Nothing frustrates as an experience of spending an hour or two each week pushing the lawn mower around the yard on a sunny day. The drawn of the mower as you work on a task with a clear defined objective making your lawn looking it’s best.
But of course, the deciding factor between an almost meditative experience and one filled with frustration is often the quality of the lawn mower you have. A lawn mower is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that any homeowner will need. However, choosing a self-propelled lawn mower can be a challenge since there are so many brands and models available.
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $400
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- Poulan Pro 961420127 Front Wheels Self-Propelled Mower
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One of the best lawn mower manufacturers has to be pooling. Their mowers are usually very high quality, extremely customer-friendly, and very reliable in essence, the near-perfect machine.
It is important to notice that this is a self-propelled lawnmower with front-wheel drive. This makes it much more convenient and less taxing on your legs when you’re mowing. Not only that, but the more is much more convenient. If your yard isn’t all flat, but slightly slow. That being said, the mower has only one speed, so you’ll have to follow its pace.
One of the best features of this mower has to be its engine. It features a Briggs and Stratton and 625 E-series one 55 CC engine. The engine is extremely reliable and has no choke valve and doesn’t need priming. Of course it has a cord, but Poulan guarantees that you won’t need more than one or two poles before the engine starts revving.
Now combine that with nine cutting heights and you have a great machine on your hands. However, to adjust the height, you will need to check each wheel separately. When we’re on the topic of wheels, Poulan pros wheels are pretty tall. The front wheels are eight inches in diameter while the rear ones are 12.
The height of the wheels makes the mower even better suited for mowing on uneven terrain. Besides the mower’s also pretty wide with a 22-inch body making short work of even the biggest yards. Lastly, this mower is a three-in-one. It offers you to mulch the grass, bag it or discharge it through the side. With such a versatile machine, you will truly require no other.
Pros:
- High quality.
- Customer-friendly.
- Reliable.
- Front wheels drive.
Cons:
- None.
- Husqvarna 961450023 HU700H Rear Hi- Wheel Drive Mower
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Poulan is not the only one that can produce masterful lowers. Husqvarna’s recognizable orange color now adorns their HQ 700 H self-propelled mower. This machine is not only powerful, but very easy to use and very accommodating to the user. The core of this lawnmower is a superb Honda 160 CC four cycle OHV engine making it even more powerful than Poulan.
And just like the other one, it requires no priming and has no choke as well. It has a cord. So you will have to put a little bit of elbow grease into it, but the engine is quick to turn on. One pool is enough.
Most vinyl also has adjustable height. However, unlike Poulan U700 H is much more convenient as you have a lever that accounts for all wheels. The handle has three height levels.
Another very thoughtful addition to the machine is the adjustable handle. Now, if several people are using the mower, they can easily personalize it. In addition, the mower allows you to control the pace by pressing on the bale, handled, becoming even more personalized.
The body of the mower is 22 inches wide, thus covering a good bit of ground once. The wheels are similar to Poulan eight inches in the front-end 11 inches for the back, making the machine pretty maneuverable and adjustable to any grass level and uneven terrain.
Lust like Poulan, Husqvarna is also a three-in-one mower. The machine allows you to mulch the grass or discharge it out the side, or if you want your yard cleaned Baggett overall, this is a very fine machine and very catering to the user. For this, we definitely recommend it and are indignant enough to say that we favor it even more than Poulan.
Pros:
- Powerful.
- Adjustable
- User friendly.
- 3 in 1 mower.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Honda HRR216PKA 3-in-1 Self-Push Gas Lawn Mower
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So far, the mowers we’ve presented were using Honda engines. Now we have the mothership itself, descending upon us with its own product, but it’s introduced the Honda HRR lawn mower. The mower is very powerful, convenient, reliable, and time-saving.
The mower uses a Honda GCD 160 engine, so it’s easy to start him nearly unbreakable. When it comes to engines, Honda motors are the best and you can bet that they will deliver extraordinary cutting power. Combined with a twin microblade, this Honda becomes a surgically-designed cutting machine falling through even the thickest grass with ease.
Naturally, the mower has been made very convenient and accommodating to the user. The self-propelled lawnmower has adjustable speeds, so you can go about your business at your own pace.
