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10 Best Petrol Lawn Mowers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Craftsman 46" Gas Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower with 22.0 HP* Kohler 7000 Series Engine, Gas Lawn Tractor with Dual Hydrostatic Transmission, Red/Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
15 reviews

Weight and Maneuverability
The packaging is extremely robust, ensuring the mower arrives well-protected despite its size and weight.

The Craftsman 46" Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower is designed for homeowners with large yards who want to save time and effort in lawn care. It features a powerful 22 HP Kohler engine that handles grass cutting smoothly, even in wet conditions, making it reliable for different weather. The wide 46-inch cutting deck lets you cover more ground quickly, which is great if you have extensive lawn space. You can adjust the cutting height up to 4 inches in three positions, allowing some flexibility depending on grass type or season.

Its zero-turn capability combined with dual hydrostatic transmission provides excellent maneuverability, so navigating around trees or tight spots is easier compared to traditional tractors. The mower is heavy at around 500 pounds, which adds to its stability but might be challenging if you need to transport or store it frequently. It has a durable stamped steel deck and turf-friendly tires for good traction and longevity. While it comes with an optional mulching kit to help with grass clipping management, assembly is required, so some mechanical familiarity will help. Comfort-wise, the adjustable lap bars and high-back seat improve the ride experience on longer jobs.

This mower is well suited for users with large lawns who need a robust, efficient, and comfortable zero-turn mower but may be less ideal for those wanting a lightweight or ready-to-use machine straight out of the box.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
15 reviews

Weight and Maneuverability
The packaging is extremely robust, ensuring the mower arrives well-protected despite its size and weight.
#2

PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 170cc OHV Engine | Rear-Wheel Drive for Slopes | 3-in-1 Bag, Mulch & Discharge | 6 Cutting Heights | Durable Steel Deck| Rear-Wheel Drive | Medium Yard

Rating
9.1
Engine Power
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
463 reviews

Engine Power
Starts effortlessly and delivers powerful, reliable performance right out of the box.
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Rear-wheel drive offers better traction, though turning feels different compared to front-wheel models.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability concerns arise from some quality issues, such as parts detaching after limited use.

The PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is powered by a dependable 170cc OHV engine, which offers smooth starts and reliable power, making it suitable for medium-sized yards and tougher mowing tasks. Its 21-inch cutting width is a solid size that helps reduce mowing time without feeling bulky. You can easily switch between bagging, mulching, and rear discharge modes, giving good flexibility for different lawn care needs.

One convenient feature is the 6-position cutting height adjustment, which lets you tailor the grass length between 1.5" and 3.9" to suit the season or your lawn’s look. The mower’s rear-wheel drive and large 10" rear wheels improve traction, especially on slopes or uneven ground, which can make pushing easier compared to non-self-propelled mowers. The steel deck adds durability, helping it withstand regular use.

The mower requires assembly, which might be a bit challenging if you’re not handy with tools. It’s somewhat heavy, which can affect maneuverability for users with smaller or very uneven yards. It also lacks smart-home features, so it won’t connect to apps or devices. This mower is well-suited for those needing a reliable, efficient machine for medium to larger yards with some slopes and who want the ease of self-propulsion without extra tech bells and whistles.

Rating
9.1
Engine Power
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
463 reviews

Engine Power
Starts effortlessly and delivers powerful, reliable performance right out of the box.
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Rear-wheel drive offers better traction, though turning feels different compared to front-wheel models.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability concerns arise from some quality issues, such as parts detaching after limited use.
#3

PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 3-in-1 Mulch/Bag/Rear Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights

Rating
9.1
Engine Power
Cutting Height Adjustment
Self-Propelled vs. Push

Most important from
553 reviews

Engine Power
The mower delivers dependable power and effortless operation, providing excellent value for the price.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjustable cutting heights and versatile clipping options offer good customization for different lawn needs.
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Lightweight design makes it simple to maneuver around the yard despite not being self-propelled.
Grass Clipping Management
Adjustable cutting heights and versatile clipping options offer good customization for different lawn needs.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design makes it simple to maneuver around the yard despite not being self-propelled.

