Best Push Mowers for Everyday Lawn Care Needs
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A good push mower for everyday lawn care is one whose power source, cutting width and height range match your yard and your willingness to start and maintain the machine. Push mowers in this group run on gas, on a battery, or with no engine at all, and each type trades effort, noise and upkeep in a different way. The sections below compare the listing facts for seven push mowers and one review model, so you can narrow the field before you open any product page.
Quick answer
- For a small yard up to about 1/4 acre, the listings in this group describe 16-inch to 18-inch push mowers, battery or gas, as the right size.
- For tall or thick grass, look for a gas engine or a higher-torque battery, and check the cutting-height range before you buy.
- For a quiet, no-fuel mower with no pull cord, a battery model with a push-button start is the option the listings describe most often.
- For a manual lawn with light grass, a reel mower needs no engine, but the listings say it works best on lawns kept short and dry.
How to choose a push mower for your yard
Start with the yard. Most listings in this group name a yard size, and the phrases used are small yards, up to 1/4 acre, and up to 1/3 acre. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch listing says it cuts up to 1/3 acre on a fully charged 4.0 Ah battery, and the listing adds that the result varies with grass condition and technique. The PowerSmart gas model lists 1/4 acre as its yard size. Use those numbers as the listing’s own description, and plan for less if your grass is thick or wet.
Next, look at the cutting width. The widths in this group run from 14 inches on the reel models to 21 inches on the EGO model. A wider deck covers more ground per pass but is heavier and harder to steer around flower beds. A narrower deck is easier to push and store. The listings give the deck material too. Steel decks are named on the PowerSmart and Greenworks 60V models, while the Greenworks 40V 16-inch and 17-inch models list plastic as the material in their specification tables.
Then check the height range. Many listings list the number of height positions and a range in inches. A higher maximum height helps with longer grass, but it also means more uneven cutting if you mow too seldom. The listings in this group use between three and seven positions, and the ranges differ. The reel models have the lowest top settings in the group, so they suit short, regularly mown lawns.
Power source: gas, battery or reel
Gas push mowers use a 4-cycle engine. The PowerSmart listing names a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine with an auto choke and a primer, and it says the oil is 10W-30 and not included. The SENIX listing says oil and tools are included in the box and lists a 144cc engine with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Gas models need fuel, oil changes and a pull start, and the listings name a pull cord for the PowerSmart model.
Battery push mowers run on lithium packs. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch model includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, and the listing gives a battery average life of 35 minutes. The Greenworks 40V 17-inch model lists up to 35 minutes of runtime on its 4.0 Ah battery. The Greenworks 60V 21-inch model uses a 5.0 Ah battery and a fast charger. The MZK model uses two 20V 4.0 Ah batteries, and its listing claims up to 45 minutes of runtime, which depends on grass and terrain. Battery runtime changes with grass height and cutting width, so treat every figure as a listing figure.
Reel mowers have no engine or battery. The American Lawn Mower and Great States listings describe them as quiet, lightweight and requiring no gas or oil. They cut with a scissor action rather than a spinning blade, so they need a short, dry lawn and a regular schedule. The reel listings say the mowers cut grass up to about 4 inches tall, that taller grass needs more overlap, and that mowing smaller amounts more often works better.
Comparison of the push mowers
| Mower | Power | Cutting width | Height range listed | Warranty listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart 18-inch gas push | 144cc gas, pull cord | 18 inches | 1.5 to 3.9 inches | Two years limited |
| Greenworks 40V 16-inch push | 40V battery, 4.0 Ah | 15.67 inches | 1.25 to 3.75 inches | 3-year tool and battery |
| American Lawn Mower 14-inch reel | Manual reel | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches (bullets) | Not stated in specifications |
| Greenworks 40V 17-inch push | 40V battery, 4.0 Ah | 16.14 inches | Listed in bullets as six heights | 3-year tool and battery |
| Greenworks 60V 21-inch push | 60V battery, 5.0 Ah | 20.28 inches | Seven positions | 4-year tool and battery |
| SENIX 20-inch gas push | 144cc gas, 4-cycle | 20 inches | 1.35 to 3.15 inches | 2-year manufacturer |
| MZK 16-inch 2-in-1 push | Two 20V 4.0 Ah batteries | 16 inches | 1 to 4 inches (specifications) | Not stated |
Where a listing does not state a value, the table says “Not stated.” Some listings give different numbers in their bullets and specification tables, and the table uses the one shown in parentheses. The table does not include prices or ratings.
