Best Gas Push Mower: 7 Models Actually Worth Your Money

Gas mowers still rule American lawns for a reason. Since 2016 we’ve tested over 30 models and mowed hundreds of acres of grass side by side. Finding the best gas push mower that performs well without breaking the bank isn’t as easy as it seems.

Despite the rise of electric options, gas powered push mowers are still the choice for most homeowners. These workhorses typically have engines between 125cc and 170cc, with more cc being more powerful. We’ve put these machines through every condition imaginable – overgrown, dewy grass to dry turf. We’ve also analyzed recent consumer surveys of 18,664 gas walk-behind mowers purchased between 2014 and 2024 to get insight into long term reliability and satisfaction.

After all this research and testing we’ve found the 7 best gas push mowers actually worth your money in 2025. Whether you’re looking for the best gas powered push mower for durability, the best rated gas push mower for performance or just the best push mower gas option for your lawn, we’ve got you covered.

Disclaimer

Toro Personal Pace TimeMaster 21199

The Toro Personal Pace TimeMaster 21199 is the ultimate time saving solution for homeowners with bigger lawns. This mower’s 30″ cutting deck can cut down your mowing time by up to 40% when you compare it to a 21″ mower.

In other words 30% fewer passes across your lawn and you can get your yard work done and move on with your weekend.

At the heart of this mower is a 10.00 ft-lb Gross Torque Briggs & Stratton 223cc OHV engine, plenty of power to handle tough cutting conditions. Plus Toro’s Personal Pace self-propel system adjusts to your walking speed up to 4.5 mph so it’s easy to maneuver despite the 140 pound weight.

What really sets this mower apart is the Dual-Force cutting system with twin 15” blades that finely mulch grass clippings for a healthier, thicker lawn. Plus the Spin-Stop blade stop system lets you step away without restarting the engine – perfect for clearing obstacles or emptying the 2.5 bushel grass bag.

Features:

• Two-point height adjustment (1.25” to 4.25”) for customized cutting
• Quick Stow storage handle with two positions for compact storage
• Washout port for easy cleaning underneath the deck
• Traction Assist handle for better control on uneven terrain
• 3 year full warranty and 3 year guaranteed-to-start warranty

While this mower gets 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 3,100 customers it’s worth noting the 1.2 quart fuel tank needs to be refilled more often on bigger properties. But real users are reporting cutting their mowing time in half – one user cut his mowing time from 90 minutes to 49 minutes.

The $1,599 price tag is a big investment but for homeowners with up to 1 acre of lawn who value time savings and cutting quality the TimeMaster is a great value. So if you want the best gas push mower that saves you time without sacrificing performance the TimeMaster delivers professional grade results for the price.

Note: This product is not available at the moment on their official website. And we could not find it on the amazon or on big other stores.

ExMark Commercial 21 X-Series

Built tough for commercial use, the ExMark Commercial 21 X-Series delivers pro performance in a compact package. This rugged gas push mower has a powerful Kawasaki FJ180V 179cc engine for heavy duty cutting.

One of the best features of this gas powered push mower is the 1-gallon fuel tank, means fewer fill ups and more mowing time. The self-propelled system has infinitely variable speeds from 0 to 4.2 mph so you can match your walking pace without having to change gears.

The X-Series is built with quality and protection in mind. A front engine guard protects vital components when transporting between jobs. And the formed steel wear plates on the cutting deck edges prevent the wear and tear that shortens a mower’s life.

At the heart of this best gas push mower is the 5-inch deep, 1/4-inch thick die-cast aluminum deck that gives you the Exmark cut. The cutting height is 1.0 to 4.5 inches in half-inch increments so it’s versatile for all grass types and conditions.

Other features include:

• Patented front height adjustment system that eliminates traditional pivot-style adjusters
• Easy on/off 2.5-bushel (20-gallon) bag with top-fill visibility
• Single-point rear height adjustment for quick changes

Weighs 117 pounds, 22 inches wide, 38 inches high, 63 inches long. 9-inch semi-pneumatic tires for good traction without the risk of flats.

$1,799. This is the best push mower gas for pros or homeowners who want commercial grade durability and performance that will last for years under heavy use.

Troy-Bilt 140cc TB125B Push Mower

For those looking for value without breaking the bank, the Troy-Bilt 140cc TB125B is one of the best gas push mowers in the affordable category. Designed for small yards, this budget friendly option packs a punch with the Briggs and Stratton 550ex 140cc engine.

