Keeping a neat lawn is more than just keeping your lawn in shape; it is a way for you to show the amount of effort and attention you put in to the property. The main tool for achieving a perfectly manicured lawn is obviously the push mower, a vital tool for any home owner who takes pride in his yard. A push mower is a manual lawnmower that doesn’t use electricity or fuel, and is a good choice environmentally as well as economically.
To find out, it is obvious that we spent hours researching and testing a huge variety of push mowers to find the best ones that suit your needs given the efficiency and reliability issues. These are our top picks for their durability, ease of use, and affordability, and as such, are a worthy investment for any homeowner who would like to keep their lawn looking neat and tidy.
Best Push Mowers
To facilitate your decision, we’ve put together a list of the best push mowers on the market. We have the lightweight options, and we have the heavy duty machines. Below, you'll find our top picks.
1. Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
The Great States 14-inch reel mower is a great option for an eco friendly, low maintenance push mower.
Pros
Cons
Our lawn looked clean and healthy, and the grass blades were not ripped or shredded. It’s great to have an alternative to gas powered mowers that doesn’t emit noise and fumes.
But what we did discover was that pushing the mower was harder than pushing a gas mower, especially on Bermuda and St. Augustine grass. Additionally, there was a limited adjustable blade height range, which may not be best suited to all types of lawns. Moreover, the mower had difficulty cutting well when the grass was tall and the weeds were present, requiring several passes to produce a good cut.
Overall, Great States push mower is good for low maintenance and eco friendly option to take care of your lawn.
2. Greenworks 40V Dual Blade/Dual Battery Port Mower
IFor those in need of a cordless push mower, the Greenworks 40V Dual Blade/Dual Battery Port Mower is perfect for small to medium yards up to 1/3 acre.
Pros
Cons
We find the Greenworks 40V Dual Blade/Dual Battery Port Mower to be a dependable and effective cordless push mower. It has a great cut and is easy to use. The dual battery port with auto switch and smart cut technology make sure the mower will adjust to the thickness of your grass. While the plastic deck material is not as durable as metal, it makes the mower light enough and easy to manoeuvre. We recommend the Greenworks 40V Dual Blade/Dual Battery Port Mower as a top choice for medium size yards (up to 1/3 acre).
3. Greenworks 40V 21" Cordless Brushless Push Mower
If you are interested in a decent lawn mower that is reliable and eco friendly, then a good place to start is Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower. This mower has a 21 inch deck and long lasting 5Ah battery making it a very efficient and powerful machine. Also, it includes a charger and 3 year warranty for that piece of mind.
Pros
Cons
The 4-in-1 function makes changing from bagging to mulching or side discharge to rear discharge simple. With the 21 in. steel deck, you can work large areas of grass in a flash. The brushless motor delivers more torque, quieter operation, and longer life.
The 7 position single lever height adjustment is one of the standout features of this lawn mower. Adjustment is quick and easy, enabling you to find the correct cutting height for your lawn. The turbo button and push handle are good for scooping up leaves and debris quickly and easily.
Run time will vary but the 5Ah battery gave us enough power for our lawn. But if you have taller or thicker grass, you might have to work a little harder to get it cut. Moreover, at 62 pounds this mower is not really light and it may not be the right one for those who find it hard to push heavy things.
Overall, if you are looking for a reliable eco-friendly way to keep your lawn healthy and happy, we’d highly recommend the Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower.
4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
For those seeking a lawn mowing option free from the emissions of traditional mowers, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14 Inch 4 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a good choice.
Pros
Cons
Its durable 8.5” polymer wheels make the mower easy to use and maneuver. We love the adjustable blade height so we can cut to the desired height.
This reel lawn mower is one of the best things because it involves a cutting action which does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. This results in our lawn looking healthier and bolder on a regular basis. But we’ve been seeing that the mower doesn’t do so well on higher grass, so make sure to mow frequently to maintain the grass at a manageable height.
On the whole, we recognize the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14 Inch 4 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower as a great affordable option for small lawns where you don't want to pollute the environment with traditional lawn mowers.
5. SENIX Gas Lawn Mower
If you are in the market for a reliable and environmentally friendly push mower to handle a small to medium sized yard, then we highly recommend the SENIX Gas Lawn Mower.
Pros
Cons
This is ideal as it is very compact for storing it and the fold down handle is also a great idea. The 7-inch wheels are highly durable and very easy to navigate around tight spaces. The ergonomic handle provides maximum user comfort. We also appreciate the 3 year limited warranty that comes with the product.
Overall, the SENIX Gas Lawn Mower is a solid option for those looking for a dependable and eco friendly push mower that can handle small to medium sized yards. The mower is easy to use and backed by a 3 year limited warranty, it is a great investment for any homeowner.
