A lawn mower is an important gardening appliance for keeping your yard well-trimmed. The grass in your yard will grow throughout the season and you will need to cut it numerous times to maintain the neat and tidy lawn you want.
That’s why many people invest in buying one, although it is an expensive purchase, and whether they are into gardening or not. But since you are making a sizable investment, you want to make sure that it is going to be worth every penny. One of the ways to do that is to read lawn mower reviews.
In this article, you are going to learn about 5 different lawn mowers of different brands. You will read about their features, as well as their pros and cons. This way, you will have an idea of what good gas, electric, and battery-powered lawn mowers are.
Contents
Different types of lawn mowers
Now, before you go judging which of the 5 lawn mowers will suit your yard, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of lawn mowers.
Manual reel mowers
This type of lawn mower has been around for many years; it was the first type of lawn mower that was designed to trim grass faster than using garden shears. The oldest versions have very few features unlike some types, but what makes them stand out from others is their eco-friendliness.
It does not emit anything or require an additional source of power, except your own human strength to push it across the grass. Aside from that, there is also little maintenance needed. The new generation of manual reel mowers now have better maneuverability for ease of use and comfort.
Most of them have zero impact on the environment. One thing that has not changed is the overall design that requires you to be the source of energy. And since all the power will come from your strength, cutting grass will be a form of exercise. Aside from this, it doesn’t also give your grass a nice and clean cut.
Gas mowers
Gas mowers are arguably the most powerful lawn mowers. No other type can beat their performance once they start cutting and trimming the grass.
No matter how tall or thick the grass is, a gas mower is sure to easily handle the job. When it comes to efficiency, longevity, and durability, they are still the top choice. In fact, you only need a small amount of gas to keep the lawn mower running for hours.
However, they tend to be harmful to your health and to the environment. They emit fumes or harmful gases like carbon dioxide and monoxide, and they are noisy; your next-door neighbor would know that you are mowing your yard.
In terms of usability, it is easier than a manual reel mower, although the pull-start can require some effort. Another issue with a gas mower is the risk of flame if you accidentally spill gas onto the hot engine.
Corded mowers
If you are looking for a lawn mower that is environment friendly, like a manual reel mower, yet heavy-duty like a gas mower, consider a corded mower. This type is a subcategory of an electric mower where the source of power is electricity running through the cord from an outlet.
Unlike a gas mower, this one effortlessly starts by just pressing a button. It can operate with less noise as it mulches, bags, or discharges the grass clippings. What you will like about this is that the power is not limited to the amount of fuel or battery charge, so time is not a problem. However, your mobility is limited to the cord’s length.
Aside from this, there is also a danger in cutting the power cord while mowing. While good corded mowers have an extra safety feature, electric shocks are still possible. That’s why you have to be mindful of the cord while using this type of mower.
Battery-powered mowers
This type of mower outperforms the other types when it comes to ease of use and maneuverability. The old battery-powered mowers cannot compete with gas mowers.
Yet today, manufacturers are able to make their mowers powerful enough to handle thick grass while still remaining lightweight. It is also a subcategory of an electric mower. Therefore, it is also environment friendly and less noisy.
It looks like a typical electric mower minus the power cord. The problem with this mower is that the run time is only about an hour, which makes it only ideal for a small yard, unless you have an extra charged battery available. Those with heavy or large batteries tend to be harder to push.
Factors to consider in buying a lawn mower
Based on most lawn mower reviews, the following are things that buyers look for when buying a new model.
Size of the lawn and landscaping
The size of the lawn will give you an idea as to what type of lawn mower do you need. Not only do lawn mowers come in a variety of types, but also sizes.
Small lawns need a push reel mower or an electric mower. On the other hand, a medium-sized lawn needs a push mower or maybe a self-propelled mower. For large lawns, a large gas mower that can be ridden is your best option.
If your yard is more than half an acre, you should consider buying a riding mower. Aside from this, the landscaping of your yard is also an important factor to consider. Do you have to go up or down the hill? Then choose a lightweight and maneuverable cordless mower. This way, you will exert less effort in mowing.
Cut quality
What kind of cut do you want your grass to have? Do you want it to look clean and manicured? Or are you OK with it having a decent height? These are the questions you need to answer because a lawn mower may not have all the features that you are looking for.
Cleanly cut grass needs sharp and long-lasting blades, although, there are also lawn mowers with adjustable decks for trimming the grass at your desired height.
Aside from this, you should also know what you will do with your grass clippings. If you are going to mulch, discharge, or bag them, make sure that your mower has a bagging apparatus or a side discharge chute.
