Buyer’s Guide For The Best Lawn Mower Below $200

Taking good care of your lawn or garden requires a fundamental skill of which gadget to use for your lawn type. Budget and personal preference play a significant role before buying any instrument or machine. There are wide varieties of lawnmowers in the market that will overwhelm you when you try to make a purchase. Choosing the best lawn mower depends on a lot of things, such as the type of grass in the lawn and its density.

Here in this article, we would like to enlighten you about a few shortlisted lawnmowers which will cater to most of your needs, and you can get it at a reasonable price below $200.

What Should Concern You Before You Purchase A Lawn Mower?

Knowing your tool and its specifications that suit your purpose is a crucial factor. Before buying the best lawn mower below $200, you must go through these easy guide that will let you know the elements before the purchase.

Lawn size:

As a general rule of thumb, push lawn mowers are only recommended for those with yards of half an acre or less. Any more significant than this, and you’ll likely have trouble mustering up the energy to mow the whole area, as you have to push the mower around. Even with a self-propelled mower, this is a tiring task, especially during the summer!

If you have more than half an acre of yard to mow, you’re better off with a riding mower, which you’ll sit on as you navigate around your lawn.

Terrain:

You’ll also want to consider the ground of your yard when buying a lawnmower. Is it mostly flat and clear? Or are there hills and obstacles to navigate? Homeowners with small, relatively flat lawns are usually content with a standard push mower or even a reel mower. Still, if you have hills to navigate, a self-propelled mower can take some of the strain out of the task, as it uses the engine to power the wheels, giving you a hand when you’re on a hill. Similarly, if you have rocks, flower beds, fountains, or other lawn decorations to mow around, you may want to consider a zero-turn-radius mower, which can be steered around obstacles much more quickly than a standard ride-on.

Power supply:

As mentioned above, there are two main ways to power lawn mower; gas and electricity. Each of them has pros and cons. Gas mowers typically have more power and can easily last the full duration of your mowing sessions, but maintenance is a little more complicated, and these machines often start with a pull cord, which can be tough for some people to use.

On the other hand, cordless electric mowers are quieter, cleaner, and easier to start, but they are generally not as powerful and can’t be run for as long per charge. Corded electric mowers give you unlimited run time, but some people find it inconvenient to have a cord trailing behind as you mow.

Deck size:

Deck size essentially dictates how wide the blades on your mower are. A bigger deck means you require bigger leaves. Decks range from around 20″ to 70″ or larger, but most homeowners opt for a width of between 30″ and 60″.

More extensive decks can cut more significant paths on each pass, which means it will take less time to mow your lawn—but only if your yard is relatively flat and uniform in shape. More extensive decks can cut straight paths quickly, but they make it harder to navigate around obstacles like flower beds, trees, and bushes. Smaller decks are more comfortable to maneuver, but require more passes on straight, open areas.

Grass clippings:

Lawnmowers can deal with cut grass in several ways. The least expensive option is to buy a side-discharge mower, which spits grass clippings back out onto your lawn. Many homeowners leave the grass clippings on their yard, as they will disintegrate and act as fertilizer, helping to cultivate a lush, beautiful covering. However, if your excerpts are thick and clumpy, they may have the opposite effect, harming your lawn. In these situations, you’ll have to rake the clippings up, doing more work for yourself.

The other standard option is a mower with a bagger. These machines are typically more expensive, as you have to buy a bag separately, but they save you from having to rake your yard, as they collect clippings as you go. However, if you have a large yard, keep in mind that you may need to empty the bag more than once when you mow. You’ll also have to find a way to dispose of the clipping you collect, whether you compost them or bag them up to be recycled.

Attachments:

If you choose a riding lawn mower, you may want one that’s compatible with various accessories, as this can significantly increase the utility of your machine. Some popular attachments (which you have to buy separately) include dump carts, rakes, lawn aerators, fertilizer spreaders, lawn rollers, and more.

