Should I get self-propelled or push lawn mower?

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your lawn mower ready for the season. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to get a self-propelled mower or a traditional push mower. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at the key factors you’ll want to consider when making this choice.

Cutting Width

One of the first things to think about is the cutting width you need. Self-propelled mowers tend to have wider cutting decks, often 20-22 inches or more. This allows them to mow more grass in fewer passes, saving you time and effort. Push mowers generally have smaller 16-18 inch decks, which mean you’ll have to make more passes to cover the same amount of lawn. If you have a larger yard, the extra width of a self-propelled mower can make a big difference in how long mowing takes.

Yard Size

That brings us to the next point – yard size. Self-propelled mowers are ideal for medium to large yards, roughly half an acre or more. Their wider cutting width and power-assisted wheels mean you can zip through big stretches of grass efficiently. For tiny city lots or very small suburban yards, a push mower is probably sufficient since you won’t be mowing for long periods.

Power Source

The power source – gas vs. electric – is another factor to weigh. Gas-powered self-propelled mowers have long been the standard, with the advantage of no cord and typically more power. But electric self-propelled models are improving and can be much easier to start and maintain. There are even battery-powered options now that provide freedom of movement without dealing with gas. Push mowers also come in both gas and electric versions, with the electric models substantially lighter in weight.

Terrain

Look at the terrain you need to mow. Self-propelled mowers excel on flat, open yards without a lot of obstacles. Their wheels and extra power help them glide easily over smooth terrain. On the other hand, a compact push mower may be a better fit for a yard with steep hills, tight spaces, or lots of landscaping features to mow around. The lighter weight and increased maneuverability of push mowers make them ideal for tougher mowing environments.

User Physical Ability

Your own physical condition and abilities should factor into your decision. Self-propelled mowers require less exertion to operate thanks to their powered wheels. This makes them a good choice for anyone who struggles to push a mower for long periods. People with back problems, injuries, or simply less strength and stamina will benefit from self-propelled models. But if you’re young and physically fit, you’ll have an easier time managing a manual push mower.

Noise Levels

Another element is the noise level. Gas mowers – both self-propelled and push – generate significant noise from their motors. Electric mowers are much quieter, so if you have close neighbors or want to listen to music while you mow, electric self-propelled or push models are preferable. Some electric mowers produce as little as 60-70 decibels of sound compared to 95+ decibels for gas mowers.

Maintenance Needs

Maintenance requirements vary between self-propelled and push mowers as well. Self-propelled models need more maintenance like oil changes, air filter replacement, blade sharpening, and other standard engine care. And due to their complex design, they’re usually more expensive to service and repair if something breaks. Push mowers have fewer parts and simpler construction, making them easier and cheaper to maintain over time.

Budget

Affordability is always a consideration when making any major purchase. Self-propelled mowers carry a higher upfront cost, typically ranging from $300 on the low end to over $1,000 for high-end models. Manual push mowers can be found for well under $200 in most cases. So if you’re on a tight budget, a standard push mower may be your best – or only – option.

Environmental Impact

If you’re ecologically-minded, the environmental impact may guide your choice. Gas mowers generate emissions that pollute the air and require fuel that depletes non-renewable resources. Electric mowers have zero emissions and run on electricity from renewable sources. Push reel mowers are human-powered so they have almost zero environmental footprint. Self-propelled mowers do use more energy overall than push models as well.

Safety

Safety issues also differ between the two mower types. Self-propelled models eliminates much of the physical strain of mowing, reducing injury risks from pushing a heavy machine. But their faster operation also increases the potential for accidents if you lose control or aren’t cautious. Push mowers respond slower and provide more time to correct mistakes. For parents with kids using the mower, push models may give more peace of mind.

Ease of Use

Convenience and ease of use is a final consideration. Self-propelled mowers require little effort to operate thanks to their powered wheels. Once you set the speed, you just walk behind as they motor along. Push mowers obviously demand more human power to operate. But modern push mowers have ergonomic handles, lightweight bodies, and smooth-rolling wheels to make mowing less of a chore compared to the old days. It really comes down to whether you want to walk behind your mower or have your mower pull you along.

Key Factors

To sum it up, here are the key factors to weigh when deciding between self-propelled and push lawn mowers:

• Cutting width needs
• Yard size
• Gas vs electric power
• Terrain type
• User physical ability
• Noise levels
• Maintenance requirements
• Budget and pricing
• Environmental impact
• Safety issues
• Ease of use

Self-Propelled Pros and Cons

Let’s break things down further by looking at the specific pros and cons of self-propelled mowers:

Pros

• Wider cutting width mows faster
• Powered wheels reduce exertion
• Good for large, flat yards
• Ideal if physical ability is limited
• Very easy to operate

Cons

• More expensive upfront cost
• Require fuel or electricity to run
• Not as maneuverable in tight spaces
• More difficult maintenance and repairs
• Gas models are noisy and polluting

Push Mower Pros and Cons

For standard push mowers, the main advantages and disadvantages are:

Pros

• Very affordable pricing
• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy to maneuver and store
• Low maintenance needs
• Good for small yards or tough terrain
• Quieter and cleaner electric models available

Cons

• Requires more human power to operate
• Smaller cutting width takes more passes
• Not ideal for large yards
• Can be difficult for those with physical limitations
• Gas models require fuel and regular engine maintenance

Weight and Dimensions Comparison

To get a better idea of the size difference, here’s a comparison of average weight and dimensions for self-propelled vs push mowers:

Mower Type	Weight	Width	Length
Self-propelled	70-100 lbs	20-24 inches	50-60 inches
Push mower	25-40 lbs	16-18 inches	30-36 inches

As you can see, self-propelled models are significantly heavier and larger due to their motorized wheels and wider cutting deck. Push mowers are much more compact and portable.

Speed Comparison

Another major difference is speed. Here’s how fast self-propelled and push mowers typically operate:

Mower Type	Average Speed
Self-propelled	3-4 mph
Push mower	2-3 mph

The motorized wheels of self-propelled models allow them to cruise along faster with less effort. Manual push mowers require human power alone, so they move at a slower walking pace.

Cutting Width Comparison

Cutting width is another key differentiator. Here’s how the cutting widths stack up:

Mower Type	Cutting Width Range
Self-propelled	20-24 inches
Push mower	16-18 inches

With their wider decks, self-propelled mowers can cut a path from 20 to 24 inches or more in a single pass. Push mowers have smaller 16 to 18 inch cutting swaths.

Cost Comparison

One final comparison to make is cost. Here are typical price ranges for both mower types:

Mower Type	Price Range
Self-propelled	$300 – $1200+
Push mower	$100 – $300

As you can see, self-propelled mowers carry a significantly higher price tag, especially for premium models. Manual push mowers are very affordable in comparison.

Conclusion

When deciding between self-propelled and push lawn mowers, there are a number of factors to weigh like yard size, terrain, power source, physical ability, noise, maintenance, and of course – budget. Self-propelled models provide assisted power that makes mowing large yards fast and easy. But they come at a higher cost and require more maintenance. For smaller yards or tight budgets, a compact and nimble push mower can get the job done affordably with zero emissions. Think about your specific needs and conditions to choose the mower type that’s right for your yard and lifestyle.