Type of wheels
The wheels of your mower affect the overall performance, specifically the speed, movement, and smoothness. Aside from this, they also affect the amount of effort you need to expend to get the job done. For walk-behind mowers, the best wheels you should look for are tread cap for they are non-pneumatic.
In other words, they do not have air and are cheap to replace. For riding mowers, pneumatic wheels, semi-pneumatic, and pneumatic tires are your best options. Meanwhile, the size of the wheels depends on your lawn mower’s size.
Image | Product | Price | Rating |
[amazon fields=”B002ZVOLXE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B002ZVOLXE” title=”GreenWorks 25022 12 Amp Corded 20-Inch Lawn Mower”] | $ | 4.3/5 |
[amazon fields=”B0029TLUOA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B0029TLUOA” title=”Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-Inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower With Grass Bag”] | $ | 4.1/5 |
[amazon fields=”B00J2VVU0M” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B00J2VVU0M” title=”Remington 22-Inch Trimmer Lawn Mower”] | $$ | 4.5/5 |
[amazon fields=”B00HH4K6V0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B00HH4K6V0″ title=”BLACK+DECKER EM1500 15-Inch Corded Mower with Edge Max, 10-Amp”] | $ | 3.8/5 |
[amazon fields=”B01N5SHP7Y” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B01N5SHP7Y” title=”Troy-Bilt TB220 159cc 21-Inch FWD High Wheel Self-Propelled Lawn Mower”] | $$ | 4.2/5 |
[amazon fields=”B06WVZTHQ7″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B06WVZTHQ7″ title=”Yard Machines 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower”] | $$ | 4.1/5 |
[amazon fields=”B01DL6GVKW” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B01DL6GVKW” title=”EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Lawn Mower”] | $$ | 4.6/5 |
[amazon fields=”B01IY813XC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B01IY813XC” title=”Snapper XD SXDWM82K 82V Cordless 21-Inch Walk Mower Kit”] | $$$ | 4.6/5 |
[amazon fields=”B00Q6EH72S” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B00Q6EH72S” title=”WORX WG719 13 Amp Caster Wheeled Electric Lawn Mower, 19-Inch”] | $$ | 4.0/5 |
[amazon fields=”B00Z4QZM5S” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”] | [amazon link=”B00Z4QZM5S” title=”Craftsman 37430 21 Inch 140cc Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower”] | $$ | 4.2/5 |
GreenWorks 25022
First on this list, is the GreenWorks 25022. More than for the brand name, people are buying this corded-lawn mower because of its performance in the yard. One good reason behind the claim is the 12-Amp electric motor that guarantees great power in cutting all types of grass.
Combined with the 20” deck that is made of durable steel, you are sure to handle the thickest and toughest grass with ease. The lawn mower also boasts a 3-in-1 grass clipping feature, allowing you to bag, discharge, or mulch the clippings.
The height adjustment has a total of 7 positions, offering a cutting range from 1.5” to 3.75”; this ensures that you will get the right height of cut for your yard. Aside from this, the rear and front wheels are wide, with a height of 10” and 7” respectively.
Overall, GreenWorks seems to have done a fine job in making this lawn mower ergonomic. It is indeed easy to use according to many customer reviews.
[amazon fields=”B002ZVOLXE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Pros
- Delivers great cutting performance with its 12-Amp motor and 20” deck
- 7 height adjustment options with a cutting range of 1.5” to 3.75”
- Easier to maintain compared to other types of mowers
- Ergonomic design for more convenient grass maintenance
Cons
- Does not include a cord
- Mulching the grass clippings makes the work slower
- The price is $20 or $30 more expensive than competing brands
Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe
If you are maintaining a small yard, the most appropriate type of lawn mower that you should look at is a corded-lawn mower that is light and maneuverable.
To make sure that your mower can also provide the clean cut that you want, choose the Sun Joe MJ401e Mow Joe. This model is also an electric-corded lawn mower with the power of a 2-Amp motor. But unlike the previous model, it is smaller.
Its cutting deck only measures 14”, making it ideal for small yards. The lawn mower also has a 3-position height control that allows you to get the right height or trim for your yard. This also guarantees that you will cut close to the soil without damaging it.
The included grass catcher is detachable for easy disposal of collected grass clippings. Meanwhile, the steel blades of the lawn mower are high-quality that are sharpened to cut grass sharply and cleanly. To avoid accidental starting, the manufacturer has incorporated a safety switch.
This corded lawn mower is ETL approved and has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. It may be compact and lean, but this is powerful enough to get your job done without causing harm to the environment.
