Lawn Mowers

Types of lawn mowers

Mowers vary in how they handle clippings. "3-in-1" mowing decks give the most versatility, offering a choice to mulch, side-discharge or bag the grass clippings. Experts say you can cut fertilizer needs by a third if you mulch the clippings, which simply means cutting them up finely enough to disintegrate quickly into the lawn. Side-discharging also fertilizes the lawn, but it leaves messy rows of longer clippings that take longer to decompose into the soil.

Bagging eliminates this problem, but the bags get heavy, and emptying them makes extra work. In the autumn, though, bagging is useful for collecting leaves. Reviews indicate that the best lawn mowers not only perform equally well in all three modes, but they also make it easy to change from one mode to another. You can save money, though, by buying a less expensive mower, as long as it performs well in the mode you use most.

There are several types of lawn mowers, each of which have advantages and disadvantages.

Self-propelled gas lawn mowers

Recommended for lawns up to half an acre and especially useful on sloping lawns, these mowers have powered wheels. This means you don't have to do all the pushing yourself, and the top-rated models also cut more evenly than other types of lawn mowers. Some self-propelled mowers start with an electric switch; other common features include blade override (stopping the blade without cutting the motor) and versatility between mulching and bagging. Like all gas lawn mowers, self-propelled models need regular cleaning and maintenance, and at about 85 decibels or louder, they're noisy enough to require hearing protection. They're also the most expensive type of lawn mower, and the type most apt to need repairs.

Emissions are another concern, for both air pollution and global warming. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that a typical gas mower emits as much air pollution per hour as eleven cars. You can minimize emissions by choosing a mower with an engine that meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Tier III emissions standards. If that's not possible, choose a four-cycle overhead-valve (OHV) engine. These are more fuel-efficient, cleaner and last longer than the common two-cycle lawn-mower engines.

Gas-powered push lawn mowers

Recommended for flat lawns up to about one-third of an acre, push mowers take more muscle to operate, so they provide better exercise. They tend to need fewer repairs than self-propelled mowers, yet they don't last quite as many years. Although push mowers can bag clippings, experts suggest using them in mulching or side-discharging mode, so you're not trying to push 30 or 40 pounds of bagged grass along with the mower. They're noisy enough to require hearing protection.

Corded electric lawn mowers

These mowers offer easy starting and much lower noise levels. Corded electric mowers also offer lower long-term costs, lighter weight and fewer emissions than gas mowers. Some communities even offer rebates for switching from a gas mower to an electric lawn mower. The obvious downside is that you have to deal with the cord, which maxes out at 100 feet or less, depending on the model. In addition, electric mowers cut a slightly narrower path than most gas mowers. A 12-amp corded mower is about as powerful as a 5.5-horsepower gas mower -- not as powerful as the top-rated gas mowers, but powerful enough for most lawns. Owners like the low noise levels of electric mowers, but reliability and repairs can be a problem.

Cordless electric lawn mowers

Though more expensive than a corded mower, a cordless lawn mower gives you more flexibility and range, since you aren't tethered to an electrical cord. Coverage area on one battery charge varies among models, along with whether or not the mower allows the user to insert a freshly charged battery while a tired battery gets recharged. Most use lead-based batteries that require careful disposal and replacement every couple of years. Cordless electric mowers are also the easiest type to convert to solar power, which gives them a huge environmental advantage. As with corded mowers, some owners do say it's harder to find replacement parts and get repairs than with a more common gas mower.

Manual reel mowers

With global warming a growing challenge, interest is reviving in the old-fashioned, manual reel mower. This is the quietest type of mower available, as well as the safest. Reel mowers stir up the least amount of dust and pollen, and they have an excellent safety record. (By contrast, emergency rooms reported 80,000 lawn mower injuries in 2004 alone, which is the latest report available.) Manual reel mowers need little maintenance, and owners say they are fun to use as long as the grass is kept short. Reviews recommend them for relatively small flat lawns that are in good condition. Some users report having a tall lawn mowed initially with a gas mower, then mowing regularly with a reel mower.

Robotic mowers

Though expensive, robotic mowers require almost no human guidance aside from some initial setup, and they are much quieter and safer than gas and electric mowers. Prices have gone up in the past year, starting at about $1400. The better robotic mowers cost around $2,500. There is some initial setup involved for most models, consisting of bordering the mowing area with wire. See our separate report on robotic lawn mowers .

Riding mowers and lawn tractors

If your lawn is more than half an acre and not too steep, you might consider a riding mower. Check out our report on lawn tractors for more information. Note that lawn tractors can't fit everywhere, so you'll probably still need a walk-behind lawn mower for some areas.

Self-propelled lawn mowers

Self-propelled, gasoline-fueled lawn mowers are the most popular type of walk-behind mower, and some budget models don't cost much more than a push mower. Lawn-mower reviews recommend self-propelled mowers for hilly yards or lawns up to about half an acre. Reviews usually top-rank Honda, Toro and Lawn-Boy self-propelled mowers, and they're also the only brands that include CARB-compliant models.

