Top Rated Lawn Mowers: Top 5 Best Push Mowers of 2017

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Are you looking for the best gas powered lawn mowers on the market today? Below is our list of the 2017 top rated push lawn mowers for every budget. One of them is sure to suit your needs.

Click here for the top 5 electric mowers

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Top Rated Gas Lawn Mowers of 2017

#1. Husqvarna HU800AWDH

Video Review

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Quick Stats

  • 190cc 4-cycle engine
  • 22” Steel Cutting Deck
  • 3 in 1 mulches, side discharges or bags
  • All wheel 4×4 Drive
  • 8” Front Wheels
  • 11” Rear Wheels
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Pros

  • Self-propelled
  • Sturdy with lots of power
  • Easy to use
  • All wheel drive

Cons

While most users rate this very high, some users claim grass clumps up under the steel deck too easily, bogging down the blade and cutting. However, if you clean out the grass from underneath the deck after each use, you shouldn’t have this problem. It only seems to be an issue if you let it build up over time.

Does it have a separate choke?
Unlike some mowers, the choke on the Husqvarna HU800AWDH is automatic, so you don’t need to mess with it.
Can I change the throttle speed?
The throttle speed on this mower is set at the factory, so you would need to go to an authorized service center if you wanted it changed. However, you can control the speed by squeezing the trigger on the handlebar. Users say it actually goes really fast on full throttle and is hard to keep up with at max speed.
Do I mix together the oil and gas?
This is a 4-cycle engine, so you add the oil and gas separately into separate reservoirs. The oil container has a dipstick just like a car engine.
Can I cut going backward?
While like most mowers this one is intended to use in the forward position. However, it will cut on the backward stroke as well. It’s good to know that it only has driven power when you’re going forward, so it’s harder to go in the reverse. If you do go backwards, you should let go of the drive handles before you do to unlock the wheels, as they are locked when the drive handles are pulled.
Can it handle both steep hills & deep slopes?
Because it’s self-propelled, this machine has no problem going up steep hills. Users say this feature is very strong and has a lot of power on hills. The 4×4 rear wheel drive helps a lot.
Does it work for both left and right handed users?
Yes – this model is comfortable for both left and right handed users, as it has a lever on each side of the handle to control the speed.
Does it clump up when mulching?
As long as you clean out the underneath of the mower after each mowing, you shouldn’t have any problem with clippings clogging up the underside of the deck. You can do this by blasting out any buildup with a hose.

Final Verdict

The Husqvarna HU800AWDH has an extremely powerful engine that’s up to any task. Combined with a nice wide cutting deck, it’s definitely a workhorse from this best selling manufacturer. Users love that it’s all wheel drive and self propelled with large rear wheels that make it easy to push and steer. Even though it may be on the higher end of your budget, this mower can be considered a long-term investment that will keep your lawn looking great for years to come. If you’d like to buy one, now’s the time. Amazon has some great rebates and discounted prices right now. Don’t miss out!

#2. Poulan Pro PR6

Video Review

25Y22RHP

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Quick Stats

  • 150cc Briggs & Stratton Autochoke Engine
  • 22” Cutting Deck
  • 3 in 1 bags, mulches and side discharges
  • 9 Height Positions
  • 8” Front Wheels
  • 12” Rear Wheels
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Pros

  • Good power and torque
  • Front propelled drive
  • Very sturdily built
  • Fast

Cons

Believe it or not, one of the only complaints about this lawnmower is that it’s really powerful. On full throttle, it might just drag you along. While you’ll have to be careful to not throttle it up too high if you’re small, there’s no doubt this thing will mow down anything in its path.

Is it easy to assemble?
All you really need to do to assemble it is to attach the handle and the cables that come with it. If you choose to use the grass catcher, you’ll need to assemble that as well. Then, add oil and gas and you’re ready to go.
Is there a way to adjust the idle?
One user said he had an issue with the PR625Y22RHP backfiring, so he was wondering if he could idle it down to prevent that from happening. If this by some chance happens to you, it’s usually because of the type of fuel that’s being used. Make sure you only add in unleaded 87 grade gas or better when you fill the tank.
Do I mix oil and gas before adding it?
No – add them separately, as they are separate tanks. You might want to use a funnel when you fill the oil reservoir (just like you would with your car) to avoid spills.
Does it have a primer button?
This machine doesn’t have a primer button, but users say it’s easy to start and fires up on the first pull. This model primes itself when you pull on the starter cord.
Can I turn off the self-propelling feature?
You can but it makes mowing so much easier, so it really wouldn’t be beneficial to deactivate it. It will make it a lot harder to push and steer.

Final Verdict

The Poulan Pro PR625Y22RHP gets great ratings and consumer reports for a good reason: It’s a great mower. Also, for the price, it’s a great value. It’s very sturdily built of strong steel, and on top of that it really moves. It has plenty of power to tackle even the toughest, tallest grass with ease.

