Best Push Mowers for Cutting a Healthy Lawn Evenly
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A push mower is a walk-behind mower that you move by hand, and the main choice is the power source: gas, corded electric, battery, or manual reel. For a healthy, even lawn, the three numbers that matter most on a listing are the cutting width, the cutting height range and the weight you will push across the yard. The eight models below cover gas, battery and reel designs. Each entry uses only the facts its own listing gives, and where a listing does not state a value, the table says “not stated.”
Quick answer
- For a small to medium yard with no cord or fuel, choose a battery push mower. The Greenworks 48V 17 inch and the EGO LM2112 list runtimes of 35 to 45 minutes on fully charged 4.0 Ah batteries.
- For a yard up to about 1/4 acre with a gas engine, the PowerSmart DB8618C lists a 144cc 4-cycle engine and an 18 inch deck.
- For a quiet, fume-free lawn with short grass, a reel mower such as the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 or 1815-18 suits a manual user who mows often.
- For a cut that matches your grass, check the height range on the listing. The EGO and the Greenworks 40V 17 inch list a range that starts near 1.25 inches.
How to choose a push mower for an even cut
An even cut depends on a stable deck and a height you can set quickly. Look at the number of height positions on the listing and the minimum and maximum height. The EGO LM2112 lists seven positions from 1.25 to 4 inches. The Greenworks MO48B01 lists five positions from 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inches. The Greenworks MO40L413-00 lists six cutting heights, and its specifications give a range from 1.25 to 3.13 inches. Reel mowers use a different range: the 1204-14 bullet gives 0.5 to 1.75 inches, while its specifications give 1.3 to 4.45 inches.
Cutting width sets how many passes a lawn takes. The EGO deck is listed at 21 inches, the Greenworks 48V at 17 inches, and the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 reel at 18 inches. The 1204-14 reel is 14 inches, and the PowerSmart gas mower is 18 inches. A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but it also weighs more: the Greenworks 48V weighs 42.5 pounds and the PowerSmart 58.4 pounds, while the 1204-14 reel is listed at 19 pounds.
Power source decides upkeep. Gas mowers need oil and fuel, and the PowerSmart lists a recommended oil of 10W-30, not included, with a 0.21 gallon fuel tank. Battery mowers have no oil or fuel, and the Greenworks 40V 17 inch bullet says it is 30 percent quieter than gas mowers. A corded electric mower like the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is limited by its cord; this pack lists a 12 inch corded trimmer-and-mower kit rather than a full-size corded mower, so compare it with that in mind.
Comparison facts from the listings
| Model | Power | Cutting width | Height range stated | Weight stated | Warranty stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart DB8618C | 144cc 4-cycle gas | 18 inches | 1.5 to 3.9 inches, 5 positions (6 listed) | 58.4 pounds | Two years limited |
| Greenworks 25322 | 40V battery, 4.0 Ah | 16 inches (15.67 in spec) | 1.25 to 3.75 inches, 5 positions | 37.5 pounds | 3 years limited |
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | Manual reel, 4 blades | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches (bullet); 1.3 to 4.45 inches (spec) | 19 pounds (bullet); 1 kg (spec) | Not stated |
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM | Corded electric, 6.5 amp | 12 inches | 1.6 inches | 9.9 pounds | 2 years limited |
| Greenworks MO40L413-00 | 40V battery, brushless | 17 inches (16.14 in spec) | 1.25 to 3.13 inches, 6 positions (spec is inconsistent) | Not stated | 3 years limited (tool and battery) |
| Greenworks MO48B01 | 48V (24V x 2), 2 x 4.0 Ah | 17 inches | 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inches, 5 positions | 42.5 pounds | 2 years (spec); 3 years (bullet) |
| EGO LM2112 | 56V battery, 4.0 Ah | 21 inches (title says 22) | 1.25 to 4 inches, 7 positions | Not stated | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 | Manual reel, 5 blades | 18 inches | 0.5 to 2.75 inches (bullet); 1.27 to 6.4 inches (spec) | 27 pounds | 5-year protection plan (bullet); 1 year limited (spec) |
Roundup: eight push mowers compared
1. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Push Mower (DB8618C)
This is the only gas model in the roundup. The listing describes a 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine with an auto choke and a primer. It is a side-discharge mower with an 18 inch steel deck. The listing gives five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches and wheels of 8 inches at the rear and 7 inches at the front. The listing says the mower is suited to a quarter-acre yard and to flat ground. The specifications list 58.4 pounds, so this is the heaviest push model here. Choose it if you want a gas engine and do not want a cord. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
2. Greenworks 40V 16 inch Push Lawn Mower (25322)
