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3 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers in 2024

As you begin your search for the perfect self-propelled lawn mower, you’re likely overwhelmed by the numerous options available. But don’t worry, rest assured that we’re here to help. We’ve narrowed down the top picks to three standout models: the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower, the EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower, and the Makita 18V X2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit. Each boasts unique features that set it apart from the rest, but which one will reign supreme in your yard? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these mowers stand out and find the perfect fit for your lawn care needs.

Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower

Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower  Get it now on Amazon.com

If you’re seeking a reliable and eco-friendly lawn mower that can tackle tough terrain with ease, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is an excellent choice, boasting a self-propelled design with rear wheel drive power.

This mower is equipped with a 40V brushless motor and a durable steel deck, making it perfect for handling tough jobs.

You’ll appreciate the 7-position height adjustment and 3-in-1 design, which allows for rear bagging, side discharging, and mulching.

Plus, the vertical storage feature saves you 70% more space.

With its maintenance-free design, you’ll never have to worry about gas, oil, or emissions again.

Best For: Homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who prioritize eco-friendliness and ease of use.

Pros:

  • Quiet operation and ease of use make it a great option for those who want a hassle-free mowing experience.
  • The self-propelled design with rear wheel drive power allows for efficient mowing on tough terrain.
  • The 3-in-1 design and 7-position height adjustment make it a versatile and convenient option.

Cons:

  • Battery life may be a concern for those with larger lawns or who need to mow frequently.
  • Some users have reported issues with the manual being incomplete or unclear.
  • Storage can be a challenge due to the mower’s size and shape.

EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower  Get it now on Amazon.com

The EGO Power+ LM2102SP lawn mower is an ideal choice for homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns who prioritize convenience and efficiency.

You’ll appreciate the adjustable self-propel speed, which ranges from 0.9 to 3.1 MPH, allowing you to customize your mowing experience.

The mower also features 6-position cutting height adjustments, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, giving you more control over your lawn’s appearance.

Additionally, the 3-in-1 function allows for mulching, bagging, or side discharge, making it easy to manage your lawn clippings.

Best For: Homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns who prioritize convenience and efficiency.

Pros:

  • Impressive 60-minute run time on a single charge for uninterrupted mowing
  • Adjustable self-propel speed for a customized mowing experience
  • 3-in-1 function for easy management of lawn clippings

Cons:

  • No specific drawbacks mentioned in the product description
  • No additional features for advanced lawn care
  • May require additional storage space for the mower and accessories

Makita 18V X2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit

Makita 18V X2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit  Get it now on Amazon.com

You’ll appreciate the Makita 18V X2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit’s zero-emission, low-noise, and reduced-maintenance design, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious homeowners with smaller to medium-sized lawns.

With its 4-bay battery system, you’ll get twice the run time, allowing you to mow up to 1/2 acre using the 4 included 5.0Ah 18V LXT batteries.

This 3-in-1 design lets you mulch, bag, or side discharge, giving you flexibility and convenience.

The kit comes with 4 batteries, so you can get started right away.

Plus, the 3-year limited warranty on the tool, battery, and charger gives you peace of mind.

Best For: Environmentally conscious homeowners with smaller to medium-sized lawns.

Pros:

  • Zero-emission, low-noise, and reduced-maintenance design
  • 4-bay battery system provides twice the run time, allowing for up to 1/2 acre of mowing
  • 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging, or side discharge

Cons:

  • Heavier weight (116.8 pounds) may make it difficult to maneuver for some users
  • No specific information on the charger’s charging time or method
  • May not be suitable for larger lawns due to limited battery life

Factors to Consider When Choosing Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

When choosing the right self-propelled lawn mower for your needs, you’ll want to weigh a few key factors.

You’ll need to think about the power source that’s best for you, whether that’s gas, electric, or battery-powered.

From there, you’ll want to ponder the size of your lawn, the cutting height adjustments you need, and how much noise you’re willing to tolerate.

Power Source Options

As you weigh your options for a self-propelled lawn mower, the power source becomes a critical factor, influencing not only your mowing experience but also the environment and your wallet.

You’ll want to ponder the pros and cons of each power source option.

Battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers, like the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower, offer a maintenance-free experience with no gas, oil, or emissions.

These eco-friendly mowers are a great choice for those who prioritize the environment.

Cordless lawn mowers can provide up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge, as seen in the EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower.

Some models, like the Makita 18V X2 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit, use a 4-bay battery system to double run time.

When choosing a self-propelled lawn mower, examine the power source and battery life to verify it can handle the size of your lawn and your specific needs.

With lithium-ion batteries offering high energy density and a long lifespan, you’ll want to weigh the overall performance and convenience of your mower.

Lawn Size Considerations

Now that you’ve considered the power source, it’s time to think about the size of your lawn and how it will impact your self-propelled mower choice.

