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10 Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Snapper 1687914 21" SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled, Red/Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,393
Engine Power
Drive Type
Speed Control

Most important from
1326 reviews

Engine Power
Automatically supplies more power in thicker grass, enhancing efficiency.
Drive Type
Despite a minor quirk with the self-propelled lever, the overall performance and ease of use are exceptional.
Speed Control
Adjustable self-propel feature is quite fast, with the rabbit setting being especially speedy.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The height setting is higher than most mowers, which is great for the first mow of the year.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Using the plug instead of the bag makes the mower a dream to use with no clippings to drag to the compost.

The Snapper 1687914 21" SP Walk Mower Kit is a self-propelled, battery-powered lawn mower designed for convenience and efficiency. It's equipped with a powerful Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 45 minutes of runtime. The mower includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, ensuring you can get back to mowing quickly if one battery runs out of charge.

This model features a 21-inch alloy steel cutting deck which is durable and ideal for medium to large-sized lawns. The 3-in-1 cutting design allows for mulching, bagging, or side discharge, giving you flexibility based on your lawn care needs. One of its standout features is the variable speed self-propelled transmission, making it easier to maneuver across different terrains. Additionally, it has a smart load sensing technology that adjusts the power output to match the demands of the cutting blades, improving efficiency.

The push-button start and a single lever for adjusting the cutting height to 7 different positions add to its user-friendly design. The 10-inch rear wheels aid in stability and movement on uneven grounds. However, at 80.9 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a concern for some users. The deck material, alloy steel, ensures durability, but being battery-powered, it might not match the raw power and prolonged usage of traditional gas mowers. Perfect for someone looking for a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers with sufficient power for an average-sized lawn.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,393
Engine Power
Drive Type
Speed Control

Most important from
1326 reviews

Engine Power
Automatically supplies more power in thicker grass, enhancing efficiency.
Drive Type
Despite a minor quirk with the self-propelled lever, the overall performance and ease of use are exceptional.
Speed Control
Adjustable self-propel feature is quite fast, with the rabbit setting being especially speedy.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The height setting is higher than most mowers, which is great for the first mow of the year.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side Discharge
Using the plug instead of the bag makes the mower a dream to use with no clippings to drag to the compost.
#2

24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

Rating
10.0
Engine Power
Starting Mechanism
Speed Control

Most important from
4 reviews

Engine Power
The power of the engine falls short when cutting taller grass, sometimes causing the motor to struggle or shut off.
Starting Mechanism
The push-button electric start is a convenient feature, especially helpful for those with arm difficulties.
Speed Control
The speed control feels limited, offering fewer speed options than advertised, which reduces the smoothness of adjusting pace.

This Yardmax 24-inch self-propelled gas mower is designed to make lawn mowing easier with its 201cc engine and electric start, which means you won’t have to struggle with a pull cord. The mower’s standout feature is its 6-speed CVT (continuously variable transmission), allowing you to smoothly adjust the speed to match your walking pace—great if you want more control over your mowing speed. The 24-inch cutting width is a good middle ground, letting you cover decent yard space without being too bulky. The mower uses rear-wheel drive, which provides good traction, especially on uneven or sloped terrain.

Adjusting the cutting height is simple thanks to a single lever with seven height options ranging from about 1.5 to 3.7 inches, letting you customize your grass length easily. The steel deck is heavy-duty and durable, minimizing vibrations for a smoother ride, and the MAXFlow deck design helps with better airflow for improved mulching and bagging performance. The mower also offers the flexibility of 3-in-1 cutting options: mulching, bagging, and side discharge, which covers most lawn care needs.

The mower weighs over 100 pounds, so it might feel heavy if you need to lift or transport it frequently. Assembly is required, which could take some time if you’re not handy with tools. This model provides a balanced mix of features including easy speed control and versatile cutting options without being overly complicated.

Rating
10.0
Engine Power
Starting Mechanism
Speed Control

Most important from
4 reviews

Engine Power
The power of the engine falls short when cutting taller grass, sometimes causing the motor to struggle or shut off.
Starting Mechanism
The push-button electric start is a convenient feature, especially helpful for those with arm difficulties.
Speed Control
The speed control feels limited, offering fewer speed options than advertised, which reduces the smoothness of adjusting pace.
#3

SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower - 140 cc 4-Cycle Briggs & Stratton Engine, Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge, 6-Position Lever Height Adjustment

Rating
9.7
Engine Power
Cutting Height Adjustment
Drive Type

Most important from
646 reviews

Engine Power
This mower powers through tall grass quickly and runs efficiently without consuming too much gas.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The 6-position cutting height adjustment provides good flexibility for different lawn preferences.
Drive Type
It handles rougher terrain well with its self-propelled, front-wheel drive design and durable alloy steel deck.
Deck Material
It handles rougher terrain well with its self-propelled, front-wheel drive design and durable alloy steel deck.
Starting Mechanism
Starting and assembly are straightforward, making it easy to get mowing right away.

