The first thing that struck me about the YARDMAX 22″ 201cc PACE 6-Speed CVT Self-Propelled Lawn Mower wasn’t its powerful engine or its sharp-looking deck, but rather how smoothly it handled uneven terrain. After testing all these mowers, this one stood out for its industry-leading CVT transmission, allowing effortless speed adjustments. The aggressive spiked tires gave it incredible traction, making tricky spots much easier to mow. It’s clear this mower was built for real lawn care, not just quick pushes.
From quick deck height adjustments to easy starting with an automatic choke, the YARDMAX mower delivers a seamless experience for both experienced and casual users. It’s sturdy, versatile, and designed to tackle larger lawns with efficiency and comfort. Combining power, maneuverability, and smart features, I can confidently say this is the best lowe-ready mower I’ve tested. If you want a mower that promises reliable performance and adaptability, this one delivers every time.
Top Recommendation: YARDMAX 22″ 201cc PACE 6-Speed CVT Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Why We Recommend It: This mower offers a superior combination of features: its industry-leading CVT transmission provides adjustable, smooth speed control tailored to your pace, unlike the fixed speeds in others. The aggressive rubber tires with spiked treads ensure maximum traction in various conditions. Plus, its easy start system and deck cleanout port simplify maintenance. Compared to the PowerSmart and BILT HARD models, it stands out with better traction, speed control, and deck adjustment, making it the most versatile and reliable choice for genuine lawn care.
Best lawn mower at lowe: Our Top 5 Picks
- YARDMAX 22″ 201cc PACE 6-Speed CVT Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Best for Versatile Lawn Conditions
- PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1 – Best for Small Yards
- American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower – Best for Eco-Friendly and Quiet Mowing
- AMERISUN 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower 170cc AV8621S1 – Best for Uneven Terrain
- BILT HARD 21″ Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower – Best Budget-Friendly Option
YARDMAX 22″ 201cc PACE 6-Speed CVT Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- ✓ Smooth CVT transmission
- ✓ Excellent traction and control
- ✓ Easy start and deck cleaning
- ✕ Slightly noisy engine
- ✕ Higher price point
| Engine Displacement | 201cc |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Number of Speeds | 6-speed |
| Cutting Deck Width | 22 inches |
| Tire Type | Rubber tires with spiked tread pattern |
| Starting System | Automatic choke system |
It’s a bright Saturday morning, and I’m pushing this YARDMAX 22″ 201cc PACE mower across a patch of thick, overgrown grass. The moment I engage the throttle, I notice how smoothly the CVT system kicks in, allowing me to effortlessly match my walking speed without any jerks or stalls.
The mower’s 6-speed shift lever is a game-changer. I can easily find a comfortable pace, whether I’m cruising through a wide-open yard or slowing down for tighter spots.
The rubber tires with their spiked tread grip the uneven ground confidently, so I feel secure even on slopes or loose soil.
The auto choke feature means I don’t fuss with priming or choking the engine. Just a quick pull on the start cord, and it roars to life in seconds.
The deck cleanout port is super handy—no more scraping underneath with tools. I can quickly detach and clean, which keeps the mower running smoothly for longer.
Adjusting the cut height is a breeze thanks to the single-lever system. I can switch from a close-cut to a taller mow without messing around with multiple levers.
Overall, it feels sturdy, lightweight enough to maneuver easily, and the sound level is manageable for a 201cc engine.
If you’re tired of struggling with traditional mowers that lag or stall, this one offers a seamless, customizable experience. It handles different terrains well and saves time with its simple deck adjustments.
Honestly, it makes yard work less of a chore and more of a quick, satisfying task.
PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1
- ✓ Lightweight and maneuverable
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 system
- ✓ Easy height adjustment
- ✕ Limited to small yards
- ✕ No self-propulsion
| Engine Displacement | 144cc 4-stroke OHV |
| Cutting System | 3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, bagging) |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6 positions, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 62 lbs |
| Starting Mechanism | Start/stop control lever |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
The moment I fired up this PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 lawn mower, I immediately noticed how effortless it was to start with its intuitive start/stop control lever. No fumbling or pulling, which is a relief after dealing with stubborn mowers before.
The 144cc engine roared to life smoothly, giving me confidence that it could handle my small yard with ease.
What really stood out is how lightweight it feels—just 62 pounds—making it super easy to push around tight corners and narrow spaces. Its compact size means I don’t have to wrestle it through tricky spots, which saves time and energy.
The versatility of the 3-in-1 cutting system impressed me; I switched between mulching and side discharge without any fuss, tailoring my mowing to the lawn’s needs.
Adjusting the height was a breeze with six simple settings, letting me choose between 1.5 and 3.9 inches for that perfect finish. The mower glides smoothly across the grass, and the adjustable height ensures I get a clean cut whether I want a neat or a more natural look.
