If you have a large yard and don’t want to push your mower yourself or don’t have the need for a tractor, a self propelled lawn mower may be perfect for you.
- Honda HRX217VLA: Electric start and multi-mode cutting (mulch, bag, shred) make this a powerful, user-friendly option for flat lawns.
- EGO Power+ 21″ Select Cut: A quiet electric mower with excellent cutting power, long battery life, and tool-free blade changes.
- CRAFTSMAN M215: A gas-powered front-wheel drive mower that’s easy to maneuver and offers simple height adjustments.
- Greenworks 40V Self-Propelled: Battery-powered, quiet operation with smart pace matching and compact, vertical storage.
- PowerSmart 21-Inch: Sturdy gas mower with a rear-wheel drive that handles hills well and offers easy cutting height changes.
- Toro Recycler 60V: Electric mower with Personal Pace Auto-Drive, a large rear bag, and consistent push-button starts.
- Yard Force Self Propelled: Rear-wheel drive mower with ReadyStart tech and strong cutting performance, though a bit fast for some.
- Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322: A heavy-duty battery mower that’s strong on thick grass and has adjustable speed, but with some minor design quirks.
Self Propelled Lawn Mower Reviews
1) Honda HRX217VLA Self-Propelled Mower
If we’re looking for a reliable mower that’s easy to start and tackles a variety of mowing needs, this Honda option is a solid pick.
Pros
- Electric start means less hassle for us
- Adjustable speed feels comfortable for different users
- Handles mulching, bagging, and leaf shredding with one machine
Cons
- Electric start doesn’t always kick in on the first try
- Self-propel feature works best on flat lawns
- Adjusting cutting height can be tricky at times
Using this Honda mower, we noticed how convenient it is to get started. The electric start and Select Drive speed control take a lot of effort out of mowing. Switching between mulching, bagging, or even leaf shredding is smooth, so we don’t have to mess around with different tools or attachments.
Maneuvering around the yard goes pretty well, especially on even ground. On flatter areas, the self-propel function glides along and makes the job feel much lighter. If our yard has some hills or uneven parts, the assist isn’t as strong, so it takes a bit more pushing from us.
We did notice that adjusting the cutting height can be fiddly because of the composite deck and lever design, which could use improvement. Still, the quality of the cut and the engine power are clear positives. Out of the box, setup is fast—just add oil and gas, and we’re ready to mow.
If quick starts and multiple cutting options matter to us, the Honda HRX217VLA is worth considering, especially if our yard is mostly flat.
2) EGO Power+ 21″ Select Cut Self-Propelled Mower
Anyone who wants the power of a gas mower without the hassle or fumes should consider this mower.
Pros
- Switchable blades make changing from mulching to bagging very easy
- Runs much quieter than any gas mower we’ve used
- Long battery life on a single charge
Cons
- Battery is heavy and adds to the overall weight
- Blade swaps require a bit of work
- Costs more than some other electric models
Getting started with the EGO Power+ 21″ was quick since the push-button start worked right away. We enjoyed how smooth the Touch Drive handle felt when adjusting the speed; there was no jerking or lag. Even on thicker grass, the mower didn’t bog down, which surprised us after coming from a gas model.
Switching between the supplied blades was useful when we needed a neat mulched finish one week and a super clean bagged cut the next. The unit’s quiet operation stood out, especially compared to our old noisy gas mower. Mowing at dusk was easier thanks to the built-in LED lights.
For storage, this mower folds up and fits well in tight spots. While the battery keeps the mower running for a long time, we did notice that it adds heft when lifting or moving it. Overall, this mower gave us the strong cutting performance we expect, but with the benefit of easy electric maintenance.
3) CRAFTSMAN M215 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The CRAFTSMAN M215 is a smart choice for those of us looking for a reliable self-propelled mower that makes yard work less of a hassle.