#3. Craftsman 37430

Video Review

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Quick Stats

  • 140cc Briggs & Stratton Silver Series 5 Torque Engine
  • 21” Cutting Width
  • 7” Front Wheels
  • 11” Rear Wheels
  • 3 in 1 mulches, bags and side discharges
  • 6 height adjustments
  • Weighs 65 pounds
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Pros

  • Strong power
  • Handles rough terrain with ease
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Handle adjusts with one hand

Cons

In user reviews, there seems to be some discontent with the design of the mower in that it’s the oil fill tube is a little hard to get at. It’s located at the bottom of the engine in a slightly awkward place. The location is under the blower housing and behind the muffler but above the mowing deck. One user comments that there is limited finger space to get at it to fill up the oil.

Luckily, you don’t need to get at the oil tank very often, but if you have a lot of trouble stooping over or trouble with your hands, you may want to look at a model that has easier access to the oil tank. Most users say they use a funnel to add oil, so they don’t have any problem filling it, and it makes less of a mess.

Does it come with oil?
This mower comes with a small packet of premeasured oil to get you started. The oil is put into a reservoir toward the bottom of the engine that has a yellow cap.
How high does the cutting blade go?
The cutting height range of this machine is 1.25” to 3.75”. It’s a dual-lever adjustment.
How does it work for mulching?
In user reviews, it works great for mulching both leaves and grass.
Do I mix the gas and oil?
In this unit, you don’t need to mix the gas and oil like you would with a chainsaw or leaf blower. Make sure you use at least 87 grade gas or better. The oil goes into a separate chamber (it comes with a pre-measured oil packet). After both reservoirs are full, there’s a button to push that mixes the gas and oil automatically.
Is it self propelled / self powered?
This mower is not self propelled. However, in user reviews, people say it doesn’t matter. They say the large rear wheels make it really easy to manage.
How easy is it to start?
According to one review from an 85 year old man says he has no problem starting it, so that gives you a pretty good idea of how easy it is. All you have to do is press the gas primer lever and use the pull start. When it’s cold, users in their reviews say it starts on the first or second pull.
Is it easy to put together?
When you compare lawn mowers, some of them require more assembly than others. This one comes pretty much assembled right out of the box. All you need to do is put the handle together and add oil and gas (it’s easiest if you have a funnel for the oil). One review from a woman says her husband had it ready to go within 20 minutes after getting it delivered.
How does it handle rough terrain?
One user who has a half acre of lumpy land says this is a best lawn mower for the money because of the way it handles the bumpy yard. He says it’s easy to push and easily mows down everything in its path.

Final Verdict

The Craftsman 37430 seems to be a real workhorse. It has a nice wide cutting path, and you have the option of discharging grass clippings to the side, mulching them or having them go into the bag. It assembles and starts up easily, and it’s easy to push due to the hearty large rear wheels. For the price, this gets very high lawn mower ratings for value. With a 5-star rating, it is one of the top rated lawn mowers for good reason. For the money, it’s a great investment that will work hard for you.

#4. Husqvarna 7021P

Video Review

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Quick Stats

  • 160cc Honda GVC160 Engine
  • 21” Cutting Deck
  • 3 in 1 system rear bags, side discharges and mulches
  • 12” Rear Wheels
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Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • Nice big wheels with ball bearings
  • Not too heavy to push
  • Does a great job mulching leaves and grass

Cons

While this is still one of the top rated lawn mowers, some users don’t like that it isn’t self-propelled. This is a feature that makes mowing much easier, especially on hills. If you have a fairly flat lawn, aerated or not, you probably won’t notice the difference. However, if you have steep hills to mow, you may want to choose an push mower that has this feature.

Do I need to use fuel additives?
You really don’t need to add anything to the fuel if you’re using non-ethanol gasoline. If you’re storing it for the winter, you may want to add in a fuel stabilizer to prevent moisture from building up in the tank.
Is it easy to get the bag on and off?
Users say it’s actually a lot easier to maneuver the bag on and off vs older bagged mowers. It has a handle that you unhook, and that’s all it takes to remove it.
How do I use the side discharge?
This unit comes with an attachment for the side discharge, so you’ll want it on for this feature to work. If you prefer to mulch, take off that attachment and the side door closes.
How easy is it to start?

This system has an autochoke, so you won’t need to use it manually, and there’s no primer. Aside from that, it’s a regular pull start system. One woman who says in her review that it’s easy for her to start it is 63 years old, has arthritis, and she has a small stature. Most users say it starts right up on the first pull.

That said, there are a few times it will be harder to start. If you let the gas tank run dry, it’s going to take a few more tries to get it going until the new gas cycles through the engine. Also, if you’ve let it sit over the winter and are starting it for the first time again, it might take a few pulls.

