Lawn Mowers

2023 is an exciting year for lawn maintenance, with a variety of high-quality lawn mowers on the market. Whether you're looking for a simple push mower for a small yard or a feature-packed riding mower for large estates, there's something for everyone. We've analyzed numerous models, considering factors such as performance, durability, ease of use, and value for money. Here are our top picks.

Types of Lawn Mowers

• Push Mowers: Push mowers are ideal for small, flat yards. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and less expensive than self-propelled mowers. They require physical effort to push around the yard, making them less suitable for larger lawns or people with limited mobility.
• Self-Propelled Mowers: Self-propelled mowers are perfect for medium to large-sized lawns. They have a drive system that propels the mower forward, reducing the effort needed to mow. They come in front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive models.
• Riding Mowers: Riding mowers are ideal for large lawns. They are comfortable to operate and can cover large areas quickly. Standard riding mowers are great for flat lawns, while zero-turn mowers provide excellent maneuverability for lawns with many obstacles.
• Robotic Mowers: Robotic mowers are a good option for those seeking convenience. They can be programmed to mow at specific times and can even return to their charging station when their battery is low. They are best for flat, obstacle-free lawns.

Key Features to Consider

• Engine Power: The engine power impacts the mower's performance. More power allows the mower to tackle thick grass and tough terrain more effectively.
• Cutting Width: A wider cutting width reduces the number of passes you need to make, saving you time. However, a wider deck might be difficult to maneuver around tight spaces.
• Mulching Capability: Mowers with mulching capabilities cut grass clippings into fine pieces that decompose quickly, providing nutrients to your lawn. This eliminates the need to bag and dispose of grass clippings.
• Bagging and Discharge Options: Some mowers allow you to bag clippings or discharge them to the side. Bagging keeps your lawn tidy, but it requires frequent emptying of the bag. Side discharge is less time-consuming but might leave clumps of grass on your lawn.
• Adjustable Cutting Height: The ability to adjust the cutting height allows you to adapt to your grass type and the time of the year.

Our Top Picks of 2023:

1. Husqvarna Automower 450XH Robotic Lawn Mower

For those seeking the latest in technology and convenience, the Husqvarna Automower 450XH is the best robotic lawn mower for 2023. This mower is designed to handle large and complex lawns up to 1.25 acres. You can program it to mow at any time of the day or night, and it works quietly and efficiently, returning to its charging station automatically when it needs power.

The Automower 450XH features GPS-assisted navigation, ensuring it covers your entire lawn without missing patches. It can handle sharp slopes with an incline of up to 45%. It also has a weather timer that adjusts the mowing frequency based on the growth rate of your grass. And with smartphone integration, you can control your mower from anywhere.

Pros:

• High-performance: The Automower 450XH is designed for large lawns up to 1.25 acres and has a powerful motor that can handle tough terrain and steep slopes up to 45%.
• Smart navigation: The mower uses GPS navigation to create a map of your lawn and can work around obstacles, such as trees, flowerbeds, and garden furniture. It also adapts its mowing pattern to the shape of your lawn, ensuring even coverage.
• Quiet operation: The electric motor of the Automower 450XH is much quieter than traditional gas-powered lawn mowers, so you can run it at any time without disturbing your neighbors.
• Low maintenance: The Automower 450XH is designed to be low maintenance, with no oil changes or spark plug replacements required. Its blades are self-sharpening, and the machine is easy to clean.
• Eco-friendly: The electric motor of the Automower 450XH produces zero emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice for lawn care.

Cons:

• High price: The Automower 450XH is one of the most expensive robotic lawn mowers on the market, which may not be affordable for everyone.
• Limited cutting height: The mower's cutting height ranges from only 0.8 to 2.4 inches, which may not be suitable for homeowners who prefer taller grass.
• Limited battery life: The Automower 450XH has a battery life of only 270 minutes, which may not be enough to cover large lawns in one mowing session.
• Requires installation: The Automower 450XH requires professional installation, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
• Limited control options: The mower does not offer many control options, and some users may find it difficult to adjust settings or set up schedules.

2. EGO Power+ LM2142SP Self-Propelled Mower

This cordless electric mower is perfect for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The EGO Power+ LM2142SP is a self-propelled model that offers performance comparable to gas-powered models without the noise or emissions.

