There is a bewildering array of lawn equipment options out there on the market for the home buyer! You can choose from traditional gas-powered lawn mowers, push mowers, string trimmers, power edgers, push-type sprayers, rakes, leaf blowers, sprayers, lawn aerators, and weed removal tools.
Lawn mowing equipment is the first thing most think of when it comes to maintaining a healthy, lush lawn that gives your landscaping such a beautiful and attractive appearance. How often should you cut the grass?
Experts in the home and garden industry recommend mowing about once a week. That ensures you don’t cut the grass too short, which is just as detrimental as growing it out too long.
A healthy lawn has a plush, ‘baseball park outfield’ look, best achieved by choosing the right mower and allowing enough time between cuttings.
Types of Lawn Mowers
There are two types of lawn mowers: rotary and reel type.
Rotary Lawn Mowers
These are the lawn mowers you probably grew up with, producing that familiar gasoline smell and emitting large freshly chopped chunks of cut grass in rows.
They work by using horizontally spinning blades that act like a razor to shear off just the tops of grass blades.
Rotary mowers should be sharpened to keep those blades in top condition. They have a bagging system to collect grass clippings. These rotary mowers can be the common push type, self-propelled or walk-behind mowers, or larger ride-on mowers.
Reel Mowers
If you’re tired of the gasoline smell and are looking for lawn maintenance care that’s more eco-friendly, then try the reel mower.
This is a push-style mower with cylindrical rotating blades. They also shear the tops of grasses and produce cut clippings, but they don’t usually have a bagging system.
Push reel mowers are growing in popularity since they have several advantages over rotary mowers. These include running quietly, zero emissions produced, and are very well suited to smaller lawns.
However, they are powered exclusively by you, so aren’t best for homeowners who need a strong motor for lawn maintenance assistance.
After Mowing
After you’ve finished cutting the grass, is it healthier to leave the clippings on the lawn or to rake them up, thus encouraging new lawn growth? It depends. Under the right conditions, those mulched clippings provide healthy nutrients and are just fine to leave them there.
However, if it’s been wet or the grass was especially high, then it’s recommended you rake the clippings. An ideal way to reuse those clippings is to turn them into compost which can feed your lawn and plants nutrients.
Too much dead grass can create a thick “thatch” that will block the flow of healthy air to your lawn.
Edging Around
After your regular mowing maintenance, it’s time to take care of the grass edging around house foundations, garages, porches, and other outdoor obstacles.
Grasses are related to those found in the wild around the world and can grow very tall, so you’ll want to keep them clipped. For that, you’ll need a string trimmer.
String Trimmer
Fondly nicknamed the ‘weed whacker,’ a string trimmer is a simple tool that can be either electric, gas, or battery operated. It uses high-speed revolutions of plastic twine to clip off grass edgings.
Trimmers are best for smaller jobs, like trimming the edges of walkways, garden borders, fences, and flower beds. They are small enough to maneuver into areas standard mowers can’t reach.
Edgers
Edgers are much more powerful than simple string trimmers, and they usually feature real double-edged blades for large lawn trimming jobs. If you have thick undergrowth and heavy plant material to cut through, an edger is the heavy-duty choice.
Some models can even create trenches. They create a professional clean cut look along a sidewalk, flower bed, or garden.
Rake it Up
One of the simplest, but most necessary lawn maintenance tools is the rake. Whether you purchase the plastic fan-style or a more rigid metal one, you’ll find it invaluable for gathering up leaves, lawn clippings, twigs, and other debris.
Raking also acts as an aerator, stimulating the top layer of soil under the tines, and bringing more air (complete with its carbon dioxide molecules) down into the grass. Your lawn will look and be much healthier with a regular raking routine.
With the warmer weather, plenty of sunshine, and spring rains, it’s time to get your hedges, shrubs, bushes, and brambles back into shape after winter. To give your landscaping a haircut, you’ll need one of the gardener’s most useful tools: a hedge trimmer. These handy cutters shear leaves and slice branches, making your hedges into prettier shapes.
But, there are a lot of hedge trimmers on the market. Which ones are the best for 2021? We’ve done a full comparison for you, so read on to see which one trims the verge for the most bang for your buck and makes our pick of the best hedge trimmer for homeowners.
Top 5 Hedge Trimmers Comparison Chart
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Our Top Hedge Trimmer Reviews
#1. Greenworks 22” Corded Hedge Trimmer
This model is our pick for the best homeowner hedge trimmer. You can’t go wrong with choosing the Greenworks 22″ to clean up your shrubs and bushes around the yard.
