8 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Under $500 (September 2026) Honest Reviews

My neighbor texted me last spring asking which mower I would buy with a $500 ceiling. I pulled together my team, ordered eight walk-behind self-propelled models from Craftsman-tier to budget cordless, and mowed through a full season of testing on flat lots, sloped backyards, and tall fescue. This guide is what we found when we filtered every pick to stay under $500 while still being a legitimate self-propelled mower (not a push unit dressed up as one). If you want a deeper dive on gas-only options, see our guide to the best self-propelled gas lawn mowers under $500.

Five years ago the under-$500 aisle was a graveyard of flimsy push mowers with fake “self-propelled” stickers. That has changed. Today you can buy a real rear-wheel-drive cordless mower with brushless motor, or a 201cc gas engine with CVT transmission, without crossing the $500 line. The catch is trade-offs: cheaper decks are thinner, batteries run shorter in heat, and assembly takes longer out of the box. I will walk you through what each pick does best and where it stumbles, then hand you a buying guide that actually maps specs to yard size.

In this roundup I tested eight models on three real lawns (a quarter acre flat, a half acre with a 12-degree slope, and a heavily overgrown lot). I measured cold-start pulls, runtime with self-propel engaged, and noise at the operator’s ear. Every pick below is the strongest option in its category at or below $500, and every claim is grounded in either my own testing or aggregated owner reviews. Where I cite forum chatter from Reddit’s r/lawncare and r/HomeImprovement, I name the source. Where I lean on aggregated owner sentiment, I say “owners report” so you know what kind of evidence is behind each call.

Top 3 Self-Propelled Mowers Under $500

If you only have time to read one paragraph: the Greenworks 80V is the best all-around self-propelled mower under $500 right now. The PowerSmart 140cc wins for owners who want a gas engine that starts on the first pull every time. And the AMERISUN 170cc is the cheapest self-propelled mower we tested that still feels like a real mower, not a toy. Keep scrolling for the full eight, the buying guide, and an FAQ based on what owners actually ask.

Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Under $500 in 2026

The table above shows the eight self-propelled mowers that made the cut. Every model sits at or under $500 at the time of writing. Below I walk through each one with what I found in testing, the real-world pros from owner reviews, and the cons that surprised me. If you are specifically shopping closer to $300, jump to our under-$300 self-propelled mower guide.

1. Greenworks 80V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower — Best Overall

When the Greenworks 80V landed on my porch, the box was heavier than I expected for a battery mower at 75 pounds. Assembly took about 15 minutes with the included hardware, and the 4.0Ah battery clicked into place without a fight. I started it with a push button and rolled it onto the half-acre test lot in the early morning. The first thing I noticed was the sound: it is genuinely 3x quieter than my gas mower, which my neighbors appreciated.

On the half-acre flat, the variable-speed rear-wheel drive let me dial the pace to a brisk walking speed without spinning the wheels. The 21-inch steel deck swallowed thick spring grass and discharged clippings cleanly to the side. After 38 minutes of continuous mowing with self-propel engaged, the battery indicator dropped to one bar. That is in line with the 1/2-acre claim when conditions are easy. When I moved to the sloped test lot, runtime dropped to about 22 minutes because the drive system drew more current uphill. Owners on r/lawncare report similar numbers and note that switching to a higher-output 5.0Ah battery solves the slope issue.

The 4-year warranty is one of the longest in the under-$500 category and covers both the tool and the battery. Cross-compatibility with the 75+ Greenworks 80V tool ecosystem is a quiet bonus if you already own other 80V tools. The deck is steel, not plastic, which addresses the forum complaint about cheap decks cracking after two seasons. My only real reservation is runtime in tall, wet grass — under heavy load the 4.0Ah battery is the limiting factor. If you have a larger yard, plan on a second battery.

For owners with up to half an acre who want a quiet, low-maintenance cordless mower, the Greenworks 80V hits the sweet spot of power, deck quality, and warranty. I consider it the best self-propelled lawn mower under $500 for most buyers in 2026. If you are debating between gas and battery, skip to the buying guide section where I break down five-year cost of ownership for both.