This Greenworks model is a 16 inch battery mower that comes with a 4.0 Ah battery, a charger and a grass bag. The listing says it cuts up to one-third acre on a full charge, and it gives a battery average life of 35 minutes in the specifications. The mower is made of plastic and weighs 37.5 pounds. It has a single-lever height adjustment with five positions and offers mulching and rear bagging. The listing also states a 3-year limited warranty on the tool and battery. Choose it if you want a light battery mower with a grass bag. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
3. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower
This is a manual reel mower with no motor, fuel or cord. The listing says the reel cuts with a scissor action and does not bruise the grass blade. The bullets give a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, while the specifications give 1.3 to 4.45 inches, so check the height before you buy. The listing says it can cut grass up to about 4 inches tall, and it is less effective on taller grass. The mower weighs 19 pounds in the bullets and has 8.5 inch polymer wheels. The listing recommends mowing often, not letting grass get long. Choose it for a small, flat lawn. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
4. BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger 3-in-1 Combo (BESTA512CM)
This is a corded electric 12 inch kit. The listing says it includes a 6.5 amp string trimmer with a detachable mower deck, the MTD100, along with an auto feed spool, an auxiliary handle and a guard. The listing gives a 1.6 inch cutting height and states 12 height positions in the specifications, with minimum and maximum both at 1.6 inches. At 9.9 pounds, the kit is light enough for most users to push for a full session. Because the deck is 12 inches, it suits a compact lawn and tight areas. Choose it if you want one corded tool for trimming and a small mower deck. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
5. Greenworks 40V 17 inch Push Lawn Mower (MO40L413-00)
This Greenworks model uses a brushless motor and a 40V battery. The listing gives a runtime of up to 35 minutes on the included 4.0 Ah battery. Its bullets describe a 2-in-1 system that switches between mulching and bagging, and a single-lever height adjustment with six cutting heights. The listing says it is 30 percent quieter than gas mowers and has no oil or pull cord. The listing gives a 3-year limited warranty for both tool and battery, and says it works with more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools. The specifications give a height range that is inconsistent, so confirm the minimum and maximum on the listing. Choose it for a small to medium yard up to 1/4 acre. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
6. Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 17 inch Push Lawn Mower (MO48B01)
This model runs on two 24V batteries and includes two 4.0 Ah batteries and a dual-port charger. The listing gives up to 45 minutes of run time on fully charged batteries, and it says run time varies with grass and operator technique. The 17 inch poly deck is listed as 40 percent lighter than a steel deck. It has five cutting positions from 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inches and offers mulching or rear bagging. The specifications give 42.5 pounds, and the warranty is listed as 2 years in the specifications and 3 years in a bullet. The listing says the mower hangs on a wall for storage. A longer look at this model is in our Greenworks 48V 17-Inch Push Mower Review. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
7. EGO Power+ 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower (LM2112)
The EGO model is the widest deck in this roundup, at 21 inches in the specifications and bullets, although the title says 22 inches. The listing says it uses a 56V 4.0 Ah ARC lithium battery with a charger, and gives up to 35 minutes of run time on a single charge. It has a brushless motor and a listed 6.0 foot-pound cutting torque. The listing gives seven cutting heights from 1.25 to 4 inches, and says the mower offers mulching, bagging and side discharge. It has LED headlights, an adjustable handle and an IPX4 weather-resistant rating. The listing does not state a warranty or a weight. Choose it if you want the widest battery deck and a mower that handles varied grass. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
8. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower
This is the largest reel mower in the roundup. The listing describes an 18 inch cutting width, a 5-blade reel and an adjustable height from 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches in the bullets. The specifications give a range of 1.27 to 6.4 inches, so the two figures conflict. The listing says it suits dry grass under 4 inches and that taller grass needs more than one pass. The mower weighs 27 pounds, and the bullets mention a 5-year manufacturer protection plan, while the specifications give a 1 year limited warranty. Choose it over the 14 inch model if you have a flat lawn and want fewer passes. View on Amazon: View on Amazon
Review: EGO LM2112 in depth
The EGO LM2112 is the most complete battery push mower in this group for a larger lawn. The listing states a 21 inch cutting width, which is wider than the Greenworks 16 and 17 inch models and close to the PowerSmart gas mower. The cutting width reduces the number of passes across a flat lawn, while the 21 inch deck also means a larger body to steer around trees and beds.
