There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly manicured lawn, and a good walk-behind mower is key to making that happen. These mowers come in all sorts of styles, sizes, and designs, each tailored to different lawn care needs. They’re a great fit for small to medium-sized yards, handling everything from cutting grass to creating mulch from leaves, and even tidying up those edges for a clean, polished look.
Top 5 Best Walk Behind Mowers
1. EGO Power+ LM2142SP
- PeakPower technology allows for combined power of any 2 EGO ARC Lithium...
- Up to 80 minutes of run time on single charge with two included 56V 5. 0 Ah...
- High-efficiency brushless motor
Using the EGO Power+ LM2142SP was such a refreshing experience. The quiet operation means we can mow without waking up the neighbors, which makes it perfect for those early morning or late evening sessions. We really appreciated the self-propelled feature—it made navigating our hilly yard so much easier.
The dual battery system was a game-changer for us. We were able to finish mowing our 1/3 acre yard without even thinking about running out of power, with up to 80 minutes of run time. It cuts through tough grass effortlessly, and the results are always impressive—a nice, clean cut that leaves the lawn looking perfectly manicured.
It’s definitely on the pricier side, but we feel the ease of use and efficiency make it worth the investment. The adjustable cutting height is also a great bonus, giving us flexibility to adapt to different grass types and lengths.
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2. Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower
- POWERFUL - Powered by a strong, 160cc 4-Cycle Viper engine....
- DURABLE - Our one-piece steel deck provides strength and stability while...
- CONVENIENT- Never-go-flat wheels ensure that your equipment is ready to go...
We were pretty impressed with how easily it powered through dense foliage. The 160cc 4-Cycle Viper engine has enough strength to tackle even the most stubborn weeds, and the large, wide wheels made it surprisingly easy to move around, even on uneven ground and through thick grass.
One feature we really liked was the integrated clutch and hand bail system. It let us keep going without needing to stop and restart the motor every time we hit a thick patch of brush—definitely a time-saver.
That said, it’s a bit heavy at 70 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to push around, especially if you've got a big yard. Also, some users have noted that the nylon line wears out quickly and needs frequent replacement, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Overall, if you're dealing with tough weeds and brush, the Earthquake Walk-Behind String Mower does the job quickly and efficiently. It’s not the lightest, but it’s reliable, and with a 5-year limited warranty and US-based customer service, you can feel good about your purchase.
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3. Greenworks 25322 Cordless Lawn Mower
- CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric...
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for...
- VERSATILE – Battery powered lawn mower has a single lever 5-position...
We love how easy this mower makes yard work. Its 40V battery gives us up to 45 minutes of runtime, which is perfect for small to medium lawns. Plus, the lightweight design makes it a breeze to maneuver around tight spots and obstacles. The quiet operation is a big win for early morning mowing sessions, so we don’t disturb the neighbors.
We also love the 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging feature—it makes cleanup a lot easier. That said, it’s not the best option for larger yards, as the battery might run out before you’re done. It also has a bit of a hard time with very tall or thick grass. Still, for regular lawn maintenance, it’s a reliable and convenient choice.
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4. YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 2-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower with High Rear Wheels
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- MAXFlow Deck Technology – volute spiral deck design for better airflow...
- Heavy-duty, 16-gauge stamped steel deck
If you're after an easy-to-use, entry-level walk-behind mower, the YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 2-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower with High Rear Wheels is definitely worth considering.
This mower really impressed us for small lawns. The single-lever deck adjustment made it simple to set the mowing height, and the MAXFlow Deck Technology did a great job with airflow and mulching. The 16-gauge stamped steel deck adds a nice touch of durability, too.
That said, we did run into a couple of small hiccups. The oil dipstick is a bit tricky to see, which can get frustrating. We also had to pump the gas bulb every time we started it, even after using it recently. And after only a few uses, the left rear wheel broke, so we’d definitely suggest checking all the wheels when putting it together.
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5. YARDMAX 201cc Self-Propelled Mower
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission)...
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spike tread pattern significantly...
- Easily clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
This mower is a beast when it comes to handling tough, overgrown lawns. Its 201cc gas engine powers through thick grass effortlessly, so you don’t have to break a sweat. The self-propelled feature is a total lifesaver, especially on uneven ground or when you’re working with a larger yard—it does most of the hard work for you. And we’ve got to say, the adjustable cutting height is a nice bonus, giving you the flexibility to tackle different grass types and get just the look you want.
It feels solid and built to last, even on rough terrain, which is a huge plus. On the flip side, it’s definitely heavier than electric models, so maneuvering can take a bit more effort. And yes, it’s louder—but if you’re after raw mowing power, it’s worth the trade-off.
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Buying Guide
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a mower is all about how wide a path it’ll cut with each pass. A wider cutting width means you’ll get your lawn done faster, which is great for larger yards. But keep in mind, it can make the mower harder to maneuver in tighter areas. So, think about the size and layout of your yard when deciding on the right width.
Cutting Height
Cutting height determines how short or tall your grass will be after you mow. Mowers come with different height settings, so it’s important to pick one that can adjust to your desired grass length. And remember, cutting your grass too short can stress it out, so a mower with a range of height options is definitely something to look for.
Engine Power
Engine power is all about how much strength the mower has to cut through thick grass. More power means it’ll handle tough patches and thicker grass better, but keep in mind, powerful engines tend to be heavier and louder. Consider your lawn’s size and the type of grass you have when picking the right engine size.
Drive Type
When it comes to drive systems, you’ve got two options: front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive mowers are easier to maneuver, making them great for flat lawns. Rear-wheel drive mowers, on the other hand, are better for hills or uneven ground. Think about the terrain in your yard to figure out which drive type makes sense for you.
Grass Disposal
Finally, think about how you want to handle grass clippings. Some mowers have a bagging system that collects the clippings for easy disposal, while others mulch them, breaking them up and spreading them back onto the lawn. Pick the system that fits your lawn care needs the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a wide deck walk-behind mower?
When picking a wide-deck walk-behind mower, think about the size of your lawn and what kind of ground you’re mowing. A wider deck can help you mow faster, but you’ll also want a mower with enough power and adjustable height options to handle different grass types. It’s also a good idea to consider how heavy it is and how easy it is to move around, especially if your yard has tight spots or uneven ground.
What is the best commercial self-propelled lawn mower for large lawns?
If you’ve got a big lawn, the Exmark Lazer Z X-Series is a solid choice. It’s got a powerful engine that can handle a lot of grass, plus it has a suspension system for a smoother ride. It also comes with a wide cutting height range (1.5 to 5 inches), and its big fuel tank means you won’t have to stop and refill as often.
What are the most reliable brands of walk-behind mowers?
The most reliable brands of walk-behind mowers are Honda, Toro, Craftsman, and Husqvarna. These brands are known for their high-quality construction, powerful engines, and advanced features such as variable speed control and adjustable cutting heights.
Are self-propelled walk-behind mowers worth the investment?
Definitely! If you’ve got a large lawn or just want to make mowing a little easier, self-propelled mowers are totally worth it. They’re way easier to push, so you can get through your yard faster and with less effort.
What features should I look for in a 21-inch walk-behind mower?
For a 21-inch walk-behind mower, make sure it has a solid engine and adjustable cutting heights for different grass lengths. Check that it’s easy to use and maneuver, and think about how heavy it is. You’ll also want to make sure it’s simple to maintain over time.