Fast, light, and easy to use, this Greenworks corded hedge trimmer will trim up your hedges, shrubs, and other plant materials in no time.
It’s reasonably inexpensive but offers a larger motor than others of its price range. You get a nice long blade, too, as well as a great warranty.
Review:
The body of this Greenworks 22 inch Corded Hedge Trimmer is painted an attractive green with a large black curved handle for stability. The body design also includes a hooking cord lock to keep your extension cord from accidentally unplugging.
In front of the body is a tall thick plastic hand guard. The long 22” blade is dual action and dual edged to trim either in a downward or upward motion. It has a red stripe down the middle to see it better.
The blades are made of steel and can cut material up to 5/8” thick. It’s powered by an impressive 4 amp motor, which not only means more power, but it helps reduce vibration. It’ll cut through hedges, shrubs, brambles, and thorny plants like roses.
Despite the big motor, this hedge trimmer is not as noisy as other models. It’s light in weight, weighing only 5.72 lbs. There’s a button tilt to change the angle. The warranty is for four years, better than the industry standard.
While this is one of the better hedge trimmers, it has drawbacks. It’s corded, so you will need to purchase the round female outlet extension cord(s) you need. It will cut a cord easily, so you need to watch out for that. It’s also too heavy to use one-handed, so you have to use two hands at all time. There is no lock for the trigger to stay in the “on” position and needs to be pressed at all times.
The motor size makes it heavier than a 3.5 amp motor hedge trimmer would be. But if you don’t mind an extra half a pound, you can trim larger material.
This fun little orange hedge trimmer is the least expensive of the five listed here, so it’s perfect for gardeners and landscapers on a budget. Black+Decker is one of the most well-known brands for household tools, so despite the low price, this Black and Decker BEHT100 Hedge Trimmer has quite a few features you’ll enjoy.
Review:
If you’ve been struggling with heavier trimmers and have a lot of plant growth to get through, then this Black+Decker BEHT100 Hedge Trimmer is ideal. It’s the lightest of these hedge trimmers, weighing only 4.63 lbs. You’ll appreciate this for longer jobs that take more than a few hours.
This is a corded trimmer, so you’ll need to purchase separate extension cords and configure your electrical set up. It does have a cord retention feature that keeps the extension cord in place to prevent accidental unplugging.
The 3 amp motor is surprisingly powerful and can cut brush and branches up to 5/8” in diameter. You’ll use two hands to operate this hedge trimmer, with one hand on the handle in the back and the other on the T-handle up front. This is also safe enough to use one-handed, unlike some other trimmers. There’s a guard in front to protect your hands.
It does have a couple of negatives. One is that the blade is the shortest of all the hedge trimmers, at only 16” long. It’s not best for jobs that need a long reach. For the price and the weight, the motor is a good size but could be more powerful, too. The more amps in the motor, the thicker plant material you can cut.
Some users have commented this doesn’t seem to be as durable as Black+Decker products from the past. This is best for smaller jobs like thick ornamental grasses and for those concerned with a heavy weight.
Pros:
Only weighs 4.63 lbs.
Cord retention
T-handle for control
Cons:
Doesn’t come with extension cord
Motor is only 3 amps
Blade only 16” long
#3. Snow Joe 22″ Electric Hedge Trimmer
Accomplish your gardening chores easier by choosing this Sun Joe 22 inch Electric Hedge Trimmer. It’s an inexpensive, but essential tool for quickly trimming plant material like hedges, shrubs, flowering plants, ornamental grasses, and brambles. At only 5 lbs., it’s also ideal for those who need a lightweight machine.
Review:
The Sun Joe 22″ Electric Hedge Trimmer is so easy to operate, you’ll have it plugged in within minutes of receiving it and be able to start trimming. This brand is known for its models that are well designed and fun to use. The blade is 22″ long and made from pre-hardened, rust-resistant stainless steel. The body of the machine is lime green, and the blade is bright yellow for visibility amongst green plants.
There’s a large rear handle for one hand, and a thick wrap-around curved handle for your second hand. It makes the hedge trimmer more stable. A tall black hand guard protects your hands from plant material flying back at you.
For its small size and light 5 lbs. weight, you get a decent sized 3.5 amp motor. It’s powerful enough for handling hedges up to ¼” thick. It comes with a short cord, which is permanently attached. This trimmer is light enough to occasionally use with one hand if you need to move branches aside.
