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Making the task of cutting your lawn incredibly easy and blazingly fast, self propelled lawn mowers remove the need for you to push them forward and instead do it on their own. Due to their boom in popularity, there are a lot of choices on the market and after thorough testing, reviewing and comparing, we’ve made a selection of the models that are, in our opinion, the very best self propelled lawn mowers you can get.
They’ve quickly become a beloved choice for home-owners everywhere due to how effortless they are to use when compared to the traditional push variety and their praise and popularity is well worth it – let’s take a look at the top choices!
Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers Comparison
These are, in our opinion, the best self propelled lawn mowers on the market, thoroughly compared for you.
Lawn Mower | Swisher Predator Walk Behind Rough Cut Mower, 24-Inch | Troy-Bilt WC33 420cc 33-inch Wide Cut RWD Lawn Mower | Honda HRX 217K4HZA 21 in. GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow Mower | Snapper HI VAC 190cc 3-N-1 Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 21-Inch Deck | Yard Force Lithium-Ion 22” Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Mower | Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. 4-in-1 Versamow Mower | Honda HRS216VKA 21'' Side Discharge Self Propelled Lawn Mower | Snapper XD 82V MAX Self-Propelled Electric Mower | Husqvarna 22" Self Propelled Gas Mower | Greenworks 21" 40V Self-Propelled Mower |
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Picture | ||||||||||
Price | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
Self-Propelled | ||||||||||
Deck Size | 24" | 33" | 21" | 21" | 22" | 21" | 21" | 21" | 22" | 21" |
Power Source | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Electric (Battery-Powered) | Gas | Gas | Electric (Battery-Powered) | Gas | Electric (Battery-Powered) |
Power | 344cc | 420cc | 200cc | 190cc | 120V | 187cc | 160cc | 82V | 163cc | 40V |
Capabilities | Rough Cut | Mulch, Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Rear Discharge and Shred | Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Rear Discharge and Shred | Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge | Bag, Mulch, Side Discharge |
Warranty | 2 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 2 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 1 Year | 2 Years |
Availability |
Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers Reviews
Here you can read our self propelled lawn mower reviews, giving you an in-depth overview at every winner. Now let’s take a look at the top 10 self propelled lawn mowers and find the perfect one for you!
Swisher WBRC11524 Predator Walk Behind Rough Cut Mower, 24-Inch
If you’re looking for an all-year-round mower that can cut trails through the woods and clear ditches and fields, then the 24-inch Swisher WBRC11524 is your best bet in my view. While it’s not the typical machine that comes to mind when you ask yourself “what is the best self propelled lawn mower?”, it does its unique job so incredibly well that I had to include it. It can clear out the densest saplings and undergrowth up to around 1.5-inches in diameter. The lawn mower is equipped with a ridiculously powerful 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine and a heavy-duty 24-inch cutting deck. The design of the handlebars, mounting brackets and tubing made of heavy gauge offers more durability and better control.
The hardened-steel blades cut through the saplings and brush very easily and the controls are mounted on the handlebar, which makes it easy to access and control. The mower features large-size chevron tires which move easily through the roughest terrains and offers excellent traction. The 4-speed transmission allows you to move at a comfortable pace and the machine also has a convenient reverse mode. Overall, with all its features, the Swisher WBRC11524 is an excellent lawn mower, making it, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers on our review list.
Features
- 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
- 24-inch cutting deck
- Single, fixed hardened-steel blades
- Front safety deflectors
- Wire shield
- Pneumatic chevron tread tires
- Blade engagement and drive control
- Adjustable height handlebar along with hand controls
- Mows in reverse as well
Pros
- Powerful lawn mower
- The handlebar is adjustable
- Good cutting height range
- Excellent construction quality
- Add-on compatibility
- Tank-like durability
Cons
- Fuel tank could be larger
- Can’t use a bag with it
Troy-Bilt WC33 420cc 33-inch Wide Cut RWD Lawn Mower With Electric Start
Powered by a super potent 420 cc OHV engine and built to last a lifetime of use, the Troy-Bilt WC33 is a true powerhouse of a machine and easily, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers to ever hit the market. It’s equipped with an effective rear-wheel drive that coupled with the extra large wheels allows you to useit anywhere with ease, regardless of how rough or uneven the ground is. The mower has a responsive set of controls coupled with an incredibly useful zero turn capability, making it easy to turn on a dime which is ideal for optimal maneuverability and saving time.
