If you want power, a gas lawn mower will give you what you need. Here's a collection of eight top models to choose from.
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Buying a Gas Lawn Mower
For all the advancements with electric mowers in recent years, there’s still nothing quite like the power and range of a gas-powered lawn mower.
A typical gas mower provides as much power as high-end electric mowers, without being tethered to a power cord or needing a recharge halfway through the job.Gas mowers also last a long time. With proper maintenance, many gas-powered mowers can see 10 to 20 years of service.
Like all technologies, they do have downsides — primarily noise, maintenance and fuel storage. But their power range and durability allows gas mowers to remain perennial bestsellers.
If you’ve weighed the differences between electric vs. gas lawn mowers and decided on a gas-powered mower, here are some features to consider:
- Style: Gas lawn mowers come in push and riding models. Push models are best for yards about one-third to one-half of an acre. Blades can be rotary or reel. Rotary mowers spin flat blades horizontally, cutting the grass like a machete, while cylindrical reel mowers snip it like a scissors. Rotary mowers are better for tall grass and debris like sticks, while reel blades are the choice for short, clean, highly-maintained lawns.
- Engine: All new mowers sold in the U.S. are four-stroke engines, meaning the gas isn’t mixed with oil. (California recently passed a law phasing out the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment.)
- Deck width: The cutting deck holds the mower blades. A wider deck means fewer passes around the yard and less mowing time. But a deck that’s too wide can be problematic for smaller yards, or those with trees, bushes and other obstacles to navigate. Mowers with larger decks also need a bigger engine.
- Maintenance: There’s no way around this. Besides mower blade sharpening and cleaning out grass clippings, you’ll also have to deal with fuel, oil filters and annual tuneups. Luckily, most mowers are relatively DIY friendly, so if you’re comfortable working with small engines you can do most of the work yourself. If not, plenty of small-engine shops offer service.
- Features: Look for things like self-propelled drive on push mowers and vibration reduction on both styles. Self-propelled mowers can also be front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Other features such as phone clips, cup holders, or easy-start options are nice to have. Whether they’re worth the additional price is up to you.
- Accessories: Most mowers, but not all, come with a bagging system. Many have other options as well. Riding mowers offer a range of accessories. If there’s a must-have for you, be sure that option is available for the mower you intend to buy.
- Price: Push mowers targeted at homeowners run from $200 to $800. Riding mowers range from $1,300 to $6,000. But there are plenty of models that fall outside even those broad ranges. No matter the size of your budget or your yard, there’s a mower out there that’s right for you.
Best Budget Gas-Powered Push Lawn Mower
If you want a no-frills, affordable mower, consider the PowerSmart DB8621C Gas Lawn Mower. Its 21-in. cutting deck is suitable for small to mid-size yards, and its price suitable for just about any budget.
It does run heavy at 54 pounds and the rear wheels aren’t oversized, making turns and uneven terrain tougher to navigate. It can mulch or use a side discharge, although there’s no bagging option. It comes with a three-year warranty, especially nice on a budget mower.
Best Gas-Powered Push Lawn Mower for Small Yards
A narrow cutting deck best for small yards that require navigating tight turns and obstructions. The Murray MNA152506 Gas Lawn Mowerhas a 20-inch deck, about as narrow as a gas-powered push mower gets. It has a Briggs and Stratton engine and proprietary “Prime ‘N Pull” easy start system.
It isn’t self-propelled, but that’s fine for a small yard. It also lacks a bagger, which may be an issue for some homeowners. But if you mow frequently or like to mulch your clippings, this is a great option.
Best Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower for Small Yards
If your yard is big enough to justify a riding mower, take a look at the Snapper RE110 Gas Lawn Mower. Its 28-in. cutting deck, is barely wider than some large push mowers. Combine that with a tight 20-in. turn radius and you’ll be able to weave around obstacles in even the smallest of yards.
It comes with an 11.5-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine and a mulching option. A bagging system is sold separately. The Snapper RE 110 is covered by a three-year warranty.
Best Gas-Powered Multi-Function Riding Lawn Mower
When you need serious power for a big yard, look to a garden tractor like the Husqvarna TS 248XD Garden Tractor ($3,600).
This gas-powered workhorse has a 23-hp Kawasaki V-Twin engine and a 48-in. cutting deck with a hose port clean-out for grass clippings. It also features a 15-in. seat back, anti-vibration system and cruise control to reduce fatigue.
Optional accessories include a triple-bagger, mulcher and front scoop for moving anything, from snow and loose soil to debris and bags of mulch.
Best Gas-Powered Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 Gas Lawn Moweris a perfect example of a zero-turn mower geared toward a homeowner. It cuts large yards quickly and nimbly but lacks the features that make pro-level mowers so expensive.
The 50-in. cutting deck and 23-hp V-Twin Kawasaki engine work best for lawns one acre or more. The extra-high 18-in. seat back provides more support, making your mowing time more comfortable. Cub Cadet offers a collection of baggers and mulchers compatible with the Ultima ZT1.
Best Budget Gas-Powered Riding Lawn Mower
Want to get on a riding mower with as little up-front cash as possible? Consider the Husqvarna LTH1738 Lawn Tractor. It’s about the same price as the Snapper RE110 listed earlier, but better suited to a larger yard (one to three acres).
The LTH1738 has a 17-hp Loncin engine and a 38-in. cutting deck that’s reinforced with heavy steel for added durability. It comes with a 13-in. seat back, a hose washout port on the cutting deck and LED headlights so you won’t have to stop mowing at dusk.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
