Best Automatic Push Lawn Mower Reviews: Top 5 Picks

The weekend rolls around and you’re staring at a lawn that needs cutting again. You could drag out the old mower, pull the cord until your arm aches, and push it through thick grass while it sputters. Or you could pick a machine that starts instantly, matches your walking pace, and leaves a clean cut without a fight. The right push mower turns a chore into a thirty-minute job.

Automatic push mowers cover a lot of ground, from self-propelled gas models that do the heavy legwork to battery-powered machines that start with a button press. The key is understanding what ‘automatic’ means for your specific yard. For some, it means a transmission that drives the wheels forward. For others, it means no pull cords, no priming, and no fuel mixing. Each type solves a different problem.

I’ve tested and compared five of the best options on the market right now. You will find a choice for large slopes, small flat lots, and everything in between. We will look at what each mower does well, where it falls short, and who should actually buy it. A comparison table and a detailed buying guide follow so you can make a confident call.

Here is a quick look at how the key specs stack up against each other.

Features	YARDMAX 22 inch	Wild Badger 40V	Greenworks 40V	PowerSmart 18 inch	LawnMaster 15 inch
Power Source	201cc Gas Engine	40V Brushless Battery	40V Battery	144cc Gas Engine	11-Amp Corded
Deck Width	22 inch	18 inch	16 inch	18 inch	14 inch
Drive Type	Self-Propelled CVT	Push	Push	Push	Push
Key Feature	6-Speed CVT	3,400 RPM Motor	Ultra Lightweight	Auto Choke Engine	No Fuel Needed
Best For	Large Sloped Lawns	Medium Flat Yards	Small to Medium Lawns	Small Yards	Tiny Lawns

YARDMAX 22 inch Select

The YARDMAX YG2860 is the one you buy when your yard has a serious slope or you simply don’t want to break a sweat pushing. It uses a 201cc engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that feels unlike any standard geared mower. You move a lever to select one of six speeds, and the mower adjusts its pace smoothly to match your walk.

What stands out here is the CVT system. Most self-propelled mowers use a few fixed gears, which means you often walk too fast or too slow. The YARDMAX lets you fine-tune the ground speed without stopping. The high-wheel design with aggressive spiked tires gives you real grip on damp grass and uneven terrain. Starting is handled by an automatic choke, so you just pull once and go. No priming, no guessing.

Honest trade-offs: this is a big machine. It weighs more than any battery model on this list, and it takes up serious garage space. You will also need to handle gas and oil changes. The deck cleanout port helps, but you still need to do seasonal maintenance. It is not the right pick for a tiny city lawn.

• 201cc engine with automatic choke system
• 6-speed CVT transmission for precise pace control
• 22-inch steel cutting deck
• High-wheel design with spiked tread tires
• Single-lever height adjustment

Best for: Homeowners with large, sloped properties who want a powerful machine that does the pushing for them.

Wild Badger Power 40V

The Wild Badger Power 40V sits in the sweet spot for medium-sized yards with open grass. It is a cordless push mower with an 18-inch brushless motor that spins the blade up to 3,400 RPM. That wider deck means fewer passes along the fence line and around the garden beds.

The brushless motor is the headline here. It delivers more torque than a standard brushed motor while using less battery power. You get five cutting heights to handle seasonal growth, and three clipping modes: bag, mulch, or rear discharge. The included 11-gallon bag is generous for a machine this size, so you won’t be running to the compost pile every two minutes.

It is not perfect. The 4.0Ah battery will struggle if you let the grass get too tall or if the ground is damp and heavy. You will get about 30 to 40 minutes of solid runtime, which might not finish a half-acre lot in one go. The lack of a self-propelled drive means you are still doing the pushing, though the lightweight build helps.

• 18-inch deck with brushless motor at 3,400 RPM
• Five position cutting height adjustment
• 11-gallon collection bag included
• Bag, mulch, and rear discharge options
• 40V 4.0Ah battery and fast charger in the box

Best for: Owners of flat, quarter-acre lawns who want a quiet, low-maintenance mower without the cord hassle.

Greenworks 40V 16 inch

The Greenworks 40V is the lightweight champion of this group. It weighs about 35 percent less than a traditional steel deck mower, which makes a real difference when you are maneuvering around trees or lifting it over a curb. It is a simple, no-frills push mower designed for small to medium lots up to about a third of an acre.

What makes this model smart is the battery ecosystem. Greenworks uses the same 40V battery across more than 75 tools, including trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. If you already own Greenworks gear, this mower shares those batteries. If you are new to the brand, you are building a platform that saves money on future tool purchases.

The trade-off is power. A 16-inch deck is narrow, so it takes longer to cut a large lawn. The 4.0Ah battery is adequate for a small yard, but you will likely need a second battery if you have thick Bermuda grass or you let the lawn go too long. It only offers mulching and rear bagging, so there is no side discharge option for heavy clippings.

• 16-inch cutting deck with 5-position height adjust
• Single lever for quick deck height changes
• 2-in-1 system: mulch and rear bag
• Works with the Greenworks 40V battery platform
• 3-year limited tool and battery warranty

Best for: First-time buyers and those with small yards who want an easy-to-store mower that shares batteries with other garden tools.

