10 Best Self Propelled Mower Reviews 2023

Almost every homeowner is proud when they have a well-manicured lawn. Most people that have such lawns usually have very good lawnmowers. We know pushing mowers can be stressful. However, what if you could avoid this stress? Have you ever wondered what the best self propelled mower products look like? If yes, then you’re in the right place. This article will highlight the 10 best self-propelled mowers on the market.

10 Best Self Propelled Mowers

Image Product
Greenworks 21-Inch 40V
  • Brushless motor feature
  • Its dual battery port feature means that you can store one battery
  • It has a 3-in-1 design that allows users to either side discharge, rear bag, or mulch your grass clippings
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Craftsman M275 21-Inch
  • Minimal effort required when moving it around the lawn or yard
  • You can pick between six different height trimming settings
  • Easy to assemble
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Snapper XD 21-Inch 82V
  • Great brushless motor technology
  • Convenient and high-functioning self-propelling system
  • Efficient and smart operating systems
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Greenworks PRO 80V 21-inch)
  • Its brushless motor system is quieter and more durable than the standard, traditional electric motor
  • Batteries charge very fast
  • Has a lightweight overall design
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Snapper XD 82-Volt MAX
  • Operation is both efficient and smart
  • Excellent brushless motor system
  • Self-propelled transmission that has variable speeds
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Craftsman 149cc Engine FWD
  • Powerful 149CC gas engine
  • Front Wheel Drive
  • Great variable and self-propelled speeds
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Craftsman 21-Inch 159cc M215
  • A great self-propelling system that offers variable speeds
  • Powerful 159cc Craftsman gas engine
  • The 6 height trimming adjustment feature is easy to use
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PowerSmart 170cc 21-Inch Mower
  • Incredibly flexible and agile
  • Adjustable cutting depth
  • Powerful 170cc Craftsman gasoline engine
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PowerSmart 200cc 22-Inch Mower
  • A very agile and flexible machine
  • Its forced air-cooling system means that you can have continuous power
  • An easy to work adjustable cutting depth
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Husqvarna Battery-Powered Self-Propelled Mower
  • Solid and durable build quality
  • Its 3-in-1 functionality allows users to pick between BioClip mulching, side discharge, and bagging
  • The 40-volt battery requires no maintenance and still provides plenty of power
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →

1. Greenworks 21-Inch 40V

The Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower is a battery-fueled power tool ideal for outdoor spaces measuring up to half an acre. Its 40V battery system provides high-performance levels with adequate runtime. It can get almost any task done.

This piece of high-quality equipment has a push-to-start button function, is easy to use, and is incredibly lightweight. Both the battery and build quality helps make this one of the best self-propelled mowers on the market right now. It has all the features a high-performance mower is expected to have.

Pros:

  • Has a durable 21-inch deck that allows users to cut huge areas of grass easily and quickly
  • Its brushless motor feature not only helps ensure a longer life but provides quiet operation as well as more torque.
  • Its dual battery port feature means that you can store one battery. At the same time, the other one powers the machine for uninterrupted cutting.
  • It has a 3-in-1 design that allows users to either side discharge, rear bag, or mulch your grass clippings
  • The battery’s USB port can charge other portable electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones
  • Can be collapsed for easy storage

Cons

  • Struggles a bit when cutting patches or areas that have thick grass.
  • Its cutting path is a bit on the narrow side
  • Batteries are not smart charge

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2. Craftsman M275 21-Inch

This 3-in-1, 21-inch Craftsman self-propelled mower is the perfect power tool for your lawn. It has a 159cc engine that has both an auto choke and an electric start feature. This self-propelled FWD mower has both mulching, side, and rear discharge capabilities.

A single level squeezebox is what propels the front-wheel drive. This then helps make acceleration much easier. It’s equipped with a 21-inch cutting deck that allows for wider mows. Perfect for the medium to the small-sized yard.

You also get a dual lever that allows for the adjustment of trimmings between six different heights. The 11-inch and 8-inch wheels are manufactured with zag treading to provide you with more durability and traction.