Power is the first thing to examine. The listing says the mower delivers up to 6.0 foot-pounds of cutting torque and says the performance exceeds gas lawn mowers. The brushless motor is described as giving long run times, low vibration and durability. The listing gives 35 minutes of run time with the 56V 4.0 Ah battery, which is the figure to plan around for a single session. Larger yards may need a second battery, and the listing does not say whether one is sold separately.
Height adjustment is the second check. The listing gives seven positions from 1.25 to 4 inches. That range covers a short-cut lawn and an overgrown one in the same mower, and the single lever adjusts all positions. The listing also describes a handle that adjusts in height, which helps shorter users.
Build and use details come next. The listing gives push-button start, which replaces a pull cord, and LED headlights for early or late mowing. It describes an IPX4 weather-resistant construction. The specifications list the material as metal alloys. The listing does not state the weight or the warranty, so check those on the page before you buy.
Two close alternatives from this pack help if the EGO does not fit. The Greenworks 48V 17 inch offers a lighter poly deck and a 45 minute runtime with two batteries. The Greenworks 40V 17 inch offers mulching and bagging with a 3-year warranty on tool and battery. Both are smaller decks, so they take more passes than the EGO.
FAQ
Which push mower is best for a small, flat lawn?
A reel mower or a light battery mower suits a small, flat lawn. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a 14 inch reel with no motor, and the listing says it is best for grass under about 4 inches. The Greenworks 40V 16 inch is a battery mower with a single-lever height adjustment and five positions, and the listing gives 37.5 pounds. Choose the reel for the quietest cut and the battery mower if you want less physical effort on the lawn.
How tall can grass be before a push mower struggles?
The listings give different limits. The 1204-14 reel listing says it cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass. The 1815-18 reel listing says it is suited to dry grass under 4 inches. The EGO LM2112 lists a maximum cutting height of 4 inches. For tall grass, the listings suggest mowing more often rather than letting it grow long, and several reel listings say to mow no more than one-third of the blade in a pass.
Do battery push mowers need oil or fuel?
No. The listings for the Greenworks 40V and 48V mowers and the EGO mower describe no oil, no fuel and no pull cord. The Greenworks 48V listing says it needs no gas, no oil and no tune-ups. The PowerSmart gas mower needs 10W-30 oil, which the listing says is not included, and it has a 0.21 gallon fuel tank.
Is a corded push mower a good choice?
A corded mower has no battery to recharge, but the cord limits where you can mow. The corded option in this pack is the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM, which the listing describes as a 12 inch trimmer and mower kit with a 6.5 amp motor. Its 1.6 inch cutting height and 12 inch deck suit a compact area. The listing puts the kit at 9.9 pounds and a 2 year limited warranty.
How do I check whether a mower will fit my yard?
Start with the yard size the listing gives. The PowerSmart gas mower lists a quarter-acre yard, and the Greenworks 40V 17 inch lists up to 1/4 acre. The Greenworks 25322 lists up to one-third acre. Then compare the cutting width with your typical path, and check the weight for the way you will push it. A wide deck covers more ground, but a heavier mower takes more effort on a slope or a soft lawn.
Why do some listings give two different height ranges?
Some listings give height values in the bullets and different values in the specifications. The 1204-14 reel bullet says 0.5 to 1.75 inches, while its specifications say 1.3 to 4.45 inches. The Greenworks 40V 17 inch lists a minimum of 3.13 inches in one field and 1.25 in another. The table above shows both values. Confirm the range on the product page before you buy.
Bottom line
Choose a push mower by the power source you can live with and the cutting width your lawn needs. Pick a battery mower such as the EGO LM2112 or a Greenworks 48V 17 inch if you want no fuel or cord and a runtime of 35 to 45 minutes. Pick the PowerSmart gas mower if you want a gas engine and a 1/4 acre yard. Pick a reel mower if your lawn is small, flat and mowed often. Before you buy, check the height range, because the listings for several models give conflicting values.
For battery life tips, read Making a Cordless Mower Battery Last Longer, and compare corded options in 13 in 11 Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower Options.
