Best Large Walk Behind Mower
Last updated: 03/17/21
Mowing the lawn was a quite stressful job and what made it difficult back then was the mower. One had to push it to work. Luckily, technology has seen the development of better alternatives. One of them is the large walk-behind mower.
So, are you looking to get one? We are experts on the subject matter. We’ll show you five of the best options you can pick from. Enjoy!
Best Large Walk Behind Mower
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| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
GREEN THUMB  | Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower |
| Check Current Price |
SOLD OPTION  | Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Lawn Mower |
| Check Current Price |
HIGH RATINGS  | EGO Power+ LM2142SP Electric Self Propelled Lawn Mower |
| Check Current Price |
MAX OPTIONS  | Lawn-Boy 17732 Self Propelled Lawn Mower |
| Check Current Price |
BEST VALUE  | PowerSmart Lawn Mower Gas Powered Lawn Mower |
| Check Current Price |
The 5 Best Large Walk-Behind Mower
Here’s a list of five of the best large walk-behind lawn mowers that you can purchase.
1 | Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 High-Wheeled FWD Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Width: 21″
- Engine: 159 cc
The obvious list topper for me is this Craftsman gas-powered mower. It has a 159cc OHV gas engine that is powerful enough to handle any kind of mowing you could have in mind.
The engine also has an auto choke and recoil, which makes it even easier to use. You can simply turn it on by pulling without having to worry about a choke or primer.
This mower also has mulching capabilities accompanying its rear and front discharge, so you are good on all ends. Controlling this mower is super easy as it has a front-wheel drive.
You can maneuver it, turn, and tip upon a level terrain, and since it propels itself, you don’t have to do any pushing. Just control it, and you are good.
You can set the propulsion speed to what works for you.
This lawnmower ranks high on my list for many reasons, and one is its cutting height which can be easily adjusted. Everyone knows lawns don’t all grow at the same height, but it’s not all mowers that make provisions for this.
This one does with six deck height settings which will meet all your mowing needs.
PROS
- It has Zag tread tires that ensure it can handle uneven terrains
- It is easy to assemble
- It is lightweight, which makes it very easy to move around
CONS
- Some consumers complain self-propelled mower is underpowered among other self-propelled models
CHECK CURRENT PRICE: Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas-Powered Lawn Mower
2 | Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Lawn Mower
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Width: 21″
- Engine: 187 cc
Next on the list is this powerful and efficient Honda lawnmower. Powered by a 187cc gas-powered engine, you have all you need to handle the most difficult mowing job.
The lawnmower is a rear-wheel-drive that comes with a bag on the rear as well. This ensures that you maintain your traction even when the bag starts to get heavy.
Starting this lawn mower is quite easy, and users have reported that it starts 95% on the first try. Assembling it is also quite easy as all you have to do is rotate the handle into position and tighten the screws.
The lawnmower also has a drive-assist and comes with its own rear bag, which can take significant quantities of lawn grass. It also has the mulching ability.
Another feature worth mentioning in this mower is its variable speed. You can set it to the speed that works for you. Given its powerful engine, it works efficiently even at the lowest speed capacity.
The controls of this machine are perfect and make for easy handling. For instance, the handlebar and throttle are quite close and comfortable to push and hold.
PROS
- It comes with a 5-year warranty
- The mulching capacity is quite great, and you can mulch and bag together
- It is easy to assemble
CONS
- It doesn’t have an oil filter, so you have to ensure you change the oil frequently
- It is quite costly for a mower, but it is worth the money
CHECK CURRENT PRICE: Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Lawn Mower
3 | EGO Power+ LM2142SP Electric Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Power Source: Electric
- Cutting Width: 21″
- Batteries: 56V 5.0 Ah ARC Lithium
Next on this list of excellent products is something different from the first two lawnmowers. This one is one of the best electric lawn mowers. It’s powered by batteries instead of gas.
I know you are probably wondering how long the lawnmower will last on batteries. Well, it has a run time of 80 minutes on one charge if you use the two 56V 5. 0 Ah ARC Lithium batteries.
It is highly unlikely that you will spend close to two hours mowing.
Due to the peak power technology feature, it is possible to combine any two EGO ARC Lithium batteries apart from the ones that come with it. It has a brushless motor that is highly efficient.
You also have full control over the speed as it has variable speed capacity that allows you to adjust the speed between 9 MPH and 3. 1 MPH.
The cutting height position is equally adjustable with six different positions between 1.5″ to 4″. It is electric, so you don’t have to pull anything, just push the button, and you are good to go.
It also has a cutting width of 21″. There are bright LED lights attached which makes it possible for mowing early morning and late evening.
PROS
- It has the 3 in 1 function of mulching, bagging, and side discharge
- Its headlights mean you can use them for mowing, even if it is dark
- This electric mower has universal battery compatibility and charges very fast
CONS
- The warranty will not apply if you buy on Amazon
CHECK CURRENT PRICE: EGO Power+ LM2142SP Electric Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
4 | Lawn-Boy 17732 Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Width: 21″
- Engine: 149 cc
Next on the list is another gas-powered lawnmower. It has a rear-wheel-drive system which ensures that it has better traction and more control when you use it on hilly terrains.
