However, if you have more than an acre of land to mow, you’ll want a bigger mower with a deck of 40 inches or more-this will decrease the number of passes you have to make while mowing, decreasing the time it takes to trim your lawn. If you have 0.5-acre or less, you’ll do fine with a 20- to 30-inch deck. The size of your yard will dictate how large a deck your lawn mower should have. Today’s electric and battery-powered mowers are often comparable in performance to gas mowers, and they’re quieter and more eco-friendly. When it comes to fuel type, gas mowers have a reputation for being more powerful, but they require more maintenance. With a zero-turn mowing deck, operators can easily cut close to objects such as trees or shrubs." In recent years, zero-turn mowers have become more popular, as they are ideal for a variety of terrains and larger properties. "These units come in a variety of speeds and horsepower ratings, depending on the needs of the operator. "A riding lawn unit is easy to maneuver, especially on flatter land, and prevents the operator from experiencing fatigue as they are sitting while mowing," explains Caroline Skelton, Go-To-Market Manager for Riding Lawn Equipment at John Deere. There are many types of lawn mowers available today, and two of the biggest choices you’ll have to make are whether you want a walk-behind or riding mower and whether you want gas, electric, or battery power.
A great value, this corded electric mower is lightweight and easy to handle and offers mulching and bagging options. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly mower, we recommend the Sun Joe 17-Inch Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher. The RYOBI 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower is our top choice for most lawns-this self-propelled electric model is powerful, easy to push, and can run for up to 40 minutes per charge. We also love that it has handles that can adjust to your height, lock in place, and fold nicely for more compact storage. The mower has an onboard battery storage compartment where you can stash an extra battery, so you can swap it out quickly if you need a charge in the middle of mowing. In addition to power and versatility, this mower offers other great features, like high-intensity LED headlights that allow you to see better at dusk. While it was a breeze to push up hills, it was harder to maneuver around corners, though it's so lightweight it's easy to lift.
They also appreciated that there were seven cutting height options. They were particularly impressed by the power of the self-propelled feature and found that it could cut through thick, dense grass with ease. We sent this mower to our tester to try at home. It can run for up to 40 minutes per charge. It holds its own against gas-powered models, has a 20-inch deck that mulches and bags, and an optional side-discharge chute (sold separately). Our best overall pick for most yards is the RYOBI 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.