With the right gas mower, cutting the grass can feel less like a chore and more like a calming ritual.
Not merely an item to check off your to-do list, it can be a relaxing and satisfying way to escape the stresses of life.
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
A high-quality mower slices through turf with ease, handles like a dream, and leaves your lawn looking like it belongs on the cover of a landscaping magazine.
A shoddy mower, on the other hand, can be unwieldy, strenuous to maneuver, and prone to depositing clumps of grass like a heaving hound.
Therefore, it’s essential to have the right gas mower from the get-go. But in a market that’s full of excellent lawn care equipment, how do you know which one is the right fit for you?
With this roundup of the best gas mowers, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect model for your unique lawn care needs.
“Best” is subjective, of course, but I’m confident in saying that any and all of these products can leave your lawn looking like a million bucks.
Here’s a preview of the lineup:
9 of the Best Gas Mowers
A quick note, for the sake of clarity and avoiding numerical redundancy: I’m classifying “small,” “medium,” and “large” lawns as being up to a quarter-acre, a half-acre, and a full acre in size, respectively.
But these classifications are based on the land being relatively flat. Keep in mind that a hilly acre of lawn has more surface area than a flat acre, and it will obviously have more turf to mow.
Additionally, I’d like to emphasize that we’re covering gas mowers here, which are typically more powerful and easier to repair than both corded and battery-powered electric models.
1. Black & Decker 12A-A2SD736
Let’s begin with how this model starts: it’s got an auto-choke, folks.
Meaning that as soon as you’ve pulled it out of storage, filled it up with gas, and topped it off with four-stroke engine oil, you can give the starter cord a hearty rip. Presto, you’re off and running!
Fans of an orange and black color scheme are sure to appreciate this 78-pound, 140cc mower with a 21-inch mowing deck, which is perfect for small- to medium-sized lawns.
Treaded wheels make movement over uneven terrain efficient and effortless.
With an adjustment handle on each wheel, you can switch between six different cutting heights, which can enable a close shave, a light trim, or anything in between.
Grass clippings can be sent into the rear bag, mulched, or discharged out the side, and you can switch between these options relatively quickly. This model comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 140cc
- Propulsion: Push
- Weight: 78 pounds
- Mowing Width: 21 inches
Ready to add the Black & Decker 12A-A2SD736 to your arsenal of lawn tools? Pull the trigger and make the purchase at Amazon.
2. Craftsman M105
Not flashy and free of unnecessary bells and whistles, yet a rock solid worker – just as a craftsman should be.
This bright red model has a mowing width of 21 inches, along with an auto-choke for easy starting.
At a weight of 72.8 pounds, this gas push mower with 140cc engine is light enough to easily muscle and maneuver around a small lawn.
The Craftsman M105 can discharge clippings out the side, collect them in a rear bag, or mulch them back into the turf. For the latter, a mulch kit is included.
With six different height positions, you can quickly and easily switch up how low or high you cut your grass – from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches – via levers on the front wheels.
For added comfort, the handle height is adjustable and it can be folded down for easy storage.
This product comes fully assembled, and should it ever break on you, a two-year warranty has your back.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 140cc
- Propulsion: Push
- Weight: 72.8 pounds
- Mowing Width: 21 inches
- Cut Height: 1.25 to 3.75 inches
All in all, a pretty sweet product. Reliable, efficient, a modest aesthetic… What more could you want?
To score this bad boy for yourself, head on over to Amazon.
3. Honda HRX2176HYA
Admittedly, “Honda HRX2176HYA” doesn’t really roll off the tongue. But it’s not like anyone will be speaking as they gaze upon this beauty. Their jaws will be too busy touching the floor.
This 21-inch, 97-pound mower looks awesome, plain and simple. Its red, black, and gray chassis gives off aesthetic efficiency, which allows the user to shave a small- to medium-sized lawn in style.
The auto-choke, throttle-mediated self-propulsion, 201cc engine, and twin-blade MicroCut® system all make mowing as easy as pie.
Plus, hydrostatic cruise control allows the user to precisely control its speed. No longer can the mower yank you along if you over-throttle!
