Best Gas Lawn Mowers Today [2021]

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Best Gas Lawn Mower – Lawn-Boy 10732

Top Pick

After countless hours of researching on gas lawn mowers, we’ve found the one that works best is the Lawn-Boy 10732.

Sporting a hefty gas engine and with a 21-inch steel blade, the 10732 tackles the toughest mowing jobs without blinking an eye.

Here is a quick rundown of the Lawn-Boy 10732’s key specs—

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 149-cc Engine
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • 2-Year Tru-Start Warranty

The 10732 is equipped with a beefy Kohler XTX 149-cc engine that delivers an astounding amount of speed and torque. With every pass, 10732 leaves stubby blades of freshly cut grass in its wake.

One shining feature is the quick-start engine. By following the manual correctly, we were able to start the 10732’s engine in a single tug of the recoil cord every time.

If, for any reason, it takes more than two tugs within the first two years, Lawn-Boy will repair your 10732 free of charge.

The 10732 is also user-friendly. If you have trouble pushing lawn mowers up and down slopes, then the rear-wheel-drive system will do wonders.

This lawn mower is also extremely lightweight—around 66 pounds—so the engine doesn’t need to work as hard to propel the unit forward.

Pros

  • Perfect mowing performance
  • Incredible maneuverability
  • Engine starts in fewer tugs
  • Large grass storage capacity

Cons

  • Front wheels may need realigning

Overall, the Lawn-Boy 10732 is the best of the best all-around gas lawn mower. The 10732 will tackle any job without breaking a sweat.

The challenge of mowing thousands of square feet of grassy fields with an inadequate lawn mower is frustrating, to say the least, but with the right gas-powered model, you can put your frustrations to rest.

We’ve personally researched over 20 different gas lawn mowers by mowing over two acres to give you our picks of the best gas lawn mowers available today.

Top Gas Lawn Mower Compared

Product ImageProduct NameFeaturesPrice
Lawn-Boy 10732
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 200 cc
  • Cub Connect mobile app
Honda Self-propelled, Variable Speed Select Drive Hrx2175hyaHonda Hrx2175hya
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 161 cc
  • ClearCut Deck
PowerSmart Push Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc 3-in-1 Walk-Behind Lawnmower (DB2321PR)PowerSmart DB2321
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: No
  • Engine Size: 163 cc
  • AutoDrive
Troy-Bilt TB330
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 196 cc
  • John Deere Easy Change™ 30-second oil change system
PowerSmart DB8620 20 inch 3-in-1 196cc Gas Self Propelled Mower, Red/BlackPowerSmart DB8620
  • Swath Width: 20 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 196 cc
  • USP
Lawn-Boy 17732
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 140 cc
  • USP
Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with Bagger, Liberty RedCRAFTSMAN M105
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: No
  • Engine Size: 159 cc
  • USP
CRAFTSMAN M275
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 159 cc
  • USP
Troy-Bilt TB220
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • Engine Size: 166 cc
  • USP
Honda HRN Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Twin Blade SystemHonda HRN216VKA
  • Swath Width: 21 in.
  • Self-propelled: Yes
  • One hour icing technology
  • USP

Reviews of Top Gas Lawn Mowers

Now, let’s take a look at other top-performing gas lawn mowers on the market.

Best Premium - Honda HRX2175HYA

best overall rating Honda Self-propelled, Variable Speed Select Drive Hrx2175hya

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 149-cc Engine
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • 2-Year Tru-Start Warranty

If you don’t know already, Honda is known for producing some of the best lawn mowers on the planet. The HRX217K6VKA is a premium gas lawn mower made for those with a premium budget.

The HRX217K6VKA comes with Honda’s innovative GVC 200-cc engine that consumes only 1.4 liters of gasoline per hour. Turning the self-propelling feature down or off will increase fuel and cost-efficiency.

The HRX217K6VKA comes with SelectDrive control that moves the lawn mower forward at a rate of up to 4 MPH. Adjusting the speed limit dial will send the HRX217K6VKA moving at a comfortable pace.

