A self-propelled mower does the pushing for you, and on a sloped yard or a lawn over a quarter acre that makes the difference between a chore and a workout. The two decisions that matter most are power source and drive wheels. Gas models with 170cc to 201cc engines still offer unlimited runtime with a refill, while the best battery mowers now cover a half to three-quarters of an acre per charge with no pull cord, fumes or oil changes. For hills, rear-wheel drive keeps traction as weight shifts back; front-wheel drive is easier to pivot on flat lawns. Below are seven self-propelled walk-behind mowers from Amazon, four battery and three gas, compared on what each listing states about deck width, drive system, runtime, cutting heights and weight.
Part of our Lawn Care guide →
In this guide
- 1. Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled — Best Battery Overall
- 2. Greenworks 60V 25-Inch Self-Propelled — Best for Larger Lawns
- 3. SENIX 22-Inch 201cc Gas Self-Propelled — Best Gas for Hills
- 4. YARDMAX 22-Inch 201cc Select PACE CVT — Best Gas Speed Control
- 5. Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled — Best for Leaf Cleanup
- 6. Wild Badger Power 40V 21-Inch — Best Lightweight Battery
- 7. PowerSmart 21-Inch 170cc Gas Self-Propelled — Best Budget Gas
- How to Choose a Self-Propelled Mower
- Frequently Asked Questions
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
How we compared: we compared 7 current Amazon listings on what each listing states about power, drive, deck, runtime and clipping options. We did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
Key Takeaways
- Choose rear-wheel drive for slopes and bagging; it keeps traction as the bag fills and weight shifts back.
- Variable speed lets you match the mower to your walking pace, which matters on hills and around beds.
- Battery models in this list are rated for about 1/2 to 3/4 acre per charge; buy a kit with two batteries for larger lawns.
- Wider decks (22 to 25 inches) cut mowing time on open lawns but are heavier to turn.
- Gas mowers need yearly oil, plug and fuel care; battery mowers need little beyond blade sharpening.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 80V 21 in Self-Propelled | Best battery overall |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Greenworks 60V 25 in Self-Propelled | Best for larger lawns |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| SENIX 22 in 201cc Gas | Best gas for hills |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| YARDMAX 22 in 201cc CVT Gas | Best gas speed control |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Greenworks 60V 21 in Self-Propelled | Best for leaf cleanup |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Wild Badger Power 40V 21 in | Best lightweight battery |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| PowerSmart 21 in 170cc Gas | Best budget gas |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled — Best Battery Overall
80V brushless self-propelled mower with rear-wheel drive, variable speed, steel deck and up to 1/2 acre per charge.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- 80V brushless motor for thick grass
- Rear-wheel drive with variable speed
- Durable steel deck
- 4-year tool and battery warranty
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 80V battery, brushless motor |
| Deck | 21-inch steel |
| Drive | Rear-wheel, variable speed |
| Coverage | Up to 1/2 acre per charge (4.0Ah) |
| Listed weight | About 75 pounds |
| Warranty | 4-year limited per listing |
Greenworks 80V 21-inch — compressed specs
This is the best fit for a typical suburban lawn of a quarter to half acre with some slope. The 80V platform is the highest-voltage battery system in this roundup, the steel deck is sturdier than the composite decks common on lighter battery mowers, and rear-wheel drive with variable speed handles hills and full bags. The LED headlight helps for early-morning or dusk mowing.
It ships with a single 4.0Ah battery, so if your lawn is near the half-acre limit, plan on a second battery. For bigger properties, the 25-inch Greenworks below covers more ground per charge.
Pros
- Strong battery platform
- Steel deck
- Quiet, no pull start
Cons
- One battery in the box
- Heavier than most battery mowers
- Clipping modes not detailed in listing
Check Greenworks 80V 21 in Self-Propelled price on Amazon
2. Greenworks 60V 25-Inch Self-Propelled — Best for Larger Lawns
25-inch battery self-propelled mower with two 4.0Ah batteries, up to 70 minutes and 3/4 acre per charge.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Widest deck in this roundup at 25 inches
- Two batteries for up to 70 minutes
- Rear-wheel drive, 3.5 to 4.5 mph
- Dual-blade cutting system per listing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 60V battery, 2 x 4.0Ah included |
| Deck | 25 inches |
| Drive | Rear-wheel, variable 3.5 to 4.5 mph |
| Runtime | Up to 70 minutes, about 3/4 acre |
| Charger | 80-minute fast charger |
| Listed weight | About 67 pounds |
Greenworks 60V 25-inch — compressed specs
A 25-inch deck cuts roughly 20 percent more grass per pass than a 21-inch deck, which adds up on a half to three-quarter acre lawn. The two included batteries and stated three-quarter-acre range make it the strongest choice here for bigger yards that do not justify a riding mower. The listing’s top speed of 4.5 mph suits brisk walkers on open lawns.
