Cutting the grass takes responsibility, consistency, and above all, a credited lawn mower. Choosing which mower will benefit you most all depends on your preference – and checkbook.
Each lawn mower type varies, along with how it’s used. “Push” mowers are pretty self-explanatory: they require the user to manually push the mower towards a certain direction, whereas a “walk-behind” mower pushes on its own accord due to the engine.
If you have a small, yet modest yard, an electric or reel mower might suit your needs. But, if your yard is larger, a gas-powered mower might be of assistance.
In this briefing, walk-behind mowers will be the prime focus, as well as helping you decide which one will truly help your lawn look its best. Here’s our cream of the crop lawn mowers you can purchase today.
Best Gas-Powered Walk Behind Mower: Honda HRX217K5VKA
When it comes to gas-powered mowers you have to be aware of their flaws. They are much louder than electric or reel mowers and tend to need maintenance checks about three times a year. On top of that, they require gasoline as its fuel source, hence the name. All of these factors contribute to its overall payout.
But, with many flaws comes great strengths. This machine will get its job done whether you like it or not. Gas-powered mowers seamlessly cut through thick grass as if it were a piece of saturated paper being split by a simple touch. They are also limitless in range due to being cordless, adding a plus when it comes to big yards.
Why the Honda HRX, you ask?
It’s simple: it’s a 4-1 lawn terminator machine. It has the ability to mulch, bag, discharge, and leaf shred, making it versatile in all areas of play. It is a self-propelled mower, with the given feature of speed select, rendering all terrain the same. With the addition of the variable speed drive comes a set of Twin MicroCut Blades, cutting your grass with utmost quality.
With a 9-star rating, it’s no wonder why people proclaim the HRX’s productivity and relative ease of use. Recommended yard length is about a half-acre for optimal use. To top it off, Honda graciously provides a 5-year warranty if needed.
Best Electric Push Mower: Toro 20360 Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
To the naked-eye, electric lawn mowers seem like the ideal way to go; they’re relatively cheaper than gas-powered mowers, they’re quieter, doesn’t require gasoline nor routine maintenance, and may save you money in the long run. But, that doesn’t mean electric lawn mowers are for everyone. Cordless models tend to run a short battery life, hurting those who need prolonged use for their lawn mowers, while corded limits range of you. They may also not cut thicker grass as well, posing a problem when dealing with subjective fields.
When looking for electric lawn mowers, be observant for which kind you buy. They vary in theoretically all formats. Corded vs cordless would be your biggest choice of concern: corded electric mowers limit mobility and restrict overall value, whereas cordless mowers offer freedom and limitless mobility – as long as its charged.
Another concern would be considering the deck size and cutting swath when choosing an electric lawn mower. In other words, these specifications determine both your labor and time when working out in the field. A mower with a wider deck size cuts your lawn in fewer passes, expediting the process; but keep in mind that the larger the deck size, the heavier it will be to push.
The last thing to consider is whether you opt for a push or walk-behind electric mower, which leads us to our next exceptional choice: the Toro 20360 cordless electric lawn mower. A walk-behind electric mower is a bit more expensive than a push type, also is unnecessary for smaller yards due to the relevance of a push mower.
The Toro 20360 is a push mower, boasting a multitude of benefits. Virtually no maintenance is required – gas, oil, not a problem. The lightweight design of the Toro scales at 77 pounds, which helps you trim the lawn effortlessly, as well as efficiency when transporting the mower. The mower is also equipped with a 36-volt cordless system, bringing power and precision. The system cuts 7,000-10,000 sq. ft. on a single charge; the battery charges to 70% in three hours and full charge at hour five. With all these great features also comes a 20-inch mulching deck, ideal for any situation.
Overall, the Toro 20360 stands its ground when compared to other similar models. A great pick for those trying to help the environment due to its emission-free quality. Toro even offers a 2-year warranty just in case.
