a great deal of cutting area, and also helps to provide the mower with a smoother ride.
A 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine provides the mower with ample power that works to create a quick and consistent cut regardless of the speed the mower is moving at. The engine requires no priming, and can usually be started by pulling the recoil starter one or two times. Like the previous two mowers on the list, this mower is capable of bagging, mowing, and mulching cut grass. It has six different height adjustment settings that range between 1.25 inches and 3.75 inches, giving you the choice of how long you want your grass to be cut. Raising and lowering blade height is done easily with a hand lever that’s at your disposal whenever you need it. You won’t have to change the height on each individual wheel.
Online reviewers laud this mower for how easy it is to start, with one reviewer stating that it’s easier to start than any other mower he’s ever used. Reviewers also give the mower credit for how easy it is to adjust its blade height, with many relieved that they didn’t have to change the height on each individual wheel.
A negative mentioned about the mower by some online reviewers is that the engine stops running as soon as you release the handlebar bail.
Overall, the consensus points to the Troy-Bilt TB370 163cc 21-inch In Step RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower being one of the premier self propelled lawn mowers on the market. It’s highlighted by how easy it is to use; from adjusting blade height, to starting the engine. If you’re looking for a very reliable, and easy-to-use self propelled lawn mower, you should definitely take a look at the Troy-Bilt TB370 163cc 21-inch In Step RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. It goes for around $450.00 on most online retail sites.
#4. Lawn-Boy Kohler XT6 OHV Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
View it on Amazon: -*
*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Self propelled lawn mowers are typically sold for some pretty steep prices. Purchasing one is always going to be a large investment. But, it doesn’t have to be an extraordinarily large investment. There are plenty of quality, self propelled lawn mowers that are both functional and very affordable. One of these is the Lawn-Boy Kohler XT6 OHV Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower.
A Kohler 149cc/ 6.5 ft.-lbs. Gross Torque/ OHV engine and a rear wheel drive system give this mower both the power and traction needed to mow both flat land and steep hills with speed and consistency. Weighing in at a scant 66 pounds, this mower is very easy to maneuver, and allows for minimum physical effort when mowing. It provides three grass discharge methods, which include bagging, mulching, and mowing. To change the blade height, you can simply adjust two points that are located on the same side of the mower, making it a quick and easy process.
8 inch diameter wheels connect to the mower’s 21 inch deck, providing a stable, consistent drive to a mower that has a great deal of cutting area. This will greatly increase the speed at which you are able to mow your lawn.
Online reviewers love this lawn mower for how easy it is to start, stating that it usually only takes one pull on the recoil starter. They also like how easy it moves through the grass, noting that it takes very little effort to get it moving.
Some online reviewers had trouble with the blade height adjuster locking into place. It’s located on the wheels, and would not stay in place on the wheel. One reviewer also criticized the mower’s inability to adequately adjust handlebar height, stating that it could only adjust a little bit, and that it was more appropriate for tall users than short ones.
Overall, the Lawn-Boy Kohler XT6 OHV Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower doesn’t quite measure up to the other mowers on the list, though it’s still very good for its price. Its blade height adjustment is not as simple, and it has limited adjustment ability in general, but it still runs very well, and produces a consistent cut on any type of terrain. If you’re looking for a self propelled lawn mower at a bargain price, the Lawn-Boy Kohler XT6 OHV Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower might be for you. It can be purchased for around $365.00 on most online retail sites.
Pre-purchase considerations
Front wheel, rear wheel, or four wheel drive
Perhaps the most important aspect of a self propelled lawn mower is its ability to propel itself. Different self propelled lawn mowers do this in different ways. Some of these mowers are propelled solely by their back wheels. Some are propelled solely by their front wheels. And, some are propelled by all of their wheels. Each of these styles offers the mower different characteristics and capabilities, leaving consumers to choose one that best fits their needs. A self propelled lawn mower with front wheel drive is quicker to maneuver than one with rear wheel drive. You can adjust the direction of the mower simply by tilting it to its back wheels and turning it in the direction that you want it to go.
This is not possible with rear wheel and all wheel drive mowers. However, if rear wheel and all wheel drive mowers allow you to easily and temporarily pause the drive so that you can change directions, they can be a lot more valuable than mowers with front wheel drive. This is because mowers with rear and all wheel drive have better traction and typically mow in a straighter line than do mowers with front wheel drive. The ideal self propelled lawn mower has rear or all wheel drive as well as the ability to temporarily turn off the drive with quickness and ease.
Cutting types
In general, self propelled lawn mowers offer three different types of grass cutting options. These options include mowing, mulching, and bagging. Mowing involves the typical cutting of the grass, leaving the cut grass in one piece on the ground. While there is nothing wrong with this type of cutting, it can result in piles of dead grass being left on your lawn that must either be disposed of, or left lying, giving your yard an appearance that you probably don’t want it to have.
A mulching cutting style involves the grass being cut into fine, tiny pieces that are left on your yard, decomposing quickly, and returning water and nutrients to the land. The bagging option is what it sounds like. A bag attached to the mower receives all of the lawn clippings through the mower which sucks up the grass as it is being cut. This allows for rather easy disposal of the grass, making it a very good option if you’re looking to make your yard look nice and clean.
The most popular lawn mowers on the market come will all three options. They can easily be switched between a mowing, mulching, or bagging option. There are also mowers that offer just bagging and mulching. You should select a mower that best suits your needs and purposes.
Wheel layout
There are, typically, two different styles of wheel layout. The most common and affordable style consists of four wheels that are all the same size diameter. Generally, each of these wheels measures at about 8 inches in diameter. Known as a low wheel style, this style keeps the mower deck relatively close to the ground, producing more resistance against the ground, and ultimately making it more difficult for the mower to move through the grass.
The other wheel layout is referred to as a high wheel layout. This layout consists of back wheels that are larger than its front wheels. These back wheels usually measure between 9 and 12 inches in diameter, and help to give the mower a more smooth and consistent drive over bumpy terrain. Because of the benefit that a high wheel layout adds to a mower, it is usually more expensive. If you have the extra money, it’s wise to go with a mower that has a high wheel layout.
Mower Features
From its engine to the positioning of a handlebars, a self propelled mower has many features that contribute to how well it will fit your needs and purposes. When looking at different mowers, you should survey all of its aspects.
Find out whether the mower is started by turning a key, or whether it’s started by pulling a recoil starter. Survey its blade height capabilities. Make sure that changing the blade’s height is both quick and convenient. You don’t want to have to put a lot of work in every time you want to mow grass at a different height. Make sure the mower’s handle bar is at the correct height, or that it can be adjusted to meet your height. At the same time, make sure the bail on the handlebar is easy to press and hold down.
Comfort and convenience is a big aspect to look forward in any product, and especially in one that you’re going to be user for around an hour at a time. Before you make the final purchase on a self propelled lawn mower, make sure it’s one that you can see yourself using for a long time. You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on something that isn’t going to cut it in the future. It’s a long term investment, and it’s important to choose wisely.
Conclusion (Wrapping it up)
Mowing your lawn can be either a laborious chore or a relaxing time spent grooming your yard. With a self propelled model, you can take some of the burden off of your body, making you more comfortable and creating a better experience overall. While there are a great deal of self propelled lawn mowers on today’s market, not all of these mowers are created equally. It’s a rather large investment that needs to last you a long time, so you must make sure that it’s a good one. Do the research. Consider the options. Once you’ve done this, you can find the self propelled lawn mower that is perfect for you.