In January 2007, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) established new Tier III emissions regulations for any lawn mower sold in that state. Currently only Honda makes all of its lawn mowers 50-state compliant, which means that you can buy a CARB-certified, low-emissions Honda lawn mower anywhere in the United States. Toro makes three CARB-compliant lawn mowers, but to buy one outside California requires a special order. A representative from Toro told us that some independent dealers (not big-box stores) might be willing to order them. Toro also manufactures Lawn-Boy mowers; the two CARB-compliant models are sold in California and may be available by special order from dealers elsewhere.

This means that the "big-box stores" are only selling CARB-compliant lawn mowers within the state of California. If you live elsewhere and want a gas lawn mower that pollutes as little as possible, you'll need to shop at an independent dealer. Owners say this is usually your best bet anyway, since you can get help with setup and ongoing repair service. If you can't find a mower that's CARB-certified, you can minimize air pollution by picking one with a four-cycle overhead-valve (OHV) engine, then making sure you tune it up every year.

The best buy among self-propelled lawn mowers depends a lot on how you want to handle the clippings. For bagging and mulching, comparison tests top-rank the Honda HRX217HXA, now the HRX217K2HXA (*est. $800). Using Honda's Versamow System, one lever adjusts the clippings discharge to any point between full mulching and full bagging, so you can choose to bag just part of the clippings. Both professional and owner reviews say this system works extremely well, and they like the HRX mowing deck, made of high-impact nexite (the deck carries a limited lifetime warranty, with three years on the rest of the mower). This Honda mower series also has a good reputation for performing well on slopes. In addition, you can stop the blades without stopping the engine -- handy for moving things out of the way.

To get an electric start (which operates with a key), you have to move up to the top-of-the-line Honda HRX217KHMA, now the HRX217K2HMA (*est. $900). Both mowers have cruise control in addition to variable speed, plus Honda's GCV190 OHC/OHV residential engine. One drawback is that both owner-written and professional reviews have criticized the Honda HRX mowers for a handle that's too long for most people. Even though the length is adjustable, it can still get in the way.

The Honda HRR216K3VXA, now the HRR216K5VXA (*est. $580), offers single-lever deck height adjustment. It also has a quick release, 2-position handle for easier height adjustment and storage, along with the GCV160 OHC/OHV engine. However, this mower lacks the versatile HRX variable adjustment between mulching and bagging. Furthermore, it has lost some ground in reviews because its drive system gets mixed ratings for comfort. Editors at Popular Mechanics join with quite a few owners in finding that the thumb-lever controls can cause significant hand fatigue.

For bagging or side-discharging clippings, the Lawn-Boy 10797 Insight Platinum (*est. $660) is CARB-compliant and uses a Honda GCV 160 OHV/OHC engine. As on the two Honda mowers above, you can stop the blade but keep the engine running -- handy when you need to move something out of the way. This is the top lawn mower in the most recent comparison review at Popular Mechanics, where it earns praise for relative quiet, as well as easy startup and a good drive system. Tests at HowStuffWorks.com also rate this mower "excellent" and a best buy, praising the Honda engine as well as conveniences such as the fold-up handle. The Lawn-Boy 10796 (*est. $660) is similar, but it offers electric start instead of the blade-stop feature. The recoil-start Lawn-Boy 10785 (*est. $500) performs well, though it lacks blade-stop convenience and uses a Tecumseh engine. It’s also not CARB-compliant. The Lawn-Boy Insight Platinum 10795 (*est. $530) still has the Honda engine, with a recoil start, but it isn't CARB compliant. However, the 10795 costs $130 less than the Lawn-Boy 10797, which is hard to find outside of California.

All three of these mowers use rust-proof aluminum decks and come with five-year warranties. The Lawn-Boy Insight Platinum series is similar to the Toro Super Recycler series, but Lawn-Boy mowers have been getting better reviews for convenience features. For example, owners say they like the way the wheels are inset to make it easier to trim next to curbs and edgings. None of the Toro Super Recycler lawn mowers are CARB-compliant, another drawback, and we've found some complaints about the "Personal Pace" drive system that automatically adjusts to the user's pace, though it got rave reviews in the past.

Reviewers like the wash-out ports on Toro lawn mowers, however, which make it easy to hose under the deck, and Toro mowers have a better repair record (though this may be changing now that Toro owns Lawn-Boy). The Toro Recycler series is relatively inexpensive, but it uses steel decks and has a two-year warranty. The CARB-compliant Toro Recycler 20089 (*est. $420) provides electric start, but uses a steel deck and comes with a two-year "guaranteed-to-start" warranty. This model uses rear-wheel drive, which owners say works much better on hills than the front-wheel drive Toro 20086 (*est. $300) and Toro 20087 (*est. $320) -- Toro's other CARB-compliant mowers. Both of the latter two mowers are variable-speed rather than "Personal Pace," so they don't automatically adjust to the user's walking speed. They're similar, except that the Toro 20087 has higher rear wheels -- better for a bumpy lawn. These models are mainly found at Home Depot. All three use Briggs & Stratton motors.

