Getting started
A gas or electric push mower is fine for a small lawn. But you'll probably prefer a self-propelled gas model for slopes and a lawn tractor for a lawn one-half acre or larger. While an old-fashioned manual reel mower without an engine or motor is the greenest choice for small areas, it might require more effort than you're willing to expend while delivering less-than-stellar mowing. You'll also find a rising number of robotic mowers that rove on their own within an electric perimeter wire. For help with your selection, use this lawn mower and tractor guide.
Forget about numbersOur latest tests confirm that more horsepower doesn't necessarily mean higher-quality mowing. Some manufacturers have swapped horsepower numbers for engine-size and torque specifications, but even those don't guarantee better results. Our advice: Check our
Ratings (available to subscribers) for top performers.
(available to subscribers) for top performers.
Even if you don't plan to shop for a mower, you could end up doing so if you own an older model and it breaks. The latest data from the Consumer Reports National Research Center show that push mowers usually aren't worth fixing after four years and self-propelled mowers after six years. Older tractors might be worth repairing, but getting them to and from the shop can add expense.
And no matter what mower you buy, use common sense when operating it. Wear ear plugs or muffs; all of the machines we tested emitted more than the 85 decibels at which we recommend hearing protection. Don't mow on grades steeper than 15 percent. Look behind you when you mow in reverse. Some respondents to our recent lawn survey drank and listened to music as they mowed. We suggest you save both for after you're done.
Types
Mowing options range from $100 manual reel mowers to $4,000-plus tractors and zero-turn-radius machines. Here are the types of lawn mowers and tractors to consider.
Manual-reel mowersThese most traditional of mowers don't pollute—and you won't need to store gas or a power cord. Pushing them turns a series of curved blades. Because they have no engine, they're also quiet and inexpensive, relatively safe, and require little upkeep beyond blade adjustments and sharpening. Some models use a battery-powered motor to spin the blades while you push the mower. But swaths are only 14 to 18 inches wide, cutting tends to be uneven, and most can't cut taller than 1½ inches or trim closer than 3 inches around obstacles. They don't disburse clippings like a rotary mower, so you'll need a bag (or a rake) if you're fussy.
Electric push-type mowersThese walk-behind mowers are good for small, level lawns. They use an electric motor to turn a rotating blade, but not to drive the wheels; you provide the push. Cordless mowers weigh up to 30 pounds more than corded models, but they can roam farther from a power outlet and free you from a cord. Cords are a potential problem on lawns with trees and other obstacles. Today's cordless models run longer per charge than previous models. Cord and cordless types start with push-button ease, produce no exhaust emissions, and require little upkeep beyond blade sharpening. Most offer a side or rear bag and a mulching mode that cuts clippings finely enough that they settle within the lawn and fertilize it as they decompose. The best electrics perform as well as some gas mowers, but they can't match the best gas machines in tall or thick grass and weeds. Electrics typically cut an 18- to 20-inch swath.
Gas-powered mowersThese include push and self-propelled models. All have a four-stroke engine with a 160- to 190-cubic-centimeter displacement, a measure that has replaced horsepower ratings on many models. Some also list torque, or twisting force. Most cut a 21- or 22-inch swath, can handle long or thick grass and weeds, and can bag, side-discharge, and mulch clippings. Self-propelled models are best for most lawns and blend ease and performance. But gas mowers are noisy and produce exhaust emissions—though today's models emit less than those of the past—and the engine requires regular tune-ups and oil changes.
Lawn tractorsThese front-engine machines often cost less than the older rear-engine riders. Most mow a 42- to 48-inch swath and can bag, mulch, and side-discharge clippings. Some cut an even wider swath and offer four-wheel steering for tighter turns. All accept snow throwers and other tools. But even today's cleaner machines create exhaust emissions and still require about 4-by-6 feet of storage space. Snow blowers and some other add-ons are pricey and hard to install and remove.
