Maintaining a well-manicured lawn requires a lawn mower that can handle tough grass, uneven terrain, and other obstacles. But, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your lawn. If you’re looking for a high-quality gas lawn mower without breaking the bank, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options available for under $500.
These lawnmowers are not only affordable, but they come packed with a variety of features and benefits that make them stand out from the rest. Some of the well-known brands you can expect in this price range include Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Briggs & Stratton. These brands are known for their high-quality products and innovative features that make lawn maintenance a breeze. You can expect features like powerful engines, adjustable cutting height, comfortable handlebars, and easy-to-use start systems.
To help you choose the best gas lawn mower for your needs, we have rounded up the best lawn mowers for under $500. We will go through the different features and benefits that make each one of these lawnmowers unique and provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to look for when making your purchase.
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Preferred Choices
BEST OVERALL:
Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
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BEST 209cc MOWER:
PowerSmart Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower, 21-Inch 209cc 3-in-1 Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
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BEST PUSH MOWER:
BLACK+DECKER 140cc OHV 21-Inch 2-in-1 Walk-Behind Push Gas Powered Lawn Mower
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Compare The Best Gas Lawn Mowers Under $500
In determining our recommendations for the best gas lawn mowers under $500, we have consulted with experts to compare available options in each product category. Our selection is based on the criteria that are most important to our readers, and we present concise comparisons of the key features. To determine our rankings, we analyze data to determine the top-performing products and tailor our recommendations to meet the specific needs of our readers.
- 140CC OHV GAS POWERED ENGINE: Engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer or choke – just pull to start!
- 3-IN-1 CAPABILITIES: Unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities. Ideal for yards 1/8 to 1/4 of an acre
- 21-INCH CUTTING DECK: Efficient cutting deck helps trim grass in one quick pass for an easier yard job.
- 209cc 4-Cycle Gas Engine: quick blade spinning, strong torque, long running time. Reliable 209CC gas power, mowing quick, mowing professional.
- 21-Inch Cutting Deck: 21″ wide cutting deck allow you cut glass with less path, finish your yard job in quick.
- 5 Cutting Height Adjustable: adjust height from 1.18″ to 3.0″, suitable for all kinds of grass. Allow you customize the look and feel of your lawn.
- POWERFUL ENGINE: 140cc reliable engine equipped with recoil start and primer. Battle tested and battle ready to get to work right away and help you get the job done.
- MUTLIPLE HEIGHT SETTINGS: Dual lever height adjuster with 6 different height settings. Whether your lawn needs a light trim or a full cut, find the height setting that fits the task at hand.
- 2-IN-1 CUTTING DECK: Side discharge and mulching capabilities.
- Powerful Gas Engine: 200CC engine deliver unbeatable power for better cutting effect. Equipped with recoil starter for easy pull start.
- Self Propelled for Sizable Yard: 22 in. cutting deck, rear wheel drive self-propelled, mow more with less effort, ideal for sizable yard.
- 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower: side discharge, mullching capabilities, rear bag discharge. Use with rear bag, this machine can clean up dead-leaves and grasses while mowing.
- ✨GAS ENGINE: This PowerSmart gas powered lawn mower contains with powerful 4-stroke, single cylinder gas powered engine which provides you powerful back up for clearing the tallest and toughest grass. The forced air-cooling system keeps the engine running smoothly so you can finish the job.
- ✨MOWING DECK: This gas lawn mower has a 21-inch steel cutting deck that provides a large cutting area with high durability, making it easy to cut through bigger jobs.
- ✨ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH: This self propelled lawn mower has 5-position height adjustment which allows you to change the cutting height to cut grass and overgrowth easily. It has a cutting height that can be adjusted between 1.18 and 3.0 inches, a cutting width of 20.5 inches, and a grass catcher capacity of 1.4 bushels.
Last update on 2023-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Perfect Lawn Mower
If you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, it’s important to consider your specific needs and requirements before making a purchase. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this Lawn Mower Buyers Guide to give you all the information you need to find the best lawn mower for you.
Lawn Size
The size of your lawn is an important factor to consider when choosing a lawn mower. If your yard is smaller than ½ acre, a push mower will do the job. However, if your yard is bigger than this, you’ll need a riding mower, which will allow you to cover more ground in less time and with less effort.
Terrain
The terrain of your yard is another important factor to consider when choosing a lawn mower. If your yard is mostly flat and clear, a standard push mower or reel mower will do the job. However, if your yard has hills, obstacles, or decorations, you may need a self-propelled mower or a zero-turn-radius mower, which can be more easily navigated around these challenges.
Power Supply
There are two main ways to power a lawn mower: gas and electricity. Gas mowers are more powerful and can last the full duration of your mowing session, but maintenance is more complicated, and these machines often start with a pull cord. Cordless electric mowers are quieter, cleaner, and easier to start, but they are not as powerful and can’t be run for as long per charge. Corded electric mowers give you unlimited run time but can be inconvenient due to the cord trailing behind.