The mower is also a three-in-one, and it can bag discharge or Moche. The twin blades are especially useful for mulching as they chop the grass into very small fragments, allowing for faster decomposition.
The machine is also a little smaller than the two before it. Honestly, the difference is very small. A mere one inch as the cutting surface of this Honda is 21 inches that is more than wide enough to cover most yards fairly quickly.
However, the mower is not the best suited for uneven terrain as its wheels are pretty standard, both being about eight inches and with no ability to adjust the height. Honda also warranties their products and HRR is under a good three-year warranty.
Pros:
- Powerful.
- Reliable.
- Strong engine.
- User friendly.
Cons:
- A bit heavy.
- Lawn-Boy 17732 2 Rear Wheel Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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Now, here’s an awesome mower that does not use a Honda engine. Lawn-Boy uses a very reliable Kohler engine. Another big name in the industry lawn boy is a Toro-made mower, so you can be sure that it works and works well. It has an awesome engine. It is powerful and very quick to start.
In fact, the Lawn-Boy folks are so confident of this engine that they offer you a free fix at the engine does not start within two poles max. That’s a pretty bold statement, but true as well as the mower will never fail to start even after years of intense use. The mower also allows you to control the height of the deck and thus the height of the blade.
You have two settings that can easily be set up. However, some customers are reporting a problem with the setup and the front wheels do not always lock properly, which could lead to problems when mowing.
Another thing that we particularly like about this mower is that it has rear-wheel drive. This gives the machine more traction, especially if you’re mowing uphill. That being said, the mower is a bit harder to pull back because of this, so you’ll hopefully only have to push it forward.
Lastly, this is again a three-in-one mower. Like all others, you will be able to mulch, bag, and discharge the grass on the side. We also must say that the lawn mower does not have speed adjustment and you will have to follow its pace.
Pros:
- Toro made mowers.
- Reliable engine.
- Adjustable.
- Rear wheels drive.
Cons:
- None.
- Troy-Bilt TB330 Rear Wheel Self-Propelled Lawn Mower last
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This is the Troy-Bilt TB three 30 rear-wheel drive self-propelled lawn mower. This mower is one more reliable and quite a bit more powerful than the other machines on our list. Troy-Bilt uses a similar, albeit more powerful engine to the Poulan pro the engine in question is the Briggs and Stratton, but this time it’s the 725 163 CC series one combined with a stellar blade.
This lawn mower will devastate vast fields of grass with ease and with a special rake bumper, will make an excellent mulching machine as the rake prevents blockage and clumping. The lawnmower also features a rear-wheel drive, making it splendid for mowing uphill.
However, unlike the Lawn-Boy, this one has speed control and with one press, you can adjust the speed to match your pace. It is also important to note that the mower has an adjustable deck, so you can lower or raise it to control how short the grass is. The deck adjustment lever is very easy to operate and it accounts for all wheels. So you don’t have to take care of every single wheel individually.
Lastly, let us just say that this one is also a three and one mowers. As you know, by now, this means the mower can lodge, bag, and discharge the grass. The mower has a special rate that prevents clumping raises the grass and cuts it up for better decomposition.
We also have to say that the mower comes with the mulching kit too, so you can nutrients back into the soil at an even higher level, so you can put nutrients back into the soil at an even higher level.
Pros:
- Powerful.
- Reliable.
- Speed control.
- Rear wheel drive.
Cons:
- None.
What You Should Consider
Maintaining a lawn is tedious, time consuming, and often frustrating. You have to find the time to mow the lawn and keep it watered. You also have to keep up with trimming bushes and edging sidewalks. But what if there was a way to do all of this without ever having to get off of the couch?
With a self-propelled lawn mower, you’ll be able to cut your grass while still being able to enjoy your favorite television show! It’s perfect for those who are too busy or physically incapable of cutting their own lawn themselves. Here’s everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Buying Considerations
Before you begin to browse the aisles, you need to consider a few things about your self-propelled lawn mower. It should be gas operated. Because gas and oil require a lot of water and fuel, self-propelled lawn mowers usually use these fuel sources.
