There are many people out there who don’t know what a self-propelled lawn mower is. This is because most of them are still using the traditional push lawn mower. A self -propelled lawn mower has its own engine and a power source. So, it doesn’t need to be pushed by someone.
Self-propelled lawn mowers have a bar called “bail” on their handles. When the user squeezes this bar the mower starts its engine and moves forward. As soon as the user removes his or her hand the lawn mower stops. This gives full control of the mower to the user.
We are all familiar with the traditional lawn mowers that require a lot of physical effort. The self-propelled lawn mower however, requires only your direction.
There are even modern automated lawnmowers out there that operate using an A.I. They are so advanced they don’t even need a user. But this blog is not about them, it is about self-propelled lawn mowers.
What are Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Ideal for?
Self-propelled lawn mowers are ideal for large yards or small hills with bumps. Places where lawn mowing seems hard or just impossible with physical force. However, some like to use them in their small yards because they are just too lazy.
Nowadays lawn mowers come with loads of options. They range from automatic speed adjustment to full four-wheel-drive traction. There are even A.I. controlled lawn mowers that don’t even require human interference.
Since self-propelled lawn mowers are expensive, you won’t see them in ordinary neighborhoods. Self-propelled lawn mowers are mostly used by those who can afford it. You will hardly see them in lower or middle class families.
However, it is starting to become a necessity, as they deliver an invaluable service. That service is efficiency. The amount of time and effort this machine can save can only be described by those who have used it.
If you are really interested in buying a self-propelled lawnmower, then we highly recommend you check out our other blog. Go to the best cheap self-propelled lawnmowers review and guide, to find the best one for you.
We know a lot of people struggle with making decisions in this kind of stuff. Most people can’t just afford the best one in the market. So, we made this list.
How does a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower work?
Self-propelled lawn mowers work differently than normal push lawn mowers. They have their internal combustion engines that do all the work. Mainly those engines spin the blade underneath the machine to suck up the grass as the blades cut them.
These engines carry a cylinder tank and most of these self-propelled lawn mowers run on gasoline. Most self-propelled lawn mowers have a crank that needs to be pulled to start the carburetor. They also have a bar handle behind them for giving them directions.
This bar on the handle needs to be squeezed by the user to cut grass. This also allows the lawnmower to move forward. Releasing the bar will cause the lawnmower to stop spinning its blades and stop moving forward. This gives accurate control over the lawnmower. The user can easily change directions whenever he or she wants.
Most expensive lawnmowers, especially the four wheel tractors have even better control. That’s the beauty of self- propelled lawn mowers.
Now that you know how a self-propelled lawn mower works, you should know some safety issues of this machine.
A self-propelled lawn mower gives you the power to control its blade’s movement, but you can’t control what it cuts along with the grass. What if there are stones or little rocks in your yard. If they come in contact with your expensive blades, they will cause a lot of damage to those blades.
A self-propelled lawn mower already has a lot of maintenance cost annually. On top of that you are adding damage repair costs.
Even worse, the spinning fan blades that rotate at 30 mph speed could throw those rocks at a deadly speed. Thanks to the rebound effect. Imagine if someone gets hit by those rocks. Children or pets could get seriously wounded if they get hit.
Now, push lawn mowers don’t cause these kinds of issues. They just don’t have enough power, but self-propelled lawn mowers are different. So always clean your yard before mowing it with your lawnmower.
However if you have the Greenworks Pro self-propelled lawnmower, then that is a completely different story. Since this lawnmower has its blades protected, so you have nothing to worry about.
… YouTube Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrDAYlEuZE&t=3s
Pros and Cons of Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- They are easy to start and require less power than push lawn mowers.
- They don’t need gas, as they don’t require gas as fuel.
- They don’t contribute to air pollution.
- They only take about 10 cents worth of electricity to charge up.
- They are very quiet as compared to gas powered lawn mowers.
- They require very little annual maintenance. But it is advised to sharpen or replace the blades annually (If needed).