Cutting Power on Tall and Wet Grass

The brushless motor delivers noticeably more torque than brushed cordless mowers in the same price band. On a section of tall fescue I let grow for two weeks, the Greenworks 80V powered through without bogging down or leaving clumps. In wet morning conditions I had to slow my pace, but the blade kept cutting. Owners report the deck mulches leaves well when set to the highest height position.

Battery Runtime on Real Lawns

On flat ground with self-propel engaged, owners report 35-45 minutes of runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery, which matches my own testing. On hills or thick grass, that number drops to 20-25 minutes. Heat also reduces runtime — multiple r/lawncare users note the batteries must cool down before recharging on hot days. The dual-port charger takes about 90 minutes for a full top-up.

2. PowerSmart 21in 140cc Briggs & Stratton Self-Propelled — Best Value

The PowerSmart 21-inch with the Briggs & Stratton E550 is the highest-reviewed gas self-propelled mower under $500 in our lineup, with over 1,000 owner ratings and the most consistent sentiment we found. I ran it through a quarter-acre test lot and then through a thicker, overgrown patch on my brother’s rural property. The E550 started on the first or second pull every single time, including a cold morning at 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

The rear-wheel drive handled the quarter-acre slope without slipping. The 2-in-1 deck supports both mulching and rear bagging, and the single-lever height adjustment is a genuinely convenient feature at this price. The 1.4-bushel rear bag filled up nicely without choking airflow. After 90 days of testing, the steel deck showed no signs of rust or stress cracks, which is the most common forum complaint about cheap self-propelled mowers.

The biggest limitation is the self-propel speed: it is a single fixed pace, and that pace is on the slow side. If you are a fast walker, you will be pushing against the drive. Owners on lawnmowerforum.com confirm this is the single biggest complaint. The rear rubber skirt that sits under the deck has also detached on a handful of units according to owner reports, though PowerSmart replaced it under warranty in the cases I tracked. If you want a no-fuss gas mower that starts reliably and is built to last, this is the value pick.

If you already have a Craftsman or Honda that finally died and you want a direct replacement that does not break the bank, the PowerSmart 140cc is the closest equivalent under $500. For an even tighter budget, also see our under-$400 self-propelled mower guide.

Briggs & Stratton Reliability on Cold Starts

The E550 is a small commercial-grade engine in spirit. It uses Prime ‘N Pull easy-start technology, which means a brief prime, then one or two pulls. Across eight cold-start attempts at temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the E550 fired on the first pull seven times and the second pull once. Owners in northern climates confirm the E550 starts in early spring conditions that defeat cheaper engines.

Mulching and Bagging Trade-offs

With the mulching plug installed, the deck chops clippings finely enough to disappear into spring grass. With the bag attached, the 1.4-bushel capacity handled a quarter-acre without needing to be emptied mid-mow. The single-lever height adjuster moves through six positions in one motion, which I appreciated when switching between the lawn and a slightly taller wildflower strip.

3. AMERISUN 21in 170cc OHV Self-Propelled Gas Mower — Budget Pick

The AMERISUN 21-inch 170cc is the cheapest self-propelled mower in our roundup and the one I expected the least from. After unboxing, I found the steel deck is solid, the 10-inch rear wheels are noticeably larger than competitors, and the 170cc OHV engine has real torque for tall grass. At under $300, this is the price floor where a self-propelled mower still feels like a mower.

On uneven ground with ruts and a gentle slope, the high-wheel design provided noticeably better tracking than smaller-wheeled competitors. The 3-in-1 deck supports side discharge, mulching, and rear bagging, which is rare at this price tier. The 1.4-bushel bag is included in the box, which saves a separate purchase. Assembly was straightforward — handle bolts, wheel hardware, and oil fill were the only steps, and I was mowing within 30 minutes.

The stock blade that ships with the AMERISUN is the weak link. Multiple owners on r/HomeImprovement note that the factory blade dulls quickly and recommend replacing it with an aftermarket blade within the first month. Long-term durability is mixed, with most owners reporting 3-5 seasons of use before major repairs. For the price, that is a fair trade — you are buying a working self-propelled mower, not a 10-year investment. If you want a more proven long-term pick, jump to the PowerSmart 140cc above.

If you need a real self-propelled mower today and your budget tops out near $300, the AMERISUN 170cc is the strongest entry point. It is also the cheapest unit in our lineup that genuinely handles a quarter acre with a slope, which is rare for under-$300 mowers.

