Picking a new push mower shouldn’t feel like guesswork. The wrong cutting width eats your Saturday, the wrong drive system turns flat ground into a workout, and the wrong power source clashes with how your yard actually behaves. I’ve sorted through seven solid options for 2026, covering everything from compact cordless models for tight suburban patches to gas-driven workhorses built for bigger lawns. Each one fits a slightly different profile, and the notes below are meant to help you land on the right match without overthinking it.
The Choices Worth Comparing
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
Casince 17in Cordless Walk-Behind Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Mower
EGO POWER+ LM2135SP Self-Propelled Cordless Mower
PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower
Litheli 40V 16 Inch Cordless Push Mower
The Details Behind The Selections
The Greenworks 80V lands at the top of this list because it threads a needle most cordless mowers struggle with: a generous 21-inch steel deck paired with serious battery muscle. A brushless motor (which uses electronic magnets instead of carbon brushes for less friction and longer life) keeps things quiet compared to a gas engine, and the included 4.0Ah battery charges in roughly an hour, so downtime stays short.
For most homeowners with a quarter-acre lot, the single-lever height adjustment means you can shift grass height in one motion instead of fiddling with four separate wheels. This is the kind of machine that quietly handles routine Saturday mowing without making you think about it.
Real Benefits
- The 80V platform delivers enough torque to push through thick patches without bogging down, a step up from typical 40V consumer cordless mowers.
- The 21-inch steel deck covers ground quickly, trimming mowing time on medium-to-large suburban lots.
- Brushless motor operation keeps noise low enough for early-morning sessions without complaints from neighbors.
- Rapid charger gets the 4.0Ah battery back to full in around 60 minutes, so a second pass is realistic the same day.
Things To Consider
- Run-time varies with grass thickness and cutting height, so you may find a single battery covers under 60 minutes in dense growth.
- At 21 inches wide, it’s a longer unit than the Casince or Litheli, which can make cornering in tight garden beds slightly harder.
Key Specs
Right Fit For
Homeowners with medium-to-large flat lawns who want the simplicity of cordless without sacrificing deck width.
Consider Something Else When
Anyone with steep slopes or uneven terrain will find the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP’s self-propelled drive easier on the legs.
The PowerSmart EasyCut is the kind of no-nonsense walk-behind that makes sense for small yards where you don’t need bells and whistles. A 144cc 4-cycle engine (meaning it runs on straight gasoline without needing a separate oil mix) delivers reliable cutting power, and the auto-choke system takes the usual starting headaches off the table.
Side discharge keeps the design simple and light, and the 18-inch deck is a comfortable middle-ground for lawns up to about a third of an acre. In my view, this is the mower for someone who just wants the job done without thinking about batteries or runtime charts.
What Works In Its Favor
- Auto choke plus primer bulb simplifies cold starts, a real plus if you dread pull-cord struggles.
- 5-position height adjustment covers a useful range from close-cropped to a longer summer cut.
- Side-discharge setup handles tall, thick grass without the extra weight or cost of a bagger.
Worth Noting
- At 18 inches, it takes more passes than the 21-inch Greenworks or PowerSmart EasyGlide on open lawn.
- Gas engines need periodic oil checks and spark plug service, which cordless models skip entirely.
- Without rear-wheel drive, hilly lawns demand more pushing effort than a self-propelled alternative.
Best Suited To
First-time mower owners with smaller flat yards who want a gas machine without complexity.
Look Elsewhere When
Anyone wanting a wider cutting path and three-in-one clipping versatility should consider the PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch instead.
The Casince 17-inch is a tidy, approachable cordless mower built for tight lawns and tighter storage closets. Two 20V batteries run in series (stacked together) to deliver 40V of total power, and the six height settings span a practical range from about 1 to 3 inches, covering most seasonal preferences.
For small-to-medium yards where a 21-inch deck is overkill, this one cuts cleanly without dominating the shed. The trade-off shows up in coverage area: it covers around 5,380 square feet per charge, which sounds generous but shrinks fast in thick or damp grass.
Notable Gains
- 17-inch deck and compact frame navigate narrow side yards and tight gates with less wrestling.
- Six height positions give finer control over cut length than a typical 5-position setup.
- Dual-battery system keeps a spare charged so a second mowing session can happen without waiting.
Room For Improvement
- The smaller deck means noticeably more passes than the Greenworks 80V on any lawn over a quarter acre.
- Runtime tops out near 40 minutes in light conditions, so heavy spring growth may force you to stop mid-lawn.