There are a variety of accessories available to add additional functionality to your lawnmower. Perhaps the most common accessory is a bagger that will capture grass clippings as you mow your lawn. These are available for both walk-behind and ride-on mowers, and they can make your life a lot easier if you don’t want to leave the clippings strewn about your yard.

There are plenty of other lawn mower accessories available, but many are exclusive to ride-on styles. Some popular options include:

• Utility carts for transporting tools and materials
• Dump carts
• Snowblowers
• Lawn aeration tools
• Fertilizer spreaders
• Lawn rollers

Warranties:

Unless you’re skilled at fixing power equipment, you’ll likely want a warranty to protect your new lawnmower. Most manufacturers offer limited warranties for a set number of years—typically around 4 to 5—or a certain number of hours. However, these warranties only cover defects in material or craft under regular use and maintenance.

Depending on where you purchase your new lawnmower, you may be able to purchase an additional protection plan for an added fee. For instance, Home Depot offers a 3-year protection plan that covers failures due to power surges, dust, heat, mechanical defects, and more. If you’re typically rough on your machinery, this type of additional coverage may be a sound investment.

Types of Lawn Mowers

Riding Lawn Mower

Riding lawn mowers are popular among homeowners will big yards, as they allow you to sit on top of the machine, driving it around with a steering wheel. You may also see variations of riding lawn mowers that you steer with a lap bar instead of a wheel.

This style of lawnmower makes it easy and effortless to cut large areas of grass, but they are bigger and, therefore, harder to store. Not to mention, riding lawn mowers are more expensive than other styles.

Push Lawn Mowers

Courtesy of LoOn the other hand, there are push mowers, which require more manual effort on your part. This style of lawnmower requires you to push it around the yard, using your muscles to create enough momentum cut through the tall grass—a draining task in the summer, especially if your yard is on the bigger side. Push mowers are smaller and significantly less expensive than riding mowers, generally costing between $100 and $400.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

These machines look similar to push mowers, but they require fewer human resources to operate. Self-propelled lawn mowers use power from the engine to turn the wheels—kind of like in your car—which means you don’t have to push them around the lawn. Instead, you merely guide them as they do the heavy lifting.

They are incredibly beneficial if you have a sloped yard or more area to cover, and they tend to result in a more even cut, as you’re not jerking them around. However, you don’t have as much control over the speed as you do with standard push mowers.

Electric Lawn Mowers

Electric lawnmowers are powered by electricity instead of gas. They come in both cordless and corded styles, and while the majority are push mowers, there are also some self-propelled and riding options available. Some people prefer electric lawn mowers because they create less pollution and are typically quieter than gas models. Plus, they are generally easier to start using a push-button instead of a pull cord.

The downside of electric lawnmowers is that they are less potent than gas mowers and may not be able to complete a full cut on one charge if your yard is large and you have a cordless mower.

Zero-Turn-Radius Lawn Mowers

Zero-turn radius lawnmowers, also called ZTR mowers, make navigating around your yard a breeze. This type of ride-on machine has front caster wheels that pivot at sharper angles, making it quick and easy to take turns and trim around obstacles in your yard. This advanced feature makes these mowers more expensive.

Reel Lawn Mowers

People typically think of reel lawn mowers as old lawnmowers. These machines use a vertical blade that spins north-to-south, and unlike most mowers today, they generally do not have a motor. Instead, the momentum you create while pushing the machine causes the blade to spin.

Reel mowers are only practical for those with very small lawns, as they require a hefty amount of human resources to operate. However, the plus side is that these are one of the least expensive.

Robotic Lawn Mowers

One of the up-and-coming styles of lawn mowers is the robotic or “smart” mower, which lets you mow your yard without lifting a finger. Once you set up a perimeter wire around the area you want to be mowed a robotic lawn mower will do the job all on its own, so you can sit back and watch. Many robotic mowers can be monitored or scheduled via your smartphone, and they’re a lot quieter than gas mowers, as they run on electricity.

Like any new technology, there are downsides to this type of lawnmower. For one, you have to set up the perimeter wire, and most robotic models can’t navigate uneven terrain or extreme slopes. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your yard is free from sticks or other obstacles that could potentially damage your machine, so it’s not a completely hands-off experience.

Top 15 Best Lawn Mowers Below $200

1. GreenWorks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25022

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2P897QC

This a 20-inch steel deck electric lawnmower, which is by far the best lawn mower below $200.

Basic Features:

It has a 3-In-1 facility of mulching, side discharge, and has a rear bag.

It has a 7-position height adjustment that offers a range of cutting height from 1-1/2 to 3-3/4 inches for all grass types.

The drive system is manual with a push-button operation and a powerful 12 Amp motor.

It has a 10-inch reach and a 7-inch front wheel width.

Pros:

• It is backed with a 4-year tool warranty.
• There is less noise produced while using this lawnmower, and it is very smooth.
• It has foldable handles for compact storage.
• It causes no smoke as it is electric powered and does not require fuel.

Cons:

• The extension cord is not included in the product. You will have to purchase it separately.
• There is an issue with the mower not working up to its mark while moved over very thing growth of grasses.

Final Verdict:

This corded electric lawn mower is undoubtedly the best lawn mower below $200. It has a high power capacity with a high range of clearing large areas with a hardy extension cord. It is easy to push around without much effort. It is an advisable smart buy.

2. Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 14 inch 13 Amp Electric Lawn Mower w/Side Discharge Chute, 14

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2VXsEVc

This pro version lawn mower is a smaller electric lawn mower that delivers the power of a gas machine with the convenience of an electric unit.

Basic Features:

This lawnmower comes equipped with a hard top rear collection bag that detaches easily for convenient grass disposal; the included discharge chute, ideal for cutting taller grass, safely discharges clippings without clogging the mower deck.

It comes with a powerful 13-amp motor cuts a 14-inch full path with a tailor cutting height with 3-position height control.

It also includes 10.6 gal bags and discharge chute.

Pros:

• There are no pre-tune-ups required before use.
• The durable steel blades cut the grass with precision.
• It is lightweight, which makes it easy for maneuvering.

Cons:

• The product is of lower quality that has chances of wearing off quickly.
• It is not doable for dense grasses.

Final Verdict:

Apart from the quality complains, the ratio of its praise is much higher. After all, it is a machine, and few of them come out faulty. It a well-approved suggestion to purchase this product and is marked as the second-best lawn mower below $200.

3. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2VYNmnF

This push lawn mower provides a clean, precise, scissor-like cut for your lawn, & no fuel is required.

Basic Features:

It has a 14″ cutting width, polymer wheels with a 4-blade ball bearing reel, and 8.5″ composite wheels.

It comes with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-1.75″.

To provide a clean, scissor-like cut every time, the blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel to stay sharp longer.

The 4-blade reel offers supreme versatility for multiple grass types.

Pros:

• It is an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers.
• It has deficient maintenance as no oil is required, which makes it more greasy and tough to keep clean.
• Its lightweight makes the mower to be easily moved by the user.

Cons:

• It is not very compatible with undulating surfaces.
• The ground must be free of any hard debris as it does not function well if hard debris lies over the grass.

Final Verdict:

It can be counted as one of the most efficient lawnmowers. Due to its lightweight, a teenaged person can also operate it with ease. The low maintenance keeps tension-free storage when not in use. The smaller size also allows a compact room.

4. Greenworks 16-Inch 10 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25142

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2N3sAPF

This corded electric lawn mower is an easily transformable machine that is efficient and comes at a fair price below $200.

Basic Features:

Its 10 Amp electric motor delivers enough power to cut through touch grass while the durable 16-Inch cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently.

A 5 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting heights from 5/8-Inch to 2-5/8-Inch for the perfect cut on all types of grass.

There are 7-Inch rear wheel and 6-Inch front wheels.

