The 5 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Less Than $300
Everyone wants a beautiful, well-kept lawn at their house. However, if your yard is particularly large, mowing it with a standard lawn mower can be a tedious and exhausting chore.
Fortunately, self-propelled lawn mowers are available for less than $300. Read on for a summary of our top five recommendations! First, let’s talk about what you should look for in a low-priced self-propelled lawn mower.
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How to Choose the Right Self-propelled Mower for Your Lawn: The Complete Guide
The price tag on a self-propelled lawn mower is hefty. If you want the best results for your lawn, you need the best products. Further, to get the most out of your mower, be sure to perform all of the recommended maintenance procedures as directed.
Buying a low-cost rear- or front-wheeled lawn mower can be a daunting task, so I’ve compiled all the information you need to make an informed decision below.
Rear vs. Front-wheel drive Autonomous lawn Mowers
Drive wheels are located in the front of a front-propelled mower. Flat terrain is where they truly shine, making them the most user-friendly.
For its part, a rear-wheel-drive layout places the engine and transmission behind the passenger compartment. These mowers are more stable and have better traction, making them ideal for mowing on wet grass.
Self-propelled Lawn Mowers: New vs. Used
Buying a used mower may have crossed your mind more than once if you’re trying to make ends meet on a shoestring budget.
Getting a stronger machine for less money is the primary benefit of purchasing a used lawnmower. There are more drawbacks than advantages.
You run the risk of purchasing a broken machine and losing access to any guarantees or warranties that typically accompany the purchase of a brand new mower. In addition, while the outlay for a used alternative may be less than that of a brand-new machine, the expense of upkeep could quickly become prohibitive.
A self-propelled lawn mower, like any other machine, will eventually break down and lose value. As time goes on, more upkeep and possible replacement of parts will be necessary. The accumulated expenses could rise to a point where a new mower would be cheaper.
So, before you buy a used self-propelled mower, do your research. Find out what other customers have to say about the product by doing some research. Verify the machine is functioning properly by inspecting each and every part. In addition, you should test it to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Finally, have an expert there to help you test it out if you can. The condition of the mower will be double-checked with their assistance.
When Should You Replace Your Self-Propelled Mower?
The majority of lawn mower breakdowns, like frayed belts, frayed cables, frayed cords, and clogged carburetors, are relatively simple and cheap to fix. There are, however, a few problems that can arise with lawn mowers where the cost of repair is so high that buying a new one might be more cost-effective.
For instance, if your mower’s engine is broken, you should probably get a new one. The price of a new mower is comparable to the cost of repairing damaged pistons or rods.
There is also a high cost associated with fixing the transmission. As a result, if your mower is getting up there in age, you may want to consider replacing it.
If you want to get the most use out of your mower before it needs replacing, though, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Self-propelled lawnmowers: Are They Worth It?
Self-propelled lawnmowers are well worth the investment. The machine’s self-drive mechanism does the laborious work for you. You are only responsible for guiding the mower in the desired direction.
In addition to being faster, these are ideal for mowing medium to large lawns. In addition, they perform extraordinarily well on slopes. Note, however, that self-propelled mowers are more expensive than conventional push mowers.
More about: Self-propelled lawnmowers
How Much Should I Pay for a Self-propelled Lawn Mower?
The average price of a self-propelled lawn mower is between $250 and $4,000. The higher-end options typically have more power and are designed for business settings.
You can get a powerful and efficient mower for home use that won’t break the bank for less than $300.
A Self-propelled Lawn Mower’s Average Lifespan
A self-propelled lawn mower can last for up to ten years with regular servicing and care. A machine with regular maintenance may last twice as long as one without it.
Misusing and abusing a self-propelled mower can reduce its lifespan to as little as two years.
Tips for Keeping Your Self-Propelled Mower in Top Condition
The most important thing you can do to keep your mower running smoothly is to carefully read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sure, every maker cares about their customers. Since pleased customers are more likely to recommend your business to others and to make repeat purchases, this is an important factor.
If you want your lawn mower to last as long as possible in peak condition, follow these eight guidelines.
Before beginning any maintenance procedure,
Check that the cutting blades and any other moving parts have stopped before proceeding. Next, pull the spark plug out of the mower so it can’t be accidentally started.