6. BILT HARD Gas Lawn Mower 20 inch
If you’re on a budget and looking for a push mower, the 20 inch BILT HARD Gas Lawn Mower could be for you.
Pros
Cons
We were able to fine tune the cut to our liking with the 8 position height adjustment. The mower had a comfortable foam-wrapped angled grip that allowed it to maneuver around our lawn effortlessly. But, we did find the plastic grass protector on the rear to be somewhat an annoyance during a reverse cut.
All in all, if you’re searching for a cheap gas push mower that will get the job done, BILT HARD Gas Lawn Mower 20 inch can be a decent choice. To be safe, just know that there are some minor things that may go wrong.
7. YARDMAX 21 in. Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower
For a trustworthy push lawn mower, the YARDMAX 21 in. Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower could serve you well.
Pros
Cons
With easy single lever deck adjustment, you can quickly set the mow height and MAXFlow Deck Technology and volute spiral deck design provide better airflow and mulching. In addition, the stamped steel deck with 16 gauge heavy duty deck and one piece seamless steel deck provides a reduction in vibration making it more pleasant to use.
Unfortunately, it was a little hard to see the dipstick for oil, and the gas bulb had to be pumped just to start it, which can be an inconvenience. The left rear wheel can also break off after some uses, so it would be recommended to inspect all the wheels on assembly beforehand.
For a reliable push lawn mower, the YARDMAX 21 in. Gas Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower might be something you would like to consider.
Buying Guide
If you are interested in buying a push mower, there are several things you should look out for when buying, in order to get the best product for your needs. Here are some important features to look for when choosing a push mower:
Cutting Width
The width of a push mower’s cutting blade determines how much grass it can cut in one pass. A wider cutting width gets the job done faster, but it also means you will have a heavier, less maneuverable mower. Choosing a cutting width will depend on the size of your lawn and your physical abilities.
Cutting Height
For a push mower, the cutting height is how short it can cut your grass. Different varieties need different cutting heights, so get a mower that can be adjusted appropriately for your lawn. You may also want to think about the number of cutting height options the mower offers, as this will give you more control over the look of your lawn.
Engine Power
The force required by a push mower to cut through grass is determined by the rated engine power. If you have large lawn or a lot of thick grass, you may wish to use a more powerful mower. But remember, the more powerful engine will also make it louder and heavier.
Grass Disposal
Push mowers typically come with one of three grass disposal options: mulching, side discharge or as bagging. If you want a clean looking lawn, then bagging is the best option, but you do have to empty the bag often. If you wish to fertilize your lawn naturally, mulching may be a good option, but it can create clumps of grass. If you have a lot of grass to cut, side discharge is the best choice but it will make your lawn get dirty.
Other Features
There are several other features to consider when choosing a push mower, including:
- Self-propulsion: This feature can make mowing easier, especially on hilly terrain.
- Weight: A lighter mower is easier to maneuver, but a heavier mower may be more durable.
- Durability: Look for a mower with a sturdy frame and high-quality components to ensure that it will last for years.
- Price: Push mowers come in a range of prices, so consider your budget when choosing a mower.
Having a look at these factors will help you make the best selection of a push mower for yourself and keep your lawn in great shape throughout season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable brand of lawn mower?
With lawn mowers, reliability is important. Honda, Toro and Craftsman are among the most reliable brands of lawn mowers. These brands should have a good reputation for making high quality mowers that should last many years with proper maintenance.
Are self-propelled mowers any good?
If you have a larger lawn to mow or simply want to save effort when mowing your lawn, self propelled mowers can be a great option. Due to the motor driving the wheels, these mowers are easier to push. But they are often more expensive than conventional push mowers.
What is the toughest push mower?
Typically, the toughest push mowers are those that have been designed for commercial use. They are built to take heavy use and have the capability to handle rocky terrain and a thick grass. Some of the best commercial grade push mowers are the Honda HRX217VKA and the Toro Super Recycler.
What is the price range for a good push lawn mower?
The cost of a push lawn mower can vary depending on the brand, features, and quality. If you are looking for an equivalent quality push mower then you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500. Nevertheless, there are some upscale models that can run upwards of $1,000.
What are the best push mowers for large yards?
If you have a large yard, you’ll need a more powerful and efficient mower. The Honda HRX217VKA, the Toro Super Recycler, and the Craftsman M215 are all some of the best push mowers for large yards. They were built to quickly and efficiently cut through large areas of grass.
Which electric lawn mower is the best?
You might have heard about the increasing popularity of electric mowers that are eco-friendly and convenient. The Greenworks 25022, Sun Joe MJ401E, and EGO Power+ LM2000 are some of the best electric lawn mowers on the market. All of these mowers are highly rated for their performance and reliability.