Zero-turn-radius mowersThese riding mowers are similar to the ones landscapers use, with a rear-engine and rear-wheel steering. Maneuverability is their strong suit. Twin steering levers let you power the two rear wheels individually; with one wheel in forward and the other in reverse, they can turn circles in one place. They can side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings. Typically, they mow a 42- to 48-inch swath. But they cost more than most tractors and typically don't cut as well. Their rear-steering wheels can tear up grass during turns. They can lose traction and be hard to steer and control on hills, and their lever controls for steering and ground speed require practice. For a large lawn with lots of obstacles, consider a four-wheel-steer tractor, which steers via a familiar steering wheel.
Robotic mowersRising sales of robotic cordless vacuum cleaners have spawned robotic electric mowers, which buzz along on their own within a perimeter wire that sets the mowing boundaries. They're designed to crisscross randomly, reverse direction when they reach the wire or an obstacle, and return to a charging station when necessary. These niche machines produce no emissions at the source, but their performance varies widely. Cut quality is often less than a conventional mower. Robotic mowers are expensive and should be supervised. Indeed, manufacturers often warn you to keep children and pets away while the machine is running.
Features
Depending on what you want to spend, there's a wide selection of lawn mower and tractor features and options available. Don't load up on features that you won't use-it's best to cut costs and the grass.
Swivel front wheelsFor mowers: These allow easy 180-degree turns, but they can be tricky on hills. Also, the wheels prevent the front of the deck from cutting close up against foundations and walls.
DeckFor mowers: Some models come with a corrosion-resistant aluminum or plastic deck.
Mode changesFor mowers: Most mowers let you switch to bagging, side discharge, or mulching without using tools.
Infinite drive speedsFor mowers: Some mowers let you vary speed with a lever or handlebar control, typically from 1 to 3 1/2mph.
Clippings bagFor mowers: Rear-bag models tend to cost more, but the bag generally holds more than a side bag and eases maneuvering.
Washout portThis fitting accepts a hose for clearing clippings beneath the deck. In lawn mowers this means you don't have to tip the machine on its side.
Sliding-clip cord keeper or flip-over handleFor electric mowers: On corded electric mowers, this feature helps you to avoid running over the cord when you turn the machine.
Premium engineFor mowers: An engine with overhead valves or an overhead camshaft should run more efficiently and start more easily than a traditional side-valve mower engine as it ages.
Blade-brake clutchFor mowers: When you release the handlebar, the clutch stops the blade but not the engine, so you don't have to restart the engine to empty a full bag of clippings or to move a toy or lawn chair.
Electric starterFor mowers: Standard on some models and optional on others, it eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine.
Rear-wheel driveFor mowers: On self-propelled mowers, it provides better traction than front-wheel-drive, especially uphill with a full bag of clippings.
One-lever height adjustmentFor mowers: Some walk-behind self-propelled mowers have this feature, which lets you raise or lower the entire mowing deck at once. Most require adjusting each of the four wheels.
Automatic driveFor tractors: Unlike gear-drive models, which require manual shifts from one ground-speed range to the next, models with automatic drive vary ground speed infinitely via a hydrostatic transmission or other system. Most are now controlled with a pedal rather than a lever. Prices are falling for models with this feature.
Cruise controlFor tractors: As in a car, cruise control lets you lock in a ground speed.
Cup holderFor tractors: You'll appreciate this convenience when you're working in the hot sun.
Electric power takeoff switchFor tractors: This switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever. This feature extends belt life.
Four-wheel steeringFor tractors: This lets tractors turn nearly as tight as zero-turn machines.
High-back seatFor tractors: We found a high back more supportive and comfortable than a conventional seat.
Hour meterFor tractors: This meter indicates how long the engine has run since the last oil change or other maintenance.
Safety switch for reverseFor tractors: This feature helps to prevent mishaps. You must engage the switch before mowing in reverse. Now standard on most models.
Translucent fuel tank or a fuel gaugeFor tractors: No more guessing. You can tell at a glance when fuel is running low.
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