What Is The Most Suitable Self-Propelled Mower For You?

Would a classic push mower do the job just as well as a self-propelled mower? When buying your first mower or replacing an old one, this is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. If you choose the kind you truly need, you won’t regret it, and you might even enjoy the task of mowing your lawn.

With our comparison of push vs self-propelled lawn mowers, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the right choice.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

On the other hand, self-propelled mowers have transmissions that drive their wheels.

Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are both used in self-propelled lawn mowers.

A self-propelled mower doesn’t need to be pushed across your yard, unlike push mowers. Most of the time, the user is only responsible for steering these mowers.

Despite what you might have heard, self-propelled mowers don’t run away from you. There is usually a way to set a comfortable speed so that every time you engage the mower’s drive, the speed is consistent.

Motorized lawn mowers have safety bars that must be squeezed in order to engage the motor and spin the blades. In addition to the mower’s wheels engaging, the self-propelled mower also has an additional bar that needs to be squeezed just like a gas pedal.

With high-end models, self-propelled walk-behind mowers travel up to 4 mph, with more typical models traveling between 1 and 3 miles per hour.

My Honda self-propelled mower’s manufacturer’s photo.

Using these mowers will save you a considerable amount of time by reducing your mowing time. Moreover, they are capable of navigating uneven terrain.

I own a Honda 21-inch self-propelled mower and it’s fantastic. The unit was purchased at Home Depot many years ago for $399, and I have done all the maintenance myself.

The first pull of each season is when it starts after sitting all winter. This is a highly recommended book.

The Difference Between Push and Self-Propelled Mowers

We should clarify exactly what constitutes a “push mower” and what constitutes a “self-propelled mower” before we compare push mowers and self-propelled mowers. Before we proceed any further, let’s be aware that there are several variations on each.

Mower that operates by pushing

Push mowers, as the name indicates, are mowers that you walk behind and push. The term “push mower” is commonly associated with the old-fashioned reel mower, but there are other types of mowers that fall into this category as well.

It would be fair to consider all of the following push mowers.

Old-fashioned reel-push mowers – These are the mowers you see in old movies. Mowers don’t have motors or engines; all they have is a cylinder in which the blades spin horizontally as you push them. Generally, they’re the cheapest type of push mower, because of their simple design.

The “next level up” in terms of push mowers is electric push mowers. Despite being lightweight, they’re either corded (powered by the mains) or cordless (powered by batteries). An angular rotary blade replaces the cylinder blade.

· Gas Push Mowers – The strongest of the three, gas push mowers tend to be heavier and more expensive. Despite this, they’re the most powerful and you’re likely to find that they’re most suitable if you frequently cut long, thick grass.

What’s the difference between self-propelled mowers and push mowers?Clearly, the power source is what separates these three variations of the push mower I mentioned above. It depends on the type and size of your lawn to determine which will meet your needs.

What’s the difference between self-propelled mowers and push mowers?

Purchasing a mower can be an expensive investment, so you should choose one that will last for a long time. A high-quality mower will require the least maintenance and match well with the size of your lawn.

Self-propelled and push mowers are not necessarily better than each other. Your choice will depend on your needs. Buying a gas or cordless push mower is a smart idea if you have a 14,000-12,000 square foot lawn.

The type of mower you need will depend on the distance from electrical outlets and how long your lawn is. Gas or corded push mowers should suffice for smaller lawns. A self-propelled lawn mower will prove useful if your budget allows for it and you have a lawn large enough to cover 12 to 1 acre.

 If you want something basic, lightweight, and low maintenance for a small lawn that has already been well maintained, a reel mower might be a suitable choice. It is not a wise idea to use a reel mower along with a larger push mower for quick mowing jobs since they are relatively inexpensive.

Choose the right lawn mower

When it comes to buying a lawn mower, it is wise to consider the size of your yard. Riding mowers and lawn tractors are obvious choices for properties that have grass that covers 1/4 acre or more. This is because pushing a mower over a large property is tiring work, and the lawn needs to be mowed often during the growing season.

Considering the terrain of your yard is also critical, as steep slopes require equipment that can handle the mow. Having a budget is also imperative, especially for a large yard that requires a backyard tractor, because the range and potential options vary quite a bit from the simplest riding mowers to heavy-duty lawn tractors.

Whether or not you intend to put a lot of effort into the mow is another consideration. The push mower may work well for a small suburban lawn, but if you suffer from health conditions that make it difficult to push the mower, or if your yard is a bit larger, you may need a self-propelled walk-behind mower or a riding mower.

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Self-Propelled Mowers?

Due to their more moving parts, self-propelled lawn mowers use more gas, require more maintenance, and weigh more than self-propelled lawn mowers.

Using more gas

Gas-powered push mowers are more energy efficient than motorized push mowers. The reason? The motor does nothing but spin the blades underneath the grass. A self-driven system propels the mower forward by funneling energy.

In the long run, consuming more gas will increase operating costs.

The system requires more maintenance

Keeping your home appliances in proper working condition is largely dependent on their moving parts: the more moving parts it has, the more maintenance and repairs will be required.

It can be said of garden appliances like self-propelled mowers as well. Eventually, parts on your mower will need to be repaired or replaced, or even lubricated, so that it will continue to function properly.

Immense

Mowers that move themselves are heavier than those that are operated manually. Keeping in mind that these machines only run when they’re turned on is extremely crucial. Even so, you’ll have to carry and transport them.

Recommendations for using a push vs self-propelled mower

Here’s a look at the mower I would personally choose in a variety of situations. You don’t have to believe me. Through personal experience and observations, I’ve made these observations.

Typical city lot, small grassy lawn

Mower (electric or reel)

Inequitable lawn

Electrical push mower

A lawn with steep slopes

An electric or corded push mower

Medium lawns

Push or self-propelled (front-wheel drive) mowers

A medium lawn

Powered by Gas, Cordless Electricity, or Self-Propelled

Steep slopes on a medium lawn

Powered by the rear wheel

A flat lawn

Driven by FRONT or REAR wheels

The lawn is uneven

Self-Propelled

Sloped lawn

Driven by rear wheels.

Summary

A walk-behind lawn mower is a convenient option for people not used to mowing or who do not want to spend a lot on a riding lawn mower. Using it for a medium-sized lawn is a breeze, as we have seen.

Traditional push mowers are effective for uneven terrain, but they are slower in speed. Here’s a guide to help you decide which way to go when looking for a walk-behind lawn mower.

Push vs Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers.