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Push Mower vs. Self-Propelled
Push Mower vs. Self-Propelled. Lawn mowers are available in two styles. The one most people commonly know is a push mower, which requires the user to push a motorized blade cutter with wheels across the lawn. The second one is the self-propelled motor. It works similar, but the motor provides more work; this small difference matters a lot when...
Lawn mowers are available in two styles. The one most people commonly know is a push mower, which requires the user to push a motorized blade cutter with wheels across the lawn. The second one is the self-propelled motor. It works similar, but the motor provides more work; this small difference matters a lot when choosing between a push or self-propelled mower.
Work
The user has to do all the work when pushing a push mower, as the motor only spins the cutting blade. A self-propelled mower mechanically pushes the mower forward with a gearbox connected to either the front or rear wheels. The only thing the user has to do is guide it where it needs to go.
Speed
A push mower goes only as fast as the user pushes it; the wheels are propelled by the user. A one-speed self-propelled mower goes 3 miles per hour. A variable-speed version, which is controlled by a throttle on the handle, goes up to 3 1/2 miles per hour.
Weight
Self-propelled mowers are heavier due to the propulsion gearbox. This extra weight is minimal, but still noticeable. A push mower is easier to maneuver because of its lower weight.
Price
For a consumer on a budget, push mowers are much cheaper. As of June 2010, at Sears.com, they start at $130 for a 20-inch cutting blade and a motor with 5 foot-pounds of torque. The prices go upward as the motor size and blade size increase. Self-propelled mowers start at $260 for 22-inch blade and 6 foot-pounds of torque and go up from there.
Engine
Self-propelled mowers have larger engines that can do more work than push mowers. One reason for this is because manufacturers sell self-propelled mowers as premium mowers that have more options and bigger engines than the standard versions.
Propelled Versions
Pushing a push mower up a hill is strenuous. A rear-drive self-propelled mower is designed for hills, which increases the user's work rate by pulling the rear wheels and not the front. A front-drive self-propelled version is best for flat land.
