

The recommendations in this list are based on our detailed knowledge of the lawn mower market and our rigorous evaluation routine. If you're looking for a more hands-off experience, consider either a riding lawn mower or a robot lawn mower. All that's required of you is to squeeze a trigger or pull or push a handle, and the mower will lay stripes on your lawn-all you need to do is escort it along and turn it when it's time to do so. These machines tend to be more expensive but they drive themselves. If your yard is larger or hilly, you may want to consider a self-propelled mower. They make the most sense for yards that are relatively small and flat. Push mowers are a budget-friendly option, but you have to push them (as the name implies) along your yard. Battery mowers are quieter than their gas-engine counterparts, while the latter can more easily handle extreme mowing conditions such as tall, thick grass.ĭrive type is an important consideration as well. Certain ones are built to offer specific benefits. But that doesn’t mean that every mower is suited to every yard or its owner. Most of today’s options do a good job at that. And if your mower runs out of gas, you can simply top off the tank in a matter of seconds.Ī well maintained mower should leave a cut lawn looking like velvet. The other factor to consider is that gas mowers tend to be more effective at picking up leaves in the fall or mowing through thick grass. With regular maintenance and care, a gas mower may prove to be more reliable in the long run. Gas mowers, on the other hand, should have their oil changed and air filter replaced regularly, but neither of those tasks are difficult. Additionally, if your battery runs out of juice, you either need to have a charged alternate battery standing by or wait for the battery you do have to recharge. Battery-powered electric lawn mowers inherently don't require the regular maintenance of gas mowers, but the batteries may wear out and need to be replaced, which can add to the long-term cost of their operation. Lawn mowers are not difficult to maintain, but it is important that you do so. Finding the right mower comes down to a number of factors, including the size of your yard and how hilly or flat an area you'll be mowing, among other things. The best lawn mowers will help you do the job effectively without depleting you of all energy and motivation to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Mowing your lawn is almost a rite of passage for homeowners with any amount of meaningful yard space.
