A Guide to the Best Gas Lawn Mowers 2021

The huge variety of the best gas lawn mowers has for sure dominated the market with their tremendous power that no other mower can match.

Whether you want to cut easy or choose the best performance lawnmower in terms of cost, noise, and durability, gas mowers are for you.

From the best self-propelled lawn mowers for hills to the best push lawn mowers, they fall under a wide array of prices. Besides this, there are a number of reasons from cost to performance that make the gas lawn mowers the best lawn care equipment. 

Unlike before, today, there are a number of quality gas lawn mower brands, from Craftsman, Toro, and Honda to the Black Decker, Green works, and Yards machine. With the best gas lawn mowers from these brands, you can save both time and money spent on mowing and lawn care. 

Why Should I Read This Lawn Mower Guide?

However, if you’re planning to buy the best gas lawn mower for your lawn, you’re in the right place. Luckily, there are so many gas lawn mower winter sales around that can offer you a heavy discount on every mower purchase. 

But before you buy anything, be sure you do your research and understand all the ins and outs of gas mowers.

For this reason, our 10 best lawn mower experts have crafted this detailed lawn mower buying guide that includes everything you need to know about gas lawn mowers-the best lawn care equipment.

Why Choose The Best Gas Lawn Mowers?

There is a multitude of reasons why gas lawn mowers triumph over other types of lawnmowers. In this lawnmower guide, we’ve outlined some of the things that make gas lawn mowers the best lawn mower for small gardens.

• Cutting

Unfortunately, not every lawnmower that looks great cuts great like velvet. As the best lawn care equipment, gas lawn mowers are perfectly equipped for cutting but the type of yard matters in this case. If needed, they can also handle thick and large yards depending on the mowing needs.  

• Size of Deck

The cutting performance of the best lawn care equipment is also determined by the size and design of the deck. A large and sleek blade can take large swaths of grass at once while the latter is opposite. Hence, the larger the deck size will be, the quick and easy mowing you’ll have.

• Yard Type

Although top-rated electric start lawn mowers can mow a larger area of around 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, they still can’t mow on unruly edges, tall grass, and wild weeds like gas lawn mowers. Hence, gas mowers are no doubt the best lawn mowers for small gardens to large lawns as they don’t have an electric cord attached.

Different Gas Lawn Mower Types

Another reason that interests homeowners to hop on to these best-performance lawn mowers is that they are available in a myriad of drive types.

From walk-behind to the best self-propelled lawn mower for hills, you can have your pick when it comes to choosing between the different types of gas lawnmowers. 

1. Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

 Walk-behind lawn mowers can handle up to 10,000 sq ft of grass with engine sizes ranging from 190cc to 220cc. Their cutting decks are also fairly large and are capable of mowing thick to tall types of grass 20 to 30 inches.

You might have come across mowers with small cylinder engines at the front and run by the push force applied by the operator; these are push-behind mowers. Because of small engine sizes, they are less powerful and less noisy compared to other types of gas lawnmowers. 

2. Self-propelled Lawn Mowers

If you’re looking for the best gas lawn mower, there’s more than a good chance that you’ll come across a self-propelled drive type. As the name says, the self-propulsion technology in lawnmowers determines the mower that works itself rather than someone else making efforts.

This means no more pushing, no more tugging, and lifting with the best self-propelled lawn mower for hills. Most self-propelled lawnmowers under $400 have belts attached to the motor, which control the movement of both the front and rear wheels. 

3. Rotary Lawn Mowers

The best petrol rotatory lawnmowers are a popular type of gas-powered lawnmowers and are undoubtedly the best lawn mowers for small gardens. These are comparatively small in size and moved by a pushing force applied by themselves.

Such mowers have supportive handles, spinning blades, and medium-sized wheels for easy maneuvering across the lawn. All you need to do is connect the mower with an extension cord so that you can reach all the areas easily without any limitation. That is why they’re also known as the best lawn mower for small gardens. 

4. Riding Lawn Mowers

As the name says, riding mowers have comfortable seats on which the operator sits and rides the mowers. Like the other types, they also have the best lawn mower engine, mowing deck, and wheels but are very large in size as compared to the others. 

