
A self-propelled lawn mower is simply a walk-behind mower that does not need the push to move forward. Instead, it uses the engine power to propel itself in the forward direction, saving your elbow grease. However, it does need to be steered by you to change its direction.
What are features on a propelled mower?
- Deck Cutting Width 22 in
- Deck Wash Yes
- Deck Material Steel
- Cutting Height Range 1.25" - 3.75"
- Deck Positions 6
- Deck Height Adjustment Dual-Lever
- Cutting System Tri-Action
- Mulch Plug Integrated
- Discharge Location Side
What is the best lawn mower?
- Model Number: 38381
- Power Type: Corded electric
- Clearing Width: 18 in.
What is the best engine for a lawn mower?
They include:
- Synthetic SAE 5W-30 – If you are looking for the best oil grade in terms of viscosity, the Synthetic SAE 5W-30- is the best option. ...
- SAE 30 – The oil grade is ideal for small machines and, more importantly, lawnmowers working in hotter spaces. ...
- SAE 10W-30 – This viscosity grade improves SAE 30 but with less efficiency in oil consumption. ...
How to replace self propelled lawnmower wheels?
How to Change a Mower Wheel on a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Disconnect the spark plug wire. Before you change a mower wheel, remove the spark plug wire.
- Adjust your mower height. If your MTD lawn mower has a height adjuster, place it in a position that allows easy access to the wheel bolts.
- Take off the lawn mower wheel. ...
- Lubricate your lawn mower wheel bushings. ...
- Secure the lawn mower wheel and adjust its height. ...

Is push or self propelled mower better?
Most push mowers are a good deal lighter than self-propelled mowers. They also take less fuel as well as require fewer repairs and oil changes. Not only are they easier to push than self-propelled, but they are also altogether much more simple. That means that they are easier to work on as well.
Is it OK to push a self propelled mower?
So can you push a self-propelled lawnmower? You can push a self-propelled lawnmower, it won't damage the transmission in any way. However, it may be difficult to do so, self propelled mowers are a little heavier than a regular push mower.
How do you tell if a lawn mower is self propelled?
All motorized mowers have a safety bar that must be squeezed to engage the motor and make the cutting blades spin. Self-propelled mowers have an additional bar that, much like the gas pedal in a car, has to be squeezed for the mower's wheels to engage and for the mower to begin to drive.
How do you mow with a self propelled lawn mower?
4:345:02How To Mow Hills The Easy Way With A Self Propelled Lawn MowerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI go up instead of coming down to do the next drive i go up and then back the mower. Down and theMoreI go up instead of coming down to do the next drive i go up and then back the mower. Down and the key here is that uh what it allows me to do is use the mower self propel to control the weight of the
Can you turn off self-propelled lawn mower?
If you want to disconnect or disable the self-propel system on your lawn mower, you can easily do so by removing the drive belt that connects the transmission to the main shaft of the mower's engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the mower's spark plug to disable the engine.
Is self-propelled necessary?
Help You Cover Large Spaces Quicker. Personally, self-propel is a feature I'd consider if I had a medium-large sized lawn. For a small lawn, it's usually not necessary. You likely won't be using a big, heavy mower for a small yard anyway, as reel or electric mowers are more than capable and are much lighter.
Does walk-behind mean self-propelled?
Walk-Behind Push: The operator pushes this mower around the yard to mow. Self-propelled: Powered by a transmission, self-propelled walk behinds range from single-speed to variable speed models.
Do self propelled mowers work?
It works in much the same way any gas or battery-powered mower works. The difference is that the mower pushes itself forward instead of the operator (you) pushing from behind. As with most gas-powered lawn mowers, hold down the handlebar and pull the cord. Then pull up on the drive lever to engage the drive system.
How fast does a self propelled mower go?
Self-propelled mowers- meanwhile- run at speeds of between 3-3.5 miles per hour, depending on whether it's a one-speed or variable-speed version.
