The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Under 300 [Reviews]

It’s satisfying to look at the sight of a well-manicured lawn and smell the freshly-cut grass! So, when the season rolls around, and your lawn has overgrown, it calls for some exciting yet tiring action. Regardless of the season, when the grass reaches a third of its growth, you need to even it out.

Your warm-season and cool-season turf need to be mowed in preparation for the coming months. When the budget is tight, you need something with a reasonable price tag. Here is our list of the best self-propelled lawn mowers under 300!

But first, what is a self-propelled lawn mower?

If you have a big yard to mow, then you need the help of a trustworthy and easy-to-use self-propelled lawn mower. Self-propelled mowers cover a wider yard area. They can save you time and energy when it comes to getting all your yard work done. They easily cut through thick grass, and the mower mechanically moves forward through even the most challenging areas in your yard.

A self-propelled mower also reduces the guesswork in starting the motor or turning it off. The bar handles house all controls. You can easily squeeze it to guide and maneuver the machine. That’s why they are very easy to start and quite easy to use.

A self-propelled lawn mower should conveniently aid you in your lawn work. When choosing yours, make sure that you pick out what’s suitable for your yard. But of course, it should also be durable and heavy-duty enough for your lawn care needs. It should last you for years without needing replacements.

Lawn mowers that depreciate quickly will just waste your time and money. So, what is the best self-propelled lawn mower under 300 dollars? Find out in this post.

The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $300

Self-propelled lawn mowers reduce the strain of mowing your lawn. Instead of the traditional walk-behind where you push the machine, it directs itself to save you from exerting any effort.

All you need to do is push the button and guide it in the right direction. They are also extremely useful in cutting through various lawn conditions. Whether there is a slope, uneven terrain, stubborn dry leaves, or high-stalked weeds, they can manage it with ease. Some of the known benefits of the self-propelled lawn mowers are:

• Ease of use
• Time-saving
• Safe to use
• Large area coverage
• Lesser gas emission

Some lawn mowers are costly, judging by their efficiency and performance. But there are also others with reasonable prices that can level with expensive mowers. Even if you’re a spendthrift, you can still find the best self propelled lawn mower under 300. And best of all, they’re not even pre-owned. Refer to this list for your best pick:

Yard Machines 159cc-Engine Self-Propelled Front-Wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower

Yard Machines’ 159cc is one of the best self-propelled lawn mowers under 300 dollars. It has a powerful gas engine and front-wheel drive to make your yard work easier. Its single-speed transmission also allows you to work quicker and cut your job in half. The 21-inch cutting deck has a dual height adjustment that ranges from 1.25-3.75 inches.

It also has a side discharge and mulching functionality for an added value. Mulching or covering the grasses is essential in keeping the moisture within the turf. It keeps the soil fertile and prevents erosion and drying. This 159cc self-propelled lawnmower is good for small to medium-sized yards. 

 

Craftsman M215 3-in-1 High-Wheeled FWD Self-propelled Lawn Mower with Bagger

The 159cc engine of this self-propelled lawn mower will make your yard work less tiring. It features a one-step pull startup that does not need any priming. There’s no choking or changing of oil anymore in this product. The engine is equipped with an air filter to prevent dirt and clippings from building up. The M215 is a 3-in-1 lawn mower that can produce finer grass for mulching. This is in addition to its side and rear discharge capabilities. Its variable speed will let you control your pace as you maneuver it across the yard.

With front-wheel drive, you can easily tip and turn it with ease. And to adjust your turf’s height, there is a dual-lever you can customize with six different cutting heights. The zag treading of its 8-inch front and 11-inch rear wheels produces more traction. You can drive it without exerting much effort across terrains. 

 

PowerSmart DB2194SR Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

PowerSmart USA brings you various outdoor and yard cleanup equipment. Among their products is this affordable self-propelled lawnmower. This DB2194SR Gas Self-Propelled Mower is powered by a 170cc engine that gives you optimum cutting performance. It has a 21-inch cutting deck that is good for your small to medium lawn.

Lightweight in mass, it is easy to maneuver across your work surface. The DB2194SR is a 3-in-1 lawn mower that can mulch, bag, and side discharge your grass clippings. You can also adjust the deck height of your overgrowth by the height adjustment that is available in five options. This lawn mower is good to go if you have a small to medium lawn.

 

How to Choose the Best Self propelled Lawn Mower Under $300

When looking for the best self-propelled lawn mower, you need to consider all of your options carefully. You can find units under $300, but you have to be detailed in your search for a respectable manufacturer. And because they are cheaper, you have to expect limited stocks. 

