A lawn mower can do more than cut your grass. The right machine can save you money, time, and effort. And with the right information, exceptional lawn care doesn’t have to break the bank.
Whether you need a huge plot mowed, a perfectly manicured lawn, or just to keep the grass trimmed and healthy – there’s a budget lawn mower out there for you!
We’ve got detailed reviews of the five best budget lawn mowers to prove it.
Top Budget Lawn Mowers – Reviews
1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
Coming in at under $100, the American Lawn reel mower is one of the best quality, inexpensive lawn mowers on the market.
Folks with small to medium sized lawns that want an environmentally friendly mower without the expensive features should look no further. Weighing under 25 pounds, this reel mower is easy to use, quiet, and incredibly sturdy.
Specifications:
- Heat treated steel alloy blades durable, stay sharp for years
- Noise-free, lightweight, and maneuverable
- No fuel necessary, eco-friendly
Pros:
- Low cost to buy and operate
- Easy to maintain and use
- No bag, clippings fertilize lawn
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- Blade height not adjustable
- Not suitable for large jobs, older users
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2. Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 48-Volt 17-Inch Mulching Walk-Behind Lawn Mower w/Grass Catcher Kit
Another excellent mower that won’t hurt your back or the environment is the Sun Joe battery powered mower. Light and maneuverable, adjustable cut height, and less than $225.
The long-lasting, 24-volt lithium batteries charge in about 2 hours or less. And for longer jobs and bigger yards it comes with two batteries, so you won’t have to charge mid-mow!
Specifications:
- 17-inch mow radius, 11-gallon bag
- Adjusts to 6 cutting heights
- Comes with 2 batteries and fast charging station
Pros:
- Mulches clippings for fertilizer use
- Eco-friendly and cordless
- 2-year warranty covers mowers and batteries
Cons:
- Not self-propelled
- Less powerful
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3. Greenworks 20-Inch 3-in-1 12 Amp Electric Corded Lawn Mower 25022
Greenworks is a great brand for energy efficient machines, and their corded push mower is highly effective for smaller lawns. It is a solid combination of powerful motor, thoughtful design, sturdy construction, and 4-year warranty to ensure it will keep running for many years to come.
Specifications:
- 20-foot power cord supplies steady power, compatible with other tools
- Versatile design: mulching, side or read discharge, adjustable, foldable
- 12 Amp motor outperforms most electric competitors
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Mid-range price, high-quality materials
- Comprehensive, lengthy warranty
Cons:
- Cord shortens range and creates trip hazard
- Not self-propelled
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4. Lawn-Boy 17732 21-Inch 6.5 Gross Torque Kohler XTX OHV, 3-in-1 Discharge Rear Wheel Drive Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Those seeking an easier time tending to their medium or large sized lawn will love the self-propelled Lawn Boy. It has a powerful, steadfast Honda motor and thoughtful design elements like variable speed, mulching, and variable speed propulsion.
Specifications:
- 3-year Tru-Start Commitment, 2-year warranty
- Choose between side discharge, rear, bagging, and mulching
- Self-propelled, rear wheel drive, variable speed
Pros:
- Effective for large, tough jobs
- Superior mulching ability
- Self-propelled, easier to push
Cons:
- Heavy, less maneuverable
- Needs regular maintenance
- Expensive fuel, not eco-friendly
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5. Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower with 42-Inch Deck and 547cc Engine Tractor
We know that this riding mower isn’t nearly as “budget” as the rest on our list. But we also thought it would be a worthwhile challenge to find the best, most reasonably priced riding mower for this list.
Troy-Bilt makes exceptional quality tools, and this mower is a great example. Between the rugged design, handy features, and dependable machinery anyone with an acre or more to mow will find this machine a joy to use.
Specifications:
- 42-inch cutting deck, dual blades, mow-in-reverse function
- Powerful 547cc motor, 7 speed transmission
- Capable mulching, side or rear discharge
Pros:
- Superior performance for large plots, tough weeds
- Easy to use, self-propelled
Cons:
- Awfully expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
- Gas-powered, not eco-friendly
- Appropriate for large jobs only
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Buyers Guide
Types of Lawn Mowers
Reel lawn mower
The classic push mower is simple in design, which makes it easy to maintain and use. However, these mowers take more physical effort to operate than other types.