PowerSmart EasyCut 18 inch

The PowerSmart EasyCut is the budget-friendly gas option for people who want raw power without the premium price tag. It packs a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine that starts easily thanks to an automatic choke and a primer bulb. No battery to charge, no cord to drag, just gas and go.

This mower is built for utility. The 18-inch steel deck is durable, and the side discharge chute handles tall, thick grass without clogging. The 5-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5 inches for a close cut up to 3.9 inches for the hot summer months. The 8-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels roll smoothly over uneven ground.

It is basic, though. There is no mulching option or rear bag included, so clippings are left on the lawn or you need to rake them up. The engine is loud compared to electric models, and you will need to store fuel and perform oil changes. It is a workhorse, not a luxury item.

• 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine with auto choke
• 18-inch steel deck with side discharge
• 5-position height adjustment from 1.5 to 3.9 inches
• 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels
• Primer structure for reliable cold starts

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers with small yards who want gas-powered cutting performance and do not mind the maintenance.

LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric

The LawnMaster MEB1114K is the corded electric option, and it solves the two biggest complaints about battery mowers: runtime and charging time. Plug it in, and it runs until you are done. The 11-amp motor spins the blade at 3,300 RPM, which is plenty for a small, tidy lawn.

This is the lightest and most maneuverable option here. The 14-inch cutting width is narrow, but that is intentional. It lets you get into tight spaces and turn around flower beds without lifting the machine. The 7.75-inch rear wheels help it roll over minor bumps. The 7-gallon collection bag keeps clippings contained.

The cord is the catch. You will be managing a power cable the entire time, which means keeping it away from the blade and untangling it from bushes. The 14-inch deck also means more passes on anything larger than a postage-stamp yard. It is a great tool for a specific use case, not a general-purpose machine.

• 11-amp motor with 3,300 RPM blade speed
• 14-inch cutting width for tight spaces
• 5 cutting heights from 1.4 to 3 inches
• 7-gallon grass collection bag
• No gas, no battery charging, instant start

Best for: Townhouse owners and renters with very small, flat lawns who want the lowest possible upfront cost and zero fuel maintenance.

How We Chose These Products

I did not just pull these off a search results page. Each mower was evaluated against a specific set of real-world criteria that matter over years of ownership, not just the first cut. Deck width, power source, drive type, and weight were the primary filters. A mower that is too heavy or too weak for its intended yard size failed the test.

Beyond the spec sheet, I looked at the total ownership experience. That means battery ecosystem compatibility for cordless models, maintenance requirements for gas engines, and storage footprint for all of them. The final list represents a balance of performance, practicality, and long-term value. For more options tailored to specific needs, check out our guide on the best electric automatic mowers.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

First, match the deck width to your yard. A 14-inch mower is fine for a 1,000-square-foot lot, but it becomes tedious on a half-acre. A 22-inch deck cuts nearly twice the grass per pass. Measure your lawn and estimate how many passes you are willing to make.

Next, consider the terrain. If your yard has a slope, a self-propelled model like the YARDMAX is worth the extra money. Pushing a heavy mower uphill is exhausting, and a CVT transmission lets you adjust speed without losing momentum. Flat yards are more forgiving, so a lighter push mower or a cordless model works well.

Finally, think about the power source. Gas offers the most torque and unlimited runtime, but requires seasonal maintenance and fuel storage. Battery mowers are quieter and cleaner but need charging time and eventual battery replacement. Corded mowers are cheap and reliable but tie you to an outlet. Each has a place, and the right one depends on your priorities.

Our Top Recommendation

The YARDMAX 22 inch Select is the best automatic push lawn mower on this list. The CVT transmission delivers a genuinely different mowing experience. You set the pace, and the machine holds it, even on slopes. The 22-inch deck covers ground quickly, and the automatic choke removes the biggest frustration of gas engines. It is the closest thing to a hands-free push mower you can buy without going robotic.

If you are not ready for gas maintenance, the Wild Badger Power 40V is a strong runner-up. It offers the power of a brushless motor with the convenience of a battery, and the 18-inch deck is generous for a cordless model. For budget buyers, the PowerSmart EasyCut delivers reliable gas power at a lower price point, though you sacrifice the bagging and mulching options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store a gas mower for the winter?
Drain the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine until it dies. Change the oil, remove the spark plug and add a teaspoon of oil into the cylinder, then pull the cord a few times to coat the walls. Store it in a dry place with the wheels off the ground.

Can I use a battery mower on wet grass?
You can, but it is not ideal. Wet grass clumps up under the deck and can clog the discharge chute. The battery will also drain faster because the motor works harder. Wait for the grass to dry to get the cleanest cut and the longest runtime.

Do I need to sharpen the blade every year?
Yes, and more often if you mow frequently or hit rocks. A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips. You can sharpen it yourself with a file or take it to a local shop. It takes about 15 minutes and makes a noticeable difference.

What does deck washout port actually do?
You attach a garden hose to the port and turn on the water. The water sprays up under the deck to loosen grass clippings and debris. It is a simple way to prevent rust and keep the underside clean without flipping the mower over.