Lawn Mower Brands Comparison: Which One is Right for You?
Maintaining a well-manicured lawn requires the right tools, and a reliable lawn mower is an essential piece of equipment for any homeowner or landscaping professional. However, with numerous brands and models available in the market, choosing the right lawn mower can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we have compared some of the top lawn mower brands, we conducted a thorough evaluation that considered several factors, including reputation, quality, durability, range of products and mower types available, and overall value. Read on to find the perfect lawn mower brand that suits your specific needs.
1. Toro
Toro, another brand highly recommended by all of our experts, has a rich history dating back to 1914 when it started as an engine manufacturer for farm tractors. In 1919, Toro invented the first mechanical mower for golf courses and introduced its first power mower in 1924. With its continuous focus on innovation and incorporating cutting-edge features, Toro quickly established itself as a leading brand in lawn mowers and landscaping equipment. This reputation remains strong even today. According to Ingham, “Toro mowers are renowned for their durability and exceptional performance in challenging mowing conditions.”
While Toro is primarily recognized for its gas push mowers, it offers a diverse range of products including self-propelled mowers, battery-powered mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers, all of which are considered top-notch in their respective categories. The self-propelled Toro 22-Inch Recycler stands out, particularly for its inclusion of the highly praised Personal Pace system. Bravo highlights that “The Personal Pace system, featured in Toro’s TimeMaster and Super Recycler series, automatically adapts to your walking speed, ensuring a more comfortable mowing experience.”
Similar to Honda, Toro mowers may come with a higher price tag. However, their exceptional quality, powerful performance, and impressive features justify the additional cost. Depending on the specific model, Toro lawn mowers are typically backed by warranties ranging from three to five years.
Pros
- Honda mowers are known for their powerful and reliable performance.
- They offer a wide range of gas push and self-propelled mowers.
- Honda mowers are easy to start.
- They incorporate numerous innovative features.
Cons
- Honda mowers can be expensive compared to other options.
- They do not have electric mowers available.
2. Honda
The Honda company, founded in Tokyo in the 1940s by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, initially focused on motorcycles but has since grown into a global powerhouse manufacturing automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and engines used by other brands. In the late 1970s, Honda expanded into lawn mower production and quickly established itself as one of the leading brands for both commercial and residential use. Experts unanimously praise Honda as one of the top choices for gas-powered push mowers and self-propelled mowers. Among their highly recommended products is the Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, which, like other Honda mowers, is known for its easy starting mechanism, powerful performance, and ability to deliver clean and even cuts across the lawn.
Honda mowers, particularly the HRX series, are highly regarded for their robust engines, dependability, and innovative features such as the Versamow system. This system enables users to effortlessly switch between mulching, bagging, discharging, or shredding leaves as needed. Another noteworthy feature of Honda mowers is their patented two-blade system, which surpasses the conventional single blade design and ensures superior cutting performance on various types of grass.
While Honda mowers excel in many aspects, they are relatively expensive compared to other options on the market. Additionally, Honda exclusively offers gas-powered mowers and does not provide electric alternatives. The warranties provided by Honda for their lawn mowers vary from one to five years, depending on the specific model.
Pros
- Honda mowers are known for their powerful and reliable performance.
- They offer a wide range of gas push and self-propelled mowers.
- Honda mowers are easy to start.
- They incorporate numerous innovative features.
Cons
- Honda mowers can be expensive compared to other options.
- They do not have electric mowers available.
3. Husqvarna
Husqvarna, a Swedish company with a history spanning over 300 years, initially started as a rifle manufacturer (although it exited the weapons industry several centuries later). However, over the course of many years, the company expanded its product range to include various home and landscape items, including highly regarded chainsaws. Since 1918, Husqvarna has been manufacturing lawn mowers known for their powerful engines and versatility, making them an excellent choice for large lawns, as highlighted by Ingham. In addition to their highly rated gas push mowers, Husqvarna also offers some of the best riding mowers and zero-turn mowers. Among these options, the Z254F 23-HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower is our favorite.
Husqvarna has also entered the market of robotic mowers with its Automower line. Bravo mentions, “Husqvarna’s Automower series is recognized for its cutting-edge technology, GPS-assisted navigation, and weather-resistant design. These mowers are capable of handling complex lawns with various obstacles and slopes, providing consistently manicured results with minimal human intervention.”