The 21-inch cutting deck allows for efficient mowing, and its dual-battery system provides a runtime of up to 80 minutes, enough for most medium-sized yards. The mower also features a 3-in-1 function for bagging, mulching, or side discharge of clippings. With LED headlights and weather-resistant construction, this mower can handle any condition.

Pros:

• Powerful performance: The EGO Power+ LM2142SP has a brushless motor that provides ample power to mow even tough grass. It also has a self-propelling feature that makes it easy to maneuver on hills and uneven terrain.
• Long battery life: The mower's 7.5Ah battery provides up to 60 minutes of run time, which is sufficient to cover most lawns. The battery is also interchangeable with other EGO Power+ tools, making it a versatile addition to your lawn care collection.
• Easy to use: The EGO Power+ LM2142SP is easy to start, operate, and maintain. It has a push-button start, a single-lever height adjustment, and a foldable design that makes it easy to store.
• Noise-free: The electric motor of the EGO Power+ LM2142SP produces no emissions and is much quieter than gas-powered mowers, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
• Eco-friendly: The electric motor of the EGO Power+ LM2142SP produces zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for lawn care.

Cons:

• Heavyweight: The EGO Power+ LM2142SP is a heavy machine, weighing over 80 pounds, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
• Expensive: The mower is relatively expensive compared to other electric mowers on the market, which may not be affordable for everyone.
• Limited cutting height: The mower's cutting height ranges from only 1.5 to 4 inches, which may not be suitable for homeowners who prefer shorter or taller grass.
• Limited bagging capacity: The mower's bagging capacity is relatively small, which may require frequent emptying during mowing.
• Limited warranty: The EGO Power+ LM2142SP comes with a limited 5-year warranty, which may not be sufficient for some users who expect longer coverage.

3. Honda HRX217VKA Gas Lawn Mower

The Honda HRX217VKA retains its place as one of the best gas-powered mowers on the market in 2023. This walk-behind mower is powered by a robust 200cc Honda GCV200 engine, known for its durability and reliable performance.

The mower features a 21-inch NeXite deck, which is rustproof and comes with a lifetime warranty. With Honda's MicroCut Twin Blades, you can expect fine clippings for excellent mulching and more clippings per bag. The Select Drive control lets you adjust the mower's speed to match your stride, making mowing more comfortable.

Pros:

• Powerful performance: The Honda HRX217VKA has a powerful 4-stroke engine that provides ample power to mow even tough grass. It also has a self-propelling feature that makes it easy to maneuver on hills and uneven terrain.
• Versatile cutting options: The mower has a 21-inch cutting deck and a 3-in-1 system that allows you to choose between bagging, mulching, or discharge options.
• Easy to use: The Honda HRX217VKA is easy to start, operate, and maintain. It has a push-button start, a single-lever height adjustment, and a foldable design that makes it easy to store.
• Durable construction: The mower has a durable construction with a rust-free, NeXite cutting deck and a MicroCut twin blade system that provides a clean cut.
• Good warranty: The Honda HRX217VKA comes with a 5-year warranty, which is longer than many other gas-powered mowers on the market.

Cons:

• Loud operation: The gas engine of the Honda HRX217VKA produces noise that may be loud and disruptive in noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
• Heavyweight: The Honda HRX217VKA is a heavy machine, weighing over 100 pounds, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
• Expensive: The mower is relatively expensive compared to other gas mowers on the market, which may not be affordable for everyone.
• Requires maintenance: The gas engine of the Honda HRX217VKA requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements, which may add to the overall cost of ownership.
• Emissions: The gas engine of the Honda HRX217VKA produces emissions, which may not be suitable for environmentally conscious users.

4. Toro TimeCutter 75755 Zero-Turn Riding Mower

For large lawns, the Toro TimeCutter 75755 stands out among riding mowers. This zero-turn mower is powered by a 24.5 HP Toro Commercial V-Twin engine, which provides plenty of power for quick, efficient mowing.

