One of the main benefits of choosing a push mower for your lawn is that these types of mowers are usually designed to operate without tearing or shredding the lawn, instead, a push mower delivers a clean, natural cut, which strengthens the underground root system of the grass plus maintaining its resiliency for healthier continued growth.
Our Top Push Mowers:
- Craftsman M105: best in class push mower that I researched
- YardMax YG1650: unique spiral deck design improves airflow for outstanding mulching capability
- BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736: front wheel drive, 140cc 3 in 1 mower, perfect for small to medium sized lawns
- Cub Cadet SC100HW: great high wheeled mower, reputable brand
- Troy-Bilt TB170 XP: store flat design saves space, built in the USA
- Yard Machines 11A-B0S5700: Lightweight, medium powered – good for small yards and tight spaces
- Lawn-Boy 10736: Honda powered engine, powerful and high rear wheel
Push Lawn Mower Reviews
1) Craftsman M105 140cc 3-In-1 Lawn Mower with Bagger
Likes:
- 3-in-1 allows for side discharge, bagging and mulching
- Lightweight, efficient, and easy to control
- Bag included
Dislikes:
- Would prefer a slightly more powerful engine
The Craftsman M105 features a good quality 140cc Engine, 3-In-1 cutting system – mulching, side discharge, and rear bagger. This is a great and reliable mower for smaller properties.
Its lightweight and compact design allows it to be stored in small places and is easy to get out and put away. The rear wheels are 8″ and allows for 6 different cutting blade heights.
In my opinion, the best push mower on the market for most homeowners!
2) Husqvarna 7021P 160cc 3-In-1 High Wheel Push Lawn Mower
Likes:
- Features 11″ rear wheels that increase maneuverability in all terrains
- Lightweight, efficient, and simple to control and use
- Best in class Honda engine
Dislikes:
- Bolts on handle tend to work loose
- Bag door is poorly constructed
The Husqvarna 7021P features a high spec Honda engine (
It also offers 9 cutting height positions, double ball-bearing wheels, a soft-grip handle, and folds for easy transport and storage.
3) Cub Cadet SC100HW 159cc 3-in-1 High Rear Wheel Push Mower
Pros
- High rear wheels, 3-position adjustable ergonomic handles, and industrial-tread tires
- Includes mulch plug and 1.9 rear
bushel and dust-blocking bagger - Features a Smartjet patented high pressure deck-washing system
Cons
- Releases lots of dust and airborne debris
- Doesn’t include any bag attachment instructions
The Cub Cadet SC100HW is a 3-in1 walk-behind push mower that offers stellar results.
It has a steel, rust-resistant 21″ cutting deck, a performance-tuned 159cc OHV engine, a 6-position, dual-lever cutting height, and a cutting height range of 1.25″ to 3.75″.
4) Troy-Bilt TB170 XP SpaceSavr 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
Likes:
- Excellent cut quailty
- Unique design allows the mower to be stored flat under a workbench, etc.
- Built in the USA with 3 year warranty
Dislikes:
- Quite a few plastic parts
- Heavy – can be hard to push up steep hills
The Troy-Bilt TB170 XP features a 21″ Tri-Action cutting system that provides a one-pass clean cut and a 6-setting adjustable cutting range of 1.25″ to 3.75″.
It also features 3-in-1 convertible mulching, side discharge, and bagging, and long-lasting 8″ x 7″ front wheels and 11″ rear wheels.
Washout port makes cleaning the under deck simple and easy. Built-in the USA with a 3 year manufactures warranty adds peace of mind.
5) Yard Machines 11A-B0S5700 140cc 21-Inch Push Mower
Likes:
- Features a strong 140cc OHV engine
- Rarely bogs down on thick grass
- Comes 99% assembled and starts on the first pull
Dislikes:
- Not recommended for commercial use
- Loud
The Yard Machines 140cc Push Mower is a beast on small-medium sized yards. It features dual lever height-adjustment, a 21″ cutting width, mulching capability and
This 62-pound machine has 11″ x 7″ wheels and comes with a limited 2-year warranty.
6) Lawn-Boy 10736 21-Inch 160cc Engine High Wheel Push Lawn Mower
Likes:
- 21″ steel deck with deep dome
- Maneuverable high-wheel mower perfect for uneven and rough terrain
- Engine gross torque rated 2,800 RPM by engine manufacturer and meets all operating requirements, and emission and safety standards
Dislikes:
- Plastic front-wheel adjustment doesn’t hold
cutting height - Tire treads give little traction and seem to be purely decorative
The Lawn-Boy 10736 features an 11″ high wheel, a 2-point height-of-cut, a Honda GVC 160OHC engine, and a specially engineered tri-cut system.
It also has 3-in-1 discharge ability, a larger bag capacity, and a “No Worry” 2-year warranty plus a Tru-Start Commitment of 3 years.