As noted earlier, if you live outside California, you'd have to ask a dealer to order any of these CARB-compliant models (we found them available through the Home Depot website as well). It will be easier to find their higher-emission equivalents, especially in big-box stores. The rear-wheel-drive Toro Recycler 20067 (*est. $420) has electric start and Personal Pace drive. The Toro 20066 (*est. $370) also has Personal Pace rear-wheel-drive, but it uses recoil start. The higher-rear-wheel Toro 20065 (*est. $320) uses front-wheel drive, not as well recommended for hilly or irregular lawns as rear-wheel drive models.

The variable-speed Troy-Bilt TB1086 XP, also called the Troy-Bilt 12A1867Q011 (*est. $370), is a better choice for sloping and irregular lawns, since it uses rear-wheel drive plus bigger rear wheels. Though not CARB-compliant (at least outside California), it uses a Honda ACS 160cc engine that's easy to start, and it features single-lever height adjustment. Owners give this lawn mower reasonably high ratings at Lowes.com, and its predecessor earned respect in tests at Popular Mechanics. The main drawback is that in the past, Troy-Bilt self-propelled mowers have needed more repairs than Toro or Honda models.

For flat lawns, owners reviewing lawn mowers at Sears.com like the front-wheel-drive Craftsman 37665 (*est. $250) for flat lawns. We did find some complaints that the wheels wear out after just one season, and this is clearly a basic mower. However, it does provide a choice of bagging, side-discharging, or mulching clippings, and it costs less than quite a few push mowers. The Craftsman 37665 is powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine.

Gas-powered push mowers

Push lawn mowers are recommended for relatively flat lawns up to a third of an acre. They're usually less expensive than self-propelled mowers. They're also apt to need fewer repairs than self-propelled mowers (which use more complicated drive systems.) However, since push mowers are usually powered by less expensive engines, they don't last quite as long on average -- about five years, compared with seven for self-propelled lawn mowers.

Honda makes the only CARB-compliant gas push mowers that are the same in all 50 states. Honda has an excellent reputation for lawn mowers, including a good repair record, but the push mowers don't rank as well in reviews as some other brands. The Honda HRS216PDA, now the HRS216K3PDA (*est. $390), ranks lowest in one review comparing nine push mowers. It cuts evenly, but this mower loses points because the side bag is an option at extra cost. You can either side-discharge or mulch clippings.

However, owners reviewing this mower at Epinions give it good marks in side-discharge mode, also praising its overall build. A more recent review at HowThingsWork.com is also favorable, praising the GCV160 OHC/OHV engine and noting that the ball-bearing wheels make it easy to push, even on uneven ground. For bagging and mulching clippings, the Honda HRR216K5PDA (*est. $440) does bag, but rear-mount discharging takes an optional accessory, and owner-reviewers of this model aren't sure this lawn mower is worth the relatively high price. Both mowers have steel decks and carry three-year warranties.

The Toro Super Recycler 20090 (*est. $430) isn't CARB-compliant, but the engine is guaranteed to start on the first or second pull for five years, and it carries a five-year full warranty overall. The review at HowStuffWorks.com seems to be based more on features than testing, but notes that like other Toro mowers, the push mower has a convenient wash-out port for hosing underneath. Like the less expensive Honda HRS216K5PDA, the Toro push mower comes ready to mulch and side-discharge, with a rear bag an option at extra cost.

Reviews praise the 21-inch Lawn-Boy Insight 10683 (*est. $370) for good handling and evenness of cuts, though it doesn't meet 2008 CARB standards and carries a shorter two-year warranty. It's easy to adjust the handle height and attach the bag, and the handle folds up for storage. If you end up needing to use a bag, it attaches easily with one hand. Owners say they like the way the Lawn-Boy wheels are inset to allow the mower to trim closer to edges than most mowers. It uses a Tecumseh engine.

The 21-inch Lawn-Boy has a two-year warranty, but as noted earlier, Lawn-Boy push mowers have been more prone to breakdowns than Craftsman, Toro or Honda push mowers in the past. Now that Lawn-Boy mowers are made in the same plants as Toro mowers, experts speculate that their reliability is apt to improve, but the jury is still out.

Reviewers also like the 19-inch Cub Cadet push mower, variously known as the Cub Cadet 11A-18MC , 11A-18MZ256 or CC-500 (*est. $230). It has a narrower cutting deck, and reviews indicate that it doesn't side-discharge quite as well as the Lawn-Boy 10683. However, it costs over a hundred dollars less than the push lawn mowers discussed above. Like the Lawn-Boy, it offers single-lever height adjustment, a feature owners say they really appreciate, and it comes with a three-year warranty. Owners reviewing the Cub Cadet mower at Home Depot like it, noting that it bags well. Its OHV engine is made in China. However, this mower doesn't meet CARB requirements.

The 21-inch Troy-Bilt 11A-542Q711 push mower, also called the TB542 (*est. $240) uses a Honda OHV engine that does meet California emission standards. Though comparison tests show this lawn mower doesn't perform as well as the Cub Cadet and Lawn-Boy mowers discussed above, it does get positive ratings at Lowes.com, especially for ease of use. It has large 12-inch rear wheels, which expert reviews recommend for maneuvering on bumpy lawns.