This trimmer is great, but we did take issues with some of its features. It is a corded trimmer, so you need to purchase extension cord(s) separately. It’s not very heavy duty or powerful and doesn’t cut thicker material. Although it doesn’t weigh much, it sacrifices power and durability.
This is best for lighter gardening work or personal landscaping, and nothing heavier duty.
With its 24″ laser cut blade, the GARCARE Corded Hedge Trimmer is the most luxurious and expensive hedge trimmer you can get, which makes it one of the best. It’s built for more powerful jobs than other hedge trimmers, thanks to the larger motor. If maximum power is what you need, choose this one.
Review:
If you’re looking for the longest blade length for your buck, then this GARCARE brand hedge trimmer has you covered. Others only have a 20” or 22” blade, while this one is 24” long. When powered by the 4.8 amp motor, you can cut brush and branches up to ¾” thick. The rust-resistant hardened steel blade is dual action and dual edge as well.
The blades are shaped with diamond grinders and cut by lasers for accuracy and durability. Having such a big motor also reduces the amount of vibration when using this hedge trimmer. It’s nice to get through an entire hedge job without needing to change blades to handle thicker brush.
This is a corded hedge trimmer, so you will need the appropriate extension cord(s). It’s also the heaviest hedge trimmer, thanks to the longest blade and largest motor out of all these models. It weighs 8.6 pounds, so is not suitable for gardeners or homeowners who are seeking lighter weight trimmers.
You’ll feel the weight if you have a lot of plant material to trim. But for those who have a small amount of very thick hedge, this model is perfect.
Pros:
Extra long dual action 24” blade
Cuts up to ¾” thick
6 amp motor
Cons:
Heavy at 8.5 lbs.
Not as durable as other models.
Needs extension cord
#5. Sun Joe 20″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer
If you’re tired of trying to find and fit extension cords, are worried about cord safety, or just don’t want to get electrocuted, then this Sun Joe 20 inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer is the one for you. It’s a few dollars more than the corded model listed above, but it’s a lot safer. Feel free to change direction or angle while using this hedge trimmer. There’s no cord to get tangled or accidentally cut.
Review:
You won’t smell like gas or accidentally cut your expensive extension cord when you use this Sun Joe 20” Cordless Hedge Trimmer. It uses a rechargeable 20 volt 2.0 Ah EcoSharp lithium-ion battery, which gives you 40 minutes of hedge trimming on a single charge.
The body of the trimmer is very small and painted lime green, with both a rear handle and a top T-handle for built-in stability.
There’s a tall, black angled hand guard to protect your knuckles from flying debris. It’s easy to maneuver and change angles. The long yellow blade is 20.4” in length and lined on both sides with dual action black rust-resistant steel blades. There’s a dual handed safety switch so it won’t accidentally start. Since the motor is smaller, this machine is very lightweight and is only 5.3 lbs.
However, this hedge trimmer does have a 2 amp motor, which is the smallest and least powerful out of these five models. Less power means you won’t be able to handle thicker hedges, scrub brush, and branches. It only cuts branches up to 0.62” in diameter.
Also, the fact it’s cordless makes it more expensive than the lower priced corded models with larger motors and longer blades.
Pros:
Cordless
Just 5.3 lbs. in weight
Dual action 20.4” blades
Cons:
Only 2 amp motor
Runs only 40 minutes on battery
More expensive than corded
Features to look for when buying a hedge trimmer
Adequate Amount Of Power If you’re dealing with hedges that are older, they may have thick branches. You definitely want a hedge trimmer that has plenty of power so that this type of foliage can be trimmed.
If you will be doing some heavy cutting, choose a model that has larger tooth gaps, which is more suitable for heavy cutting and hedging.
Weight And Balance When you’re using a hedge trimmer, you will be holding it at about chest level. It should have a lightweight and be relatively balanced so that you don’t become quickly fatigued. Having a lightweight, balanced trimmer will allow you to get more done.
Before you make your purchase, take the effort to pick up various models and make the same motions you would if you were actually using it with the power turned on.
Noise Level If you’ve worked with gas-powered lawn equipment, you know that they can be loud. You may want to consider utilizing a cordless or electric model, which are usually much quieter.
Blade Size The blade size of your hedge trimmer must also be considered. The blade gap is the space that is in between the blades on your trimmer. Typically, you’ll want to have a gap size that is 3/8 inches to 3/4 inches wide.