Best Walk Behind Mowers For Low-Budget Needs: GreenWorks 25022
Maybe you’re not ready to invest a large sum into a lawnmower – and that’s completely alright. Mower prices vary due to type and performance and generally stay in between the $100-$1,000 range. Of course, a $1,000 lawn mower greatly differs than that of a $100 mower, but that doesn’t mean they both don’t get the job done. In fact, cheaper lawn mowers are known for their superb performance but short life-spans.
When searching for lawn mowers in the $100 range, be on the lookout for quality and real reports. Typically, the ones that fall in this range get the job done regardless of fancy features such a Variable Speed Drive or MicroCut Twin Blades. The material used is also lowered, but the value is not.
Now, the majority of “good” lawn mowers fall in the $200 range. This is where reliability and productivity are not compressed due to money. Features such as dual-trimming or advanced swaths are introduced. The walk-behind “budget-friendly” mower we found is the GreenWorks 25022, coming in at $169.
“Wait, I thought you said good lawn mowers are $200 or more?”
Well, today’s your lucky day.
We were able to find a mower whose values are immeasurable in its price range.
The GreenWorks offers us a variety of features and specifications, but also an influx of problems. This mower is an all-electric mower, meaning no gas is needed. On the downside, it is corded, which leaves you purchasing either extension cords or adapters for longer use. It is ideal for small yards whose features accompany simplicity. It is designed with a 20-inch deck size which will allow you cut your lawn in less time.
Another rarity you don’t see in budget lawn mowers are clipping management options. The GreenWorks has a three grass clippings option system, providing more possibilities for the user. These abilities give you the choice to collect clippings, discharge them back into the yard, or simply mulch them so they will be able to break down more easily. Speaking of the clippings of grass, the GreenWork may present problems with areas of tougher grass. The motor itself is not as powerful as the lawn mowers listed above. That being said, this lawn ower will be able to cut through most grass types, but may take longer than needed,
Concluding the GreenWorks 25022 model, it is a wise choice for consumers who are in the market for a reasonably priced lawn mower. It’s e-friendly, quiet, and perfect for small yards accompanied with simplicity. Nonetheless, if you’re able to purchase something a little more advantageous, such as our “best overall” lawn mower, the Honda HRX, or even a slightly upgraded Greenworks model, then I would advise you to critically consider it. If not, the GreenWorks mower may be your ideal choice.
What About Reel Mowers?
Reel mowers bring the world a solution to both problems: no gas, no electric, no problem.
First off, reel mowers are better for your grass’ health. Push reel mowers work by using a gentle rotary clipper by slicing grass with ever so tenderness. Typical gas or electric lawn mowers can shred your yard, resulting in insect attacks or diseases, further hindering your yard’s appearance. With the addition of a yard’s health also comes to its image. The scissor-like flow of the blades cuts the grass as if it were a barber trimming your hair with precision. There’s a reason why groundkeepers prefer reel mowers when cutting baseball stadiums or golf courses – it makes it seem more “reel”.
Another great benefit of reel mowers is the cost of one. They’re inexpensive due to the archetype; they require the user to manually do all the work. Keep in mind, reel mowers only run off of implemented force, meaning the only way that mower is mowing is if you’re pushing it. This also results in how quiet it is, as well as how safe it is compared to powered mowers. With this fact, it can be difficult cutting large grass due to one’s force, so keep that in mind when deciding whether this is the right choice for you.
The reel mower we selected was the StaySharp Max Reel Mower. The name says it all: it keeps your yard looking sharp after each use. The StaySharp boasts an InertiaDrive, claiming it can trim twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers. It also has the ability to reverse the grass chutes, directing the clippings away from you while making even lines.
The overall design of this machine makes it 60% easier to push when compared to the average reel mower. Virtually no maintenance is required, other than a simple cleaning, and don’t even think about needing a fuel source – it’s you. Overall, the StaySharp Max Reel Mower presents itself entirely different than that of normal reel mowers. It’s much easier to use, eco-friendly, leaves your yard looking sharp, and above all, bring back the traditional way of mowing your lawn.