For larger yards, it will be wise to invest in self-propelled lawn mowers. They will make your lawn work easier to handle and much more convenient. What are the things you need to look out for when looking for a self self-propelled mower?

Determine Engine Size

Engine sizes determine the power of your lawn mower. Most self-propelled mowers have engine sizes between 140-190cc. Understandably, the larger the engine, the more powerful the mower’s performance. Thus, they make the machine easier to maneuver across terrains and even uphill slopes.

They are also quieter and consume less oil. The PowerSmart DB2194SR above makes the best self-propelled lawn mower under 300 with its 170cc powerful engine. The engine size does matter, especially if you are dealing with problematic and steep slopes with uneven terrains. 

Compare the Cutting Width

Wider cutting decks cut fast than narrower ones. It determines the span of grass it can cut in one pass. Thus, if you have larger yards, it will help to pick out the one with a wide cutting deck. It will cut almost half of your time on the chore. But also remember that they are even more expensive than the narrow-decked mowers.

For small yards, almost all of the self-propelled lawn mowers will do the job. They range from just about 21-22 inches that are enough for a small to medium lawn. Although some say that the self-propelled type is quite overrated for a small yard. Yet, they are ideal if you want to finish the job quickly. 

Gardening Feature

There are 2-in-1 mowers and 3-in-1 mowers. Of course, with these choices, you would choose the one with the many features. But how do they differ? The 2-in-1 mowers have standard blades. They can cut grass and either bag the clippings or discharge it in its chute. Thus, the 3-in-1 mowers are more powerful in removing the grass clippings from under the deck.

By bagging those clippings, it will make your lawn cleaner. While on the other hand, the 3-in-1 mower has mulch features. They can bag, discharge, or mulch the clippings. These mowers can produce finer clippings through the 3-in-1 cutting blade.

These fine clippings will cover the lawn to fertilize the soil and help it retain its moisture. You don’t need to find expensive machines when you can find these features in the best self-propelling lawn mower under 300. 

Durability

Durability is one quality of a lawn mower – or any equipment – that you should not overlook. It is a good enough investment so you also need to make sure that it would last you for a good number of years. Steel build tends to last longer than plastic, although they are prone to rust. And they are also heavier.

The more durable ones can be a bit expensive, but if you know how to maintain it, the best self-propelled lawn mower can level up to them in durability. Besides, no matter how expensive the equipment is, without proper maintenance and care, it does depreciate. 

How to Maintain Your Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Maintaining your lawn to some extent also means taking care of your lawn mower. All equipment depreciates. Proper maintenance will help extend its lifespan. It will not only save you from the hassle of getting it to the mechanic, but it will also help you save financially.

Here are some guidelines on how you could extend the working life of your self-propelled lawn mower:

Read and Understand the Manual

You have probably experienced this—too excited with the new machine that you forgot about its manual. The manual exists for purposes other than just the assembly instruction. Equipment varies among its kind and brand. The manual contains information on how you should take care of your self-propelled lawn mower so that it will serve you longer.

Check the Oil

Sometimes, grass clippings can get into your oil and contaminate it. In the long run, it will ruin the machine. After every session, drain your lawn mower oil. Keeping it empty when not in use also helps prevent the buildup of rust. Also, make sure that you are using only the appropriate type of engine oil for your mower.

Clean the Undercarriage

The build-up of clippings on the underside of your lawn mower also invites rust. It will compromise its performance and efficiency. Most of the self-propelled lawn mowers have a washout port, which cleans the undercarriage easily. The mower’s manual has guidelines on how to properly clean the deck for mowers with or without a washout port.

Sharpen the Blades

A dull lawn mower blade affects the quality of your lawn mower’s output, so you need to work only with a sharp one. Always inspect your blades to see if they need sharpening. Some lawn mower shops can do it for you. 

Check the Peripherals

Check the condition of your air filters and spark plugs. When your air filter gets worn out, it will affect the performance of the carburetor. Change your spark plugs annually to keep your lawn mower conditioned and in good condition.

Conclusion

If you want to take the stress off your lawn mowing chore, then it is time to invest in self-propelled mowers (or you can check out our reviews of John Deere vs Husqvarna Riding Mowers here). They are heavier than the standard push mowers, but they are excellent at doing the job for you.

You don’t even need to shell out huge bucks for it. If you know where to score affordable mowers, you will find a solid self-propelled lawn mower under $300.

You may expect some reliability issues with other machines. So, always check the units before buying them. Plastic depreciates faster than steel mowers. By and large, it’s better to choose the latter between the two. 

Get a well-manicured and quality cut without sacrificing your budget, effort, and time. All in all, it makes a wise investment for your mowing and lawn care needs!