See what the HRX217K6VKA looks like in action.

 

Pros

  • Honda-quality build
  • Self-propelling for ultra-convenience
  • Mulches, bags, shreds, and discharges grass clippings
  • Quick engine startup

Cons

  • Mowing around tree trunks can be awkward

Honda lawn mowers are on the costlier side, but they’re worth every penny. With the HRX217K6VKA, you can rest assured that you’re getting a premium lawn mower.

Best Budget - PowerSmart DB2321

best overall rating PowerSmart DB8620 20 inch 3-in-1 196cc Gas Self Propelled Mower, Red/Black

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 200-cc GVC Engine
  • SelectDrive Control
  • 4-in-1 Versamow

Next up is the affordable PowerSmart DB2321. Though low in cost, this gas lawn mower isn’t lacking anything in the performance department.

The DB2321 is equipped with a hefty 161-cc OHV engine that starts up in fewer pulls of the recoil cord. Despite its super-inexpensive cost, the PowerSmart still managed to include a durable steel deck to protect its motor from rain.

For its price, the lack of a self-propelling system makes sense, but its overall dry weight of under 60 pounds makes it easy to push up slight inclines.

This video will show you what the DB2321 can do.

Pros

  • Durable steel deck
  • Easy-to-adjust height settings
  • Extreme value on a budget
  • Sizable rear wheels for enhanced maneuverability

Cons

  • You need to manually collect grass clippings

As a budget-friendly option, you won’t get premium features like self-propelling or storage bags, but you can rest easy knowing that your DB2321 can handle tall grass as well as the best of them.

Lawn-Boy 17732

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • Kohler 149cc Engine
  • CARB Compliant

The 21-inch 17732 from Lawn-Boy is a self-propelled lawn mower equipped with a robust Kohler engine.

This is an excellent option for homeowners and DIY landscapers looking for reliable performance and self-propelled mobility in a compact machine.

The 17732 comes with a sizable collection bag that stores clippings for easy disposal. The engine combined with the heavy-duty mower blade mows and mulches like a commercial-line lawn mower.

Users love the 3-year Tru-Start commitment by Lawn-Boy. If you follow the manual’s instructions but cannot get the engine to start in one or two pulls of the recoil cord, Lawn-Boy will take it back to shop and fix it up for free.

Pros

  • Amazing torque
  • 3-year one-pull commitment from Lawn-Boy
  • Collection bag holds a lot of grass clippings
  • Self-propelled improves mobility

Cons

  • 2-point height adjustment system can take too much time to set up

All in all, the 17732 is a fantastic lawn mower for residential lawns and gardens of nearly all sizes.

CRAFTSMAN M105

best overall rating Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with Bagger, Liberty Red

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 140-cc Briggs & Stratton
  • 3-in-1 Capabilities
  • 2-Lever Height Adjustment

The CRAFTSMAN M105 offers auto-choke controls that reduce the number of tugs needed to start the 140-cc Briggs & Stratton engine.

It doesn’t have a self-propelling feature, but its lightweight (65 pounds) build makes it easy to maneuver across flat gardens.

The M105 comes with traditional 3-in-1 capabilities that store, toss, or mulch grass clippings. Although it excels at all three tasks, customers were put off by the tiny storage bag that needs frequent emptying out.

The two-lever height adjustment system is easy to set up. It offers a flexible cutting height range of between 1.25 and 3.75 inches to mow your lawn to your exact specifications.

Pros

  • Auto-choke makes for quick startups
  • Excellent maneuverability on flat surfaces
  • Flexible height adjustment system
  • Low-maintenance engine

Cons

  • Users found collection bag too small for large gardens

The M105 sports an amazing range of features that makes it adept at both residential and commercial landscaping projects.

CRAFTSMAN M275

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • Front-Wheel-Drive
  • 159-cc Electric Start Engine
  • Deck Wash

The M275 is rocking a 159-cc engine with a self-propelling system.

