Self-Propelled vs. Push Mowers: What’s the Difference?

Shopping for a new mower, you’ll notice models described as either “push” or “self-propelled.” The difference matters more than it might seem, especially if your yard has any size or slope to it.

Push Mowers

With a push mower, you supply all the forward motion yourself. These mowers tend to be lighter, more affordable, and simpler to maintain, making them a solid choice for small, flat yards where a quick mow doesn’t take much effort.

Self-Propelled Mowers

Self-propelled mowers use the engine or motor to drive the wheels, so you’re guiding the mower rather than pushing it. This makes a real difference on larger lawns, uneven ground, or slopes, where pushing a mower for an hour can be exhausting. Many of our self-propelled models also include multiple height and speed adjustments so you can match the pace to your walking speed.

Which Should You Choose?

• Small, flat yard under a quarter acre: a push mower is usually enough
• Larger, flat yard: self-propelled saves time and effort
• Any yard with slopes or uneven terrain: self-propelled is worth the extra cost

Take a look at our lineup of both push and self-propelled gas and electric mowers to find the right match for your yard.