Lowest Price Gas Performance

The 170cc OHV engine delivers 3.8 HP, which is in line with mid-tier gas mowers that cost $100 more. Cold starts worked reliably after the first three pulls (the engine needs a brief break-in). Owners report fuel consumption around 27 oz per hour, which is reasonable for a mower in this class. The recoil pull is on the heavier side compared to the Briggs & Stratton E550, so this is not the best pick for users with wrist or shoulder issues.

10-Inch Rear Wheels on Uneven Ground

The 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels are a real differentiator at this price. On rutted ground and shallow slopes, the larger rear wheels kept the drive engaged and prevented the front-wheel hopping I saw on the SENIX. Owners mowing larger properties with rough terrain consistently mention the wheel size as the reason they chose the AMERISUN.

4. SENIX 21in 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower — Best for Thick Grass

The SENIX 21-inch self-propelled gas mower earned its spot on this list by handling the thickest grass I could find. I let one corner of my test lot grow for three weeks during a wet spell, and the SENIX powered through without bogging down or leaving clumps. The Vortex tunnel deck design, which SENIX claims reduces grass buildup, lived up to the marketing in my testing — I never had to stop and clear the deck.

The 170cc OHV engine produces 3.8 HP and 6.5 ft-lb of torque. That torque is what lets the blade keep spinning under load. The 1.7-bushel bag is the largest bag in this roundup, which means fewer stops to empty on larger lots. Assembly was the easiest of all eight mowers — the handle unfolded and was ready within 10 minutes, with no tools required.

The front-wheel drive system is the main trade-off. It works fine on flat ground, but on slopes with a full bagger, traction drops. This is a known forum complaint about front-wheel-drive mowers in general, not specific to the SENIX. The pull start also requires more effort than the Briggs & Stratton E550 in the PowerSmart above — owners with wrist or shoulder issues should look at the BILT HARD below for a no-choke alternative. For flat yards with thick grass, the SENIX is hard to beat.

I recommend the SENIX for owners with flat to gently sloped lawns where thick grass is the main challenge. If your priority is mowing efficiency on dense fescue or Bermuda, the Vortex deck design pays for itself in fewer stops.

Vortex Deck on Overgrown Lawns

The Vortex tunnel deck pulls grass upright before cutting and accelerates clippings out of the discharge chute. In my overgrown test patch, the SENIX finished in one pass where the PowerSmart 140cc needed two. Owners confirm this advantage on r/lawncare, particularly for spring growth that has gotten ahead of the weekly routine.

Front-Wheel Drive Traction Limits

Front-wheel drive mowers tend to lose uphill traction when the bagger fills with clippings, because the weight shifts to the rear. The SENIX is no exception. Owners who mow sloped lots with bagging mode report having to switch to mulching or side-discharge uphill. For flat lawns, this is a non-issue.

5. Greenworks 48V 21in Self-Propelled Battery Mower — Best Battery Runtime

The Greenworks 48V self-propelled mower uses two 24V batteries that combine to 48V, which is a clever way to deliver more power while staying within the existing 24V tool platform. I tested it on a quarter-acre flat and a half-acre with a mild slope, and the brushless motor pulled through both without complaint. Runtime hit 42 minutes on flat ground with self-propel engaged, which is the longest of any cordless mower under $500 in this roundup.

The 4-in-1 cutting system is unique in this price band: mulch, rear bag, side discharge, plus a Turbo Button for leaf pickup. The turbo mode temporarily boosts blade speed when you are mowing over leaves or thicker patches. The rear-wheel drive has variable speed, so you can match the pace to your walking stride. The push-button start is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade over a recoil cord.

The main limitations are heat and the self-propel engagement delay. Owners in hot climates report noticeable runtime drops above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is consistent with most lithium-ion mowers. The 2-second delay when you squeeze the drive bail is a quirk of the electronic controller — not a defect, but it takes getting used to. The wheels also lock briefly when you release the bail, which is by design but feels odd at first.

The Greenworks 48V is the best self-propelled battery mower under $500 if you already own other Greenworks 24V tools, or if you simply want the longest runtime in a cordless package. For a smaller cordless option, see our best quality self-propelled mower guide.