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Lawn Mower is a solid choice for homeowners with medium to large lawns who want a mower that balances power and ease of use. Its 170cc engine provides enough strength to handle most grass types and terrain, especially with the rear-wheel drive system that helps maintain good traction on slopes or uneven ground. The 22-inch cutting width is generous, allowing you to cover more lawn with each pass, which can save time. With six adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches, you have good flexibility to choose the grass length you prefer.

The mower also offers three grass clipping options—mulching, bagging with a large 60L bag, or rear discharge—so you can manage clippings based on your lawn care needs. Weighing 68 pounds, it is somewhat heavy but manageable thanks to the self-propelled feature, which reduces the effort required to push it around. The build quality is decent, with an alloy steel deck that should hold up well over seasons. However, the mower does not mention a specific fuel tank capacity, which might affect how long you can mow before refueling. Also, it’s not compatible with smart home systems, so it’s a straightforward, no-frills machine.

This mower proves to be a reliable option that handles common lawn challenges well, making it best suited for users looking for a balance of power, convenience, and versatility without advanced tech features.

Rating
9.1
Engine Power
Cutting Height Adjustment
Self-Propelled vs. Push

Most important from
553 reviews

Engine Power
The mower delivers dependable power and effortless operation, providing excellent value for the price.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Adjustable cutting heights and versatile clipping options offer good customization for different lawn needs.
Self-Propelled vs. Push
Lightweight design makes it simple to maneuver around the yard despite not being self-propelled.
Grass Clipping Management
Adjustable cutting heights and versatile clipping options offer good customization for different lawn needs.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design makes it simple to maneuver around the yard despite not being self-propelled.

Buying Guide for the Best Petrol Lawn Mowers

Choosing the right petrol lawn mower can make a significant difference in maintaining your lawn efficiently and effectively. Petrol lawn mowers are known for their power and ability to handle larger lawns with ease. When selecting a petrol lawn mower, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Engine PowerEngine power, measured in horsepower (HP) or cubic centimeters (cc), determines how powerful the mower is. A more powerful engine can handle tougher grass and larger lawns more efficiently. For small to medium lawns, an engine with 125-150cc is usually sufficient. For larger lawns or tougher terrain, consider an engine with 150-200cc 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 the lawn, saving time. For small lawns, a cutting width of 16-18 inches is adequate. Medium lawns benefit from 18-21 inches, while large lawns may require 21 inches or more. Select a cutting width that matches the size of your lawn to optimize efficiency.
Cutting Height AdjustmentCutting height adjustment allows you to change the height at which the grass is cut. This is important for maintaining the health of your lawn, as different grass types and seasons require different cutting heights. Look for mowers with multiple height settings, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches. Choose a mower with easy-to-adjust settings to accommodate various grass lengths and conditions.
Self-Propelled vs. PushSelf-propelled mowers have a drive system that moves the mower forward, reducing the effort needed to push it. This is especially useful for larger lawns or hilly terrain. Push mowers, on the other hand, require manual effort to move. If you have a small, flat lawn, a push mower may be sufficient. For larger or uneven lawns, a self-propelled mower can make the task much easier and less tiring.
Grass Clipping ManagementGrass clipping management refers to how the mower handles the cut grass. Options include bagging, mulching, and side discharge. Bagging collects clippings in a bag for easy disposal, mulching finely chops clippings and returns them to the lawn as fertilizer, and side discharge ejects clippings to the side. Choose based on your preference for lawn maintenance: bagging for a clean look, mulching for lawn health, or side discharge for convenience.
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel tank capacity determines how long the mower can run before needing a refill. A larger fuel tank means fewer interruptions during mowing. For small lawns, a smaller tank (around 0.5 liters) is usually sufficient. For medium to large lawns, look for a tank capacity of 1 liter or more to ensure you can mow without frequent refueling. Consider the size of your lawn and how often you want to stop for refueling.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight of the mower affects how easy it is to maneuver, especially around obstacles and tight corners. Lighter mowers are easier to push and turn, while heavier mowers may offer more stability. For small lawns with many obstacles, a lighter mower is preferable. For larger, open lawns, a heavier mower can provide a smoother cut. Consider your lawn's layout and your physical ability to handle the mower's weight.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality determine how long the mower will last and how well it can withstand regular use. Look for mowers with sturdy construction, such as steel decks and high-quality components. A durable mower will require less maintenance and provide reliable performance over time. Choose a mower with a solid build to ensure it can handle the demands of your lawn care routine.

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