As an ardent gardener, I understand the importance of having a lawn mower to keep lawns pristine.
Now, I had been content with my standard push mower for years, till age caught up, and I started realizing the time and effort needed for operating it. That’s when I decided to see what my neighbor, Tom, was using to keep his yard as beautiful as ever. He introduced me to my very first self-propelled mower.
Now, when I first heard about it, my response, quite naturally, was: “what is a self-propelled lawn mower?” But he was quite surprised that I hadn’t heard about this lawn mower type. Then, I took out my laptop and began searching for all there’s to know about the power tool.
Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith. And today, I’m here with a brief guide on this specific type of lawn mower. I’ll discuss its types and then move on to explain its basic working principle.
So, without any further delay, let’s get straight to the deets.
A Guide To Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
What Is A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
There’s an ongoing debate of which is better: self-propelled or push mowers. If you ask me, self-propelled lawn mowers are easier to maneuver compared to their traditional push counterparts.
But that doesn’t mean they will automatically mow the grass on your lawn. You’ll still have to do your part; however, they make the task of lawn mowing easier and quicker.
Types Of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
I didn’t really know that self-propelled mowers come in different types. It was only after my neighbor Tom informed me about the same that I started searching for more information online.
Based on my findings, I’ll now be highlighting the five types of self-propelled lawn mowers available out there. For more clarity, I’ve divided them into two sections, so let’s take a look.
(A) Based On Wheel Drive
1. All-Wheel Drive Lawn Mowers
All-wheel drive self-propelled mowers are expensive, requiring more maintenance than others. But they are the best options for sloped and hilly lawns, especially because they have all four wheels for better balance. Power is distributed equally to all the wheels, making it easier for you to mow in even the most difficult situations.
2. Front-Wheel Drive Lawn Mowers
I’ve been using front-wheel self-propelled lawn mowers for quite some time now, and I feel that they are the fastest models, perfect for flat surfaces without slopes.
Moreover, these models are easily maneuverable, making them ideal for lawns that need turns. The only downside to using this type of mower is its lack of efficiency in cutting grass while going uphill.
3. Rear-Wheel Drive Lawn Mowers
A rear-wheel self-propelled mower comes with an ergonomic design and user-friendly controls, allowing you to mow your lawn smoothly, even on slopes and inclines. The rear-wheel drive will provide a significant amount of traction to keep the wheels firmly grounded. This will allow you to get accurate cuts, making your lawn look fresh and pristine.
The only drawback I’ve come across while using this type of mower is its weakness in maneuverability. You’ll have to turn it and adjust the speed manually, making it challenging to mow a lawn where frequent turns are needed.
(B) Based On Power Source
1. Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled mowers that run on gasoline are effective in mowing large lawns. As cordless models, they can easily cover more area without any hassle. What’s more, they are more powerful, durable, and cost-effective compared to their electric counterparts. You can cut through thick and dense grass with ease and efficiency.
But they are a bit more difficult to maneuver owing to their heavy-weight designs and bigger engines. Plus, they are noisy and contribute to air pollution.
2. Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric self-propelled lawn mowers come with long cords that have to be attached to nearby power outlets. But I’ve also come across modern units that come with semi-cordless and rechargeable options.
Compared to their gas-powered counterparts, electric mowers are easy to operate, thanks to their lightweight design. Plus, they don’t produce smoke or noise, making them a better choice in this aspect.
However, you’ll have to spend more while initially buying an electric model only to find that they are not effective in cutting thicker grass efficiently.
How Does A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Work?
A self-propelled mower works on a drive system, making it similar to a vehicle. Simply squeeze the bar (referred to as “bail”) present on its handle. And the mower will begin moving forward on its own.
This action also allows the cutting blades on the rotary mower to begin spinning. So, all you need to do is control the direction and maneuver it accordingly.
Just keep in mind that if the bar's grip is released, the mower will shut off. In other words, it will stop moving forward, and even the blades will stop spinning. This is like a safety feature present in most lawn mowers, including battery-powered push mowers. It safeguards the user from serious injuries caused by accidents.
That said, there is an exception when it comes to the working mechanism of self-propelled mowers, which is usually seen in higher-end models. The feature is known as a blade override system - it prevents the unit from shutting off entirely. So, you won’t have to keep restarting it each time the grip is released from the bar.
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever.Recommended for Terrain Type : Flat, Sloped, Uneven..Wheel Width : 2". Rear Bagger Capable : Yes.
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spike tread pattern significantly increases overall traction and maneuverability
- Easily clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Briggs & Stratton EX625 150cc engine with ReadyStart technology built in. Made in the USA. No oil changes needed, just add oil as needed and go with Just Check & Add.
- Self-propelled Rear Wheel Drive RWD Drive System for great traction with flat or incline slope conditions
- 22 in. steel deck with 21 in. blade 3-in-1 Mulch, Side Discharge or Rear Bag for durability season after season
Summing It Up
That’s all there is to know about the types and working mechanisms of self-propelled lawn mowers. I hope you’ve found this guide insightful.
Now, it’s time for me to take your leave. But before I go and read one of my favorite magazines, “Country Gardens,” I’d like to share a pro tip. Besides self-propelled mower types, consider factors such as cutting depth, safety features, and speed settings while buying a unit for your lawn.
That’s all the time I have today but I’ll be back soon. Till then, take care!