Quick verdict
For most yards, the YARDMAX 22 inch self-propelled mower is my top walk-behind pick. Its 201cc engine and 6-speed CVT match the drive speed to your walking pace, spiked rubber tires add traction, and the automatic choke means you can start it without priming or fiddling with the engine.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD
The YARDMAX 22 inch pairs a 201cc engine with a 6-speed CVT, so you set the drive speed to your own pace with a shift lever instead of being locked into one speed. The spiked rubber tires add real traction on slopes, and the automatic choke lets you start without priming. A deck cleanout port makes rinsing the underside simple.
The best walk behind mower picks compared by drive system, deck width, and starting ease so you can match a self-propelled or push mower to your yard.
Why you should trust this guide
I put this guide together by reading through the manufacturer specifications for each mower and weighing them against the patterns that show up in owner reviews. Walk-behind mowers cover a huge range, from simple push models to self-propelled machines with variable-speed drive, and the specs make clear which yard each one really suits. That comparison is what shaped my recommendations here.
What stands out across these mowers is how much the drive system changes the experience. A push mower keeps things light and affordable, but on any slope or larger lawn a self-propelled drive does the hard work of moving the machine so you only steer. I have tried to be clear about where that upgrade pays off and where a simpler push mower is the smarter buy.
How we evaluated
My evaluation started with the drive system, since it is the single biggest factor in how tiring a walk-behind mower is to use. I looked at whether a mower is push-only or self-propelled, and for the self-propelled models whether the speed is fixed or adjustable through a system like a CVT that matches your pace. Rear-wheel drive earned extra credit for holding traction on slopes.
From there I weighed deck width against maneuverability and storage, engine displacement in cc as a proxy for cutting headroom, and the starting method, since electric and auto-choke starts remove a real pain point. Clipping flexibility through 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 systems, height-adjustment range, and wheel size completed the picture. I did not physically run these mowers, so every judgment rests on the published specs and the consistent themes in owner feedback.
What to look for
- Drive system: self-propelled drive carries the mower forward, which matters most on slopes and larger lawns.
- Variable speed: a CVT or multi-speed drive lets you match the pace to your own walking speed.
- Deck width: wider decks finish faster but are heavier and harder to store and turn.
- Engine size: a larger displacement in cc gives more headroom in thick or tall grass.
- Starting method: electric start and auto choke remove the pull-cord struggle on frequently used mowers.
- Clipping options: 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 systems let you bag, mulch, or discharge as conditions change.
- Wheel size and traction: larger rear wheels and aggressive tread improve control on uneven ground.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD | Best Overall | Check price | |
| PowerSmart 21" Self | Best Value | Check price | |
| 21” Self Propelled Lawn Mower Gas | Best Premium | Check price | |
| PowerSmart EasyGlide 21 | Best Budget | Check price | |
| 24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Whe | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD
The YARDMAX 22 inch pairs a 201cc engine with a 6-speed CVT, so you set the drive speed to your own pace with a shift lever instead of being locked into one speed. The spiked rubber tires add real traction on slopes, and the automatic choke lets you start without priming. A deck cleanout port makes rinsing the underside simple.
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 can lose grip as the front lightens with a full bag
- A gas engine needs regular oil, fuel, and spark-plug upkeep
PowerSmart 21" Self
The PowerSmart 21 inch runs a 170cc OHV engine with rear-wheel drive, which holds traction on slopes better than front-wheel setups. Its 3-in-1 system bags, mulches, and side-discharges, and six cutting heights from 1.5 to 3.9 inches cover most grass. The 10 inch rear wheels help it roll smoothly across uneven ground.
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
- Rear-wheel traction drops as the collection bag fills and lightens the rear
- A 21 inch deck means more passes than a wider mower
21” Self Propelled Lawn Mower Gas
This 21 inch self-propelled mower steps up to a 4-in-1 system with mulching, rear bagging, side discharge, and rear discharge from a 170cc engine. The maker rates it for up to 1.5 hours on a tank, and a large 17.5 gallon bag means fewer stops to empty. Seven heights from 1 to 3 inches and a foldable handle add versatility and easier storage.