Clean the mower often
Regular maintenance can prevent and even repair many issues that arise with self-propelled lawn mowers. As it collects dust, grass clippings, and other debris with each use, the mower’s efficiency may decrease over time.
The grass and debris on the mower deck can be easily washed away. If there’s grass stuck in between the blades, you can pry it out with a long stick.
Every season, replace the spark plugs in the mower.
If the mower’s spark plugs are worn, it will take longer for the engine to fire, which could result in wasted fuel. As a result, once a season, you should replace them.
Change the air filter.
To find out how often you should replace the air filter, look in the manual. It stands to reason that the mower will function more efficiently in a more pristine environment.
Routinely change the mower’s oil.
A self-propelled mower, like any machine, relies heavily on its engine. Accordingly, you should keep it in top shape at all times. One surefire way to accomplish this is to maintain a regular schedule of lawn mower oil changes.
It is recommended that the oil be changed while the engine is still warm. It improves drainage and acts as a filter for contaminants.
Sharpen the blades twice a season.
Using blades that are too dull is never a good idea. These will tear the grass instead of cutting it, making the recovery time from a trim longer than usual. Also, if your self-propelled mower’s blades are dull, it may not cut uniformly. The lawns will also be more vulnerable to pests and illnesses.
Check the blades periodically
Keep a close eye on the blades even after you’ve sharpened them. If the blades get damaged or bent, you should replace them with the one specified in the manual.
Check screws, bolts, and nuts on a regular basis.
Check that all screws, nuts, and bolts are tight and that no loose parts remain.
5 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Less Than $300
Here is a detailed list of the top 5 self-propelled lawn mowers under $300.
1. Greenworks MO40L02: is the best budget self-propelled mower.
There is a wide variety of Greenworks mowers, and they continue to be a go-to for many gardeners. It offers both low-priced and high-end packages. Nevertheless, their products are of high quality and will last for years to come.
Design
If you’re looking for a high-quality mower at a reasonable price, look no further than the Greenworks Self-propelled model.
It can be adjusted to a cutting height of 1 3/8 inches, 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches, 3 inches, 3 3/4 inches, or any combination of these. The cutting deck on this mower is 21 inches in diameter, so it can take care of lawns that are medium to large in size.
Performance
This mower has a drive system that uses the rear wheels. As a result, the machine is suitable for use on any surface, as the wheels are stable and have great traction. The brushless motor makes this mower not only quieter than others but also more durable.
It has a three-in-one cutting system, which is another selling point for this mower. To dispose of grass cuttings, you can either mulch them, side discharge them, or bag them.
Power
It is possible to use either a 5Ah or 6Ah battery with this self-propelled lawn mower. In addition, its dual-battery design lets you keep a spare on hand for mowing without interruption. The batteries, however, are not included and must be purchased separately.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relative low noise during operation | Battery life could have been better |
| Easy to use | |
| It comes with a bagger and has a built-in mulcher for added versatility | |
| Has variable speed making it ideal for use by older adults | |
| Easy-to-start electric button |
2. POWERWORKS MO60L02PW: Strongest and Longest-Lasting Self-Propelled Mower
Just behind it comes another great self-propelled mower at a reasonable price. It has everything you need to keep your yard looking good without breaking a sweat.
Performance
This mower’s cutting deck measures 21 inches, making short work of even the largest lawns. It has a three-in-one design that lets you either side-discharge, bag, or mulch your grass clippings.
Because of its brushless design, the motor runs smoothly and quietly and lasts much longer than conventional alternatives. It’s also very simple to turn on. You can turn it on and off with the push of a button, without having to fumble with any cords.
Easy to store
This mower is 35.11 pounds and has dimensions of 59 by 22.05 by 39.37 inches. The machine has foldable handles despite being on the heavier side. Because of its vertical storage capabilities, it can be stowed away even in a garage with limited horizontal space.
It has a single lever that allows you to adjust the height to any of seven settings, so you can mow your lawn to exactly the height you want it.
Power
Mowing even the tallest grass is no problem for the POWERWORKS mower, as its name implies. 45 minutes of use time can be extracted from the 60V 5Ah lithium-ion battery that powers it.
