Best Lawnmowers 2025: Part 1 - Top 5 Expert-Tested Push Mowers

Best Lawnmowers to Buy 2025: Top 5 Push Mowers Expert Review

September 23, 20259 min read

Best Lawnmowers 2025: Part 1 - Top 5 Expert-Tested Push Mowers

By Terry Roth, Manager of Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tune-up

After spending over three decades in the small engine repair business and servicing more than 4,000 lawnmowers annually, I've seen it all. From bent blades to blown engines, from weekend warriors to commercial-grade workhorses, my team and I have worked on virtually every brand and model that's rolled off the assembly line. This experience has given me unique insights into which best lawnmowers to buy will serve you well for decades, and which ones will leave you frustrated and reaching for your wallet far too often.

When it comes to push mower comparison, most reviews focus on specifications and marketing claims. What I'm sharing with you today comes from real-world experience – the kind of knowledge you only get from years of hands-on small engine repair work. These aren't just lawn mower reviews based on a few test cuts; these are recommendations built on seeing which machines consistently perform year after year with minimal repairs.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through my top 5 picks for the best push mowers on the market today. Each recommendation is backed by years of service data, customer feedback, and professional observations that only come from being elbow-deep in lawn mower maintenance day in and day out.

Our #1 Choice: Toro Gas 21-inch Personal Pace Recycler

Without hesitation, the Toro Personal Pace Recycler earns the top spot on our list. This isn't just a recommendation – it's a machine we've personally used in our lawn care business for many years, and we've tried many other brands. Nothing was comparable to the Toro Personal Pace system.

Here's the bottom line from our service department: We service 4,000 machines a year, and Toro has the least problems of all lawnmowers.

What Makes the Toro Personal Pace Stand Out

Very Strong Blades: In all our years of servicing equipment, we see very few bent blades on Toro mowers. The blade quality and mounting system are engineered to withstand impacts that would damage lesser machines. This means fewer service calls and less downtime for you.

Durable Yet Lightweight Decks: Toro's aluminum deck construction strikes the perfect balance – they're incredibly durable while remaining light and easy to maneuver. We've seen these decks last decades with proper care, and the reduced weight makes them a joy to use, especially on longer mowing sessions.

User-Friendly Personal Pace System: The genius of the Personal Pace system is its simplicity. Just pull back on the handle and go. The mower automatically adjusts to your walking speed, making it feel almost effortless. No speed adjustments, no wrestling with controls – it just works.

Convenient SmartStow Storage: The SmartStow feature allows the mower to fold up nicely for storage, saving precious garage space. This vertical storage capability is a game-changer for homeowners with limited storage space.

Easy Starting: Toro engines are designed for reliable starts, season after season. We rarely see starting issues with properly maintained Toro mowers, even after years of use.

Exceptional Longevity: Here's what sets Toro apart from the competition – with proper annual maintenance, you'll get 30+ years out of these machines. We have customers still using Toro mowers from the 1990s that run like new.

Superior Cable System: The cables on Toro lawnmowers are extra thick for longer lasting performance. This attention to detail in components that other manufacturers often skimp on is why Toros keep running when other brands fail.

Professional Tip: The key to getting three decades from your Toro is annual lawnmower maintenance. A yearly tune-up costs far less than premature replacement and ensures peak performance year after year.

Where to Buy: You'll find the best prices on Toro Personal Pace mowers at Home Depot. They consistently offer competitive pricing and often run seasonal promotions.

Our #2 Choice: Lawn-Boy Push Mowers

Lawn-Boy push mowers earn our second spot, and there's a good reason why they're so reliable – they're made by Toro, our #1 choice. Toro acquired Lawn-Boy in 1989, bringing the same engineering excellence to a more budget-friendly line.

These mowers are particularly good because they're known for being reliable, budget-friendly, and easy to handle, especially on rough terrain, thanks to their lightweight designs and high wheels.

Key Features and Benefits

Tri-Cut System: The deep-dome steel deck with a tri-cut blade delivers superior quality cuts and excellent mulching capabilities. This system chops grass clippings into fine pieces that decompose quickly, naturally fertilizing your lawn.

Easy to Handle: Lawn-Boy mowers are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, making the mowing process less strenuous. The high wheels provide better traction and easier movement over uneven terrain.

Budget-Friendly: They offer reliable performance without the high cost of some other brands, making them an excellent entry point for homeowners who want Toro-quality engineering at a more accessible price point.

User-Friendly Features: A larger bag capacity means less frequent emptying, and the two-point height-of-cut system allows for quick adjustments from a single side. Many models also offer convenient features such as engines that require no oil changes.

Our #3 Choice: Craftsman Lawnmowers

Craftsman lawnmowers earn our third spot on the market. They're considered "very good" for their value, variety of models, and availability of parts, though quality does vary by model and price point. Newer, cheaper models sometimes have thinner metal and more plastic parts than older ones, but they're still a solid choice for homeowners with well-maintained yards.