They are great choices for smaller plots of land, situations which require maneuverability to get the job done, and those without physical impairments.
Reel mowers, or “push mowers,” are a great budget choice as they are significantly less expensive and cost nothing to run!
Electric lawn mowers
These mowers are often quieter, more environmentally friendly, and less costly to run than their gas guzzling cousins.
Electric mowers are another great budget option for those looking for a little more oomph on a small-to-medium lawn.
Corded
Stable, steady power from a power cord keeps the mower consistently performing at peak efficiency and power.
The major downside, of course, is the cable. Folks using corded lawn mowers will want to be especially careful not to run over the cord or get their feet tangled in it. Older users may want to avoid the extra hassle of dealing with an electrical cord.
Cordless or battery powered
Without the cord to tether you to an outlet, battery powered electric mowers offer increased maneuverability and freedom.
And a side benefit is that the battery pack may be compatible with a variety of other tools from the same manufacturer.
Gas powered lawn mowers
Gas lawn mowers have more torque than either reel or electric models. And all the power means they excel at longer, tougher jobs and bigger lawns.
Do keep in mind, however, that these mowers have bigger price tags, require regular maintenance, and can be costly to operate on environmentally un-friendly fossil fuels.
Self-propelled lawn mowers
Besides the reel mowers, any of the types can also be self-propelled. This designation simply means that the user is not providing all the momentum and that the machine pulls itself along.
These are great options for uneven and hilly lawns, older people, those with injuries, or folks who just want a little bit of an easier time mowing the lawn.
Riding lawn mowers
As the name implies, this type of lawn mower allows you to ride and drive it.
The big kahunas of lawn care, riding lawn mowers are more of everything. More powerful and able to handle lawns of an acre or more, you will likely know if you need a riding lawn mower for the job.
They also need more maintenance, use up more fuel than push gas mowers, and are by far the most expensive type of mower available.
How to Deal With the Clippings
Another important consideration for buying a budget lawn mower is what the machine does with the grass clippings.
Bagging
Those who prefer an impeccably clean looking lawn may want to go for a lawn mower with an attached bag. You can add the clippings to compost, and they won’t get all over your shoes to be tracked indoors.
Mulching
Mulching is a process where the clippings are diced up to a finer consistency, and usually dumped out of the mower back onto the lawn.
Mulching mowers are the most ecologically sound and require the least effort from the user. You won’t have the hassle of disposing of the excess yourself, and the decaying clippings return nitrogen to the soil and support further grass and plant growth. You won’t have to fertilize your lawn ever again!
However, it is a little messier looking.
Side discharge
Mowers with side discharge toss the clippings out to the side of the mower. These can be helpful for exceptionally long grasses and weeds so that they do not clog up a bag.
But the downside is that the leftovers are quite messy looking and need to be dealt with. If cutting swaths of undergrowth with a side discharge mower the thick castoffs can kill other plans and grasses by covering and depriving them of sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lawn mower should I get based on my yard size?
Though your preferences, physical ability, and budget will come into play, we generally follow these guidelines:
- ¼ of an acre or less will be just fine for a reel mower or electric model.
- ¼ to ½ an acre should consider an electric (preferably cordless) or gas powered.
- ½ to 1 acre will likely need a gas mower or a heavy-duty electric. 80-volt batteries shouldn’t require recharging too frequently, and self-propelled is highly recommended.
- Over 1 acre is a riding lawn mower job. Pay attention to the terrain and maneuverability requirements though!
What company makes the best budget lawn mower?
Our favorite brands are Greenworks and American Lawn Mower. They have good price points, capable and sturdy designs, as well as decent warranty coverage.
Which type of lawn mower is good for smaller jobs?
For small jobs, a reel mower or electric model will be the best bet.
An older person may want a cordless electric model – lightweight, self-propelled, and no tripping hazards.
For truly small jobs like trimming and edgework only, you may want to check out weedwhackers instead!
Conclusion
The absolute best budget choice is the American Lawn Hand Reel Mower. Between the low price tag, light weight design, easy maintenance, and zero cost operation you’ll be hard pressed to find a more wallet friendly option.
We hope our handy buying tips and thoroughly researched reviews have helped you find the best budget lawn mower for your greenspace.
Happy mowing!
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