Best self propelled gas lawn mower with electric start

We’ve compiled a list of the absolute best gas lawn mowers for mastering your lawn this summer, and for getting into a regimented mowing routine. With all of the power that you need and precision tools to get the exact look you want, look no further than the selection of mowers that we’ve selected below in order to make this essential backyard purchase.

A gas mower is the most capable tool you can have for servicing your lawn to perfection, but there are so many options to choose from that it can get dizzying. Firstly, you’ll need a model that is a relative size to your garden, and one that you can store at home without complications. You should also factor in how easy the mower you opt for is to maneuver and consider a self-propelled model if you want to take some of the weight off. 

One of the best gas lawn mowers should make your gardening life infinitely easier, with features like twin cutting blades and various cutting heights allowing to you prune your lawn to the specificity you need. We’ve included details on all of this and more, including safety measures so that you can select the right mower for you. Keep reading to discover all the top-rated options, or browse our guides to the best electric lawn mowers (opens in new tab) and the best riding lawn mowers (opens in new tab) if you’re still undecided on the type of mower you want to purchase.  

The best gas lawn mowers

1. Honda HRX217HZA: Best gas lawn mower overall

A self-propelled drive, a powerful 200cc engine and 21-inch twin blades mean this lawnmower will make you the envy of your friends.

Specifications

Depth: 65.6-inches

Height: 42.2-inches

Width: 23.1-inches:

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 200cc **Weight:** 106lbs

Max cutting height: 4-inches

Min cutting height : .75-inches

Drive type: Rear wheel

Mower type: Self propelled

Start type: Electric

Warranty: 5 years residential/lifetime deck

Reasons to buy

+

Twin blades for finer cutting

We've chosen the Honda HRX217HZA as our best overall gas-powered mower because it's got all the features you'll ever need in a mower coupled with that fantastic Honda engine and build quality. 

Let's start with the engine size. At 200cc it's the most powerful engine in our buying guide, matching the Honda HRX217VKA and just a whisper ahead of the Weibang WB537SCV-3IN1. You get twin blades with the Honda HRX217HZA too, and a 4-in-1 Versamow System, which means you can easily switch between mulching, bagging, discharging and leaf-shredding.

The difference between this model and the similarly named Honda HRX217VKA, also in our buying guide, is the addition of Roto Stop technology, which means you can stop the blades without stopping the engine, and Hydrostatic Cruise control for simple, precise control of the mower's speed.

You also get one of our favorite features, which is the electric key start, so there's no cord to pull. Just turn a key and the mower springs into life. In fact, it's hard to think of a feature of a lawnmower that you'd want and that you can't find here. The Honda HRX217HZA might be expensive, but if you pay a little more you get a mower that will last you a lifetime. 

• Read our Honda HRX217HZA review (opens in new tab)

2. Honda HRX217VKA: Best self-propelled gas lawn mower

With an impressive feature set and a powerful engine the Honda HRX217VKA lawnmower is one to own.

Specifications

Depth: 63.4-inches

Height: 42.2-inches

Width: 23.1-inches:

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 200cc

Weight: 89lbs

Max cutting height: 4-inches

Min cutting height : .75-inches

Drive type: Rear wheel

Mower type: Self propelled

Start type: pull cord

Warranty: 5 years residential/3 month commercial/lifetime deck

Reasons to buy

+

4-in-1 grass cutting features

Reasons to avoid

-

No electric start

Honda lawnmowers are known for their great engines, and the HRX217VKA features a really powerful 200cc Honda engine. 

The Honda HRX217VKA is self-propelled too, so it's easy to operate and moves forward with just the press of a single finger. There's also an auto choke, so you can be guaranteed a start on the first attempt even if you have to pull a cord. 

The Honda HRX217VKA has twin blades, so you can ensure an amazing cut, and of course, it's got the Honda 4-in-1 Versamow feature set that enables bagging, mulching, discharging and leaf cutting. The twin blades ensure especially fine cuts for mulching.

What we really like with these Honda mowers is that you get a generous 5-year warranty. Not that you'll need it as the user reviews rarely mention mechanical failure.

The HRX217VKA is a great choice for you if you want the majority of the features of the more expensive Honda HRX21HZA, but you want it for over $250 less and you can live without its blade stop technology, electric start, and hydrostatic cruise control.

• Read our Honda HRX217VKA review (opens in new tab)

3. Craftsman M105: Best lightweight gas mower 

Made in the US, this lightweight gas mower designed for ease with a 21 inch deck is the perfect solution for medium gardens.

