The Best Inexpensive Lawn Mowers : A Comprehensive Comparison

If you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, but don’t want to break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. As you prepare to tackle your outdoor chores this season, finding the best cordless lawn mower under $ 750 can be a daunting task. But fear not, we’ve done the research and compiled a comprehensive comparison of the top models to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you have a small urban yard or a sprawling suburban landscape, the right cordless mower can make lawn maintenance a breeze. In this article, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and value of five exceptional cordless lawn mowers, all priced under $750. From battery life and cutting width to mulching capabilities and ergonomic design, we’ve got you covered.

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore the best budget-friendly, cord-free options that will keep your lawn looking its absolute best.

1.     Toro 21-inch Recycler SmartStow 60V Lithium-Ion Battery Walk Behind Mower

Key Features:

• 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart technology for increased runtime and optimized performance
• Steel construction for durable and long-lasting performance
• 9-position height adjustment from 1 to 4 inches for a customized cut
• Innovative Recycler mulching technology that transforms grass clippings into “LawnVitamins”
• Part of the Toro 60V Flex-Force Power System that works across 35+ electric Toro tools

Toro’s 21-inch Recycler SmartStow 60V Lithium-Ion Battery Walk Behind Mower is a standout choice in the world of cordless lawn mowers. Boasting a 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart technology, this mower delivers increased runtime and optimized performance, ensuring you can tackle even the most demanding lawns.

The Toro Recycler series is renowned for its innovative mulching technology, which transforms grass clippings into ultra-fine “LawnVitamins” that nourish your lawn. With its steel construction, this mower is built to last, providing superior cutting and mulching performance. The 9-position height adjustment, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, allows you to customize the cut to your liking.

One of the standout features of this Toro mower is its ReadyStart technology, which ensures reliable first-time starts every time. The 60V battery system, part of Toro’s Flex-Force Power System, provides ample runtime to tackle even larger yards up to 1/2 acre. Additionally, the weather-resistant construction and rust-resistant components make this mower a durable and low-maintenance option.

The Toro Recycler’s innovative mulching technology is a game-changer. By turning grass clippings into ultra-fine “LawnVitamins”, the mower helps nourish your lawn, resulting in a healthier and more vibrant appearance. This not only saves you time and effort but also promotes a lush, green landscape.

The 9-position height adjustment feature allows you to customize the cutting height to suit your lawn’s needs. Whether you prefer a closely manicured look or a slightly taller grass height, the Toro Recycler makes it easy to achieve the perfect cut every time.

Pros:

• Innovative Recycler mulching technology for a healthier lawn
• Powerful 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart technology
• 9-position height adjustment for a customized cut
• Weather-resistant and rust-resistant construction
• Reliable first-time starts with ReadyStart technology

Cons:

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Slightly heavier than some other cordless options

2.     MAKITA 36V(18Vx2) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Lawn Mower

Key Features:

• Makita-built brushless motor delivers up to 3,300 RPM for powerful performance
• 3-in-1 design allows for cutting, collecting, and mulching
• Grass catcher bag holds up to 60L of capacity
• Single-lever height adjustment from 13/16 to 2-15/16 inches
• Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for increased dust and water resistance
• Part of Makita’s expanding 18V LXT system, the world’s largest cordless tool system

Makita is a renowned brand in the power tool industry, and their 36V (18Vx2) LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Lawn Mower is a testament to their engineering prowess. This mower offers a unique solution for efficient and eco-friendly grass cutting.

Powered by two 18V LXT batteries, the Makita mower delivers up to 3,300 RPM of cutting power, ensuring a clean and precise trim every time. The 3-in-1 design allows for cutting, collecting, and mulching, providing versatility in your lawn maintenance routine.

One of the standout features of this Makita mower is its Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance, making it a durable choice for harsh job site conditions. The single-lever height adjustment system allows for quick and easy customization of the cutting height, ranging from 13/16 to 2-15/16 inches.

The Makita mower’s 3-in-1 design is a versatile feature that allows you to choose between cutting, collecting, and mulching. This flexibility ensures you can adapt your lawn care routine to suit your specific needs, whether you prefer a tidier appearance with bagged clippings or a more natural approach with mulching.

