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Best cordless electric lawn mower
Pros: self-propelled, twin blades, excellent performance, easy to switch batteries
Cons: heavy, bagging is a weak point, 45 minutes or less of 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
19
3.5
1.5
3
Yes
Yes, with override
N/A
Polymer
Yes
Both sides of handle
Yes
No
2 years
N/A
N/A
2 years
Yes
Yes
Yes, included
N/A
7
9
Very compact to store; optional extra battery easy to swap out for more mowing time; optional leaf shredder
SPCM1936
885911221450
N/A
N/A
Black & Decker
N/A
N/A
N/A
-
Best self-propelled gas lawn mower
Pros: low-emission engine, relatively quiet, cruise control, adjustable mulching, bagging capacity, blade can be stopped without stopping the engine
Cons: heavier than some mowers, fussy height adjustment
not avail.
*Est. $700
Self-propelled gas
Honda GCV190 4-stroke OHC/OHV with automatic choke
CARB, 50-state compliant
0.5
Twin "microcut" mulching
96 (dry)
21
4
0.75
7
No
Yes, with override
86 db
Nexite (rustproof)
No
Honda Smart Drive
Yes
Yes, 3 positions
Lifetime
N/A
5
5
No, rear only
Yes
Yes
2.5 bushels
9
9
Versa-mow (variable adjustment between mulch and bag; includes leaf shredder and rear-discharge); Sealed control cables; Ball-bearing wheels; optional spark arrester, deck edge guard kit
HRX217HYA
786102002226
4
Yes
Honda
Hydrostatic, infinitely variable
Automatic
Yes, adjustable throttle
-
Best value self-propelled lawn mower
Pros: excellent mulching, bagging, meets California emission standards, folding handle, top brand ratings
Cons: steel deck, no blade brake override, handle may be too short
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)
82
21
4
1.125
6
No
Yes, but no override
88 db
Steel 16-gauge
No
5-position "paddle levers" for thumbs or palms (adjust speed)
Yes
Yes, 2-position, padded
N/A
N/A
N/A
Three years
Yes
Yes
Yes (rear)
2.4 bushels
8
8
Variable speed transmission; ball-bearing rear wheels; leaf shredder, spark arrester optional attachments. Manual fuel shut-off valve.
HRR216VKA
786102003339
4
No
Honda
Variable speed
Automatic
No
-
Best gas push mower
Pros: good brand rating, ball-bearing rear wheels, very good mulching, easy to use
Cons: heavy, no manual throttle control, relatively short warranty, fussy height adjustment
*Est. $200
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
66
21
3.42
1.25
9
No
Yes, but no override
N/A
Steel
No
Across full handle; Automatic choke, throttle
Yes
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 cu. Ft. (1.6 bushels)
8
12
Soft grip handle; Double ball-bearing wheels; no manual throttle.
7021P
085388228468
N/A
N/A
Husqvarna
N/A
Automatic
No
-
Corded electric lawn mower
Pros: handle folds for 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
N/A
N/A
2
Only with optional chute
Yes
Yes
1.5 bushels
7
8
N/A
MM875
028877330143
N/A
N/A
Black & Decker
N/A
N/A
N/A
-
Best manual reel mower
Pros: easy to push, blades seldom need sharpening, throws clippings in front, three-year warranty
Cons: relatively heavy, narrow cutting path, costs more than most reel mowers, some reports of durability problems
*Est. $230
Manual reel
Manual
N/A
0.25 acres
5-bladed reel
43.5
18
4
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Yes
N/A
No
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
Throws clippings to front
No
No
N/A
N/A
N/A
InertiaDrive technology to make pushing easier, handle twigs and tough grass better; Cuts behind wheels, not just between them.
6201
046561162016
N/A
N/A
Fiskars
N/A
N/A
N/A