7) Poulan Pro PR550N21RH3 3-in-1 Hi-Wheel Push Mower
Likes:
- Good value, lightweight, and starts on the first pull
- Reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-push large back wheels
- Mulching and bagging functions work very well, and bag is simple to use and dump
Dislikes:
- Louder than some comparable models
- Cut quality just ok
The Poulan Pro has 5.50′-pound gross torque, 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options, and a fuel efficient 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine that comes with a 2-year Poulan Pro limited warranty. It also has a 21″ cutting deck, a Ready-Start Starting System, and simple rolling high-rear-wheels.
There are three basic push lawn mowers – gas-powered, electric, and manual reel.
The gas-powered mower uses an internal combustion engine equipped with a recoil starter that helps to power the cutting blades. These powerful machines make it a snap to mow very large or uneven lawn areas without having to resort to a fashionable and more expensive riding mower. They are typically self-propelled as well.
Both gas-powered and electric mowers are frequently equipped with horizontal rotating blades located at the base of the cutting deck. These blades are ready and able to trim a large area of your lawn in one single pass.
Read on to discover which push mower is the right choice for you.
How I Rated The Mowers
In the search for fine push lawn mowers to recommend to you, we have examined what is available in the marketplace today and have read a myriad of reviews from such websites as Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, eBay, Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics, MowersDirect.com, Pro Tool Reviews, and more. We selected 6 popular push lawn mowers and examined their reviews in more detail. We looked at the pros and cons of each machine, as well as information on their warranties and reliability, their power sources, and how they rated on their mulching, side discharge, and bagging capabilities. We also read about their handling components and ease of use. We examined high wheel models, the benefits of manual push mowers, and what buyers should look for in purchasing a manual push lawn mower.
Read on to find out the costs, pros and cons, and relative merits of 6 of the most popular push lawn mowers available on the market today. We hope that our reviews of each mower will help you to make a well-informed decision when purchasing a push lawn mower.
Reliability (Warranty)
The Husqvarna 7021P’s Honda engine has been rated extremely reliable by many reviewers. By the same token, many purchasers found the Husqvarna warranty to be too restrictive. The Cub Cadet SC100HW comes with both a limited 3-year warranty and a Sure Start Peace of Mind guarantee. Troy-Bilt’s TB105 has a limited warranty of 2 years, as does Yard Machines 140cc Push Mower. The Lawn-Boy 10736 is today’s winner in the warranty department, with both a “No Worry” warranty of 2 years and a Tru-Start Commitment of 3 years. The Poulan Pro also has a limited warranty of 2 years.
Power
Push mowers typically sport engines that have horsepower ratings falling between 2.9 and 4.0 (one horsepower equals the quantity of work required to be able to move 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute).The Husqvarna 7021P gets high ratings for performance, gas power, and dependability. It features a high-spec Honda engine. The Cub Cadet’s 159cc Briggs and Stratton gas motor gets high praise for power from users. Troy-Bilt is powered by a sturdy OHV 159cc engine. Yard Machines is powered by an efficient OHV engine of 140cc that works best on smaller to medium sized yards. Our Lawn Boy mower features a high-performance Honda 160cc engine, and the Poulan Pro boasts a Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine.
Mulching Ability
Users extol the mulching capabilities of the 2-in-1 60 pound Poulan Pro PR550N21RH3. The Lawn-Boy 10746 has also been praised for its superior cutting capability and excellent mulching. The Yard Machines 21″ Gas Push Mower boasts a newly redesigned cutting deck which creates a better airflow to mulch the grass into smaller, finer pieces. The Troy-Bilt TB105 Mower has received high praise from one user, who declares its mulching capability as “awesome”. The Cub Cadet includes a mulch plug, which closes the side chute with a plug to stop grass from blowing outward and breaking it down into smaller, cleaner pieces.
Side Discharge
Many users of push mowers like the side discharge function because it allows them to cut thicker, taller grass easier than mulching does. Some mowers have discharge plates installed so that they can be closed when passing by flower beds, and other places where the cut grass is not welcome. The Husqvarna 7021P provides a 2.2 cubic feet soft collection bag and a special discharge deflector. The Cub Cadet SC100 claims that their side discharging function provides a ‘combination of evenness’, referring to how grass clippings were evenly dispersed out of the special side discharge chute. The Troy-Bilt TB105 offers purchasers improved side discharge, using a 1.9 bushel standard grass catcher.
Bagging
Manufacturers recommend that high-lift blades in push mowers are the best blade to aid with bagging grass clippings. Most of the machines reviewed here today use a mulching blade with a curved surface and 2 distinct cutting planes to mulch, bag clippings, or side discharge clippings. The Lawn Boy 10736 offers a larger bag to hold clippings, which allows the operator to mow for a longer time. The Lawn Boy bag doesn’t need any tools to attach it, which is another plus.
Unfortunately, one reviewer stated that the grass catcher bag on the Husqvarna 7021P is badly designed. It is made of a metal frame attached to the lawn mower with flimsy plastic clips which cause the bag to shift so it either doesn’t collect many clippings or it falls off the mower altogether.