Cons:
- These are not suitable for large yards more than 130000 square meters.
- You may run into some trouble with wet or long grass.
- Charge doesn’t last long. 1 hour of charging lasts only 45 minutes.
- Long or wet grass seems to put a toll on their batteries. They will lose charge rapidly.
Why choose a self-propelled lawn mower?
The answer to this question is a no brainer. A self propelled lawn mower is self powered and works on its own. You don’t have to push it or you don’t have to lift it up while going uphill. It can do all the work on its own. All you have to do is guide it.
A traditional push lawn mower is more labor focused. I mean, it says that you will have to push it. Working with a push lawn mower is sweaty, time induced and painful. Yes, you will get your exercise done in the way, but it is just too time consuming and the results are not effective.
Push lawn mowers may not need as much maintenance as a self propelled one, but it simply does require your stamina. So, why not get a self-propelled lawn mower and make life comfortable.
Some factors you should consider when choosing between a push lawnmower and a self-propelled lawnmower:
1. Yard size
2. Time
3. Terrain
4. Weather condition
5. Grass condition
We have pointed out all the pros and cons of self propelled lawn mowers up there. They should also help you get a better idea about them.
Lastly, we want to say that you should get a lawn mower based on your affordability. If you can’t afford one then don’t think about one. As self propelled lawn mowers are expensive and on top of that you have annual maintenance and tool replace cost.
We would like to suggest you a great lawnmower in the market right now:
Greenworks Pro 80V Self-Propelled Lawnmower
Features:
- The Greenworks Pro self-propelled lawn mower is a 80 v 40 Ah battery charged lawnmower.
- This battery lasts 45 minutes although run time varies based on the grass and technique.
- It has a 21 inch steel deck and a brushless motor, perfect for flat surfaces.
- Self moving rear wheel requires little to no push.
- Greenworks is providing a 4 year warranty on tools and 2 years on battery life.
Greenworks Pro offers a wide range of utilities and power to those who crave it. Own your yard, big or small, like the alpha male that you are. Its brushless blades cut grass better than anything in this world. Its no-surface touch technology and 21 inch steel deck keeps the blades protected inside, increasing blade durability. All of that while being quiet.
Only issue is that you need to keep an eye on the charge. Battery lasts only 45 minutes although it could vary depending on the type of grass.
This bad boy offers even more utilities, but we think you should check it out yourself.
F.A.Q.s
Is a self -propelled lawn mower worth it?
Yes, a self-propelled lawn mower is absolutely worth it. They reduce the amount of effort and time you sacrifice in lawn mowing as compared to push lawnmower.
How long should a self- propelled lawn mower last?
Usually a self-propelled lawn mower lasts eight to 10 years with proper maintenance and care. A lawnmower with minimal maintenance may last about 5-4 years.
Are self- propelled mowers heavier?
Most average self-propelled lawn mowers weigh around 27 kilogram.
Which is better: self- propelled or push lawn mower?
Self-propelled lawn mowers are more efficient than push lawn mowers because they save time and effort and cover more yards. So, we believe self-propelled lawn mowers are better.
Should I get a push or self- propelled lawn mower?
You can get a self-propelled lawn mower if you have the budget. But if you are struggling with finance, a push lawnmower is not too bad. You can get your exercise done with a push lawnmower as you mow the yard.
Verdict
We hope your query, “what is a self-propelled lawn mower?” was answered. Now you know how a self propelled lawn mower works and the good and bad side of it. The real question is, are you ready to buy one?
Cutting overgrown grasses in your yard with a push lawnmower takes a lot of effort. You will have to sacrifice a lot of time in a boring job. Only one good thing about push lawn mower is that you will get your exercise done with it.
On the other hand, a self propelled lawn mower is a completely different experience. You just pull the lever and squeeze the bar and watch that monster devour your yard.
There is nothing more efficient than a self-propelled lawn mower that cuts grass on its own. And there is nothing more alpha than owning one.