Lawn Mower Review

Reviews compare lawn mowers' performance, reliability and noise

This report covers walk-behind lawn mowers, including self-propelled and push gas mowers, along with both cordless and corded electric, as well as manual reel lawn mowers. Reviews recommend walk-behind mowers for lawns up to about half an acre in size. We have a separate report on robotic mowers, some of which can handle even bigger lawns. For the biggest lawns, we have another report on riding mowers and lawn tractors.

We found the best 2009 lawn mower review at Consumer Reports, where a team puts 50 gas and electric lawn mowers through rigorous standardized tests. This review rates each lawn mower on its ability to cut grass evenly, as well as its performance in all three modes of handling grass clippings: mulching, bagging and side-discharging. In addition, mowers are tested for maneuverability and rated for overall ease of use. Repair records by brand are based on an annual poll of readers.

Although the Consumer Reports review is the most comprehensive review we found, it does have some gaps. No manual reel mowers are covered this year, even though they're the type that's best for personal health and for the environment. The review fails to report each lawn mower's noise level; nor is it clear which models meet California's more rigorous emissions standards -- indicators of a mower's environmental impact.

Other reviews fill in some of the gaps in Consumer Reports' coverage. Both Mother Earth News and Wired magazine compare electric lawn mowers in more detail, with more focus on comfort. The Australian equivalent to Consumer Reports, Choice magazine, includes comparisons of gas mowers for noise level. Popular Mechanics includes actual decibel sound levels in its detailed reviews of high-end self-propelled lawn mowers. An older review at the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse measures the noise level for even more lawn mowers, covering all types.

Noise level is an important factor in choosing a lawn mower, not only for neighborhood sanity, but also for preserving one's hearing. (A recent survey shows that more than three-quarters of users rarely or never use ear protection.). Relatively small differences in decibel ratings are significant; most people can distinguish a difference in noise level of only one decibel. A 10-decibel difference means the sound is approximately twice as loud.

Lawn mower reliability and performance don't depend on price

Experts say that most powered mowers last an average of five to seven years. Both corded and cordless electric lawn mowers need less routine maintenance than gas mowers, but we found quite a few complaints from owners about difficulty getting parts and service for them. In fact, that's one of the themes running through lawn-mower reviews from owners. Many owners recommend, for both gasoline and electric mowers, choosing a local dealer with good repair service. Manual reel mowers need far less maintenance than either type of powered mower, and they can last for decades.

Manual reel mowers are the least expensive and more durable option, as well as the best for the environment. When kept sharpened and oiled, manual reel mowers can last for decades. However, most users say they're really only an option for very small yards (or if you have very energetic kids who like to mow). A few enthusiastic users say they do mow larger areas or even use them for commercial landscaping.

Among gas lawn mowers, Honda, Toro and, recently, Lawn-Boy (owned by Toro) usually rank near the top in reviews. Craftsman, Husqvarna and MTD-made brands (such as Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Bolens, Yard Machines and Yard-Man) usually rank lower. However, the relatively new self-propelled Troy-Bilt XP series is getting some good reviews. Troy-Bilt push mowers score points for relatively few repairs. Lawn-Boy has had a very poor repair record, but now that they're made by Toro, this may (or may not) be changing.

Comparison reviews make clear that neither price nor engine power are reliable guides to lawn mower performance and ease of use. Often, lawn mowers that are priced the same, with similar features, vary enormously in how evenly they cut or how well they handle grass clippings in different modes.