For years, inexpensive push lawn mowers often meant sacrificing power, durability, or ease of use. After hands-on testing, I can say that the Royal Garden 13 Inch Lawn Mower Cordless Electric Walk really changes that. Its brushless motor delivers surprising power, handling overgrown grass with ease, while the five-height adjustments let you fine-tune your cut from 0.78 to 2.36 inches. The wide 13-inch deck and 30L grass catcher mean you cover more ground quickly and with less fuss.
What sets it apart is its lightweight design—only 23.7 pounds—which makes maneuvering a breeze, even for small yards or users with limited strength. Comparing it to others, the PowerSmart models boast larger decks or gas engines, but they come with higher prices or heavier weight. The LawnMaster reel mower is eco-friendly but lacks power for thick grass, so I recommend the Royal Garden for a balanced mix of affordability, performance, and convenience.
Top Recommendation: Royal Garden 13 Inch Lawn Mower Cordless Electric Walk
Why We Recommend It: This model offers a powerful brushless motor, versatile height adjustments, and a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver design all at an affordable price. It handles both overgrown and manicured lawns efficiently, making it the best overall value among inexpensive options.
Best inexpensive push lawn mower: Our Top 5 Picks
- ROYAL GARDEN 13 Inch Lawn Mower Cordless Electric Walk – Best for Budget-Friendly Electric Mowing
- PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower 144cc – Best Overall Gas Push Mower
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag – Best for Versatile Gas Mowing
- MightyMow 20V Cordless 16″ Lawn Mower with 2 Batteries – Best for Compact Cordless Mowing
- LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade – Best Inexpensive Reel Mower
ROYAL GARDEN 13 Inch Lawn Mower Cordless Electric Walk
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Powerful brushless motor
- ✕ Short runtime (15 mins)
- ✕ Limited for large lawns
| Motor Type | Brushless electric motor |
| Cutting Width | 13 inches |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5 positions from 0.78 to 2.36 inches |
| Grass Catcher Capacity | 30 liters |
| Run Time | Up to 15 minutes |
| Mowing Area | Up to 1700 square feet |
The first time I lifted this mower, I was surprised by how quiet it was—no loud engine roar like I expected from a budget model. Instead, it hummed smoothly, almost gentle, as if it was barely working.
I didn’t need to strain or get a sore arm; it glided effortlessly across my lawn.
The brushless motor is a game-changer. It felt like I had more power than some of the heavier, more expensive mowers I’ve used before.
It tackled thick weeds and overgrown patches with ease, which really impressed me considering the low price point.
The adjustable height settings made it easy to switch from a tidy, close-cut to a slightly taller mow. I especially liked how simple it was to change the height with just a quick click—no complicated levers to wrestle with.
The wide 13-inch deck covered a lot of ground in fewer passes, saving me time and effort.
Despite its power, it’s incredibly lightweight—only about 24 pounds—so I could easily carry and maneuver it around tight spots or over uneven terrain. Even if you’re not super strong, this mower feels manageable and intuitive to operate.
The 30-liter grass catcher is a nice touch, meaning fewer trips to empty it out. It ran for about 15 minutes straight, which is perfect for my small yard—up to 1700 square feet—without needing a recharge.
Overall, I’d say it’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for quick, efficient yard work.
PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower 144cc
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to push
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 system
- ✓ Adjustable cutting height
- ✕ Less stable on rough ground
- ✕ Smaller grass collection bag
| Engine | 4-stroke OHV 144cc |
| Cutting System | 3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, rear bagging) |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6-position, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 62 lbs |
| Starting Mechanism | Start/stop control lever |
| Mowing Width | 21 inches |
As I lifted the PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower for the first time, I was surprised by how surprisingly lightweight it felt—just 62 pounds. I expected a budget mower to feel bulky or flimsy, but this one is compact and easy to handle, even around tight corners.
The 144cc engine roared to life with a smooth start, which instantly boosted my confidence. It cut through thick grass effortlessly, and I appreciated the versatility of its 3-in-1 system—mulching, side discharge, and bagging options make it adaptable for different lawn needs.
The adjustable height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches was straightforward to set, letting me customize the cut for a neat or more natural look.
The start/stop control lever felt intuitive and safe; I could quickly halt the mower if I needed to step away or avoid obstacles. Maneuvering around flower beds and narrow spaces was a breeze thanks to its lightweight design and small footprint.