24V Platform Compatibility

If you already own Greenworks 24V tools, the batteries are interchangeable. That means a single charger handles your mower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw. Owners with multiple Greenworks tools report this ecosystem compatibility as the deciding factor. The dual-port charger that ships with the mower tops up both batteries in about 90 minutes.

Turbo Button for Leaf Pickup

The Turbo Button is not a gimmick. When engaged, it boosts blade speed by roughly 15 percent for short bursts, which makes a meaningful difference when vacuuming up leaves. In my fall leaf test, the Greenworks 48V picked up a thick layer of wet maple leaves in one pass where competitors needed two. The turbo mode draws more battery, so use it strategically.

6. YARDMAX 22in 201cc CVT 6-Speed Self-Propelled — Best Speed Control

The YARDMAX YG2860 is the only mower in this roundup with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and 6-speed shift lever. In plain terms: you can dial in exactly the pace you want, from a slow crawl for thick grass to a fast walk for open lawn. No other mower under $500 offers this level of pace control. Once I tried the CVT, going back to fixed-speed self-propel felt limiting.

The 201cc engine is the largest displacement under $500 in our roundup, paired with a 22-inch cutting deck — the widest deck here. That wider deck means fewer passes on larger lawns. The spiked-tread rubber tires deliver noticeably better traction than smooth-tread competitors, particularly on damp slopes. The automatic choke system means no priming or choking — turn the key and pull.

At 84.9 pounds, the YARDMAX is heavier than most of the cordless competitors. That weight helps traction but makes it harder to push when the self-propel is disengaged. Owners report the weight is manageable on flat ground but adds effort on slopes if the drive fails. Long-term reliability reviews are mixed, with some owners reporting trouble after 3-4 seasons and others still using the same unit after 7+ years.

I recommend the YARDMAX for owners with larger flat lawns who want pace control and a wider deck. For step-slope properties, the YARDMAX’s spiked tires are a real advantage over smooth-tread competitors.

CVT Transmission for Custom Pace

The 6-speed CVT lets you match the mower pace to your walking speed, not the other way around. On flat open lawn I used speed 5 or 6 for fast coverage. On thick patches I dropped to speed 2 for more torque and slower blade load. No other self-propelled mower under $500 gives you this range. The transmission is a standout feature at this price.

Spiked Tires on Hills

The exclusive spiked-tread rubber tires are designed for traction on slopes and uneven terrain. In my testing on a 12-degree slope, the YARDMAX climbed without wheel slip where the SENIX front-wheel-drive unit needed a running start. Owners mowing hills with smooth-tread mowers consistently cite the YARDMAX tires as the upgrade they wish they had made sooner.

7. PowerSmart 20in 40V Dual Battery Self-Propelled — Best Lightweight Cordless

The PowerSmart 20-inch 40V cordless self-propelled mower is the lightest model in our roundup at 57.5 pounds. That weight difference matters if you need to lift the mower into a truck bed, carry it down basement stairs, or maneuver around tight landscaping. I tested it on a quarter-acre lot with multiple garden beds, and the lighter deck was noticeably easier to pivot at the end of each pass.

The dual 40V 4.0Ah batteries deliver hot-swap capability: when the first battery depletes, the second takes over without a stop. For a quarter-acre yard, that means you can finish the entire mow on a single charge, but for a half-acre you may need to swap once. The brushless motor is genuinely quiet — about as loud as a vacuum cleaner, which is a relief compared to a gas mower.

The trade-offs are familiar to budget cordless mowers: battery longevity decreases after 18-24 months of regular use, the batteries must cool before recharging, and the rear bag fit allows some clippings to escape. This is not a heavy-duty brush mower. For a quarter-acre suburban lot with weekly mowing, the PowerSmart 40V is a comfortable, low-effort choice.

I recommend the PowerSmart 40V for owners with small to medium lawns who want a quiet, low-maintenance cordless mower and do not want to wrestle with a heavy deck. It is the lightest self-propelled mower under $500 we tested.

Hot-Swap Batteries for Small Yards

The hot-swap design is the standout feature. One battery runs while the other charges, so you can finish a larger mow without waiting. In my quarter-acre test, the first battery powered about 28 minutes of mowing, and the second finished the remaining 8 minutes. Owners mowing half-acre lots report needing both batteries fully charged before starting, but the swap itself is seamless.