It’s heavier than most budget lawn mowers (around 90 pounds), but the front-wheel-drive can send the unit moving forward at a comfortable speed (up to 4 MPH).

In terms of performance, the M275’s beefy motor sends the 21-inch blade spinning at high speeds to slice through tall grass and weeds in a single pass. With 3-in-1 capabilities, you can store, toss, or mulch the clippings with ease.

This CRAFTSMAN lawn mower is designed for residential purposes, though some customers have used it for finer mowing tasks on their clients’ lawns. It also features a two-lever system to fine-tune the cutting height.

Pros

  • Outstanding mowing and mulching capabilities
  • Self-propelled improves mobility on slopes
  • Quick-start, low-maintenance engine
  • Easy to clean deck’s underside

Cons

  • Self-propelling system takes some getting used to

As a CRAFTSMAN-made lawn mower, you can expect great performance from the M275, regardless of lawn size and grass height.

Troy-Bilt TB220

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 159-cc OHV Engine
  • Self-propulsion system
  • 8 x 8-Inch Wheels

The TB220 carries a 159-cc OHV engine that delivers a ton of mowing force to chop down tall grass with minimal effort.

It also has a front-wheel, self-propelling feature that keeps it moving at a constant pace to improve convenience and mobility.

A light tug of the recoil cord is all it takes for the TB220 to be on its way. The engine is also nearly zero-maintenance, and with care, it will last far beyond the average lifespan of a medium-range lawn mower.

The 8 x 8-inch wheels keep the deck flat at all times. With a dual lever setup, the TB220 offers flexibility in mowing height, even along the sides of hills.

Pros

  • Astounding cutting performance and speed
  • Easy-to-use height adjustment system
  • Smooth gliding on flat surfaces
  • Large grass clippings collection bag

Cons

  • Wheels could offer more traction for climbing slopes

The TB220 is an excellent option for DIY landscapers, and does easy work out of maintaining small and medium-sized yards.

Honda HRN216VKA

best overall rating Honda HRN Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Twin Blade System

Key Specifications

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 166-cc GCV160 Engine
  • SmartDrive System
  • Dual-Lever Height Adjustment

Last up is the Honda HRN216VKA, a homeowner-level lawn mower that can tackle any grass type of any height in any weather.

Its durable steel 21-inch deck provides a wide clearing path to reduce the number of passes needed to mow large gardens.

The mowing blade is powered by a 166-cc GVC160 engine that also comes with the infamous SmartDrive system.

Not only does the HRN216VKA mow like a boss, but it also eliminates the need to push the mower thanks to its variable speed self-driving system.

The HRN216VKA offers 3-in-1 mowing capabilities. It bags and mulches without a hiccup, but its side-discharge chute tends to get clogged when mowing tall grass.

Pros

  • Excellent all-around lawn mower for residential use
  • Robust steel design for added durability
  • Easy-to-control SmartDrive system
  • No assembly required

Cons

  • Clippings can get stuck in discharge chute on occasion

The engineers at Honda certainly know how to manufacture a high-quality, ultra-reliable lawn mower on a budget. If you tend to large gardens, consider picking up the HRN216VKA.

Best Gas Lawn Mower for Hills

If you’re looking for an excellent lawn mower for hilly fields, then the Troy-Bilt TB330 is the best choice.

Here’s a quick rundown of its key specs—

  • 21-Inch Swath
  • 163-cc Braggs & Stratton Engine
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • 8 x 8-inch Wheels

The powerful 163-cc Braggs & Stratton Engine ensures maximum cutting performance at all times. The unit weighs a heavy 80 pounds, but its self-propelling, rear-wheel-drive system makes it easy to use up and down slopes.

The self-driving feature has a max speed of three MPH. Despite its lower speed cap, the grippy tires keep the rear wheels in the dirt at all times.

Adjusting the deck’s height is done by pulling a single lever. This makes for quick fine-tuning cutting heights on the fly. You can rest assured that ever pass will leave a wide path of evenly trimmed grass all day long.