The SENIX LSSG-M9 is a solid choice for small to medium yards, featuring a 21-inch cutting width that balances efficiency with easy maneuverability. Its 140 cc Briggs & Stratton engine is known for reliability and smooth operation, making it easier to maintain and start thanks to the Prime N' Pull system. This mower is front-wheel drive and self-propelled, which helps reduce the effort needed to push it, especially on uneven ground. It has a single-speed drive, so while it’s straightforward to use, it lacks variable speed control for fine-tuning pace.

You get good flexibility with the 6-position cutting height adjustment, letting you cut grass from about 1.25 to 3.75 inches, which covers most common lawn preferences. The deck is made from alloy steel, contributing to durability over time. The mower is a 3-in-1 model, offering mulching, bagging with a large 16-gallon bag, and side discharge options, so you can manage clippings according to your lawn care needs.

Its wheel sizes (8 inches front, 11 inches rear) help it navigate bumpy or rough terrain with less hassle, although it might not be the best for very large or hilly properties because it has only front-wheel drive. The mower weighs 55 pounds, making it moderately heavy but still manageable for most users. The mower is well suited for homeowners needing reliable, versatile mowing with easy starting and straightforward controls, particularly for small to mid-sized lawns without extreme terrain challenges.

Rating
9.7
Engine Power
Cutting Height Adjustment
Drive Type

Most important from
646 reviews

Engine Power
This mower powers through tall grass quickly and runs efficiently without consuming too much gas.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The 6-position cutting height adjustment provides good flexibility for different lawn preferences.
Drive Type
It handles rougher terrain well with its self-propelled, front-wheel drive design and durable alloy steel deck.
Deck Material
It handles rougher terrain well with its self-propelled, front-wheel drive design and durable alloy steel deck.
Starting Mechanism
Starting and assembly are straightforward, making it easy to get mowing right away.

Buying Guide for the Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers

Choosing the right self-propelled gas lawn mower can make maintaining your lawn much easier and more efficient. These mowers are designed to help you cover large areas with less effort, as the engine powers the wheels, reducing the need for manual pushing. When selecting a self-propelled gas lawn mower, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a mower that suits your lawn size, terrain, and personal preferences.
Engine PowerEngine power, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), determines how much cutting power the mower has. A higher cc rating means more power, which is useful for tackling thick or tall grass. For small to medium-sized lawns with regular grass, an engine with 140-160cc should suffice. For larger lawns or tougher grass, consider an engine with 190cc or more. Choose based on the size of your lawn and the type of grass you have.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width refers to the width of the mower's blade and determines how much grass is cut in a single pass. A wider cutting width means fewer passes to mow your lawn, saving time. For small lawns, a cutting width of 20-22 inches is adequate. For larger lawns, look for a cutting width of 24 inches or more. Select a cutting width that matches the size of your lawn to optimize efficiency.
Drive TypeSelf-propelled mowers come with different drive types: front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD mowers are easier to maneuver and work well on flat terrain. RWD mowers provide better traction on slopes and uneven ground. AWD mowers offer the best traction and are ideal for hilly or very uneven terrain. Choose the drive type based on the terrain of your lawn.
Speed ControlSpeed control allows you to adjust the mower's pace to match your walking speed and the mowing conditions. Some mowers have a single-speed setting, while others offer variable speed control. Variable speed control is more versatile and can make mowing more comfortable, especially if you have a large lawn or varying grass conditions. Consider your comfort and the size of your lawn when deciding on speed control.
Cutting Height AdjustmentCutting height adjustment lets you change the height at which the grass is cut. This is important for maintaining a healthy lawn, as different grass types and seasons require different cutting heights. Most mowers offer multiple height settings, typically ranging from 1 to 4 inches. Look for a mower with easy-to-use height adjustment levers and a range that suits your grass type and mowing preferences.
Deck MaterialThe deck material affects the mower's durability and weight. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and plastic. Steel decks are strong and durable but can be heavy and prone to rust. Aluminum decks are lighter and resistant to rust but can be more expensive. Plastic decks are lightweight and rust-resistant but may not be as durable. Choose a deck material based on your preference for durability, weight, and maintenance.
Mulching, Bagging, and Side DischargeMany mowers offer options for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Mulching finely chops the grass and returns it to the lawn as fertilizer. Bagging collects the clippings for disposal, leaving a clean lawn. Side discharge ejects the clippings to the side, which can be useful for tall or wet grass. Consider which options are important to you based on how you prefer to handle grass clippings.
Starting MechanismThe starting mechanism can be either a recoil (pull) start or an electric start. Recoil start mowers require pulling a cord to start the engine, which can be physically demanding. Electric start mowers use a push-button or key start, making them easier to start, especially for those with limited strength or mobility. Choose a starting mechanism that you find convenient and easy to use.

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