If you just want a very inexpensive lawn mower, owners rating lawn mowers at Lowes.com give the 21-inch Bolens 11A-414A (*est. $170) reasonably high marks. However, reviews say this model isn't quite as easy to use as the push mowers discussed above. It only bags clippings -- it doesn't side-discharge or mulch them. The even more basic side-discharge model, the 22-inch Bolens 11A-074E (*est. $140) gets lower ratings for both quality and features. Both mowers have Briggs & Stratton engines, and they come with two-year warranties.

The 22-inch Craftsman 38512 (*est. $150) gets higher ratings from owners reviewing it at the Sears website. It's a basic side-discharge mower, but most owners say that although it can take some extra priming to start, it's a good value. We did find some complaints about breakdowns.

Electric lawn mowers

Like gas mowers, corded electric mowers use a rotary blade that slices horizontally across the grass. Electric mowers are much quieter, however, and cost less to run -- about $5 a season. They're also better for air quality, and electric mowers require a lot less maintenance. Owners say they're happy to avoid all the hassle of buying and storing gasoline.

Most electric lawn mowers let you adjust the cutting height with just one lever, another feature owners like. Bagging is not their strong suit, but lawn experts say it's better to mulch clippings most of the time, anyway. As with gas mowers, it's a good idea to pick a model that excels in handling clippings in the way you prefer; some electric mowers limit your options.

Experts rate 12-amp corded electric mowers as approximately equivalent to a 5.5 horsepower gas engine, so they have roughly the same power. However, owners warn that it's crucial not to let the grass get too tall between mowing. Of course, your lawn has to be within reach of a 100-foot cord. An electric mower shouldn't be used in wet conditions at all, and even in dry weather, experts recommend using an outlet with a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI).

Electric mowers vary in the way they guide the cord to keep it safely away from the blades. Most, such as the top-rated 19-inch Black & Decker MM875 (*est. $230) , the identical Craftsman 37051 (*est. $230) and the narrower 18-inch Black & Decker MM575 (*est. $200) , fasten the cord on one side of the handle. This means you have to flip the cord around when you turn at the end of a row. For more convenience, the 18-inch Black & Decker MM675 (*est. $220) has a handle that flips from front to back, so at the end of a row you just flip the handle instead of turning the mower around. This feature gets mixed reviews from users; some criticize the way it makes you mow over the last row's clippings, making the pushing harder.

Of all these 12-amp lawn mowers, reviews give the best scores to the Black & Decker MM875, partly because it comes with a rear bag (although reviews say it's better at mulching clippings than bagging them). The other Black & Decker corded electric mowers side-discharge clippings, and though an optional bag is available for them, reviews note that side-bagging can make the mower tip to one side when the bag is full. Owners reviewing all these Black & Decker electric lawn mowers give them mostly positive reviews for low noise and reasonable performance, but we did find some complaints about reliability.

Two narrower, less powerful (and less expensive) 18-inch Black & Decker mowers also get good reviews from owners, though they're not covered in the big comparison reviews. Owners at Sears.com rate the 9-amp Black & Decker MM275 (*est. $180) almost as highly as the 12-amp MM875 electric mower discussed above. At Amazon.com, owners like the 6.5-amp Black & Decker LM175 (*est. $160) even though it doesn't mulch clippings, rating it even higher than the MM875. Owners say either corded electric mower makes a good budget choice, as long as your lawn isn't too big or challenging.

The 20-inch Homelite UT13120 electric mower (*est. $200) offers the widest cutting deck and highest maximum cutting height (3.75 inches) available on an electric mower, taking this 12-amp mower closer to the capacity of most gas mowers. (Black & Decker mowers have a maximum cutting height of 3.5 inches.) The Homelite mower is made by the American Lawn Mower Company, known for making top-quality manual reel mowers and for dedication to environmentally-sound lawn equipment. We found only one review of this new mower, ranking its overall performance as adequate, but below that of the Black & Decker MM875. (The cordless Homelite lawn mower discussed below gets better reviews.)

The 13-amp Worx WG712 (*est. $200) mulches clippings better than the Homelite and can bag clippings (but not side-discharge them). Its grass box has a handy window, so you can see when it's getting full. The mower's narrow 16-inch width can be a plus if your lawn has spots that a wider mower can't reach, but otherwise it just makes mowing take longer. Reviewers say it cuts nicely, but is less comfortable to use than most. Also, its maximum cutting height is only 2.75 inches -- too short to protect grass from summer heat in many parts of the country.

Overall, more reviews favor the Black & Decker MM875 than any other corded electric mower, so we've included it in Fast Answers. Owners do complain, however, about customer service, parts delays, and repair difficulties. All the electric mowers discussed here carry two-year warranties, but that's not much comfort if you're waiting for a part. Owners recommend checking the availability of nearby repair service before buying an electric mower.