Plus, the mulching feature finely chops grass clippings, which helps reduce waste and feeds my lawn naturally.
Overall, this mower feels sturdy yet nimble, making yard work less of a chore. The safety feature with the quick stop control adds peace of mind, especially if I need to step away suddenly.
For small to medium yards, it’s a reliable, easy-to-use option that makes lawn care straightforward and efficient.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Quiet and eco-friendly
- ✓ Cuts cleanly and precisely
- ✕ Less effective on tall grass
- ✕ Not ideal for wet conditions
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Blade Type | 4-blade reel |
| Wheel Diameter | 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Blade Height Adjustment | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| Maximum Grass Height | 4 inches |
As I was pulling this mower across my lawn, I noticed how smoothly those tiny 8.5-inch polymer wheels rolled over uneven patches without a hiccup. It surprised me because I expected a small, lightweight mower to feel flimsy, but this one felt surprisingly sturdy and easy to control.
The 14-inch cutting width is just right for my small yard, and I love how quiet it is—no engine noise to disturb the neighborhood. The 4-blade reel cuts cleanly without tearing at the grass, which keeps my turf healthy and green.
I also appreciate how lightweight it is at just 19 pounds; I could carry it around easily without feeling exhausted.
Adjusting the blade height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches is straightforward, and it handles grass up to 4 inches tall pretty well—though I wouldn’t recommend it for really tall, wet grass. The reel action is gentle and doesn’t bruise the blades, making it a great eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers.
My only real concern is that it’s less effective on thicker, wetter grass. I’ve learned to mow in dry conditions and to overlap my passes a bit more to get a clean cut.
Overall, this mower makes tidying up my small lawn quick, quiet, and fuss-free.
AMERISUN 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower 170cc AV8621S1
- ✓ Powerful 170cc engine
- ✓ Self-propelled for easier use
- ✓ Easy height adjustments
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Heavier than some electric mowers
| Engine Displacement | 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6-position single-lever, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Drive System | Rear wheel drive (RWD) self-propelled |
| Deck Material | Reinforced steel |
| Blade Type | Heavy-duty blade |
As I lifted the AMERISUN 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower out of the box, I immediately appreciated its solid build. The reinforced steel deck felt hefty yet manageable, and the heavy-duty 21-inch blade promised efficiency.
Starting it up was a breeze—thanks to the auto choke system, it fired up with minimal effort even on the first try.
The 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine runs smoothly, providing a surprising amount of power for its size. I took it to a patch of overgrown grass, and the self-propelled rear-wheel drive kicked in effortlessly, making the whole process less tiring.
The rear-wheel drive system gave me confident traction on slopes and uneven terrain, eliminating the usual pushing struggle.
The single-lever height adjustment made switching between different grass lengths quick and easy—no fuss or multiple levers to adjust. The handle folds flat, so storing it in my shed was simple, and setup straight out of the box took less than five minutes.
I appreciated how light it felt despite its sturdy build, making maneuvering around tight corners a breeze.
Overall, this mower handles well, cuts finely, and starts reliably. The wide cutting deck means fewer passes, saving you time.
It’s a great choice if you want a mower that’s both powerful and easy to operate, especially if you’re tackling a variety of yard conditions.
BILT HARD 21″ Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower
- ✓ Easy to start
- ✓ Smooth self-propulsion
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 deck
- ✕ Single speed limits control
- ✕ Slightly heavy for some
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Engine | 201cc 4-stroke OHV engine |
| Torque | 9.0 ft·lb |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 1.2 to 3.75 inches via single lever |
| Drive System | Rear-wheel drive with single-speed self-propelled |
| Deck Material | Steel with 3-in-1 mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities |
As I pushed this BILT HARD 21″ self-propelled mower across my uneven lawn, I immediately appreciated how smoothly it glided thanks to the rear-wheel drive. The moment I engaged the self-propel feature, I felt like I was barely exerting any effort—even with thick patches of grass.
The handle, wrapped in foam and angled just right, stayed comfortable even during extended mowing sessions, reducing fatigue right away.
The 3-in-1 steel deck proved versatile. I tested mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging, and each function worked seamlessly.
The large 21-inch cutting deck covered ground quickly, which saved me a lot of time. Adjusting the height was straightforward: a single lever moved all four wheels, letting me switch from a close-cut to a taller mow in seconds.
Starting the mower was a breeze—no choke, no primer needed. Just a quick pull on the recoil and it roared to life, ready to go.
The 201cc engine delivered plenty of power, even through thick grass, without any hesitation. Overall, it’s a reliable, sturdy machine that makes yard work feel less like a chore and more like a breeze.
While the mower handles large lawns with ease, the single speed might feel limiting if you prefer more control over your pace. Also, at just over 40 pounds, it’s manageable but not the lightest option out there.