Self propelled gas lawn mowers, are characterized primarily by the built-in internal combustion engine, which is usually operated with gasoline. Due to the gas engine, a self propelling gas lawn mower works completely self-sufficiently and therefore offers maximum freedom and flexibility when mowing. We will be discussing the workings of a gas lawn mower as well as the benefits of self propelled lawn mowers.
Table Of Contents
Top 5 Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
| Model | Engine | Wheel Drive | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HRR216K9VKA | 160cc GCV | Rear | ||
| Husqvarna LC121FH | 149cc Kohler | Front | ||
| Lawn-Boy 10732 | 149cc Kohler | Rear | ||
| Husqvarna HU725AWDHQ | 163cc Briggs & Stratton | All | ||
| Honda HRX217K5VKA | 187cc GCV | Rear |
Self Propelled Gas Lawn mowers – two or four-stroke engine?
The models are offered with two- or four-stroke gasoline engine and for different applications with different engine powers.
Two-stroke engine
The two-stroke engine lawn mowers needs a mixture of gasoline and oil for operation.
Four stroke engine
The four-stroke engines lawn mowers use the engine oil as the lubricant and the gasoline separately as fuel.
For this reason, self propelled mowers with four-stroke engines sometimes also have an oil filter and require appropriate oil for operation, which should be ordered at the time of purchase.
Gas Lawn Mower Features
Also in the range of functions differ the individual self propelling gas lawn mower models. Thus, in addition to the simple devices that can only mow, also with catcher or the popular mulching function . When mulching the lawn is cut very small and then remains as a natural lawn fertilizer on the mown surface. A few lawnmower models even have an integrated scarifying function, allowing you to scarify your lawn in one go .
If you rarely mow your lawn, you are well advised with a powerful gas lawn mower, which has a side or rear grass ejection with a basket.
When is the purchase of a self propelled gas lawn mower worthwhile?
In general, the purchase of a self propelled gas lawn mower is worthwhile only for slightly larger lawns from about 300 m² . This size of lawn would put electric lawn mowers (self propelled battery lawn mowers) at their limit, due primarily to the length of the cable or the battery capacity. Even with a lot of trees or plants, self propelled mowers with a gas engine are more flexible in the handling. As the user does not have to worry about a behind-pulling power cable. In addition, very few electric mowers offer a wheel drive that lends itself to larger gardens.
Depending on the height and condition of the lawn to be mowed, gas lawn mowers also offer a much stronger engine and usually also a larger grass catcher, as they are usually intended for larger areas. For very large plots may be worth the purchase of a lawn tractor. For very tall grass, for example on meadows, the purchase of a beam mower would be conceivable.
Advantages of self propelled lawn mowers?
- Strong engine for tall and dense grass
- Independent – requires no power source
- Many models offer wheel drive
- Flexible in handling
- Robust construction
- Devices with many features available
- Suitable for large lawns
Disadvantages of a self propelling gas lawn mower?
- Very loud engine
- Exhaust gases harmful to the environment
- Requires more care and maintenance
- Hearing protection recommended
Which versions of gas mowers are there?
There are different versions. The most common models are rotary mowers and reel mowers . In rotary mowers horizontally arranged blades rotate on a vertical shaft and reel mowers on a rotating spindle with a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of movement of the mower. These cut the blades of grass against the scissors principle against a fixed lower blade.
Rotary and reel lawn mowers are mainly used for larger areas because of their wide cutting surface, the optional self-propulsion, which eliminates the often strenuous pushing of the mower, and the high engine power.
Which manufacturers offer gasoline lawnmowers?
Probably the largest manufacturer of lawnmower engines is Briggs & Stratton.
Is a self propelled lawn mower with a drive worth it?
Since gas lawn mowers are usually quite heavy due to the large engine, it can worth buying a self propelled lawn mower model, especially on uneven, sloping or very large lawns. Even with very tall grass, it offers considerable advantages. The pushing and pulling of a gas lawn mower can be very tiring and tiring in the long term.
Self propelled gas lawn mowers support you in the mowing work. The wheel drive can be conveniently turned on and off at any time by grabbing the handlebar so that assistance only takes place when you really need it.
Naturally, lawn mower manufacturers can pay for this comfort function accordingly. Anyone who still wants to afford a model with drive, is faced with the question of whether and how many gears the wheel drive should bring. Some gas lawn mowers only have a speed that is usually around 3 to 3.5 km / h . For devices with several gears, the desired drive speed can be set between approx. 3 and 4.5 km / h.
Maintenance and care of a self propelled gas lawn mower
Basically, it is recommended to clean your self propelling gas lawn mower after work from coarse dirt and lawn residues . This is the only way to enjoy your device for a long time. Make sure that the spark plug connector is removed before cleaning the underbody to prevent accidental starting. But even then, you should be careful and wear gloves, because the knife is very sharp.
