Best Pusher Lawn Mowers for Easy Home Mowing Today
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A pusher lawn mower is a walk-behind mower that you move forward by hand, with no drive system doing the work for you. This guide compares four pusher-style mowers from the product set: a 14-inch 2-in-1 mower with a catch box, a gas walk-behind with an 18-inch steel deck, a 16-inch battery mower from Greenworks, and a 14-inch four-blade reel mower. The listings give different facts for each one, so the notes below stick to what each listing states, and they point out where a listing gives a conflicting or missing detail.
Quick answer
- For a small, quiet lawn with no fuel or battery, the American Lawn Mower 14-inch reel is the simplest option in this set. Its listing gives a 0.5 to 1.75 inch height range and 8.5-inch wheels.
- For a wider cut with a grass catch, the PowerSmart 18-inch gas mower is the widest pusher in this set that does not use a battery.
- For a battery pusher with mulching and rear bagging, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch lists a single-lever height adjustment with five positions.
- The LTIGOAW 14-inch lists a catch box and a 0.47 to 1.65 inch height range, but its title uses both “self-propelled” and “reel pusher,” so check the drive type before you buy.
What “pusher” means in these listings
The word pusher usually points to a mower you push with your hands. The mower’s blade or reel turns, but the wheels do not drive the mower forward. Some modern mowers add a drive system to help you move, which the listings call self-propelled. The pusher-style mowers in this guide are the ones whose listings describe a manual push or a reel action, or a battery or gas mower you push forward.
A related Greenworks 60V 21-inch model in the same product pack is described in its listing as a self-propelled lawn mower. This guide leaves it out because it does not fit the pusher definition used here. If you want a self-propelled mower, read the comparison of mowers with drive systems instead.
Comparison table
| Mower | Power | Cutting width | Height setting | Bag or mulch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTIGOAW 14-inch 2-in-1 | Listing does not state the power source | 14 inches | 0.47 to 1.65 inches, knob | Rear catch box |
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch | 144cc 4-cycle gas | 18 inches | 1.5 to 3.9 inches, 5 positions | Side discharge |
| Greenworks 40V 16-inch | 40V 4.0Ah battery | 16 inches | 5 positions, single lever | Mulch and rear bag |
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | Manual reel | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | Not stated |
A cell marked “not stated” means the listing does not describe that item. Check the product page before you buy if it matters to you.
The four pusher mowers
1. LTIGOAW 14-inch 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
The LTIGOAW is a 14-inch mower with four blades that the listing describes as 5-edged. The listing gives a height range of 0.47 to 1.65 inches, adjusted with a knob on the body. A rear collection box with a fixing chain collects clippings as you mow. The listing says the body is steel and aluminum with a plastic spray finish, and the two front wheels are 8.07 inches in diameter with non-slip tread. The listing does not state the power source, because its title uses both “self-propelled” and “manual reel pusher.” Its bullets describe a mower you push across the lawn, so check the drive type and the weight before you order.
2. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch Gas Lawn Mower
The PowerSmart is the only gas pusher in this set. Its 144cc 4-cycle engine has an auto choke and a primer for easier starts, according to the listing. The steel deck is 18 inches wide, and the listing gives five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. It discharges clippings to the side. The wheels are 8 inches at the rear and 7 inches at the front, which the listing describes as good for turning around trees, flower beds and tight corners. The listing gives a weight of 58.4 pounds and a folded size of 26 by 19 by 14 inches. It suits a larger lawn where you want a wider cut and do not mind fuel and oil.
3. Greenworks 40V 16-inch Push Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 16-inch mower runs on a 40V 4.0Ah battery and comes with a charger. The listing says it cuts up to one-third of an acre on a full charge, with results that vary with grass and technique. It is 35 percent lighter than steel-deck mowers, according to the listing. The single lever sets five heights, and the mower can mulch or bag, with a rear bag included. The listing gives a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty, and says the battery works with more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools. It suits a buyer who wants a battery pusher and expects to buy other 40V tools later.
4. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Push Reel Mower
The American 1204-14 is a 14-inch, four-blade reel mower with 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The listing gives a weight of 19 pounds and a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches. It says the mower cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall, and that it is less effective on taller grass. The listing advises mowing no more than one-third of the blade at a time, and raising the overlap if the grass reaches 4 inches or more. It needs no gas, oil or power cord, and the listing describes it as quiet and low maintenance. It suits a small, regularly mowed lawn.
Review: the Greenworks 16-inch in depth
The Greenworks 16-inch is the most complete battery pusher in this set, because its listing gives coverage area, weight, height control and warranty in one place. Those details make it a good model for judging the other pushers.
- Coverage: the listing says up to one-third of an acre on a full 4.0Ah charge, which depends on grass and technique.
- Weight: the listing says the mower is 35 percent lighter than steel-deck mowers, but it does not give the pound figure.
- Height: five positions set with one lever, from the low end to the high end of the listed range.
- Discharge: mulch or rear bag, and the listing says a grass collection bag is included.
- Warranty: a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty, per the listing.
The main limit is that the listing does not give a runtime figure in the excerpt, so a buyer should plan around the one-third acre coverage figure. The Greenworks 17-inch models from the same family list up to 35 minutes of runtime on one 4.0Ah battery, which can help you compare how much time a battery gives across the line. For battery care, read Making a Cordless Mower Battery Last Longer.
Which pusher suits which yard
A small, flat lawn with trees and borders is the best case for the American reel mower. A reel mower gives no engine noise and no fuel to store, and the listing describes it as suited to small lawns that are mowed often. A yard that grows tall in one season is a different case. The American listing says it is less effective on taller grass, so a gas pusher like the PowerSmart may be the better choice for a lawn that gets overgrown.
