The Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower Under $300: Top Picks and Alternatives

Make life easier with one of the best self propelled lawn mowers that will take the labor out of mowing your lawn.

Why buy a self propelled mower?

If you are reading this, chances are you already know what a self propelled lawn mower is and you have already decided you want one.

But just in case you’re not sure: Self propelled mowers have a special drive system and controls that pull it forward when you squeeze the bar.

It’s similar to driving a car. When you push the gas pedal, the car moves forward…you don’t have to push the car from behind (well, at least not usually).

A self propelled mower is the same. Instead of pushing the mower from behind, it pulls itself forward, which comes with a whole host of advantages.

• Easier to use.
• Great for elderly or anyone with injuries.
• Cuts down on the time it takes to mow.
• Actually, they are great for anyone who doesn’t want to work as hard to mow their lawn.

Ready to see what your options are?

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. We only include brands we use and trust. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy.

The Best Budget Friendly Self Propelled Mowers

Lawn-Boy 17732 Self Propelled Lawn Mower

This Lawn Boy offering is the best value priced self propelled mower on the market.  For under $300 this mower performs great with standard performance options that are featured on higher priced offerings.  This mower also comes with a great factory warranty.

Greenworks PRO Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

This 21-inch cordless self propelled mower features a steel deck, large rear wheels, and Smart Cut(TM) load sensing technology. With an extra battery on hand, you can now speed through your lawn without the hassle of having to deal with gas.

Best Mid-Priced Self Propelled Mower

Craftsman M275 159cc Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower

Classic homeowner offering from Craftsman. This front wheel drive 159cc engine provides you with the power you need for mowing tall grass or larger areas. With a sleek design this mower looks good and performs better.

Best Overall Self Propelled Mower for Home Use

Honda HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Mower

If you are able to go slightly over budget this is the best in class homeower model for self propelled mowers.  This comes equipped with a tried and tested 160cc Honda engine. Honda engines are known for their reliability and power and this model is no exception. You won’t regret the extra investment when it comes to performance and quality.

Who makes the best self-propelled lawn mower?

There are a bunch of tried and true companies making great self propelled lawn mowers these days.  If you are looking for a new mower a few companies to keep in mind are Toro, Honda, Troy and Craftsman.

When considering other companies take note of who the engine is made by.  Look for mowers with Briggs and Stratton, Honda and Kohler engines and you can’t go wrong.

What is the most reliable self propelled mower?

Today’s small engines are very reliable if they are well taken care of. 

If your mower is made by a well known company or a less known value brand they will require similar care and last for years to come. 

For small engine reliability it is best to use ethanol free fuel.  If ethanol free fuel is out of your budget or not available in your area it is best to store your mower with a fuel stabilizer which will keep your engine’s fuel system clean and ready to go.

It is best to check your lawn mower’s oil level monthly and change the oil annually at a minimum.  Another maintenance task to prolong the life of your mower is to clean or change the air filter annually as well.  Keep these maintenance tips in mind and your new mower will last for years to come.

What is the cheapest self propelled mower?

The cheapest self propelled lawn mower worth your consideration is the Lawn Boy XTX. 

This mower is equipped with many features that are found on higher priced mowers.  The Lawn Boy XTX is powered by a Kohler engine and is rear wheel drive.  If you are looking for a budget model with plenty of features look no further.

Is a self-propelled mower worth it?

Having a self propelled mower is a great tool to have in your lawn care arsenal. 

Compared to a push mower, a self propelled mower will take considerably less effort and less time to mow.  The quality of cut is generally more consistent as the mower will be moving at a constant speed. 

Low spots or dips in the lawn will also be less apparent as the self propelled mowers will float on the grass as you mow a little as you mow.  Self propelled mowers usually have larger engines which will in-turn create more suction when mowing giving you a better overall cut.

Is it ok to push a self propelled lawn mower?

Self propelled mowers can be pushed similar to push style gas mowers.  Pushing is common practice in tight spaces as well as hilly terrain to assist the self propelled action.

Can you pull a self propelled lawn mower backwards?

When maneuvering self propelled mowers it can be pulled backwards.   When performing this maneuver in a turn or tight space it is best to release the drive handle so the wheels are not trying to move forward.  This will make it much easier to move backwards and stop the drive wheels from spinning and tearing up the lawn.

Which is better: rear or front propelled lawn mowers?

Rear wheel drive mowers are best.

Rear wheel drive self propelled mowers are always making contact with the ground giving a more consistent drive especially when hills or inclines are present. 

Front wheel drive mowers are good because they are traditionally a little cheaper than their rear wheel counterparts, but on hills or uneven terrain when the front wheel bounces or lifts the drive is less effective.  

(If you really want to keep your lawn looking it’s best, you might also want to look into getting a lawn sweeper)

The best self propelled mowers between $300-$500