Many people don’t look forward to mowing their lawn once a week. But it doesn’t have to be tiring and stressful. Take a look at the tools you use, for instance. Your lawn mower may have a significant impact on how effective and time-consuming this task is. Now, there are two types of walk-behind motorized lawn mowers that most people are familiar with. First, the push mower that requires the user to push a powered blade cutter on wheels over the lawn. And the self-propelled motor as the second type. It works similarly, except the motor assists the user more. This feature is critical when deciding between a self-propelled lawn mower vs push lawn mower.
We created this comprehensive explanation of the distinctions between these two sorts to assist you in making the best option possible. This article will provide everything you need to know about a self-propelled lawn mower vs push lawn mower. So sit back, relax, and read on.
Self-propelled Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled mowers do precisely what their name implies: they propel themselves ahead. It is ideal for individuals looking for a more convenient way to mow their lawns. Similarly, self-propelled lawn mowers can lower the amount of energy required to complete the work for lawn care professionals. A transmission drives the wheels of these lawnmowers. To steer it, you must walk behind it. You don’t need to push them hard as they can move independently.
Effectiveness
These mowers are usually faster than other versions because you don’t have to push them. You won’t get fatigued and start dragging your feet halfway through, so your hard labor will be completed faster than normal.
You can typically alter the speed of these models as well. This feature enables you to travel faster if necessary. Thus, boosting your efficiency even more. High-end models can reach speeds of up to 4 mph, while others can only reach 1 to 3 mph. It is solely dependent on the model.
Cost
Because they have a transmission, they normally cost more than others. This extra piece of equipment will not be available on push mowers. However, several elements and features influence the price. You’ll most certainly get a better mower if you spend more.
Safety
The majority of self-propelled lawn mowers have numerous safety measures. They frequently feature a bar that acts as a gas pedal to keep the mower from running away. You can usually control the mower’s speed, allowing you to set the ideal pace for yourself.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs Push Lawn Mower
Advantages
One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of the self-propelled mower is that you don’t have to push it up, down, and all across the yard. However, there are more advantages to self-propelled mowers than just their obvious self-driving system. This style of mower, for example, allows you to complete passes without having to stop. That means your lawn will be cut smoother and more uniformly than with a push mower.
Another significant advantage is that self-propelled mowers are ideal for senior citizens and people with damaged backs or other physical limitations that would otherwise make mowing practically impossible. Many of these mowers have larger back wheels than ordinary push mowers, making them even handier. Lastly, self-propelled mowers are significantly easier to maneuver on tough and uneven terrains.
Disadvantages
Self-propelled mowers still have several drawbacks, regardless of how advantageous they are. The most prominent of these is that they often consume more gas due to their self-propulsion technology. Some of them are similar to push mowers in terms of gas consumption, but they require a separate battery for the drive system. In either case, the self-propelled technology requires fuel, which is often costly.
An overlooked disadvantage of these mowers is their heavy weight. They do, for the most part, drive themselves despite being heavy. However, you will need to move these mowers around and position them before turning them on. Another disadvantage, albeit a safety feature, is that the mower turns off when you let go of the handlebar. That means you’ll be able to start and stop the mower multiple times, but a push mower would continue to run even if you release it and left it alone.
Push Lawn mower
For more than a century, push mowers have been a mainstay of lawn maintenance. After all, push mowers are the most basic of lawn mowers. They chop grass when you push them. Some are powered by the friction of the grass, while others are not. Some are electric, although they are more uncommon.
Effectiveness
Push mowers are simple, but they do the job. The speed movement of the push mower is totally up to you and how fast you push it. If you start to tire halfway through, it will then take much longer.
Of course, your physical condition, as well as the size of your yard, plays a role in the duration. Some people can mow their entire yard without slowing down, while others cannot do so.
Cost
Push mowers are reasonably priced. Some motorized ones are rather pricey because of their large amounts of electricity, but these are overkill for most regular houses. Push mowers are some of the most affordable options, so if you’re on a budget, you might want to go with one of them. Again, the price of these mowers will be determined by their quality. Plan to pay a little extra money if you want a more powerful alternative.
Safety
These push mowers are fairly safe. The motorized choices will be slightly less safe than the other options. However, nowadays, most come with a plethora of safety features. So, make sure to be careful in looking for safety features when making your purchase.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Push Lawn Mower vs Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Advantages
Push mowers are generally lighter than self-propelled mowers. They also use less gasoline and require less maintenance and oil changes. Not only are they easier to push than self-propelled vehicles, but they are also far more straightforward. As a result, they are also simpler to work with.
Another significant advantage of push mowers is that they are less expensive than almost any other type of mower. This is due to their simplicity; they are less expensive, not because they are less useful, but because putting one together requires less advanced parts and components.
Disadvantages
Because it lacks the complex driving mechanism that makes self-propelled devices so tempting, you’ll have to push it the entire time. With traditional push mowers, you’ll also need to prime the engine by pressing a button two or three times before starting it and then adjusting the choke once it’s running. However, some recent models have electric start buttons, eliminating this disadvantage.
Things to consider
- Work
When using a push mower, you must do all of the labor because the motor spins the cutting blade. A self-propelled mower mechanically propels the mower forward with a gearbox linked to either the front or rear wheels. You can direct it in the direction you want it to go. Thus making lawn mowing a less tiring process.
- Speed
Because the operator propels the wheels, a push mower can only go as quickly as you can push it. A three-mile-per-hour self-propelled mower has only one speed. The variable-speed variant, controlled by a throttle on the handle, can travel up to 3 1/2 mph. If you feel like you’re wasting too much time mowing your lawn with a push mower, a self-propelled mower could help you save a lot of time.
- Weight
Because of the propulsion mechanism, self-propelled mowers are heavier. Even though the weight gain is minor, you may notice it. Because of its lighter weight, a push mower is easier to manage, but you must still spend more effort to move it due to the lack of a propelling motor.
- Engine
Self-propelled mowers feature larger engines than push mowers and may do more work. Self-propelled mowers are marketed as luxury mowers with more features and larger engines than ordinary models.
- Suitability
Every mower is appropriate for various yard sizes and terrains. You’ll probably get the best results using a push mower for tiny yards. Of course, the landscape plays a role. You’ll probably need a self-propelled mower if your yard is too hilly. It all depends on whether or not circling your small yard with the mower is enough to exhaust you.
Moreover, a self-propelled mower would be best for any yard larger than a small one. You won’t be able to mow your entire yard in one sitting if your yard is modest to huge. You’ll probably need a push lawn mower choice if your yard is hilly. Because they propel themselves more easily on uneven terrain, these lawnmowers are the best choice for slopes.
Final Word
There is no clear winner in the argument between self-propelled lawn mower vs push lawn mower. Both of these popular walk-behind lawn mowers have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Self-propelled models may be more convenient, especially for bigger yards or lawns that are lumpy and uneven. However, a walk-behind push lawn mower would suffice for small to medium-sized yards with little to no difficult terrain.
Having said all of that, which is the best option for you? Simply allow your needs, the size of your yard, your budget, and your personal preferences to guide your decision in choosing between self-propelled lawn mower vs push lawn mower.