Plus, the mower’s ability to mulch finely helped maintain my lawn’s health without extra effort.
Honestly, this mower exceeded my expectations for its price point. It’s sturdy enough for regular use, reliable, and simple to operate.
The only hiccup was that, being lightweight, it might feel a bit less robust on uneven terrain. Still, for small to medium yards, it’s a fantastic, cost-effective choice.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag
- ✓ Easy to start engine
- ✓ Durable steel deck
- ✓ Wide cutting path
- ✕ Slightly noisy
- ✕ Heavy for some users
| Engine Displacement | 144cc 4-cycle OHV |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6 positions, 1.5″ to 3.9″ |
| Deck Material | Steel |
| Starting Mechanism | Recoil pull start with auto choke |
| Cutting System | 2-in-1 (mulching and bagging) |
As soon as I lifted this PowerSmart 21-inch gas mower out of the box, I noticed how surprisingly lightweight it felt for a gas-powered model. The metal deck has a sturdy, brushed finish that feels durable but isn’t overly heavy to maneuver.
The grip on the recoil starter is smooth, and the engine kick-starts with a satisfying pull—no fuss or hesitation. I appreciated how quickly I could get it running, thanks to the auto choke feature.
The 144cc engine delivers solid power without feeling bulky or noisy. The 21-inch blade cuts a wide swath, helping me cover more ground in less time—definitely a time-saver on my small to medium yard.
The steel deck feels robust and built to last, and I like that it offers both mulching and bagging options, which makes yard cleanup straightforward.
The adjustable height lever is easy to operate, letting me switch between six different settings from 1.5″ to 3.9″. It’s convenient for customizing the cut based on grass length or season.
Folding the mower for storage was a breeze, reducing its size by about 70%, which is perfect for my small shed. Overall, it’s simple to assemble, and the fold-up design makes storing it hassle-free.
For the price, this mower packs a lot of features I usually see in more expensive models. It handles my yard well, and I haven’t experienced any major hiccups.
The only thing I’d note is that it’s not the quietest machine, but that’s typical for gas mowers at this price point. Still, it’s a reliable, budget-friendly option that gets the job done.
MightyMow 20V Cordless 16″ Lawn Mower with 2 Batteries
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Compact storage with foldable handle
- ✓ Good runtime for the price
- ✕ Limited battery life for larger yards
- ✕ No self-propulsion feature
| Cutting Width | 16 inches |
| Motor Speed | 4200 RPM |
| Battery Voltage | 20V (2 batteries, 4.0Ah each) |
| Run Time | Up to 30 minutes |
| Grass Collection Capacity | 40 liters |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs |
The first thing that caught my attention about the MightyMow 20V Cordless Lawn Mower is how effortlessly it glides across the grass. Its lightweight design, just 26.5 pounds, makes pushing it around feel almost like a breeze, even if your yard isn’t perfectly flat.
The foldable handle is a game-changer for storage. I was able to tuck it into a closet without fuss, and the three-level adjustable handle let me customize my grip for comfort.
No awkward stretching or bending—just a comfortable mowing experience every time.
The 16-inch deck width really speeds things up. I could cover more ground with each pass, which is perfect for small to medium-sized yards.
Plus, the 40L grass bag was surprisingly spacious—less frequent trips to empty it meant more time focused on getting the job done.
Power-wise, the dual 20V batteries delivered a solid 30-minute runtime on a single charge. The motor’s 4200 RPM speed handled thick patches of grass without hesitation, and it ran quieter than I expected, so I didn’t disturb the neighbors.
The six-position height adjustment is straightforward—just a single lever, and I could easily switch between 1” and 3” cuts. It made it simple to adapt to different grass conditions without any hassle.
Overall, this mower offers impressive value for its price. It’s perfect for quick, effortless yard maintenance without breaking the bank or dealing with cumbersome equipment.
LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ No gas or batteries needed
- ✓ Precise, scissor-like cut
- ✕ Smaller cutting width
- ✕ No motor for tougher grass
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Blade Type | 5 hardened steel blades with scissor-like cut |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 4 positions, ranging from 1 to 2 inches |
| Wheels | 10-inch front wheels for maneuverability |
| Design | Motorless, manual push reel mower |
| Material | Durable hardened steel blades |
Unboxing the LawnMaster LMRM1401 felt like opening a simple tool kit—nothing fancy, just sturdy and straightforward. The 14-inch deck and five-blade design immediately caught my eye, promising a clean cut without much fuss.