A medium yard with access to an outlet fits the Greenworks 16-inch, since the battery can be charged between sessions and the listing gives a stated coverage figure. The LTIGOAW fits a buyer who wants a catch box and a height knob, provided the drive type matches what they expect. Check the title and the bullets together before you buy.
Gas, battery or reel: how to decide
Gas gives the widest cut in this set, with an 18-inch deck, and it does not need a charge. It does need fuel and oil, and the PowerSmart listing gives a weight of 58.4 pounds, which is the heaviest pusher here. Battery models remove the need for fuel, but you must keep the battery charged and plan for run time. Reel mowers need no fuel or battery, and the listings say they work best on shorter, well-kept grass.
If you already own a battery platform, look for the matching mower in that family. The Greenworks listings name more than 75 tools in the 40V family, so a buyer who already owns Greenworks 40V tools has a simple path. A buyer with no batteries at home should weigh the cost of a battery pack against the cost of a gas or reel mower.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a pusher
- Assuming every “push” mower is the same. The LTIGOAW title mixes self-propelled and reel pusher, so check the drive type.
- Ignoring the weight of a gas mower. The PowerSmart is listed at 58.4 pounds, which matters on slopes and stairs.
- Expecting a reel mower to cut tall grass. The American listing says it works best under 4 inches and in single passes.
- Skipping the battery plan. The Greenworks listing gives coverage, but a second battery may be needed for a larger yard.
- Overlooking the height range. A mower with a 1.5-inch low setting cuts differently from one with a 0.5-inch low setting.
Height, overlap and how the cut looks
Height setting matters as much as cutting width. The American reel listing gives a range from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and it says the reel should take no more than one-third of the grass blade at each pass. That rule keeps the roots intact, according to the listing. If your lawn reaches 4 inches or more, the listing suggests a larger overlap between passes and mowing more often rather than letting the grass grow long.
The Greenworks and PowerSmart listings use fixed positions rather than a continuous range. The Greenworks gives five positions set with one lever, and the PowerSmart gives five positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. A position in the middle of the range is usually a good starting point for a general lawn, and the listing ranges show how far each mower can go in either direction. If you plan to keep the lawn very short, check the lowest position before you buy.
The LTIGOAW knob gives a continuous adjustment across its listed range of 0.47 to 1.65 inches, which the listing describes as suited to different styles of lawns. A knob is easy to set, but check the marks on your own mower before you rely on a specific number.
Clippings: bag, mulch or side discharge
Clippings handling changes how often you empty the mower and how the lawn looks afterward. The Greenworks 16-inch can mulch or bag, and the listing says a grass collection bag is included. The PowerSmart discharges clippings to the side, which the listing says helps keep you moving through tall, thick grass without stopping to empty a bag. The LTIGOAW has a rear collection box with a fixing chain, which the listing says prevents grass from scattering on the lawn while you mow. The American reel listing does not mention a bag in the excerpt, so check the product page if you want one.
Mulching returns finely cut grass to the lawn. Bagging removes the clippings, which can be useful when the grass is long or wet. Side discharge spreads the clippings across the lawn, so it suits a lawn you do not mind spreading on. Choose the method that matches how much time you want to spend emptying the mower.
Setup before the first mow
Each listing has a different first-use routine. A battery mower needs a full charge with the included charger, and the Greenworks listing gives a 4.0Ah battery for this mower. A gas mower needs fuel and oil, and the PowerSmart listing says it has an auto choke and a primer for easier starting. A reel mower has no fuel or battery, so the first step is to set the blade height and clear the lawn of sticks and stones before you push. In every case, read the owner’s manual and follow its steps before the first use.
Safety and setup
Read the owner’s manual before first use, and keep hands and feet clear of the blade and the discharge chute. Clear the lawn of sticks and loose items before you mow. For a gas mower, follow the engine manual for fuel, oil and starting. For a battery mower, charge with the charger the listing includes. If you need help with starting or repair, ask a qualified small-engine technician. For a broader list of routine habits, read the Lawn Mower Safety Checklist for Homeowners.
FAQ
Is a pusher mower the same as a push reel mower?
Not always. A pusher can be a reel mower, a gas mower or a battery mower, as long as you push it forward yourself. The American 1204-14 is a reel pusher, and the Greenworks 16-inch is a battery pusher.
Which pusher in this set has the widest cut?
The PowerSmart gas mower lists an 18-inch deck, which is the widest in this set that is not self-propelled. The LTIGOAW and the battery and reel models list 14 or 16 inches.
Do these pushers need fuel or electricity?
The PowerSmart needs fuel and oil. The Greenworks needs a charged 40V battery. The American reel mower needs neither, and the LTIGOAW listing does not state its power source.
Can a reel mower handle a tall lawn?
The American listing says it cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass. For a lawn that grows fast, a gas or battery pusher is the better fit.
How many height settings do these mowers have?
The Greenworks and PowerSmart each list five positions. The LTIGOAW gives a knob range from 0.47 to 1.65 inches, and the American reel mower gives a range from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.
Why is the Greenworks 60V 21-inch not in this list?
The listing describes it as a self-propelled lawn mower, so it does not fit the pusher definition used in this guide. It may suit a buyer who wants drive assistance.
Bottom line
Choose a pusher by the lawn you have and the work you want to avoid. For a small, flat lawn with no fuel, the American reel mower is the simplest. For a medium lawn with a charger, the Greenworks 16-inch gives a stated coverage figure and a single-lever height. For a wider cut that you can fuel, the PowerSmart is the widest pusher here. Check the LTIGOAW drive type before you order it.