It has a 2-point Height-of-Cut System, which describes how its adjustable height functions. You can change the cutting height easily, and there are six height positions between 1.25 and 3.75 inches.
The Cutting Width is 21 inches.
The manufacturer offers a three-year Tru-start commitment for this outstanding product. This is a warranty that the lawnmower will start after the first or second pull. If it doesn’t, the manufacturer will do it for you free of charge.
The engine is a Kohler 149cc that is CARB compliant in California. With this engine, you have commercial-grade features which ensure that the machine offers tough performance.
The design is user-friendly, making it easy to operate and maintenance is equally easy. It doesn’t require an oil change.
It is made with ABS plastic and aluminum, which ensures that it is incredibly light. Unlike some rear-wheel drives that don’t move backward, this one does.
Using this lawnmower on the hilly terrains is a breeze.
PROS
- It is easy to assemble and operate
- It has excellent mulching capabilities, and the cutting is great too
- it is a wide-cut mower with a large bag capacity that will take a lot more clippings
- It comes with various warranties
CONS
- Some consumers complain about the poor design, especially with the front wheel
CHECK CURRENT PRICE: Lawn-Boy 17732 Self Propelled Lawn Mower
5 | PowerSmart Lawn Mower Gas Powered Lawn Mower
- Power Source: Gas
- Cutting Width: 21″
- Engine: 170 cc
This perfect machine is powered by a 170cc OHV engine. The engine is gas-powered and will give you the required backup to the fleet the toughest and tallest grass.
By equipping the engine with an air-cooling system, the engine is capable of working effectively until you are done with mowing. The cutting area is quite wide and durable, with the mowing deck being 21-inch steel. With this, you get a wide-area mower that can take on big and tough jobs very easily.
You can also adjust the cutting height, and there are five positional adjustments that enable you to switch between cutting heights and mow easily. The range of the height is between 1.18 and 3.0 inches.
It also has the 3 in 1 capability of mulching, bagging, and side discharge. This allows you to spread out the grass clippings. With its 8-inch back wheels, the mower is quite easy to push.
It is designed to save you stress while making your work more efficient.
To make it even better, the lawnmower is very portable, and the handle is foldable. This ensures that you can store safely without consuming too much space.
PROS
- It has a 3-year warranty
- It has a foldable handle design that makes storage easy and consumes less space
- It is easy to operate with adjustable height settings
- The bag capacity is quite large
CONS
- Some consumers complain it is cheaply built
CHECK CURRENT PRICE: PowerSmart Lawn Mower Gas Powered Lawn Mower
All You Need to Know About Buying the Best Large Walk-Behind Mower
So far, you’re now aware of the best options that you purchase if you’re looking to get the best large walk-behind mower. However, that’s not all that you need to know.
You’ll need to know all about getting the best options yourself. This ensures that you can pick from a place of strength and understanding of the underlying issues.
So you can get straight to getting the right option, here are all the things that you’ll need to know.
Why Do You Need a Walk-Behind Mower?
Before we get to other important things that you need to consider, it’s important that you also recognize the importance of this purchase. Precisely, why is getting this device a great option?
Well, the reality is that this device comes with a wide range of advantages that place it ahead of riding mowers.
One of the most consideration that makes it preferable is the reality that this device is suitable for standard-sized lawns. Unless you’re living in a sprawling area, then this device remains the best choice.
This model will allow you to access the various tricky and small spots that would have been impossible if you had a riding mower.
You enjoy a significant increase in control, traction, and stability with these models. Precisely, you get to be closer to the ground, which ensures that you can see obstacles faster and get them out of the way.
You can be on track to get the best results during your mowing activities. We bet you don’t want anything that offers less stability; well, that’s why walk-behind mowers remain the best options.
The walk-behind option offers more cost-effectiveness. You’ll get this option for a cheaper cost compared to their counterparts, the riding mowers.
While this option might come off as smaller when compared to riding mowers, they offer increased functionality that makes them desirable.
Types of Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
If you’re looking to get this device, there are various options that you can opt for. This is because of the variety that this option offers to users.
However, while there are different sizes and shapes of this device, it’s primarily distinguished by the power source that it offers.
Now, here are the available options that you can opt for.
Electric Mower
This is the first option that you can opt for. As you can tell from its name, this option gets power from a cord or battery. It offers effectiveness and reliability that has seen it rise in importance in the last decade.
With this option, you get the power of a gas mower. However, you avoid the drawbacks associated with gas mowers. For instance, you don’t have to worry about noise or pollution associated with the gas-powered option.
However, when you choose this option, you’ll need to cope with some inconveniences too. For instance, you might need to replace the battery if you’re using the battery-powered option. Alternatively, with the corded option, you’ll need to deal with long extension cords.