Good Warranty It’s important to find a model that has a good warranty. Even some of the most popular hedge trimmers can have problems. Consider buying a model that has a guarantee of lasting at least two years.
On some commercial units, you may be able to find warranties that are guaranteed for five years.
Rotating Blade If you’ll be using your trimmer between fences, walls, hedges or other plants, it helps to have a rotating blade. This will allow you to comfortably hold your trimmer. In addition, it makes it safe for cutting when you need to hold the trimmer at different angles.
A Switch That Locks If you will be using this piece of equipment near dogs, children or other types of similar distractions, it may be advisable to use a trimmer that requires you to keep your finger pressed down on the operating switch.
However, you may want to utilize a unit that has a locking switch, especially if you plan on using your unit in a continuous manner.
Battery Power And Cordless Models If you are purchasing a model that has battery power, it will usually operate at 100 percent until it finally runs out of juice. If you decide to utilize a cordless model, you don’t have to worry about walking too far out of the vicinity of your power source.
Also, a cordless model will not contain a cord that can get snagged by foliage or ladders.
The Best Model of Trimmer
In the world of hedge trimmers, we’re looking for three top features: motor size, blade size, and weight. The trimmer which fits all three of these criteria is the Greenworks 22 inch Corded Hedge Trimmer.
It has the ideal combination of a powerful motor to cut thicker hedges, a longer blade for reachability, and it weighs less than 6 pounds. That’s all for an inexpensive price, too.
I’d also recommend the Sun Joe 20 inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer. It’s got a smaller motor, but you can ditch extension cords and tackle light jobs with ease.
No matter which one you choose, don’t hedge your bets and put your hedge fund towards getting one of these trimmers!
You spend a lot of time, effort and money on your lawn. On a late Saturday afternoon, you stand with pride, admiring the luscious green grass that graces your yard, never regretting the weekends you’ve sacrificed.
But you know it’s not complete. Something is missing, but you just can’t put your finger on it.
No landscaping project is ever complete, though, until you edge.
It’s the finishing touch that gives your yard a professional look that you’re looking for.
Trimmers vs Edgers
String trimmer
You may think that trimming can achieve what you’re looking for, but it can’t. While both trimmers and edgers are essential tools in your lawncare toolkit, they perform different functions.
For example, trimmers use a nylon string and generally reduce the height of your grass.
Edgers, on the other hand, are used to give your yard those clean, well-defined lines.
So while there are trimmers that state they can be used as edgers, I think you’re better off having two separate tools.
Edgers provide a vertical delineation using a true blade and can be used to create either straight or curved lines.
Types of Edgers
You can get a manual edger, a gas-powered edger, or an electric edger. Before you do this, though, consider how the edger will fit into your overall lawn maintenance.
Everyone loves a freshly edged sidewalk.
If you have a tiny walkway or similar area to edge, you may be better off with a manual edger.
They are much cheaper, and it’s ready to work whenever you are. In addition, you don’t have to worry about having an extension cord that will be long enough to reach all the areas you need or running out of gas when you’re on that last section.
If you have a more substantial lawn to maintain, then certainly a powered edger is what you need. As I said earlier, there are gas-powered versions and electric versions.
The latter can come with battery packs, thereby allowing you to not be tied to an electrical outlet.
However, if your home has multiple outside outlets, a corded version may be your best option.
Take it from me. Nothing is worse than having to delay your work because you forgot to charge the battery packs.
As with most tools, gas-powered will be more powerful than its electric counterpart, which is also true with edgers. That power may be attractive in terms of your ability to complete your yard work faster.
But, gas edgers may require a bit more maintenance than you’re comfortable with.
So be sure to add edging as a regular step in your lawn care maintenance. The clean lines will not only provide that well-manicured look but will also simplify the ongoing upkeep of your yard.
Congratulations on getting your first lawn! For those of you who are new home-buyers or renters with a yard to take care of, it can seem daunting at first. How do you keep this grass healthy and looking lush and plush?
Especially when you have to contend with seasonal weather, natural grass growth, kids, pets, and other factors?
Read on to discover the best new lawn care tips we’ve rounded up for you.
1. Make Sure You Mow
Yes, when you have a new lawn, the first and most important tip is to make sure you are mowing it on a regular basis. This helps discourage the grass from growing too high, presents a neat appearance, and keeps your grass much healthier.
Keep the mower blades sharp for the perfect shear. You should be mowing about once a week, depending on the weather. To have it grow a little tall is better than too short. You can use either a rotary style motor or a reel style motor.
