Gas powered lawn mowers give you power, durability and flexibility.
As long as you’ve got the fuel, these things will keep going, meaning that you can cut lawns large and small, near to or far from your house.
There are various types of gas powered lawn mowers and a range of different features available.
This article therefore aims to guide you through the process of selecting the best gas powered mower for your requirements.
How does a gas lawn mower work?
Gas powered lawn mowers utilize the power of an engine to drive the rotation of a horizontal blade located in the mower’s cutting deck. The blade rotates at high speed and cuts the grass as the deck travel over the lawn.
Most modern gas lawn mowers have 4 cycle (or 4 stroke) engines, although some 2 cycle models are available.
4 cycle engines are generally quieter and longer lasting than 2 cycle engines. They run on pure gasoline and have a separate oil chamber for engine lubrication oil. Two cycle engines run on a mixture (usually 50 to 1) of gas and oil. They can therefore be more troublesome to keep running.
In some models the power of the engine is also used to drive the wheels of the lawn mower. These are called ‘self-propelled mowers’. ‘Push mowers’, those without the benefit of engine drive, rely upon the efforts of the operator alone.
Size and power of gas lawn mowers
Gas lawn mowers usually have engines ranging in power between about 2 and 7 horsepower. Engines have single cylinders with displacements of between about 140cc and 190cc.
Interestingly, tests by Consumer Reports showed that engine size and power made little difference to the performance of most mowers.
A somewhat more significant size factor therefore, is the width of the mower’s cutting deck.
Decks on consumer level gas powered lawn mowers are generally between 18 and 22 inches (45 to 55cms).
How do gas lawn mowers compare to electric lawn mowers?
Trying to find the best lawn mower means comparing the pros and cons of the different types. These are the main gas vs electric lawn mower points of comparison.
Gas powered lawn mowers are noisier than electric mowers and produce direct carbon emissions.
They require more maintenance and, over their lifetime, are likely to be more costly than electric mowers, especially when fuel and oil costs are factored in.
On the other hand, there is no limitation on where a gas mower can be used. This contrast with the limits place on corded electric models by the length of the extension cord.
Similarly, gas mowers are not constrained by length of battery life as is the case with cordless mowers.
Overall, gas lawn mowers probably provide the most versatile lawn mower option.
Features to look out for in gas lawn mowers
I’ve covered the general features applicable to most mowers in some detail on this page on how to compare lawn mowers.
I’ll therefore deal more specifically here with features especially relevant to gas lawn mowers.
Propulsion
As indicated above, an important choice you need to make is whether you want a self-propelled mower or a push mower.
A self propelled mower will be more expensive. For example, the Husqvarna 961450023 HU700H Honda 160cc 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive pictured above will set you back a fair bit more that a push mower with a fairly similar spec.
However, the difference is usually relatively small when you consider the time and effort a self-propelled mower will save you.
Starting
Most gas powered mowers have a recoil (pull) start. These days most mowers start pretty easily and some manufacturers, such as Husqvarna, have introduced easy start systems designed to make starting even more straightforward.
A few of the top of the range models now feature key activated electric starting, just like your car. This is very convenient but the battery that activates the electric start is not always charged by your mower, so in those case you you need to remember to recharge it yourself.
Drive Speed
Some gas powered mowers have a single drive speed. Some have a throttle controlled variable speed.
Some (e.g. some Toro models) automatically adjust their speed to the pace at which you walk.
And some of the very best models, like the Honda HRX217HZA feature infinitely variable speeds with cruise control, delivered by the kind of hydrostatic drives you find in many lawn tractors.
Wash out port
A wash out port is a very handy feature that lets you attach an ordinary garden hose to your mower’s deck to wash away the clippings, mud and debris each time you finish using it. This keeps the deck in good condition and helps your mower operate efficiently next time you fire it up.
Grass Discharge
I’ve covered the grass discharge options in detail on the compare lawn mowers page. Suffice to say here that the choices are side discharge, mulching and bagging. Some models offer all 3 options and some just 2 (usually mulching and side discharge.
It is important to determine the discharge method you are likely to want to use most and to choose a model with a reputation for doing that well.
Blade brake clutch
This is a very handy feature, the lack of which, on an old mower I have, really annoys me.
A blade break or blade override clutch allows you to stop the mower and the blade, let go of the controls but still keep the engine running. It’s like having your car in neutral or park.
The beauty of this is that you don’t have to stop and re-start every time you need to move things out of the way or empty you grass catcher. The added advantage is that you reduce engine wear by not constantly re-starting.
Comfort of operation
Padded handles are offered on some models. These can be a godsend when you’re operating the mower for long periods. Also look out for adjustable handles that can be made to suit your height.
Swivel wheels
Have you ever tried turning a decent sized gas powered mower in a small space?
It’s not easy, unless you have a model with swivelling front wheels. These bring something approaching zero turn capability to the walk-behind mower arena and are a welcome new feature of some models.
