We tested each mower for ease of use, versatility and value for money
Mowing the lawn is a key job at this time of year when the grass is growing fast. If you have a large, complex or sloping garden and want to take the strain out of mowing, then a self-propelled lawn mower is the answer. These mowers offer an extra boost thanks to a drive bar on the handle that makes the mower move forward. You don’t have to push it, just walk behind, guiding it where you want to go.
They are heavier than push mowers, but tend to be the larger mowers on the market with a wider cutting width. This makes them ideal for bigger lawns, saving you both time and effort. To see what you get for your money, we tested seven cordless self-propelled mowers, ranging in price from around £400 to over £900 (including battery and charger). They were all suitable for medium or large lawns and were unpacked, assembled and used to mow a range of grass and terrains. The following criteria were used to assess the mowers, with equal weight given to each:
■ Setup and storageAssessed the ease of assembly and clarity of instructions, how simple the mower is to store and the battery charge time.
■ HandlingLooked at comfort and ease of use, handle height adjustment and how to change the height of cut, along with weight, noise levels and battery run time. Collection-bag size and material were also considered.
■ MowingFocused on cutting width, the range of cutting heights, and any features, such as speed control and mulching options.
■ Value for moneyConsidered all the above, as well as quality and design, warranty and the price, including battery and charger.
Self-propelled mowers explained
SCORE: 16/20
MOWERS IN PRICE ORDER
Greenworks 24V+24V lawn mower 46cm SP
£434.99
Cutting width 46cm Weight 27.5kg Battery size 48V (2 x 24V) 4Ah Run time/area 480m2Warranty 3 years
Steel deck. Speed control, but slow. Seven cutting heights: 25-80mm. Mulching and side discharge options. 55L collection bag. Safety key. Folds for storage, but fiddly.
Pros & cons ✔ Comfortable, quiet and long run time ✔ Good value for the features ✔ Compatible with Greenworks 24V battery system ✘ Feels heavy, especially when changing the cutting height ✘ Fiddly to build and store