Be sure to mow when the grass is dry. If the grass is too wet, you’ll want to rake up the clippings afterward, which will allow air down into the base of the grass.
2. Trim Your Edges
Your mower won’t be able to do a perfect job at creating trim edges along sidewalks, garden beds, and other obstacles. You’ll want to keep the edges cut with either a string trimmer (commonly known as a ‘weed whacker’) or a motor-powered edger with actual metal blades.
This prevents too much overgrowth from interfering with sidewalks and contributes towards the care of your lawn.
3. Drink Up
Your lawn is made up of grass, which are plants that need water just like your prize flowers. To truly ensure a healthy appearance, water your grass once a week and give it a nice deep watering to soak the roots and help them push down even deeper into the soil.
What kind of soil do you have? Is it drier and sandier or thicker, more like clay? The drier the earth, the deeper you want to water it.
If the watering is too shallow, that creates what’s known as thatch. Thatch is the dry brown dead grass that sits on the surface of your lawn.
4. Food for Thought
Humans take multivitamins for more nutrients, and fertilizers perform the same function for your lawn. The best times to fertilize are in the spring and the fall. When shopping for fertilizer, look for ones that include nutrients beyond the standard N-P-K variety.
Fertilizers should have plenty of nutrients that include essential minerals like sulfur, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium.
If you don’t want to purchase fertilizer, spreadinghome-made compost will help to give your lawn nutrients and important organic matter.
5. No Need for Weeding
Yes, invasive species like dandelions and crabgrass can wreak havoc on your lawn and are such a nuisance in themselves. While it may be tempting to reach for chemicals, home and garden experts advise that you choose a natural herbicide. It helps prevent accidental poisoning and harming the environment.
For many lawn owners, you’ll find that the healthier the grass, the fewer weeds you’ll have. So, add more fertilizer, mow on a regular schedule, and keep your grass watered well.
6. Ah, the Aeration
Air molecules, which contain carbon dioxide, need to penetrate the base of grass blades and get into the soil as well. That makes your lawn healthier and lusher, too.
You’ll want to aerate whenever you notice the grass getting too compact or wet. Using a rake with metal tines can aerate, or you can purchase a special aerating tool.
7. Bust Those Brown Spots
For dog lovers, you may notice an unfortunate side effect from taking Fido out every morning – a brown spot appears on the lawn. Dog urine contains nitrogen, which is highly concentrated and can kill grass.
So, how can you have both a pet and a lush lawn? In the spot where your dog goes, don’t fertilize as much in that area. You’re trying to reduce the amount of nitrogen. Also, you can spray the affected lawn area with water to dilute the nitrogen.
These lawn care maintenance tips will have your grass looking beautiful, healthy, and will create a wonderful backyard for many years to come!
Purchasing a home and moving in is an exciting milestone in most people’s lives. However, you then have to face the fact that you – not a landlord – are responsible for any necessary maintenance in your home. If your faucet leaks or your toilet stops working, you’re either going to have to fix it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
But if you’re handy and have the necessary tools, you can often repair many problems without too much trouble. After all, you might pay a plumber or carpenter as much as $60 an hour to fix a relatively minor issue. Why not simply keep the money in your bank and do the job yourself?
But which tools do you actually need in your home?
Before going over the specific tools every first-time homeowner should have, it’s important to talk about quality. It’s much better to put a little extra money into buying quality than to go the cheap route and get tools that will be hard to use and produce poor results.
If you buy low-quality tools, you could be costing yourself even more money in the long run.
Below are the 10 essential tools that every new homeowner needs to have in his or her toolbox:
1. Claw Hammers
Virtually everyone owns a claw hammer or has used one at some point. As we all know, one side of a hammerhead is perfectly – or relatively – flat and is used to pound nails into surfaces.
On the other side of the hammerhead, you have a curving V-shaped notch you can use when extracting nails from surfaces. You want to be careful when doing this though since improper use can damage the surface material.
A high-quality claw hammer should be resistant to severe weather conditions and should minimize any vibrations traveling up the hammer to your hand. It needs to have a sound grip that is comfortable and that won’t come off while you’re swinging the hammer.
2. Set of Manual Screwdrivers
If new homeowners use one tool more often than any other, it would have to be manual screwdrivers. This tool is used for a wide range of purposes in the home, from installing new cabinet knobs to assembling out-of-the-box furniture.
But since there are countless types, sizes, and shapes of screw heads, you will need more than one screwdriver to deal with them.
