Best Simple Push Mowers for Beginners
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A simple push mower is one you can start, adjust and push without a complicated setup. This guide compares eight push mowers from the product set, covering two reel mowers, two gas models, and four battery-powered models. The listings do not use the word simple, so this guide defines it in practical terms: one height lever, a body that is easy to push, a clear start method and a deck size that suits a small or medium lawn. Each product note below uses only what its listing states.
Quick answer
- For the least equipment to maintain, a reel mower with no engine or battery is the simplest choice. The American Lawn Mower 14-inch and the Great States 14-inch are the reel options in this set.
- For push-button starting without a pull cord, the battery models in this set list push-button start, including the Greenworks 40V 17-inch and the Greenworks 48V 17-inch.
- For a single lever to set the height, the Greenworks 40V 17-inch, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch and the Greenworks 48V 17-inch each list one lever.
- For a wider cut, the EGO LM2112 has the widest deck in this roundup at 22 inches per its title, and the gas PowerSmart lists an 18-inch deck.
What simple means for a first push mower
A first mower should do four things without fuss: start, cut at a height you can set, move forward when you push, and empty or mulch the clippings. A simple mower usually has fewer adjustments and fewer parts to service. A gas engine needs oil, fuel and a spark plug. A battery mower needs a charged pack. A reel mower needs blade adjustment and a clean blade, but it has no engine.
The listings in this set give enough detail to sort the choices. Some list a single height lever. Some list a push-button start. Some list a grass bag or a mulching plate. Some list a folded size. Start with the features that matter to you, then pick the power source that fits your yard and your time.
Comparison table
| Mower | Power | Cutting width | Height settings stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWDUJJIE Manual Reel Mower | Manual, no motor | 11.81 inches | 0.47 to 1.77 inches, multi-step |
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch | 144cc 4-cycle gas | 18 inches | 1.5 to 3.9 inches, 5 positions |
| Greenworks 40V 16-inch | 40V battery | 16 inches | 5 positions, single lever |
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | Manual reel | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| Greenworks 40V 17-inch | 40V brushless battery | 17 inches | 6 cutting heights, one lever |
| Great States 304-14 | Manual reel | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| EGO Power+ LM2112 | 56V battery | 22 inches (per title) | 7 positions, 1.25 to 4 inches |
| Greenworks 48V 17-inch | 48V (two 24V packs) | 17 inches | 5 positions, 1-3/8 to 3-3/4 inches |
A table cell that gives a range is the listing’s own range. The EGO cutting width comes from its title, and the listing bullet gives the height range.
Quick reference by need
If your lawn is small and you want no fuel, start with a reel mower. The DWDUJJIE is the narrowest in the set at 11.81 inches, and the American 14-inch model lists 8.5-inch polymer wheels. If your lawn is medium-sized and you want to skip fuel, a battery model at 16 or 17 inches is a reasonable middle ground. If you already own a battery platform, match the mower to that battery family, since the Greenworks listings name 75 or more 40V tools and 200 or more 24V tools.
The roundup: eight simple push mowers
1. DWDUJJIE Manual Reel Mower, 11.81-inch
This is a hand-push reel mower with five steel cutting blades that the listing says cut turf with a scissor action. It has no motor, fuel tank or power cord, so it starts when you push it. The listing gives a height range from 0.47 to 1.77 inches with several shift positions, a cutting span of 11.81 inches and a removable 6-gallon fabric grass bag. The listing says assembly is required. It suits a narrow strip of lawn or a yard with trees and flower borders.
2. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch Gas Lawn Mower
This gas walk-behind mower has a 144cc 4-cycle engine with an auto choke and a primer. The listing describes a steel deck of 18 inches, a side discharge chute and five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. It has 8-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels. The listing gives an item weight of 58.4 pounds, which is heavier than the electric models in the set. The gas engine means you need fuel and oil, but the listing says the auto choke and primer make starting easier.
3. Greenworks 40V 16-inch Push Lawn Mower
This Greenworks mower uses a 40V 4.0Ah battery with a charger included. The listing says it cuts up to one-third acre on a full charge, which varies with grass and operator. It is 35 percent lighter than steel-deck mowers according to the listing, and it has a single-lever height adjustment with five positions. It can mulch or bag, and the listing gives a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty. It works with more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools, which matters if you plan to buy more.
4. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Push Reel Mower
This is a 14-inch, 4-blade reel mower. The listing gives 8.5-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability and a weight of 19 pounds. The blade height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and the listing says the mower cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall, although it is less effective on taller grass. The listing describes a cutting action that does not bruise the blades of grass, and it advises mowing no more than one-third of the blade at a time. It suits a small lawn that is mowed often.
5. Greenworks 40V 17-inch Push Lawn Mower
This brushless 40V mower uses a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The listing says the mower runs up to 35 minutes on one charge, and that it is 30 percent quieter than gas mowers. It has push-button start, which removes the pull cord. The deck mulches or bags, and the listing gives six cutting heights set with one lever. The listing says it suits yards up to a quarter acre, and it carries the same 3-year limited warranty as the 16-inch model.
6. Great States 304-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower
This 14-inch, 5-blade reel mower has a ball-bearing reel and 8.5-inch composite wheels. The listing gives a cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches and says the blades are heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer. It weighs 9.3 pounds according to the listing, which is the lowest stated weight among the reel mowers in this roundup. The handle is T-style with a cushioned grip, and the listing says assembly is tool-less. It needs no gas or oil.