All the zero-turn, best petrol rotatory lawn mowers and lawn tractor models also fall in this category of riding mowers that are powered by gas are called gas lawn mowers, well adapted to mow large lawns.

Must-Have Features In The Best Gas Lawn Mowers

Now you have a fundamental understanding of gas lawn mowers and their wonders on lawns. It’s time to proceed to the other part. Whether you’re planning to invest in the best lawn mower for small gardens or have recently purchased one, this section will help you cross-check the most important features in gas lawn mowers that you can’t compromise on. 

1. Engine Power

Earlier here, we discussed the ideal size of a gas lawn mower engine which is somewhere between 1900-200 cc ( centimeter of the cylinder). 

Nearly all the gasoline-powered lawn mowers, such as the best petrol rotatory lawnmower walk-behind lawn mowers and push lawn mowers, feature large and high-powered engines that are of different horsepower.

Normally, the range for gas lawn mower engine power ranges between 2 Hp to 7 Hp, which may vary but depends on your gas lawn mower model.

If you don’t know what horsepower, it’s basically the degree representing the amount of work a mower can do. For example, riding mowers can do more work on the lawn than simple top-rated electric start lawn mowers because of the difference in their horsepower.

The larger the best lawn mower engine will be, the more power it will contain to drive the blades of the mower. 

2. Lawn Size

Lawn size is another important feature to take into note when buying the best gas lawn mower. You would definitely not want a pricey mower that can’t even mow a one-acre yard, probably because you didn’t consider your yard size before.

As the best lawn mower for small gardens, the walk-behind and push lawn mower models work pretty well to mow the small and mid-sized lawn, sizes ranging from 1/2-3/4 acres of size.  

However, if your lawn has many bumpy slopes and a hilly surface, it’s better to go with the best self-propelled mower under $400 to handle all the tough terrain.

Any lawn size greater than 3/4 acres is perfect to go with a riding mower that’s made with the best lawn mower engine, large cutting blades, and has 12-14 horsepower, ideal for a lawn up to bigger than 2 acres.

3. Drive Type 

When choosing a gas lawnmower, one must also look for the most convenient drive type to expect the easy maneuverability of the mower all across the lawn.

The rear drive is especially for mowing uphill, unruly surfaces, and bumpy areas. In contrast, reverse or all-wheel drive are the most promising options for more steep hills, sidehills, rutted ground, and thin corners.

If you’re not worried about the drive type, then look for the best push lawn mowers that do not come in any drive type and perfectly cut small areas without hassle.

4. Grass Disposal

If you’ve used a lawnmower before, you might probably know what mulching is. It’s one of three grass disposal options in lawnmowers yet the most favorable one for lawns. Also known as the best lawn bagger, it is your ideal grass equipment that can store all the grass clippings while you mow peacefully. 

With mulching, you let the grass clippings stay on the lawn so that the soil absorbs all its nutrients and store them for the healthy growth of new grass in your lawn.

At the same time, the case is opposite with bagging as the clippings get stored during the mowing. If you’ve got the best lawn bagger, make sure to empty the bagger and continue mowing.

5. Deck Size

As obvious as it sounds, the blade width of any lawn mower directly impacts the cutting performance of the mower. Different types of lawn mowers have different blade widths to cater to different cutting needs.

A larger blade size can take more passes to cut the grass than shorter blade width. In short, the larger blade width means less time to mow and vice versa.

Usually, walk-behind mowers, due to their small size, have 19-29 inch wide blades, which is good to mow ½ acres of yard. Meanwhile, larger riding mowers and lawn tractors come with 28-46 inch deck sizes, so you can cut more in less time. 

6. Noise level

Unfortunately, gas lawn mowers are not the super quiet lawnmowers out of all the types of lawnmowers. The reason is their heavy internal combustion engine that causes vibration and makes lots of noise which is why they’re not the super quiet lawnmower.

Although their noise-making nature is inevitable, it’s better to buy a gas lawn mower with small engines that produce around 80-90 decibels of sound than big noisy engines.