Specifications

Depth: 34.75-inches

Height: 17.75-inches

Width: 23.88-inches

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 140cc

Weight: 65lbs

Max cutting height: 3.75-inches

Min cutting height: 1.25-inches

Drive type: Push mower

Mower type: Manual push

Start type: Pull cord

Warranty: 2-years limited

Reasons to buy

+

Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-

Engine slightly under-powered 

If you're searching for a lightweight push lawn mower, then the Craftsman M105 is a brilliant choice. The 21-inch blade means it works best for gardens under a quarter acre, and a six-height adjustable deck and three different clipping disposal options ensures a thorough trim.

Like many of the mid range offerings on this list, the Craftsman doesn't offer two blades in its cutting deck for fine mulching, it still has a three-in-one clipping disposal system. This includes a “mulching” functionality. An extra inclusion with the mower is a “mulch kit”, which improves the nutritional quality of any caught lawn clippings used later for composting. 

The M105 weighs in far less than a lot of its competitors, making it a great option for anyone who does not want to move a 100 lb machine around their garden. Sometimes less is more, especially with a push mower that has none of its own power. While it is easy to move, being a push mower the Craftsman is less suited to hilly gardens than self-powered machines. 

The Craftsman M105 has an auto-choke pull cord engine to minimize any hassle. The dual lever used to operate the cutting deck is also easy to use, making the M105 a fantastic option for medium-sized gardens with a medium-sized price tag.

Although not the cheapest option for a mid-range mower, the Craftsman is a good value proposition regardless. It works especially well for users who want a simple and light lawn care solution.   

• Read our full Craftsman M105 review (opens in new tab) 

4. Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1: Best gas lawn mower for reliability

If you're after durability and reliability then the Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1is a beast of a mower made from quality parts.

Specifications

Depth: 60.4-inches

Height: 39.9-inches

Width: 22.9-inches:

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 196cc

Weight: 120lbs

Max cutting height: 4-inches

Min cutting height : .5-inches

Drive type: Rear wheel

Mower type: Self propelled

Start type: pull cord

Warranty: 5 years residential/1 year commercial

Reasons to buy

+

Powerful shaft engine

Reasons to avoid

-

Heavy

You might not be aware of lawnmowers made in other countries, so let us introduce you to the Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1. As you can see from the pictures, it's a serious professional mower, and if ruggedness and durability are top of your list when choosing a mower, you might want to consider it.

Let's start with the engine. The Weibang has a 196cc shaft-driven engine, which is some serious power under the hood. Belt drives occasionally get twigs stuck in them or suffer from other problems like slippage when wet. In contrast, this shaft-driven engine has a 3-speed gearbox that was specially created for this mower. Everything fits tight in the engine and forget hunting around for the gasoline cap because it is right on top and easy to access. 

There are two separate speed (3 settings) and throttle controls, so you can turn the engine down when you're not really cutting, or to enable you to idle the engine at lower RPS before you shut it off. 

The build quality is outstanding. The deck is made of steel, so it's tough and rugged. The wheels have double ball bearings. There's one lever wheel adjustment, which is really easy to use. But most of all the handle just feels solid when you use it and you hardly feel any vibration at all as you mow.

Quick-release handles mean the main mower handle folds fully down, making it easy to turn the machine upside down to clean or store in your garage. 

The Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1 ships without oil so you have to provide that yourself. Starting requires a pull cord, and you also need to use a choke. All things considered, the Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1 is best suited for somebody who is experienced in using garden mowers, and is comfortable with different fuel types and appreciates the beauty of the solid build and high-quality engine. If that sounds like you, then you'll love this mower.

• Read our full Weibang WB537SCV- 3IN1 review (opens in new tab)

5. Troy-Bilt TB160: Best mid-range gas lawn mower

Here's a mid-range lawnmower that still has a lot power under the hood. The Troy-Bilt TB160 has some great features, too.

Specifications

Depth: 60-inches

Height: 38-inches

Width: 22-inches:

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 160cc

Weight: 69.5lbs

Max cutting height: 3.75-inches

Min cutting height : 1.25-inches

Drive type: Push mower

Mower type: Manual push

Start type: pull cord

Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+

Affordable price

Reasons to avoid

-

Manual push

If you're looking for an affordable gas-powered lawnmower then has all the basic function then the Troy-Bilt 160 is a great mower to consider. Of course, at a price like this you can't expect all the high-end features of something like the Honda HRX217HZA, so it's not self-propelled, and it certainly doesn't have an electric starter, but you do get a really solid 160cc Honda engine.

As well as the reliable engine the Troy-Bilt 160 comes with an Auto-Choke system which means that starting won't be a problem, even if you need to pull a cord. 

The Troy-Bilt 160 does more than just basic grass cutting too. It has a 3 in 1 action, so you get a 1.9-bushel rear bag for normal grass cuttings, but also a mulch kit, and side discharge options with this mower. A specialized cutting blade ensures that mulched grass is finely cut and you'll get a great freshly-cut look for your lawn.