An extended four-year warranty covers the machine itself, while the battery is covered for two.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Foldable handles to allow vertical storage | Its operation is louder than most other electric mowers |
| Decent 60V 5Ah battery with a runtime of up to 45 minutes | |
| Three-in-one design bags, side-discharges, or mulches grass clippings. | |
| Quieter brushless motor extends mower life. | |
| Easy-to-start electric button |
3. PowerSmart DB2194SR: Best Gas Self-propelled Mower.
Do you want a self-propelled gas lawn mower but don’t want to spend a fortune on it? It’s hard to find a better option than this PowerSmart Mower.
Performance
The 1700cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine gives it the muscle to tackle steep inclines and mow down tall grass.
The steel cutting deck is 21 inches in diameter. As a result, it can quickly mow even expansive lawns with a single pass. You can adjust the cutting height from 1.2 inches to 21 inches across five settings to find the perfect height for your lawn.
Versatile
The fact that you can choose between mulching, side-discharging, and bagging with this mower is also noteworthy. As a mower with rear-wheel drive, your machine benefits from the traction of its large, 8-inch rear wheels, which are ideal for use on inclines.
To help you save space, this mower has a folding handle so you can collapse it. More importantly, it can hold up to 16.9 fl oz of oil in its tank, which is a respectable amount considering its 0.4-gallon full tank capacity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 level cutting heights allowing you to mow even overgrown lawns | Not ideal for large lawns |
| Wide 21-inch cutting deck for quicker performance | |
| Generous grass catcher with a capacity of up to 18 gallons | |
| The back wheels are 8 inches wide so that they can grip better on hills. | |
| Easy to move around |
4. Lawn-Boy 17732: Best Versatile Self-propelled Mower.
The Lawn-Boy Self-Propelled Mower from Toro Company is an affordable, high-quality rear-drive machine. It performs admirably in both level and sloping yards.
Easy to use
This mower has all the bells and whistles you could want to make mowing a breeze. In just one or two pulls of the convenient pull cord, your machine will begin operating. The cutting height of the mowing deck can be altered between two preset positions, allowing for easy and precise adjustments.
The steel deck is 21 inches wide and is both strong and light, making it easy to maneuver. Your lawn will look neat and tidy after each mowing.
Systems that allow for three different types of cutting in one convenient package
The Lawn-Boy is a multifunctional mower with three different blade options. Grass clippings can be disposed of in a few different ways, including mulching, side discharging, or bagging. You can attach and remove the included large bagger with ease.
It also features a three-year Tru-start guarantee and a two-year warranty. After two attempts, the company will fix the mower at no cost to you if it does not start.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable 21-inch all-steel cutting deck that gives a smooth and clean cut | Assembly instructions could have been more detailed |
| It has a two-point cutting for easier use on a wide variety of lawns | |
| Back-wheel drive that works well on hills | |
| Easy-to-use pull cord |
5.Greenworks PRO MO80L00: Best Overall Self-Propelled Mower.
Finally, for smaller to medium-sized lawns, I recommend the Greenworks PRO MO80L00, which operates on batteries.
Power
This high-powered 80V battery-operated mower provides the same cutting performance as a gas-powered model, minus the noise and pollution.
It uses 4Ah batteries, which provide plenty of juice on both level and hilly ground. Depending on how well-maintained your lawns are, the battery life could be as long as 45 minutes. However, the package does not come with batteries or a charging cable. Because of this, you’ll have to acquire each item individually.
Performance
The mower’s handle folds down for compact storage. Like most other Greenworks mowers, this one has a push button that makes it incredibly simple to get going.
In addition, a simple lever allows you to choose from one of seven different heights. The length that can be altered is between 1 1/4 and 3 5/8 inches. In addition, it has three distinct cutting systems in one: mulching, bagging, and a side-discharge.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Foldable handle for easy storage | The battery life could have been longer |
| Quick charging batteries that attain a full charge in 45 minutes | |
| Seven cutting height adjustment levels | |
| Easy to assemble, thanks to the included straightforward instructions | |
| Power enough to mow long, tough and thick lawns |
The Final Decision
The Greenworks 40V is the best self-propelled mower I’ve found for under $300. This mower is effective, robust, and trustworthy.
The POWERWORKS Self-propelled Mower, which can cut any kind of lawn on any surface, comes in a close second. It can be folded up for compact storage.
But in all honesty, the choices I’ve discussed above are all excellent choices. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Maybe there’ll be something you can throw in your shopping cart.