So when you’re at the hardware store, purchase a set of screwdrivers with many different sizes and blade tips. It’s much less expensive to buy them as a set than the purchase them individually.
Again, go for quality and stay away from the bargain bin. Low-quality screwdrivers can damage screw heads, slip and damage wood, and leave you frustrated.
3. Cordless Drills
Another must-have tool that you’re going to use a lot in your new home is a cordless drill.
When you’re cutting out a hole for doorknobs, installing hinges or putting bolts into wall studs for mounting a TV, nothing comes in handier than a good quality cordless drill. But make sure you are choosing a drill that actually has some torque.
In addition to its usefulness, another great thing about cordless drills is that they are much safer and easier to use than corded models.
You don’t have to concern yourself about locating an outlet you can use or hopping over cords stretching from one end of your home to the other. And these days, most cordless drills can hold a charge for a long time.
4. Levels
If you want symmetry and balance in your home, a laser level might be just the ticket.
When you’re hanging shelves, mirrors or artwork, a laser level will help you ensure that everything is perfectly straight. As with everything else, quality is frequently related to price – although not always.
While you might be able to get an adequate laser level for about $10 online, spending a bit more will get you something that will be much more useful and reliable in the long run.
5. Needle Nose Pliers
A good pair of needle nose pliers can come in very handy in your home.
You can use them to grab hold of wires or nails so that you can bend them. Often, needle nose pliers can grab hold of objects your hands or other bigger tools can’t possibly reach.
They are also useful when you need to snip wires.
6. Adjustable Pliers
Also known as tongue and groove pliers, this particular tool can be used for any task involving crimping or fastening.
They are often used for holding and turning bolts and nuts or grabbing onto oddly shaped objects.
They can also be used for clamping two materials or surfaces together.
7. Set of Hex Keys
Hex Keys – frequently referred to as Allen wrenches – are L-shaped tools used to drive in bolts or screws that have inset hexagonal sockets.
The sockets are widely used by manufacturers of out-of-the-box furniture that you have to assemble at home.
Hex keys are also often used when carrying out simple plumbing repair jobs, such as when you’re trying to unjam your garbage disposal.
8. Putty Knives
Whether you need to apply caulk around a new window pane, scrape away flaking paint or fill cracks in your wall, a putty knife is a must.
When buying a putty knife, make sure you choose a quality, metal one with a stiff, 2-inch blade.
9. Staple Guns
If you need to tack down your carpet, install sheet insulation or secure fabric, one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it is to use a staple gun.
Not only will you do a better job with a stable gun than you would with a hammer, you will save a lot of time. Most homeowners choose manual staple guns because they’re cheaper and – in some ways – easier to use.
However, it’s also true that an electric or pneumatic model would be less exhausting.
10. Tape Measure
A tape measure allows you to accurately and quickly record measurements.
A good quality model will let you convert those measurements to other units. Very useful when you want to center a painting or need to cut a board to length.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.
Self-propelled lawn mowers are an excellent way to make your yard work more enjoyable while saving some money. They simply push themselves, all you need to do is guide them to help control their path!
Self-propelled mowers operate much like regular push mowers, except they work on a drive system that requires you to squeeze a bar on the handle. This will engage the mower and the drive mechanism, and from there on out it will move on its own.
They are propelled forward by either rear-wheel drive, or front wheel drive depending on the model. Some models even have both front and rear -wheel drive, making mowing on hills easier to accomplish as well.
They are perfect for reducing fatigue, allowing you to have more energy, and save your back for whatever else the day has in store for you. As we all know, traditional push mowers can be exhausting, especially for those of us who have property around the one-acre mark.
Self-propelled mowers make cutting your lawn less demanding. It is for this reason that professional lawn care workers utilize self-propelled mowers to help with some of the extra work they may have on the job.
After using a self-propelled-lawn mower, and seeing how much easier it is to use when cutting your lawn, you won’t want to go back to a regular push mower.
Here are the five best self propelled lawn mowers currently available:
Quick Mower Comparison Table
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In this article, we will review five of the best models of self-propelled lawn mowers of 2021. We will explore some of their features, the pros, and cons of each of the models, give you any model specific information, and even link you to where you can see them for yourself.
This could help you make a more informed decision on what exactly it is that you need for your own yard work.
The first of which, there are a wider array of options to choose from. When going to your local hardware store, you may notice that the options are few, far and between. If they do not carry what you need, they will simply order the item online themselves, then sell it to you at a markup price.
