The Ultimate Lawn Mower Buying Guide: Top Features to Consider for a Perfect Lawn

6 Types of Mowers

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6 Features to Look For

Top 10 Mower Brands

Finding a Local Dealership

Having the right lawn mower can transform a dreaded chore into a fun pastime. 

You’re used to spending hours on a slow, bumpy mower, miserable in the sweltering sun, and thinking of everything else you’d rather be doing. Especially if, after all that work, your lawn is cut unevenly. But with a better mower, you can whiz along and be done in no time! Plus, your lawn looks better than ever – clean, even, and ready to be enjoyed! 

At SteveCo Power, we love to help people find the perfect mower to help them mow with comfort and pride. 

But we know that sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. That’s why we wrote this blog post, going over the top mower brands, basic mower types, and features to look for, so you can make an informed decision as you purchase a new lawn mower. 

Let’s get started!

6 Types of Mowers to Choose From

When you start looking at your mower options, you’ll quickly see that there are many types. 

Where do you even begin?

The type of mower you choose depends on what you intend to use the mower for! How big is your lawn? Does it have slopes? Are you mowing lawns as a business or just doing your backyard?

Answering these questions helps you hone in on the best mower for you. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s go over the six main types of lawnmowers. 

Zero-Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are designed to be highly maneuverable. They have a zero-degree turning radius, making it incredibly easy to mow around obstacles. For instance, if your property has a lot of trees that are a massive headache to mow around, a zero-turn mower will help you zip around them in no time! 

Zero-turn mowers are popular with commercial landscapers, but you can also find zero-turn models designed for residential use.

Stand-On Mowers

If you’re a commercial landscaper and don’t like sitting all day, you may be in the market for a stand-on mower!

Stand-on mowers are commercial lawnmowers designed with a platform to stand on instead of sitting down as you do on a typical riding mower. They’re highly maneuverable and are popular with landscapers for their increased efficiency and reduced fatigue.

Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers

A commercial walk-behind mower is a mower that you walk behind instead of riding on. It is a highly-maneuverable mower option that’s versatile on uneven terrain, good for precision and detail work, and may be a more affordable commercial mower option. 

Commercial walk-behind mowers have a wide cutting width from 48” to 60”, allowing you to cut the grass quickly and efficiently. They come with adjustable cutting heights and often have ergonomic features. 

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors are the most common type of riding lawn mower. They have larger engines and wider cutting decks than residential walk-behind mowers, making it much easier to mow a large lawn and get the job done quickly!

Lawn tractors often have advanced features, such as bagging systems or mulching capabilities. They’re suitable for both residential and commercial use.

Residential Walk-Behind Mowers

Residential walk-behind mowers, sometimes called “push mowers,” have a smaller cutting deck than commercial models and usual have fewer features. 

Walk-behind mowers are a budget-friendly mower option. They are more maneuverable than riding lawn mowers in odd corners of your lawn and along edges.

Some residential walk-behind mowers require more effort than others. If you like walk-behind mowers but don’t have the energy to push one over the hills of your lawn, you’ll probably be happier with a self-propelled walk-behind lawnmower.

Robotic Mowers

A robotic mower is a small machine that mows your yard by itself. All you have to do is install a boundary wire around the perimeter of your lawn to act as a virtual fence to keep your robot from wandering off!

Robotic mowers have sensors that detect obstacles and navigate around them, but they don’t have a human’s common sense, so they may cut something you don’t want them to. And while they have built-in safety features, it’s best to keep children and pets off the lawn while the mower is running.

6 Features to Look For in a Mower

Different mowers come with various features. What features should you look for in a mower?

Here are the six major features to consider.

1. Cutting width: A wider cutting width gets the job done faster, but it might be too wide for maneuvering narrow spaces in your lawn. The perfect cutting width depends on what type of lawn you have.
2. Cutting height adjustments: Look for a mower with an adjustable cutting height. Sometimes you might want to trim your grass lower so you don’t have to mow as often, while other times, you might want a longer cutting length to promote healthy, lush growth.
3. Grass clipping options: Some mowers leave the cut grass on the lawn, some mulch it first, and some bag it. Decide how you want to handle your grass clippings and buy a mower that has your preferred capability!
4. Engine type and power: Gas-powered mowers tend to have more power and range but are loud and produce more emissions. Electric and battery-powered options are quieter and greener but may have limited power or battery life, or you may have to deal with a cord. Choose the type that best fits your needs!
5. Self-propulsion: As we mentioned earlier, if you buy a walk-behind mower, consider one that’s self-propelled if pushing a mower fatigues you. Self-propelled mowers are especially nice for hilly terrains.
6. Ease of use: Finally, many mowers have ergonomic features such as adjustable handles, comfortable grips, easy-start systems, and user-friendly controls. Trust me⁠—when you invest in a comfortable user experience, your lawn will look much nicer because you’ll no longer dread the task of mowing!

Top 10 Mower Brands

Besides looking at mower types and features, choosing a reputable brand is also important. Here is a basic rundown of some brands with a reputation for making high-quality mowers.

