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Best cordless electric lawn mower
Pros: self-propelled, excellent performance, easy to switch batteries
Cons: heavy, not for large lawns, only 35 min. mowing per charge, 12 hours for full recharge
*Est. $450
Self-propelled cordless electric
Removable lift-out sealed 36-volt lead-acid battery (est. mowing time 0.75 hrs., recharge time: 4 hrs.)
Energy Star; UL Safety Listing
1/3 acre
One rotary
92 lbs.
19 in.
1.5 in.
3.5 in.
3
Yes
Yes, with override
NA
Polymer
Yes
Both sides of handle
Yes
No
2 years
NA
2 years
Yes
Yes
Yes, included
NA
7 in.
9 in. "turf" wheels
Very compact to store; optional extra battery easy to swap out for more mowing time;
20332
885911221450
Black & Decker
NA
-
Best self-propelled gas lawn mower
Pros: efficient, durable and relatively quiet, meets strict California emission standards, variable cruise-control speed, variable adjustment between mulching and bagging, blade brake c …
Cons: handle too long for some users, complex height adjustment, finicky about gasoline, maintenance, no oil drain plug
not avail.
*Est. $700
Self-propelled
Gasoline: Honda GCV190 OHC/OHV Engine
CARB-certified, meets EPA 2012 emissions standards
0.5
Rotary (2)
98
21
4
N/A
7
Yes
Yes, with override
84 to 89 decibels
NeXite polymer
Yes
Across full handle
Yes
Yes
Lifetime
NA
3
No, rear-discharge standard
Yes
Yes
2.5 bushels
9 in.
9 in.
Versa-mow System: adjustable mulching and bagging
Z4200
786102002226
Honda
N/A
-
Budget self-propelled lawn mower
Pros: excellent mulching, bagging, meets tough California emission standards, folding handle, top brand ratings
Cons: steel deck, no blade brake override, handle may be too short, max. cutting height 3.25 in.
not avail.
*Est. $400
Self-propelled gas
Gasoline: Honda GCV160 OHC/OHV Engine, 6.9 lb-ft Gross Torque, 4.4 ft-lbs Net Torque
CARB-certified, meets EPA 2012 emissions standards
1/3 acre
Twin blades (QuadraCut)
83 lbs.
21 in.
3.25 in.
0.75 in.
6
No
Yes, but no override
NA
Steel 16 gauge
Yes
"Paddle levers" for thumbs or palms
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
Three years
Yes
Yes
Yes (rear)
2.4 bushels
8 in.
8 in.
Variable speed transmission; Ball-bearing rear wheels; Leaf shredder optional attachment.
Z225
786102003339
Honda
NA
-
Gas push mower
Pros: honda OHV engine, good brand rating, high ball-bearing rear wheels, very good mulching, easy to use
Cons: heavy, no manual throttle control, relatively short warranty
*Est. $285
Gas push
Gasoline: Honda GCV160 OHC/OHV Engine, 6.9 lb-ft Gross Torque, 4.4 ft-lbs Net Torque
CARB-certified, meets EPA 2012 emissions standards
0.25 acres
One rotary
81
21 inches
3.42 inches
1.45 inches
6
No
Yes, but no override
NA
Steel
No
Across full handle; Automatic choke, throttle
Yes
Yes
NA
NA
Two years
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 bushels
8 inches
12
Soft grip handle; Double ball-bearing wheels; no manual throttle.
HONDAHRX217HMA
085388228468
Husqvarna
NA
-
Corded electric lawn mower
Pros: handle folds for easy storage, can mulch or bag clippings, optional side-discharge chute, polymer deck has lifetime warranty, quiet and efficient
Cons: cord limits range and can get in the way, some complaints about durability, debris can get into motor, no motor-reset button
*Est. $240
Corded electric
12-amp motor
Energy Star
N/A
Rotary
52
19
3.5
1.5
8
Yes
No override
N/A
Polymer
Yes
Right side
Yes
Yes
Lifetime
NA
2
Only with optional chute
Yes
Yes
1.5 bushels
7 in.
8 in.
N/A
HRR216VKA
028877329857
Black & Decker
N/A
-
Best manual reel mower
Pros: blades seldom need sharpening, easy to push, throws clippings in front, four-year warranty, maximum cutting height 4 in.
Cons: relatively heavy, narrow cutting path, costs more than most reel mowers, not for large lawns, some reports of durability problems
*Est. $200
Manual reel
Manual
NA
0.25 acres
5-bladed reel
43.5
18
4
1
N/A
NA
NA
N/A
NA
Yes
NA
No
Yes
NA
NA
4
Throws clippings to front
No
No
NA
N/A
N/A
InertiaDrive technology to make pushing easier, handle twigs and tough grass better; Cuts behind wheels, not just between them.
HRS216PDA
046561162016
Fiskars
NA