The size of your lawn is a vital factor in determining the right mower for you. If you have a larger lawn, you’ll want a mower with a larger cutting width, such as 21 inches, to cover more ground with each pass. On the other hand, if you have a smaller lawn, a mower with a narrower cutting width, like 18 inches, will provide more maneuverability and precision.

The lawn size also affects the required battery life or runtime. Larger lawns need more powerful batteries or longer runtime to complete the job.

Additionally, consider the shape of your lawn and any obstacles like trees, gardens, and slopes. Some self-propelled mowers are better suited for handling complex terrain.

The ideal lawn size for a self-propelled mower varies by model, but generally, higher voltage and ampere-hours, such as 40V or 56V, can handle larger lawns, while lower voltage models are better suited for smaller lawns.

Cutting Height Adjustments

You’ll want to contemplate a self-propelled lawn mower that allows for easy cutting height adjustments, as this feature gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing grass lengths and types throughout the growing season.

This feature is essential, as it enables you to achieve a more even cut by adjusting to the natural contours of your lawn.

When choosing a self-propelled lawn mower, consider the range of cutting height adjustments offered. For instance, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower offers 7-position height adjustment, while the EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower features 6-position cutting height adjustments, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches.

You’ll want to confirm the mower can accommodate different grass lengths and types. Additionally, consider the ease of adjusting the height, as you’ll want a mower that makes it simple to change the cutting height as needed.

Noise Level Concerns

When shopping for a self-propelled lawn mower, consider the noise level, a key factor that can profoundly impact your mowing experience and relationships with neighbors.

You mightn’t think about it initially, but a loud mower can be a nuisance, disrupting your peaceful weekend afternoons or early morning mowing sessions.

Luckily, many modern self-propelled lawn mowers are designed with noise reduction in mind. For instance, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower and the EGO Power+ LM2102SP Lawn Mower are known for their quiet operation.

When evaluating a mower’s noise level, look for a decibel rating of 90 or lower, which is generally acceptable for residential areas. Additionally, consider the type of noise produced, as some mowers produce a more pleasant, lower-pitched hum.

If quiet operation is a top priority, you may want to opt for a mower with a brushless motor, which tends to be quieter than traditional motors.

Storage and Portability

As you’ve considered the noise level of your ideal self-propelled lawn mower, you’re likely thinking about how to conveniently store it when not in use, and that’s where storage and portability come into play.

A compact design and lightweight construction can make a huge difference regarding storage. Look for a mower with a folding or collapsible handle, which can greatly reduce its overall size.

This feature will enable you to store it in a smaller area, such as a shed, garage, or even a corner of your backyard.

Additionally, consider the weight of the mower, as a lighter model will be easier to transport and maneuver around your yard.

Some self-propelled mowers come with features like carrying handles or adjustable handles that can be folded up and out of the way, making them more portable.

Maintenance Requirements

Your self-propelled lawn mower’s maintenance requirements can greatly impact its overall performance and lifespan, so keep in mind that taking these factors into account when making your selection is vital.

You’ll want to think about the type of mower you’re getting, as some models, like the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower, require less maintenance due to their emission-free and oil-free design.

Regular checks on blades, wheels, and batteries can also help extend the lifespan of your mower.

Additionally, some mowers, such as the EGO Power+ LM2102SP, come with features like push-button starts and adjustable self-propel speeds, which can reduce maintenance needs.

Don’t forget to take into account the terrain and lawn conditions you’ll be working with, as rougher terrain may require more frequent maintenance.

Proper storage, such as vertical storage, can also help reduce maintenance needs by protecting the mower from damage and keeping it clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Self-Propelled Lawn Mower on Steep Slopes?

When tackling steep slopes, you’ll want to exercise caution; while you can use your self-propelled lawn mower, you’ll need to adjust your pace, maintain control, and prioritize safety to avoid accidents and damage.

Are Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Suitable for Large Lawns?

As you channel your inner medieval knight, conquering the wild landscape of your lawn, you’ll find self-propelled mowers are perfect for large lawns, as they provide extra power and ease of use, making quick work of even the most extensive territories.

Do Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Require Regular Maintenance?

You’ll need to regularly check and maintain your self-propelled mower’s oil, air filter, and blade to guarantee top-notch performance and extend its lifespan, so set aside time for routine upkeep to avoid costly repairs.

Can I Adjust the Mowing Height of a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?

“As you navigate the lush green landscape, you’ll find that adjusting the mowing height is a breeze – simply locate the lever or knob, and with a flick of the wrist, you’ll be cutting like a pro, with a customized height that’s just right for your lawn’s unique needs.”

Are Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers More Expensive Than Push Mowers?

You’ll typically pay more for a self-propelled lawn mower than a push mower, since it has a motorized transmission and more complex design, but the convenience is worth the extra cost for many users.

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the finish line!

As you close this chapter on your lawn mower quest, remember, a good mower is like a trusty steed – it’s gotta have the right stuff to help you conquer that overgrown jungle out back.

So, saddle up with one of these top-rated self-propelled lawn mowers and ride off into the sunset, leaving a trail of neatly manicured grass in your wake.

Happy mowing!