The powerful brushless motor, delivering up to 3,300 RPM, provides the necessary cutting power to tackle even the toughest grass conditions. This high-performance motor, combined with the 36V (18Vx2) battery system, ensures you can complete your lawn care tasks efficiently and effectively.

Pros:

• Powerful brushless motor delivering up to 3,300 RPM
• 3-in-1 design for cutting, collecting, and mulching
• Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for increased durability
• Single-lever height adjustment for quick and easy customization

Cons:

• Batteries and charger sold separately
• Slightly smaller 18-inch cutting width compared to other models

3.     DEWALT 2x20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 21-1/2-inch Push Mower

Key Features:

• Two 10 Ah 20V batteries for 400Wh of power, perfect for properties up to 1/2 acre
• 21.5-inch steel deck for a wider cut and quick completion
• High-output brushless direct drive motor delivers powerful performance for up to 75 minutes of runtime
• Auto-sensing technology increases torque in high overgrowth
• 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities
• 6 cutting heights ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches

DEWALT is a name synonymous with high-quality power tools, and their 2x20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 21-1/2-inch Push Mower is no exception. Featuring a powerful brushless motor and a wide 21.5-inch steel deck, this mower is designed to tackle larger lawns with ease.

Powered by two 20V MAX 10Ah batteries, this DEWALT mower delivers 40V of power and 400 Watt-hours of runtime, making it capable of mowing properties up to 1/2 acre. The high-output brushless direct drive motor provides powerful performance for up to 75 minutes of actual cutting time.

One of the standout features of this DEWALT mower is its auto-sensing technology, which allows the unit to increase torque in high-overgrowth situations, ensuring a consistent and efficient cut. The 3-in-1 capability allows for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge, providing versatility in your lawn maintenance needs.

The 21.5-inch steel deck on the DEWALT mower is designed to provide a wider cutting width, allowing you to cover more ground in less time. This feature is particularly beneficial for larger yards, as it can significantly reduce the overall mowing time and effort required.

The high-output brushless direct drive motor is a key component of this mower’s performance. Delivering up to 75 minutes of runtime, the motor provides ample power to tackle even the most challenging lawn conditions. The auto-sensing technology further enhances the motor’s capabilities by automatically increasing torque when needed, ensuring a consistent and effective cut.

Pros:

• Powerful 40V system with two 10Ah batteries
• High-output brushless direct drive motor for extended runtime
• Auto-sensing technology for increased torque in high-overgrowth
• 3-in-1 functionality for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge
• 6-position height adjustment from 1.5 to 4 inches

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some other cordless options
• Batteries and charger sold separately

4.     Sun Joe iON16LM 16-inch 40V Cordless Battery Push Mower

For those with smaller to medium-sized lawns, the Sun Joe iON16LM 16-inch 40V Cordless Battery Push Mower is a compact and efficient solution. Featuring a powerful brushless motor, this mower offers impressive performance and runtime.

Powered by a 40V 4.0Ah EcoSharp rechargeable Li-Ion battery, the Sun Joe iON16LM delivers up to 40 minutes of whisper-quiet runtime. The brushless motor increases battery efficiency, maximizes motor performance, and extends the motor’s life, ensuring consistent and reliable performance season after season.

Key Features:

• 40V 4.0 Ah EcoSharp rechargeable Li-Ion battery for up to 40 minutes of runtime
• Powerful brushless motor increases battery efficiency and extends motor life
• Compact and maneuverable design ideal for small to medium-sized lawns
• 6-position height adjustment lever from 1.18 to 3.15 inches
• Detachable 9.94.6 L grass bag for easy disposal of clippings
• 2-year warranty for peace of mind

One of the standout features of the Sun Joe iON16LM is its compact and maneuverable design, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces and smaller yards. The 6-position height adjustment lever allows you to tailor the grass cutting height from 1.18 to 3.15 inches, providing versatility in your lawn maintenance needs.

The brushless motor on the Sun Joe iON16LM is a key component of its impressive performance. By increasing battery efficiency and maximizing motor output, the brushless design ensures consistent power delivery and extended runtime. Additionally, the motor’s extended lifespan, up to 2,000 hours, adds to the long-term reliability of this cordless mower.