Need to change the bag, move a toy, or take a break? With a push of a button, the Roto-Stop® system stops the blades without stopping the engine, which saves a lot of time.
The fuel tank can hold about a quart of gas, the engine is started with an easy tug of the pull cord, and the rear collection bag has a capacity of over 23 gallons!
Speaking of, Honda’s Versamow System™ can bag, discharge, or mulch clippings, as well as shred leaves.
For mulching and bagging simultaneously in a custom proportion, the Clip Director® knob comes in handy, allowing you to send some clippings into the bag while others are mulched into the turf… at the same time!
Seven different cutting positions, adjustable via a lever on each wheel, provide a height range of 0.75 to four inches.
Once you’re done, the adjustable handle folds down for convenient storage.
A five-year residential warranty (three-year commercial) covers this product, and the deck – made of dent- and rust-free NeXiteⓇ polymer – is covered for life.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 201cc
- Propulsion: Self-propelled
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Mowing Width: 21 inches
- Cut Height: 0.75 to 4 inches
Is owning the gorgeous Honda HRX2176HYA gas mower a powerful dream? Then make it a reality by picking up one of your own via Home Depot.
4. Murray 152506
As someone with long legs and a lengthy stride, I can find myself kicking a mower’s rear collection bag if I’m not careful.
With its compact and bagless design, this 20-inch, 125cc model from Murray is the perfect grass-cutting tool for any gawky-legged user with a small lawn.
The Murray 152506 definitely rocks the minimalistic vibe. Petite in appearance yet powerful in performance, this jet-black mower is an economical option for the casual grass cutter with a small backyard.
Weighing a tad under 44 pounds, it can turn on a dime and, compared to heavier manual push models, practically feels self-propelled.
Starting the engine is painless – simply prime thrice and yank the cord.
This mower’s gas tank has a capacity of a little more than a fifth of a gallon, and a four-point adjustment system allows for five different height positions, enabling grass cutting as low as 1.2 inches or as high as 3.75 inches.
As far as dispersal goes, you can either eject the clippings out the side for later raking or mulch them back into the lawn.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 125cc
- Propulsion: Push
- Weight: 43.92 pounds
- Mowing Width: 20 inches
- Cut Height: 1.2 to 3.75 inches
A two-year limited warranty is icing on the cake. Have yourself a metaphorical slice and pick this guy up at Home Depot.
5. PowerSmart DB8621PH
Are you intrigued by the dark aesthetic and design of the Murray mower described above, but you need a few more features – like a rear collection bag and a larger engine? Give this 21-inch gas mower from PowerSmart a go!
Right off the bat, you’ll notice its sleek, black design and robust appearance.
Arriving almost fully assembled, the 75-pound frame is amply sturdy, yet light enough for easy maneuverability through a small to medium lawn.
After priming the carburetor and pulling the cord, the four-stroke 209cc engine roars to life, slicing through grass like Wesley Snipes’ Blade through vampires.
The clippings can either be mulched, fed into the 15.9-gallon rear bag, or discharged out the side.
A cutting height of 1.18 to three inches is made possible by five different blade settings, with each wheel sporting its own adjustment lever.
The gas tank holds about a quart of gas, and once the yard is cut, the handle folds over for convenient storage. And a three-year warranty is included with purchase.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 209cc
- Propulsion: Push
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Mowing Width: 21 inches
- Cut Height: 1.18 to 3 inches
You can find this mower available via Amazon.
6. Toro Recycler 21462
A bright red, 83-pound mower with a 22-inch steel deck and a quart-sized fuel tank, the Toro 21462 Recycler® is ideal for those who want the convenience of cutting their small- to medium-sized lawns with a mower that features an intuitive propulsion system.
What does that mean? Straddling the line between push and self-propelled models, the Personal Pace Auto-Drive™ system adjusts the mower’s speed based on the user’s push.
The harder the user pushes, the faster the mower moves, adjusting quickly as the moment demands it.
You can move slowly on turns and around edges, then up the speed for straight shots through the lawn, never having to fiddle with a speed adjustment switch.