Cordless lawn mowers

Although more expensive than a corded mower, a cordless lawn mower gives you more flexibility and range, since you aren't tethered to a cord. However, most cordless mowers use lead-acid batteries, whose production and disposal poses environmental problems. Though cordless lawn mowers keep the air clean while you're mowing, experts calculate that manufacturing this kind of battery contributes as much to air pollution as does using a gas mower. Battery disposal is another environmental hazard; they need replacement after a couple of years of use, and recycling them (like auto batteries) is important for protecting soil and groundwater.

Runtime per charge ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, enough for yards of about 1/3 acre. Some cordless mowers let you switch to a fresh battery, making the range limited only by the number of batteries you have. As with corded electric mowers, cordless mowers work best if you don't let your grass get too high between mowing. Cordless electric reel mowers let you walk as slowly as you like while keeping the blades spinning fast -- an advantage over the manual reel mowers discussed below.

The new 60-volt Remington MPS6017A (*est. $450) is getting quite a bit of attention because it's the first cordless mower to provide the option of using a cord as well. If the battery needs recharging before you're finished mowing, you can just plug this mower into an extension cord like one of the corded mowers discussed above. This feature won the Remington mower a "Best of Green Design" award from Popular Mechanics.

For lighter weight, you can remove the battery altogether. Even with the battery, however, it weighs only 60 pounds, which is lighter than most cordless rotary mowers. You can also boost the mower's power by combining corded AC electricity with battery power if you encounter grass that's too tall or tough to handle on battery-power alone. In "Boost Mode," an electronic circuit keeps the blade speed consistent even when the load varies. This is one of the features that make the 17-inch Remington cordless mower a top pick at HowStuffWorks.com, where the reviewer gives it the highest possible ratings.

Larger rear wheels make it easier to maneuver than most, and cutting height adjusts with a single lever, to a maximum of 3.5 inches. Owners at Amazon.com say this mower mulches well, but bagging can be problematic. Side-discharging clippings requires an optional accessory.

Reviews give the new Remington cordless mower top ratings for ease of use; there's nothing like it. For the most even cutting, however, reviews recommend the 24-volt, 19-inch Black & Decker CMM1200 cordless mower (*est. $400) , saying it actually outperforms the corded Black & Decker MM875. A review by the landscaping expert at About.com says the CMM1200 also does a good job of mulching fall leaves. Like the Remington cordless mower, the CMM1200 adjusts the cutting height with just one lever, to a maximum height of 3.5 inches.

The cordless CMM1200 is similar in design to the corded Black & Decker mowers, with a polymer deck. The battery adds weight, however -- at 76 pounds, this mower is no fun to push up hills. A comparison review at Mother Earth News finds that its predecessor, the CMM1000, takes about 16 hours to charge, then has as much power as an average gas mower. However, owners at Amazon.com find this optimistic, saying the CMM1200 doesn't have enough power to cope with thick St. Augustine grass. Owners do praise its overall comfort and low vibration.

Consumers Digest gives top ranking to the cordless, 20-inch Homelite UT13122 (*est. $300), which is also sold as the EarthWise 60020 (*est. $300) . The reviewer likes its wide cutting path and single-lever height adjustment to 3.75 inches and notes that it handles clippings in all three modes (bagging, mulching and side-discharging). Like the Remington, this cordless mower has larger 8-inch rear wheels -- ideal for irregular lawns. Tests show that the Homelite / EarthWise mower bags and mulches better than the Remington model. However, the Homelite / EarthWise cordless mower weighs 37 pounds more than the Remington, making it harder to push.

If a maximum cutting height of 3 inches is high enough for your lawn, the 14-inch Neuton CE 5.2 Cordless Mower (*est. $380), has the advantage of lighter, 48-pound weight. It's also extremely quiet; tests at the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse rate it at 77 decibels at the user's ears and 59 decibels 25 feet away. For the skeptical, Neuton even offers a six-month money-back trial period plus a three-year warranty. The removable battery is another plus, since this limits your mowing range only by the number of 24-volt batteries you can keep charged -- for about an hour of run time per battery. (A review at Treehugger.com notes that run time is reduced if you have to cut tough grass, but the mower is capable of doing so.)

The heavily advertised Neuton cordless mower is reported to be the most popular cordless mower. However, except for noise levels, comparison tests show that the Black & Decker CM1200 and Homelite / EarthWise mowers outperform it. The Neuton bags better than the Remington, but the latter is easier to handle. Still, owners reviewing the Neuton earlier at Epinions praise the mower's quiet hum, saying the only drawback is its narrow cutting path.

The new 19-inch Neuton CE 6.2 (*est. $480) has a wider cutting path and uses a 36-volt battery, but still cuts no higher than three inches. We found a review of this cordless mower at HowStuffWorks.com, where it earns praise for convenience and ease of use. For example, it takes just seconds to switch from bagging to mulching or side-discharging. The main drawbacks are the three-inch maximum cutting height and the fact that, like all cordless mowers, the Neuton mowers don't bag as well as gas lawn mowers.

Also new for 2008 is an innovative, 19-inch solar-powered cordless mower made in Canada, the first cordless mower to be self-propelled -- making its 108-pound weight largely irrelevant. The Solaris (*est. $500) uses rear-wheel drive, so it's suitable for hills and irregular lawns. The solar panel charges the 24-volt battery in two to five days, depending on cloud conditions, but you can also use an AC charger as well. Maximum cutting height is about 3.5 inches. Depending on grass conditions, it's rated for 7,000 to 10,000 square feet per charge, or about an hour of use. The brushless motor uses a microprocessor.