1. Honda mowers are reliable, with powerful engines and advanced features. Honda produces both commercial-grade and residential-grade mowers, and they are a bit higher priced.
2. EGO is a newer, mid-priced mower brand that makes high-performance, battery-powered mowers. They primarily produce residential-grade mowers.
3. Husqvarna produces a wide range of lawnmowers, including commercial, residential, and robotic mowers. They have a reputation for quality and durability and are in the mid-to-high price range.
4. ECHO is known for producing powerful commercial-grade mowers with excellent mulching capabilities and easy-to-use controls. They are a mid-priced brand.
5. Craftsman is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality residential-grade mower. They’re known for their innovative features and excellent customer support. 
6. Bradley Mowers are durable, heavy-duty mowers with innovative features like hydrostatic drive and blade brake clutches. They primarily make commercial mowers but also offer a few residential models. 
7. Toro is a favorite brand among professional landscapers. Their mowers are known for their durability, efficiency, and excellent mulching capabilities. Toro makes both residential and commercial-grade lawnmowers that are mid-to-high priced.
8. Ferris produces commercial-grade mowers with advanced suspension systems that offer a smoother ride and better cut quality. They’re a higher-priced brand.
9. Snapper offers a variety of commercial and residential-grade lawnmowers, including self-propelled and electric models. They have a reputation for creating durable mowers that are easy to use, with both affordable and mid-priced options.
10. John Deere offers a wide range of mowers with excellent cutting power and durability. They provide both commercial and residential mowers and are mid to high-priced.

Finding a Local Lawn Mower Dealership

Now that you’ve done your background research, you probably have some idea of what kind of mower you’d like to buy.

Now what?

Well, now it’s time to head to your local lawn mower dealership!

While it may be tempting to buy your mower online or at a big box store, the experts at your local dealership will be able to answer all your questions, bring up considerations you haven’t thought of, and help you find the mower that’s right for your lawn and budget.

Not only that, but a mower is an investment. When you run into problems or need repairs, you want to have a relationship with an expert you can rely on. You can get that prompt, personalized service by working with a local dealership. 

If you live in southeast Pennsylvania, in Lancaster or Chester County, stop by Steveco Power for all your lawn mowing needs!

We offer:

• Mower Repairs
• Mower Servicing
• Mower Sales
• Mower Rentals

Call or text us today, or stop in and see us! We look forward to helping you. 

The Best Lawn Mowers

Full results from testing 12 top products are in our Product Comparison Table and Analysis & Test Results sections.

We're in an era where battery-powered tools are replacing the need for a loud, maintenance-intensive, fume-producing engine, but sometimes the old ways still work really well. As soon as we fired up the Toro SmartStow Recycler and got the blade spinning, it was clear to our testers that it offers one of the best combinations of performance, power, and handling in our lineup. The auto-drive eliminates most of the work of pushing the mower, and the stout engine offers a consistently clean cut. A huge advantage that internal combustion engine mowers have over their electric cousins is that there is little to no downtime. Batteries can take one, two, or even five hours to charge. With gas models, you can top the fuel tank off and keep going, provided that you have fuel available.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source Gas Cutting Deck Width 55.9 cm | 22" Self-Propelled Yes Run Time 90 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 2 min These classic-style gas mowers are not without their flaws. The is downright loud. We measured a noise level of 81 decibels while operating this model, which is substantially louder than many battery models. This gas beast is great with shorter, well-maintained grass, but when we ran it in foot-tall grass, it bogged down, especially when the grass was wet. It did substantially better in five or six-inch grass, but we still had to go back over a few spots to get a clean cut. Gas motors bring several issues that battery models do not. They have oil tanks, fuel tanks, carburetors, and spark plugs, and all of these components need to be cleaned, drained, maintained, and/or stabilized while not in use for long periods. CO2 fumes can be toxic for humans, and when you're running one of these motors while walking back and forth in a small area, you are breathing a lot more CO2 than you would with a battery mower — which is zero. Drawbacks aside, if you know your way around gas motors, you don't want to wait for batteries to recharge or deal with multiple batteries, and if you want the ultimate in performance, this is the lawn mower for you.

Read more: Toro SmartStow Recycler review

The Ego Power+ LMSP is an absolute tank of a battery-powered mower that rivals or outright embarrasses the cutting power of traditional gas-engine mowers. We recommend this Ego model to people who have traditional flat and straight yards, no matter how large. The massive 22-inch wide cutting deck blasts through thick grass, but make no mistake — this mower is huge. Length-wise, it's significantly longer than others, which helps with stability and cutting even lines. Tester Hale Milano remarked, “This mower has drastically cut down my mowing time because of the larger blades and fast self-propulsion. I even have more space in my garage with the vertical storage feature.” The Ego is one of the most user-friendly mowers we tested, with large, oversized knobs, easy push buttons, and even front headlights. Starting, stopping, adjusting, and even storing is all easy and straightforward. We also love that this large mower can fold flat and store vertically, saving space in your garage. It has an excellent battery life and is quick to charge up. Plus, it's fairly quiet, and we could mow without earplugs.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source 56V, 10.0Ah ARC Lithium Battery Cutting Deck Width 55.9 cm | 22" Self-Propelled Yes Run Time 75 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 60 min While the self-propulsion system can make short work of a massive lawn, it's not easy to adjust the speed on the go, which makes turns and pivots slightly more challenging. We found it necessary to release the propulsion in these scenarios and manually push through. There is also a slight lag for the assist to kick back in when starting up again. Due to the Ego's size, you'll find yourself doing more string trimming to fit into the many places this mower can't. A smaller and more maneuverable mower, like the Greenworks MO60L419, may be better if your yard consists of tight spaces. Even the Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, another full-size battery mower, offers increased maneuverability and excellent self-propulsion but sacrifices battery life and performance just slightly. The Ego is also a significant up-front investment, but fortunately, it's compatible with other Ego batteries and requires little ongoing maintenance. If you want an outstanding cutting, mulching, bagging, and overall top-notch mowing experience without the hassle of traditional engines, the Ego is our top recommendation.

