Top 15 Best Gas Lawn Mowers of 2023: Reviews & Top Picks
SfCutter Team Member Mar 24, 2023 1:06 PM
With the world's emphasis on greener energy, gas mowers may no longer be the most popular option when purchasing a lawn mower.
However, they still have a place; their power and endless runtimes are unmatched by other kinds of mowers, and these advantages are especially appealing if you have a medium or large lawn to maintain.
But with literally hundreds of alternatives available, you want to know which are the best gas lawn mowers of 2023, so we've narrowed the field down to the top 5. Any of these gasoline mowers will serve you and your grass well.
Top Picks
1. Honda 663020 GCV170 21" Mower
Honda has a reputation for manufacturing sturdy, high-performing engines for generators, autos, and lawnmowers, such as the one in this 21-inch gas-powered mower. Unlike walk-behind versions with a single blade, this Honda's 21-inch deck has two offset blades that create smaller clippings than other blade designs.
A simple clip system makes it easy to convert between mulching, bagging, and side discharge without the need to add or remove accessories. Honda's rear-wheel-drive propulsion technology provides this mower with better capacity to traverse difficult terrain and ascend hills. Handlebar controls make it easy to move between the multiple speeds of the mower.
Pros
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Dual blades generate smaller cuttings.
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The clip mechanism makes switching between functions straightforward.
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Smart drives enable simple speed regulation
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Rear-wheel drive offers superior traction.
Cons
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Honda mowers are among the most costly models available.
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At roughly 80 pounds, it is among the heaviest walk-behind mowers.
2. BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 140cc Gas Mower 3-in-1
We very recently discovered this mower and really contemplated purchasing it. We were searching for a mower that would perform well on slopes, and front-wheel drive is always the superior option in this circumstance.
This BLACK+DECKER not only provides that, but it also has a powerful and reliable engine. It just excels at the fundamentals and is far less expensive than the Honda we just described.
Based on our study, it won't mulch nearly as well as the Honda (the Micro-Cut Twin Blade technology makes a significant difference), but you'll still be satisfied with the cut, unless you're the groundskeeper at the local golf course.
It's also a good weight at a little under 80 pounds. Obviously, it has self-propulsion when necessary, but it also pushes quite effectively and seems fairly well-constructed.
Pros
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Excellent value
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Front-wheel drive
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Effectively traverses slopes
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Solid architecture
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Plenty of force
Cons
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Quite loud
3. Cub Cadet Enduro New Series XT46
With its enormous 22-horsepower engine and 46-inch cutting deck, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro is capable of mowing football-field-sized lawns.
In addition to being one of the most powerful riding mowers available, it also has some of the best handling owing to its sensitive steering system, 16-inch turning radius, and non-shifting hydrostatic speed control.
With 12 deck-height settings, the Cub Cadet offers a great deal of flexibility over the grass height. Other prominent features include LED lighting, nighttime mowing, and an easy-to-use deck-washing system that makes normal maintenance a breeze.
Pros
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One of the most powerful engines available
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A 46-inch broad mower deck with three blades.
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Excellent maneuverability and tight turning radius
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Automatic hydrostatic transmission
Cons
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The Cub Cadet brand is expensive.
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Absence of a bagging system
4. Yard Machines 125cc Gas Walk-Behind Mower 20-Inch
This manual walk-behind mower is an excellent option for maintaining the appearance of small lawns. It has a 20-inch cutting deck, three cutting heights as opposed to the more common six, and side discharge as the only cutting option.
However, its compact weight of 50 pounds (almost 30 pounds lighter than comparable walk-behind mowers) and tiny profile make it easier to handle around flower beds, trees, and lawn decorations.
Although it lacks the choices and functionality of certain walk-behind mowers, it is substantially less expensive and easy to use. And after the mowing is complete, the handle collapses for compact storage.
Pros
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Small dimensions and low weight facilitate maneuverability.
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Comparatively inexpensive to comparable walk-behind mowers
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Simple design for usability
Cons
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No bagging or mulching feature
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Smaller engine than mowers with decks of same size.
5. Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Gasoline Lawn Mower with Self-Propulsion
Toro's large self-propelled mower provides an alternative to riding mowers for individuals with expansive lawns.
Its 30-inch deck, which is comparable to that of some riding mowers, enables it to handle lawns measuring at least an acre. With a 223 cc engine and two blades under the deck, the cutting ability of this mower is exceptional.