In the United States, the Solaris is being tested in Home Depot stores only in the Boston and Seattle areas. We called a store in the Boston area to confirm that it's sold there and that it's possible to order the Solaris shipped to other states. The only review we found of the Solaris, on a blog called DailyHomeRenoTips.com, praises its ease of use, low noise and cutting performance, but doesn't give details about the other mowers with which it's being compared. It's helpful that the mower itself doesn't have to carry the weight of the solar panels that charge the battery, but a possible drawback is the single-speed drive. Most self-propelled mowers offer a choice of speeds.

Solar lawn mowers are by no means a new concept, but the Solaris is better priced than the Sun Whisper (*est. $675) that's available from Free Power Systems. For even lower costs, it's said to be relatively easy to convert a Black & Decker CM1200 to a solar lawn mower. For links to instructions and kits, see the section below on solar lawn mowers.

The cordless mowers discussed above use a rotary blade like a gas mower or corded electric mower. Reel mowers can also be powered with a battery. Sunlawn / Brill makes cordless reel mowers -- like a manual reel mower, but with a motor to turn the blades while you push. They have protected blades that go seven to ten years without sharpening, and according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, they’re the quietest electric mowers available. Their main drawback is a relatively short maximum cutting height.

The 15-inch Sunlawn Brill Accumower ASM380 (*est. $375) has a maximum cutting height of only 1.8 inches -- too short for many lawns. However, at 29 pounds it's even lighter than the 14-inch Neuton cordless mower. Battery life is about 30 to 40 minutes, and if the 24-volt battery runs down, the mower can be pushed like an ordinary reel mower. It gets good marks for evenness of cut. If you mow more than 3,000 square feet at a time, you might want the extra battery (*est. $100), but the mower is really intended for tiny areas. This model is being phased out and has been replaced by the Brill Razorcut Accumower 38 (*est. $430). However, some retailers still have the ASM380 in stock. The Mantis cordless reel mower (*est. $330) is similar.

For a better cutting-height range of 0.4 to 2.25 inches, Sunlawn also makes the seven-bladed, 16-inch EM-2 cordless reel mower (*est. $380) that weighs 35 pounds and includes a grass catcher. The manufacturer recommends it for lawns up to 12,000 square feet (a little over a fourth of an acre) and says the 24-volt battery can run 75 minutes per charge, then fully recharge in only six hours. Experts say seven-bladed reel mowers are better for lawns of thicker bent grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia or Centipede.

Manual reel lawn mowers

The rule of thumb in the past has been that a push lawn mower is practical for flat lawns up to a quarter of an acre in size (about 11,000 square feet). However, in the last few years we've read reports of commercial landscaping companies switching to manual reel mowers. Sales have grown steadily each year.

Manual reel mowers are as quiet as you can get, and they don't throw up any dust or debris as you mow. The newer reel mowers do a much better job than older models, not only for ease of pushing but also for evenness of cut. If your lawn is in good shape, without a lot of tough weeds, and you're willing to mow regularly, a reel mower is an option. They don't work well on bumpy lawns or on long grass or weeds, however, and of course they're harder to push up a slope. Maximum cutting height can also be an issue.

Owners say they love the way manual reel mowers don't stir up dust or disturb mulch -- a boon for allergy sufferers. Flat edgings are no problem, but reel mowers can't mow very close to raised edgings -- which means more trimming is needed. Nor can they mulch leaves the way a gas or corded electric mower can. Twigs are apt to get stuck in the blades, so if you have a lawn with a lot of trees that drop twigs, you'll need to rake as well as mow.

Reviews say the best reel lawn mower depends on the type of grass you have. Five-bladed reel mowers are designed for upright grasses such as fescue, tall fescue, St. Augustine, rye and similar types. For bent, creeping grasses (e.g. Bermuda, Zoysia or Centipede), you need a seven-bladed reel mower.

The main professional reviews favor the five-bladed reel mowers that offer the highest maximum cutting height, saying that cutting grass too short can sometimes cause heat damage. Partly for this reason, reviews recommend the 20-inch Scotts Green Classic, also sold as the Scotts 2000-20 (*est. $120) , which can leave grass as high as 3 inches. Its width is close to that of most rotary mowers, so you cover the ground quickly. Although it weighs about 30 pounds, it has a second pair of wheels at the rear, and reviewers say it's relatively easy to push.

The cutting height is easily adjusted using two levers, and there's a shrub bar in the front to keep low-hanging bushes from getting caught in the blades. The blades normally need sharpening only every year or two, and a home sharpening kit is available (*est. $18). A mesh grass catcher is also available (*est. $28), but this accessory gets poor reviews at Amazon.com, where owners say it doesn't stay on securely or catch the grass well. However, users like the Green Classic mower itself, praising it for ease of use and even cutting.