The wider deck is less nimble around tight beds and through narrow gates, so measure before buying if your yard has a 36-inch gate.
Pros
- Fewer passes on big lawns
- Two batteries included
- Strong mulching claims
Cons
- Bulkier to turn and store
- Wide for narrow gates
- Deck material not stated in listing
Check Greenworks 60V 25 in Self-Propelled price on Amazon
3. SENIX 22-Inch 201cc Gas Self-Propelled — Best Gas for Hills
201cc gas mower with a 22-inch steel deck, variable-speed rear-wheel drive and 11-inch rear wheels.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Rear-wheel drive with large 11-inch wheels
- Variable speed for slopes
- 201cc OHV engine for thick grass
- Six heights from 1.25 to 4 inches
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 201cc 4-cycle OHV gas |
| Deck | 22-inch steel |
| Drive | Rear-wheel, variable speed |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions, 1.25 to 4 inches |
| Clipping modes | Bag, mulch, side discharge |
| Listed weight | About 79 pounds |
SENIX 22-inch 201cc — compressed specs
Hilly lawns are where rear-wheel drive and big rear wheels pay off, because traction stays on the driven wheels as you climb. The 4-inch top cutting height is useful for tall fescue and other cool-season grasses that do best mowed high in summer. Compared with the YARDMAX, it trades the 6-speed CVT for rear-wheel traction, which is the better trade on slopes.
Pros
- Good slope traction
- High maximum cut height
- Unlimited runtime with fuel
Cons
- Gas maintenance and noise
- Heavier than battery picks
- Newer listing with less history
Check SENIX 22 in 201cc Gas price on Amazon
4. YARDMAX 22-Inch 201cc Select PACE CVT — Best Gas Speed Control
201cc high-wheel gas mower with a 6-speed CVT pace lever, spiked-tread tires, auto choke and deck cleanout port.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Six-speed CVT matches your walking pace
- Auto choke, no priming
- Deck washout port for cleaning
- Aggressive spiked-tread tires
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 201cc gas |
| Deck | 22 inches |
| Drive | Front-wheel, high wheel, 6-speed CVT |
| Clipping modes | 3-in-1 |
| Listed weight | About 96 pounds |
YARDMAX 22-inch CVT — compressed specs
Most budget self-propelled mowers run at one fixed speed, which is either too fast around beds or too slow on open stretches. The YARDMAX’s 6-speed CVT lever is the most precise pace control in this roundup. Front-wheel drive makes it easy to tip the front up and pivot at the end of each row on flat lawns, though it loses some traction climbing hills with a full bag.
Pros
- Fine-grained speed control
- Easy starting
- Deck cleaning port
Cons
- Heaviest pick here
- FWD less suited to steep hills
- Cutting heights not stated in listing
Check YARDMAX 22 in 201cc CVT Gas price on Amazon
5. Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled — Best for Leaf Cleanup
60V brushless 21-inch self-propelled mower with 4-in-1 modes including turbo leaf pickup and two 4.0Ah batteries.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Turbo leaf pickup mode for fall
- Two batteries, up to 3/4 acre
- Rear-wheel drive with on-the-go speed
- LED headlights
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 60V brushless, 2 x 4.0Ah included |
| Deck | 21 inches |
| Drive | Rear-wheel, adjustable pace |
| Modes | Mulch, bag, side discharge, leaf pickup |
| Coverage | Up to 3/4 acre per charge per listing |
| Listed weight | About 65 pounds |
Greenworks 60V 21-inch — compressed specs
If your yard is full of oaks and maples, a mower that vacuums leaves into the bag saves hours of raking each fall. This is the only pick whose listing calls out a dedicated leaf pickup mode. It shares the 60V battery platform with the 25-inch model above, so batteries swap between them and the brand’s other 60V tools.