The 40V 4.0Ah EcoSharp battery provides up to 40 minutes of runtime, which should be ample for most small to medium-sized lawns. The battery’s high capacity and efficiency, coupled with the brushless motor, make the Sun Joe iON16LM a compelling choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, cordless solution.

Pros:

• Powerful 40V brushless motor for increased efficiency and performance
• Compact and maneuverable design for smaller yards
• 6-position height adjustment for customizable cutting
• Quiet operation and no gas, oil, or emissions

Cons:

• Smaller 16-inch cutting width compared to other models
• Battery and charger sold separately

5.     BLACK+DECKER 20-inch 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless Electric Walk Behind Push Mower

Key Features:

• 3-in-1 versatility for mulching, bagging, and side-discharge
• Two 40V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries for extended runtime
• Single-lever height adjustment from 1-1/2 to 4 inches
• EDGEMAX design for mowing right up to edges and fences
• Compact and easy-to-store design with a foldable handle

BLACK+DECKER is a well-known brand in the power tool industry, and their 20-inch 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless Electric Walk Behind Push Mower is a solid contender in the budget-friendly, cordless mower market.

This versatile 20-inch mower from BLACK+DECKER offers a 3-in-1 capability, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge grass clippings to suit your lawn care needs. Powered by two 40V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries, this mower provides ample runtime to tackle lawns up to 1/4 acre.

One of the standout features of this BLACK+DECKER mower is its EDGEMAX design, which allows you to mow right up to fences and edges, minimizing the need for additional trimming. The single-lever height adjustment system makes it easy to customize the cutting height from 1-1/2 to 4 inches without the need for tools.

The 3-in-1 versatility of the BLACK+DECKER mower is a valuable feature, as it allows you to adapt your lawn care routine to suit your specific needs. Whether you prefer a tidy, bagged appearance or a more natural mulching approach, this mower has you covered.

The dual 40V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries provide ample runtime for tackling lawns up to 1/4 acre. This runtime, combined with the mower’s compact and easy-to-store design, makes it a practical choice for homeowners with smaller to medium-sized yards.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 versatility for mulching, bagging, and side-discharge
• Two 40V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries for extended runtime
• Single-lever height adjustment for tool-free customization
• EDGEMAX design for mowing right up to edges and fences

Cons:

• Slightly smaller 20-inch cutting width compared to other models
• Batteries and charger sold separately

How to Choose the Right Cordless Lawn Mower

When it comes to selecting the best cordless lawn mower, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s dive into the key elements that will help you make an informed decision.

Cutting Width and Yard Size

The cutting width of a cordless mower is a crucial factor to consider, as it directly impacts the efficiency and speed of your lawn maintenance. Larger yards (1/2 acre or more) typically benefit from a wider cutting width, such as the 21-inch models, whereas smaller yards (1/4 acre or less) may be better suited for the more compact 16-inch or 18-inch options.

The size of your yard is an essential consideration when choosing the right cordless lawn mower. Larger properties will require a mower with a wider cutting width and longer runtime to ensure you can complete the task efficiently. Conversely, smaller yards may be better served by a more compact and maneuverable model, even if it has a slightly narrower cutting width.

Battery Life and Runtime

Battery life and runtime are essential considerations when choosing a cordless mower. Look for models that offer extended runtimes, typically in the 40-60 minute range, to ensure you can complete your lawn care tasks without interruption. Consider the battery voltage (e.g., 40V, 60V) and capacity (Ah) to gauge the overall power and runtime of the mower.

Having a cordless mower with a long-lasting battery and extended runtime can make a significant difference in your overall lawn maintenance experience. Avoid models with short runtimes that will require frequent recharging or the use of a backup gas-powered mower, as this can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

Cutting and Mulching Capabilities

Versatility in cutting and mulching options can greatly enhance your lawn care experience. Look for mowers that offer a 3-in-1 design, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge the grass clippings. This flexibility can help you maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn by returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

The ability to choose between mulching, bagging, or side-discharge options can be a game-changer for your lawn care routine. Mulching, in particular, can be an excellent way to nourish your lawn naturally, as the finely chopped grass clippings serve as a natural fertilizer.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

The overall ergonomics and ease of use of a cordless mower can significantly impact your user experience. Features such as single-lever height adjustment, push-button start, and foldable handles can make the mowing process more comfortable and efficient.