7. Wheel Size

Speaking from observation and experience, most homeowners overlook the importance of wheel size, which directly impacts their mower’s maneuverability. Since the variety in gas lawn mowers is too diverse, it makes sense why they come in different wheel sizes and are called the best lawn mower for small gardens.

Mostly, walk-behind lawn mowers feature wheels ranging from 8-11 inches, more than enough to handle the weight of the mower. Next comes the push behind gas lawn mowers with slightly large wheel sizes to move on the rough and unruly terrain.

8. Cutting Height and Position

Like every lawnmower, the best gas lawn mowers also have different options for cutting height and positions, which is an important thing to consider when buying one. 

Switching between different cutting heights gives the mower the flexibility to cut into different positions and lengths. For gas lawn mowers, you can simply switch the cutting height using the levels on the wheels.

FAQ’s About The Gas Lawn Mowers

How To Use A Gas Lawn Mower?

Here comes the most important question. Whether you’ve been mowing for years or it’s still your first time, it’s always better to read what experts say about using a gas lawnmower. It might feel a little bit intimidating at first, but practice makes everything perfect. 

Therefore, the 10 best lawn mower experts have broken all the steps into an easy-to-follow guide on how to use a gas lawnmower. Hope this helps.

1. The first most important step is to get used to your lawnmowers and know everything about it. If you’re wondering what the best thing to do is read the operator’s manual and read what the manufacturer says about the mower model. 

2. After this, check the gas level in your mower. To do this, take your mower to the lawn at a grass surface and open the gas tank. If there’s no gas, fill the tank with fresh gasoline and close the cap of the tank. Now run the mower for a few seconds so that all the gas reaches the engine easily. 

3. If everything looks fine to you, start your gas lawn mower by pulling the starter rope in the opposite direction, so you don’t hurt yourself. Make sure to check the spark plug and put the throttle in the starting position before starting the gas lawnmower.

How Long Do Gas Lawn Mowers Last? 

It’s important to know the lifespan of the mower you have or are planning to buy. Like riding and robot lawnmowers, gasoline-powered mowers can also last as long as 10 years or a few years more, depending on how well you maintain them.

Compared to this, top-rated electric start mowers only work well for 3-4 years, after which the battery starts draining power, and you would have to replace it.

Are Gas Lawn Mowers Safe? 

Unfortunately, there’s no honest answer to this question, as gas lawn mowers have been a major cause of lawn mower accidents during the last few years. Because of their powerful engines, such mowers are likely to go against your orders if not used properly. 

Therefore, the best way to avoid gas lawn mower accidents is by using them safely, following all the safety tips and instructions. Luckily, we’ve got another lawn mower buying guide on that – have a read!. As long as you use these best lawn care equipment safely, they won’t become a problem for you.

What Are the Safety Features In The gas Lawn Mowers?

Luckily, some top-rated gas lawn mower models also come with safety features to save you from possible mowing accidents.

The handle lever mechanism, for example, is common on push mowers and helps balance the mower as it cuts slopes. 

Since most mowing accidents occur due to loss of control, the brake system is a big help here.

As you lose control of the lever, the brake system immediately stops the blades and engine of the mower to prevent accidents. 

For better maneuverability, you adjust the speed knob to adjust the speed according to your lawn and mower. Some also have handlebar controls and hydrostatic transmission, which lets the operators switch between speeds in the blink of an eye.

What Gas To Use In The Gas Lawn Mower? 

It is no surprise that many homeowners overlook the importance of quality gas when filling up their gas mowers.

We can’t stress more the importance of checking the grade of oil you’re buying. Most lawn owners use common motor oil for their gas mowers, but the grades may vary.

Single grade oil and full synthetic oil are the two most common and high in demand lawnmower oils to use. Whichever you use, make sure to choose your grade and have a test ride on your mower.

If you’ve no idea about the right type of oil to use, check out the operator’s manual and see the owner’s suggestion.

At our 10 best lawn mower experts, our experts prefer to use unleaded gasoline with less quantity of octane for our gas-powered lawnmowers. 

