(CONSUMER REPORTS) - Consumer Reports has tested more than 100 lawn mowers from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other retailers. Its testers have pushed them more than 50 miles to help you find the best mower for your yard. They rated each mower on how well it can cut in different modes — mulching, bagging, and side discharging.
If you have been looking for a push mower, Consumer Reports said consider buying one that’s self-propelled. They were a lot easier to use, and they’re not a lot more money.
Consumer Reports recommended several single-speed self-propelled mowers, including the Snapper SP70 12A-A2A1707. It was very good at mulching and side discharging, and cost just $280.
If you wanted more control and more even cutting, Consumer Reports said opt for a self-propelled mower with multiple speeds. That allowed you to vary the speed to meet the conditions of the grass, or if you’re in a hurry, to get the job done faster.
One of the best was the $700 Honda HRX2175VKA. It offered excellent cut performance whether you’re bagging, mulching, or in side-discharge mode, which was helpful if you’ve let your grass get too tall.
And the less expensive Honda HRR2169VKA was a Consumer Reports Best Buy for $400. It was not as good in side-discharge mode as the $700 Honda, but Consumer Reports tests found that it was slightly easier to handle and control.
For a little less money, Consumer Reports also recommended the self-propelled Toro Recycler model 20332 for $360. When it came to operating the controls and shifting speeds, it was not as easy to use as the Hondas, but it did offer excellent cutting in mulch mode.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars and trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.