Pros
- Moves with minimal effort thanks to self-propelled front wheel drive
- Handles grass clippings in three different ways (mulch, side, or bag)
- Height adjustment is simple and quick with the dual lever design
Cons
- Starting can get harder after some use
- Assembly instructions are not always clear
- Quality of some parts could be better
After using the CRAFTSMAN M215, we noticed how much easier it made mowing our small and medium lawns. The self-propelled drive helps us move along without tiring ourselves out. The front-wheel drive makes it simple to steer around corners, and changing the cutting height for different patches of grass is quick.
Being able to switch between mulching or bagging allows us to use clippings how we want. The wide 21-inch deck covers a lot of ground with each pass, so we finished mowing much quicker than with a smaller mower. We also found the wheels provided good traction even when our grass is a little damp.
While the mower runs great out of the box, we’ve found that the instructions can be tricky to follow during assembly. Some parts seem a bit delicate too, especially if handled roughly during setup or moving. A few of us noticed it was a little harder to start after extended use, but when it’s running well, the power is strong and consistent.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN M215 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is a good pick for most yards if you want a gas mower that saves time and effort.
4) Greenworks 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
If we want a mower that’s quiet, easy to use, and doesn’t need much upkeep, this Greenworks option is a smart pick.
Pros
- Self-propelled feature adjusts to our walking speed
- Battery lasts a long time and swaps automatically
- Very simple to start and store
Cons
- Batteries take some time to fully charge
- A bit heavy to lift or move when not mowing
- Struggles a bit in tall or thick grass
After using the Greenworks 40V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower in our yard, it’s clear this mower simplifies mowing. We love not having to pull-start or fuss with gas and oil. We press the button and we’re off, with the self-propelled pace matching how we walk, which makes mowing less tiring for everyone.
Cutting tall patches of grass takes a couple of slow passes, but the machine does a thorough job overall. We notice it runs quietly compared to gas mowers, so we can mow without bothering the whole neighborhood. Swapping between mulching, bagging, and side discharge is quick, and the single lever height adjustment is simple to use.
Storing this mower is easy for us since it stands up vertically, saving garage space. Charging both batteries at once means we can usually finish the lawn in one go, but we suggest keeping an eye on the battery levels if the yard is large or extra thick. For a low-hassle mowing experience, this Greenworks mower makes it easier for us to keep our lawn looking neat.
5) PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
This mower is a nice pick for anyone who wants a solid, easy-to-use self-propelled lawn mower for medium or large yards.
Pros
- Simple lever lets us adjust cutting height fast
- Self-propelled drive saves our energy on hills
- Bag, mulch, or rear discharge gives flexible options
Cons
- The bag fills up quickly with thick grass
- Plastic housing inside can get clogged if not cleaned often
- Replacement was needed after initial unit arrived defective
After giving the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower a try, we noticed right away how much easier it was to mow hilly parts of the yard. The rear-wheel drive really helps us move the mower without having to push hard, even when the lawn is uneven. Switching between collecting grass, mulching, or using rear discharge took only a second and gave us control over how the yard looked.
Adjusting the cutting height is simple. One lever changes everything, so if our grass grows a lot one week, we aren’t stuck fighting with settings. The steel deck made us feel like this mower could really take a beating and keep going. The B&S engine started smoothly and didn’t give us trouble, which is a huge relief on busy Saturdays.
One thing that stood out, though, was the grass bag—it filled up fast when we let our yard get too long. We had to empty more often or just switch off the bag and go with mulching. We also saw that if we didn’t clean out under the deck, some clippings would build up and slow everything down. Still, when everything was running right, we got tidy, even results. For anyone wanting a sturdy, user-friendly mower, this PowerSmart Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is worth checking out.
6) Toro Recycler 60V Self-Propelled Mower
Anyone wanting a user-friendly mower that is simple to handle and doesn’t make mowing feel like work should check out this Toro.