Read more: Ego Power+ LMSP review

The Troy-Bilt TB110 is a trusty and affordable gas mower that offers a quality cut and easy maneuverability. It provided the most consistently clean, even cuts in our tests, using time-tested technology and a well-respected Briggs & Stratton engine that we expect to last for a decade or more. Its sturdy steel deck resists flexing, and large back wheels make it easy to maneuver. The single included blade excels in mulching and bagging tests, transitioning effortlessly between the two settings. It also performs exceptionally well in damp grass conditions, outshining other mowers in the test. And we appreciate that it's put together with parts that are easy to replace.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source Gas Cutting Deck Width 53.3 cm | 21" Self-Propelled No Run Time 90 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 2 min There are some downsides to choosing an old standby, though. Its simple, barebones build leaves you doing more of the work. The narrow handle can get uncomfortable to hold, and the lack of self-propulsion requires more physical effort, especially when heading uphill or pushing through tall or thick grass. It's also loud — we measured the TB110 at a sound pressure level of 79 decibels, which is higher than any of the battery models we've tested and much higher than motorless reel mowers such as the American Lawn Mower -14 that emits a mere 66 decibels. Still, its well-rounded performance and durable construction make it a strong contender for those with larger yards looking for an affordable mower they can rely on for years to come.

Read more: Troy-Bilt TB110 review

The Greenworks MO60L419 is a compact electric mower that's ideal for small, frequently trimmed lawns. Its lightweight design is easy to maneuver, yet its 17-inch deck and 40-minute runtime can still handle mid-sized lawns. The electric power means you won't have to deal with the hassle of gas or oil, and it's much lighter and easier to push than similar-sized gas mowers. The electric motor is also relatively quiet. It registers 78 decibels by ear, which your neighbors will appreciate. Though numerically that's similar to the readings for gas mowers, we perceived the Greenworks to be much quieter than gas mowers we tested. We love how this model excels at bagging grass, efficiently packing grass into the bag, and helping to manage clippings and prevent large clumps when the grass gets too long.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source 60V, 4.0Ah Lithium Battery Cutting Deck Width 43.2 cm | 17" Self-Propelled No Run Time 40 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 90 minutes The Greenworks MO60L419 mower is less powerful than other battery-powered options tested, requiring multiple passes for a consistent cut. The lightweight plastic deck makes it easy to maneuver around tight spaces; however, it's about average for tackling uneven terrain. It's small enough to navigate with the turf for small dips and bumps, but light enough that if you try to speed through them, things can get a bit bumpy. The Greenworks is not self-propelled, so it requires slightly more effort to push, especially through thick patches of grass or up hills. The blade clogs often in longer grass, particularly as the battery drains. If you trim your lawn consistently, this is less of an issue. Despite a few drawbacks, the Greenworks is a great budget-friendly electric mower ideal for small, regularly maintained yards.

Read more: Greenworks MO60L419 review

If you're looking for a very simple, affordable mower for your small yard, consider a reel mower. These aren't for everyone, but we were pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of the American Lawn Mower -14. Since they're fuel and battery-free, reel mowers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to maintain your lawn, plus they're quiet — you could take a call while using this mower, or simply quietly enjoy your surroundings in peace. Straightforward assembly and storage add to its user-friendly nature, and the blades arrive sharp right out of the box, slicing confidently through 4-inch tall grass. The self-sharpening blades require only occasional maintenance, making long-term care easy.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source Reel Cutting Deck Width 35.6 cm | 14" Self-Propelled No Run Time n/a Measured Recharge/Refuel Time n/a Reel mowers provide a great workout since your legs do all of the pushing. That said, pushing through taller grass can be challenging and requires multiple passes for an even cut, especially on uneven terrain. It works best on well-maintained, oft-mowed lawns. If you have no interest in getting an extra workout during your yard work, consider a self-propelled mower such as the Ego Power+ LMSP. Unlike powered mowers that chop grass into fine pieces in mulch mode, reel mowers cut the grass and let it fall, often resulting in clumps that you may need to disperse. Adjusting the cutting height is also cumbersome and requires a wrench. Overall, this reel mower is a solid choice for those with smaller lawns who prefer a quiet, simple, emission-free mowing experience and don't mind a bit of manual labor.

Read more: American Lawn Mower -14 review

During our testing, we found that the Toro 60V Max Super Recycler does most of the work for you, with a “personal pace” drive that adjusts to your walking speed by responding to the pressure you place on the handle, making the mowing process nearly effortless, even when walking uphill. Our head tester says, “The assistance is seamless. It significantly reduced my physical load while requiring no cognitive effort.” We also love the large bag capacity that lets you keep mowing for longer. A huge upside to battery mowers is the relief on your ears. We measured the Toro 60V at a sound pressure level of 74 decibels for the operator, significantly quieter than gas models. And it isn't just about our objective measurements — battery models don't need to idle or warm up, which gives your neighbors a small but often noticeable break on the yard duty ruckus.