Pros:

  • Minimal effort required when moving it around the lawn or yard. Furthermore, you can move around at the propulsion speed that best suits you, which allows you to have complete control and command.
  • You can pick between six different height trimming settings. Whether your lawn or yard needs a full cut or light trim, there’s a setting for you.
  • Easy to assemble. The unit has mulching, rear discharge, and side discharge capabilities. It’s a very versatile gas mower that can get almost any job done.
  • It has an electric start feature that lets you start work quickly with literally the push of one button.

Cons:

  • Is not exactly environmentally friendly. It uses gasoline, however, not so much.  
  • It’s a little bulky and not easily maneuverable.

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3. Snapper XD 21-Inch 82V

The Snapper XD is a cordless 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower powered by a Briggs & Stratton 5.0, 4.0, or 2.0 lithium-ion battery that’s easy to use and built for durability. This particular model has a 3-in-1 steel mowing deck, providing bagging, side discharge, and mulch options.

You can get tasks done fast with the two 2.0 batteries giving you a runtime of around 90-minutes or so. Also, its load sensing technology and variable speed transmission make the operation so much easier as well.

Pros:

  • Great brushless motor technology. It has a 1200 or 1000-watt high-performance brushless motor that offers both the reliability and power you’ll need.
  • Convenient and high-functioning self-propelling system. Provides smooth operation, allowing the user to control all forward movement
  • Efficient and smart operating systems. Load Sensing tech that allows for power adjustments to meet the cutting blades’ demands.
  • A single lever and push to start functionality helps make it a simple power tool to operate. It doesn’t take much to know your way around.
  • It has Compact vertical storage capabilities that give users the ability to store it in tight spaces.

Cons:

  • A bit bulky side

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4. Greenworks PRO 80V 21-inch

The Greenworks 80V PRO 21-inch comes with a rapid charger and two batteries. This means that you can get an extended runtime on the larger pieces of property. It’s good for outdoor spaces that measure about one acre or so.

However, you can mow bigger areas if you swap batteries out or get larger ones. It has a brushless motor system, too that helps reduce the noise and vibration end.

Greenworks is an eco-conscious power tool company that offers both corded and cordless options. Most of them hold up well, and this one is no exception. This particular mower is well-known for having reasonable battery power. Good runtimes are easy to operate and very quiet. It can handle all lawn types.

Pros:

  • Its brushless motor system is quieter and more durable than the standard, traditional electric motor. This means that this lawnmower should last longer.
  • Batteries charge very fast and run out much slower than they charge.
  • Eco-friendly since it doesn’t use gas. It doesn’t produce any harmful emissions.
  • Has a lightweight overall design. Easily maneuverable because of its compact design.
  • It has smart technology that responds to what your yard or lawn needs.

Cons:

  • Some assembly is needed straight from the package
  • The trimmings catch bag can sometimes leak
  • It’s not very effective at cutting tall, thick grass.

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5. Snapper XD 82-Volt MAX

The Snapper XD MAX 82V self-propelled lawn mower can be powered by either a Briggs & Stratton 5.0, 4.0, or 2.0 battery. These Lithium-ion batteries are easy to use and are very durable as well. This 21-inch model has a 3-in-1 steel mowing deck that provides a rear discharge, side discharge, and mulch bagging options. It can handle all your lawn mowing tasks quite easily.

Two 2.0 batteries will give users a runtime of around 90-minutes or so. Although, you can even get more runtime if you get the 5.0 or 4.0 versions. You can also effortlessly choose between 7 different trimming heights. This quiet self-propelled lawn mower doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, and it features vertical storage capability. This will help you save a lot of space in your shed or garage.

Its brushless battery motor means it doesn’t need maintenance all the time and the push-to-start button ensures a pretty easy startup process. Its max initial battery voltage is 82 volts. Its nominal voltage is 72.