This model’s 163cc engine consistently starts with a single pull of the start cord – no priming required – and cuts grass in a height range of one to four inches, thanks to nine different cutting positions via a four-point adjustment lever system.
The cuttings can either be side-discharged, mulched to an ultra-fine consistency, or bagged, with a lever that allows for easy switching between the latter two while the bag remains attached.
This mower comes with a two-year warranty and a three-year “guaranteed-to-start” engine warranty.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 163cc
- Propulsion: Self-propelled
- Weight: 83 pounds
- Mowing Width: 22 inches
- Cut Height: 1 to 4 inches
Check current prices now at Home Depot.
7. Toro Timemaster 21200
The Toro 21200 Timemaster definitely helps you save time, thanks to its large 30-inch mowing width.
It actually has two rotors, rather than one – twin blades spin rapidly side-by-side to cut grass efficiently. Personally, these remind me of the tandem rotors of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook.
And just like that particular helicopter, the Timemaster is a big boy: it has a 223cc engine, weighs 145 pounds, holds 1.2 quarts of fuel for an hour of runtime in one go, and has a rear collection bag volume of about 26 gallons!
It’s the perfect workhorse for those who have a medium to large lawn, but don’t quite need a huge walk-behind or riding model.
For those with smaller lawns, the Toro 21200 Timemaster may be overkill – I’d recommend going with a smaller model.
Equipped with the same Personal Pace® system as the Toro Recycler® described above, this black and red beast also has a traction-assist handle, which allows for additional control over rough terrain.
Starting with the push of a button, rather than a pull cord, this model can side-discharge, mulch, or bag clippings, and the Spin-Stop™ system allows users to halt the blades without cutting the engine.
The Toro 21200 Timemaster has a cutting height range of 1.25 to 4.25 inches, which is adjustable at two points on the left wheels.
Once you’re finished cutting grass, you can attach a hose to the deck’s washout port to clean the underside of grassy gunk, and two storage positions allow for easy storage.
The first folds the handle up vertically, while the second folds the handle all the way down, allowing you to nestle the mower upright in a tight spot in the shed.
With a three-year limited warranty and a three-year guaranteed-to-start engine warranty, you’ll have some peace of mind for a hot minute.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 223cc
- Propulsion: Self-propelled
- Weight: 145 pounds
- Mowing Width: 30 inches
- Cut Height: 1.25 to 4.25 inches
Grab yourself a Toro 21200 Timemaster now from Tractor Supply Company.
8. Troy-Bilt TB110
I’ve used mowers with sub-par traction on hilly lawns, and it’s quite a tough endeavor, trust me.
You fight tooth and nail for every uphill inch, but when you turn to go back down? You better have grippy shoes on, or you’ll be downhill sprinting real quick.
Thanks to its large, 11-inch rear wheels and S-wave tread pattern, the 66-pound Troy-Bilt TB110 can be safely used to cut turf on slopes throughout a small- to medium-sized lawn.
With its primeless and chokeless ReadyStart™ 140cc engine with a 0.8-quart fuel capacity, this red and black push model starts with a single pull of the cord.
It cuts grass in 21-inch-wide strips at a height range of 1.25 to 3.75 inches, thanks to six different blade positions at four points of adjustment.
Catch clippings in the 17.7-gallon rear collection bag, side discharge, or mulch them to spread back onto the lawn – a mulch kit is included for the latter.
A two-year limited warranty is included with this product.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 140cc
- Propulsion: Push
- Weight: 66 pounds
- Mowing Width: 21 inches
- Cut Height: 1.25 to 3.75 inches
Check current prices now at Home Depot.
9. Troy-Bilt TBWC28
Do you have a medium to large lawn that demands a wider cut and more overall “oomph” than the Troy-Bilt TB110?
Then you should seriously consider the Troy-Bilt TBWC28, equipped with a 28-inch mowing deck, 195cc engine, and quart-sized fuel tank.
With the same high traction, large rear wheels as its smaller relative, the Troy Bilt TBWC28 mower will handle the rolling grassy hills of your property with ease.
It comes with self-propulsion via rear-wheel drive, which makes it easy to move this 160-pound unit around.