However, this does not mean that electric self-propelled lawn mowers are a poor choice. For example, the Toro SC10 has electric motors so that you can run your mower off of a battery when you aren’t in your backyard.
Additionally, you should also consider your budget. Generally, gasoline-powered lawn mowers are more expensive than electric self-propelled ones. Some lawn mowers are walk behind while others are pull behind.
The Lawn Mower Features You Should Know About
There are so many lawn mower features to look out for. Here are some of the most important ones: Choosing Your Lawn Mower There are three basic types of lawn mowers: self-propelled, electric, and gas powered.
The self-propelled lawn mowers can go up to a speed of 4mph and usually consist of a scooter, lawnmower, or push lawn mower. They are typically the most affordable option and have the highest weight limit of 100lbs.
These types of lawn mowers usually come in multiple configurations, including various gas and electric options, and various battery variants. If you want to save some money, electric mowers are your best bet. The first step in making this decision is picking a make and model.
Safety Tips
First and foremost, there are a few things you should know about the safety of self-propelled lawn mowers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2000 and 2011, more than 70,000 people were killed in the United States due to lawn mower related accidents.
The biggest piece of advice is to not ride a self-propelled lawn mower. Despite the danger, children can get easily trapped and parents should always be aware of their surroundings. In addition to the lawn mower, there are a couple of other safety tips you should know.
First, be sure to be aware of your surroundings. Never ride on the road while mowing and always wear your safety belt. If you ever get into an accident, be sure to immediately let law enforcement know of your location.
What to Expect After Purchase
Before you even walk out of the store, it’s important to realize that these lawn mowers are heavy and must be lugged around. They are also very expensive. Do your research to make sure you find a model that will fit your needs.
Do not assume that any lawn mower is the same. Some of the models in this guide include two fuel tanks and can be utilized as a self-propelled lawn mower for a maximum of 16 hours. After your purchase, you can have the lawn mower self-priming or you can fill the tank with gasoline.
The mower comes with a windshield, a push button starter, and a large lever. You can use the lever to operate the mower while it’s in the bottom of the tank. How Much is It? This mower comes with a standard 16-gallon tank and can hold 16 gallons of gasoline.
Maintaining the Lawnmower
Mowing the lawn is a fairly simple task. When you first use your self-propelled lawn mower, it’ll want to clean out the filter first. After that, there’s nothing that needs to be done. However, if you intend on using it on a daily basis, you’ll have to keep the device clean.
It’s fairly easy to clean and should only take a few minutes of your time. After that, you’re good to go. This means that you’ll have to push the lawn mower over it a few times in order for the filter to be clean.
However, there’s another maintenance that you should take care of with the self-propelled lawn mower. If you aren’t going to be using it frequently, you should trim it up. This is especially true if you have any trees or bushes in your yard that are growing too long.
Maintenance Costs
Whether you’re going to own the mower for a year or ten years, maintenance costs will eventually begin to add up. In order to get the best bang for your buck, you need to consider the cost of maintenance over time.
The average price of a self-propelled lawn mower ranges from $300 – $2,000, so the total cost you’ll pay will vary depending on how much you use it and how much time you’re willing to put into the upkeep. Lawn care professionals prefer that you leave their blades sharp so they can cut the grass efficiently.
You can easily keep your blades in top shape by having them sharpened once or twice a year. Keeping it Clean Most of the time, this may not be a problem if you have pets around the house that just want to romp around in the yard.
The Long-Term Costs of a Self-Propel Lawnmower
One of the big advantages of a self-propelled lawn mower is that they will not wear out. The internal belts and gears will last decades and potentially even a lifetime. And unlike push- or corded mowers, the electric power will never wear out.
If anything, it will get stronger over time, as there will be less friction between the grass and the motor. Some self-propelled lawn mowers also come with a few extra features to add more value to your investment.
For example, some models come with a tank for extra fuel and some come with a dust collector to cut back on debris. Some models have additional controls, allowing you to cut more lawn at once, have more control over speed, and make adjustments by pushing buttons instead of using the gas pedal.
FAQs
The way we live our lives has changed in the last few decades. We’ve gone from a world where we had to walk everywhere and every object was manual, to now being in an age of convenience where everything is powered by electricity.