What Is The Best Brand For Gas Lawn Mowers? 

Gone are the times when we were limited in choice when it came to selecting gas-powered lawnmowers. Not only is the variety mind-blowing, but it speaks for their particular importance that differs from lawn to lawn.

From lawn mowers toro vs. honda to craftsman and lower, there are a number of gas lawn mower brands available for you to make your first purchase,

But there’s one thing more important than this, and it’s knowing what your lawn needs. Before you settle on any gas lawn mower, make sure to list some of the few things mentioned below. 

1. Types of grass

2. Thickness of the grass

3. Size of lawn

3. time and convenience of the operator.

Some of the most popular gas lawn mower brands include:

1. Honda 

2. Toro

3. Craftsman

4. Troy-Bilt

5. Yards Machine

Are Gas Lawn Mowers also The Best Bagger Mowers?

Not really; it won’t be fair to say that all have gas lawn mowers are also the best bagger mower because of a few. The gas lawn mowers that come with detachable baggers help in collecting all the grass clippings and make the process smooth, mess-less, and hassle-free.

While those that don’t come with baggers work great with the other shred, mulch, and side discharge options. Therefore, we can’t truly say gas lawn mowers are the best bagger mowers. 

As a result, the mowing results of these best lawn care equipment often vary because of the way the cuttings are disposed of, affecting the new growth on your lawn.

How To Maintain A Gas Lawn Mower? 

Maintaining your lawnmowers is the second biggest responsibility after you’ve bought them. The first one is obviously protecting your mower from thieves.

As the best lawn mower for small gardens, buying a gas lawn mower can be a big expense in your pocket, and you would definitely not want to increase it. From frequent maintenance costs to professional lawn mower costs, not maintaining a lawnmower can be a big burden on your pocket. 

The best way to avoid this is to regularly maintain your gas mower with the help of this detailed guide here. In short, proper lawn maintenance can kill two birds from one stone; it increases the mower’s efficiency and keeps it new for years. 

Some important aspects of important lawn mower maintenance tips include: 

1. Clean the air filter

2. Add the right amount of fuel

3. Change the oil regularly

4. Check the engine

5. Clean the carburetor

6. Clean or replace the spark plug

If implemented the right way, your gas lawn mower can work pretty well for you for years without being a fuss for your time, efforts, and money.

How To Start a Gas-powered Lawn Mower?

Like other types of lawnmowers, gas-powered lawnmowers also start by pulling the starter cord, which turns the mower on and keeps running. However, there are a few prerequisites that you must know before starting your lawnmower.  

1. Check the auto choke

2. Pull the throttle into the starting position

3. Press the push button 

4. Rotate the start key for a quick start.

How Much Do Gas-powered Lawn Mowers Cost?

The price of your lawnmowers is probably one of the most important considerations when buying one for your lawn. As mentioned earlier, gas lawn mowers, aka the best lawn mowers for small gardens, are the most flexible options out of all types of mowers because of their availability at a wide range of prices. 

Not only this, thanks to the winter clearance lawn mower sales available, that is a big boon for those who have price concerns. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or ready to pay the full price for high quality, we have got you covered with our compiled list of best gas lawn mowers under $300. 

Luckily, there are also many cheap, affordable, and mid-range gas mowers available with all the must-have features included. So you don’t have to go on the expensive side, in search of very expensive mowers that might require you to break a bank. 

Experts suggest that you should not purchase the cheapest lawnmower but the one which has all the features you want in your best lawn care equipment.

Whatever budget you settle on, make sure to compare and contrast different mowers and test features to have a seamless moving experience. Don’t try to save on a few features that could rescue you from mowing dangers and be the ultimate peace of mind while you mow with ease and comfort. 

Is There Any Variety In Gas Lawn Mowers?

Yes, there is, of course. Gas lawn mowers have the most diverse line of products, which means they are available in a bevy of different sizes and shapes.

From the best lawn mowers for small gardens like small push and best petrol rotatory lawnmowers to massive lawn tractors and riding lawn mowers, you can have your pick depending on your needs and preference. 