SPECIFICATIONS Power Source 60V, 7.5Ah Lithium Battery Cutting Deck Width 53.3 cm | 21" Self-Propelled Yes Run Time 50 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 207 min While the Toro actually outperforms our favorite battery mower for handling, the Ego Power+ LMSP takes the top spot due to its battery life and power. The Toro battery only lasted an average of 41.5 minutes during our tests, compared to the Ego's 75-minute run time. It also takes about three and a half hours to charge fully. This is a drawback for lawns larger than a quarter acre unless you invest in a second battery. The mower can also clog more frequently in mulching mode than other options, especially in long, wet grass or when it's set to efficiency mode. It also has a less established track record than traditional gas mowers, and its battery won't last forever. Despite these drawbacks, the Super Recycler remains one of the top battery lawn mowers we've tested, combining excellent cutting performance with ease of use, which is a wonderful option for those with smaller lawns.

The exact Toro model that we tested has been updated to a newer model on the Toro website. We compared the stats and specs between the two and found them to be almost identical.

Read more: Toro 60V Max Super Recycler review

Product Comparison Table

Displaying 1 - 12 (scroll right to see all products) #1Compare: #2Compare: #3Compare: #4Compare: #6Compare: #7Compare: #8Compare: #9Compare: #10Compare: #11Compare: #12Compare: Awards Best Gas LawnmowerBest Battery Powered MowerBest Value Gas MowerBest Value Compact Battery MowerMost Maneuverable Battery Powered MowerBest Reel Mower Price $579 List$999 List$369 List$500 List
Check Amazon (on sale!)$849 List
Check Price at Amazon$429 List$749 List
Check Price at Amazon$300 List
Check Amazon (on sale!)$419 List$150 List
Check Amazon (on sale!)$150 List
Check Amazon (on sale!)$300 List
Check Price at Amazon Overall Score  90 80 77 74 73 68 68 61 52 49 41 32 Star Rating

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Bottom Line A conventional Briggs and Stratton engine with an excellent auto-drive motor, this mower is ideal for large lawns and is our favorite gas mowerThis mower has more power than any we tested, including gas mowers, and its excellent battery life and performance make it ideal for large lawnsOffering an even cut and plenty of power, we expect this simple mower to lastA compact battery-powered mower that's great for small lawns and tight spaces, and still has enough power to cut through the occasional clump of long grassAn excellent and easy-driving mower that offers one of the best cuts in the testThis push mower has plenty of power to tackle big jobs, and is somewhat more maneuverable than other optionsThis mower balances power and battery performance well, but there are other options we like better for the priceAn affordable, battery-powered mower designed for efficient lawn care in compact outdoor spacesAn economy machine that's best suited to low-demand lawnsA simple, eco-friendly option for a small yard if you don't mind a bit of effortA simple reel mower that needed a tune up and blade sharpening on arrivalThis budget option was hard for us to test, because the front axle didn't stay in place, causing the mower to bottom out and be unable to roll on the wheels Pros Even cut, good mulching, very pleasant to pushIncredible mowing performance, easy to store, adjustable speed and mow settingsTime-tested technology, quality cut, super maneuverableSmall and maneuverable, great value, easy to use, trims grass evenlyEven cut, great auto drive, best power in the testGreat power performance and battery life, good cutting performance, easy to storeLong-lasting runtime, fast recharging, and an extra-wide cutting deckLightweight and compact, facilitating easy maneuverabilityManeuverable, broad cutting range, well designed bailSimple to use, effective, quiet, easy to maintainSmall, easy to use, no power source neededLightweight, maneuverable, inexpensive Cons Not eco-friendly, can jam with tall or wet grassExpensive, ideal only for large yards, challenging maneuverabilityHeavier to push, uncomfortable handleNot the most powerful, lacks self-propulsionLimited battery life, slow to charge, less of a track recordPush mower is a con for bigger yards, but saves on battery lifeRelatively pricey and might be more mower than necessary for some users, frustrating handling and maneuverabilityThe cutting deck is narrow, it's not self-propelled, and it has a less powerful motorShort runtime, limited cutting power, not self-propelledLess powerful, more tiring, must sharpen bladesArrived dull, required adjustment, taxing to useHighly questionable quality, front axle doesn't stay in place rendering mower inoperable Rating Categories Toro SmartStow Recyc... Ego Power+ LM22... Troy-Bilt TB110 Greenworks MO60L419 Toro 60V Max 21″ Sup... Ego Power+ LM Ego Power+ LMSP Greenworks Black+Decker CM American -14 Great States 204-14 Worx WG779 Mowing (35%) 9.0 9.5 8.0 7.5 8.0 8.0 7.5 5.5 5.0 3.0 2.0 4.0 Power Performance (25%) 10.0 10.0 9.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 Handling (20%) 9.5 3.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 3.0 3.0 7.0 7.0 6.5 4.0 1 Ease of Use (15%) 8.0 8.5 5.0 8.0 4.0 8.5 8.5 8.0 5.0 9.0 9.0 1 Noise (5%) 4.0 6.2 4.7 5.1 6.6 6.6 6.9 7.3 6.2 9.5 9.5 4.4 Specifications Toro SmartStow Recyc... Ego Power+ LM22... Troy-Bilt TB110 Greenworks MO60L419 Toro 60V Max 21″ Sup... Ego Power+ LM Ego Power+ LMSP Greenworks Black+Decker CM American -14 Great States 204-14 Worx WG779 Power Source Gas 56V, 10.0Ah ARC Lithium Battery Gas 60V, 4.0Ah Lithium Battery 60V, 7.5Ah Lithium Battery 56V, 5.0Ah Lithium Battery 56V, 7.5Ah Lithium Battery 40V, 4Ah Lithium Battery 40V, 2Ah Lithium Battery Reel Reel 2x 40V, 4.0Ah Lithium Batteries Cutting Deck Width 55.9 cm | 22" 55.9 cm | 22" 53.3 cm | 21" 43.2 cm | 17" 53.3 cm | 21" 53.3 cm | 21" 53.3 cm | 21" 13 3/4" 15 5/16" 35.6 cm | 14" 35.6 cm | 14" 35.6 cm | 14" Self-Propelled Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes No No No No No Run Time 90 min 75 min 90 min 40 min 50 min 45 min 60 min 40 min 40 min n/a n/a 35 min Measured Recharge/Refuel Time 2 min 60 min 2 min 90 minutes 207 min 50 min 60 min 65 min 90 min n/a n/a 60 min Measured Decibel Reading 81 dBa 77 dBa 79 dBa 79 dBa 74 dBa 77 dBa 73 dBa 72 dBa 75 dBa 66 dBa 66 dBa 78 dBa Watt Hours N/A 560 N/A 240 450 280 420 160 80 N/A N/A 160