Handling
An important component of handling a push mower is – the handle! In this respect, the Husqvarna 7021P is ahead of the crowd with its 4 different handlebar settings so you can find the most comfortable one for you. The handle also folds up to allow storing in tight spaces in your shed or garage. The Cub Cadet, not to be outdone, has 3-position ergonomic handles for its 159cc High Rear-Wheel Gas Push Mower. The Yard Machines 21″ Push Mower comes with a durable loop handle for user comfort.
Returning to the operational handling of these mowers the Lawn-Boy 10736 is lightweight enough that even kids with little experience and disabled adult users find it easy to handle. They especially appreciate the simple electric starter and the convenient adjustable deck height.
Ease of Use
The Cub Cadet SC100HW gets high marks for ease of use, especially from its 11″ rear wheels and 8″ front wheels that help it to move effortlessly across uneven terrain. The Husqvarna 7021P also features high 11″ rear wheels that increase maneuverability over a variety of terrains and also sports double ball-bearings on those wheels to ensure that this mower rolls along easily even after years of use. The Troy-Bilt TB105 credits its OHV 159cc engine for providing extremely easy starting. The Yard Machines 140cc Push Mower boasts 7″ x 11″ wheel size that guarantees easy turns.
Why Buy a Manual Push Mower?
Gas-powered push mowers are great for large yards or yards with hilly terrain. They provide the necessary power, and they can be started easily with a push-button starter and pull cord.
High Wheel Models
Some people have remarked in reviews that the actual appearance of high wheels on their mowers looked a bit funny at first. After having seen what type of maneuverability they bring to mowing your lawn, they are much more appreciative of them. High rear wheels are optimal for lawns that are very hilly because it makes it possible for the blades not to scalp your lawn, and make it a lot simpler to mow uphill. They’re also good for mowing embankments, small rain gullies, and over gopher holes. In addition, they make it easier for you to drag the extra weight of an attachment bag.
What to Look for in a Push Mower
A good gas push mower should have sharp blades, a good engine (160cc’s), and be a 3-in-1 model (with bagging, cutting, and mulching capabilities). It should have multiple height adjustments, a wide track, large rear wheels, and an easy assembly.
Should I Buy a Self-Propelled Mower Instead?
There are several advantages to choosing a self-propelled mower over a push mower:
- Some newer self-propelled corded mowers have a flip handle (front to back) so you’ll be able to mow without having to turn at the row’s end.
- Self-propelled mowers are great if you have to mow a very large property with slopes that have inclines of up to 30º.
- Some self-propelled mowers are adjustable to your particular walking speed.
- If you are disabled in any way and aren’t able to operate a push lawn mower, then a self-propelled mower is for you
Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Models
There are a number of basic differences between cheap push lawn mowers and more expensive lawn mowers:
- Cheaper lawn mowers won’t cut as well. More expensive lawn mowers have 3-in-1 options for clippings – mulching, side-discharge, and bagging.
- Cheaper mowers tend to have not-as-sharp blades that tend to tear and hack through the grass. More expensive blades will cut grass more precisely and evenly.
- Cheaper mowers will have less expensive engines and generally need more repairs.
- More expensive gas-powered mowers will give you more flexibility, durability, and power. That means a 4-cycle engine instead of a 2-cycle engine. They will also have a better start mechanism, like Husqvarna’s product, which features an easy-start system instead of a recoil or pull start.
Best Selling & Top Rated Brands
- Husqvarna
- Cub Cadet
- Troy-Bilt
- Snapper
- Poulin Pro
- Yard Machines
- Lawn-Boy
- Toro
- Honda
How Much Should I Expect to Pay?
The 6 push lawn mowers reviewed range in price from $250 to $350, with a median price tag of $285. On the lower end of this scale is the Yard Machines 11A-B0S5700 which came 99% assembled, weighs 62 pounds, and is recommended for small to medium-sized yards. The negatives about this machine are that it wasn’t able to power through high grasses and that it wasn’t recommended for heavy-duty use.
On the higher end of the scale is the Husqvarna 7021P which sports the finest Honda engine available in the industry. It has a robust deck, solid 3-in-1 features (mulching, bagging, and side discharge), easier storage (it compacts to fold parallel to the ground) and it has an adjustable handle. A significant number of reviewers chose this push lawn mower as their favorite overall.
Conclusion
After a very careful review of hundreds of different types of push lawn mower reviews, my recommendation is the Husqvarna 7021P.
This machine has it all – a superior Honda engine which provides about 7 pounds-of-torque per foot, maximum maneuverability, 12″ rear wheels, and 3-in-1 side discharge, mulching, and rear collection capabilities. It has a 21″ cutting deck, 9 different height settings (from 1.25″ to 3.5″), double ball-bearing wheels, a foldable handle, and a good 2-year warranty. This compactly designed mower is also very maneuverable in tight spaces.
Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API