Additionally, the lever-mediated InStep™ variable speed adjusts based on your walking pace for improved control on rough terrain.
Cutting height ranges from 1.25 to 3.75 inches via six different settings with a single-lever adjustment system.
Starting the engine is always a cinch, thanks to an automatic choke and easy-pull cord.
The clippings can be discharged out the side or into the rear 18.6-gallon bag. They can also be mulched, via the included mulch kit.
A three-year warranty is included with purchase.
Quick Reference Specs
- Engine Volume: 195cc
- Propulsion: Self-propelled
- Weight: 160 pounds
- Mowing Width: 28 inches
- Cut Height: 1.25 to 3.75 inches
To grab yourself a Troy-Bilt TBWC28, visit Home Depot.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Before making such a purchase, it’s important to have a general idea of your constraints and what your needs are.
Let’s consider all of the variables to optimize your grass cutting endeavors, and save you from the dreaded buyer’s remorse.
Lawn
The lawn you cut is just as important as what you cut it with. Go outside, take a look at your turf, and consider the following:
“How big is my lawn?” The larger the lawn, the more you’ll benefit from a powerful engine and a larger mowing width, i.e. how wide each “stripe” of cut grass is, like that of the Toro 21200 Timemaster.
On the other hand, a huge beast of a mower would be overkill if you just have a small strip of turf to maintain in the backyard.
“How hilly is my lawn?” A landscape with tons of ups, downs, and steeply-angled inclines demands a mower with adequate traction and the engine capacity to propel itself.
If you go with a manual push model, a lighter frame comes in handy for muscling it up those hills.
“How is my lawn shaped, and what obstacles are in the way?” A nice, geometrically-shaped lawn that’s free of trees and hardscapes is pretty easy to cut.
But if your lawn is packed with nooks and crannies, or has various bumps, plants, and miscellaneous objects in the way, then you may want to consider a speed-controlled mower with a narrow deck that’s easily maneuverable.
“What’s growing in my lawn?” Different lawns have different growth rates, shoot sizes, densities, and maintenance requirements, depending on the type of turfgrass and weed species that comprise it.
For example, a thick, weedy, and tall lawn could benefit from some specialized blades, like the ones offered by Honda’s MicroCut® system, a feature of the HRX2176HYA model.
But a gardener could make do with more basic cutting features if they have a weed-free lawn filled with slow- and short-growing turfgrass species.
Engine Size
A larger engine will have more power to handle expansive lawns and hilly terrain than smaller engines.
However, a large engine can also be louder and guzzle more gas, which may disturb the neighbors and increase your fuel overhead, respectively.
Clipping Disposal
What you do with your lawn clippings once they’re cut is well worth considering. You have several options, and each comes with notable pros and cons.
Discharging them out the side of your mower is fast and easy. Especially long or wet blades of grass won’t bog down your rotor or clog your blades like they might with mulching.
The cons? Discharged clippings can build up in unaesthetic, grass-killing, and even disease-causing clumps on your lawn. Additionally, they can go flying onto spots where you wish they wouldn’t, such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
Mowers that can mulch your clippings, on the other hand, are fitted with specially-shaped blades that create a swirl of air under the mowing deck, which allows them to be cut repeatedly into smaller and smaller pieces.
The mulched clippings are deposited in a line as wide as the mowing deck rather than out to the side. When they return to the turf, they nourish the grass with nitrogen.
Wet or long grasses can gum up mulching blades, and sometimes, it’s enough to stop the rotors entirely. Mulching can also lead to a suboptimal cut, and may force you to walk slower to avoid the aforementioned clogging.
And finally, bagging. Collecting the clippings in a bag can result in a clean, crisply-cut turf. You don’t have the buildup of the former two methods, which leaves your lawn looking oh-so-fine.
The downside is that disposing of the clippings takes time and resources.
Cutting the engine, removing the bag, hauling it away for disposal – it can be a lot of extra work. Work that you may not deem worthwhile.
Priming Versus Auto-Choke
“Priming” a lawn mower’s engine adds fuel to its carburetor, which helps start the engine cold, or in other words, when the engine metal is cool after it hasn’t run for a while.