Feature Snapshot
Who It Suits Best
Apartment dwellers, townhouse owners, and anyone with a small lawn who values compact storage over deck width.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
People managing half-acre-plus lots will appreciate the wider 21-inch deck and longer runtime of the Greenworks 80V more.
The EasyGlide steps up from the smaller EasyCut with a wider 21-inch steel deck and three clipping options, bagging, mulching, and side discharge, all in one frame. The same 144cc 4-stroke engine powers it, but the larger cutting path and stabilized body make it feel more capable on tougher jobs.
Where the EasyCut is built for small yards, the EasyGlide lives in the mid-size range. Depending on your clippings preference, you can switch modes without swapping machines, a real advantage through fall leaf cleanups or summer growth surges.
What Earns Its Place
- 21-inch deck with three clipping modes covers more ground and adapts to seasonal yard conditions.
- Auto choke and primer design reduce starting effort, which matters for first-time gas mower owners.
- Steel deck construction handles the kind of bumps and rough patches that punish lighter plastic decks.
Points To Keep In Mind
- It’s a push mower without drive assist, so long, sloped lawns tire the arms faster than the self-propelled PowerSmart 21-Inch.
- Gas engine ownership means occasional tune-ups, which cordless alternatives eliminate.
Made For
Homeowners with mid-size lawns who want a single gas mower that handles bagging, mulching, and discharge without compromise.
Swap It Out When
Anyone with steep grades or fatigue concerns should consider the rear-wheel-drive PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled instead.
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the heavyweight in the cordless corner, packing a 56V battery system and a self-propelled drivetrain into a single 21-inch machine. It ships with both a 7.5Ah battery and an extra 5.0Ah battery, which is unusual for this category and immediately stretches the runtime beyond single-battery competitors.
The Select Cut multi-blade system (three interchangeable lower blades for mulching, bagging, or extended runtime) lets owners tune the cut to the lawn. For most backyards with slopes, this is the cordless option that genuinely competes with mid-size gas mowers on muscle and endurance.
Why It Works Well
- Self-propelled drive takes the pushing load off, a noticeable difference on hills or large properties.
- Twin-battery bundle effectively doubles runtime compared to most single-battery cordless mowers on this list.
- Interchangeable Select Cut blades give real control over whether you bag, mulch, or extend runtime per session.
Honest Caveats
- Self-propelled systems add noticeable weight, which can feel bulky in tight garden beds.
- Battery and charger ecosystem represents a larger upfront investment than simpler 40V platforms like the Litheli.
Feature Rundown
Who Should Grab It
Homeowners with larger or sloped lawns who want cordless convenience without giving up drive assist or runtime.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Shoppers managing small flat lawns can skip the self-propelled drive and save with the simpler Greenworks 80V or Casince 17-inch.
Of the seven picks here, this PowerSmart is the most rugged work-oriented option. A 170cc OHV engine (overhead-valve design for better fuel efficiency and cooler running) feeds a rear-wheel-drive system, which means the drive wheels push the mower forward instead of dragging it from the front. On hills, that difference is huge.
The 21-inch steel deck and 3-in-1 versatility (bag, mulch, side discharge) make it a flexible workhorse. You may find the extra torque valuable if your lawn includes uneven patches, thick weeds, or grass that other mowers struggle to finish cleanly.
Bright Spots
- Rear-wheel drive delivers real traction on slopes, a clear upgrade over front-wheel push mowers like the EasyGlide.
- 170cc engine offers more cutting muscle than the 144cc EasyCut, which helps in tall or wet grass.
- 3-in-1 clipping system adapts to seasonal needs without buying extra attachments.
Trade-Offs
- Gas engine maintenance, including oil changes, spark plugs, and fuel stabilizer, is more involved than any cordless option.
- Heavier overall weight can be tiring on flat ground if you don’t need the drive assist.
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Homeowners with hilly, uneven, or thick lawns who want gas power with drive assist and don’t mind routine engine upkeep.
Skip It When
Flat-lawn owners who value quiet, low-maintenance operation will find the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP a more relaxed experience.
The Litheli rounds out the list as the lightest, most storage-friendly option. A 16-inch cutting deck and 40V brushless motor keep weight low enough that carrying it down apartment stairs or sliding it into a closet feels reasonable. Both 5.0Ah batteries need to be inserted to operate, which is an unusual requirement and worth knowing upfront.
Six adjustable cutting heights from 25 to 75 mm cover most lawn preferences, and the 50L collection bag handles clippings without constant emptying. For most small-yard situations, the Litheli covers the basics without bulk.
A Favorable Mix
- Lightweight 16-inch frame is the easiest of the seven to carry, store, or wheel up apartment stairs.