How We Tested

To kick off our great lawn mower extravaganza, we began by spending many hours doing our homework — researching the top models, considering specs, and scouring hundreds of user reviews. Once we narrowed it down to the odds-on favorites, we spent over 100 hours mowing and measuring data such as recharge/refuel times, decibel outputs, and performing routine maintenance. Notes were taken, spreadsheets were created, and we compiled it all in review form for you. Learn more about our review process in our article on how we test lawn mowers.

We examined these lawnmowers using five key metrics:

• Mowing (35% of overall score)

• Power Performance (25% of score)

• Handling (20% of score)

• Ease of Use (15% of score)

• Noise (5% of score)

Why Trust GearLab

Lawn work is much more pleasant when you have the right tools. Our lead tester, Hale Milano, is no stranger to testing power tools. With plenty of lawn and land care experience, plus a deep analytical and testing background, he spearheaded our latest round of testing focused on the best battery models. His time testing tools like leaf blowers and weed eaters has helped develop a discerning eye for how to test models to their max.

Supporting the testing of various mower models is Clark Tate, who learned the value of quality tools while growing up in a farming family that expected a steady supply of manual labor from their children. Her master's degree in environmental science and 7 years of product testing taught her rigor, and her rock-hauling childhood taught her grit. She expects her tools to keep up. Also lending a hand, and lawn, is Jake Holmes, a former electrician earning a master's degree in geophysics. Jake grew up working farms, has been cutting grass since he was knee-high, and is an experienced mechanic.

Analysis and Test Results

To break down the pros and cons of each machine, we test them across several categories or metrics. This helps us find their strengths and weaknesses while methodically quantifying their performance to rank and score them.

What's the Best Value?

Across our lineup of mowers, we recommend the Troy-Bilt TB110 and Greenworks MO60L419 as our best value for gas and battery mowers, respectively.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit lawn mower suppliers.

The Troy-Bilt, with its Briggs & Stratton motor, is a reliable and well-known combination that will likely cut grass for decades, providing exceptional value for your money. If you're set on a battery, though, the Greenworks offers great performance in a compact and reasonably priced model.

If you have a small yard and don't want to spend a lot on a mower, a push-reel mower might be a good option, so long as you don't mind the extra labor of pushing it. The best one we tested is the American Lawn Mower -14. On the other hand, if you really want a self-propelled mower, you'll have to pay a bit more. Our favorite self-propelled mower is around $580 — the Toro SmartStow Recycler . This gas model is also the top mower in our tests, overall.

Mowing

We evaluated the actual mowing capabilities and quality of each mower by doing dozens of side-by-side tests and comparisons in a variety of grass conditions. We scored based on three key factors: how well they actually cut grass, how effectively they bag and mulch clippings, and how well they navigate and continue to cut grass over bumps, dips, and hills.

Among our lineup of mowers, the battery-powered Ego Power+ LMSP and Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, along with the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler and Troy-Bilt TB110, emerged as our favorites.

Cutting

All four models were closely matched throughout our cutting trials, making it difficult to crown a champion. We intentionally let the grass grow long to really max out these mowers. The Ego LMSP didn't even falter while churning through eight-inch-high, wet, and leaf-covered lawns. The Troy-Bilt made it 40 feet before faltering about halfway through some foot-tall grass, but we coaxed the Toro SmartStow through a crisis at the same spot by backing off a few times. It made a full pass. The battery-powered Super Recycler shrugged and plowed through.

Initially, we were skeptical that a battery-run engine could out-torque a gas-run machine. We stand corrected. Both the Ego and Toro Super Recycler are beasts. The Ego has several different cutting options, including Eco, Normal, and Turbo blade speeds. We cut almost entirely in Eco mode with no issues, but Turbo really powered through thicker grass with ease. There's the standard blade and a separate blade specifically for bagging to help lift clippings.

The Super Recycler also features two cutting modes and two blade options. It delivers a largely clean cut with either option, but the performance blade is more consistent. Auto mode adjusts the blade's RPMs, speeding up for thick patches of grass and slowing for easier stretches. This conserves battery life but can lead to chunks of grass clogging the mower. Max mode maintains maximum speed for a more seamless mowing experience but drains the battery faster.