Pros
- Effortlessly adjusts to our walking pace without fiddling with levers
- The bag holds a lot, so we don’t need to stop often
- Starts reliably on the first try with the push of a button
Cons
- Battery life sometimes falls short for larger yards
- Assembly instructions can be confusing
- Customer service response time could be better
Mowing with the Toro Recycler 60V Self-Propelled Mower is smooth and comfortable. We really noticed how the Personal Pace Auto-Drive matches our speed, which makes it easy to steer around corners or go up slopes. There are no awkward knobs or levers, so it feels simple right from the start.
When it comes to handling grass, this mower chops clippings into fine pieces, and the big bag at the back fits a surprising amount. Our yard looked neat, and we liked that we didn’t have to stop and empty it as often as other models. It starts up every single time, so we’re never left pulling a cord or waiting around.
There are a couple of things we’d like to see improved. The battery life works great for a small or medium yard, but if we tried mowing a big area, it sometimes meant pausing to recharge. Figuring out the assembly took some trial and error because the instructions weren’t the clearest. Despite these points, the Toro still stands out as a dependable choice for most homeowners.
7) Yard Force Self Propelled Lawn Mower
A solid choice if we want a dependable self-propelled mower that powers through tough spots but can move a little too quickly for some of us.
Pros
- Gets the job done fast thanks to a strong rear wheel drive
- Simple to start with no need for priming or choking
- Handles tall grass and thicker patches without stalling
Cons
- Self-propel feature moves quicker than we’d like, with no way to slow it down
- It’s heavier than some other mowers, which makes it awkward when turning corners
- Not as many height settings as we hoped for with only seven positions
When using this mower, we noticed it had plenty of power and didn’t hesitate even when our grass got a bit out of control. The ReadyStart engine actually stood out, because we were able to get going right away without any fiddling or frustration. Bringing it out of the box and having it work as expected was a relief.
While mowing, the self-propelled feature did help us move along quickly, especially on flat ground or gentle slopes. However, it felt a bit too fast at times, and we wished there was a way to adjust the speed. For anyone who likes more control or has a smaller yard, it may take a little getting used to.
The deck is sturdy, and the mower allows us to choose between bagging, mulching, or side discharge. That came in handy when we wanted to switch things up throughout the season. After using it, we did notice the weight when turning or pushing it around tight spots. Still, for tackling most yards, the Yard Force Self Propelled Lawn Mower does the trick if we’re after convenience and solid mowing performance.
8) Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 Battery Mower
If we want a mower that handles tough grass with solid battery power, this option is worth considering, but it does come with a few drawbacks.
Pros
- Handles thick grass well without clogging
- Simple to fold up and store in tight places
- Multiple cutting modes let us tailor the cut
Cons
- Heavier to push around than other models we’ve tried
- Side grass attachment is not very secure
- Lights stay on, which eats up battery life
Using the Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 feels solid and sturdy. We notice right away how easy it is to change the walking pace to match our own, and the brushless motor makes the job much less noisy. It takes on taller, thicker grass without stalling. The adjustable speed comes in handy when we need to slow down or speed up in different parts of the yard.
Storage is also simple since the mower folds up and takes up less space in the garage. The LED headlights are pretty useful when we’re out mowing as the sun goes down, but we wish we could turn them off when we don’t need them to save some battery life. Having battery power means less mess and no gas fumes, and we appreciate that.
However, pushing this mower feels tougher than with others, mostly because it’s heavier. The side grass chute also falls off sometimes, so we need to keep an eye on it. One of the biggest downsides is the battery drain from the always-on headlights. Overall, the mower suits small to medium yards, but some of its features could be improved for better convenience.
Other Things to Consider When Buying a Self-Propelled Mower
Before buying, think about cost, drivetrain (front, rear, or all-wheel drive), engine size, and special features.
Do you want mulching, bagging, or both? Do you prefer electric start, variable speed, or comfort-focused features like adjustable handlebars or washout ports?
How I Rated These Mowers
To make this list, I looked at hundreds of reviews across Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, eBay, and independent review sites.