Push mower reviews, one model at a time
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Push Mower
This gas walk-behind mower uses a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine. The listing describes an auto choke for easy starting and a primer for better starting. Its 18-inch steel deck carries a specialized blade, and the side discharge chute moves clippings away from the mower path. The listing gives five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. The rear wheels measure 8 inches and the front wheels 7 inches, which the listing describes as easy to maneuver around trees and flower beds. The model weighs 58.4 pounds according to its specifications, and the folded size is 26 by 19 by 14 inches. The listing also states a 0.21 gallon fuel tank, a 13.5 fluid ounce oil capacity, and a 10W-30 oil recommendation, with oil not included. It names a flat terrain recommendation and a yard size of 1/4 acre. The warranty is two years limited.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This battery mower includes a 4.0 Ah battery, a charger and a grass collection bag. The listing describes a 16-inch cut, with a single lever height adjustment across five positions. The listing gives the cutting height range as 1.25 to 3.75 inches in its specification table. It is described as 35 percent lighter than steel deck mowers, and its mulching and rear bagging functions are named in the bullets. The item weighs 37.5 pounds according to its specifications. The battery average life is listed as 35 minutes. The listing says the mower works with more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools and carries a 3-year limited warranty on the tool and battery. The product is a good match if you want to avoid gas and already use Greenworks 40V tools.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Reel Mower
This push reel mower has four blades, a 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The listing says it weighs 19 pounds in its bullets, and that is a manual machine with no engine or battery. The bullets state an adjustable blade height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and that it cuts grass up to 4 inches tall, although it is less effective on taller grass. The specification table gives a different height range of 1.3 to 4.45 inches, so the two sources do not agree. Confirm the height you need in the product description. The listing describes the mower as pollution-free, noise-free and low in maintenance. It also advises mowing no more than one third of the grass blade at a time, and it recommends against reel mowing when the grass is wet. This model suits a small, flat, regularly cut lawn.
Greenworks 40V 17-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This brushless 40V push mower includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger. The listing says it runs up to 35 minutes on a single charge and uses push-button start. The bullets describe the brushless motor as quieter than gas mowers and claim zero maintenance for oil, fumes and pull cords. The mower mulches or bags, and the listing says it suits yards up to 1/4 acre. The bullets say there are six cutting heights adjusted with one lever, while the specification table shows six positions with a minimum of 3.13 inches and a maximum of 1.25 inches. Those two values run in opposite directions, so check the height range on the product page before you rely on it. The cutting width is 16.14 inches, and the warranty is 3 years on the tool and battery. The listing names more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools that work with the battery.
Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This mower uses a 60V battery with a 5.0 Ah pack, plus a fast charger and a grass bag in the box. The listing gives a cutting width of 20.28 inches and describes a heavy-duty steel deck and rust-resistant finish. The bullets say the mower is IPX4 rated for rain and damp grass, and it has LED headlights. Oversized 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front tires are named for easier pushing. The listing describes the blades as self-sharpening, and it says the mower offers four-in-one use with mulch, bag, side discharge and a turbo leaf mode. The bullets make a comparison with 40V mowers and a 3200 RPM blade speed claim, which the listing presents as a manufacturer figure. The specification table gives a weight of 59.5 pounds and seven cutting positions. The warranty is 4 years on the tool and battery. The listing says it can handle up to half an acre.
SENIX 20-Inch Gas Push Mower
This 20-inch push mower uses a 144cc 4-cycle engine. Its title names a 2-in-1 mulching and side discharge system, and the listing says oil and tools come in the box. The stated warranty is a 2-year manufacturer warranty. The cutting width is 20 inches, and the three cutting heights are 1.35, 2.3 and 3.15 inches. The wheels measure 7 inches. The specification table gives a weight of 39.3 pounds and product dimensions of 25.6 by 21.8 by 13 inches. The bullets say the slim body suits small yards, dog runs and narrow areas, and that the mower can handle slopes. The listing states a 20-inch width covers more ground per pass than a 16-inch mower. It is a gas option with a wider deck and a lower weight than the battery models with a steel deck.
MZK 40V 16-Inch 2-in-1 Brushless Push Mower
This push mower uses two 20V 4.0 Ah lithium batteries, a dual-port charger and an 11-gallon grass bag. The title says 40V, and the bullets describe the two batteries as 20V packs. The listing claims up to 45 minutes of runtime on a full charge, and it adds that runtime depends on grass conditions and terrain. The bullets name a 16-inch cutting width and a 40-liter rear bag. The cutting height is adjustable across five settings. The bullets give 1.4 to 3 inches, but the specification table gives a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 4 inches. The listing describes a 2-step safety start, a brushless motor with up to 3400 RPM, and a handle height of 42 inches. The listing does not state a warranty length in its specifications.
Review: EGO Power+ LM2112 Cordless Push Mower
The EGO LM2112 is the model in this group with the most detailed listing, and it is the one to read in depth if you want a battery mower with a wide deck. It is a cordless push mower with a 56V 4.0Ah ARC lithium battery and charger included. The listing says it delivers up to 6.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque, and it describes that as performance that exceeds gas lawn mowers. That comparison is the listing’s own claim. The listing also says the mower runs up to 35 minutes on one charge.
The motor is a high-efficiency brushless design, which the listing says delivers long runtimes, low vibration and lifelong durability. The last phrase is a manufacturer claim. The deck is 21 inches according to the bullets, while the specification table shows a 21-inch cutting width and a product size of 67.5 inches by 22.4 inches by 36.2 inches. The cutting height has seven positions, and the listing describes them as 1.25 to 4 inches. The specification table gives a minimum of 1.5 inches, so the bullets and the table disagree about the lowest setting. Check the product page for the setting you plan to use. The table also gives the item type as a 22-inch 56-volt cordless mower, which differs from the 21-inch deck in the bullets.
The mower has three discharge options: mulching, bagging and side discharge. Push-button start is named in the bullets, along with bright LED headlights and an adjustable handle height. The listing describes the housing as IPX4 rated for weather resistance. The specification table lists the material as metal alloys, and the color as black. The listing does not state a warranty length in its bullets or specifications, so check the manufacturer terms before you buy.
Two close alternatives in this group fit the same buyer. The MZK 40V 16-inch model has a narrower 16-inch deck and uses two 20V batteries, which the listing presents as up to 45 minutes of runtime. The Greenworks 40V 17-inch model is described for yards up to 1/4 acre and carries a 3-year tool and battery warranty. Choose the EGO model when you want a wider deck and more torque. Choose the MZK when you want two swappable batteries and a bag included in the kit. Choose the Greenworks 40V 17-inch model when you want a smaller deck and a battery mower with a 3-year tool and battery warranty.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying on cutting width alone. A wider deck is harder to push, and it may not fit between trees or under a shed door.
- Ignoring the height range. A mower with a high top setting is useful for long grass, but a low minimum matters for a tight, even lawn.
- Assuming the battery runtime applies to every lawn. The listings state that runtime depends on grass conditions, terrain and technique.
- Skipping the oil and fuel details on gas models. The PowerSmart listing says the oil is not included.
- Mowing wet grass with a reel mower. The American Lawn Mower listing advises against it.
- Letting the grass grow too long between cuts. The reel listings say smaller, more frequent cuts work better than a single long cut.
FAQ
Is a battery push mower strong enough for thick grass?
The battery models in this group state different cutting capacities. The Greenworks 60V 21-inch model is described for yards up to half an acre, and its listing mentions a higher blade speed than the 40V models. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch model is described for up to one third of an acre, with the listing adding that the result varies with grass condition. For extremely tall grass, the SENIX listing suggests raising the cutting height or taking two passes, so a gas engine or a higher-powered battery may suit you better if you cut long grass often.
Do I need oil for a push mower?
The gas models in this group need oil and fuel. The PowerSmart listing recommends 10W-30 oil, which is not included in the box. The SENIX listing says oil is included with the mower. The battery and reel models in this group do not need engine oil, according to their listings.
Which push mower is quietest?
The listings describe the battery and reel models as quieter than gas mowers. The Greenworks 40V 17-inch listing says the brushless motor is 30 percent quieter than gas mowers, which is a listing claim. The reel models have no engine at all. The SENIX listing says its noise level is reasonable and will not bother the neighbors, which is the listing’s own statement.
How much grass can a reel mower handle?
The American Lawn Mower 14-inch reel model lists a limit of 4 inches of grass, and it says the mower is less effective on taller grass. The listing advises mowing no more than one third of the blade at a time. Reel mowers suit lawns that are cut often, and they struggle with long or uneven grass.
Which mower suits a small yard?
For a small yard, the listings point to the 16-inch and 17-inch models. The MZK 16-inch mower is described for small to medium lawns, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch mower for up to 1/3 acre, and the Greenworks 40V 17-inch mower for up to 1/4 acre. The PowerSmart 18-inch gas mower is listed for a 1/4 acre yard as well.
Bottom line
Pick the power source first, then the deck width and height range. Choose a gas push mower such as the PowerSmart or SENIX models if you want a traditional engine and do not mind oil and a pull start. Choose a battery model such as the EGO, Greenworks or MZK models if you want push-button start and no fuel. Choose a reel model only for a short, dry, regularly cut lawn. Check the height range in both the bullets and the specification table before you buy, because several listings in this group disagree.
If you want a deeper look at battery life, read Making a Cordless Mower Battery Last Longer. For the MZK model in more detail, see MZK 40V 16-Inch Cordless Push Mower Review: Runtime, Height and Kit.
