Push mowers (either gas or battery) are great for yards that take up to about a half hour to mow. But they have limitations, too. “Once you start creeping above that length of time, anyone can start getting a little fatigued pushing a mower around,” Trezza says.
The bells and whistles on more complex and expensive self-propelled mowers (gas and battery) aren’t necessary for smaller yards, he says. Consider, for instance, the boost that self-propelled mowers provide to assist you in moving forward. “The feature helps most when moving in long stretches in one direction,” Trezza says.
That’s not a concern in small yards, he says, because you’re mowing short swaths and turning often. But if your yard has hills, a self-propelled mower is something to consider. And a lighter unit, Trezza says, will be easier to turn around.
What’s more, run times are fast improving. Our testing shows that most cut about one-third of an acre on a single charge, and some can now ably cut a half acre. Some battery mowers keep their charge for at least an hour. (Typically, they get 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge.) To get the best run times, cut your lawn weekly—letting your grass grow taller between cuts means the mower will have to work harder, which drains the battery faster.
If you’re in the market for a new mower but not sure about the style you want, the best place to start is Consumer Reports’ lawn mower and tractor buying guide. Then check out our in-depth ratings of dozens of mowers and tractors. The best push mowers for small yards are highlighted below.