I focused on models with the best overall feedback, then compared them based on real-world performance and features.
I asked questions like:
- What are the pros and cons?
- Does this mower have any standout features?
- How do users rate it across different platforms?
- How reliable is the engine and build quality?
- Is there a good warranty or customer support?
- Is the price justified by the performance?
My goal is to help you confidently pick the right mower for your lawn and your needs.
Reliability & Warranty
Honda remains the most reliable brand, with fewer than 15% of users reporting issues over 4 years. Many models include a 5-year warranty.
Other brands like Toro and Husqvarna fall in the middle, while older Snapper models have had higher breakdown rates. Most of the models in this guide come with solid warranties and proven durability.
Power and Performance
If you have hills, thick grass, or want to mow faster, go with at least a 160cc engine or a high-output battery.
Electric models like the EGO Power+ and Toro Recycler 60V offer gas-like performance with less noise and maintenance. For gas mowers, the CRAFTSMAN M215 and PowerSmart 21-Inch deliver strong rear-wheel power that works well on slopes.
Self-propelled mowers with variable speed give you control based on your walking pace and yard conditions.
Mulching, Bagging, and Discharge Options
Every mower on this list is a 3-in-1 machine: mulching, bagging, and side discharge come standard.
Mulching provides a light layer of clippings that acts as free fertilizer. It’s better for your lawn and cuts down on waste.
Bagging: When and Why
Bagging gives a clean, polished look and helps when the lawn is overgrown.
Every mower featured here supports bagging, but I recommend mulching when possible. Grass clippings make up a huge chunk of yard waste each year — around 260 bags per acre annually.
Handling and Speed
Most of the models here feature variable-speed drives, including smart features like Honda’s Select Drive and Toro’s Personal Pace.
If you want something fast and simple, Yard Force and CRAFTSMAN models move quickly and handle rougher terrain. Just make sure the mower’s speed works with your lawn layout and comfort level.
Ease of Use
All of the reviewed mowers are simple to start, either with a button (like EGO, Greenworks, and Toro) or a single-pull recoil (like CRAFTSMAN and PowerSmart).
Most fold for storage, adjust cutting height easily, and come nearly ready to mow out of the box.
Why Choose a Self-Propelled Mower?
Self-propelled mowers save time and energy, especially on medium to large lawns.
You don’t need to push hard—just walk behind and steer. The models in this guide come with adjustable speeds, smart drive systems, and plenty of power for most yards.
Key Features to Look For
Look for:
- Blade stop systems or blade override to keep the engine running while stopping the blades
- High rear wheels for better handling on slopes
- Durable wheels (avoid small plastic ones)
- Foldable handles for compact storage
- Washout ports for easy deck cleaning
Drive Types Explained
Front-wheel drive: Great for flat lawns and easy to turn. Models like the CRAFTSMAN M215 are ideal here.
Rear-wheel drive: Better traction on slopes. Most gas mowers in this guide fall into this category, including PowerSmart and Lawn-Boy.
All-wheel drive: Better for steep or uneven lawns, though often pricier. Look at Husqvarna Lawn Xpert for this type.
Cheap vs. Expensive Models
Less expensive mowers are fine for small, flat lawns but usually lack power and premium features.
Mid-range models may skip electric start or have limited speed control. High-end options, especially electric mowers, are quieter, easier to store, and need less maintenance—but cost more up front.
Top Brands in This Guide
- Honda
- Toro
- EGO
- Greenworks
- CRAFTSMAN
- PowerSmart
- Husqvarna
- Yard Force
What You’ll Spend
Most self-propelled mowers range from $300 to $1000.
In general, gas models cost less up front, but electric models may save you money long-term on fuel and maintenance.
Final Thoughts
After all the testing and comparisons, my pick for most people is the Honda HRX217VLA.
It’s reliable, cuts beautifully, and comes packed with user-friendly features. Whether you’re after comfort, power, or convenience, there’s a great option in this list for you.