Pros:

• It gets converted easily from the rear bag to mulch.
• The foldable handle provides easy and compact storage.
• It operates smoothly without any noise.
• There is no use of oil and hence, no smoke due to fuel.

Cons:

• There are mild issues regarding the startup of the engine. Prior checking is advisable before buying.

Final Verdict:

The vacuum effect also makes the mower work like a Flow-Bee, sucking the blades of grass upright so the mower will cut them more precisely, and it also helps catch struggling blades of grass along the edges. Best of all, the mower vacuums everything up, leaving the area perfectly clean and manicured, like the lawn just walked out of a barbershop!

5. The great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2MZ8RRd

Skip the gas. Skip the oil. Skip the fumes. Skip the cords. Skip the noise. You don’t need any of it, not when you’ve got this lawnmower.

Basic Features:

It has a quick, adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-1.75″ for a clean, even cut every time with a 14″ cutting width, 5-Blade ball bearing reel, and 8.5″ composite wheels

Blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for stay sharp longer

Pros:

• This reel mower doesn’t have an engine which means they don’t produce emissions or make noise
• This mower is lightweight and easy to push and can be maneuvered in any yard.
• They are simple to store, whether you park them in your garage or hang them on the wall.

Cons:

• This mower goes good with low grass and not a dense overgrowth.
• Being too lightweight, issues are cropping up regarding the durability of the product material.

Final Verdict:

If kept under proper care and used for the trimming of decent lawn grasses, this is the perfect lawn mower serving the purpose.

6. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Green

Product Link: https://amzn.to/32zOBft

The classic push reel mower is a clean, quiet, and healthy way to take care of your lawn.

Basic Features:

The lawnmower features a wider-than-average 20-inch cutting width that reduces time and effort on your part.

The easy-to-use quick-snap height adjusters provide fingertip control over your blade height for precision cuts. Adjustable from one to three inches, they easily fit into nine different height slots and stay securely locked in place thanks to quick-snap technology.

The lawnmower features two 10-inch composite wheels with radial tires plus two six-inch tracking wheels for added maneuverability.

Pros:

• Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip provides excellent comfort while using.
• It has a hassle-free assembly unit, which is very easy to follow.
• It is lightweight and hence, easy to operate.

Cons:

• The parts need to be well attached and assembled by the manufacturer so that they don’t wear away.
• It becomes stiff to the setting that makes it difficult to operate.

Final Verdict:

No noise. No pollution. No gas. No cord. No battery. Self-sharpening. It provides a good deal of work-out and will keep your lawn looking beautiful. It is a smart buy of a lawnmower below $200!

7. Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 250528

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2Bti9zh

This eco-friendly product has a zero carbon footprint. It assures never to release an ounce of carbon emission into the air.

Basic Features:

The 16″ cutting path gets the job done quicker and more efficiently.

While the 4 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting height from 1 1/8″ to 2 1/4″ for the perfect cut on all grass types.

It comes with 10″ front wheels and 2″ rear rollers that make it easy to maneuver across your lawn.

Pros:

• Its 2-in-1 feature provides mulching and rear bag capabilities.
• It does not require any pre-tune-ups or heavy maintenance during storage.

Cons:

• It takes more time than a gas or electric mower. Again, because it’s a manual mower.
• The grass catcher bag is pretty small and fills up very quickly.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly mower and enjoy the idea of getting some light exercise while doing yard work, this is the right lawnmower for you and your lawn.

If you are someone who complains about putting time and effort into things, you could probably call a landscaper.

8. BLACK+DECKER MTE912 12-Inch Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger and Mower, 6.5-

Product Link: https://amzn.to/32DYU24

It is an all in one lawnmower, string trimmer, and edger. Offering the ultimate in small yard and garden versatility, this is the lawnmower you must think.

Basic Features:

It features a durable mower base deck with four wheels that secures the mower, string trimmer/edger with a 12-inch cutting swath.

