Like cars and other vehicles, horsepower is used to measure the power of a lawn mower. And the amount of power you need depends on your lawn and grass type.
Most homeowners prefer using push mowers to keep their lawns in good shape. Probably, you are also in the same league.
That’s why you are searching, “how much horsepower does a push lawn mower need?”
Here, we will explore certain details about push lawn mowers, what you should know before buying, and the power you need.
What is a Push Lawn Mower?
Forget those clunky machines of the past that old movies have been using for pushing lawn mowers. Today’s modern devices are more sleek and efficient.
Another name for a push mower is the reel mower. And it needs you to push it to cut the grass around the garden.
To make the blades go snip, snip, snip on the grass, you need to push it up and down. Keep making passes until you get the desired cut for your garden.
The walk-behind mower is another name for them. That justifies how you use them for the desired function.
Important Features of a Push Lawn Mower
Here, we will cover certain features you should consider before buying your first push lawn mower.
Mocking Deck (or Swath)
This relates to the width of the mower’s deck. More the width, the more grass it cuts in one go, and the fewer passes you need to make for the job.
Usually, push mowers are available with 14-18 inches of deck width. Self-propelled mowers, on the other hand, have wider decks of up to 50 inches.
But you don’t always need a wider deck. Do you know why? If you have flower beds in your garden, you need a narrower deck.
This allows you to maneuver between different plots without causing any damage to the plants.
Blades
The cutting system of a typical push mower comprises five moving blades and a stationary cutting blade. The moving blades push the grass against the stationary one.
Variations are available with 4-9 blade options. But usually, 4-7 blades are considered good for small gardens.
Adjustable Height
The height defines how high you want your garden to grow. Most models come with a maximum cutting height of three inches.
This is a good height if you want your garden to not appear wild. However, you should look for appropriate adjustments to suit your preferences.
Grass Spray
Basically, mowers allow the cut grass to go either in the machine’s front or backward. But some mowers let you choose a sideways spray direction.
The cut grass serves as a fertilizer so it isn’t a problem if it stays on the lawn. However, some people prefer collecting it for preparing the mulch.
If you want to collect the cut grass, look for a model that comes with a grass catcher.
Wheels
Not all gardens are flat. So, you need to take a good look at the types of wheels. Make sure they move easily to avoid hassles while mowing your lawn.
Types of Push Mowers
Choosing the best push mower type ensures smooth cutting of the grass. Let’s explore various options available so you can make the best choice.
Then, we will discuss how much horsepower does a push lawn mower need?
Gas Push Mowers
This type of mower is perfect for big-sized lawns around 0.5 acres. Gas-powered mowers are more powered than electric ones.
It also frees you from the constraints of battery charging or power cords. But you need the right fuel and pull a cord to start this mower.
Electric Push Mowers
If you have a flat lawn that’s smaller in size, a maximum of 1/3 acre, an electric mower is a good choice. They work quietly and offer cleaner results.
- Cordless Electric Mowers: Powered by rechargeable batteries, these mowers offer great mobility. However, charging time varies with the charger and battery quality.
- Corded Electric Mowers: These are more affordable as they don’t need a battery but the corded connection limits the area you can mow.
Reel Push (or Manual) Mowers
These are ideal for flat and small lawns. Reel mowers are the basic variants that work with manual push without needing any cord, battery, or fuel.
However, the smaller cutting width and more effort required to limit the area you can mow at a particular time.
How to Find the Best Push Mower?
The best push mower for you is the one that meets your requirements and falls within your budget. Here’s how you can find the right one:
- Check the mower’s weight and ensure that it’s effective at cutting the grass.
- Check height adjustment options to know what grass lengths you can cut. For no adjustment feature, get the one that meets your lawn-cutting habits.
- Always prefer an eco-friendly model over the other even if it means spending a few more bucks.
- Check the mower’s noise level and find the one that causes the least nuisance.
- Prefer a mower that’s more user-friendly. It should be easy to start and maintain.
- Buy from a reputed dealer to avoid repair and warranty hassles in the long run if needed.
How Much Horsepower Does a Push Lawn Mower Need?
The appropriate horsepower value of a push lawn mower depends on how much area you need to mow.
- For one-half acre grass, go for a mower with 3.5-4 HP
- A 7 HP mower is ideal for an area just under an acre
- If you need to mow an area of 2-3 acres, you need a 15 HP mower
- However, for bigger lawns, a 20 HP professional mower will do the job
The Verdict
By the end, do you have a better idea of how much horsepower does a push lawn mower need?
You may not get the desired power with a push mower always. So, you should start considering a self-propelled mower or a tractor if you need to.
FAQs
What push mower has the most horsepower?
Walk-behind mowers offer the most horsepower for a push lawn mower, offering a range of 5-7 HP.
What is the highest CC in a push mower?
The highest CC available for a push mower is 190cc.
How many HP is 200cc?
A 200cc four-cycle engine will have around 6.21 horsepower.