So what makes this mower stand out? The TB125B has ReadyStart technology so you don’t have to prime or choke, cold starts are a breeze even for newbies. 3-in-1 functionality means you can mulch, collect clippings in the rear bag or side discharge depending on your lawn’s needs.

The mower has a 21 inch cutting path and 11 inch rear wheels that do great on uneven terrain and longer grass. Height adjustment is easy with 6 positions from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches so you can adjust for different grass types and conditions throughout the season.

The steel deck is durable and will last, the 1.9 bushel rear bag collects clippings for clean up or composting. The mower also has an integrated mulch plug to help keep your lawn healthy. Other specs include 0.8L fuel tank and 15oz oil capacity. The whole package is backed by a 2 year limited warranty.

Priced between $350-$400 the Troy-Bilt TB125B is definitely worth considering as the best gas push mower for the money especially for homeowners with smaller yards who want value without sacrificing features and performance.

Toro Recycler 22-inch 21464

With smart-sensing technology the Toro Recycler 22-inch 21464 adjusts to your walking pace without you having to adjust. This easy to use gas push mower has no manual speed controls with its Personal Pace Auto-Drive system—just grab the handle and go.

The mower is powered by a 6.25 ft-lb Gross Torque Briggs & Stratton EXI 150cc engine with push-button electric start so you don’t have to prime or choke. And with no oil changes needed throughout the life of the engine, just top it off when needed.

The 22-inch cutting deck offers:

• Super Bagger system for easy lifting and no-shake emptying (1.8 bushel capacity)
• Vortex Technology for finer clippings to feed your lawn
• Bag-on-Demand feature to switch between mulching and bagging without removing attachments

Built to last the 21464 has a 14-gage steel deck and weighs 83 lbs. The mower has larger 10-inch rear wheels with enhanced tread patterns for great traction on hills and in damp conditions without tearing up your lawn.

Height adjustment is easy with a 4-point system and cuts from 1.0 to 4.0 inches. The one-piece handle adjusts to two positions for comfortable operation no matter your height.

Toro backs this gas powered push mower with a 3-year guaranteed-to-start promise and 2-year warranty on the mower. Customers are very happy with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars for dependability, performance, ease of use and quality.

Priced at around $599 the Toro Recycler 21464 is in the sweet spot between professional grade features and price for homeowners with up to half an acre of lawn.

Toro 21-inch Super Recycler SmartStow 21565

Premium mulching technology is the name of the game with the Toro 21-inch Super Recycler SmartStow 21565, a high end gas push mower with pro features. 163cc Briggs & Stratton EXi engine, 7.25 ft-lb of torque. Turns grass clippings into “lawn vitamins” with its advanced cutting system.

What really sets this best gas push mower apart is its commercial grade cast aluminum deck, durable without being heavy. The deck has Toro’s dual blade accelerator system with under deck wedges that shave clippings into fine mulch, feeds nutrients back into your lawn for healthier growth.

Storage space issues? Not with this one. SmartStow vertical storage saves up to 70% of floor space in your garage or shed. Plus Personal Pace Auto-Drive system matches your walking speed up to 4 MPH so you don’t have to adjust the speed yourself.

For comfort conscious homeowners the FLEX Handle Suspension technology reduces vibration and strain, like shock absorbers on a sports car. Rear traction high wheels (10-inch rear, 8-inch front) for better maneuverability over uneven ground.

Other features:

• 1.0 to 4.0 inch cutting heights
• 1.8 bushel bag capacity for fewer emptying stops
• Vortex Technology for better airflow and cutting performance
• 3-in-1: mulch, bag, or side discharge

Priced at around $699 this is a premium mower. But with commercial grade construction and 5 year warranties (limited and guaranteed to start) it’s a good investment for up to 1/2 acre lawns.

According to customer reviews the Super Recycler gets high marks (4.4 out of 5 stars from over 500 customers) with landscapers raving about the mulching and durability. In short if you’re looking for the best gas push mower with pro grade mulching this Toro model delivers.

Cub Cadet SC500K 21-inch Mower

For tough terrain, the Cub Cadet SC500K 21-inch Mower combines power with versatility for homeowners with tougher mowing conditions. At its heart is a 173cc commercial-grade Kohler engine for reliable power and easy starting, this is the best gas push mower for demanding yards.

First off, the SC500K excels with its rear-wheel drive system and dual lever control so you can mow with either hand. The 11-inch high rear wheels help you navigate rough ground, making it an excellent choice for properties with slopes or bumpy areas.