Also ensure that the ventilation slots on the housing and on the engine are free of grass, so that the air circulation does not interfere with the next use. It is also advisable to carry out regular maintenance on the spark plug, the air filter and, if necessary, the oil filter, to carry out an oil change if necessary and, of course, to resharpen the blade. Please also read our guide how to sharpen the cutting blade of the lawn mower . If you do not dare to do this work, it is better to contact a professional workshop in your area.
Hibernation of a gas lawn mower
Before winter, you should take a number of precautions so that your self propelled gas lawn mower can start as usual even after a long winter in the spring, and you can start mowing immediately.
- Thoroughly clean your gas lawn mower from above and below.
- Check the spark plugs and the oil level.
- Lubricate all moving parts on the housing to prevent corrosion.
- Close the fuel tap and start the mower until it goes off alone. This process removes the remaining fuel from the carburettor so that it can not harden in winter.
- For devices with electric starter it is recommended to disconnect the battery to avoid discharging.
View the Top 5 Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers (Gas Edition)
Now for the round up of the best self propelled lawn mowers on our list.
5. Husqvarna LC121FH Fwd Gas Lawn Mower
Coming in at the tail end of our range of self propelled gas lawn mowers is the Husqvarna LC121FH. This is a front wheel drive lawn mower which is different from others on this list.
This gas lawn mower comes with a handy water hose attachment to make it easier to clean under the deck. Gras is discharged out of the back of the and then off to the side.
This self propelled gas mower gives a decent performance at a reasonable price, with the front wheel drive assisting in helping you to manoeuvre around your garden.
- Good all rounder
- FWD not great for hilly terrains
- Can be bogged down with tough terrain
4. Lawn-Boy 10732 Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The Lawn-Boy 10732 Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a rear wheel drive lawn mower with a Kohler 149cc engine, combined with its large wheels give this gas powered lawn mower excellent traction and power to tackle those hiller terrains.,
With a cutting height is customisable on this 21 inch steel cutting deck self propelling gas mower by using its two point height adjustment system. There is the ability to choose between mulching, bagging or using the side discharge.
The Lawn-Boy is covered by a 3 year Tru-Start commitment (Should start within 1-2 pulls otherwise it will be fixed for free by Lawn-Boy) coupled with a 2 year manufacturer warranty
- Powerful lawn mower
- Easy Pull Start
- Plastic rear deck adjustment
- Not great mulching
3. Husqvarna 22 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
This Husqvarna 22 inch self propelled gas mower is powered by a 190cc Briggs & Stratton, can take on all terrains. The power of this engine makes coupled with the all wheel drive make climbing hills a simple task.
As well as having power evenly distributed through the four wheels, this self propelling gas lawn mower comes with a 22 inch cutting width and a dual handle speed control. There a is a 3 in 1 modes for cutting mulching, bagging and discharge.
Note: Mulching high wet grass can lead to slight drive belt slippage, which usually rectifies itself within a few minutes.
Often gas powered lawn mowers can be rather loud, to counter this the Quiet power technology deployed by Briggs and Stratton aims to make the engine run at a quieter level and with less vibration.
- Powerful lawn mower
- Easy pull start system
- Not the best mulcher.
- 4WD may take some getting use to.
2. Honda HRX217K5VKA Gas Lawn Mower
With this gas powered lawn mower from Honda you can set the speed of the self propelling drive assist.
The Honda HRX217K5VKA gas lawn mower has a simple to start and control the speed of this powerful 187cc engine. Since this is a choke less lawn mower you can just start up and get going.
There is plenty of torque so no hill or patch of thick grass is a concern. As this powerful lawn mower self propelled action will help you to keep on going without a hitch.
When it comes to mulching you can alter the settings of the Clip Director to keep mulch in the most difficult of conditions.
Note: Some users have found that when setting the Versamow system to mulch, they have found that there is still an amount of grass getting through to the bagger.
Tip: This self propelling gas lawn mower does not use an oil filter, therefore ensure that the oil is changed regularly!
- Self propulsion assist speed setting
- Great Torque
- Start up and go
- Versamow system is not perfect.
- A tad pricey.
1. Honda HRR216K9VKA Self-Propelled Mower
If you are looking to replace your old mower you’ll be hard pressed to find something better than this self propelled gas lawn mower from Honda. The Honda HRR216K9VKA self propelling lawn gas mower comes with a variable speed of 0 – 4 miles per hour.
Featuring a mulcher which can perform in wet or dry conditions, giving your an extremely close cut due to the micro cut twin blades. The powerful yet easy to start GCV160 Engine (CARB & EPA compliant) comes with an auto choke and a rear thumb lever for controlled the self propulsion.
The auto variable speed allows the user to select a preset speed setting as required. Honda have also thought about storage allowing this self propelled gas lawn mower to be easily folded away
Tip: Replace oil after 5 hours of use.
- Starts easily
- Highly effective mulching feature
- Variable speed
- Height settings
- Easy to use self-propelling thumb lever
- …