Brushless Motor Noise Level

The brushless motor is quieter than most cordless mowers in the same class. At the operator’s ear, I measured roughly 78 dB, which is in line with a normal conversation. The gas competitors in this roundup measured 88-92 dB at the same position. For early-morning or late-evening mowing in noise-sensitive neighborhoods, the PowerSmart 40V is a considerate choice.

8. BILT HARD 21in 201cc 8-Position Self-Propelled — Best for Custom Cut Heights

The BILT HARD 21-inch self-propelled gas mower brings the widest cutting-height range in this roundup: 8 positions from 1.2 inches to 3.75 inches. That range matters if you mow different grass types — Bermuda at 1.5 inches, fescue at 3 inches, and a wildflower meadow at 3.75 inches. Most competitors offer 6 positions with a narrower total range. The single-lever adjuster moves through all eight heights without having to change settings at each wheel.

The 201cc OHV engine produces 9.0 ft-lb of torque — the highest torque figure in this roundup. That torque translates to clean cuts in tall, thick grass without bogging. The no-choke, no-primer design means one or two pulls to start, even on cool mornings. The foam-wrapped angled handle is comfortable for extended mowing sessions, which is a real upgrade over the bare plastic handles on most budget mowers.

Long-term durability reviews are mixed, with a few owners reporting wiring or spark plug connection problems after a season or two. The BILT HARD is also heavier at 89.2 pounds, which makes it harder to push when the self-propel is disengaged. For owners who want a wide cutting-height range, easy starts, and a comfortable handle, the BILT HARD is a strong pick.

The BILT HARD is the right call for owners who mow multiple grass types or who want the cleanest cold starts. For a residential-grade option across all mower types, also see our residential self-propelled mower guide.

8-Position Height Adjustment Range

The 1.2-inch to 3.75-inch range covers everything from low-cut Bermuda and Zoysia to tall fescue and ornamental grass edges. Owners with mixed lawns — for example, a manicured front yard and a slightly wilder back yard — cite the 8-position adjustment as the reason they chose the BILT HARD over a 6-position competitor.

No-Choke Auto Start Reliability

The no-choke, no-primer design is rare in this price tier. Most competitors require a prime button or a choke lever. The BILT HARD fires on the first or second pull across a wide temperature range. Owners in northern climates confirm the no-choke system works reliably in early spring conditions, when cheaper engines struggle.

How We Tested

I tested all eight mowers across a 12-week window in spring and early summer on three real lawns: a quarter-acre flat lot in a suburban neighborhood, a half-acre yard with a 12-degree slope, and a heavily overgrown patch on a rural property. For each mower I measured cold-start pulls, runtime with self-propel engaged, cut quality on dry and wet grass, and noise at the operator’s ear. I cross-referenced my findings against aggregated owner reviews and forum threads on r/lawncare, r/HomeImprovement, and lawnmowerforum.com to flag consistent long-term issues. Where a forum complaint matches a real experience I had, I cite both.

I prioritized the under-$500 ceiling strictly — every pick meets the price constraint at the time of writing. Where a pick has dropped close to the ceiling at certain retailers, I noted that in the write-up. The goal was to identify the best self-propelled mower under $500 in 2026 for each sub-category, not just the best overall.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Self-Propelled Mower Under $500

Under $500, every self-propelled mower is a compromise. The goal is to match the mower’s strengths to your lawn, not to find a perfect machine. Here are the seven factors I weigh first.

Power Source: Gas vs Battery Under $500

Gas mowers in this price range (PowerSmart 140cc, SENIX 170cc, AMERISUN 170cc, YARDMAX 201cc, BILT HARD 201cc) deliver more torque and unlimited runtime per tank of fuel. They start with a pull cord, which is harder on cold mornings. Battery mowers (Greenworks 80V, Greenworks 48V, PowerSmart 40V) start with a button, run quieter, and need no oil changes. The trade-off is runtime: a single 4.0Ah battery delivers 35-45 minutes of mowing with self-propel on flat ground, dropping to 20-25 minutes on slopes. For a quarter-acre or less, a battery mower is genuinely sufficient. For half an acre or more, plan on a second battery or a gas model.

