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10 Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BILT HARD 21 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 201cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 3-in-1 Functions (Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge) with 8-Positions Adjustable Cutting Height, Easy Start

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Starting Mechanism
Engine Power

Most important from
130 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts effortlessly every time, even in cold weather, making it reliable for regular use.
Engine Power
Its engine delivers strong performance, handling tasks like leaf pickup with ease.

The BILT HARD 21 Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower offers a solid package for homeowners needing a reliable mower for medium to larger lawns. Its 201cc 4-cycle OHV engine provides good power and torque, which helps handle different grass thicknesses without much strain. The 21-inch cutting width is a practical size—not too wide or narrow—allowing you to mow efficiently without being too bulky. The mower has rear-wheel drive with a single-speed self-propelled system, which makes pushing easier, especially on uneven ground or slopes, although it doesn’t offer adjustable speed control to customize pace. Adjusting the cutting height is simple with one lever controlling all four wheels, letting you pick from eight height positions between 1.2 and 3.75 inches to suit various lawn conditions. The steel deck is durable and supports three cutting options: mulching, bagging, and side discharge, providing flexibility depending on how you want to manage grass clippings.

Starting the mower is hassle-free thanks to the no-choke, no-primer design, making it user-friendly for those not interested in fiddling with manual start steps. The foam-padded handle adds comfort during use, which can reduce fatigue over longer mowing sessions. The mower weighs 79 pounds, so it’s on the heavier side, which might be less convenient when transporting or storing. Also, the single-speed propulsion means you can't adjust your walking speed while mowing. This mower suits users looking for a dependable, straightforward self-propelled gas mower with versatile cutting options and easy starting, especially if you have medium-sized lawns and want a balance of power and convenience without extra complexities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Starting Mechanism
Engine Power

Most important from
130 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts effortlessly every time, even in cold weather, making it reliable for regular use.
Engine Power
Its engine delivers strong performance, handling tasks like leaf pickup with ease.
#2

PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 21-Inch with 170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine 2-in-1 Rear-Wheel Drive Lawnmower with Bagging

Rating
9.6
Starting Mechanism
Deck Material
Drive Type

Most important from
200 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts easily right out of the box, making it very user-friendly from the first use.
Deck Material
Built with quality materials, the mower feels solid and durable for its price range.
Drive Type
Self-propelled function offers a speed slightly faster than a walking pace, helping reduce mowing effort.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Side discharge option adds versatility, allowing efficient grass clipping management beyond mulching and bagging.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Height adjustment requires separate levers for front and back wheels, which is less convenient than single-lever systems on competing models.

The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a solid choice for those with medium-sized yards, up to about half an acre. Its 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine provides reliable power, paired with a recoil starter and auto choke that make getting it running fairly easy. The mower features a rear-wheel drive with a single-speed setting, moving at around 3.5 to 4.1 km/h, which helps when mowing hills but lacks variable speed control that some users might prefer for more customized pace.

The cutting width is 21–22 inches, striking a good balance between coverage and maneuverability, allowing you to cover ground efficiently without it being too bulky. The steel deck adds durability, and the heavy-duty blade delivers fine cuts with small clippings, resulting in a neat lawn appearance. You can choose between mulching or bagging with its 2-in-1 system, and the grass bag has a decent capacity of 1.4 bushels, which helps reduce mess. Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward with six positions to choose from, letting you quickly adapt the mower to your lawn’s needs.

Assembly is simple since it comes mostly pre-assembled, so you can start mowing soon after unpacking. The single-speed drive might not suit users wanting more control over their mowing speed, and the weight at 63.5 pounds means it’s somewhat heavy but typical for this type of mower. For those needing a dependable, no-fuss mower for general lawn care with options for mulching and bagging, this PowerSmart model is worth considering.

Rating
9.6
Starting Mechanism
Deck Material
Drive Type

Most important from
200 reviews

Starting Mechanism
The mower starts easily right out of the box, making it very user-friendly from the first use.
Deck Material
Built with quality materials, the mower feels solid and durable for its price range.
Drive Type
Self-propelled function offers a speed slightly faster than a walking pace, helping reduce mowing effort.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Side discharge option adds versatility, allowing efficient grass clipping management beyond mulching and bagging.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Height adjustment requires separate levers for front and back wheels, which is less convenient than single-lever systems on competing models.
#3

Snapper 1687914 21" SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled, Red/Black

Rating
9.4
Engine Power
Drive Type
Speed Control

Most important from
1320 reviews

Engine Power
Automatically supplies more power in thicker grass, enhancing efficiency.
Drive Type
Despite a minor quirk with the self-propelled lever, the overall performance and ease of use are exceptional.
Speed Control
Adjustable self-propel feature is quite fast, with the rabbit setting being especially speedy.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The height setting is higher than most mowers, which is great for the first mow of the year.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Using the plug instead of the bag makes the mower a dream to use with no clippings to drag to the compost.

The Snapper 1687914 21" SP Walk Mower Kit is a self-propelled, battery-powered lawn mower designed for convenience and efficiency. It's equipped with a powerful Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 45 minutes of runtime. The mower includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, ensuring you can get back to mowing quickly if one battery runs out of charge.

This model features a 21-inch alloy steel cutting deck which is durable and ideal for medium to large-sized lawns. The 3-in-1 cutting design allows for mulching, bagging, or side discharge, giving you flexibility based on your lawn care needs. One of its standout features is the variable speed self-propelled transmission, making it easier to maneuver across different terrains. Additionally, it has a smart load sensing technology that adjusts the power output to match the demands of the cutting blades, improving efficiency.

The push-button start and a single lever for adjusting the cutting height to 7 different positions add to its user-friendly design. The 10-inch rear wheels aid in stability and movement on uneven grounds. However, at 80.9 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a concern for some users. The deck material, alloy steel, ensures durability, but being battery-powered, it might not match the raw power and prolonged usage of traditional gas mowers. Perfect for someone looking for a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers with sufficient power for an average-sized lawn.

Rating
9.4
Engine Power
Drive Type
Speed Control

Most important from
1320 reviews

Engine Power
Automatically supplies more power in thicker grass, enhancing efficiency.
Drive Type
Despite a minor quirk with the self-propelled lever, the overall performance and ease of use are exceptional.
Speed Control
Adjustable self-propel feature is quite fast, with the rabbit setting being especially speedy.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The height setting is higher than most mowers, which is great for the first mow of the year.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Using the plug instead of the bag makes the mower a dream to use with no clippings to drag to the compost.

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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