Best uses for gas lawn mowers
A gas powered lawn mower will suit you if:
- You have a medium size to large lawn
- You have no noise restrictions to worry about
- You are happy to do a little maintenance, such as oil changes
- You need a powerful machine, for example because you have long, lush or coarse grass
- You need to mow out of the reach of an extension cord or for extended periods
- You want the versatility that a gas powered mower can give you
- You are reasonably strong and fit.
Summing up
Unless there are particular reasons why a gas mower would not be suitable (e.g. you particularly need a quite or lightweight machine), then I think gas powered lawn mowers are hard to beat.
As always, buy the best quality you can afford – stretch you budget if you have to – and you shouldn’t be disappointed.
Top gas powered lawn mowers
Honda mowers
When you are looking for the best gas lawn mower, the Honda mowers range is probably the best place to start.
If you are looking for the best of the best, you’ll find it hard to get a better gas lawn mower than the Honda HRX217K3HYA self-propelled lawn mower. Although it has a fairly hefty price tag, its features and qualities are hard to beat. You’ll find a comprehensive review of the Honda HRX217K3HYA here.
Of course Honda mowers come at all different price points. But all have the Honda quality built in to them. Check out a full selection of Honda mowers here.
Lawn Boy
A pretty impressive self-propelled mower, much cheaper than the Honda HRX217 is the Lawn Boy mowers 10606 model. This model features a 20 inch deck, electric start and is designed to be an especially effective mulching mower. A full review of this Lawn Boy mowers model is here.
Husqvarna
If you are looking for something substantially cheaper than the Honda and a fair bit cheaper than the Lawn Boy, and you’d be happy with a push mower, then the Husqvarna 7021P lawn mower may fit in with your requirements. Check out our full review of this Husqvarna mower here
Another great Husqvarna model, with the benefit of a Honda engine, is the Husqvarna 961450023 HU700H Honda 160cc 3-in-1 rear wheel drive hi-wheel mower with 22 inch (56cm) deck:
Comparison
If you want to see a side by side comparison of the key features of 7 of the very best gas powered lawn mowers, see the gas powered lawn mower comparison page here.
Amazon best sellers
The mowers below are current Amazon best sellers. So these are worth considering given that the best sellers are almost exclusively those that have received a hign number of good customer reviews.
- š„144CC OHV GAS POWERED ENGINE:This 4-stroke engine is easy to start, just pull the recoil cord to get it going. The forced air cooling system ensures high performance for long periods of time.
- š„CUTTING TECHNOLOGY: This gas lawnmower has a patented cutting system with a 21 inch cutting deck, which makes it easier for you to trim a large yard and helps you mow more in less time.
- š„2 IN 1 WALK BEHIND LAWN MOWER: Discharging the clippings on the side rather than bagging them helps you control moisture and nutrients, The mulching capability can provide organic nutrients to make your lawn even healthier.
- š„DURABLE MOWING DECK: This 56 pound weight gas powered push lawn mower has a metal deck with seven front wheels and eight-inch rear wheels. It is designed for easy pushing, which can help you work more efficiently.
- š„CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: PowerSmart strives to provide excellent value to consumers through quality products and superior customer service. All of our products are backed by a 3-year warranty, and our service team is available to help solve any problems you may encounter.
- 2-in-1 PUSH LAWN MOWER: Reliable 140cc Crafstman engine with primer. Capable of mulching and side discharge of grass clippings.
- HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Change from six different cutting heights from 1.25" to 3.75".
- DURABLE WHEELS: Dependable 7" front wheels paired with 11" rear wheels provide improved maneuverability on any terrain.
- 21 INCH DECK: Deck allows you to mulch, helping put nutrients back in the soil for a healthier lawn
- EASY TO USE: This mower is ideal for smaller yards, however, this mower is efficient and effective no matter the mowing area.
- Powerful OHV Engine: reliable 200CC 4-stroke engine equipped with recoil start for one pull start.
- RWD Self Propelled: rear wheel drive, 8" front & 11.5" rear large wheel design for sizable yard and thick grass.
- 3-in-1 Cutting Deck: 22-inch mowing width with mulching, side-discharge, rear bag discharge capabilities for sizable yard.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: 5-position height settings allow you to change the cutting height from 1.2" to 3.5".
- Easy to use: quick fold & unfold design, easy assemble in 5 minutes, easily get to use and save space for storage.
- 144cc Gas Powered Engine: deliver strong power, shredded grass while mowing for nutrition back. Equipped with recoil start, just pull to start.
- 21 Inch Cutting Deck: 21" all steel cutting deck allow you trimming your lawn with fewer passes, done your job with less time.
- 5 Height Positions: adjust grass height from 1.18" to 3", customize the look and feel of your lawn.
- 3 in 1 Lawnmower with Bag: side discharge, mulching, and rear bagging. Sweeper your lawn while mowing with rear bag.