Now that lawns are not the only things requiring mowing, self-propelled lawn mowers have come into existence to help us with this task. For those who don’t know how they work, here are some FAQs that will answer any questions you may have about self-propelled lawn mowers.
Who can use them?
Self-propelled lawn mowers are suitable for both households and businesses. Businesses that have a lot of foliage to maintain and who need to keep the street clean or the yard tidy are the most likely to benefit from self-propelled lawn mowers.
Lawn mowers for households will require a larger space and someone who knows how to use them. They’re ideal for cleaning and trimming the back lawn. This would be your family’s garden.
What are the benefits of using them?
First and foremost, self-propelled lawn mowers are much more efficient than human-driven mowers. This is due to the amount of power they require to achieve a higher top speed. As the self-propelled lawn mower would use less fuel, they are more eco-friendly and this will be reflected in the actual running cost of the machine.
Furthermore, self-propelled lawn mowers help us get more out of our yards as they are less likely to damage the grass. Instead of having to trim the grass around the edges every few days, they are able to mow the entire area in one go. This reduces the need for additional trips to the mowing machine and they are able to achieve greater efficiencies as they use less fuel. Are there any drawbacks?
What’s the cost of a self-propelled lawn mower?
A self-propelled lawn mower is actually a lawn tractor that has been turned into a lawn mower by installing the correct type of blades. A self-propelled mower will typically cost less than $500 and you can buy many of them from places like eBay.
But even though these lawn mowers are pretty cheap, you have to consider how long you plan to own one of these mowers for.
Will a self-propelled lawn mower cut as well as a traditional mower?
The blades on a self-propelled mower work very similar to the blades in a conventional mower. The main difference is that the blades will operate at a much faster rate than that of a traditional lawn mower.
How much does it cost to maintain?
You will need a good quality mower if you want to make the most out of your self-propelled lawn mower. These mowers cost about $2,000 to $3,000 per mower. Most of them are considered semi-automatic mowers, meaning that the mower can be started and stopped with the push of a button.
Some models even have steering and braking capabilities as well. They can typically last for 6 to 12 years. Which is the best self-propelled lawn mower? The Kirby has been voted as the best self-propelled lawn mower of all time and has a great reputation in the industry. Their mowers come in several different designs and models, which makes the decision quite difficult.
Do I have to get a license to operate one on my property?
No. You don’t need a license to operate a self-propelled lawn mower. You do, however, need a permit in order to possess one. A permit can be purchased online through your local municipal offices. With this permit you can operate a self-propelled lawn mower on your own property. You must use a safety cone when mowing as a safety measure.
Can I only use it for residential purposes on my property?
Almost everything that is self-propelled can be used for commercial purposes, or to a larger extent, at home too. Can I use it in inclement weather or during storms? Yes, self-propelled lawn mowers are great for all seasons.
However, you would need to be careful of where you store it, because it will get heavy if you take too many trips in a long season.
Can I use it for other applications besides lawn mowing?
Almost anything that requires a more powerful machine than a push mower can be done with a self-propelled lawn mower. This includes: snow removal, snowblowing, spraying weed killer and fertilizer on your lawn, cleaning out gutters and taking leaves and other yard waste to your local landfill. How much can I expect to pay for a self-propelled lawn mower?
Is it necessary to wear special clothing when operating one on my property?
Some small self-propelled lawn mowers come with a weight limit, that if exceeded can cause a backlash effect and possibly hurt or even damage your lawnmower. Most self-propelled mowers can adjust their propellers to rotate faster than what is suggested on the device so that you don’t have to be wearing shorts and a tank top while mowing.
When operating a larger self-propelled lawn mower, we recommend wearing some sort of clothing that will protect the skin and/or your eyes when operating the machine. Also, for safety, you may want to wear eye protection. Are they all the same? ~~ Is a larger self-propelled lawn mower a better choice than a smaller self-propelled lawn mower? Yes, they are all similar.
Conclusion
Self-propelled lawn mowers have made our lives easier and they can be fun to use, but it’s important to do a test run to make sure you’re getting the proper running time and the quality of the mower blades. Before buying a self-propelled lawn mower, make sure to do some research on the characteristics of a self-propelled lawn mower that is best suited for your needs.
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