There’s a real excitement in late spring when the sun is shining and the grass has grown enough to make it time to mow the lawn. You dust off your lawnmower and get on with it. But summer is coming, and you’re tired of having to mow the lawn every week. If only there was something that could help you get the job done a little faster. With the best self-propelled lawn mower, you can say goodbye to tired arms and heat exhaustion. These machines actually do most of the work for you: all you have to do is guide it along the path you want it to take.

There are many things to consider when buying a self-propelled lawnmower. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want a corded electric mower or a cordless petrol model. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The width and cutting height of your mower are also important, as you need to make sure that the product can manicure your lawn exactly the way you want it. Other features to consider are the weight of the machine and the warranty covering moving parts.

Buying a self-propelled lawn mower is a great idea, so let’s be prepared as best we can. After reviewing the items available on the market, we’ve put together five of the best self-propelled lawnmowers. We’ve created a simple overview chart of each product, as well as more in-depth descriptions. Finally, a buying guide and FAQ section will enlighten you on the mowers’ key features and special characteristics. Together, you should have a clear idea of which walk-behind lawnmower is best for you.

Troy-Bilt TB220

The Troy-Bilt TB220 is the perfect self-propelled mower for any home garden. It’s gas powered, which means you never have to worry about recharging the battery. Add a little fuel to the tank and you can get straight to work, or rather, your lawnmower itself can get straight to work.

The cutting width is 21 inches, so there’s less to go back and forth. You can adjust the height between 1.25 inches and 3.75 inches, with six positions in total. This allows you to cut the grass as short or as long as you like. The height adjustment is done with two levers, which is very easy to use. As a bonus, it is possible to mow the grass on the side. It is indeed recommended to mulch the grass when possible, so this function is a must for lawn mowers. The blades used are equipped with a TriAction system which ensures that the grass is cut on the first pass. There is no back and forth, which saves you valuable time during your weekend.

The self-powered wheels work well even on bumpy terrain. They offer control during travel and will not deviate from their course unintentionally. All this lawnmower needs is a little help. Just let the mower take over. As for the handle, it’s comfortable, which means you won’t have to strain your arm muscles to manoeuvre.

The only drawback some customers have mentioned is its noisy operation, which is typical of petrol mowers, however.

A final advantage of the Troy-Bilt TB220 is that it requires very little assembly. Just take it out of its packaging, slide the handle on and you’re done. All in all, it’s no wonder the Troy-Bilt TB220 is the best self-propelled lawnmower on our list.

GreenWorks MO40L02

The GreenWorks MO40L02 is the only battery-powered self-propelled lawnmower on our list. Battery powered tools are still a relatively new technology. Thanks to increased investment, it is now possible to obtain very powerful batteries at a relatively low price. It is important to remember to charge your battery before you need it, so that you can go out and mow your lawn when you want to. However, the GreenWorks MO40L02 has a head start because it has two batteries. You can keep one in the mower and, if you’re in the garden and have only done half the mowing, you can quickly replace the old battery with a new one.

There are seven height adjustment positions, from 1.4 to 3.75 inches. It’s not as impressive as some of the other models on our list, but it will still meet your needs.

In terms of mowing types, the GreenWorks MO40L02 has side discharge, mulching and bagging capabilities. The result is multiple options for grass disposal, depending on your preferences and needs.

One of the best features of the GreenWorks MO40L02 is that it comes with a four-year limited warranty. This is without a doubt the best warranty on our list and really shows the manufacturer’s commitment to construction. Overall, the GreenWorks MO40L02 is a great value product and is without doubt one of the best self-propelled lawnmowers under £300.

Husqvarna L221

There is a reason why Husqvarna is one of the most popular brands of domestic machines. As a company, they are dedicated to innovative and powerful designs, and the Husqvarna L221A is no exception. Powered by gas, you won’t have to worry about cords getting in the way. The machine has all-wheel drive, making it one of the best self-propelled lawnmowers for hills. You can easily go up or down the hill and its self-propelled engine and all-terrain wheels will allow you to enjoy cutting the grass for once.

The double lever allows you to adjust between one and four inches, which is the best range of any product on our list. The handle is also adjustable, which is good because not everyone is the same size. An easy to adjust handle is also perfect if you share the cutting of the grass with other family members.

The bag that holds the grass clippings is a good size and will allow you to take longer between empties. If you have a large yard, this is a particularly important feature. The unit also has a mulching function, which previous users particularly appreciate. If you plan to leave the grass clippings on your lawn, a superior mulching system is a must.

Overall, the Husqvarna L221 is perfect if you have hilly or bumpy terrain. Be sure to check the warranty when it arrives and pay attention to its end dates. Some users have commented that as the warranty expires, some problems have arisen. It is best to check the whole machine and contact customer service if there are any problems.

Snapper P2185020E

For those who want a simple, ready-to-use lawnmower, there is no better option than the Snapper P2185020E. The starting system is extremely easy. Just pull the cord and go.

The Snapper P2185020E is equipped with rear-wheel drive that allows you to easily climb any hill or go over any bump. It’s also easy to turn this self-propelled mower, and you won’t damage the grass while making the turns.

What is unique about the Snapper P218502E is its Hi VAC deck. Essentially, this deck works like a hoover. It cuts the grass and then quickly sucks up the grass blades. The whole system is efficient and clean: you don’t have to worry about big clumps of grass being left behind.