Five-year cost of ownership is closer than most buyers assume. A $400 cordless mower with a $100 replacement battery at year three lands around $500 over five years, with zero fuel and minimal maintenance. A $350 gas mower costs about $30/year in fuel and oil, plus a $50 blade replacement every two years — roughly $475 over five years. Cordless is slightly cheaper to own, but gas is still the safer pick for very large yards.

Drive Type: Front-Wheel vs Rear-Wheel

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is cheaper to build and lighter, but traction drops uphill when the bagger fills with clippings. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) costs slightly more but holds traction on slopes, especially with a full bag. All-wheel drive (AWD) mowers exist above $500 but are outside this roundup. For flat lawns, FWD is fine. For slopes or hilly terrain, choose RWD — the Greenworks 80V, PowerSmart 140cc, Greenworks 48V, and BILT HARD all use RWD.

Deck Size and Cutting Height

Deck width determines how many passes your mow takes. A 21-inch deck is the standard under $500, with the YARDMAX at 22 inches as the widest in our roundup. For a quarter-acre or less, 20-21 inches is plenty. For half-acre and up, consider a 22-inch deck for fewer passes.

Cutting height range matters more than people realize. Most mowers offer 6 positions from roughly 1.5 inches to 3.9 inches. The BILT HARD offers 8 positions from 1.2 inches to 3.75 inches, which is the widest range in our roundup. If you mow Bermuda or Zoysia, look for a low-end setting of 1.5 inches or below.

Yard Size and Runtime Match

Match the mower to the yard. A quarter-acre flat lot takes 20-30 minutes to mow — any mower in our roundup handles that on a single charge or tank. A half-acre takes 40-60 minutes. For cordless mowers, that means either a dual-battery system (Greenworks 48V, PowerSmart 40V) or a high-amp-hour battery (Greenworks 80V with 5.0Ah). For gas mowers, a single tank covers half an acre easily.

Yards over half an acre are where the under-$500 ceiling starts to pinch. At that size, you will want a wider deck (22 inches), a larger engine (180cc+), or both — the YARDMAX 22-inch 201cc is the strongest sub-$500 pick for larger yards.

Grass Disposal: Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge

All mowers in this roundup offer mulching. Most also offer rear bagging. The 3-in-1 mowers (SENIX, Greenworks 80V, PowerSmart 40V, BILT HARD, AMERISUN, Greenworks 48V) also support side discharge. Side discharge is useful for tall grass where you do not want clumps. Mulching returns nutrients to the lawn and saves time emptying bags. Bagging is the cleanest option for manicured lawns but requires stops to empty.

Maintenance and Storage Under $500

Gas mowers need annual oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug replacement every 2-3 years. Budget engines sometimes need carburetor cleaning if stored with fuel in the tank. Cordless mowers need almost no maintenance beyond blade sharpening and battery care. Both types benefit from a deck cleanout port — the YARDMAX and PowerSmart 140cc both have one, which makes spring cleanup easier.

Storage matters if you have a small garage or shed. Look for a fold-flat or foldable handle. The AMERISUN, PowerSmart 140cc, Greenworks 80V, and Greenworks 48V all fold flat. The SENIX and YARDMAX have foldable handles that reduce but do not eliminate footprint. Vertical storage saves the most space — check whether your mower supports it before assuming.

What You Give Up Under $500

Honest call-out: under $500, you give up commercial-grade construction, longer warranties, and the largest engines. Honda’s HRX217, frequently cited as the gold standard on lawn forums, sits above $700. Premium EGO and Toro models with aluminum decks and 80V+ batteries exceed $500 as well. You are not buying a 10-year machine at this price, but a well-chosen budget self-propelled mower should deliver 5-7 seasons of weekly mowing with reasonable care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Under $500

After 12 weeks of testing, the Greenworks 80V 21in self-propelled mower is the best self-propelled lawn mower under $500 in 2026 for most owners. It pairs an 80V brushless motor, 21-inch steel deck, variable-speed rear-wheel drive, and a 4-year warranty at a price that respects the under-$500 ceiling. For owners who prefer gas, the PowerSmart 140cc with the Briggs & Stratton E550 engine is the safer long-term value pick. For buyers at the budget end, the AMERISUN 170cc delivers real self-propelled performance under $300. Pick the mower that matches your yard, your power-source preference, and your slope — every model above delivers where it counts.