We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

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

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 22 in. with 170cc OHV Engine Rear-Wheel-Drive High Wheels, Red

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,498
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
309 reviews

Starting Mechanism
Starts easily and performs well even after multiple uses.

The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is equipped with a 170cc OHV engine that offers substantial power and easy starting with its recoil starter and auto choke. This makes it efficient in cutting and suitable for various lawn conditions. The 22-inch cutting deck made of durable steel ensures longevity and consistent performance. Its rear-wheel-drive system is particularly beneficial for yards with slopes or uneven terrain, providing better traction and ease of use.

The mower also offers versatile cutting options with its 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to mulch, bag, or use the side discharge based on your preference. The 1.4-bushel capacity grass bag is a practical feature that is easy to empty, reducing the effort needed for lawn maintenance. Additionally, the 6-position height adjustment feature gives you the flexibility to choose the desired cutting height, ensuring optimal lawn appearance. Weighing 58 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for its category, making it easier to maneuver.

One potential drawback could be its noise level, typical for gas-powered mowers, and it might require regular maintenance like oil changes to keep it running smoothly. This lawn mower is ideal for homeowners with medium to large-sized lawns who need a powerful and reliable tool for varied terrain.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,498
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
309 reviews

Starting Mechanism
Starts easily and performs well even after multiple uses.
#2

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

Rating
9.6
Engine Power
Drive Type
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
55 reviews

Engine Power
The engine delivers solid power from the moment it starts, ensuring efficient grass cutting.
Drive Type
The self-propel feature works really well, making lawn mowing easier and less tiring.
Starting Mechanism
Starting the mower is simple and reliable, contributing to a hassle-free experience.

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.

Rating
9.6
Engine Power
Drive Type
Starting Mechanism

Most important from
55 reviews

Engine Power
The engine delivers solid power from the moment it starts, ensuring efficient grass cutting.
Drive Type
The self-propel feature works really well, making lawn mowing easier and less tiring.
Starting Mechanism
Starting the mower is simple and reliable, contributing to a hassle-free experience.
#3

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
9.4
Starting Mechanism
Engine Power

Most important from
31 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
9.4
Starting Mechanism
Engine Power

Most important from
31 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.

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.

FAQ