- Brushless motor cuts maintenance to virtually nothing, no oil, no spark plugs, no carburetor cleaning.
- Six height settings cover the same practical range as larger competitors, so cut quality doesn’t suffer.
Where It Is Less Suited
- 16-inch deck means more passes than any other mower on this list, a real cost on lawns over a quarter acre.
- Both batteries must be installed to run, so charging one while using the other isn’t an option.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
People with small lawns, balconies, or limited storage who want a quiet, low-effort cordless mower that disappears between uses.
Not Your Match When
Anyone managing a larger suburban yard will save real time with the wider 21-inch Greenworks 80V or PowerSmart EasyGlide.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Push Lawnmowers
Cutting Deck Width And Lawn Size
The deck width determines how many passes you make. A 16- to 17-inch mower fits tight spaces and small lawns, but you’ll walk more laps. A 21-inch deck cuts more grass per pass and makes sense once you cross roughly a third of an acre. The Litheli and Casince are the compact picks, while the Greenworks, PowerSmart EasyGlide, and PowerSmart 21-Inch cover wide swaths in fewer passes.
Power Source: Cordless Versus Gas
Cordless mowers run quieter, skip oil changes, and start with the push of a button. Gas mowers deliver longer runtime and stronger torque for thick, wet grass. Cordless models like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP now match gas performance in many yards, but gas options like the PowerSmart 21-Inch still lead on raw cutting muscle and unlimited refueling.
Drive System And Terrain
Flat lawns are fine with any push mower. Slopes change everything. Rear-wheel-drive gas mowers like the PowerSmart 21-Inch and self-propelled cordless options like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP carry the mower forward instead of relying on your arms. If your yard has any meaningful grade, drive assist is the upgrade that pays off most.
Clipping Versatility And Maintenance
3-in-1 mowers (bag, mulch, side discharge) adapt to seasonal changes without extra attachments. The PowerSmart EasyGlide and PowerSmart 21-Inch both offer this. Side-discharge-only designs like the PowerSmart EasyCut keep things simpler but less flexible. Cordless models skip most engine upkeep, while gas engines need oil, spark plugs, and clean carburetors over the years.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
A frequent mistake is matching mower size to lawn ambition rather than actual square footage. A 16-inch mower on a half-acre lawn turns into a two-hour chore when a 21-inch deck would finish in 45 minutes. The opposite trap is buying a wide self-propelled gas mower for a 500-square-foot patch where a compact cordless model like the Litheli handles the job with less hassle.
Another slip is ignoring storage. A 21-inch steel deck needs floor space, and bulkier self-propelled models need even more. Measure your shed or closet before committing.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Stepping up to premium picks like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP buys a self-propelled drivetrain, multi-blade Select Cut system, and a twin-battery bundle that simpler cordless models skip. Rear-wheel drive on the PowerSmart 21-Inch costs more but delivers real traction on slopes. Higher-tier mowers tend to use steel decks over plastic and brushless motors over brushed, both of which extend service life noticeably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cordless push mower batteries typically last?
Most cordless mower batteries in this list run between 30 and 60 minutes per charge, depending on grass thickness and cutting height. The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP bundle extends runtime further with its included spare battery.
Are gas push mowers harder to maintain than cordless ones?
Yes, gas engines need periodic oil changes, spark plug replacement, and fuel stabilizer for off-season storage. Cordless mowers like the Greenworks 80V or Litheli skip nearly all of that.
What’s the difference between a push mower and a self-propelled mower?
A push mower relies entirely on your effort to move forward, while a self-propelled mower drives its own wheels. Rear-wheel drive, like on the PowerSmart 21-Inch, helps most on hills and uneven terrain.
Do I need a 21-inch deck for a small yard?
Not necessarily. Compact decks like the 16-inch Litheli or 17-inch Casince work well for tight lawns and reduce storage demands. A wider deck only becomes valuable past a third of an acre.
Can a cordless mower handle thick or wet grass?
Higher-voltage cordless platforms like the 80V Greenworks or 56V EGO POWER+ LM2135SP handle thick growth surprisingly well. In very wet conditions, a gas mower like the PowerSmart 21-Inch still tends to cut more cleanly.
Closing Remarks
The right push mower depends on lawn size, terrain, and how much upkeep you’re willing to handle. Small flat yards are easy: a compact cordless option like the Litheli or Casince gets the job done. Larger properties with slopes benefit from the drive assist and runtime of the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP or the raw torque of the PowerSmart 21-Inch. Match the mower to your yard, and Saturday mornings get a little quieter.