[amazon fields=”B0029TLUOA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Pros
- A small yet powerful walk-behind corded electric lawn mower with a 12-Amp motor
- Includes a 10.6 gallon grass catcher that is detachable
- Lightweight, maneuverable, and compact
- Includes a safety switch to avoid accidental starting
- Easy to maintain and start up
Cons
- Does not come with a cord
- Small deck size, makes it not ideal for large yards
- Motor is too massive for the small lawn mower
Remington 22-Inch Trimmer Lawn Mower
If you need a powerful lawn mower to keep your yard beautifully manicured, you might want to check the Remington 22-Inch Trimmer Lawn Mower. This walk-behind lawn mower not only has a wide and tough cutting deck but also a powerful 159cc 4-stroke engine or a 4-Cycle OHV. With this combination, rest assured that you will have a clean and evenly cut yard.
Even if you need to trim a tall and thick grass, this lawn mower can definitely handle the job. According to reviews, this mower allows you to move with ease across the terrain, whether you are going up or down slopes.
That is because of the .155” diameter trimmer line, as well as the ball bearing wheels that measure 14”. This heavy-duty lawn mower is sure to help you finish your yard tasks more efficiently by saving time and energy.
Aside from this, you will also notice that the wheels are larger than those of other brands because the manufacturer wanted to increase the maneuverability of the lawn mower. Meanwhile, cutting the grass near a fence will also be a breeze thanks to the offset trimmer.
[amazon fields=”B00J2VVU0M” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Pros
- Has a powerful 4-Cycle OHV engine
- Heavy duty and more efficient
- Able to cut thick and tall grass faster than any type of lawn mowers
- Features an offset trimer for hard-to-reach areas
- Features a 14” ball bearing wheels for handing thick and tough grass
Cons
- More expensive than the other types of lawn mowers
- Plastic construction leaves a negative impression on some buyers
- Heavyweight and not very maneuverable
- No gas throttle included
BLACK and DECKER EM1500 (15-Inch)
Cutting your grass fast without harming the environment means using a corded lawn mower like the Black and Decker EM1500. This lawn mower is a walk-behind model, making your mowing more manageable. It is powered by a 10-Amp motor that kick starts with just the push of a button.
It also has a lightweight deck that is only 15” wide, which makes it ideal only for small yards. But according to the manufacturer, you can use it for a 3,750 square foot yard. Its cutting ability range from 1” to 3”, promising that your yard will have a clean and manicured finish.
The manufacturer has incorporated a single lever height adjustment for lowering or raising the height of the wheels. It also includes a handle for easier storage and transportation. Since it is compact, you can store it in any small space in your garage. Lightweight, maneuverable, and maintenance free, this lawn mower is indeed worth your every penny.
[amazon fields=”B00HH4K6V0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Pros
- Single lever offers 6 height adjustments that cut from of 1 to 3 inches
- Includes a grass bag for a faster collection and disposal of grass clippings
- Features a cord wrap system
- Compact and easy to maneuver
Cons
- Cord is not included in the purchase
- Has fewer cutting options than medium-sized lawn mowers
- Has a plastic construction
Troy-Bilt TB220
The last one on this list of lawn mowers is a self-propelled gas lawn mower from Troy-Bilt. This one has a huge advantage over the other types when it comes to ease and convenience because you do not have to exert much effort pushing the mower from one place to another.
Aside from that, this type of lawn mower also guarantees even and smooth cuts that no other type can offer. The lawn mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns and for those who want to make the job easier. It is powered by a reliable 159cc OHV engine that has a front-wheel drive, mowing grass more efficiently and effectively without too much effort.
With its dual lever, you can adjust the height to one of three levels, trimming grass to your desired length. The cutting range starts from 1.25” to 3.75”.
Aside from this, it also boasts of a great treaded tire design with 7” and 11” front and rear wheels respectively. Meanwhile, it also includes a comfortable grip handle for easier transportation.
The lawn mower also provides you 3 options for grass clippings: mulching, bagging, and side discharging. The lawn mower comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
[amazon fields=”B01N5SHP7Y” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Pros
- Powered by a 159cc OHV engine
- Applicable for medium-sized lawns
- Easy to adjust and maneuver
- Does not need too much effort to operate
- 7” front and 11” rear wheels are durable
- Grass looks cleaner and manicured
Cons
- Issues about poor customer service
- Warranty is limited to some parts, excluding the engine
- Some parts tend to break easily
Conclusion
This lawn mower review has featured some of the best lawn mowers that fall under different categories or types. Some of them are applicable for small or medium yards, while others are for commercial or larger lawns. The reason behind this is to help you find the right type of lawn mower for your yard, giving you an idea of what a gas-powered, corded, and self-propelled lawn mower can do.