7. EGO Power+ LM2112 Electric Lawn Mower
The EGO comes with a 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger. The listing says it delivers up to 6.0 foot-pounds of cutting torque and runs up to 35 minutes on one charge. It has a brushless motor and seven height positions from 1.25 to 4 inches. The listing gives three functions, mulching, bagging and side discharge. Its title gives a 22-inch cutting width, which is the widest deck in this set that states a width in the title. The listing does not give an item weight in the excerpt, so check it before you buy.
8. Greenworks 48V 17-inch Push Lawn Mower
This Greenworks model uses two 24V 4.0Ah batteries for a 48V system. The listing says it runs up to 45 minutes on fully charged batteries and suits yards up to a quarter acre. The poly deck is 40 percent lighter than steel according to the listing, and it can hang on a wall for storage. The single lever gives five cutting positions from 1-3/8 to 3-3/4 inches. The listing describes mulching or rear bagging, and it says the system works with more than 200 Greenworks 24V tools.
Review: the Greenworks 40V 17-inch in depth
The Greenworks 40V 17-inch is the most complete example of a simple battery mower in this set. It uses one battery, has push-button start and keeps the height adjustment on a single lever. The listing gives the features that matter for a first mower.
- Start: push-button start on a brushless 40V motor, with no pull cord.
- Run time: up to 35 minutes on the included 4.0Ah battery, per the listing.
- Height: six cutting heights set with one lever.
- Discharge: mulch or bag, depending on the setup the buyer chooses.
- Size: 17-inch deck for yards up to a quarter acre, per the listing.
- Warranty: 3-year limited tool and battery warranty, per the listing.
The main limit is run time. A 35-minute stated run time is enough for a small yard, but a medium yard may need a second battery. The listing does not give the price of a spare battery, so check the battery options before you buy. If you prefer a shorter deck, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch uses the same battery family in a smaller footprint. For a comparison of battery care, read Making a Cordless Mower Battery Last Longer.
Who each mower suits
A narrow, mostly flat lawn with trees and borders suits the DWDUJJIE reel mower, since the listing says the 11.81-inch span fits tight areas. A small, frequently mowed lawn suits the American and Great States reel mowers, which the listings describe as best with regular mowing. A medium lawn with no outlet near the grass suits a battery model, and the Greenworks 17-inch models and the EGO are the candidates for a wider deck. A lawn that you want to cut with gas, or a yard where you need to mow tall grass, suits the PowerSmart gas mower, which the listing describes with an 18-inch deck and a 3.9-inch top height.
If you want to read a broader comparison of mowers for small yards, the Electric Lawn Mowers for Small Yards: 6 Picks Compared post covers related choices in more detail.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a first mower
- Choosing a reel mower for tall grass. The American listing says it is less effective on taller grass, and the reel listings in this set say they work best on maintained lawns.
- Ignoring the height range. A mower that cuts at 1.25 inches is different from one that cuts at 0.5 inches, so check the lowest setting you need.
- Skipping the battery plan. A single battery may not cover a whole medium yard, so think about a spare pack.
- Buying a gas mower for a small yard without considering weight. The PowerSmart is listed at 58.4 pounds.
- Assuming all mowers mulch. Check whether the listing names mulching, bagging or side discharge.
Safety and setup
Read the owner’s manual for each mower before you start it, and keep hands and feet clear of the blade and the discharge area. Clear the lawn of sticks and toys before you start. For a gas mower, follow the engine manual for fuel and oil. If you are unsure about a repair, ask a qualified small-engine technician. For a broader list of habits, read the Lawn Mower Safety Checklist for Homeowners.
FAQ
What is the easiest push mower for a beginner?
For the fewest moving parts, a reel mower is the simplest. For the least setup, a battery model with push-button start, such as the Greenworks 40V 17-inch, is the easiest to start.
Do reel mowers need gas or electricity?
No. The reel mowers in this set say they need no gas, oil or power cord, and they run on the push of the user.
How many height positions do I need?
Most listings in this set give five to seven positions, and the DWDUJJIE gives a multi-step range. Choose a mower whose lowest setting matches the height you want for your grass.
Which battery mower has the longest stated run time?
The Greenworks 48V 17-inch lists up to 45 minutes on two fully charged 4.0Ah batteries. The Greenworks 40V 17-inch and the EGO list up to 35 minutes on one battery.
Can a first mower handle a medium yard?
Yes, if you plan for battery changes or a second battery. The 17-inch Greenworks models are listed for yards up to a quarter acre.
Are these mowers quiet?
The Greenworks 40V 17-inch lists 30 percent quieter operation than gas mowers, and reel mowers have no engine.
Do I need a grass bag?
It depends on your lawn. The DWDUJJIE reel mower includes a removable 6-gallon bag, the Greenworks 16-inch and 17-inch models can mulch or bag, and the EGO lists mulching, bagging and side discharge. The American and Great States reel listings do not mention a bag in the excerpt, so check the product page if you want one.
Bottom line
For a simple first mower, pick the power source you can manage without effort. A reel mower is the simplest for a small, flat lawn, and a battery model with push-button start and a single height lever is the easiest step up for a medium yard. Check the height range, the cutting width and the battery plan before you buy.