Pros
- Four clipping modes
- Two batteries in the kit
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Narrower than the 25-inch model
- Range varies with terrain
- Deck material not stated in listing
Check Greenworks 60V 21 in Self-Propelled price on Amazon
6. Wild Badger Power 40V 21-Inch — Best Lightweight Battery
40V brushless 21-inch self-propelled mower with two 4.0Ah batteries, up to 88 minutes total and 4 clipping modes.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Lightest self-propelled pick at about 53 pounds
- Two batteries, up to 88 minutes total
- Seven heights from 1.18 to 3.55 inches
- Four clipping modes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 40V brushless, 2 x 4.0Ah included |
| Deck | 21 inches |
| Drive | Variable speed self-propelled |
| Runtime | Up to 88 minutes total per listing |
| Cutting heights | 7 positions, 1.18 to 3.55 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Wild Badger Power 40V 21-inch — compressed specs
Lower weight makes a self-propelled mower easier to turn, lift over a curb and store. The listing targets medium-to-large lawns with gentle slopes, and the long combined runtime suits lawns that would drain a single battery. The lower top cutting height of 3.55 inches is fine for most grasses but a bit short for tall fescue in midsummer.
Pros
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Long combined runtime
- Flexible clipping options
Cons
- Lesser-known brand
- Drive wheels not stated in listing
- Lower max cutting height
Check Wild Badger Power 40V 21 in price on Amazon
7. PowerSmart 21-Inch 170cc Gas Self-Propelled — Best Budget Gas
170cc OHV gas mower with rear-wheel drive, steel deck, 3-in-1 clipping modes and a fold-down handle.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Lightest gas pick at about 59 pounds
- Rear-wheel drive for slopes
- Auto choke with recoil start
- Handle folds for storage
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 170cc 4-stroke OHV |
| Deck | 21-inch steel |
| Drive | Rear-wheel |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Clipping modes | Mulch, side discharge, bag |
PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc — compressed specs
For a quarter-acre lawn with a bit of slope where you want gas simplicity, this covers the essentials: rear-wheel drive, a steel deck and three clipping modes. The 170cc engine is smaller than the 201cc engines on the SENIX and YARDMAX, so it is better suited to regularly mowed lawns than to tall, wet overgrowth. Speed control is not described as variable in the listing.
Pros
- Light for a gas mower
- RWD traction
- Compact folding storage
Cons
- Smaller engine
- No stated variable speed
- Recoil start only
Check PowerSmart 21 in 170cc Gas price on Amazon
How to Choose a Self-Propelled Mower
Drive type
Rear-wheel drive is the best all-round choice and the right one for hills and bagging. Front-wheel drive is easier to steer on flat lawns with lots of turns. All-wheel drive offers the most traction on steep or uneven ground. Variable speed, whether by lever, CVT or a pressure-sensitive bar, is worth having on any lawn with slopes or obstacles.
Gas or battery
Battery mowers are quiet, start instantly and need little maintenance; they suit lawns up to about half an acre per battery, more with two. Gas mowers run as long as you have fuel and handle tall, wet grass and heavy bagging with fewer limits, but need oil changes, spark plugs, air filters and fuel stabilizer. Our electric vs gas lawn mower comparison goes deeper.
Deck width and lawn size
A 21- or 22-inch deck suits lawns up to about half an acre. A 25-inch or wider deck reduces passes on larger, open lawns but is heavier to maneuver. Beyond about three-quarters of an acre, consider a rider. For more walk-behind options including push models, see our list of the best walk-behind mowers.
Cutting height and clipping options
Cool-season lawns of fescue and bluegrass like a high cut, 3 to 4 inches in summer, so look for a top height of at least 3.5 to 4 inches. Mulching returns nutrients to the lawn; bagging is best for leaf season and for a tidy finish. Side discharge helps in tall grass.
Maintenance
Whatever you buy, keep the blade sharp, ideally sharpening it once or twice a season; see how to sharpen a lawn mower blade. Clean the deck after mowing wet grass. For gas mowers, use fresh fuel with stabilizer and follow a winterizing routine at season’s end. More mowing and lawn tips live in our lawn care guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive better for a self-propelled mower?
Rear-wheel drive is better for hills and bagging because traction stays on the driven wheels. Front-wheel drive is easier to turn on flat lawns.
Are battery self-propelled mowers powerful enough?
Modern 40V to 80V brushless mowers handle most residential lawns well. For very large lawns, tall overgrowth or heavy wet grass, gas still has an edge in runtime.
What size lawn needs a self-propelled mower?
Anything over about a quarter acre, or any lawn with noticeable slopes, benefits from self-propulsion. It also helps anyone who finds pushing a 60- to 90-pound mower tiring.
How long do self-propelled mowers last?
With routine maintenance, a quality walk-behind can last many seasons. Drive belts, cables and batteries are the parts most likely to need replacing over time.
Can I use a self-propelled mower as a push mower?
Yes. Release the drive control and push it like a standard mower. It will feel heavier than a dedicated push model because of the drive components.