Why Craftsman Makes Our List

Value for Money: Craftsman offers models across the price spectrum, with frequent sales making them a good deal for residential use. You can find a Craftsman mower to fit almost any budget.

Variety of Options: You can find a wide range of models, including riding mowers and push mowers, with various features and deck sizes to suit different lawn sizes. This variety means you can find exactly what you need for your specific situation.

Available Parts: Parts for Craftsman mowers are generally easy to find, making maintenance and repairs more accessible. This is crucial for long-term ownership and keeping repair costs reasonable.

Good for Maintained Yards: They perform well on maintained lawns, with some models offering features like forward assist to make the job easier. If you keep up with regular mowing, Craftsman mowers will serve you well.

Versatility: Some push mowers offer the flexibility of bagging, mulching, and side-discharging, allowing users to choose the best option for their clippings and seasonal needs.

Where to Buy: These lawnmowers are available at Home Depot and Lowe's, both of which offer competitive pricing and good customer service.

Our #4 Choice: Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers

Troy-Bilt lawn mowers are well-regarded for their durability, performance, and user-friendly features. They often use time-tested technology like Briggs & Stratton or Honda engines for reliability and consistent power. They're known for providing a clean and even cut, making them effective in various conditions, including damp grass.

Key Features that Contribute to their Quality

Reliable Engines: Troy-Bilt mowers feature engines from well-respected brands like Briggs & Stratton or Honda, known for their dependability and longevity. These partnerships ensure you're getting proven engine technology.

Consistent Performance: They're praised for delivering consistently clean and even cuts, even in damp grass, often outperforming other mowers in challenging conditions.

Sturdy Construction: The mowers feature sturdy steel decks that resist flexing, contributing to their overall durability and stability. This solid construction translates to years of reliable service.

Ease of Use: Many models are designed for easy starting and feature user-friendly elements like high rear wheels for easier maneuvering over uneven terrain and simple dual-lever height adjustments.

Self-Propelled Functionality: The self-propelled feature is popular, making mowing less strenuous, especially for those with physical limitations or when dealing with slopes.

Maintenance-Friendly Design: Some models include features like a deck wash adapter for easier cleaning and components designed for simpler maintenance and part replacement.

Troy-Bilt is often seen as providing a good balance of cost and performance, making them an attractive option for homeowners who want reliability without breaking the bank.

Our #5 Choice: Cub Cadet Push Mowers

Cub Cadet push mowers round out our top 5 due to their robust construction, the "Signature Cut" system for a precise mow, and features designed for comfort and efficiency. They offer excellent versatility and are backed by a strong warranty and dealer network for support.

Key Features and Benefits

"Signature Cut" Quality: Cub Cadet mowers are engineered to deliver a consistently pristine cut, even in challenging conditions. This cutting system is designed to handle various grass types and conditions effectively.

Durable Construction: They feature rugged, rust-resistant steel decks and are built with expert engineering to withstand demanding use. The attention to corrosion resistance means your investment will look good for years.

3-in-1 Capability: The versatile cutting system allows for bagging clippings, mulching for lawn health, or side discharge for convenience. This flexibility lets you adapt to different seasons and lawn conditions.

Enhanced Comfort: Features like adjustable, ergonomic handles reduce vibrations, and larger rear wheels improve stability and maneuverability over uneven terrain. These comfort features make longer mowing sessions more pleasant.

Easy Operation: Many models include features like auto choke for quick starting and single-hand operation for ease of use. The user-friendly design reduces the learning curve for new users.

Reliable Power: They're powered by Cub Cadet's own OHV engines, designed for consistent performance and guaranteed to start. This engine guarantee provides peace of mind for users.

The Bottom Line on Our Top 5 Picks

After decades in the small engine repair business, these five brands consistently prove themselves in real-world conditions. The Toro Personal Pace Recycler remains our top choice because of its unmatched reliability and longevity. Lawn-Boy offers similar quality at a lower price point, while Craftsman provides excellent value and parts availability. Troy-Bilt delivers solid performance with proven engines, and Cub Cadet rounds out the list with their precision cutting system and comfortable operation.

Remember, even the best lawnmowers to buy require proper maintenance to reach their full potential. Regular lawnmower maintenance – including annual tune-ups, blade sharpening, and seasonal preparation – is what separates a 30-year investment from a 5-year replacement cycle.

Keep Your Investment Running Like New

Don't let poor maintenance cut short the life of your quality mower. Our mobile service brings professional small engine repair directly to your door. We service lawnmowers, snowblowers, and lawn tractors with the expertise that comes from handling 4,000+ machines annually.

Call Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tuneup today to schedule your annual maintenance and ensure decades of reliable service from your investment.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our comprehensive guide, where we'll cover the lawnmower brands and models you should avoid – potentially saving you hundreds of dollars and countless hours of frustration. Based on our extensive repair experience, there are definitely some machines that simply aren't worth your hard-earned money, no matter how attractive the price tag might seem.

Terry Roth

Manager of Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tune-up

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