In addition to choices for mulching, side discharge, and bagging, this mower features several helpful extras, such as Personal Pace and Traction Assist, which increase maneuverability and performance on difficult terrain.
Pros
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Wide 30-inch cutting deck expedites the operation.
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The combination of variable speed and traction control facilitates mobility.
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Three capabilities for adaptability
Cons
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Cost much higher than competing self-propelled mowers
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Large size demands greater strength to move
Honda 663020 21 in. GCV170 Engine Smart Drive Variable Speed 3-in-1 Self Propelled Lawn Mower with Auto Choke
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- BrandHonda
BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with 140cc OHV Engine, Black and Orange
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- BrandBLACK+DECKER
- Prime
XT1 Enduro Series LT 46 in. 22-HP V-Twin KOHLER Hydrostatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower
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- BrandCUB CADET
Yard Machines 11A-02BT729 20-in Push Lawn Mower with 125cc Briggs & Stratton Gas Powered Engine, Black and Red
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Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Briggs & Stratton Personal Pace Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Gas Lawn Mower with Spin-Stop
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- BrandTORO
21 Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Gas Powered 5 Adjustable Heights with Bag, 209cc 4-Stroke Engine, Oil Included
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- BrandMakita
- Prime
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- BrandGreenworks
- Prime
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Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
After determining the sort of mower or tractor you want, there are a number of additional factors to consider:
Wheel size
The best mobility on level lawns, including doing U-turns at the end of a row, is often provided by mowers with identical front and rear wheel widths. If your yard has a lot of uneven ground, go for rear wheels with a little wider diameter.
Features
Extras such as an ergonomic seat and cup holder may not be decisive criteria for riding mowers, but they are definitely pleasant to have! A cruise control feature and an automatic transmission for altering speeds are also desirable.
Some tractors can convert between cutting modes without requiring a manual blade swap. Some cordless electric walk-behind machines include detachable batteries, which facilitate storage and recharge.
Cutting options
Mowers may mulch, release clippings to the side, or bag them. Some mowers have just one cutting option, some have two, and others have all three. What is optimal for you depends on your goals and the frequency with which you mow your grass. Here is what our professionals have to say:
Mulching: Mulching is the best alternative because it saves time and energy, puts nutrients back into the soil, and reduces the amount of fertilizer needed.
Side discharging: Similar to mulching, except that the clippings are ejected via a side chute. This causes the blade to spin faster, resulting in a speedier cut, but it is less neat, since grass clippings might wind up on sidewalks, flower beds, etc.
Bagging: Although bagging produces the neatest lawn, it is time-consuming and detrimental to the health of the grass and soil. However, it may be necessary if the grass is quite long because mulching will produce several clumps that must be picked up.
Warranty
Especially with pricey riding mowers and tractors, look for a solid guarantee to ensure that you're protected if anything goes wrong. Some versions include at least a five-year warranty.
Storage area
Most electric push models can be stored vertically to save space, but special engine seals are needed to keep gas from leaking out of gas models that are stored vertically.
Budget
Models of lawnmowers may range from a few hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Cost must be considered along with performance, comfort, and durability.
1. How long will my gasoline-powered lawn mower last?
Regarding the durability of lawnmowers, many factors must be considered. In general, the more costly the mower, the longer it will survive. But much of this is your fault. If you take care of your mower (i.e., don't leave it outdoors) and repair it properly, most mowers should last between 10 and 15 years.
2. Is it wise to spend more on a gas-powered lawn mower?
That depends on your specific situation. A more costly mower with features such as a self-propelled motor is needed if you have a big, hilly yard. Additionally, more expensive mowers often last longer, are simpler to use, and cut grass more effectively.
3. How difficult is it to maintain a gas-powered lawn mower?
The majority of mower maintenance consists of replacing old oil and components (air filter, spark plug) with new ones. If you find yourself in over your head, the owner's handbook should have all the necessary information. Alternatively, you may get answers on any number of web sites or small engine repair forums.
We realize how difficult it is for novices to locate the cheapest gas lawn mower without sacrificing quality since there are so many alternatives available. Thus, we provide you with this handbook with pride. Before purchasing these lawnmowers for ourselves, our staff looked for all pertinent information.
And, with our extensive expertise, all the selections were scored, sorted, and fairly selected based on their total performance and greatest strength. This article on the best gas lawn mowers should have made it easier for you to pick one that meets your requirements. Thanks for reading!