Versatility is a key feature with the SC500K’s 3-in-1 capabilities:

• Mulching: Makes fine mulch that goes back into the soil as natural fertilizer
• Side discharge: For longer grasses or informal areas
• Rear bagging: 2.3 bushel capacity for collection

The 21-inch steel deck has a deck wash port for easy maintenance after those tough mow’s. Also has 6 height settings from 1.25 to 3.75 inches for different grass types and seasonal conditions.

Priced at around $679 this is the best rated gas push mower for the money. The self-propelled system matches your walking speed with MySpeed technology so you don’t have to strain while mowing.

Besides power and features the SC500K starts reliably—usually on the first pull. You can also manually push when needed as the weight is manageable, so you have flexibility in use.

After real world testing we found a few limitations: no electric starter means you have to use the recoil pull cord, and the rear wheels will slip when mowing steep slopes. Also extremely thick grass can clog.

3 year limited home warranty, the Cub Cadet SC500K is a good investment for homeowners who want the best gas push mower for the money that can handle various mowing challenges.

Husqvarna W520 20-inch Mower

The Husqvarna W520 20-inch Mower has commercial-grade construction for your residential lawn. This professional-grade gas push mower has a Kawasaki FJ180 KAI engine with 4.6 hp to tackle tough mowing jobs.

The W520 stands out with its self-propelled, variable speed drive system that goes from 2.2 mph to 3.7 mph. The Blade Brake Clutch (BBC) feature stops the blade and keeps the engine running so you can clear obstacles or empty the bag without restarting.

You have three cutting methods:

• Collection with a 2.3 cu.ft dust-blocking fabric bag
• Rear discharge for tall grass
• BioClip® mulching (available as an accessory)

Height adjustments are easy with a central single-lever system with 9 positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The mower glides on 8.27-inch aluminum wheels with rubber tires for great traction without sacrificing durability.

Weighing 112 pounds, this gas powered push mower has ergonomic features like a 2-position height-adjustable handle with soft grip and foldable design for storage. The aluminum chassis has side protection bumpers that protect the mower when cutting along walls or obstacles.

Maintenance is minimal with full-pressure engine lubrication and oil filter. Initially priced around $1,299, it’s in the premium category but professionals and homeowners who want long-term reliability will find great value in the commercial-grade construction.

In fact, with a 2-year warranty, the Husqvarna W520 is a serious investment for those who want durability and professional performance in their best gas push mower.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

After testing dozens of models and mowing hundreds of acres over the years, our research shows that gas push mowers are still the best options for most homeowners in 2025. Of course, each mower on our list excels in different areas so your perfect choice depends on your unique lawn care needs.

Budget conscious shoppers will find the Troy-Bilt TB125B is a great value without sacrificing the essentials. Those with larger properties will want the time saving Toro TimeMaster with its 30 inch cutting width that cuts mowing time in half.

Homeowners with tough terrain will prefer the Cub Cadet SC500K or Husqvarna W520 with their superior traction systems. Professionals looking for commercial grade durability will like the ExMark Commercial 21 X-Series with its heavy duty construction and big fuel tank.

While electric mowers are getting more popular, gas powered mowers still deliver more power and runtime for most residential lawns. The right choice is all about your lawn size, terrain type and your needs.

We recommend you weigh cutting width, engine power and special features against your budget before you decide. Regardless of which one you choose from our list, proper maintenance is key to getting years of use out of your investment.

Whichever mower you choose from our list, you’ll get the technology and design improvements that make today’s gas push mowers more efficient, user friendly and effective than ever before. Your perfect lawn awaits!

Takeaways

After testing over 30 gas push mowers, these 7 are the best value and performance for different homeowner needs in 2025.

• Toro TimeMaster 21199 cuts mowing time by 40% with its 30-inch deck, perfect for larger lawns up to 1 acre for $1,599.
• Budget friendly Troy-Bilt TB125B for $350-$400 with ReadyStart and 3-in-1 for smaller yards.
• Commercial grade ExMark X-Series ($1,799) and Husqvarna W520 ($1,299) for professional durability with aluminum decks and powerful engines for tough conditions.
• Toro Recycler models balance features and price with Personal Pace, electric start and superior mulching for $599-$699.
• Engine size matters: 140cc-179cc engines are enough for most residential lawns, 180cc+ for tougher conditions and thicker grass.

Gas push mowers still rule the market because they provide consistent power, longer runtime and proven reliability that electric can’t match for most homeowners.