TYLER K FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
TYLER K FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Pros:
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Smaller deck allows for easier storage and steering
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Can use the Makita 18V battery system from their hand tools
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Has a quiet mode
Cons:
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Battery replacement costs
The Makita 18-inch self-propelled mower is excellent for smaller lawns because—well, it is smaller. At 18 inches, the Makita LXT provides power similar to the bigger mowers on the market but in a more narrow format. Most mowers have cutting decks that range from 21 to 24 inches.
Eighteen inches doesn’t make that much of a difference until you recognize that navigating a small lawn can be difficult and every inch matters. The smaller deck on this mower doesn’t sacrifice any power but makes it easier to make nimble passes, steer around garden beds, and store them in a garage or a shed. Speaking of storage, here are some other space-saving garage organization ideas you can do yourself.
What to Consider When Buying a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Lawn mowers come in many shapes and sizes, but there are a few critical considerations for self-propelled mowers:
- Speed control: Look for a self-propelled function with variable speed control. This allows you to set the mower’s self-propelled speed at the pace you are most comfortable with instead of a set pace that is too fast or too slow.
- Wheel drive: Self-propelled mowers have front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive has the best function but is also the most exhausting on your fuel source. Front-wheel drive is better for going up hills but can spin in place if you don’t help push the mower a bit. Rear-wheel drive is a great option for general self-propelled functions at a better price than all-wheel drive.
- Fuel source impact: if you own a battery-powered mower, you’ll notice that the self-propelled function will burn through the battery more quickly. Either purchase an additional battery or be aware that you may have to stop for a recharge break. For those of us with gas mowers, keep an eye on your fuel level, as the engine will be working a little harder to get this mower moving.
Why You Should Trust Us
As someone who used to mow lawns professionally, I have mowed thousands of lawns in my life. Over the past few years, I have explored battery-powered tools and electric lawn tools and believe these are the future of lawn care. Since then, I have tested just about every battery-powered, gas-powered or self-propelled lawn tool with a focus on trying to find the best mowers available.
We also leaned on the expertise of Tyler Graham of The Lawn Review website and YouTube, who currently owns nearly 20 mowers and has tested dozens more. His expertise helped us complete thorough tests that tested these mowers to the limit, including using the self-propelled function to walk seven different gas and electric mowers until they ran out of fuel.
I Tested More Than 25 Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
To say that I have used more self-propelled mowers than the average person would be an understatement. Over the past 15 years, I have tested dozens of self-propelled mowers. Gas, electric, corded, reel, zero-turn, riding—every type of mower under the sun has come under the intense scrutiny of my backyard (and my mother-in-law’s).
Whenever I test out a new mower, I put it through the gauntlet. I start in the backyard with something I call the cut check–it involves spray painting my lawn with white paint, waiting a week, and then cutting it to see if the mower misses any blades. The second test is the bog-down showdown. In this test, I gradually lower the cutting deck in an area of thick brush until the mower completely chokes out. The longer it lasts in dense brush, the more powerful the cut. The next test is the mower mile—my least favorite. I walk the mower with full fuel (battery or gas) until it dies. Yes, it is ridiculous. Yes, I have lost 20 pounds doing it. The last is a cost comparison. I find the best deal on each mower and compare the costs plus the five-year costs of maintaining the mower.
FAQ
Can you just push a self-propelled mower?
Yes! Self-propelled mowers can benefit from a light push during mowing. Additionally, if you need to preserve fuel time, you can turn off the function and push the entire way.
What are the disadvantages of a self-propelled lawn mower?
Self-propelled lawn mowers have two disadvantages: they are more expensive than push mowers and will burn through batteries or gas more quickly than push mowers.
Is it worth getting a self-propelled mower?
If you have a larger yard, are older, or just want a more effortless mowing experience, then self-propelled mowers are an excellent investment. While you may pay a bit of a premium for the self-propelled function, you will reap the benefits of having an enjoyable mowing experience for years.