Deck Size
Deck size refers to the width of the blades on your mower. The wider the deck, the bigger the blades. Decks range from 20” to 70” or larger, but most homeowners opt for a width of between 30” and 60”. A wider deck can cut larger paths on each pass but can make it harder to navigate around obstacles. A smaller deck is easier to maneuver but requires more passes on open areas.
Grass Clippings
Lawnmowers can deal with cutting grass in different ways. A side-discharge mower simply spits grass clippings back onto your lawn. A mower with a bagger collects clippings as you go, but you have to buy a bag separately and find a way to dispose of the clippings.
Attachments
If you choose a riding lawn mower, you may want one that’s compatible with various attachments, such as dump carts, rakes, and snow blowers. These attachments can greatly increase the utility of your machine.
- Give More Use Out of Your Riding Mower with Eapele Lawnmower Trailer Hitch—Pull around your log splitter or hook up your cart, get your trailer in and out of the back yard to clean your garage, or pull a small mini camper , even drive your boat around to the shed, this will work well.
- Fits All Conventional Lawnmowers — List of confirmed compatible brands of riding lawnmowers: John Deere, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Poulan Pro, Husky, Husqvarna, Craftsman riding mowers. Mower must have a full length back plate to mount the Hi Hitch to.
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Types of Lawn Mowers
Push Lawn Mowers
Push lawn mowers require manual effort to operate and are smaller and less expensive than riding mowers. They generally cost between $100 and $400.
- 4-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability.Lightweight at only 19 pounds
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” with scissor action cut
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages:
- Low cost
- Smaller size
Disadvantages:
- Requires manual effort
Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled lawnmowers are powered by the engine to turn the wheels and require less manual effort than push mowers. They typically cost between $300 and $900.
- Two Greenworks 24V batteries combine for 48V of exceptional power without leaving the 24V battery platform.
- Up To 45 Minutes Run-Time With 2 Fully Charged 5Ah USB Batteries. Run-Time Varies Based on Grass Condition and Operator Technique. Dual Port Charger Included.
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages:
- Requires less manual effort
- Good for sloped yards or larger areas
- Results in a more even cut
Disadvantages:
- Limited control over speed
Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric lawnmowers are powered by electricity instead of gas and come in both cordless and corded styles. Prices range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type.
- [POWERFUL]: 12-amp motor cuts a crisp 13.4 in. Wide path
- [ADJUSTABLE]: Customize your cut with 3-position adjustable Height control: 0.98 in., 1.77 in., 2.56 in
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages:
- Creates less pollution
- Quieter than gas models
- Easier to start
Disadvantages:
- Less powerful than gas mowers
- May not complete a full cut on one charge
Reel Lawn Mowers
Reel lawn mowers are manual, old-fashioned lawn mowers that use a vertical blade to spin north to south. They cost less than $100.
- Quality Yardcare Tools: Designed to help you take back your yard, Fiskars lawn and gardening tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space.Advanced design is 60% easier to push than other reel mowers
- Advanced Technology for best-in-class cutting performance: The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening.
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- Requires a lot of manual effort
- Only practical for very small lawns
Robotic Lawn Mowers
Robotic lawnmowers are smart, hands-off machines that run on electricity and can be monitored or scheduled via smartphone. Prices range from $600 to $2,000.
- FORGET ABOUT MOWING: No more sweating all summer while pushing a heavy noisy mower. AYI Robot lawn mower will does all the work for you.
- CUTS UP TO 29,000 Sq. Ft: Robot lawnmower comes with a bigger built-in lithium battery rated to last 120 minutes on a full charge, designed for lawns up to 29,000 square feet (2/3 acres) and can handle terrains with a 37% incline.
Last update on 2023-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages:
- Hands-off operation
- Quieter than gas mowers
Disadvantages:
- Requires setup of perimeter wire
- May not navigate uneven terrain or extreme slopes
- Not completely hands-off experience
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a gas lawnmower under $500 compare to an electric mower in terms of power?
Gas lawnmowers typically offer more power and can handle tougher cutting jobs than electric mowers, especially in large lawns or overgrown grass.
What kind of maintenance do gas lawnmowers under $500 require?
Gas lawnmowers require regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter cleaning or replacement, blade sharpening, and fuel stabilization. However, some models may have features like easy oil changes or toolless air filter access for easier maintenance.
Can gas lawnmowers under $500 handle uneven terrain and slopes?
Many gas lawnmowers under $500 are designed with large wheels, adjustable cutting heights, and powerful engines that can tackle uneven terrain and slopes without a problem. However, it’s important to choose the right model for your specific lawn conditions.
Are gas lawnmowers under $500 noisy and polluting?
While gas lawnmowers do make noise and emit exhaust fumes, many modern models are designed to be more environmentally friendly and meet emission standards. Some also have noise-reducing features or mufflers to minimize sound pollution.