How long does a self propelled lawn mower last?
A self-propelled mower should last eight years or more, depending on how often it's used. (Most manufacturers rate their mowers for a set number of service hours.) There's no significant difference in the service life of a self-propelled mower versus a standard push model.
What does it mean if a lawn mower is self propelled?
The drive system of lawnmowers requires the operator to squeeze a bar on the handle to engage the mower. The mower doesn’t have to be pushed after that.
How do you mow with a self propelled lawn mower?
If you want to start, position your mower on a flat surface. The cutting height of the mower should be adjusted by levers under the deck. Measure the height of the blade and adjust it to the grass.
What is the difference between push mower and self propelled?
A push mower requires you to be strong and able to mow the lawn. The weight off of you can be taken by a self-propelled mower. It makes it easier to maneuver a flat but even ground. It is easy to maneuver a front-wheel drive vehicle.
Can you just push a self propelled lawn mower?
The lawnmower will not damage the transmission if you push it. The self propelled mower is a little heavier than a push mower.
Do you need a self-propelled mower?
If you have a hilly yard, you might need a self-propelled mower. If you don’t push the mower around your small yard, you’ll tire out. If it’s true, you’d benefit from a self-propelled mower.
Do self-propelled mowers have a transmission?
The self-propelled mower has a transmission that helps it move. There are either front, rear, or all-wheel drive lawnmowers. It is easy to operate a front-wheel drive mower.
Can you go backwards with a self-propelled lawn mower?
Most self-propelled lawnmowers can’t move backwards. Most lawnmowers have a single forward speed.
What is a self-propelled lawn mower mean?
Mowers can be used for yards up to 34 acres. The mower pushes itself to cut down on fatigue. You can control the mower’s path by walking behind it. You can choose between front and rear wheel drive lawn mower.
What is the difference between self-propelled and push lawn mower?
There is no help from technology in moving a push mower. The work of mowing your yard is done by self-propelled lawnmowers. There are easy-to-use controls and a transmission that powers the drive wheels. A self-propelled mower takes less time to do the job.
What is the difference between a hand propelled and self-propelled lawn mower?
It is easy to maneuver a manual or push lawn mower. Self-Propelled lawnmowers come into their own with very large lawns and properties and areas of grass where there are slopes to negotiate, usually with less effort.
Do you have to push a self-propelled lawn mower?
The self-propelled mower propels themselves forward. The lawnmowers are powered by the wheels. It is necessary for you to walk behind it. You don’t have to push them very much because they are moving on their own.
Can you go backwards with a self propelled lawn mower?
Most self-propelled lawnmowers can’t move backwards. Most lawnmowers have a single forward speed.
How long does a self propelled lawn mower last?
Depending on the climate you live in, the length of time you use it, and the size of your lawn, most mowers will last around 10 years. If you notice any issues with your mower, it’s time to buy a new one.
Is it bad to pull a lawn mower backwards?
When mowing in reverse, your mower won’t do as well as it could. There are many reasons for it. The grass won’t get discharged under the deck, which is one of the most noticeable problems. The cut is irregular due to the fact that the blades are in reverse.
What is self propelled mower?
A self-propelled mower uses a basic drive shaft, similar to that found in vehicles, that connects the wheels to the motor. When engaged, the self-propel options kicks in, and part of the mower’s engine power is directed to turning the wheels. Some systems affect just two wheels, and some heavy-duty mowers have four-wheel drive.
What is a push mower?
Push mower: These are walk-behind mowers where you supply all the pushing power. They are best for smaller yards and lighter mowers made with plastic materials instead of metal that can decrease the weight of the mower by a dozen pounds or more. Self-propelled mower: These walk-behind mowers have a drive system that enables propulsion, ...
How long does a lawn mower battery last?
Your battery may only last 2/3 as long as it would without the propulsion engaged before the mower starts have trouble cutting grass!
Is a self propelled mower a walk behind mower?
