If you’re an old school guy and you love the smell of gas in the air and the sound of equipment then gas lawn mowers are for you. While they might not have the modern-day innovation and sophistication of their electric counterparts. Gas powered mowers are shown to be tough and as long as they have fuel, they will generally keep going.
They also have the added advantage of being a lot easier to fix. As the moving parts that break can all be unbolted and changed or fixed separately. All the strong lawn mowers I’ve owned and operated over the years went through a variety of engines, shafts and gearboxes in their lifetime. Not to mention the variety of spark plugs and maintenance they received.
The only thing that actually eliminated the mowers in the end was a broken frame. Which actually does take some effort to accomplish. In regards to mowing hour’s life, a nice solid gas lawn mower has shown to be the very best alternative. In the short term, I think it will continue to be. This is not to say that electric mowers will not ultimately catch up. Because I think they will and in Ten Years time gas mowers will become more and more used for heavy commercial work.
With that being said, let’s have a look at exactly what a gas lawn mower is and what the benefits and disadvantages of this category are.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
3 Best Gas Lawn Mowers – Reviews
1) Husqvarna 7021P
Powered by a Honda GCV160 engine 7021P and with a fuel tank capacity of 0.98 quarts this Husqvarna is a very popular and solid option. It features a 6 level cutting height adjustment ranging from 1.5 inches up to 3.5 inches. It has a 21 inch cutting blade also and some big solid 12 inch rear wheels to help with maneuverability in varying terrain.
Storage is made simple by the fold away capabilities of this mower. It’s average weight is around 102 pounds and it comes with a 2 year warranty. You can pick the Husqvarna 7021P 21-Inch 160cc Honda GCV160 Gas Powered 3-N-1 Push Lawn Mower With High Rear Wheels up for a great price.
2) Lawn-Boy 17734
The Lawn-Boy 17734 green device is powered by a Kohler engine and has the massive benefit of being self propelled. The specs of this model make it among the much better alternatives. As it features an electrical start, 3 year service warranty and includes a grass catcher.
The Lawn-Boy 17734 has a fairly standard 21 inch cutting width. However at simply 72 pounds, it is really among the lighter gas lawn mowers out there. Being self propelled, light and maneuverable makes this model of mower a winner in my books. I would gladly suggest it to anybody that would rather spend the money for this lawn mower, over saving a couple of dollars on a cheaper design.
3) Poulan Pro PR500N21SH
The Poulan Pro PR500N21SH gas fueled lawn mower is powered by a 140cc Briggs and Stratton Engine. But is strictly a side discharge mower, meaning no catcher at all. There is not even the option to add a catcher. As this design will not support one at all, so bear that in mind.
This Poulan Pro PR500N21SH features a 21 inch broad cutting area and has 12 inch rear wheels to assist maneuvering around on uneven surfaces.
This gas lawn mower is also extremely light, weighing in at just 35 pounds. So it can be pushed around with ease.
What Is a Gas Powered Lawn Mower?
These models have been the pillar of lawn mowers for decades. They are typically powered by either a 2 stroke or 4 cycle engine and are more powerful than electric mowers in general. There are lots of versions that are self propelled and they can include mulchers and grass clipping catchers.
They have typically been operating a choke and a pull cord but there are now lots of electrical start options readily available.
The Advantages:
As I alluded to above, gas powered mowers are the most trustworthy and sturdy lawn mowers in the marketplace. Although they are not as popular as electric mowers. If you have a large property and you do not want to worry about power cords or batteries then these machines are the best fit.
The Disadvantages:
If you have a common flat rural yard to trim there are a variety of downsides to buying a gas mower. Such as the smell, the noise, the requirement for gas and the need for upkeep. Gas lawn mowers have many moving parts and therefore require lubrication, tuning and ultimately replacing.
If you choose to opt for a gas lawn mower here are a couple of alternatives for you that have proven to be solid models.
How to Choose the Best Gas Mower
If you have a typical sized rural home there are numerous choices for you as far as gas, electric or reel lawn mowers are concerned. However just concentrating on gas powered mowers here, they’re some extra things to consider:
Power VS Weight
Do you need the extra power that typically comes with additional weight? Or will a lighter gas lawn mower get the job done for you?
Do you Require a Catcher?
Do you want the choice to catch your grass clippings or is this not important to you?
Self Propelled or Push?
Do you want to man handle your mower around the yard or would you choose to simply walk along behind it and guide?
Electric Start
You can now find designs with electrical starting systems. So possibly you want to ditch that bothersome pull cord and manual choke for good.
Security
Blade overrides are becoming a growing number of options. Which implies there is an additional lever to pull-in that makes the blades engage. This can be a little irritating. Although it produces a great security feature if you wish to ensure the blades don’t cut anything except grass.
Handling and maneuverability
The size of the back wheels are a great method to increase stability in rough terrain. Also think of swivel wheels as these will aid with handling. However, they do make the wheels more susceptible to damage.
Together with these considerations, also bear in mind of the points noted on this page, as some of these points are also relevant to electric powered mowers.
Conclusion
Hopefully I have actually assisted you in deciding, as to whether or not a gas powered mower is right for you. There is plenty more info on this site to help assist you through the whole selection process to decide on the very best gas mower for your situation. If you have not found the right lawn mower just yet. Have a look at some of the other types of mowers offered.
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