What to Consider When Buying a Push Mower

For millions of Americans, the sunshine and outdoor fun of summertime also brings the obligation of lawn mowing. If you’re in the market for a lawn mower and want to explore your options, here’s what you need to know about push mowers. Read on to see if a push mower is the right choice for you and your lawn.

What Is a Push Mower?

A push mower is any lawn mower designed to be controlled and propelled by someone on foot. With a small cutting base and precision control, the push mower is a go-to classic used by pros and weekend warriors alike.

Types of Push Mowers

Manual push mowers feature a double helix of blades (commonly called a “reel“) powered entirely by the forward motion of the user. There’s no need for gasoline, an electrical cord or battery and repairs are minimal. But the blades dull quickly. And, as the most physically demanding lawn mower, they’re only suited for the smallest of yards, or homeowners who want to get in a workout and mow the grass at the same time.

Gas-powered push mowers are the most common type in a residential setting. Driven by a small engine fueled by either gasoline or a gas/oil mixture, these mowers take the bulk of the grunt work off the user’s hands.

Electric push mowers come in two main varieties. Corded push mowers plug into an exterior outlet, while cordless push mowers use batteries to give you freedom from the outlet. Corded mowers are more affordable, but the cord limits the size and shape of yards where they can be used.