Note that self-propelled mowers are a distinct class of walk-behind mower.
Can you turn a self propelled lawn mower on and off?
Pro tip: don’t turn the mower with the propulsion engaged, as this can cause damage unless your mower is front wheel drive and you can lift it onto the back wheels.
Is a gas mower electric or electric?
Many mowers these days are also electric and use batteries as a source of power. Some of these electric mowers are also self-propelled – but it’s a different experience than using the feature with a gas mower. In a gas mower, the extra propulsion energy will eat up more fuel, but otherwise, there isn’t much of a difference, ...
Do riding mowers use more fuel?
Riding mower: These mowers act more like vehicles, with powerful drive systems and a seat you ride in. You don’t have to expend any energy on long mowing projects, but the initial cost is much higher and they tend to use more fuel. Many mowers these days are also electric and use batteries as a source of power.
How does a self propelled lawn mower work?
Self-propelled lawnmowers work on a drive system (making them vehicle-like) that requires the operator to squeeze a bar (called a "bail") on the handle to engage the mower. After that, the mower moves forward on its own (you don't have to push it).
What happens when you release your grip on the bar on a lawn mower?
If you release your grip on the bar, the mower shuts off (but see below for an exception): it stops moving, and its blades stop spinning. This is a safety feature that is more or less the norm nowadays and is present even on mowers that are not self-propelled.
Who wrote "Just squeeze the bar and the mower will move on its own"?
Just Squeeze the Bar, and the Mower Will Move on Its Own. Written by. David Beaulieu. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process.
What is so great about self propelled lawn mowers?
As mentioned, one of the great things about the self-propelled mowers is the lack of pushing involved, especially for larger gardens or ones that are on an inclined slope - nobody wants to trudge a lawn mower up and down a hill.
What is the best lawn mower for uphill gardens?
If you're looking for a top quality self-propelled lawnmower, garden4less recommends the Cobra 18" Cordless lawnmower. Not only does the Cobra tick all boxes of a good self-propelled lawnmower, its four-wheel drive motor makes it especially good for uphill gardens.
Do you need to push a self propelled lawn mower?
Many lawnmowers in the current day and age are self-propelled, meaning they take all of the hard work of out mowing the lawn. There's no need to push, you just simply walk behind the mower and steer where necessary.
Can you use a push mower with a conventional mower?
With a conventional mower, you don't benefit from the above features, but you do have a little more control over the speed, when to stop and when to start. Cornering or mowing oddly shaped spaces can occasionally be easier with a standard push mower too, as you don't have to fight against the drive of the wheels.
Can a self propelled lawn mower be used for a garden?
Generally, the best suited gardens for self propelled mowers are those with large or square-shaped spaces, or if the garden is located on a sloping plane. A self-propelled mower can also be a fantastic tool for an elderly person, as the self-propelled motion will take the strain out of pushing. However, for those who are a little unsteady on their feet, it can sometimes be a better idea to use a push-style lawnmower with which they will have greater control over the movement speed.
A Bit of Background on Both Push and Self Propelled Mowers
Before we get into comparing the push mower vs self-propelled, I think it’s important that we clarify exactly what is considered a “push mower” and what is considered a “self-propelled mower”. There are several variations of each, and I want you to be aware of that before we go any further.
Push Mower vs Self Propelled: How Do They Compare?
Now that you’re aware of the different variations of mower that fall into each category, let’s take this push mower vs self-propelled comparison to the next level by looking at the main benefits of each one.
Factors that Will Influence Your Decision
Now you’re aware of the different types of push and self-propelled mowers, as well as the respective strengths of each one, let’s explore some of the main factors that could affect your decision.
My Recommendations for When to Use a Push Mower vs Self Propelled
I’m going to finish off this piece by outlining the type of mower I’d personally opt for in a variety of different situations. Now you by no means have to take my word as gospel. These are just observations that I’ve made over the years and through personal experience.