While Husqvarna produces a wide range of powerful and efficient mowers, it should be noted that the brand is positioned on the higher end of the price spectrum. Husqvarna mowers come with a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Husqvarna mowers are known for their powerful and reliable performance.
- They offer a wide range of mower types, including gas and electric push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and robotic mowers.
Cons
- Husqvarna mowers can be expensive compared to other options.
4. Greenworks
Greenworks, established in 2002, receives high praise from Bravo for being a pioneer in battery-powered lawn equipment. Their cordless mower lineup, including the Pro 60V and 80V series, is commended for delivering excellent cutting performance, lightweight designs, and impressive battery life. These features make them a top choice for both homeowners and professionals. Greenworks also offers reasonably priced corded mowers, such as the 25022 3-in-1 20-Inch Mower. However, the popularity of corded electric mowers is declining as batteries become increasingly powerful.
In addition to electric push mowers, Greenworks provides a variety of self-propelled options. Their mowers incorporate innovative “SmartCut” technology, which allows them to detect the thickness of the grass and adjust the speed and power accordingly, thereby extending the battery runtime. Notably, the 40-volt, 21-inch self-propelled mower with the SmartCut feature stands out as a particularly appealing choice. Furthermore, Greenworks expands its product range to include battery-powered riding mowers.
While Greenworks mowers may not be the most powerful, Ingham emphasizes their affordability and wide range of features, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. Greenworks lawn mowers are backed by a limited three-year warranty.
Pros
- Greenworks mowers are reasonably priced.
- They incorporate innovative technology.
- Greenworks offers a variety of mower types, including battery push mowers, self-propelled mowers, riding mowers, and corded electric mowers.
Cons
- Greenworks does not offer gas mowers.
- Their mowers may not have the highest power compared to other options.
5. BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER, named after its founders S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker, has established itself as a leading brand in the power tools industry over its century-long existence. The company holds significant achievements, including patenting the first electric drill in 1917, introducing electric garden tools to homeowners in the 1950s, and being an early provider of battery-powered tools with the release of a cordless drill as far back as 1961. While BLACK+DECKER does offer gas lawn mowers, their focus has shifted towards electric models, which are gaining popularity.
According to Tinsman, “BLACK+DECKER offers a range of affordable and lightweight battery-powered mowers with convenient features like folding handles for easy storage and adjustable cutting heights. Their lithium-ion batteries provide extended run times and quick charging.” In addition to reasonably priced push mowers, the company also provides budget-conscious options for self-propelled electric mowers. Notably, BLACK+DECKER is one of the few brands that still offers corded electric mowers, such as the MM2000 20-Inch Push Mower.
While BLACK+DECKER mowers may not deliver the highest power or performance, they are a reliable choice for those seeking a reasonably priced lawn mower to maintain relatively small lawns. BLACK+DECKER lawn mowers are backed by a two-year limited warranty.
Pros
- BLACK+DECKER mowers are reasonably priced.
- They offer a range of mower types, including corded and cordless push mowers, self-propelled mowers, and some gas mowers.
- They are suitable for small lawns.
Cons
- The mowers may not have the highest power compared to other options.
What to Look for in a Lawn Mower Brand
When choosing a lawn mower brand, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some important things to look for:
1. Reputation: Research the brand’s reputation in the industry. A well-established and respected brand is more likely to offer reliable and high-quality mowers.
2. Quality and Durability: Examine the build quality and durability of the mowers. Look for brands that use sturdy materials and have a track record of producing long-lasting machines.
3. Range of Products: Consider the variety of lawn mowers offered by the brand. Do they provide options for different types of mowers, such as walk-behind, self-propelled, riding, or robotic mowers? A brand with a wide range of products allows you to choose the mower that best suits your needs.
4. Features and Innovation: Look for brands that offer innovative features in their mowers. These can include advanced cutting systems, ergonomic designs, easy-start mechanisms, adjustable cutting heights, and mulching or bagging capabilities. Innovative features can enhance your mowing experience and the quality of your lawn care.
5. Service and Support: Check the brand’s customer service and support options. Look for brands that provide reliable warranty coverage, responsive customer support, and readily available replacement parts.
6. Value for Money: Consider the overall value provided by the brand. Compare the price of their mowers with the features and quality offered. Look for brands that offer a good balance of affordability and performance.
7. Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources. Real-life experiences and feedback can provide valuable insights into the performance and satisfaction levels of different brands.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a lawn mower brand that meets your specific requirements and provides a positive mowing experience.