The foot pedal release allows for quick insertion and removal of the trimmer/edger as you move from mowing to trimming or edging. The mower deck also features two height adjustment options that raise or lower all four wheels.

The 12-inch trimmer/edger features a gear-driven transmission to maintain constant speed that won’t bog down while trimming, and the is AFS for continuous and automatic line advancement without the need for bumping.

Pros:

• It offers a lightweight, ergonomic design with adjustable height and handles positions, which provide maximum comfort and control.
• Due to its small size and less weight, it can be compactly stored.

Cons:

• It does not come with an extension power cord.
• It is not compatible with large lawns and heavy-duty grasses.

Final Verdict:

This is a recommended corded electric mower that comes with a unique 3 in 1 quality. Although it is light duty equipment, it is an all-rounder for your home lawn.

9. Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower, w/Rear Discharge Chute

Product Link: https://amzn.to/31wCqyv

Ditch the cord and gas, and cut the grass this completely cordless counterpart of Sun Joe’s best-selling electric mower.

Basic Features:

Perfect for small to medium lawns, the environment -friendly, battery-powered mower’s durable steel blade cuts a crisp 14″ wide path with precision in a single pass. It features convenient 3-position manual height control to tailor your turf to just the right height quickly.

The 28 V 4 Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to a quarter acre of continuous mowing per charge.

Pros:

• It comes with a rear discharge chute.
• It is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Cons:

• The handle is not foldable for secure storage.
• It is not useful at all for big lawns or gardens. It does not have the strength to pull off that much power to do so.

Final Verdict:

This is a paradigm shift in lawn mowing that people will be buying this to mow edges and tight spots or just for the sheer pleasure of it!

It’s so light and quiet that you have almost none of the usual mowing fatigue. It’s so light any kid could use it too.

10. Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch, Black

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2Mx1D7U

Reel mowers aren’t only good for the earth, and they’re good for your lawn and community too. In addition to eliminating the need for gasoline or electricity, they also make clean, healthy cuts and are nearly silent.

Basic Features:

The Inertia Drive reel is designed for all grass types, delivering twice the cutting power to glide through tough spots and Stay Sharp cutting system cuts without unwanted contact, greatly reducing wear for long-lasting performance.

Inset wheels allow the blades to extend across the mower’s full 18-inch cut width, and cut height can be easily adjusted from 1-4 inch. It also allows the leaves to spread across the mower’s full width, eliminating uncut strips and edges near foundations and fences.

Pros:

• New reversible grass chute can be positioned to direct clippings forward, away from your feet, or backward and downward.
• This advanced design is 60 percent easier to push than other reel mowers and boasts two times more cutting power than standard models.
• It does not make much noise while in use.

Cons:

• The mower pushes over anything over about 6″ in height and won’t cut it at all.
• It cannot be used to cut wet grass.

Final Verdict:

This mower isn’t for everyone. If you’re buying it expecting it to replace your self-propel gas mower, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. If you legitimately enjoy mowing and you don’t have a big yard, then this is highly recommendable for a good exercise and self-help.

11. GreenWorks MO40B00 MO40L410 Lawn Mower, 14 inch

Product Link: https://qamzn.to/2Buc6un

This efficient cordless battery platform gives you all the power you need to tackle your yard and keep it healthy.

Basic Features:

It uses an efficient 40V Lithium Battery System.

The 14” deck is versatile and lightweight.

The 2-in-1 feature offers rear bagging and mulching capability for multiple uses.

Its single lever 5-position height adjustment offers cutting height range from 1-1/4 inch to 3-3/8-inch for the best cut in all environments.

Pros:

• This lawnmower is shorter (mower portion), skinnier, and can be easily folded down for compact storage.
• There is no engine noise, just the spinning blade.

Cons:

• Even with how light it is, it’s harder to push.2
• It is not suitable to use in undulating and slopey lands.

Final Verdict:

It is an overall good buy for smaller landscapes. It can work up to a long time as the charge is long-lasting.

12. BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM Electric Lawn Mower

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2N3Xpnr

This 3 in 1 lawn mower cum trimmer cum edger is a well to do product at a handsome rate below $200

Basic Features:

The 6.5 amp motor and Power Drive transmission provide maximum performance when trimming through the toughest weeds, grass, and overgrowth.

Automatic feed Spool lets you continue working without bumping or having to stop to adjust the Spool. The Cutting Heights is 1. 6 inches. /2. 4 inches. And Cutting Path is 12 inches.

Pros:

• Easily converts from mower to trimmer to edger for three tools in one.
• The lightweight design with adjustable handle and height positions provide maximum comfort and control.

Cons:

• The power cord has issues of getting jammed at times or only burning out.
• It is not recommended for medium or large lawns as it cannot handle the heavy-duty.

Final Verdict:

The electric supply and the proper earthing is essential as this mower has issues with the short circuit of the power cord. It is overall a decent buy.

13. Snow Joe MJ500M 16 inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher

Product Link: https://amzn.to/32AMrwb

This lawnmower is a no messy gas mower but just an easy-to-use, lightweight, maneuverable and economical push reel mower.

Basic Features:

It features five steel blades with a 16 inches. Cutting width.

I come with a 6.6 gal capacity grass clipper and detaches easily for convenient disposal.

Pros:

• It has a rust-resistant deck.
• It does not require any pre or post-maintenance.
• It comes with a handy rear collection bag to help keep your yard nice and tidy.

Cons:

• It is not a heavy-duty lawn mower and hence cannot trim up large lawns.

Final Verdict:

Due to the lightweight, it has an issue with the bearing of pressure. For a regular work of your fresh grasses that are soft, you can use this mower to easily and clean this up without any hassle.

14. Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2VXt3qG

No more messy gas or oil! Just power up your Mow Joe with the push of a button and watch it’s mighty 13-amp motor mow a 17-inch wide path in a single pass.

Basic Features:

The 12-gallon rear bag detaches easily to dispose of grass clippings quickly. You can even turn your Mow Joe lawn mower into a mulching mower by removing the bag and allowing the grass clippings to insert back into your lawn.

It can Easily tailor the grass cutting height from 0.98 to 2.87 inches using the 7-position height adjustment lever.

Pros:

• It provides the extra security of a safety switch and is backed by a full two-year warranty.
• It comes with a detachable grass collection bag for easy disposal.

Cons:

• It has technical issues regarding the cord and the blade, which in many cases, have worn out unexpectedly.

Final Verdict:

It is very quiet & well balanced. The trim height adjustment is significant, as well. It’s super light and very agile around flower beds and trees. The large back wheels help the mower maneuver more easily.

15. BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH 10 Amp 15″ Electric Lawn Mower

Product Link: https://amzn.to/2W1o9J7

This electric mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver and features a comfort grip handle and peak performance with a winged blade for 30 percent better collection.

Basic Features:

A push-button start makes this gasless lawn mower is easy to use. Optimize cutting for your yard with six height adjustments from 1- 3 inches.

It is a 10 Amp 15″ Electric Lawn Mower.

Pros:

• This mower is lightweight and can be maneuvered easily.
• Rugged wheel treads designed for control in thick grass

Cons:

• The bag fills up quickly.
• It does not come with an extension cord.

Final Verdict:

It is a good buy if you are okay with investing in two extension cords to attach to this one. The comfort of using this lawn mower is perfect.

Conclusion

It can be a challenge finding a decent mower on a tight budget, but it’s not impossible. All of the mowers reviewed here are good options at a price that won’t break the bank.

There are push reel mowers here, battery-powered models, and several electric models. Each type offers its advantages, which we have already sorted out for your convenience. They are all reasonably priced and environmentally friendly, as well.

We have compared a number of the top models on the market and have come up with a list of the best lawn mower below $200 that are worth your money and time. Within this budget, you should be able to find something that can more than get the job done.