The 75755 features a 54-inch fabricated deck that can handle large areas quickly. The MyRIDE Suspension System offers a comfortable ride, with several adjustment settings. This mower also has a Smart Speed Control System, allowing you to choose from three ground speed ranges for optimal performance.

Pros:

• High-performance: The Toro TimeCutter 75755 has a powerful engine that provides ample power to mow even tough grass. It also has a zero-turn feature that makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles and tight spaces.
• Versatile cutting options: The mower has a 50-inch cutting deck and a 3-in-1 system that allows you to choose between bagging, mulching, or discharge options.
• Easy to use: The Toro TimeCutter 75755 is easy to operate, with intuitive controls and a comfortable seat. It also has a foot-assist height of cut that makes it easy to adjust the cutting height.
• Durable construction: The mower has a sturdy construction with a welded steel frame and a heavy-duty transmission that provides reliable performance.
• Good warranty: The Toro TimeCutter 75755 comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which is longer than many other riding mowers on the market.

Cons:

• Expensive: The mower is relatively expensive compared to other riding mowers on the market, which may not be affordable for everyone.
• Heavyweight: The Toro TimeCutter 75755 is a heavy machine, weighing over 600 pounds, which may make it difficult to transport or maneuver for some users.
• Limited comfort features: The mower lacks some comfort features, such as a cup holder or armrests, which may make the ride less comfortable for some users.
• Requires maintenance: The engine of the Toro TimeCutter 75755 requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, which may add to the overall cost of ownership.
• Emissions: The gas engine of the Toro TimeCutter 75755 produces emissions, which may not be suitable for environmentally conscious users.

5. Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Push Lawn Mower

For those who prefer a straightforward, affordable, and eco-friendly option, the Greenworks Pro 80V is a great choice. This cordless push mower is powered by an 80V, 2Ah battery, providing up to 60 minutes of run time.

The 21-inch steel deck offers durability and efficient cutting, with a 3-in-1 design for mulching, side discharge, or rear bagging of clippings. The mower also features Smart Cut Technology, which adjusts power based on grass thickness, ensuring optimal battery usage.

Pros:

• Quiet operation: The electric motor of the Greenworks Pro 80V produces no emissions and is much quieter than gas-powered mowers, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
• Long battery life: The mower's 2.0Ah battery provides up to 60 minutes of run time, which is sufficient to cover most lawns. The battery is also interchangeable with other Greenworks 80V tools, making it a versatile addition to your lawn care collection.
• Easy to use: The Greenworks Pro 80V is easy to start, operate, and maintain. It has a push-button start, a single-lever height adjustment, and a foldable design that makes it easy to store.
• Durable construction: The mower has a sturdy construction with a steel cutting deck that provides reliable performance.
• Eco-friendly: The electric motor of the Greenworks Pro 80V produces zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for lawn care.

Cons:

• Limited cutting height: The mower's cutting height ranges from only 1.125 to 3.75 inches, which may not be suitable for homeowners who prefer shorter or taller grass.
• Limited bagging capacity: The mower's bagging capacity is relatively small, which may require frequent emptying during mowing.
• Limited control options: The mower does not offer many control options, and some users may find it difficult to adjust settings or set up schedules.
• Limited warranty: The Greenworks Pro 80V comes with a limited 4-year warranty, which may not be sufficient for some users who expect longer coverage.
• Limited power: Although the Greenworks Pro 80V provides ample power for most residential lawn care needs, it may not be suitable for homeowners with very large lawns or tough terrain.

How to Maintain Your Lawn Mower

Proper lawn mower maintenance can extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

• Regular Cleaning: Remove grass clippings and debris from your mower after each use to prevent buildup.
• Oil Change: Change the oil at least once per mowing season or after every 50 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
• Blade Sharpening: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly, promoting healthier growth. Sharpen your mower's blades at the start of each mowing season.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect your mower regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Replace worn-out parts as necessary.

Conclusion

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an eco-warrior, or a traditionalist, 2023's lawn mower market has something for you. From the cutting-edge Husqvarna Automower 450XH to the reliable Honda HRX217VKA, these top lawn mowers offer excellent performance and value for money.

Remember, the best lawn mower for you depends on your specific needs and lawn size. Consider these factors and the features that each mower offers before making your decision. Happy mowing!