The Task Force 20" Reel Mower Model 26153 (*est. $130) includes a grass catcher, but the maximum cutting height is only 2.75 inches. Owners at Lowe's have given this Asian-made reel mower lower ratings for both design and quality in the past (unfortunately, those reviews are no longer posted on the Lowe's website.)

The same 112-year-old company that makes Scotts lawn mowers, American Lawn Mower Company, also makes manual reel mowers under the Great States and Craftsman brand names. Except for its narrower 18-inch width, the Craftsman 37619 (*est. $100) is almost identical to the Scotts Green Classic. However, the Craftsman reel mower gets mixed reviews from some owners, who complain that the handle flexes too much and that, despite its specifications, it doesn't adjust to cut grass very short. Another 18-inch reel mower, the American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch Reel Mower 1815-18 (*est. $100) , lacks the extra wheels, but it does get slightly better ratings from owners reviewing it at Amazon.com.

Limited cutting height (of 2.25 inches) is the main drawback to a less expensive 5-bladed reel mower, the 16-inch Great States 415-16 (*est. $95) , also called the American Lawn Mower 1415-16 (*est. $80) . This narrower, lighter reel mower uses a 1.75-inch roller behind the main 10-inch wheels instead of rear wheels, and adjusting the cutting height requires more work. Some owners prefer it for the lighter weight and even for the way it can cut grass extremely short, down to half an inch. The Craftsman 37610 (*est. $80) is similar, as is the Husqvarna 64 Push Reel Lawn Mower (*est. $140), whose lighter 19-pound weight may justify its higher price.

If you have thicker bent grass such as Bermuda, Zoysia or Centipede, experts say you need a seven-blade reel mower such as the 16-inch American Lawn Mower 1705-16 (*est. $85) . These tough grasses are healthiest when cut short, so this mower has a maximum cutting height of 2.25 inches. It weighs about 27 pounds. The Great States 705-16 reel mower (*est. $120) is essentially the same, and we've found that prices for the same reel mower vary a lot among retailers.

The 17-inch McLane 17-PH-7 Push Reel Mower (*est. $175) is a seven-bladed lawn mower designed especially for putting greens. It tosses the clippings forward, so they're cut twice for finer mulching (or into an optional front grass catcher). One owner-written review at Amazon.com notes that it doesn't handle really thick Bermuda grass very well. The American Lawn Mower 1705-16 discussed above gets better reviews.

The main competitor to these American-made reel mowers has been the 15-inch German-made Brill Luxus 38 (*est. $220) , the manual version of the cordless electric Sunlawn Brill Accumower discussed above. The flame-hardened blades don't need sharpening for ten years. The maximum cutting height is only 1.8 inches, but users mostly love this 17-pound reel mower, raving about how easy it is to push. The light weight can be a mixed blessing, however, as some users complain that the mower wheels tend to slide or drag instead of turn, causing a skip in the cutting. This well-rated reel mower has been replaced by the Brill Razorcut 38 (*est. $250) , which features a stiffer handle, but some retailers still have the Brill Luxus 38 available.

The similar 16-inch Sunlawn MM-1 (*est. $180) can cut grass as high as 2.8 inches. The blades are protected, so they can go seven to ten years without needing sharpening. Owners reviewing this lawn mower at Amazon.com praise its extra safety, and most say the Sunlawn MM-1 is a pleasure to use. One owner complains that the wheels slip, but another says this only happens if the lawn is bumpy.

Important Features: Lawn mowers

The latest lawn mower reviews say that most current gas-powered mowers are easier to start than older mowers, and many have a high-dome design that helps cut the clippings into finer mulch. Reel mowers are now easier to use than older manual models. Experts suggest considering the following factors when buying a lawn mower:

• Be sure the maximum cutting height suits your grass and climate. In a hot, dry climate, you may need to let the lawn grow higher to conserve moisture. While most electric and gas mowers can cut grass as high as 3.5 or 4 inches, some reel mowers limit the height to less than 2 inches. Some experts say that cutting your grass too short can damage your lawn.

• Consider lawn obstacles. If you need to mow around a lot of obstacles, a narrower lawn mower may be easier to use. If you have a lot of leaves to collect in the fall, a gas or corded electric mower can turn them into useful mulch. Electric and gas mowers can usually handle twigs and pinecones too, but a side-discharging mower can turn them into dangerous flying objects. Even owners who love their reel mowers say twigs get stuck in the blades, so if you have a lot of trees in the yard, you might be happier with a power mower.

• Larger rear wheels and/or rear-wheel drive are best for slopes and irregular lawns. We found quite a few complaints about front-wheel-drive self-propelled lawn mowers, especially on slopes. Larger rear wheels can make a push mower easier to maneuver.

• For gas mowers, "50-state compliant" are the "greenest" models. Not all gas lawn mower engines meet the best emissions standards. Reviews suggest looking for "50-state compliant," "CARB-certified" or "CA certified" models. All these terms mean the same thing: that the engine meets the new, stricter California standards. Some CARB-certified mowers are only available in California, while others can be found or ordered elsewhere.