Both gas-powered options, the Toro and the Troy, are more straightforward to operate, with only a single blade and cutting mode each. The Ego Power+ LM also offers impressive power and a consistent cut.

While it packs noticeably less power than our top models, the significantly smaller Greenworks MO60L419 also does a great job cutting through most scenarios. It simply took a little more time to work through thicker sections or wet grass, but is fine for normal trimming in small areas.

Mulching and Bagging

In mulching mode, lawnmowers cut grass from the stalk and dice it into pieces small enough to leave them on your lawn. Both the Toro SmartStow Recycler and the Troy-Bilt gas-powered mowers excel at mulching and bagging, leaving few (if any) clippings behind that we could capture with a rake. The Toro struggles a bit in wet grass, though. It clogs and jams at times when mulching 6 to 7-inch wet grass in thick, low-lying areas. All three of the Ego models we tested mulched and bagged well too; with the Ego and Ego both including specialized blades for bagging to increase lift under the clippings.

Both gas mowers also nailed our bagging tests, leaving little to no grass behind and packing grass into the bag densely and efficiently. After gliding through a particularly dense patch of grass, one tester said of the Toro SmartStow, “It's just an animal.”

Terrain Management

A large mower with a wide deck can make short work of a wide open flat lawn. But most lawns are far from flat, and many people may have the need to cut on hills, or over dips and bumps in the lawn. We tested each mower's ability to provide an even cut while handling rough terrain. The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler feature substantial steel decks that lend weight, helping them hug the ground instead of bouncing over bumps like most plastic models. This design leads to a more consistent cut. The Troy Bilt edged out the Toro in this metric since it required a second pass less often. Both mowers are also wide (21 and 22 inches, respectively), meaning it takes fewer laps to cover your yard, which we always appreciate.

Smaller plastic mowers such as the Greenworks MO60L419 also excel in this category, but for completely opposite reasons. Whereas large heavy mowers with self-propulsion can power over bumps or up hills, the smaller mowers are lighter and can be easily pulled through bumpy terrain or pushed up the hill.

The self-propelled and battery-powered Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, Ego Power+ LMSP, and Ego LMSP also do well on hills thanks to strong motors that power up steep terrain and wide bases that hold steady when cutting across a slope. They score slightly lower in terrain management than the gas and smaller mowers when navigating dips and bumps. The lightweight but wide composite decks on these mowers tend to bounce over bumps or glide over dips. In those cases, an even cut often took several passes from different angles, if they were even capable of it at all. The Super Recycler's terrain performance depends on which blade and mode you're using. The performance blade in Max mode handles uneven ground nearly as well as the gas-powered Toro. Its efficiency modes are less impressive.

Power Performance

Here, we compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the energy sources used in these machines, ranging from purely human-powered reel mowers to traditional gas options to battery and cord-powered electric models. We've focused solely on each mower's runtime and how long it takes to recharge or refuel. While gas mowers offer incredible run time and fast refueling, battery-powered mowers have come a long way and offer impressive run times or the ability to swap batteries for an equally fast pit stop. Reels and corded mowers, while technically offering unlimited run time, have many drawbacks.

The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler are at the top as far as time to refuel or recharge. A tank of gas lasts for around an hour, which is usually enough to cover the entire acre of our test lawn. If you do happen to run out, you're likely to have a gas can on hand to fill it back up and get going with a minimal delay.

For people who frequently forget to fill that spare tank in the garage, battery mowers also offer the ability to “refuel” at home. The Ego LMSP boasts an impressive 75-minute run time with its massive 10Ah battery, and a relatively fast charge time of 60 minutes with the 700W turbo charger. We were able to mow a quarter-acre lawn several times over without needing to recharge using the normal blade speeds. Eco mode lasted a little longer, and Turbo lasted slightly shorter, but we rarely needed to use those modes.

The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, 16-inch Greenworks , and Ego Power+ LM all run for about 40 minutes at a time. The difference in their scores comes down to how long those batteries take to recharge. While the Ego and Greenworks charge in around an hour, the battery-powered Toro takes nearly 3.5 hours.

Also, keep in mind that the Toro has an efficiency mode to preserve battery life and a max mode that optimizes performance. The battery life was tested in efficiency mode. In max power mode, the runtime will be reduced. You also need to consider that the self-propelled mowers like the Toro and Ego do a lot more work for you than any of the non-propelled options.

For runtime, you can't beat a reel mower. As long as you can keep pushing the American or Great States lawn mowers along, they will keep cutting grass. The same goes for corded electric mowers (which we've tested in the past); if you have an extension cord that will reach the extent of your yard, you never have to worry about refueling.

Unfortunately, reel mowers are tiring, requiring a lot of strength to use for any amount of time, especially if your grass is very tall or thick. And, let's face it, cords are annoying. Having to navigate a cord on a machine capable of slicing it into pieces is something we do not enjoy.

Handling

While we care how well a mower cuts, we often pay more attention to how well it rolls around the yard. If it's a pain to push, it makes the weekly task of trimming the lawn a real chore. To test their relative dexterity, we compare how easy they are to start and stop, the effort required to push them or how well the self-propulsion works, and how easy they are to navigate around obstacles or perform sharp turns.