Gas Mower
The next option that you can opt for is the gas-powered mower. With this option, you power the mower with gas and cut your lawn. On the upside, it provides power that ensures you can get to your task easily.
However, as its downsides, it comes with smelling and pollution through hot fumes and noise. This is why some people tend to opt for the electric option today.
Reel Mower
This option is the manual option. However, it’s hardly preferred due to the stress associated with this option. With this choice, you get access to a mower that’s propelled by your pushing power.
It’s usually stressful.
Factors to Consider When Buying A Walk-Behind Mower
Walk-behind mowers are great in many ways. As long as what you are mowing is not more than an acre. However, buying one is not as simple as it sounds.
There are a lot of options available. Here are the factors that will help you get an effective mower when looking to get a machine of choice:
Size and Terrain of the Space
A large walk-behind mower is ideal if your yard is not up to an acre. If it is more, it might be better to go for a mower you can ride because that might be too much space to cover on foot.
With a large walk behind the mower, usually having a deck of 21 inches, you can mow much faster. The terrain also matters.
A self-propelled mower is best for hilly terrains or large spaces.
Power
You usually have to choose between gas or electric-powered mowers. Both of them have their advantages. For a gas-powered mower, you will get more power and operation time. An electric-powered one means less noise and maintenance.
So, if you’re looking to get the fastest mowers, then you’ll need to go for gas-powered options. On the other hand, if you’re looking to get one that delivers minimal noise as a residential mower, go for the electric option.
Blade Type
There are three ways in which a walk-behind mower can dispatch grass clippings. It could be by mulching, bagging, or side discharge. Several mowers can do the three. However, if you are mowing a place filled with obstacles or trees, bagging might not be the best option for you.
Mulching Capacity
You might also want to consider the mulching capacity of the device before you opt for it. This is even more important if you plan to use leaf or grass clipping for mulching. So, you’ll want an option that can tear leaves and grass for you. This way, all that’s left for you to do is spread them.
Safe Design
The next thing that you want to consider is the safety that the option you’re opting for offers. This is even more important thanks to the significant number of injuries caused by lawn mowers every year.
Today, over 68,000 injuries are a result of lawn mowing in the US.
There’s no doubt that you don’t to be part of this number in the coming years. So, your best bet is to choose an option that comes with safety features. This way, your safety and that of future users are reasonably guaranteed.
Bagging Capacity
You might want to consider getting an option that comes with an effective bagging capacity. This is to ensure that you can enjoy ease and convenience as you mow your lawn. For instance, with this feature, you’ll have the clippings carried into a bag as you get your task done.
You don’t need to worry about spending time going through manual gatherings. Even better, you can dispose of these clippings easily as soon as you’re done.
Caring for Your Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
An important aspect of accessing the lawnmower involves caring for the mower. This is because the level of care that you make available to the mower will go a long way in determining the durability that you enjoy from this option. As such, for a long-lasting experience, you’ll need to provide adequate care to your walk-behind lawnmower.
Now, here’s what you need to know about caring for this device.
If you decide to go for a gas-powered mower, you’ll need to provide a significant level of care. One of the most important things you’ll need to do involves changing the device’s oil. This will ensure that your device is in the best condition and delivers power when you need it.
This will become evident as you’ll record improved performance every time you change this device’s oil. Also, remember that you want to purchase only oil that applies to small engines.
Now, regardless of the option you choose, you’ll also want to change the filter in your machine. And you’ll want to do it regularly. This is because it will also improve the performance of your device.
So, if you’ve got a paper filter, ensure that they get replaced once you see they are dirty. On the other hand, wash your foam filters with warm water.
Again, with each use, you’ll want to ensure that you brush the blades of your mower. This will ensure that debris and dirt do not accumulate there. You will have less to worry about when it comes to a dull blade and enjoy improved performance.
Finally, you’ll need to also store your walk-behind lawn mower as part of your care and maintenance activities. You will need to ensure that you store it in a dry and cool place when it’s not in use. This is to prevent damage.
It would also be best that you empty the tank during this period. You’ll then complement this by proper handling of your spark plug and blades during this period. This way, when you pick up your device for use again, it’s in great condition.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the right walk-behind lawnmower, you are always going to have a lot of options. Picking the right one might be a challenge, but with the list above, it just got much easier.
Your budget, preference, and other factors will help you decide which one is most suitable for you of all the five listed above.
However, if you have to go for the one walk-behind lawnmower that is best for any purpose you have in mind, the obvious choice is to go for the Craftsman M215 159cc 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas-Powered Lawn Mower.
It is gas-powered, which means it will last much longer than an electric one, and its 159cc OHV gas engine is powerful enough to handle any kind of mowing you could have in mind.
Coupled with this are the auto choke and recoil features of the engine, which makes it even easier to use.
The 3-in-1 capabilities of mulching, its rear and front discharge, and bagging further makes it great to use in any condition, and it is a front-wheel-drive that is easy to control and maneuver when you are using it on level terrain.
So, choose wisely!