- Improved version, come with oil(recommended 12 floz, 10W-30 Oil), covered with 3-year-warranty, free lifetime tech support. Any issue please feel free to contact our service team.
- š„GAS ENGINE: This PowerSmart lawn mower has a 170CC OHV gas engine and a 21-inch steel mowing deck. It also has a powerful 4-stroke, single cylinder gas engine which makes it powerful enough to handle even the tallest and toughest grass.This gas lawnmower is equipped with a forced air-cooling system that keeps the engine running smoothly, so you can get the job done quickly.
- š„MOWING DECK: The 21-inch steel mowing deck creates a large cutting area that is highly durable, making it easy for you to take on bigger jobs.
- š„ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH: The push lawn mower has 5 height adjustment levels to easily cut grass and overgrowth.This walk behind lawn mower has a cutting height that can be adjusted between 1.18 and 3.0 inches, a cutting width of 21 inches, and a grass catcher capacity of 1.4 bushels.
- š„LAWN CARE: The 3-in-1 side discharge and mulching capability of this lawn mower allows you to spread grass clippings to the side, returning key nutrients to your lawn so your grass can grow healthy and thick.
- š„FLEXIBLE AND AGILE: This gas powered lawn mower has 8-inch rear wheels for easy maneuverability, plus a large capacity 18 gallon bag for collecting clippings and a labour-saving design that will help you work more efficiently.
- POWERFUL ENGINE: 140cc reliable engine equipped with recoil start. Battle tested and battle ready to get to work right away and help you get the job done.
- MUTLIPLE HEIGHT SETTINGS: Dual lever height adjuster with 6 different height settings. Whether your lawn needs a light trim or a full cut, find the height setting that fits the task at hand.
- 3-IN-1 CUTTING DECK: Side discharge, mulching, and rear capabilities.
- EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE: 21" cutting deck to assist you in trimming your lawn as fast as possible. Mow wider areas of grass with fewer passes.
- DURABLE TIRES: 7-inch and 8-inch wheels with bar treading capable of handling unique and uneven terrains. Effortlessly drive through hard or loose soil.
- 170cc OHV GAS POWERED ENGINE: powerful 4-stroke engine equipped with forced air cooling system. Pull it start and continuous deliver high performance.
- 21-INCH MOWING DECK: patented cutting system with 21 inch cutting deck, wider mowing path helps you trim sizable yard easier.
- 3 IN 1 MOWER: side discharge and mulching capability can provide organic nutrients to make your lawn healthier.
- GRASS HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE: 5 positions for adjust cutting height from 1.18" to 3".
- CUSTOMER SATISFICATION: 2021 improved version, covered with 3-year-warranty. Any issue please feel free to contact our service team, we"ll take effective action to help in 24h.
- Powerful Engine: 209CC 4-stroke engine deliver unbeatable power for best grass cutting effect.
- RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: rear wheel drive provide more traction for all terrain, thick tough grasses.
- 3-in-1 Lawn Mower with Bag: side discharge, mulching , rear bag discharge capabilities.
- Grass Cutting Height: 5-positiong cutting height adjustment, allow you to adjust grass cutting height from 1.18" to 3".
- Easy to Use: minimal assembly, no expert assembly needed. Quick fold & unfold design, easily get to use and save space for storage.
- POWERFUL ENGINE: 140cc reliable engine equipped with recoil start and primer. Battle tested and battle ready to get to work right away and help you get the job done.
- MUTLIPLE HEIGHT SETTINGS: Dual lever height adjuster with 6 different height settings. Whether your lawn needs a light trim or a full cut, find the height setting that fits the task at hand.
- 2-IN-1 CUTTING DECK: Side discharge and mulching capabilities.
- EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE: 21" cutting deck to assist you in trimming your lawn as fast as possible. Mow wider areas of grass with fewer passes.
- DURABLE TIRES: 7-inch and 8-inch wheels with bar treading capable of handling unique and uneven terrains. Effortlessly drive through hard or loose soil.
- Powerful Gas Engine: 209CC engine deliver unbeatable power for better cutting effect. Equipped with recoil starter for easy pull start.
- Self Propelled for Sizable Yard: 21 in. cutting deck, rear wheel drive self-propelled, mow more with less effort, ideal for sizable yard.
- 3 in 1 Lawn Mower: side discharge, mullching capabilities, rear bag discharge. Use with rear bag, this machine can clean up dead-leaves and grasses while mowing.
- Cutting Depth Adjustment: this self-propelled mower has 5-position height adjustment from 1.18" to 3", suitable all kinds of grasses.
- Easy to Use: 95% assembled, no expert assembly needed. Easy starter, Quick folded design, save storage space and easily get it to work.
Last update on 2022-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Picks
Here we feature more of the best. These gas lawn mowers are among the best in class. They all boast 4 or 5 start ratings from reviewers on Amazon.com. If you are in the market for a premium brand mower, then one of these will suit you well.
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