Quick verdict
For a self-propelled mower in this class, the PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc model is the one I would put first. Its rear-wheel-drive system grips slopes, the 170cc OHV engine starts with a recoil and auto choke, and the 3-in-1 deck bags, mulches, or rear discharges across six cutting heights.
PowerSmart 21" Self
This PowerSmart 21-inch self-propelled mower runs a 170cc OHV engine with recoil start and auto choke, and its rear-wheel-drive system delivers strong traction on inclined and uneven ground. The 21-inch steel deck offers 3-in-1 mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging with 6-position height adjustment from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, which makes it a versatile all-rounder.
The best Toro self propelled mower alternatives compared: gas and battery walk-behind mowers with rear-wheel drive, 3-in-1 decks and traction built for slopes.
Why you should trust this guide
Shoppers looking for a Toro self-propelled mower want a walk-behind that carries itself forward so they can steer instead of shove, especially on slopes, and a search like that turns up several capable gas and battery mowers. I read each product’s published specifications and lined them up on the details that decide a mowing session, from the drive system to engine size to how the deck handles clippings. My aim was to help you match a mower to your yard rather than crown one model and stop there.
I have not run these mowers myself, and I state that plainly. This comparison is a synthesis of manufacturer data and the trade-offs owners of self-propelled mowers consistently mention, such as how front-wheel drive behaves on hills versus rear-wheel drive, and how gas upkeep compares with a battery mower’s simplicity. Where a listing leaned on marketing language, I looked to the concrete specifications instead.
How we evaluated
The drive system came first, because it is the entire point of a self-propelled mower. I gave extra weight to rear-wheel drive for slope traction and noted where a continuously variable transmission lets you fine-tune pace. Engine displacement, deck width, and the 3-in-1 cutting options came next, since they shape both power and how you handle clippings across the season.
I also weighed practical factors like height-adjustment range, starting method, foldable storage, and, for the battery model, runtime and coverage per charge. Gas mowers earned credit for sustained power without recharging, while the battery option earned its place on quiet, low-maintenance operation. Every runtime and coverage number is a best case that drops in tall or wet grass, and I treated slope claims with the same caution.
What to look for
- Drive layout, favoring rear-wheel drive for traction on slopes and uneven ground
- Engine displacement or battery voltage as a rough guide to cutting power
- Deck width, since wider decks finish faster but turn less easily
- 3-in-1 or Recycler cutting options for mulching, bagging, and discharge
- Height-adjustment range and how quickly you can change it
- Starting method, from recoil and auto choke to push-button battery start
- Foldable handles and storage footprint for a garage or shed
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart 21" Self | Best Overall | Check price | |
| YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD | Best Value | Check price | |
| PowerSmart 22 in. 170cc Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Rear | Best Premium | Check price | |
| PowerSmart 21 | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Toro Lightweight Foldable 60 | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
PowerSmart 21" Self
This PowerSmart 21-inch self-propelled mower runs a 170cc OHV engine with recoil start and auto choke, and its rear-wheel-drive system delivers strong traction on inclined and uneven ground. The 21-inch steel deck offers 3-in-1 mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging with 6-position height adjustment from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, which makes it a versatile all-rounder.
Reasons to buy
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE OHV ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 170cc OHV engine, known for its
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY: The robust steel deck covers a wide 21-inch pat
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: BAGGING, MULCHING & REAR DISCHARGE: Switch easily between modes: collect
- 6-POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Quickly adjust the cutting height from 1.5"" to 3.9"" with a
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH LARGE REAR WHEELS: Rear-wheel drive and 10"" large rear wheels offer e
Reasons to avoid
- Gas engine needs regular fuel and oil maintenance
- Recoil start can take a couple of pulls in cold weather
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD
The YARDMAX 22-inch stands out for its continuously variable transmission, letting you match the mower's pace to your own walking speed with a 6-speed shift lever. It adds a 201cc engine, an automatic choke so there is no priming, spiked rubber tires for traction, and a deck cleanout port for easy maintenance.
