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.
We may earn an affiliate commission for purchases using our links at no added cost to you.
Preferred Choices
BEST OVERALL:
Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
See On Amazon
BEST 209cc MOWER:
PowerSmart Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower, 21-Inch 209cc 3-in-1 Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
See On Amazon
BEST PUSH MOWER:
BLACK+DECKER 140cc OHV 21-Inch 2-in-1 Walk-Behind Push Gas Powered Lawn Mower
See On Amazon
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!.Clipping Collection: Rear bag collects grass clippings for easy cleanup or composting.
- 3-In-1 capabilities: unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities.
- 21-INCH CUTTING DECK: Efficient cutting deck helps trim grass in one quick pass for an easier yard job.
- Dual-lever adjustable cutting Height: Choose from 6 different height settings to suit user’s needs.
- 170cc 4-Cycle Gas Engine: quick blade spinning, strong torque, long running time. Reliable 170cc gas power, mowing quicker, and mowing professionally.
- 21-Inch Cutting Deck: A 21″ wide cutting deck allows you to cut glass with less path and finish your yard job quickly.
- 6 Cutting Height Adjustable: adjust height from 1.5″ to 3.9″, suitable for all kinds of grass. Allow you to customize the look and feel of your lawn.
- 3-in-1 with Bagger: rear bag discharge for grass bits collection; mulching with a heavy-duty blade minces grass into super-fine bits for recycling; side-discharge easily passes thick grass for quick mowing.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / 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.
- Durable riding lawn mower seat cover with built in drink cooler that accommodates 6, 12oz can drinks of your choice! The only riding lawn mower accessory of its kind.
- UNIVERSAL CONSTRUCTION for an easy fit for most any Craftsman lawn mower seat, John Deere lawn mower seat, Cub Cadet lawn mower seat, Husqvarna lawn mower seat, Kubota seat cover
Last update on 2024-03-21 / 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.
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 4 cutting positions varying between 1-inche and 2-inches
Last update on 2024-03-21 / 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.
- Briggs & Stratton ex625 150cc engine with ReadyStart technology built in. Made in the USA.
- Self-propelled Rear Wheel Drive RWD Drive System for great traction with flat or incline slope conditions
Last update on 2024-03-24 / 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.
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
Last update on 2024-03-21 / 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.
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
Last update on 2024-04-15 / 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.
- RTK+Vision Integration, A trust Choice for Complex and Terrain: With enhanced RTK signal coverage and 3D vision positioning technology, places with weak signals or hefty trees coverage is no more a problem. LUBA 2 AWD 3000 All-Wheel Drive automatic robot lawn mower can navigate narrow passages, objects and slopes, handling slopes of up to 80%/ 38-degrees, cuts at a max height of 2.75 inches, and covers up to 3,767 square feet per hour, perfect for lawns that up to 0.75 acre.
- No Perimeter Wires, No More Pains: Still in the pain of burying/installing a boundary wire? Why not pick Mammotion robot mower- No perimeter wire is needed to setup or repair anymore. With the App, you can set the virtual boundaries in cm-level accuracy positioning and map your lawn, thanks to the advanced RTK-GNSS and Multi-Sensor Navigation System. You deserve a dynamic and flexible lawn and LUBA saves your time.
Last update on 2024-04-15 / 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.