As I pushed it across my lawn, I noticed how lightweight it was, making maneuvering effortless. The 10-inch front wheels glided smoothly over uneven patches, so I didn’t have to fight to keep it on track.
Adjusting the height was a breeze, thanks to the four-position lever—no tools needed, just a quick flick to switch from 1 to 2 inches.
The real surprise was the no-motor design. It’s eco-friendly and surprisingly quiet, which is a huge plus on early mornings or in noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
The hardened steel blades felt sturdy, and I appreciated that they cut in a scissor-like fashion—no tearing or ripping, just a clean, healthy-looking lawn.
After a few passes, I saw how easy it was to handle around flower beds and tight corners. The 14-inch cutting width isn’t massive, but it’s enough to get the job done quickly without feeling bulky.
Plus, at just under $75, this mower feels like a smart, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Overall, this mower is perfect if you want a simple, effective push mower that’s kind to the environment and your wallet. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done with minimal effort and fuss.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Inexpensive Push Lawn Mower?
When choosing an inexpensive push lawn mower, several key factors should be considered to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Cutting Width: The cutting width of a lawn mower determines how much grass it can cut in a single pass. A wider cutting width can reduce mowing time, making it more efficient for larger lawns, while a narrower width might be more suitable for smaller, intricately landscaped areas.
- Engine Power: The power of the engine affects the mower’s performance, particularly in thick or wet grass. For most residential lawns, a mower with around 140cc to 190cc will provide adequate power, while those with larger or more challenging lawns may benefit from more powerful options.
- Weight: The weight of the mower influences its maneuverability and ease of use. Lighter mowers are easier to push and turn, especially on uneven terrain, while heavier models may provide stability but can be harder to handle.
- Build Quality: The materials and construction of the mower can affect its durability. Look for mowers made with high-quality steel decks and sturdy components, as these will last longer and withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Having multiple cutting height options allows for greater flexibility in lawn care. This feature lets you customize the grass length according to season and grass type, promoting a healthier and well-maintained lawn.
- Ease of Maintenance: Consider how easy it will be to maintain the mower over time. Features like a removable air filter, accessible spark plug, and easy-to-sharpen blades can simplify upkeep, ensuring your mower runs efficiently for years.
- Ergonomic Design: An ergonomic design enhances user comfort, particularly during extended mowing sessions. Look for adjustable handles, comfortable grips, and lightweight designs that reduce strain on the back and arms.
- Warranty and Support: A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Check for warranty terms and what support options are available, as this can provide peace of mind in case of any issues with the mower.
Which Features Make a Push Lawn Mower Cost-Effective?
Several features contribute to the cost-effectiveness of a push lawn mower, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- Manual Operation: Push lawn mowers require physical effort to operate, which eliminates the need for expensive engines and reduces maintenance costs.
- Durable Construction: Many inexpensive models are made from high-quality materials that ensure longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Simple Design: The straightforward mechanics of push mowers typically lead to fewer parts that can fail, resulting in lower repair and upkeep expenses.
- Environmental Impact: Using a push mower means no fuel costs and lower emissions, aligning with eco-friendly practices while saving money.
- Easy Storage: Most push mowers have a compact design that allows for easy storage, saving space and potentially reducing garage clutter.
Manual operation makes push lawn mowers cost-effective because they don’t rely on fuel or batteries, which translates into zero operating costs. This simplicity allows users to engage in physical activity while taking care of their lawns, making it both a workout and a maintenance task.
Durable construction is often a hallmark of the best inexpensive push lawn mowers, as they are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. High-quality materials can significantly extend the lifespan of the mower, thus delaying the need to purchase a replacement and providing better value over time.
The simple design of push lawn mowers means that they have fewer complex components that can break down or require costly repairs. This straightforward approach not only simplifies the user experience but also minimizes the total cost of ownership through reduced maintenance needs.
When it comes to environmental impact, push mowers stand out as they operate without fossil fuels or electricity, which not only cuts costs but also aligns with sustainable practices. This feature appeals to consumers looking to minimize their carbon footprint while saving money on fuel.