While it's not self-propelled Troy-Bilt has done as much as it can to make it easier to cut with this mower. For instance, the rear wheels are large, at 11-inches, so they'll help you over rough spots in your grass or hills, too. 

Finally, adjusting the height of the cutting blade is easy, thanks to duel levers which give you 6 different height positions. 

The Troy-Bilt TB160 has a number of really good features for its price point, and as one of the cheapest here, it's great value. 

• Read our Troy-Bilt TB160 review (opens in new tab)

6. Craftsman M430: Best gas lawn mower for large lawns

Craftsman’s M430 is a large lawn mowing solution.

Specifications

Deck size: 28-inches

Engine: Gas

LED headlights: No

Engine Size: 223cc

Self-propelled: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Efficient mulching capabilities 

Reasons to avoid

-

Very expensive  

The Craftsman M430, like most of Craftsman’s mower products, is built with robust and quality materials, making ease of use with powerful hardware a priority. This is especially true for the M430, which is a self-propelling mower that dynamically adjusts its pace to adapt to its user. 

Alongside this accessibility, the M430 gives its users multiple options in terms of mulching, bagging, and clipping dispersal - with twin blades gearing it well to producing tiny clippings that are good for your lawn.

While many users of the mower remarked on the hefty price tag in reviews, a large proportion of them concluded that the M430 is well worth the price when its extensive feature list is considered. 

• Read our Craftsman M430 review (opens in new tab)

7. Troy-Bilt TB100: Best affordable gas lawn mower

You don't need to sacrifice quality if you're shopping on the budget, as this plucky little mower proves.

Specifications

Depth: 60-inches

Height: 38-inches

Width: 22-inches:

Blade Length: 21-inches

Engine displacement: 140cc

Weight: 60 lbs

Max cutting height: 3.75-inches

Min cutting height : 1.25-inches

Drive type: push mower

Mower type: Manual push

Start type: pull cord

Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+

Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-

Pull cord start

Mowing your yard can be an important part of your weekly exercise regimen, and if you feel like you need the exercise then it's probably best to stay away from self-propelled mowers. Push mowers are also much cheaper, and if you're shopping on a budget then the price-friendly Troy-Bilt TB100 could be all you need.

Visually it looks very similar to the TB160, which is also in this buying guide, but it has a less-powerful 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine. 

Another difference between the TB160 and this model though is that there's no bagging option with this mower. You only get mulch and side discharge. So, your cuttings are going to stay on your lawn, which might not be good if you want that clean look to your garden. 

As you'd expect for a lightweight mower like this, most of the parts are plastic, so durability may be an issue, but that also means it's easy to transport, which is handy if you need to lift it into a truck. There are lots of positive user reviews and people note that assembly is easy and requires no tools. 

Also on the positive side, there are 6 cutting positions to choose from, with a lever to help you manually adjust between them. You've also got the large rear wheels to help you over the rough spots.

As a rough guide, if you're considering getting a smaller lawnmower like the Troy-Bilt TB100 you're looking at a yard size of under a 1/4 of an acre.

• Read our Troy TB100 review (opens in new tab)

8. Toro TimeMaster 21199 mower: Best gas lawn mower for quick cutting 

Save time and effort with the Toro TimeMaster 21199 self-propelling lawn mower that powers through your lawn and mulches too.

Specifications

Weight: 140lb

Dimensions: 65.7in (d) x 32.2in (w) x 44.3in (h)

Max cutting height: 4.25 inch

Min cutting height: 1.25 inch

Cutting width: 30 inches

Mower type: Self-propelled

Start type: Pull-cord

Warranty: three-year full warranty, three-year guaranteed to start

Reasons to buy

+

Powerful engine 

Reasons to avoid

-

Fairly expensive 

The Toro TimeMaster 21199 has all the features you need to mow larger yards efficiently, while quickly cutting grass with its wide 30-inch deck. As one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers, it’s also simple to operate with a Personal Pace and Traction Assist feature that ensures the machine operates at a speed that suits you.

Other great features include a Dual-Force Cutting System and Atomic blades, which also slice grass into mulch, plus there’s the option to control your mowing height. The Toro TimeMaster 21199 is practical too with a quick-stow storage handle, and a washout port to easily clean under the deck of the mower. 

As the name suggests, the Toro TimeMaster can significantly reduce the time you spend mowing the lawn, and the 1.2-quart tank averages 45-60 minutes of runtime that will suit most residential lawns of up to an acre.