Can Gas Lawn Mowers Make Stripes On The Lawn?

Not really. Getting a striped effect on the lawn is solely possible if you have a lightweight lawnmower. Once you get that, there’s a specific way to move the mower in a way that cuts the grass in a striped manner.

Coincidentally, we’ve already explained the whole process of making a striped effect on your lawn in our guide here. 

Two-Stroke or Four-Stroke Engine: Which Is The Best Lawn Mower Engine? 

A four-stroke engine is a common type of internal combustion engine used in lawnmowers. It stands out because of the special pistons that complete four strokes, unlike the two-stroke engine that completes only two strokes.

Some other aspects that differentiate four-stroke engines from other types of engines are their intake, compression, combustion, and exhaustion. Some people also refer to four-stroke engines as.

Such as squeeze, bang, and blow because of the series of steps they perform. Therefore, 4-stroke is the best lawn mower engine for the gas lawn mowers-the best lawn care equipment.

How To Store Your Gas Lawn Mower For Winter? 

Lawnmowers should be stored safely in winter as you don’t mow below 40 F degrees. However, you’ve to keep a few things in mind while storing your best gas lawnmower or the apple of everyone’s eye. Since they’re the best lawn mower for small gardens, storing them is equally easy and convenient. 

• The first step is to find a safe place away from contact with water or moisture. Such as warehouses, garages, and sheds. 
• Make sure to choose a place where you can lock or secure your gas mower to prevent lawn mower theft. 
• Before you store the mower, make sure to tighten all the screws and check the fuel level. If there’s any fuel inside, try to take that out as, during winter, the left fuel gets stale and causes problems in the best lawn mower engine.

Are Gas Lawn Mowers Better Than Electric Ones? 

The long-lived debate between gas and electric lawn mowers will never go out of fashion. Both popular types of lawn mowers come with an equal set of pros and cons that are important to know before you make any purchase. 

As the best lawn mower for small gardens, gas lawn mowers are easy to maneuver, cheap, and long-lasting, while top-rated electric start mowers are less noisy, eco-friendly lawnmowers, and very efficient. For a more in-depth comparison, read our special lawnmower guide on the pros and cons of electric lawn mowers and make an informed decision.

What Is The Best Time To Buy A Gas Lawn Mower? 

Although you can buy a mower anytime you need it, buying at the best time can save you a few bucks and prepare your lawn for mowing.

If you’re looking to buy a gas lawn mower, early spring or late winter works best in this case. At such times, you are likely to get heavy discounts on gas lawn mowers which means you can save your few bucks easily. 

However, mowing is not a very favorable job to do in winter, which is why you might have to store the mower until the early summer and use it after that. Each month has its own downside, so choose one that works best for your lawn and pocket.

Are Gas Lawn Mowers The Best Eco-friendly Lawn Mowers?

Unfortunately, yes, gas lawn mowers are not the most promising option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly lawnmower. Due to their high-powered best lawn mower engines, they produce a lot of fumes which impacts the ozone layer and results in air pollution.

Other than this, lawn mowers can also be the reason for messy oil and gas spills, which go into water bodies and create water pollution.

Can I Use Car Gas In My Lawn Mower?

Sorry to burst the myth, but no, you cannot use your car gas in your mower because of their different composition. In a gas lawnmower, you should only use unleaded gasoline with the least quantity of ethanol which isn’t the case with car gas.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, gas lawn mowers are some of the toughest grass-cutting machines that can answer all your lawn needs except for some. They are particularly effective at cutting and keeping your lawn healthy, lustrous, and beautiful. 

In this detailed lawnmower guide about the best gas lawn mowers under $1000, we tried to answer all your questions and share the deepest secrets from how to use a gas lawnmower to what’s the best time to buy them and everything in between.

With the help of this lawn mower buying guide, we hope you pick the best gas lawn mower, aka the best lawn mower for a small garden. Once you get that, make the best out of it and save your precious time and money.

If you’ve finally made up your mind to buy the best gas lawn mower, what could be better than checking out our compiled list of gas Lawn mowers. All of them have the perfect balance between cost, performance, and durability.