๐ฟA Homeowner's Guide to Choosing the Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
I'm on the hunt for a new walk-behind lawn mower for my yard. This is a legit, genuine hunt, and I can show you why.
But first, let me tell you the story of how I have to start my current lawnmower. It's a bitch and a half. The pull start is rooted. The internal workings are gone.
The recoil spring is bung and removed.
The idler pulley is just done.
It drinks mower oil like a fish. I have to manually reset it every time I want to use it.
Today, I went to mow the lawns and realized that one of the 'grip bits' had disappeared. I thought about it, wrapped a small rope around the thing, and eventually managed to turn the engine over.
And that's when a disaster I'd been expecting finally struck!
While I was mowing, I managed to rip the handle arms out!
The joints were pretty rusted, and the metal had started to come away. So now, it's kind of impossible to mow the lawns.
So now, I am on the hunt to buy a new lawnmower for my 400 square meters of lawn.
It's a small lawn, so I'm very happy to push it around for about half an hour. I'm after a classic home lawn mower with a catcher, one that will last at least 6-10 years and that I can maintain fairly easily.
I don't want the cheapest mower out there, but a mid-range, sturdy beast should suit my needs. I also want a petrol/gas engine, as I think petrol just adds to my lawn mowing experience. Even when I flood the damn thing...
The Science of a Great Mower: What to Look For
- Engine Displacement (cc): This measures the volume inside the engine's cylinder and is a good indicator of its power and torque. A higher cc engine (like 160cc-190cc) will handle thick, tough grass without bogging down.
- Deck Design: A "deep dome" deck is not just for looks. This design creates better airflow and suction, which lifts the grass blades for a cleaner cut and allows for more efficient mulching and bagging.
- Drive System: For hilly or uneven terrain, a self-propelled mower with all-wheel drive (AWD) is a game-changer. It provides superior traction and makes mowing feel effortless, as the mower does the hard work of pulling itself up hills.
๐Top Picks for Walk-Behind Gas Mowers
Husqvarna HU800AWDH: The All-Terrain Beast
Tackle your lawn care with a superior mower! The Husqvarna HU800AWDH has an all-wheel-drive system that guarantees balance and power in hilly terrain and the toughest mowing conditions.
It features a durable 22" heavy-duty steel deck and a powerful 190cc Honda engine. The mower comes equipped with a quick pin, four-point adjustment for level cutting and a water hose connector for easy deck cleaning.
- Honda GCV190 190cc 4-cycle engine for reliable power.
- 22-inch, 3-in-1 steel mower deck for side discharge, mulching, or bagging.
- All-wheel 4x4 drive provides improved maneuverability in all types of terrain.
- Auto-walk self-propelled system lets you control the pace.
"This mower is a beast. Built a pool in the back and I have a VERY steep hill behind it now. VERY steep. Climbs right up it perfect. You just walk along with it. Very pleased with it. Plenty of power, easy to start, great packaging/boxing. Great mower so far."
Check Price for the Husqvarna on Amazon
Long World 161cc: The Powerful All-Rounder
Want some grunt with your mower? Have a look at the Long World 161cc 20“ Deck 3-in-1 Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower. This mower is ideal for small to medium yards and features a powerful 161cc OHV engine, a 20-inch steel mulching deck, and 8 different cutting heights.
Power Smart DB8621S: The Compact Contender
The compact, 159cc self-propelled, gas-powered Power Smart DB8621S self-propelled lawn mower is easy to operate in tight spaces and features three cutting systems including a side discharge option and mulching capability, plus a collection rear bag.
This is a no-nonsense model that offers a lightweight design balanced with power.
The DB8621S features a rear-wheel drive mode that makes it easier to maneuver on uneven and rough terrain. The deep dome deck design accompanied by the sharp and solid blade makes for better mulching.
Easy to operate and weighing just 76 lbs, the mower also features a durable steel deck that cuts a 21-inch swath and is adjustable from 1.18 to 3 inches.
So that's three simple choices for you and for me. Of personal interest, it's been a long time since I've bought a new lawnmower. The key point of change for me appears to be the move from metal to plastic... and now this has got me thinking about the best kind of battery-based lawnmowers...