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Comparison

Self-propelled vs push cordless mowers

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In short

A push mower is enough for most small and medium lawns: it is lighter, simpler and gets more from each battery charge. A self-propelled mower drives its own wheels, so it is worth it on large lawns, slopes and for anyone who finds pushing a heavy mower tiring.

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

Our verdict

For large or sloping lawns, a self drive mower such as the Hayter Harrier 48 AD or the Greenworks 60V 51 cm saves real effort. For small and medium lawns on the flat, a push mower like the Greenworks 40V 41 cm is lighter and gets more from each charge.

Self drive used to be a petrol mower feature. Now many cordless mowers offer it too, usually on wider decks with bigger batteries. It sounds like an obvious upgrade, but it adds weight, cost and battery drain. This comparison looks at when self drive earns its place and when a lighter push mower is the better buy.

Side by side

The table shows the general trade offs. Self drive systems vary: some run at a fixed speed, others let you adjust speed with a dial or by how far you push the bar.

PushSelf-propelled
EffortYou push the full weightWheels driven by a motor
WeightLighterHeavier, with drive motor and gearbox
Battery useAll power to the bladeSome power goes to the wheels
SlopesHard work on banksMuch easier uphill
ManoeuvringEasy to turn and liftHeavier to lift over steps
Best forSmall and medium lawnsLarge lawns, slopes, users who tire easily
Push and self-propelled cordless mowers

Cordless mowers for large gardens →

Who gains most from self drive

Self drive helps most where you walk a long way or push uphill. On a large lawn, the drive means you simply steer while the mower keeps pace. On a sloping garden it takes the strain out of the uphill runs. It also helps anyone with back, shoulder or joint problems, because the effort shifts from pushing to steering.

Rear roller mowers with self drive, such as the Hayter Harrier 48 AD, suit large lawns where you also want stripes. Our rear roller comparison explains that choice.

Why a push mower is often better

For a typical back garden, a push mower is lighter, easier to lift over a step and simpler to store. All of the battery's energy goes to the blade, so you usually get more lawn per charge. Modern push mowers with 33 cm to 41 cm decks are light enough that pushing them is not a chore on a level lawn.

If your lawn is under a few hundred square metres, see our cordless mowers for small gardens. Our explainer what size lawn mower do I need also helps match deck size to lawn area.

Battery and run time

Driving the wheels takes energy, so a self-propelled mower on the same battery as a push mower will usually cover a little less lawn. Makers offset this with bigger batteries and twin battery bays. If you choose self drive, look at the total watt hours supplied and whether a second battery is included.

Wh = V x Ah, the figure that tracks run time best

  • 18 V x 5 Ah90 Wh
  • Twin 18 V (36 V) x 5 Ah180 Wh
  • 40 V x 4 Ah160 Wh
  • 56 V x 5 Ah280 Wh
Watt-hours combine voltage and capacity, so they compare batteries across platforms.

How long a mower battery lasts →

Things to check before you buy

Check whether speed is adjustable, as a fixed fast speed can be awkward around beds. Check the total weight, especially if you have steps to the shed. Look at how the drive disengages: you should be able to pull the mower backwards freely. Finally, check the deck width against your lawn and gate widths.

  • Adjustable speed control
  • Total weight with battery
  • Free wheeling when pulled back
  • Deck width that fits your gates and paths
  • Battery size and whether two are supplied

Using a self-propelled mower well

Self drive works best when you let the mower set the pace. Start the blade first, then engage the drive and simply guide the handle. On slopes, mow across the slope rather than up and down where the maker recommends it, and take extra care on wet grass, where the wheels can slip. Turn at the end of each run with the drive released, then engage it again for the next pass.

Keep the wheels and drive gears free from clippings. Grass packed round the wheels makes the drive work harder and can make it slip. After mowing, take the battery out and brush the wheels and underside clean. Our guide on how to clean a cordless mower covers the routine step by step.

If the mower feels too fast, use a lower speed setting or a shorter mowing pattern around beds. A drive that pulls you along too quickly is tiring in a different way, and it makes neat edges harder.

Frequently asked questions

Are battery lawn mowers self-propelled? Some are. Self drive is usually found on wider, higher voltage models; most small cordless mowers are push only.

Does self drive drain the battery faster? Yes, a little, because power goes to the wheels as well as the blade.

Is self drive worth it on a small lawn? Usually not. The extra weight and cost outweigh the help on a short, flat lawn.

Can I use a self-propelled mower as a push mower? Yes. Release the drive control and push it like a normal mower, although it will feel heavier.

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