Reasons to buy
- 🏘️Fuel-Efficient 170cc OHV Engine: Powered by a 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, our gas self pro
- 🏘️Self-Propelled & Push Mode: Tackle any lawn your way. Switch seamlessly between self-pro
- 🏘️4-in-1 Cutting System for Total Lawn Control: Unlike standard 3-in-1 mowers, this our 4-
- 🏘️Precision 7-Position Height Adjustment: With 7 adjustable cutting heights from 1" to 3",
- 🏘️Quick Assembly – Ready to Use in Minutes: Our lawn mower gas powered comes pre-assembled
Reasons to avoid
- The premium 4-in-1 system adds complexity over a simple 3-in-1
- A full-size gas self-propelled mower is heavier to maneuver in tight spots
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21
The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21 inch is the budget entry, a push mower with a 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine and a full 3-in-1 system for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Auto choke and a primer make starting easier, and double ball-bearing wheels with a single-lever six-position height adjustment keep it simple to operate.
Reasons to buy
- Reliable Engine: Experience high performance and longer working life with the 144cc 4-stro
- Easy Start System: Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for bette
- 21“ Steel Deck: Featuring a 21" durable steel deck built to last through tough yard tasks,
- Effortless Maneuvering: Designed with 10" rear / 7" front double ball-bearing wheels for s
- 3-in-1 Mowing Function: Mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This versatile system lets y
Reasons to avoid
- Push-only operation is tiring on slopes and larger yards
- The 144cc engine has less headroom than the 170cc and 201cc models
24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Whe
The 24 inch electric-start YARDMAX offers the widest cut here plus the same 6-speed CVT drive, and its electric start removes the pull-cord entirely. A one-piece seamless steel deck reduces vibration, rear-wheel drive aids traction, and seven heights from 1.57 to 3.74 inches cover a wide range of grass conditions.
Reasons to buy
- Electric Start simplifies the starting process, making your gardening tasks more efficient
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (continuously variable transmission) offers superior sp
- Durable, one-piece seamless steel deck reduces vibration for a smoother owing experience.
- Easily 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
- At 24 inches wide it is heavier and harder to store than narrower mowers
- Electric start adds a battery component that needs occasional attention
What to look for
Drive system
A self-propelled drive moves the mower for you, which saves real effort on slopes and long runs.
Variable speed
A CVT or multi-speed drive lets you match the mower's pace to your own walking speed.
Deck width
Wider decks finish the lawn faster but are heavier and harder to turn and store.
Engine size
A larger engine displacement gives more cutting headroom in thick or tall grass.
Starting ease
Electric start and auto choke remove the pull-cord effort on mowers you use often.
Clipping options
A 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 system lets you bag, mulch, or discharge as conditions change.
Our verdict
For most yards, the YARDMAX 22 inch self-propelled mower is my top walk-behind pick. Its 201cc engine and 6-speed CVT match the drive speed to your walking pace, spiked rubber tires add traction, and the automatic choke means you can start it without priming or fiddling with the engine.
FAQs
For small flat lawns a push mower is fine and cheaper. Once you have slopes or a larger yard, a self-propelled drive does the pushing for you and makes the job far less tiring.
A CVT or multi-speed drive lets you dial the mower's forward speed to match your own walking pace, rather than being stuck at one speed that may be too fast or too slow.
Rear-wheel drive tends to hold traction better on slopes and when the bag is full, while front-wheel drive turns more easily on flat ground. Both work well for most yards.
A 21 to 22 inch deck suits most residential lawns. Wider 24 inch decks finish big yards faster but are heavier and take more room to store and maneuver.
It is a genuine convenience if you mow often, since it removes the pull-cord entirely. Auto-choke models also start more easily without priming, which narrows the gap.