When evaluating cordless lawn mowers, consider the overall design and how it fits your personal preferences and physical capabilities. Look for models with ergonomic handles, intuitive controls, and features that minimize the physical effort required during operation.

For example, a single-lever height adjustment system can make it quick and easy to customize the cutting height to your desired level, without the need to fumble with multiple adjustment points. Similarly, a push-button start eliminates the need for a manual pull cord, reducing the physical strain on your body.

Foldable handles are another useful feature that can simplify storage and transportation of your cordless mower. Being able to quickly fold the handles down can make it easier to fit the mower in your garage, shed, or vehicle, reducing the amount of space it occupies.

Durability and Maintenance

Investing in a durable and well-built cordless lawn mower can pay dividends in the long run. Look for models with weather-resistant construction, rust-resistant components, and low-maintenance designs that require minimal upkeep.

The durability and maintenance requirements of a cordless mower are important considerations, as they can impact the long-term value and reliability of your investment. Choosing a model with weather-resistant features and rust-resistant materials can help ensure your mower withstands the elements and continues to perform at a high level, year after year.

Additionally, look for cordless mowers with low-maintenance designs that require minimal effort to keep in top condition. Features like easy-to-clean decks and accessible components can make routine maintenance tasks, such as blade sharpening or motor cleaning, a breeze.

By carefully considering the durability and maintenance requirements of a cordless mower, you can help ensure that your investment provides years of reliable and hassle-free lawn care.

Conclusion

In the quest for the perfect cordless lawn mower, the five models we’ve examined offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and value. From the innovative Toro Recycler to the compact and efficient Sun Joe iON16LM, each mower brings something unique to the table.

Ultimately, the “best” choice will depend on the size of your yard, your lawn maintenance preferences, and your budget. Whether you prioritize runtime, cutting width, or versatility in cutting and mulching, there’s a cordless mower on this list that’s sure to meet your needs.

Remember, taking the time to carefully evaluate your options and weigh the pros and cons of each model will help you make an informed decision that will keep your lawn looking its absolute best for seasons to come. Happy mowing!

FAQs

What are the best lawn mowers? 

The best lawn mowers are those that offer a combination of power, runtime, cutting performance, and value. Based on our research, some of the top-performing cordless lawn mowers include the Toro 21-inch Recycler, the DEWALT 2x20V MAX, and the MAKITA 36V (18Vx2) LXT.

What are good lawn mowers? 

Good lawn mowers are those that provide reliable performance, versatile features, and durability within a reasonable budget. The models featured in this article, such as the Sun Joe iON16LM and the BLACK+DECKER 20-inch 40V Max, are all considered good lawn mowers that offer excellent value for the price.

Who makes the best lawn mower? 

There is no single “best” lawn mower brand, as different manufacturers excel in different areas. However, some of the brands known for producing high-quality, reliable lawn mowers include Toro, DEWALT, MAKITA, Sun Joe, and BLACK+DECKER – all of which are represented in this comparative article.

What is the best electric lawn mower brand? 

When it comes to the best electric lawn mower brands, several manufacturers stand out in the budget-friendly, cordless category. Based on our research, some of the top electric lawn mower brands include Toro, DEWALT, MAKITA, and Sun Joe, all of which offer cordless models that perform exceptionally well.

What is the best push mower? 

The best push mower will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, among the cordless push mowers reviewed in this article, the DEWALT 2x20V MAX and the BLACK+DECKER 20-inch 40V Max are both excellent choices that offer impressive performance and features in the range.

What is the best cordless lawn mower? 

The best cordless lawn mower is subjective and will depend on factors such as your lawn size, budget, and personal preferences. That said, the Toro 21-inch Recycler SmartStow 60V and the DEWALT 2x20V MAX are both top-performing cordless mowers that have received high praise for their power, runtime, and overall value.