Pros

  • Operation is both efficient and smart. Its Load Sensing tech allows for power adjustments. This ensures that your cutting blades get the power they need. It also has a 7 height trimming setting.
  • Excellent brushless motor system. Its 1200 or 1000 watt high-quality brushless motor system offers both reliability and power. You can use the mower on large pieces of land for years to come.
  • It can be stored vertically, which means you can fit it into tight storage spaces. It doesn’t take up a lot of room when not being used.
  • Self-propelled transmission that has variable speeds. Can get it to move at a pace that suits you

Cons:

  • Grass trimmings can sometimes leak from the catch bag
  • You might need to assemble a few things out of the box
  • Can be hard to cut tall, thick grass with it.

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6. Craftsman 149cc Engine FWD

This 3-in-1 self-propelled mower is something special. It has a powerful 149cc engine manufactured by Craftsman itself. Craftsman engine has a reputation for being durable and of high-quality principles. Also, it has vertical storage capability that’ll help reduce storage space by around 70-percent. Furthermore, its single-lever speed control system allows the user to mow at their own pace.

You can use either bag, side discharge, or mulch with its 3-in-1 mowing deck. You don’t have to worry about having to pick up grass clipping anymore because the rear bags can collect them for you.

It also has a 6-height adjustment setting that makes it easy for the user to adjust their cutting heights while they’re mowing. Pick the height that best suits your yard or lawn. These machine options range from 1.25-inches to around 3.74-inches tall. This Craftsman lawn mower trims both the grass and the time it takes to manicure the whole lawn.

Pros:

  • It has vertical storage functionality. You can contract the mower once you’re done using it so that it can be easy to store. Space reduces by about 70-percent from its full-size to storage size.
  • 3-in-1 functionality. This self-propelled mower has mulching, side, and rear discharge capability. In addition to this, it has a small dust-blocker bag for the messy dust clouds produced.
  • Powerful 149CC gas engine. This Craftsman manufactured engine features an auto choke and recoil. No more hassling with a choke or primer, just pull to start.
  • Front Wheel Drive. Easily maneuver, turn, and tip-up around level terrain.
  • Great variable and self-propelled speeds. Move around the lawn effortlessly at the propulsion speed that best suits you. It’s ideal for medium-sized lawns.

Cons:

  • Not eco-friendly. The fact that it uses a gas engine means that some harmful emissions will be produced.
  • Has a bit of a complicated user manual
  • It isn’t ideal for large tracts of land.

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7. Craftsman 21-Inch 159cc M215

Perfect the grass on your yard with the Craftsman 21-inch 159cc M215 FWD self-propelled mower with a bagger. This machine is driven by a Craftsman 159cc engine that has both auto choke and recoil start features. This front-wheel-drive mower also features mulching, rear discharge, and side discharge capability.

It has a 21-inch mowing deck that allows the user to cut more expansive areas with fewer passes. It’s perfect for a medium or small-sized lawn or yard. Furthermore, it’s also equipped with a dual-lever system that allows the user to adjust between six different trimming heights. The 11-inch rear and 8-inch front wheels are zag treading-based to give more traction.

While its design is a little basic, it’s both very useful and very practical. It features a sturdy, durable 21-inch mowing deck and weighs in at around 83-pounds. It’s designed to be efficient and agile at mowing large to medium-sized yards.

Pros:

  • A great self-propelling system that offers variable speeds. You can effortlessly move through the yard at the propulsion speeds of your choice.
  • Helpful front-wheel drive. The FWD system will give you the ability to turn easily, maneuver and tip-up when cutting level terrains
  • Powerful 159cc Craftsman gas engine. Its high-performing gas engine has auto choke and recoil features. You can forget about the fuss a choke or primer brings. Just pull to start.
  • The zag tread 11-inch back tires will help you easily tackle uneven terrains.
  • The 6 height trimming adjustment feature is easy to use
  • All wheels have superb traction.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for the bigger lawns or yards
  • The handle on it is not the most comfortable out there

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8. PowerSmart 170cc 21-Inch Mower

PowerSmart’s 21-inch self-propelled mower provides many attractive features at an affordable price. Its robust 170cc engine is easy to maintain and provides the unit with enough power to easily handle its 21-inch mowing blade and effective operation for the device’s self-propulsion system.  