Both Toro models easily took top honors for their handling. The SmartStow Recycler requires less effort; its self-propulsion feature practically mows the lawn for you, you just have to walk behind it. Both mowers' responsive “personal pace” auto-drive system propels itself, responding to how much pressure you put on the curved upper handle. Since you press harder to get up a hill, it speeds the wheels to give you more support. When you slow for a turn, the auto-drive does as well. The result is effortless, leaving you relaxed enough to let your mind wander. It feels more like going for a walk than mowing the lawn. The auto-drive on both Toro machines proved invaluable in navigating tougher sections of grass, allowing us to feather the engine and make it through thicker sections. It takes practice, but it's an excellent feature. Both gas mowers start relatively easily, but it's a far cry from the simplicity of battery-powered mowers.

The Troy-Bilt TB110 features large rear wheels, making it quite easy to maneuver around obstacles. This ability earned it a respectable score even though its lack of self-propulsion requires you to put in far more sweat equity than the Toro models. The metal deck resists flexing, though, meaning that more of your effort is transferred to moving the machine forward instead of twisting its deck.

The Greenworks MO60L419 mower, though it lacks self-propulsion, is lightweight and small enough to be incredibly easy to maneuver around the yard. We were able to frequently mow with only one hand and could cut into tight corners where other mowers couldn't even fit. Even pushing up hills was easy, since the whole mower is so light.

Two of the Ego models, the Ego and Ego , are self-propelled, but their speed is driven by a setting that you have to choose instead of a self-regulating response to your pace. As a result, they can come in hot to turn. As rear wheel drive mowers, they also pivot poorly if you maintain propulsion through the turn.

The drive system on both of these mowers has a long learning curve. Even after months of testing, we still haven't mastered it completely. Although you can adjust the speed to different levels, it's a separate dial rather than a variable pressure-based trigger, making it hard to feather the speed during turns. This causes jerky starts and turns. There can also be an inexplicable lag at times, especially after pulling the mower in reverse.

Without any self-propulsion mechanism, the rest of the mowers we tested are more straightforward. Some offer better performance than the self-propelled mowers above, thanks to better maneuvering instead of propulsion. The gas-powered Troy-Bilt does not have an auto-drive feature, so it takes force to propel it around, especially up hills.

The 16-inch Greenworks is fairly easy to maneuver since its smaller deck provides some structural resistance to distortion. Its compact wheelbase and light weight make it easy to move around small spaces.

The reel options, the American Lawn Mower -14 and Great States 204-14, are light, but they really only move as well as they cut. Since the American arrived sharper than the Great States, it's far easier to push through grass, whether it's a straightaway or a turn.

Ease of Use

We consider the operation of all of the various elements of each lawn mower while it is not actually mowing a lawn. This includes changing blades, folding, switching between modes, changing mowing height, out-of-the-box setup, and routine maintenance. We examined safety features as well, although all models have a bail bar except the manual mowers, since there's no engine or motor to stop on those.

Set Up and Maintenance

When we consider how easy each of these machines is to set up and maintain, we're largely comparing the general ease of taking a mower from the box to mowing, and any ongoing upkeep required to keep the mower running smoothly.

While all lawnmowers will require you to sharpen their blades on occasion, other maintenance needs depend on the power source of your mower. Gas mowers require regular maintenance like oil changes, air filter replacements, and occasional carburetor cleaning. Battery mowers have no fluids and only require you to keep the blades sharp and the battery charged. Reel mowers and corded mowers are similar.

The American and Great States reel mowers are among the easiest to maintain in the test, requiring an occasional blade adjustment or sharpening. They have no fuel, oil, or battery to monitor. That said, since these are completely manual mowers, this ease of use score doesn't factor in how easy the actual cutting part of using them is! That score was factored into our other metrics. Both are easy to go from the box to mowing in seconds.

The three Ego mowers we tested, the Ego , Ego , and Ego , were all incredibly easy to use too. Despite some initial setup required, such as attaching the handle and routing cords, we were still mowing within minutes of opening the box. Maintenance on these mowers is virtually nonexistent as well.

The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler , simply because of their engines, are more challenging to maintain but just as easy to set up as other mowers. It's worth noting, though, that the Toro claims to never need an oil change. It just requires you to top off the oil levels on occasion. Time will tell how well that works out (although one of our staff has owned a different Toro mower for years and vouches for this).

The other battery powered mowers in our lineup, like the Greenworks MO60L419 and Greenworks , are also quick to set up and easy to maintain.

Adjusting Settings

Maintenance and setup play a fairly minor role in the life of a mower, so we primarily evaluated each mower's ease of use based on how easy it was to adjust various settings. We considered how easy it was to fold and store each model, adjusting the cutting height, and changing cutting speed or modes as well. We evaluated attaching and releasing the mulching bag, if included, as well.

While most folding mowers have some sort of wingnut & bolt or other quick-release system for folding the bar down, there are three models that stood out as far superior to the rest for this process. It doesn't get any easier than adjusting the handle on any of the Ego Power+ mowers. Each model has a large lever that either adjusts the angle of the handle or is used to fold it all the way over the mower body when you're ready to store it. As an added bonus, if you lower the handle all the way, the mower can be tipped back and stored vertically, saving space in your garage or shed.