Reasons to buy
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior sp
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern significantly increase overall
- Starting made easier with the automatic choke system, no need to prime or choke the engine
- Quickly clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
Reasons to avoid
- Front-wheel drive is less sure-footed on steep slopes than rear drive
- The CVT and larger engine push the price above basic models
PowerSmart 22 in. 170cc Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Rear
This PowerSmart 22-inch is the wider gas option, pairing a 170cc engine with a rear-wheel-drive system for slope traction. Its 22-inch all-steel deck covers more ground per pass, the 3-in-1 setup handles mulching, rear discharge, and bagging into a larger 60L bag, and 6-position rear-wheel height adjustment makes changes quick.
Reasons to buy
- 170CC GAS ENGINE
- SELF-PROPELLED RWD SYSTEM
- 22-INCH CUTTING DECK: Durable 22 in. all-steel deck with heavy-duty blade is built to last
- 3-IN-1: Mulching, rear discharge or bagging options for you choose, and the larger 60L mow
- ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT: 6-position, rear-wheel height adjustment, lets you easily set t
Reasons to avoid
- The 22-inch deck is harder to maneuver in tight spaces
- Still requires gas engine upkeep like any petrol mower
PowerSmart 21
The fourth pick is another PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc rear-wheel-drive mower with a steel deck and 3-in-1 cutting. It shares the OHV engine with recoil and auto choke and the 6-position height range from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, and its foldable handle makes it easy to store in a garage or shed.
Reasons to buy
- Self-Propelled System: Rear-wheel drive delivers strong traction on slopes and uneven terr
- 170cc OHV 4-Stroke Engine: Equipped with recoil start and auto choke for more reliable sta
- 21-Inch Steel Deck: Durable steel deck paired with a high-efficiency blade delivers a clea
- 3-In-1 Cutting Versatility: Switch easily between mulching, side discharge, or rear baggin
- 6-Position Height Adjustment: Quickly adjust cutting height from 1.5" to 3.9" with dual le
Reasons to avoid
- Very similar to the top pick, so the choice comes down to price and availability
- Gas maintenance applies as with the other petrol models
Toro Lightweight Foldable 60
The Toro Lightweight Foldable 60-Volt is the battery alternative here, a self-propelled 21-inch mower rated up to 50 minutes of runtime and up to half an acre per charge. Its Recycler cutting system, adjustable speed control, and SmartStow folding design make it a quiet, low-maintenance option that also produces pro-level striping.
Reasons to buy
- Impressive Runtime: Self-propelled push mower features up to 50 minutes of runtime and cut
- Eye-Catching Stripe: Pro-level striping creates a statement-making, neighbor-envying lawn
- Thoughtful Design: Lighter than other battery-powered mowers; 10-inch high rear wheels giv
- User-Friendly: 3-phase brushless electric motor with RunSmart onboard intel; Easy push-but
- Cutting Versatility: Recycler cutting system produces clippings fine enough to allow moist
Reasons to avoid
- Battery runtime caps how much lawn you finish per charge
- Side discharge is not included and requires registration
What to look for
Drive system
Rear-wheel drive grips better on slopes, while a CVT lets you match the mower's pace to your own stride.
Engine or battery
Gas engines run without recharging, while a battery mower trades runtime limits for quiet, low-maintenance use.
Deck width
A 22-inch deck clears ground faster, but a 21-inch or narrower deck is easier to steer in tight yards.
Cutting versatility
Look for 3-in-1 or Recycler systems so you can mulch, bag, or discharge as conditions change.
Storage and handling
Foldable handles and SmartStow-style designs save space, which matters in a crowded garage or shed.
Our verdict
For a self-propelled mower in this class, the PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc model is the one I would put first. Its rear-wheel-drive system grips slopes, the 170cc OHV engine starts with a recoil and auto choke, and the 3-in-1 deck bags, mulches, or rear discharges across six cutting heights.
FAQs
Rear-wheel-drive models like the PowerSmart 21-inch and 22-inch grip inclines better than front-wheel-drive mowers, which makes them the safer slope choice.
Toro's 60V battery mower is a strong quiet, low-maintenance option, but this comparison also includes capable gas mowers from PowerSmart and YARDMAX depending on your priorities.
Gas offers uninterrupted power for larger lawns, while battery models are quieter and skip fuel and oil upkeep. The right pick depends on lawn size and maintenance tolerance.
The continuously variable transmission lets you dial the mower's forward speed to your own walking pace using a 6-speed lever, which many owners find comfortable.
Toro rates it up to 50 minutes of runtime and up to half an acre per charge, though real coverage falls in thick or wet grass and on hills.