This mower also has 3-in-1 functionality. You can leave it on the side discharge setup if you like. If thatch buildup gave you a problem in the past, you could consider trying out the bagging or mulching mode. Grass blades are minced into minuscule pieces in the mulcher mode. These pieces are not likely to dry out and turn into choking thatch.

The mowing deck also has 5 distinct height settings. It’s the lowest setting, which is 1.2-inches, is perfect for warm and wet weather conditions. Cutting it this low during these conditions helps make it easier to maintain the lawn.

Pros:

  • Incredibly flexible and agile. Its 3-in-1 mulching and side discharge capability give users the ability to spread their grass trimmings to the side. This, in turn, leads to the returning of key nutrients to the lawn.
  • Adjustable cutting depth. The 5-position trimming height adjustment settings are relatively easy to use and have a good height range that starts from 1.18-inches to 3-inches.
  • Powerful 170cc Craftsman gasoline engine. Its 4-stroke engine has enough power to clear the toughest and tallest grass quickly.
  • Quick folding for tidy storage. The mower can be folded quickly due to its foldable handle design. After folding, it can be stored tidily, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
  • Has a more than sufficient fuel tank capacity. It has an oil capacity of about 17 fl. oz, gallon capacity of 0.21, and weighs in at about 70-pounds

Cons:

  • Sometimes the mulcher can clog up.
  • Requires seasonal maintenance
  • Lacks self-sharpening mulching blades
  • The lowest trimming height setting, at 1.18-inches, could’ve been a little better.

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9. PowerSmart 200cc 22-Inch Mower

This PowerSmart self-propelled lawnmower has a 22-inch cutting deck and a powerful 200cc OHV gasoline engine. Its high-performance single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine helps ensure you can cut some of the most challenging and tallest grass out there.

Additionally, its forced air-cooling system means that you’ll have continuous engine power until you’ve accomplished your task. Its steel 22-inch cutting deck means you can mow wide areas without passing back over them. This mowing deck will allow you to manicure larger yards and lawns. The mower can manage large to medium-sized outdoor spaces.

PowerSmart always wants to provide its customers with great value, and that’s why they produce such quality products at an affordable price. All of their products have a 3-year warranty policy.

Pros:

  • A very agile and flexible machine. Its 3-in-1 functionality means that grass clippings can be spread to the side, in turn, returning key nutrients into the soil.
  • An easy to work adjustable cutting depth. Its 5-position height trimming adjustment feature helps make it easy to cut grass overgrowth.
  • Its forced air-cooling system means that you can have continuous power. It’ll allow you to get almost any task done.
  • Efficient, quick folding functionality. It doesn’t need tools to fold and store quickly.
  • The 3-year warranty is more than what other manufacturers offer.

Cons:

  • Not eco-friendly. The fact that it uses gas means it produces harmful emissions
  • A bit bulky. Its big size makes it a bit hard to maneuver
  • Doesn’t have such good traction.
  • Adjusting speed can prove a little complicated sometimes.

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10. Husqvarna Battery-Powered Self-Propelled Mower

This machine is the next generation of lawn mowing power. Featuring an ergonomic design and steel construction, the Husqvarna self-propelled lawn mower is specifically designed for durability and simplicity. Its twin battery system provides users with extended runtimes, which means you can mow up to half an acre of land without being interrupted. It also has an incredibly easy-to-use keypad that helps make the mowing experience even better.

Battery technology has greatly advanced over the past few years. Husqvarna has taken all these advancements and put them into their 21-inch self-propelled mower. This lawnmower features a rear-wheel drive, a lightweight body, and sensible, ergonomic controls. Like many other battery-powered machines, this new mower from Husqvarna boasts of smoke-free operation without direct emissions.

Pros:

  • Simple to use controls that feel the same as what you’d expect to find on other more traditional gas mowers
  • Has a solid and durable build quality. And, at only around 67-pounds, this lawnmower feels maneuverable and agile.
  • Its 3-in-1 functionality allows users to pick between BioClip mulching, side discharge, and bagging.
  • Has a cordless push to start button function that makes startup easier. Also, the 40-volt battery requires no maintenance and still provides plenty of power.

