Self propelled and push mowers are the two most common mowers for homeowners. I prefer using a self-propelled mower because it makes cutting much easier, but have always used a classic push mower.
Or at least that’s how it started for me. It was kind of mind boggling. But self propelled mowers and push mowers are pretty different. My opinion has always been that self-propelled mowers are a waste of money.
But recently, that opinion has changed in some circumstances and I’ll break down why.
Jump ahead:
- Self-propelled mowers
- Pros and cons
- Run time comparison
- Ryobi self-propelled vs push
- Best self-propelled mowers
- Self propelled vs push mowers
What does self-propelled mean on a mower?
Self-propelled mowers are lawn mowers that slowly crawl forward when mowing the lawn. They propel forward the mower, taking off a lot of the “pushing power” required by traditional push mowers.
Self-propelled mowers are ALWAYS more expensive because they have the additional power and functionality that makes life easier. They have their place, but because of the cost can often seem not totally worth it. Let’s break down some of the pros and cons.
Pros and cons self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled mowers have both pros and cons, especially when compared to push mowers. Let’s break down some things you may not have immediately thought about when comparing the two.
Pros of self-propelled mowers
I think most of the pros are obvious for self-propelled mowers – they simply move the dang machine. But here we are:
- Self-propelled mowers can take a huge load off for elderly lawn care enthusiasts
- They can reduce the load significantly for steep banks and hills
- The lawn can be mowed more quickly
- Great for smaller yards
Cons of self-propelled mowers
Self-propelled mowers are no doubt a luxury item for lawn lovers, but have some downsides that need to be considered:
- They are more expensive, by a good amount (at least $100)
- Self-propelled battery-powered mowers significantly reduce battery life
- Self-propelled gas-powered mowers burn through gas more quickly
- Can tear up grass if you aren’t careful
- Don’t perform well in wet conditions
On this last point, I am speaking specifically about the wheels simply churning in your yard. I walked by my neighbor the other week who was mowing his lawn with a self propelled mower. Like a truck stuck in mud, the mower’s rear wheels just kind of spun in place as he pushed it forward.
Yikes. As he was moving forward, the wheels spun and started shredding spots in his grass. If it wasn’t totally emasculating for him, I would have jumped in and helped him.
How long do self-propelled mowers last?
Self-propelled mowers that are battery-powered will typically see a 30-40% reduction in run time. So if you have a 60 minute run time with your battery-powered mower, you can expect to shave off at least 20 minutes.
The self-propelled function will help you get the job done more quickly, but burn battery in the process. I recommend self-propelled mowers for smaller yards (up to ⅓ acre) that don’t take too long to cut. This helps you get inside faster, use less force, and get the job done on a single charge.
If you have a gas-powered self-propelled mower, like the Toro TimeMaster 30 then you don’t have to worry about how long it will last. You just need to continue to top off the gas as needed. You’ll notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, but it might be worth it for you.
Are self-propelled mowers hard to push?
In normal, dry conditions self-propelled mowers are not hard to push. In fact, they’re super easy and convenient.
If it is the slightest bit wet outside, then self-propelled mowers can be just as hard (if not harder) to push than traditional push mowers.
Most self-propelled mowers have a variable speed selector that lets you pick how quickly the mower moves forward. This can be toggled to help save battery life or address suboptimal, wetter conditions.
Ryobi self-propelled vs push mower
I’m calling this section out for Ryobi specifically because I have experience using both their self-propelled and push mowers. If you’re comparing the two and noticing the $100 price difference, you may be wondering – what’s the difference?
I have a strong opinion here – you should go with the push mower (the non-self-propelled one). Save the money. Here’s why: the Ryobi mowers are EXTREMELY light. So light that the self-propelled function isn’t needed at all.
The Ryobi self-propelled mower seemed to make the mower almost tilt-back in response to the acceleration and made it harder to control. Since it is already so light, you almost want to apply some downward pressure to keep it on a straight path.
3 Best Self-Propelled Battery-Powered Electric Lawn Mowers
The best self-propelled lawn mowers are the cream of the crop – the absolute premium lawn mowers manufactured today. This means that they are not great mowers only because they are self-propelled but great all-around mowers that happen to be self-propelled. Let’s dig in:
Greenworks 80V 21” Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
I’ve written about the Greenworks 80V self-propelled mower several times, mostly because it absolutely slaps. Here’s what I love about this mower:
- Thick, steel deck that’s the perfect 21 inch size
- Comes with a 5.0 Ah battery for up to a one hour runtime (without self-propelled)
- Brushless motor (lasts way longer and provides way more torque)
- 4 year warranty
It really has the perfect combination of power, durability, and ease of use. Lastly, it is definitely one of the most price competitive premium mowers on the market. If you already have the 80V battery, you can get the mower tool-only on Amazon for an absolutely jaw-dropping price.
Toro Recycler SmartStow 60V Battery Self-propelled Mower
This one probably isn’t at the top of most people’s lists, but I’m not most people. The Toro SmartStow battery mower is a self-propelled mower with some really cool features.
One of my favorite features on the Toro self-propelled 60V mower is the vortex technology. It sounds fancy because it is. It is a ventilation system above the blades that pulls air in as you mow and causes the grass to stand up. It’s like the hair on the back of your neck sticking up when you do the first mow of the season.
This is actually a really cool feature that allows you to get a more even, level cut. Toro makes some crazy good mowers and they took a lot of the same features and slapped a battery on there. This one is available at Home Depot for a great price.
EGO Power+ 56V Select Cut XP Self-propelled Mower
EGO’s Select Cut XP series is one heck of a mower. The Select Cut XP function means that it has two blades and the highest possible torque for any EGO mower. Here’s what I like about this mower:
- Super easy to use Touch Drive technology that allows you to quickly adjust the self-propelled function while still mowing
- 10 Ah batteries = 75 minute run time – this is best in class
- Brushless motor of course
- Over 3 MPH of self-propelled speed. It might run away from you
- 5 year warranty
As I’ve referred to it in the past, this is the Cadillac of electric mowers. And just like a Cadillac, it’s pretty dang pricey (around $800-900).
Yeah, it’s definitely a premium product.
So which is better, self-propelled or push mowers?
Self propelled mowers are better when it comes to convenience and ease of use. Push mowers are better priced and extend the run time of your mower.
I like self-propelled mowers for smaller yards that aren’t impacted by the decrease in run time, typically less than ⅓ of an acre.
Most of this comes down to personal preference. The good thing about self-propelled mowers is that the functionality can be toggled on and off. You get the best of both worlds – as long as you’re willing to pay for it.
Why we review lawn tools
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As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
