What’s the difference between a standard push lawn mower and a self-propelled lawn mower? With a standard push or walk-behind mower, you provide the drive power. You might find them best suited for small- and medium-sized yards since they require more work to cut grass. However, they can also handle large yards.
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Compared to similar self-propelled mowers, standard push mowers:
Self-propelled lawn mowers have a drive system that moves the lawn mower forward on its own. All you need to do is steer. Self-propelled lawn mowers usually have a control on the handle to change the mower’s speed or disengage the drive system. A self-propelled lawn mower is a good option for cutting grass if you have a large lawn — one greater than a 1/2 acre in size — or have hilly terrain, but these mowers can also handle small, level lawns.
Compared to similar standard mowers, self-propelled mowers:
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Gas-powered lawn mowers have a long history of being the conventional option for yards up to an acre in size. Most gas-powered lawn mowers have a pull start, but some feature an electric starter that eliminates the need to use the pull cord.
Pay attention to the engine displacement, or size of the cylinder, when choosing a gas push lawn mower. Manufacturers measure displacement in cubic centimeters (cc). A higher cc measurement means a more powerful engine that can handle heavier cutting.
Gas push mowers need the right fuel, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's requirements. Read our guide to fueling power equipment for additional tips to keep your lawn mower running properly.
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Battery-powered mowers or cordless mowers are quieter than gas mowers and require less maintenance. Instead of running on gasoline, they use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Charge times vary by battery and charger, ranging from 30 minutes for quick-charge batteries to several hours.
Cordless mowers come with a variety of different battery types and voltages. The higher the voltage (v), the more power output from the battery. Amp-hour (Ah) measurements on a battery-powered lawn mower give you an idea of runtime. Higher amp-hour ratings indicate a longer potential runtime. A cordless mower with a brushless motor operates more efficiently than a mower with a brushed electric motor, making better use of battery power. A brushless motor runs cooler and can improve the lifespan of the motor. Take a look at What Can You Do With an Electric Mower? to see some cordless mower capabilities.
You can also find corded electric mowers that offer many of the same benefits as cordless mowers. However, they require a suitable extension cord, which limits their range to small yards.
Some battery-powered lawn mowers use batteries that can power other lawn equipment of the same brand. If you have several compatible devices, you can use one battery while others are charging.
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A manual lawn mower, or reel lawn mower, is a good option if you have a small, flat yard and don’t want to rely on power cords, batteries or gasoline. As you push the mower, a set of rotating knives spin against a fixed blade, creating a cutting action similar to scissors and giving the grass a clean cut.
Push reel mowers are compact and are quieter than other types of lawn mowers. You don’t need to perform the maintenance that a gas push mower requires. There’s no need to change the oil, spark plugs or filters. They don’t require the charging and battery care of an electric lawn mower either.
Reel lawn mowers have adjustable mowing heights, and some include a bagger option to collect grass clippings. Reel lawn mowers are best for lawns 1/3 acre or smaller. Keep in mind that the smaller cutting width of a push reel mower means spending more time and effort to mow your lawn. You may need to mow more often since reel mowers struggle in tall grass and weeds.
As the name suggests, push mowers are smaller mowers that you push around your lawn while the spinning blade underneath cuts the grass.
There are two types of push mower, manual and motorised, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Manual push mowers are often extremely light weight, manoeuvrable and simple to operate. They have a system of blades on a reel that turns as you push it along, with no buttons or pull cords required to start them.
Ideal for smaller yards, up to 50 square metres, they allow you to control exactly where the grass is mowed, allowing for greater precision along edges and around trees or shrubs.
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Manual push mowers take up very little space in the shed and you don’t need to worry about running short of fuel, charging batteries or making a lot of noise.
They are also usually priced at the cheaper end of the market and can be bought for less than $200.
On the downside, they don’t cope well with long or very thick grass and mowing may be needed two or three times a week during the growing season to keep your lawn looking its best.
Motorised push mowers are more durable, with a wider, heavier deck and adjustable cutting heights.
Most are rotary mowers, which have one or more spinning blades under the cutting deck that cut the grass.
They are powered by engines running on two or four stroke petrol, or you can choose corded or battery electric models.
Motorised push mowers are suited for relatively level yards up to square metres (or the old quarter acre block) in size.
They’re best for lawn lovers who have the physical strength and stamina to guide the mower on its path.
Indeed, regularly mowing the lawn can be a good way to get some extra exercise in the great outdoors.
If your lawn area is bigger than 250 square metres, or you get fatigued when mowing, you might prefer a self-propelled mower.
If you’ve ever had to start a temperamental old mower, manually priming the engine and adjusting settings as you repeatedly pull the cord, you’ll be looking for an easier way to do it.
Fortunately, many lawn mower manufacturers have developed starting systems with automatic chokes that start with a single pull, and some even offer push-button electronic ignition.
The second most important feature is cutting width, which determines how many passes it will take you to cover the lawn and therefore how long it will take you to complete mowing.
Cutting width also has a direct impact on weight and cost – a mower with a wider deck will be heavier, have a bigger engine and be more expensive, as will replacement blades.
Look for a mower with dual or single lever height adjustment so you can easily adjust the height of the blades to suit your lawn’s growth habit across the different seasons.
If you’re not sure a push mower is what you need, take a look at our complete Lawn Mower Buyers Guide here.
Most mowers can be fitted with a catcher that collects lawn clippings to make it easier to put them in a compost bin or trailer for disposal at the dump.
Catchers and bags can be fitted to the side or rear of your mower, but rear mounted catchers are easier to manoeuvre into corners and around obstacles in the yard.
If you prefer to leave your clippings on the lawn, look for a mulching mower, which has blades that cut the grass into very small pieces before spitting it back out. This is best used on finer grasses, such as Zoysia or Couch.
Not sure whether to leave grass clippings on your lawn? Read this article
Whatever type of mower you choose, ensure it performs at its best by following the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Always wear protective boots and safety glasses when mowing and never touch the blades or engine parts while a mower is running.
Regular maintenance will ensure your mower lasts longer and keeps your lawn looking amazing.
You can read our guide to lawn mower maintenance and troubleshooting here.
The general rule of thumb for mowing your lawn is to cut only one third of the leaf each time, and adjust cutting height to the seasons.
During summer, when your lawn will be growing at its fastest, you can cut a little closer to the ground. Try to avoid scalping which puts your lawn under stress and can make it prone to disease, weed or pest outbreaks.
In winter, your lawn should be allowed to grow a little taller to provide insulation against the cold for the roots.
Optimum height and mowing intervals differ between grass types and whether they’re exposed to sun or shade. There’s a guide to the best mowing heights for Buffalo, Zoysia, Kikuyu and Couch lawns here.
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