Cons:

  • The mower’s top speed could’ve been a bit better. You’ll get a little frustrated with it if you’re someone that has naturally long strides.
  • The power it offers means that it might only handle home lawns and not commercial outdoor spaces. Not ideal for the bigger yards out there.

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Buyer’s Guide

Most proud homeowners want their green lawns well-maintained, and the only way this can happen is if they have a good lawnmower. If you feel you don’t want the difficulty of push mowers, you should think of getting a self-propelled mower. These are much easier on the arms because you won’t have to push it by yourself. 

So, let’s take a look at a few things you need to consider before getting one.

1. Noise

Some self-propelled mowers produce quite a lot of noise during operation. Especially if the model is a gas-powered one, if noise is something you hold very important, then make sure you look for the quieter models on the market. Lithium-Ion battery-powered mowers are some of the mowers that’ll provide you with quiet operation.

2. Speed

Some self-propelled mowers have a single-speed setting. Although, other models allow the user to adjust their speed settings. Some mowers can even be adjusted up to 5 mph. A bigger lawn or yard more varied, or just faster, speed settings. Single-speed settings are ideal for smaller lawns.

3. Weight

Self-propelled mowers power themselves, which means that how much it generally weighs is not that important in most cases. Being that it’s self-propelled means that you won’t have to use your force and energy to get it moving around. That being said, most self-propelled mowers on the market weigh around 60-pounds or so.

4. Maintenance

As with all machines and power equipment, you must take care of them and carry-out regular maintenance. If the correct maintenance isn’t carried out, your self-propelled mower will start to have a performance power decline. You may need to carry out regular oil changes if you want your mower to be effective longer.

The health of the blades should be continuously checked because the blades’ sharpness is what determines how well the mower will cut your grass.

5. Storage options

Lawnmower makers have paid keen attention to the homeowners’ complaints about crowded sheds and garages. This is why they’ve come up with mowers that have foldable handles to allow for more compact storage capabilities. Some self-propelled lawn mowers can fold forward and can be stored vertically for additional space-saving.

6. Engine size

The mower you choose can be powered by a small 125cc engine. However, most average mowers fall in the range of between 145cc to 200cc. Large engines help when powering through thick, tall grass. The extra torque on these units improves bagging when in tough situations. However, if you pay close attention to the mower’s deck height and mow sensibly, then engines in the range of 140cc to 160cc should provide you with all the power you need.

7. Deck height

Deck height is usually controlled with four, two, or one lever. The single-lever height adjustment settings are often the easiest of them all to use. However, it requires way more linkage, thus adding complexity and weight to the whole unit. If you’re going to be constantly varying deck height, then a single-lever mower is a good option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s a self-propelled mower?

While a push lawnmower relies on the user’s strength and body to move around the lawn, a self-propelled mower doesn’t. Self-propelled mowers push themselves so that they can alleviate some of your strain. With self-propelled mowers, all you need to do is direct its path.

2. How do you fix a self-propelled mower cable?

If the mower’s cable needs to be replaced, once your engine has cooled down, put on some gloves and then disconnect the machine’s spark plug wire. Next, release the mower handle by pivoting the cable clip. On the ball control bar, there is a zone control cable. Release it. Pull the zone cable out and then connect the new one.

3. How do you adjust the speed?

First of all, this can only be done in mowers with variable speeds because some mowers only have one speed. Anyway, speed is adjusted using levers found next to the handle.

Conclusion

Before buying the best self propelled mower, you can find out there, first and foremost, consider what you want to achieve with the said mower. Many fantastic models are ideal for medium to small-sized lawns. But, more extensive lawns might need bigger and more expensive models. Determining what you want the mower to do will help you to choose one way easier. Hopefully, this article is what you needed to help you know what’s available to you. 

You can Read Our Various Mower’s Reviews:

About Jennifer Igra

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York City known for it’s green gardens. Jennifer, a 30 year old gardener and green living fanatic started Igra World to share her gardening journey and increase gardening awareness among masses. Follow Igra World to improve your gardening skills.

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