The roaring engine starts up very easily with just a turn of a key – making the WC33, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers with electric start – and when it’s on, the extra-wide 33-inch cutting deck delivers all the power you need to get any job done quickly, effectively and with gorgeous results. The 2-in-1 capability lets you side discharge and mulch the grass clippings, plus it can also bag if you get the bagging kit (sold separately). I have to give a special mention to the clear view gas tank that allows you to check how much fuel you have to keep mowing – a super useful feature. With a tank-like body and a 3 year warranty to boot, the Troy-Bilt WC33 is an excellent machine all-around, especially if you’re a professional.
Features
- 420 cc OHV engine
- 33-inch deck
- 4 rear-wheel drive speed
- 2-gallon clear view gas tank
- 2-in-1 mulch and side discharge (bag sold separately)
- Zero-turn maneuverability
- 3-year limited warranty
- Electric start
- Extra large set of wheels
Pros
- 33-inch cutting deck cuts a very wide path
- Powerful engine
- Adjustable height
- Deck cleaning attachment
- Durable lawn mower
Cons
- Bagger must be bought separately
- Quite loud
- Poorly designed grip
Honda 662340 21 in. GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk Behind Mower w/Clip Director, MicroCut Twin Blades, Roto-Stop (BSS) & Self Charging Electric Start
If you want to buy the best self propelled lawn mower with electric start, then the Honda HRX 217K4HZA from the HRX series is a great option. New and improved from the already excellent classic model, it’s equipped with a roaring Honda GCV engine plus electric start and an auto choke. The machine features a Cyclone battery that is rechargeable and can hold charge for an entire season. The Honda HRX 217K4HZA mower has a hydrostatic transmission with cruise and speed control (between 0-4 mph), making sure you can tame its fantastic power.
The lawn mower is equipped with a Micro Cut twin blade system with 4 cutting surfaces which cut the grass very finely and the deck is made from impact-resistant Nexite, which does not corrode, rust or dent easily. The lawn mower has a 3-position folding handle that lets you store the machine conveniently as well. All in all, it’s a true professional’s machine and easily, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers ever made.
Features
- Honda GVC 200cc engine
- Electric start and auto choke
- Rechargeable Cyclone battery
- Hydrostatic transmission with cruise control
- Nexite deck that’s durable and resists corrosion
- 4-in-1 Versamow system
- Roto-Stop blade brake
- Micro Cut twin blade system
- 3-position folding handle
Pros
- The self propel feature of the mower works very well
- High-quality mower, durable
- Fantastic construction quality
- Easy electric start
Cons
- Quite heavy
Snapper P2185020E / 7800982 HI VAC 190cc 3-N-1 Rear Wheel Drive Variable Speed Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 21-Inch Deck and ReadyStart System and 7 Position Heigh-of-Cut – Electric Start Option
If you’re looking for a simple lawn mower, then I think there cannot be a better option than the Snapper P2185020E. The lawn mower is equipped with a Briggs & Stratton OHV engine offers Ready-Start technology, enhanced durability and quiet operation. Starting the gas-powered lawn mower is very easy. All you need to do is pull the cord to get it going.
The 21-inch lawn mower is powered by a rear-wheel drive and it has 10-inch high rear wheels that let you maneuver the machine easily over any bump or hill. The self propelled lawn mower is also easy to turn and will not damage the grass while turning. The best part about the Snapper P2185020E is the Hi-VAC deck that works like a vacuum, which will cut the grass and suck up the grass clippings.
You also have the option of bagging, discharging or mulching the clippings. The lawn mower gives you 7 cutting height options from 1.25 to 4 inches. Overall, I think that the Snapper P2185020E is a very versatile machine, which offers the best in terms of performance, as well as convenience that puts it, in my opinion, among the best self propelled lawn mowers on my list.
Features
- Briggs & Stratton 850 Professional Series engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- 10-inch high rear wheels
- Hi-VAC deck
- 3-in-1 capability, side discharge, bag or mulch
- 7 cutting height adjustments (from 1.25 to 4 inches)
- Ready-Start technology
Pros
- Easy to start
- Can be maneuvered very easily
- Cuts the grass efficiently and sucks it up without leaving behind a mess
- Versatile lawn mower
Cons
- Needs a lot of assembly
Yard Force Lithium-Ion 22” Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Mower with Torque-Sense Control – 2 Batteries & Fast Charger included
If you’re looking for a lithium-ion powered self-propelled lawn mower, then I definitely think that the Yard Force YF120vRX is, in my opinion, the best in my self-propelled lawn mower reviews. The mower has a 22-inch steel cutting deck that can bag, mulch and side discharge and is ideal for yards that are around 0.5 acres. The vortex tunnel design allows the clippings to be transferred into the bag and extends the emptying time.
