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

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is powered by a reliable 150cc Briggs and Stratton engine, known for easy starting thanks to its ReadyStart technology. This feature eliminates the need to struggle with a pull cord, making it user-friendly for most people. The mower’s 22-inch cutting width is a good size for medium-sized yards, balancing ground coverage and maneuverability. It uses a rear-wheel drive system that provides better traction when mowing on hills or uneven ground.

You can select from 6 different cutting heights, allowing flexibility depending on your grass type and lawn condition. The deck is made of aluminum, which is lighter than steel but still durable and resistant to rust. The mower offers a 3-in-1 system: mulching, bagging, and side discharge, letting you decide how to handle grass clippings based on your preference or lawn care needs.

Although the mower does not have variable speed control, which means you may not be able to adjust the speed to your walking pace during longer mowing sessions, it weighs 72 pounds and is manageable for most users. This mower is well-suited for homeowners with medium lawns who want a dependable, easy-to-start machine with versatile cutting options and decent power. It might be less ideal if you need fine speed adjustments or a wider cutting deck for very large areas.

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.

The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower offers a solid mix of features for homeowners looking for an easy-to-use mower with versatile cutting options. Its 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine delivers reliable power, enough to handle typical residential lawns smoothly. The 21-inch cutting width is a good middle ground, allowing you to cover your lawn efficiently without being too bulky. You get six adjustable cutting heights from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, which means you can customize the grass length to your liking.

This mower stands out by offering 3-in-1 cutting methods: mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging, giving you flexibility to maintain your lawn health and appearance in different ways. The self-propelled drive helps reduce the effort needed to push the mower, especially on uneven terrain or slight hills. Starting the mower is easier with the Ready-Start system, which avoids the need for priming or choking, so it’s more beginner-friendly. The foldable handle is a practical touch for storage in tight spaces.

The mower weighs nearly 64 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users to move around when not self-propelling. The cutting width of 21 inches is standard but not large, so it may take longer on bigger yards compared to wider mowers. For those seeking a reliable, moderately powered mower with flexible cutting options and easy handling for a small to medium lawn, this model is a worthy option.