This brings me to my next point, that shopping online is cheaper. Many times, you can find the deals online, and this is what is great about living in the 21st century. In today’s day and age, we have to find every opportunity to save money where we can, and purchasing your mower online can help you to achieve this goal.
One of the best reasons to purchase online is the ease of ordering and shopping. All the information you need is right there at your fingertips, and there are countless resources on the internet that can help you to answer any questions you may have.
You also cut out the salesmanship, as honest reviews placed by customers who have purchased the mower you are interested in are available.
What Should I Look for in a Self-Propelled Mower?
Self-Propelled mowers have all the great features previously mentioned, but what you are really looking for is longevity, capability, and ease of use.
This is my self-propelled lawn mower, going strong after 8 years.
You’ll want to make sure any mower you choose has a mulching option and comes with a detachable bag for catching grass clippings. I have wanted to get around to posting an article on the benefits of mulching and bagging for your lawn but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
The short of it is that you aren’t helping your lawn by letting large clippings pile on your lawn. You need to either bag your lawn clippings for composting/removal or you need to use the mulching attachment so any clippings are very fine and break down easily. This leaves your lawn looking its best without messy clippings everywhere.
Self propelled mowers are a hot ticket item for many homeowners, and they easily fit in a garage, shed, or wherever it is that you plan on storing them. They are smaller than riding mowers, making it easier to keep in your garage and still have room for your vehicle, and working areas.
If you have an average sized suburban lawn, I do not recommend electric lawn mowers yet. A gas mower is still your best best. If you have a postage stamp sizes lawn, then electric may be a better choice.
Which Model is the Top Self Propelled Lawn Mower of 2021?
#1. PowerSmart 21 inch Rear Wheel Drive Lawn Mower
[amazon box=”B099MW41Z6″ template=”vertical”]
A 170 cc OHV engine is what drives the mower. It features a 3-in-1 mulch, collection, and side discharge options. It also has a 21-inch steel cutting width, allowing for ease of cutting your grass.
Has a 5 position cutting height. With just a simple height adjustment, you can transform the cutting height to suit any occasion and going from 1.18 inch of grass to 3 inches of overgrown tall grass with this tool makes it easier than ever!. A soft grip handle makes for a comfortable lawn mowing experience.
Quiet idle run. Ease of pull / easy to start is another nice feature on this model.
Pros:
Easy setup, user friendly
One pull start after first use
Cons:
Hard plastic wheels have less traction than rubber.
Does not come with required pint of oil.
#2. Honda 21″ Electric Start Mower
[amazon box=”B0859G18DX” template=”vertical”]
The gas-powered Honda HRN216VKA self-propelled lawn mower sits at the best of its class. A mulching option is available, and it has micro cut twin blades to ensure a precision cut experience.
This model also features a variable speed control lever, allowing you to change the pace to fit your comfort.
This self-propelled lawn mower features great maneuverability around corners and sports a rear wheel drive. The mower is built to last, with longevity being a major highlight of the product. It has a solid steel deck and provides 21 inches of cutting surfaces.
The Honda engine lives up to its reputation, providing excellent power, and drive capabilities to ensure a quick, easy, and painless lawn mowing experience to the customer.
Pros:
Packaging is well-done, helping prevent damage to the product during shipping.
Motor is fully assembled on arrival, with oil in the box, making the initial set up process a quick and easy process.
Multiple cutting adjustable height setting for the mower, making it easy to discern height of grass for each cut.
Easy Start up, user friendly.
Cons:
Some users have reported to tighten the wheels before first use.
#3. Black and Decker 21-inch Lawnmower
[amazon box=”B08WB2KPNL” template=”vertical”]
Powered by a 140cc engine, this lawnmower is equipped with a 21-inch cutting deck, letting even more ground get cut at once. Dual levers allow adjustments between 6 different trim heights so any kind of lawn can get all leveled out.
This model features 3-in-1 side discharge capabilities, mulch, or rear bag. 8 by 8-inch-high performance wheels and an adjustable ergonomic handle make this mower easier to use.
This nimble mower is lightweight and has a proven, workhorse engine that will get your mowing jobs done.
Pros:
First pull recoil start.
Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Bar-treaded tires help with traction on slick grass.
Cons:
A little pricey for 140cc engine.