It's also quite easy to adjust the settings on the Ego models. A large selector knob for the cutting height and mulching or bagging mode can be done one-handed. Tough buttons for selecting the power mode, like Eco or Turbo, and lights, are also easy. The one drawback is adjusting the self-propulsion speed, which requires twisting a knob in the center of the handle. We wish it were a pressure-based trigger built into where you hold the mower handle during use.

The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler's handle-folding process is exceptionally easy but requires two levers rather than one.

The Greenworks MO60L419 doesn't offer a folding handle like the other mowers, but it was still easy to set up, and it's easy to adjust. It lacks some of the different setting modes of larger mowers, like various cutting speeds and modes, and doesn't have self-propulsion. There's ease in simplicity, though.

Noise

We all know the sound of the inconsiderate neighbor who loves to fire up their deafening gas-guzzler first thing in the morning on your day off. If you want to avoid being that person, we tested these machines to determine which is the quietest. In general, gas mowers are significantly louder than electric mowers. That difference is more significant to your ear than when measuring with a decibel reader, like we did. While our decibel readings are all relatively close, we can confidently say that battery-powered mowers are much quieter. We measured the volume of each at head height in decibels (dBa). The reel mowers (Great States and American) are the quietest, registering 66 dBa each — not surprising, since they don't have motors or engines.

Among the electric options, the Greenworks was the quietest, measured at 72 dBa. Our favorite battery mower, the Ego was a little lowder at 75 dBa, but to our bare ears sounded no different.

The battery-powered Greenworks MO60L419 was on the louder end at 78 dBa, but still short of the loudest gas mowers, the Troy-Bilt and Toro Recycler at 79 and 81 dBa, respectively.

At the end of the day, you expect a lawnmower to be loud, and we know this may not impact your purchase decision, but it's nice to know which options are quieter. 80 dBa is the threshold at which the World Health Organization recommends limiting your exposure to sound. Still, they claim that you can listen to about 40 hours of 80 dBa sounds in a week without much risk of long-term hearing loss. We like to put in noise cancelling earbuds and listen to some tunes or a podcast.

How to Choose a Lawn Mower

Before anything, you need to decide which type of mower you need. Here are a few things to think about before ordering. For a more in-depth discussion, check out our lawn mower buying advice.

Gas, Battery, Corded Electric, or Reel?

When shopping for a lawn mower, the first step is to consider your power source. Each one has its pros and cons, and depending on the size of your yard, your location, and your budget, the type of lawn mower needed will vary. Gasoline mowers are the most popular, but they have the added chores and equipment involved with all internal combustion engines. And who likes huffing fumes or loud motors? Battery-powered mowers are quickly gaining popularity. They can actually pack more power than gas models, but their batteries require a lengthy recharge time as opposed to a quick fuel tank top-off. Our team immediately found corded electric mowers to be a bit silly for anything besides the smallest areas as soon as we started testing. We found the tried and true reel mowers to be a fun way to get some exercise, but be prepared to put some miles on those "Chevrolegs"!

Self-Propelled vs Push Mowers

As much as our team loves a good hard day's work, we have to admit — the lawn mower pulling itself along as you jam out to your favorite playlist can turn something that's often considered a chore into a soothing and enjoyable experience. Self-propelled models have a lever or setting that engages a motor that effectively helps spin the wheels and move the machine. Just don't forget that this extra power usage will burn up batteries and fuel more quickly than models that don't offer this feature. It really comes in handy on large lawns or hills. We noticed a slight lag in self-propelled battery-powered models as compared to gas mowers, but adjusted quickly.

How Wide of a Deck Do You Buy?

Essentially, the wider the deck, the quicker it will be to mow your lawn. That said, lawn mowers with wider decks are often heavier and more cumbersome, making them harder to maneuver and store. There's a price factor to consider, too. Generally speaking, wider decks are more expensive.

Height Adjustments

Nearly every mower comes with an adjustable height setting. For gasoline, battery, and corded models, adjusting the setting is usually as simple as a moving a spring-loaded lever on the front wheels. Some of the newer designs have an integrated “stick shift” that allows you to adjust the height with one hand. If you decide to go with an old, trusty, rusty reel model, you'll have to break out some tools to adjust it to your ideal grass length.

What About the Clippings?

Certain mowers have a mulching setting, which is ideal for both the health of your back and the health of the lawn. Some models have bags that gather the clippings for you to dump wherever you like. Side shoot models work exactly as described — they shoot clippings to the side. These were once a popular style of lawn mower but have largely faded from the market as technology has developed. Finally, there are lawn mowers that leave unmulched clippings where they are clipped. Depending on the length of grass and the environment, you may or may not need to go back over the yard and rake up clippings if you decide to go with this type.

Storage

Lawn mowers come in all shapes and sizes, and some of them fold up while others do not. While an old-school reel mower can essentially get tossed in the corner of a shed, a gas mower needs to live somewhere that is gasoline-friendly. Also, if you choose to go with gasoline, don't forget that you will need to either completely drain the tank or add a fuel stabilizer if you won't be using the machine for an extended period. Aside from reels, the electric models are the easiest to store because they fold up and can be stored upright — something you should only do with a gasoline mower if the fluids have been completely drained.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of 20v brushless motor power tools. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive review has led you to the lawn mower of your dreams. Whether you have a half-acre of grass to maintain or just cleaning up along the sidewalk, we've researched many great options that can match your needs. With so many models on the market, you can now choose between a traditional gas-powered machine and a battery option that helps you join the rapid shift to electric power. Happy mowing!