With its Torque Briggs and Stratton 223cc OHV engine, this best mower is designed to cope with larger residential lawns, but at over $1,000 in price, it might be a little too pricey for smaller backyards. However, if you want plenty of power to cut your mowing time in half with ease then the Toro TimeMaster 21199 is a reliable choice.

• Read our full Toro TimeMaster 21199 review (opens in new tab)

9. BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower: The best choice for small to medium-sized lawns

BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower

With a powerful engine and multiple height settings, this Black + Decker mower is a reliable buy for small and medium-sized lawns.

Specifications

Deck size: 21 in

Engine: 140cc

LED headlights: No

Dimensions: W 18.13 x H 23.99 x D 37.78 in

Weight: 77.8 lbs

Self-propelled: Yes

Warranty: Two-year limited

Start type: Recoil pull

Reasons to buy

+

Lightweight and self-propelled for total ease 

Reasons to avoid

-

Can get difficult to get close to specific areas because of larger front wheels 

Black + Decker is renowned for crafting high-quality mowers, with this gas push lawn mower no exception. Designed with small to medium sized yards in mind, this particular model will no doubt appeal to those who want to take the weight off when it comes to their mowing routine. 

A seamless mowing experience is created with this mower through the large eight-inch double tires and the front-wheel drive design, which will provide traction to power you up slopes and to keep you powering along on flat terrain too. There are six cutting heights to choose from, so whether you’re doing a daily sweep or more of an intensive cut, you’ll be catered to.

The BLACK+DECKER 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower has 3-in-1 mulching, bagging and side discharge capabilities so that you can finish up mowing your lawn with no other complications. The AutoChoke start also means you shouldn’t have any issues with getting started either, making this mower a true all-rounder for your consideration.

10. Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower: Best gas lawn mower for cutting heights 

The Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower is an affordable choice if you want a self-propelling mower that’s flexible too.

Specifications

Weight: 74lb

Dimensions: 40in (d) x 22in (w) x 16in (h)

Max cutting height: 4 inch

Min cutting height: 1 inch

Cutting width: 22in

Mower type: Self-propelled

Start type: Pull-cord

Warranty: two-year full warranty, three-year guaranteed to start

Reasons to buy

+

Nine cut levels 

Reasons to avoid

-

Not suitable for larger areas 

When it comes to a reliable cut and easy-to-handle operation, the Toro 21378 is one of the best mowers for the job. This affordable machine is packed with features too and includes a mulching system that finely shreds grass and puts it back onto your lawn to nourish it. If you wanted to bag the grass instead, then the Toro 21378 also has a quick-connect bagging system that allows you to easily switch from mulching.

The 150cc engine and 22-inch steel deck can take on yards of up to half an acre, with the adjustable handle and lightweight 11-inch rear wheels making it super-easy to control over most lawns. There is also flexibility for precision cutting, and this self-propelling lawn mower has nine positions that will trim between one to four inches.

Overall, when it comes to residential use this self-propelled gas mower is a no-brainer, and at 74lb the Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower can be used by most people with relative ease. 

• Read our full Toro 21378 Recycler Lawn Mower review (opens in new tab)

What should you look for in a gas lawn mower?

Engine power: The most crucial consideration for many, often the engine size of a mower will directly impact the cutting power. If you want a self-propelled model to help you along, then opting for a powerful engine will make your experience much smoother. To give a number, anything over 160cc will be assured to pack the power you need.

Self-propulsion: One of the benefits of gas lawn mowers is the fact that self-propulsion technology is often built in, meaning that you don’t need to exert all of your effort to even get your mower mowing. Self-propulsion will make your mowing experience less strenuous, but won’t completely eradicate the need to push. 

Mulching: Lots of mowers are sold as having the capability to mulch, bag and side discharge all at once, which means that your grass cuttings will be dealt with as you move along. Lots of lawns can benefit from mulching, so it’s worth this feature if that applies to you. 

Blade width: In short, the width of the cutting blade on your mower will set how many passes it takes to mow your lawn, meaning that the blade you need will depend on how big your yard is. If you have a wider blade, you’ll need to spend much less time pushing your mower around, but there might not be much point sizing up if you only have a small yard.

Noise level: Gas mowers aren’t the quietest mowers out there, but you can cut down on noise by opting for a smaller engine for your backyard, ensuring you stay on the good side on your neighbors.

Cutting height and positions: You can change the cutting position of your mower on its wheel, which will allow you to get specific with how tall your grass is. Less expensive models will likely require you to manually change this with a screwdriver. 

Sophie is Home Editor at Top Ten Reviews. Starting off her career in print journalism, Sophie then moved to digital and now specializes in lifestyle, home interiors and social media. While she has scooped awards for her journalism, Sophie likes to whip up a storm in the kitchen when she's not writing.