Pros

  • Self-propelling with excellent traction
  • Easy-to-use single-lever height adjustment system
  • Self-cleaning deck wash port
  • Quick-start engine

Cons

  • Some assembly required

If your property is littered with hills and slopes, then the TB330 is the best solution. Its self-propelling feature keeps it moving up and down slopes with minimal effort by the operator.

 

Best Gas Lawn Mower for Small Yards

For those with smaller yards and gardens who don’t want to over-investment in a lawn mower, we’ve got the perfect unit for you: the PowerSmart DB8620.

PowerSmart DB8620 20 inch 3-in-1 196cc Gas Self Propelled Mower, Red/Black

Let’s see what the DB8620’s key specifications are—

  • 20-Inch Swath
  • 196-cc Engine
  • 8-position Height Adjustment
  • Zero-Turn Capabilities

Sporting a 196-cc engine, the DB8620 is all about tremendous performance and convenience. Although it weighs around 80 pounds, the self-driving feature keeps the unit moving at all times to reduce strain on the operator.

The DB8620 also provides 3-in-1 capabilities, but the magic is in the large collection bag.

By user estimates, the grass collection bag has enough room for the clippings of 5,000-square-foot yards and gardens, depending on the size and type of grass.

With just three wheels, the DB8620 has zero-turning capabilities to make it easier to patrol yards and mow around tree trunks. All of these features combined result in extra-comfort when tending to smaller lawns.

Take a look at this video to see what the PowerSmart DB8620 can do.

 

Pros

  • Quick-start engine
  • Sizable collection bag for infrequent emptying
  • Durable steel housing
  • Self-propulsion feature for tiny slopes

Cons

  • Some assembly required

The DB8620’s powerful engine, zero-radius turning, and self-driving system will clear small yards and gardens of tall grass and weeds in no time at all.

 

FAQs

In this section, we’ll swiftly address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding gas lawn mowers.

How long do gas lawn mowers last?

We’re happy you asked. On average, the lifespan of a gas lawn mower ranges from eight to ten years, depending on how frequently it’s used. The average homeowner-level lawn mower can last for several years beyond the decade mark since their mowing tasks are generally less challenging. Also, by keeping your grass short, subsequent mowing jobs will cause less strain on the engine, thereby extending the lifespan even further.

Is it worth repairing a gas lawn mower?

That depends. If you’re handy around gas engines, you’ll want to see how extensive the damage to the engine is. The older the engine, the repairs it will need, and you just might end up spending more on repairs than a brand-new lawn mower. If you inherited your lawn mower from a grandparent, it might be time to replace it with one of the items mentioned on our list.

How tall a field can gas lawn mowers cut?

Excellent question. Gas lawn mowers typically have no limit. Their powerful engines are able to send the mower blade through patches of tall, thick grass without the slightest indication of choking or sputtering, unlike their electric counterparts whose mower blades can become bogged down in tall grassy fields. 

Can gas lawn mowers mow wet grass?

Indeed, they can. In fact, due to their minimal electrical components, gas lawn mowers aren’t just capable of doing so, but they’re ideal. Wet grass poses more of a challenge since it adds resistance to the mowing blades. A mower powerful engine will send the blades slicing right through wet grass without trouble.

What is the best month to buy a lawn mower?

The best times to find the greatest deals on lawn mowers are in April, May, and August to October. These times are right after the mowing season ends and when sellers are trying to empty their inventory ASAP. With the upcoming autumn season, it may be time to plan on which gas lawn mower to get.

Summary

There we have it, folks.

This guide on the best gas lawn mower should help you find the perfect model for your exact needs.

We’ve spent countless hours researching numerous gas lawn mowers (so you won’t have to) and created a list of the best gas lawn mower available on the market.

Please drop a comment below if you have any lingering concerns. 

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Karen Taylor

Karen is an expert woodworker. He has been working as a professional in the domain for more than 12 years now. She has experience of working on a variety of power and other tools while working on her projects.

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