The mower is equipped with a 120V RX brushless motor that can cut through grass types of any kind and in a single charge, it gives a runtime of around 100 minutes. The Yard Force YF120vRX is equipped with torque-sense technology, which enables it to adjust according to the terrain and save energy. The speed adjustable drive allows you to control the mower with a simple control lever and enables you to get a perfect cut each time. The self propelled drive lets you maneuver the machine easily on slopes and hills and also offers greater control of the mower.
Features
- Lithium-ion powered mower
- 22-inch steel cutting deck
- Brushless motor
- Push-button start
- Single-lever height adjustment
- 3-in-1 function, bagging to mulching to side-discharge
- High-capacity (18.5 gallons) hybrid grass bag with full indicator
- Quick-release adjustable and folding handle
- Vertical storage
- Comes with 2 batteries and a fast charger
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Strong and can bag even difficult types of grass easily
- Charges very quickly and provides uninterrupted mowing
- Durable deck with single-lever height adjustment
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Pricey
Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. 4-in-1 Versamow System Lawn Mower with Clip Director and MicroCut Blades 660250
The Honda HRX 217K5VKA belongs to the HRX series of lawn mowers from Honda and I was really impressed by the advanced features of the lawn mower such as adjustable mowing speed, 4-in-1 capability of handling the grass clippings – discharging, bagging, shredding and mulching and its powerful performance. The lawn mower is equipped with a 187 cc GCV engine that delivers powerful and reliable cutting performance.
The engine makes the mower very easy to start and it is also very fuel efficient. The select drive allows you to change the speed setting between 0-4 miles. The Honda HRX 217K5VKA offers 7 cutting levels that allow you to adjust between 0.75 to 4 inches and the Microcut Blade delivers a smooth cut.
The cutting deck is very durable and is made from material that is resistant to rusting, denting and corrosion. The 21-inch cutting deck allows you to cut the lawn quickly and efficiently. So, if you have a medium-sized lawn, then I definitely recommend the Honda HRX 217K5VKA as it is, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers on the market today.
Features
- 187 cc GCV engine
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Microcut Blade
- Select Drive
- 7 cutting levels
- 4-in-1 capability — discharging, bagging, shredding and mulching
- Comes with a 5-year warranty for parts and defective workmanship
Pros
- Easy to start
- Powerful lawn mower
- Cuts and mulches very well
- Strong variable drive
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Each wheel must be adjusted separately
Honda 21” Side Discharge Gas Self Propelled Lawn Mower Lawnmower – HRS216VKA
Next on my self propelled lawn mower reviews list is the Honda HRS216VKA, which is powered by the Honda 4.5 HP GVC engine that is fuel efficient, robust and allows you to start the machine very easily. The lawn mower has a 6-position height adjustment that allows you to cut the grass to the height you want.
The Honda HRS216VKA mower is made for pure mulching, hence its side-discharge design and lack of bag-attachment capabilities. It features a twin blade Micro Cut system which gives a perfect cut and also produces finer clippings that offer better mulching. All these features make the Honda HRS216VKA, in my opinion, one of the best self propelled lawn mowers on our list.
Features
- Honda 4.5 HP GCV engine with 160cc
- Side-discharge
- Height adjustment
- Auto choke
- Micro-cut twin blades
- Variable speed
Pros
- High-quality mower
- Very durable
- Easy to start and operate
Cons
- Speed control is sensitive to the movement of your hand
Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawnmower Kit with Batteries & Rapid Charger, 1687914 SXD21SPWM82K
The second electrical unit on our list of self propelled lawn mower reviews is the popular Snapper XD 82V MAX. The lawn mower features an 82V battery which delivers around 42 minutes of power that is sufficient for mowing medium sized lawn while the 21-inch 3-in-1 mowing deck delivers both durability and great performance. The machine also comes along with 2 pre-installed batteries.