Is there a discharge plug for the oil?
To change the oil if you choose to do so, you’ll need to tip this machine over and decant the oil from the top/side. There are complete instructions in the owner’s manual.
Is it easy to put together?
This mower comes mostly assembled. You’ll need to raise the handle and secure it with the included bolts, then add gas and oil.
Is there 1 lever to set the height?
That’s one feature missing on this lawnmower. You need to adjust the height on each wheel separately. It’s best to keep all of the wheels at the same level for even cutting.
Is it a 2 or 4 stroke engine?
This has a 4-stroke engine. It takes standard unleaded gas and has a dipstick in the oil reservoir.
How can I tell if I put in enough oil?
This has a dipstick in the oil tank just like a car. The stick has markings on it, so the best thing to do is check the level when the engine is cool, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of how much needs to be added.
How does it work on tall grass?
In user reviews, it’s said to work very well. One user says he used it to cut his 6”-8” grass, and it did it in one pass. If you do have high grass to cut, the best thing to do is wait until the grass is dry, then put the mower on the highest height setting.
How hard is it to push?
On flat lawns, it rolls along easily. When you compare lawn mowers that are self-propelled, it’s definitely harder to push up hills. On a flatter surface, the wheels have great traction which helps pull it along.
What type of oil should I use?
The manufacturer recommends using SAE 10W-30 oil for this engine.
What’s the best way to store it for the winter?
According to the user manual, it’s best to empty the carburetor and fuel tank prior to long term storage. Disconnect the fuel line and drain it. In the spring, fill it with fresh gas and check that the air filter is clean before getting it started for the first time.

Final Verdict

While the Husqvarna 7021P doesn’t have some of the fancier features of other gas-powered mowers, it also doesn’t have a price tag as high. If you have a fairly flat yard and don’t need a mower that is a 4×4 or self-propelled, it’s a good value and still has great power to cut and mulch both leaves and grass. It’s easy to use, easy to assemble and budget-friendly.

#5. Lawn Boy 10732

Video Review

Kohler 149cc Engine

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Quick Stats

  • Rear Wheel Drive
  • 21” Cutting Deck
  • 3 in 1 bags, mulches and mows
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Pros

  • Electric start
  • Powerful engine
  • Easy to steer

Cons

While this is a good choice in gas-powered mowers, it is missing some features when you compare it to others on our list. The big thing that’s missing is a side discharge chute. While a lot of people like to mulch or bag, some miss the side discharge chute.

It’s also not self propelled. However, the rear wheel drive somewhat makes up for this lacking benefit, so it’s still easy to push. For most users with flatter yards, you won’t notice a difference but if you have a steep hill to mow, you may want to upgrade to one that has the power included.

Is it a 2 or 4-cycle engine?
This Lawn Boy has a 4-stroke Kohler engine. This means you put the oil and gas in separate compartments instead of mixing them prior to pouring them into the machine.
Is it easy to push up hills?
Because it’s rear wheel drive, the machine does most of the work when you’re push mowing up a hill, making it a fairly easy job. The rear wheel drive is more than enough to assist you when pushing it.
Can you slow it down so it doesn’t go so fast?
This is an option, and instructions are given in the user manual. Essentially, you’ll be adding more slack in the self-propelling drive cable.
Does the battery ever need to be recharged?
If you let the Lawn Boy 10732 sit over the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to recharge the battery prior to starting it up in the spring.You can start it with just the pull cord, but the push button start is operated by the battery. It’s good to know that Lawn Boy includes a battery charger that plugs into the connector just below the key switch if you need it. Keep in mind this is different than an electric lawn mower. The electric start on this gas mower vs the electric mower is completely different. There are no cords to deal with, and the mower will operate without the battery.
What’s the best kind of oil to use?
The best oil to use in this engine is SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 for best results.
How does it do on tall grasses?
If you put it on the highest setting, it has no problem tackling tall grass and weeds.
Do I need to use a special type of gas?
You can use regular unleaded gasoline in this one. No mixing is needed, as it’s a 4-cycle engine. It’s up to you if you’d like to add any fuel additives to make the engine run cleaner. This is an especially good idea if you’ve let it sit over the winter.
Is it strong enough to mow an acre?
In review after review, users say this is one of the best lawn mowers for the money, and it’s more than capable of handling yards this large. One woman says her grandson uses it to mow four yards in the neighborhood, and it works great.
Is it hard to assemble?
This unit comes mostly assembled right out of the box. You’ll need to attach the handle and add oil and gas before mowing for the first time.

Final Verdict

While the Lawn Boy 10732 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it’s still a good choice for the money. With a powerful Kohler engine, sturdy build and an electric start, it’s very easy to use and a great option if you prefer to mulch or bag your grass clippings, as no side discharge is included.

Bonus Budget Pick:

Poulan Pro PR450N20S

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Quick Stats

  • Briggs & Stratton 125cc 450E Engine
  • 20” Cutting Deck
  • 5 Height Positions
  • Side Discharge Only
  • 7” Front Wheels
  • 7” Rear Wheels
While the Poulan Pro PR450N20S doesn’t have the features of the other mowers on our list, it still deserves a mention. With a price tag well under $200, some people on a budget just don’t need all the bells and whistles. It only side discharges but is still a good solid machine. If you don’t need a bagger or mulcher and are minding your money, this is one is definitely worth checking out.
Based on reviews, ratings and use, the picks above are our choices for the top rated lawn mowers on the market today. In push mower reviews, they all get high marks. Compare the choices to see which one works best for you and your budget!

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