#4. PowerSmart PSM2022 21-inch RWD Lawn Mower
[amazon box=”B089KTZR4J” template=”vertical”]
The PowerSmart PSM2022 22-inch rear wheel drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower has a whopping 200cc engine, and comes with a generous 3 year warranty. This mower also features large 11 1/2 inch rear wheels, 5 setting adjustable height preference, and a 3-in-1 side discharge, rear bag, or mulch option. The bag is pretty hefty at 14.6 gallons, keeping you cutting longer between clipping dumps.
With the previously mentioned height adjustment, you can get your cut from a 1.2 inch scalp to a leafy 3.5 inch height. The PowerSmart ships with standard plastic wheels. An upgrade to rubber wheels would be a great project.
This mower is very easy to set up and works great on initial use. The user-friendly model comes with a manual, one-pull startup, and a sleek black paint job to allow you to mow in style.
Pros:
Runs smoothly, and easy to use.
One Pull start-up.
Large rear wheels give great mobility.
Cons:
Speed may be too much for some homeowners.
Plastic wheels lose traction on wet grass.
#5. Lawn-Boy 17732 21-Inch Lawn Mower
[amazon box=”B00H8GLL5M” template=”vertical”]
The Lawn-Boy 17732 21-Inch 6.5 Gross Torque Kohler XTX OHV, 3-in-1 Discharge Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawn Mower features a rear wheel drive system to ensure better traction and control on hills.
The manufacturer guarantees a 3-year Tru-start commitment, stating it will start in one or two pulls, or Lawn-Boy will fix it for free.
A two-point height cut system allows you to adjust the height of the mower. The model has a 149cc OHV engine. It is CARB compliant for the state of California.
Pros:
Easy to fill gas spout.
Rear wheel drive ensures a power-driven experience.
Handles corners well.
Cons:
The height adjustment feature is on the side of the mower, and is not as easy to use as a lever adjuster.
Assembly is not as easy as some other models.
My choice for the best self-propelled mower.
These mowers are a great starting point for those who are looking for a good quality cut and easy to use lawnmower for their yard work. Each has their own unique benefits, some lawn mowers handling hills and corners better, while others feature better assembly, startup, and overall performance.
Many people who cut their own lawns may have their own personal preference on the features they require, but one mower, in particular, seems to stand out by having all the features one may need already built in.
The clear-cut winner of the roundup and my vote for the best self-propelled lawn mower is the Honda HRN216VKA.
[amazon box=”B0859G18DX” template=”horizontal”]
The value of the mower, its customer ratings, and its longevity make for an excellent investment for those looking for a strong performance they can count on throughout the years.
It is no wonder why so many of the customers who purchased this self-propelled mower had many pros to highlight, with very few complaints.
I have owned a slightly different model, the HRR2168VKA, which doesn’t come with an electric start, for over 8 years now. It is still running great after all this time and the next mower I get will be a Honda as well.
These are the lawn mowers you probably grew up with, producing that familiar gasoline smell and emitting large freshly chopped chunks of cut grass in rows.
If you’re tired of the gasoline smell and are looking for lawn maintenance care that’s more eco-friendly, then try the reel mower.
Fondly nicknamed the ‘weed whacker,’ a string trimmer is a simple tool that can be either electric, gas, or battery operated. It uses high-speed revolutions of plastic twine to clip off grass edgings.
One of the simplest, but most necessary lawn maintenance tools is the rake. Whether you purchase the plastic fan-style or a more rigid metal one, you’ll find it invaluable for gathering up leaves, lawn clippings, twigs, and other debris.
Virtually everyone owns a claw hammer or has used one at some point. As we all know, one side of a hammerhead is perfectly – or relatively – flat and is used to pound nails into surfaces.
If new homeowners use one tool more often than any other, it would have to be manual screwdrivers. This tool is used for a wide range of purposes in the home, from installing new cabinet knobs to assembling out-of-the-box furniture.
Another must-have tool that you’re going to use a lot in your new home is a cordless drill.
If you want symmetry and balance in your home, a laser level might be just the ticket.
A good pair of needle nose pliers can come in very handy in your home.
Also known as tongue and groove pliers, this particular tool can be used for any task involving crimping or fastening.
Hex Keys – frequently referred to as Allen wrenches – are L-shaped tools used to drive in bolts or screws that have inset hexagonal sockets.
Whether you need to apply caulk around a new window pane, scrape away flaking paint or fill cracks in your wall, a putty knife is a must.
If you need to tack down your carpet, install sheet insulation or secure fabric, one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it is to use a staple gun.
A tape measure allows you to accurately and quickly record measurements.