The variable speed transmission of the Snapper XD makes lawn mowing much easier and the load sensing technology lets you adjust the power as per the requirements of the cutting blade. The lawn mower’s operation is very quiet and the machine does not need a lot of maintenance which is a strong point. The Snapper XD is equipped with a single lever that allows you to adjust the cutting height and you can choose from 7 different cutting heights. Overall, it can be considered to be, in my opinion, the best self propelled cordless lawn mower of its electric category.
Features
- Briggs & Stratton 82-volts 2 Ah lithium-ion battery
- 21-inch 3-in-1 mowing deck
- Vertical storage
- Comes with a bagger
- Single lever cutting height adjustment
- Easy push-button start
- Brushless motor
- Self propelled transmission
- Variable speed
- Load sensing technology
Pros
- Powerful machine
- The vertical storage capability of the lawn mower allows you to store it conveniently in tight spaces
- Comes with a bagger which can accommodate 2.1 cc.ft. grass clippings
- You can choose from 7 cutting heights
- Allows you to discharge, bag or mulch the grass clippings
- Easy to use, convenient push button start
Cons
- Quite expensive
Husqvarna 22″ Self Propelled 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine
If you’re looking for an all-around solid lawn mower to tidy up your lawn, then the Husqvarna 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower can get your lawn cut to perfection in a jiffy. The gas-powered lawn mower has a 22-inch cutting deck and features the all-wheel technology that allows you to use it on all kinds of terrain. From mowing flat lawns to slopes and hills, the lawn mower can handle it all.
The handy pull-start system of the mower allows you to start the machine easily and offers good control. You can also choose the speed of the lawn mower, the height of the blade and the ergonomic handle allows you to control the mower comfortably. Worthy of being considered, in my view, one of the best self propelled gas lawn mowers for the price, the Husqvarna is a great option for small and medium-sized lawns.
Features
- Briggs & Stratton engine
- Gas-powered lawn mower
- 3-in-1 cutting system
- 22-inch cutting deck
- All-wheel technology
Pros
- Offers powerful performance
- Super easy to use on hilly and uneven terrain
Cons
- The grass clippings tend to get clumped at the back of the mower deck
Greenworks 21-Inch 40V Brushless Self-Propelled Mower 6AH Battery and Charger Included, M-210-SP
Next on my list of self propelled electric lawn mower reviews, is the Greenworks self propelled mower. The 40V Greenworks lawn mower is equipped with a 21-inch steel cutting deck that allows you to tackle large lawns easily and quickly. The brushless motor of the Greenworks lawn mower delivers greater torque, longer life and silent operation. The rear-wheel drive can be adjusted according to your stride.
The lawn mower has a USB port that allows you to charge your phone, tablet and other electronic devices. The 3-in-1 design lets you bag, mulch or discharge the grass clippings and the dual battery design of the mower lets you store one battery while using the other so that you mow your lawn uninterrupted.
Features
- 21-inch steel cutting deck
- Brushless motor
- Rear-wheel drive
- USB port
- 3-in-1 design lets you bag, mulch or discharge
- Dual battery port
Pros
- Offers excellent cut quality
- Super lightweight and quiet lawn mower
- Batteries recharge very quickly
- Powerful and easy to use
Cons
- May be lacking in power
- Quite bulky
If you’re interested in learning more about our personal picks for the best self propelled lawn mowers, then be sure to read our follow-up articles below:
- Best self propelled lawn mowers for hills
- Best self propelled lawn mowers for mulching
- Best self propelled lawn mowers under $300
- Best self propelled lawn mowers under $400
- Best commercial self propelled lawn mowers
- Affordable self propelled lawn mowers
Final Word
With powerful motors, cutting-edge features, excellent performance and an attractive price tag to boot, these units are without a doubt, in our opinion, the very best self propelled lawn mowers on the market. They not only ensure that your lawn looks perfectly well maintained but they also make the whole task as effortless and as quick as it can be.
Be sure to share your opinion in the comments section below – we love to know what you think. Thank you as always for reading and have yourself a fantastic day!
Love self-propelled units, they just make the whole process so much easier and faster plus they don’t kill my arms! Go the Honda HRX GCV200 on your recommendation and it’s just as good as you said, if not better. I can tell it’ll last for ages and it’s a beast, thank you Joe!
Hey Gus, yup, self-propelled machines really do make mowing much easier and the HRX is one of the best ones ever made so you’re in good hands – thanks for stopping by and have a great day!