• For gas mowers, horsepower and engine brand don't make much difference. The latest reviews say that all the major brands (Honda, Tecumseh and Briggs & Stratton) perform very well. Just beware, for now, of Chinese engine brands, which don't perform as well in reviews.

• Some mowers minimize trimming. Lawn-Boy mowers earn praise for the way the wheels are set in, allowing you to mow close to an edge. At the other extreme, reel mowers leave about a six-inch edge to be trimmed.

• Rear-bagging mowers are more convenient and easier to maneuver than side-bagging mowers. As a bag mounted on the side fills up, it gets heavy and can make the mower tip to one side. Reviews say some mowers are much better at bagging than others. The bagging option is especially useful in the fall, for chopping up leaves for the compost pile.

• An electric starter is also convenient. The latest reviews say that most lawn mowers start more easily than ever, but you may still prefer an electric start, especially if pulling a recoil cord strains your hands or arm. You do have to keep a battery charged, so some electric-start mowers also have a recoil start as a backup in case the battery runs down.

• A blade brake override adds convenience. Federal law requires that a powered mower shut off the blades as soon as the handle has been released. Most mowers fulfill this by shutting off the engine, but that can be inconvenient if you just want to stop for a moment to empty the bag or to move something out of the way. A blade-brake override stops the blades, but it keeps the motor running.

• The best self-propelled mowers have variable speed or several speeds. This is not only more comfortable, but it can also make for a more even cut, since a mower with only one speed may go too quickly to cut tall or tough grass evenly.

• For cordless mowers, lithium batteries are best, followed by NiMH, but most use lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries pollute the air during manufacture, and they cause additional pollution if they're not recycled with care. NiCad batteries have cadmium, so they should be recycled carefully, too. Right now, the only lithium-powered mowers available in the United States are robotic, covered in our report on robotic mowers .

• Be aware of safety factors. Corded mowers should be used with a ground fault interrupter (GFI) on the cord or outlet to prevent shock or fire resulting from mixing water with electricity. Gas mowers require hearing protection and precautions to prevent sparks and fire. Any powered mower can throw rocks or other debris at high speed. Robotic mowers have the best safety record so far, and reel mowers are also considered safe. Register your mower so you'll be alerted right away in case of a recall.

• Consider health and environmental factors. Manual reel mowers have no environmental impact and offer good exercise. They're also good for people with allergies, because they stir up the least amount of dust and pollen. Solar and corded electric mowers are next least polluting, overall, followed by lithium-powered or NiMH-powered cordless mowers. Gas mowers cause the most noise and air pollution -- both health hazards. Fuel spills pollute the soil and groundwater. (California calculates that users spill 17 million gallons of gasoline and oil each year while refilling lawn equipment.)

• Look for a reel mower suited to your type of grass. Choose a 7-bladed reel mower for tough grasses such as Bermuda, or a 5-bladed reel mower for fescue and other upright grasses.
  

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# Picks	Gas lawn mowers (self-propelled unless marked "push")	Details from Amazon.com
4	Cub Cadet 11A-18MC010 (push mower) (*est. $230)	-
4	Lawn-Boy 10685 (*est. $370)	details
3	Lawn-Boy 10683 (push mower) (*est. $370)	details
3	Honda HRX217HXA (*est. $800)	-
2	Troy-Bilt TB1086 XP (also the12A1867Q011) (*est. $370)	-
2	Toro Recycler 20066 (*est. $350)	-
2	Bolens 11A-414A065 (push mower) (*est. $170)	-
1 each	Craftsman 37074, Craftsman 38512 push, Honda HRX217HMA, Husqvarna 5521RS, Lawn-Boy 10686 , Lawn-Boy Insight Platinum 10797, Poulan 22-Inch 5-Torque Side Discharge High Wheel Push Mower #PO45N22SH, Toro Personal Pace , Toro Super Recycler 20093, Troy-Bilt 11A-542Q711 push
# of picks	Electric and manual mowers	Details from Amazon.com
5	Black & Decker CM1200 cordless (*est. $400)	details
4	Black & Decker MM875 corded (*est. $230)	details
2	Neuton CE 5.2 cordless (*est. $380)	-
2	Brill Luxus 38 manual reel (*est. $220)	details
2	Scotts Classic 2000-20 manual reel (*est. $120)	details
1 each	American Lawn Mower Co. 1815-18 manual reel , Black & Decker LM175 corded , Craftsman 37619 manual reel, EarthWise 60020 Cordless , Homelite 20-inch Corded Electric, Remington PowerMower MPS6017A corded/cordless , Solaris self-propelled, Sunlawn EM-2 cordless

Among gas-powered push mowers, we found good reviews for the Cub Cadet 11A-18MC010, which also costs less than much of the competition. We found good reviews overall for Lawn-Boy mowers, but the self-propelled Lawn-Boy 10797 is especially noteworthy for low emissions, and it is particularly good at side-discharging and bagging clippings. When it comes to mulching, reviewers say Honda HRX mowers can't bet beat, although they are expensive.

Among electric mowers, we found the best reviews by a wide margin for the cordless Black & Decker CM1200 and corded MM875. Both get better reviews than the Neuton electric lawn mowers that are heavily advertised this year.

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