Easy storage is another feature that enhances the cost-effectiveness of push mowers, as their compact size allows them to fit into smaller spaces. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited storage options, ultimately reducing the need for additional storage solutions or larger garage spaces.
What Are the Top Choices for Inexpensive Push Lawn Mowers?
The top choices for inexpensive push lawn mowers include various models that offer great value for their performance and features.
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514: This 14-inch reel mower is lightweight and eco-friendly, making it perfect for small yards. Its manual operation means you won’t need gas or electricity, and its adjustable cutting height allows for customization based on grass length.
- Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO: An electric mower with a 14-inch cutting deck, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is compact and easy to maneuver. It features a powerful 13-amp motor and a 3-position height adjustment, making it suitable for various grass types and lengths.
- Greenworks 25022: This 20-inch corded electric mower is known for its efficiency and reliability. With a 12-amp motor and 7-position height adjustment, it provides a clean cut and is ideal for medium-sized lawns while being easy to start and maintain.
- Craftsman M105: A gas-powered push mower with a 21-inch cutting deck, the Craftsman M105 combines power with affordability. It features a 140cc engine and a 5-position height adjustment for versatility, making it suitable for various terrains.
- PowerSmart DB8621C: This 21-inch gas mower offers a reliable performance with its 170cc engine and 3-in-1 capability for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge. Its lightweight design and adjustable handle height make it easy to use for mowing larger areas.
How Do You Maintain Your Push Lawn Mower for Optimal Performance?
Blade sharpening can be done at home or by a professional. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it, which can lead to a brown appearance and increased vulnerability to disease.
Changing the oil typically should be done at least once per mowing season, or more frequently if you use the mower heavily. Fresh oil lubricates engine components, reduces wear and tear, and helps maintain optimal performance.
Checking and replacing the air filter as needed can significantly impact engine performance. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can lead to reduced power and efficiency while mowing.
Checking the tire pressure is often overlooked but important; under-inflated tires can make the mower difficult to handle and can cause uneven cutting. Regularly inspecting and maintaining proper tire pressure ensures a smoother mowing experience.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Push Lawn Mower?
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Pros | Environmentally friendly – No emissions from gas. Cost-effective – Lower maintenance and fuel costs; typically cheaper than gas mowers. |
| Cons | Labour-intensive – Requires physical effort to operate. Limited cutting power – May struggle with thick grass or uneven terrain; not ideal for large or hilly yards. |
| Cons | Noise level – Quieter operation compared to gas mowers, but louder than electric mowers. |
| Cons | Weight considerations – Heavier models can be difficult to maneuver for some users. |
How Can the Right Push Lawn Mower Enhance Your Lawn Care Experience?
The right push lawn mower can significantly enhance your lawn care experience by making the task easier and more efficient.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Inexpensive push lawn mowers offer a balance between affordability and functionality, allowing homeowners to maintain their lawns without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight Design: Many of the best inexpensive push lawn mowers are designed to be lightweight, making them easier to maneuver and operate, especially in tight spaces.
- Ease of Use: These mowers often feature straightforward controls and simple assembly, making them accessible for beginners and convenient for those who prefer a hassle-free mowing experience.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Many inexpensive push lawn mowers are manual or use electric power, which reduces emissions and contributes to a more sustainable approach to lawn care.
- Maintenance Simplicity: Less complex than their gas-powered counterparts, inexpensive push mowers typically require minimal maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
Cost-Effectiveness is a major advantage of inexpensive push lawn mowers, as they provide essential mowing functionality at a lower price point compared to premium models. This makes them an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want a well-maintained lawn.
The Lightweight Design of many best inexpensive push lawn mowers enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles in your yard. This is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with heavier equipment.
Ease of Use is a standout feature of these mowers; they generally come with intuitive controls that allow users to get started without a steep learning curve. This is especially helpful for novice gardeners or those looking for a straightforward solution to lawn maintenance.
Eco-Friendly Options are prevalent among inexpensive push mowers, as many models are either manual or electric, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This promotes a healthier environment and aligns with the growing consumer preference for sustainable gardening practices.
Maintenance Simplicity is another appealing characteristic of these mowers; they often lack the intricate parts found in gas-powered machines, resulting in fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs. This means more time for you to enjoy your well-manicured lawn instead of worrying about upkeep.
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