Models with an auto-choke feature restrict airflow into the carburetor, which promotes a better fuel-to-air ratio for easier cold starts.
Other than a few added seconds of priming before starting the engine, you won’t notice a huge difference in usage. It is possible to under- or over-prime the engine, though – the latter will require waiting about 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.
If you’re a priming neophyte or you don’t want to deal with the hassle, an auto-choke can make engine starting just a bit easier.
Fitness
A heavy mower that you have to push will cause you to break a bigger sweat than a self-propelled model, for straightaways as well as the turns.
Your strength, conditioning, and aversion to discomfort are all important factors to consider, especially with a potentially dangerous activity such as cutting grass in the heat of summer.
After engaging the speed control lever, the transmission powers the wheels and users can simply walk behind self-propelled mowers, guiding them gently as they clip their way around the yard.
Different models may feature front, rear, or all-wheel drive. Push mowers do not have a transmission, and they won’t move on their own.
Budget
Not everyone wants an expensive model with all the bells and whistles.
Some folks may not need a washout port, a super comprehensive warranty, or a blade-stopping system, preferring a simple, bare-bones mower to keep their grass from looking like a prairie.
Something easy to use, to keep the local HOA off their back.
For others, maintaining aesthetic turf is a serious pursuit, a point of pride, or perhaps a way of keeping up with the Joneses.
If this is you, then dropping a pretty penny on a premium mower can get you far in the lawn care game.
Maintenance and Safety
Once you’ve acquired your beautiful grass-cutting machine, there are some regular maintenance tasks that will ensure its performance for years to come.
Additionally, there are habits you should always practice to keep yourself and others around you safe.
For both, referring to your mower’s user manual will go a long way. No one knows more about a mower than its maker, after all.
But the following pointers should serve you well, regardless of model:
Maintenance Tips
Keep your mower maintained as the well-oiled machine it deserves to be.
Check the dipstick before each use, and treat your engine right with high-quality oil, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ensure that the blades are sharpened prior to the start of each growing season.
If you’ve got a side grass-cutting business going or have a large, unruly lawn, sharpening once more mid-season is a smart move. Service technicians are qualified to safely sharpen blades, if you lack a grinding wheel of your own.
Before and after mowing, be sure to check the unit for damage.
Worn belts and loose wheels can lead to inadvertent breakdowns, and busted engines can be royal pains in the keister, especially if they occur when your lawn is halfway mowed.
After use, clean the blades and the underside of the mowing deck. These parts can easily become gunked up with clumps of grass clippings, which can hinder the performance of your equipment.
Don’t store gas in the gas tank during the offseason. Fuel lines can clog, parts can corrode, and you could be forced to pony up for some costly repairs.
And of course, it never hurts to take your mower into the shop each year for a general tune-up and servicing.
Many local businesses offer mower repair services. User manuals also typically include checklists of maintenance tasks with a suggested timeline.
Safety Tips
Don’t leave your mower unattended while the engine is running and the blades are spinning. If you plan on taking a break, it’s best to shut it off.
Or activate the Roto-Stop® system in the case of the Honda HRX2176HYA, or the Spin-Stop™ feature with the Toro Timemaster.
Be mindful of a hot engine. You don’t want to burn your skin via dermal contact!
Wear the proper personal protective equipment: eye protection, ear protection, long pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t go barefoot, no matter how zen it feels to let your piggies splay in the grass.
Keep your head on a swivel and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Make sure to cut the engine for nearby pedestrians, as small, hard objects thrown by the blades can injure bystanders.
The More You Know, the Better You Mow
This primer on some of the best gas mowers will definitely save you some headache come purchasing time. The right tool for the job will always result in better work, that’s for sure!
Make sure to be the smartest shopper you can be. Consider your needs, resources, and preferences before pulling the trigger on a purchase. And don’t lose that receipt!
Do you have additional questions about these products, or personal experiences with any of them? The comments section is wide open!
Need some more outstanding outdoor equipment to keep your yard looking fine? These guides will point you in the right direction:
