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10 Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,310
Engine Power
Starting Mechanism
Speed Control

Most important from
23 reviews

Engine Power
The power of the engine falls short when cutting taller grass, sometimes causing the motor to struggle or shut off.
Starting Mechanism
The push-button electric start is a convenient feature, especially helpful for those with arm difficulties.
Speed Control
The speed control feels limited, offering fewer speed options than advertised, which reduces the smoothness of adjusting pace.

This Yardmax 24-inch self-propelled gas mower is designed to make lawn mowing easier with its 201cc engine and electric start, which means you won’t have to struggle with a pull cord. The mower’s standout feature is its 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission), allowing you to smoothly adjust the speed to match your walking pace—great if you want more control over your mowing speed. The 24-inch cutting width is a good middle ground, letting you cover decent yard space without being too bulky. The mower uses rear-wheel drive, which provides good traction, especially on uneven or sloped terrain.

Adjusting the cutting height is simple thanks to a single lever with seven height options ranging from about 1.5 to 3.7 inches, letting you customize your grass length easily. The steel deck is heavy-duty and durable, minimizing vibrations for a smoother ride, and the MAXFlow deck design helps with better airflow for improved mulching and bagging performance. The mower also offers the flexibility of 3-in-1 cutting options: mulching, bagging, and side discharge, which covers most lawn care needs.

The mower weighs over 100 pounds, so it might feel heavy if you need to lift or transport it frequently. Assembly is required, which could take some time if you’re not handy with tools. This model provides a balanced mix of features including easy speed control and versatile cutting options without being overly complicated.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,310
Engine Power
Starting Mechanism
Speed Control

Most important from
23 reviews

Engine Power
The power of the engine falls short when cutting taller grass, sometimes causing the motor to struggle or shut off.
Starting Mechanism
The push-button electric start is a convenient feature, especially helpful for those with arm difficulties.
Speed Control
The speed control feels limited, offering fewer speed options than advertised, which reduces the smoothness of adjusting pace.
#2

PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck

Rating
9.7
Starting Mechanism
Drive Type
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
60 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts effortlessly on the first pull, making it hassle-free even for those with less experience.
Drive Type
The self-propelled feature significantly reduces physical strain and makes mowing easier, especially on rough or uneven terrain.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjusting the cutting height is simple with a single lever controlling all four wheels at once.
Deck Material
The steel deck provides durability and handles thick weeds and rough yards with ease.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
The mower offers versatile grass clipping options like mulching, bagging, or side discharge with easy-to-use controls.
other
Setup is quick and straightforward, requiring minimal assembly right out of the box.

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a solid choice for homeowners who want a reliable and easy-to-use self-propelled mower. Its 150cc Briggs & Stratton engine delivers steady power, and the ReadyStart technology makes starting the mower hassle-free, even for those with less experience. The rear-wheel drive system enhances traction on slopes or uneven ground, making mowing easier without much effort.

With a 22-inch cutting width, this mower offers a good balance between covering ground efficiently and maneuvering around tighter spaces. It provides flexibility with options to mulch, bag, or side discharge clippings depending on lawn care preferences. The cutting height adjusts easily through a single lever with six settings ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, allowing customization of grass length.

The steel deck offers durability but adds some weight, making the mower heavier to push manually if the self-propelled feature is not engaged. Weighing approximately 72 pounds, the self-propelled system helps reduce physical strain. This mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns where easy starting, reliable power, and versatile grass clipping options are valued. It handles uneven terrain well and provides multiple cutting choices without being overly complicated.

Rating
9.7
Starting Mechanism
Drive Type
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
60 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts effortlessly on the first pull, making it hassle-free even for those with less experience.
Drive Type
The self-propelled feature significantly reduces physical strain and makes mowing easier, especially on rough or uneven terrain.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjusting the cutting height is simple with a single lever controlling all four wheels at once.
Deck Material
The steel deck provides durability and handles thick weeds and rough yards with ease.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
The mower offers versatile grass clipping options like mulching, bagging, or side discharge with easy-to-use controls.
other
Setup is quick and straightforward, requiring minimal assembly right out of the box.
#3

PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 22 in. 170cc OHV Engine 2-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive, High Wheels, 6-Position Height Adjustment

Rating
8.8
Starting Mechanism
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
255 reviews

Starting Mechanism
Starts effortlessly with just one pull, making it very user-friendly from the first use.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjusting the cutting height is quick and simple, allowing easy customization for different grass lengths.

The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower offers a solid set of features for homeowners looking to maintain medium-sized lawns. Its 170cc gas engine provides reliable power and includes an easy-to-use recoil starter with auto choke, making it straightforward to start. The 22-inch cutting deck is a good size for efficiently covering your yard without being too bulky, and it’s made from durable alloy steel to withstand regular use. With six adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, you get decent flexibility to suit different grass types and preferences.

This model uses a rear-wheel drive system, which is beneficial for handling slopes and uneven terrain, providing better traction and control. The larger rear wheels also add stability. Users can choose between mulching, bagging, or rear discharge for grass clippings, with a roomy 60L bag that’s easy to empty—helpful for reducing cleanup time.

The mower weighs 68 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some, though the self-propelled feature reduces the effort needed to push it around. Assembly is required, so some basic setup time is expected. While this mower covers the essential needs well, it doesn’t include variable speed control, which some other self-propelled models offer for better pace adjustment. The PowerSmart mower is a dependable choice for those who want a durable, moderately powered machine with useful cutting options and good traction on uneven ground. It’s particularly suited for users with slightly hilly yards and who prefer a mower that's easy to start and manage without advanced speed settings.

Rating
8.8
Starting Mechanism
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
255 reviews

Starting Mechanism
Starts effortlessly with just one pull, making it very user-friendly from the first use.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjusting the cutting height is quick and simple, allowing easy customization for different grass lengths.

Buying Guide for the Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers

Choosing the right self-propelled gas lawn mower can make maintaining your lawn much easier and more efficient. These mowers are designed to help you cover large areas with less effort, as the engine powers the wheels, reducing the need for manual pushing. When selecting a self-propelled gas lawn mower, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a mower that suits your lawn size, terrain, and personal preferences.
Engine PowerEngine power, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), determines how much cutting power the mower has. A higher cc rating means more power, which is useful for tackling thick or tall grass. For small to medium-sized lawns with regular grass, an engine with 140-160cc should suffice. For larger lawns or tougher grass, consider an engine with 190cc or more. Choose based on the size of your lawn and the type of grass you have.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width refers to the width of the mower's blade and determines how much grass is cut in a single pass. A wider cutting width means fewer passes to mow your lawn, saving time. For small lawns, a cutting width of 20-22 inches is adequate. For larger lawns, look for a cutting width of 24 inches or more. Select a cutting width that matches the size of your lawn to optimize efficiency.
Drive TypeSelf-propelled mowers come with different drive types: front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD mowers are easier to maneuver and work well on flat terrain. RWD mowers provide better traction on slopes and uneven ground. AWD mowers offer the best traction and are ideal for hilly or very uneven terrain. Choose the drive type based on the terrain of your lawn.
Speed ControlSpeed control allows you to adjust the mower's pace to match your walking speed and the mowing conditions. Some mowers have a single-speed setting, while others offer variable speed control. Variable speed control is more versatile and can make mowing more comfortable, especially if you have a large lawn or varying grass conditions. Consider your comfort and the size of your lawn when deciding on speed control.
Cutting Height AdjustmentCutting height adjustment lets you change the height at which the grass is cut. This is important for maintaining a healthy lawn, as different grass types and seasons require different cutting heights. Most mowers offer multiple height settings, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches. Look for a mower with easy-to-use height adjustment levers and a range that suits your grass type and mowing preferences.
Deck MaterialThe deck material affects the mower's durability and weight. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and plastic. Steel decks are strong and durable but can be heavy and prone to rust. Aluminum decks are lighter and resistant to rust but can be more expensive. Plastic decks are lightweight and rust-resistant but may not be as durable. Choose a deck material based on your preference for durability, weight, and maintenance.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side DischargeMany mowers offer options for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Mulching finely chops the grass and returns it to the lawn as fertilizer. Bagging collects the clippings for disposal, leaving a clean lawn. Side discharge ejects the clippings to the side, which can be useful for tall or wet grass. Consider which options are important to you based on how you prefer to handle grass clippings.
Starting MechanismThe starting mechanism can be either a recoil (pull) start or an electric start. Recoil start mowers require pulling a cord to start the engine, which can be physically demanding. Electric start mowers use a push-button or key start, making them easier to start, especially for those with limited strength or mobility. Choose a starting mechanism that you find convenient and easy to use.

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