The Snapper P2185020E offers three options for grass. You can suck the clippings into the bag, shred them or push them out through the side discharge. This versatility means that whatever you have in mind for your garden, you can achieve it with this lawnmower.

In total, there are seven cutting height options, ranging from 1.25 inches to 4 inches. This is another demonstration of the versatility of the Snapper P2185020E.

The only thing keeping the Snapper P2185020E from getting a higher rating from us is that it requires a certain amount of assembly. Indeed, many users have reported needing considerable help. This is in contrast to other models on our list that are essentially plug and play. However, if you can muster up some DIY skills and get your neighbours to help you, you’ll be able to jump in and enjoy your next lawn mowing escapade.

Lawnmower 17734

For ease of use and plenty of options, check out the Lawn-Boy 17734. This gas-powered lawn mower offers a very special guarantee. In fact, the manufacturer guarantees that it will start by itself with just one or two pulls. And it will start for three years. That’s pretty impressive. We’re sure we’ve all been there: desperately trying to pull a cord to start a machine and failing. Fortunately, the Lawn-Boy 17734 guarantees that this won’t happen for several years in a row.

As far as grass cutting options go, you can choose from six height settings, ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches high. This is an excellent range and should meet all your needs.

When mowing the lawn with the Lawn-Boy 17734, you have the option of cutting the grass and storing it in a bag or mulching it and leaving it on the lawn. You can also choose between side or bottom discharge.

If you choose to store your clippings in a bag, the bag on the Lawn-Boy 17734 is actually larger than other similar models. This means you’ll spend less time stopping to empty your bag, which is a real plus if you have a large yard.

The mechanics of the Lawn-Boy 17734 are equally impressive. It is one of the best self-propelled rear wheel drive lawn mowers, which allows it to maneuver over rough terrain and even climb steep hills. You won’t have to worry about sweating while cutting the grass.

Although it all sounds too good to be true, some users have received faulty parts. Be sure to use the warranty and report any defects immediately.

Advantages of a self-propelled lawnmower

The main advantage of a self-propelled lawnmower is simple. It is simply easier to use. Instead of spending hours pushing a heavy machine back and forth across your lawn, often in the hot sun, you can simply guide the lawnmower where you want it to go. Yes, you still have to walk behind the mower, but you expend very little energy. For those who have health problems, are elderly or just don’t like cutting grass, a self-propelled lawnmower is the solution.

Features to consider when choosing a self-propelled lawnmower

Not all self-propelled lawnmowers are created equal, so it’s important to understand their individual features. We’ve created a list of the most important aspects you’ll want to know before making your choice.

Motor power source

There are two main sources of power for engines: gas and batteries. Gas engines (such as those in the Troy-Bilt TB220) allow the machine to be powerful and efficient. Gas, on the other hand, emits carbon into the atmosphere and the whole mower runs rather noisily. Battery-powered models, such as the GreenWorks MO40L02, are much more environmentally friendly, lightweight and quiet, but they are not very practical for large yards with hard-to-cut material.

Cutting width

The wider the width of cut, the less time it will take to mow your lawn. In our case, all the self-propelled lawnmowers on our list have a cutting width of 21 inches, which is pretty standard.

Height settings/number of height positions

Sometimes you want a very precise cut of your lawn. Other times, you’ll want to leave it a little longer. Adjusting the height of your lawnmower will help you do that. The Husqvarna L221A has the best height adjustment range, from one to four inches.

Grass Discharge Options

Another option you’ll want to have with your self-propelled lawn mower is whether or not you want to mulch your grass. Mulching involves cutting the grass into very small pieces and leaving them on your lawn. This is often recommended as it allows the grass to disintegrate naturally and adds more depth to your garden. It also solves the problem of what to do with the grass clippings. All the products listed provide this function.

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Dimensions

The dimensions of a self-propelled lawnmower refer to its size. Most self-propelled lawn mowers measure approximately 40 inches x 20 inches x 35 inches. It is also important to check if the mower has a folding handle and allows for vertical storage. That way, keeping your tool out of the weather will be a breeze, even if your storage space is limited. The GreenWorks MO40L02, for example, has a handy upright storage feature.

Weight

A self-propelled lawnmower will be a little heavier than your ordinary lawnmower. This is because it has more mechanical parts. However, the good news is that you won’t actually be pushing it, and weight will only be an issue when manoeuvring it from the garage to the garden.

Warranty

Self-propelled lawnmowers have many internal parts, so a warranty is important. Warranties on the lawnmowers on our list vary, from a two-year limited warranty on the Troy-Bilt TB220 to a four-year limited warranty on the GreenWorks MO40L02.

Our verdict

All the self-propelled lawnmowers on our list are excellent, and choosing the right one will depend on your needs.

The Husqvarna L221A has the best mulching system. If you plan to exclusively mulch your grass clippings, this is the ideal solution.

For those on a budget, the GreenWorks MO40L02 is a surprisingly productive find. It works well, offers several height options and has the best warranty of any product on our list.

Finally, for the best self-propelled lawn mower that will suit any garden and anyone, go for the Troy-Bilt TB220. It’s durable, sturdy and very efficient. This lawnmower has rave reviews and recommendations.

So if you’re tired of pushing a heavy lawnmower, join the future and let a machine do the heavy lifting for you.