Are you looking for a lawnmower that is easy to use and store, but want to make sure you only look at models that aren’t too heavy to handle? With so many different types and manufacturers available, it’s a tricky task to work out how much a mower is likely to weigh.
Mowers that you push such as reel, gas-powered and self-propelled machines range in weight from around 17 to 90 pounds, including fuel. Riding machines such as lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers can weigh anything from 400 pounds to more than 1500 pounds, but as they are driven by an engine, the weight does not matter so much.
To make it easier for you to decide, I’ve created a comprehensive guide to the different types of lawnmowers and how heavy they are, including their lightest, heaviest, and average weights. Read on to find out more.
Why Does It Matter How Heavy A Lawnmower Is?
When it comes to lawnmowers, weight is an essential factor to consider before making a purchase. The weight of the mower can have a significant impact on its transport, storage, and even overall stability while in use.
First, the weight can affect how maneuverable the machine is when mowing. Lighter models are often more agile and easier to move around tight spaces or tricky garden terrain. Heavier models may provide greater power and control but could be harder to turn, especially for people with lighter physiques.
Secondly, heavier riding or zero-turn mowers can be challenging to transport. If you need to move your lawn tractor to a new location or mow grass in a different area, you may need extra help or equipment to load it onto a truck or trailer.
Lastly, you need to think about storage. A standard upright lawnmower is easy to wheel into a garage or shed, but a heavier model may require some heavy lifting or additional space to store. If you plan to store your mower vertically (you can read more about storing your mower vertically here), you must be ready to put in some effort to get it into place.
Finding a mower with the right weight for your needs could really help save you time, money, and effort in the long run so let’s look at each type to give you more of an idea of which would be best for you.
Push Reel Mowers
Push reel mowers are the oldest type of lawn mower and the lightest. They use human power for the blades to rotate and trim the grass. These mowers weigh an average of 20-24 lbs, making them easy to push and maneuver around your yard. However, they are only suitable for small lawns and do not work well on longer grass.
The lightest I’ve come across is just under 17 lbs and the heaviest is around 34 lbs, which is all down to their cutting width plus the number of blades and rollers.
If you are interested in learning more about push reel mowers, you can check out this article.
Corded Electric Push Mowers
Corded electric mowers are an eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers and are suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. With electric motors and plastic decks, these are the lightest type of rotary mower with an average weight of 20-40 lbs.
The smallest you will find is a basic hover mower with an 11-inch cut that comes in at an amazingly lightweight 13 lbs!
At the other end of the scale are powerful 20-inch electric rotary mowers that weigh around 47 lbs.
Cordless Battery-Powered Push Mowers
Battery-powered mowers are another eco-friendly option to consider. They are cordless and use rechargeable batteries to power the blades. However, the battery adds extra weight, so it’s important to consider this when selecting a mower and to remember they have a limited run time.
Like corded models, these mowers are still lightweight with an average weight range of 30-50 lbs.
The lightest models I’ve found are ones with a 13-inch cut and these weigh around 23 lbs including batteries.
The heaviest are self-propelled 22-inch models that come in at a hefty 58 lbs including the power cells. If you are bothered by the relatively high weight of these machines, don’t worry – some of the more advanced models are actually self-propelled.
Gas Powered Push Mowers
Gas mowers are the most commonly used type of lawnmower. These mowers run on gasoline and have been in use since the early 1900s. They are ideal for large lawns because they have a long run time and can handle tall grass.
However, they are heavier than other push mowers with an average weight range of 60-80 lbs.
For a very basic gas mower with an 18-inch cut and no collecting bag, you’re looking at around 57 pounds in weight when empty (a full tank of gas adds around 2 lbs).
On the heavier end, some self-propelled models with a 22-inch cut can weigh over 90 lbs, so it’s important to consider the size and strength of the individual using the mower.
Riding Mowers and Lawn Tractors
Riding mowers (also known as lawn tractors) usually refer to mowers with a seat and steering wheel and are ideal for medium to large-sized lawns. Modern machines are either powered by gasoline or batteries.
These beasts are far heavier than push-along mowers and have an average weight range of 400-500 lbs, which makes them heavy but still easy to maneuver thanks to their powerful engines. However, their size may pose storage problems for some users.
The lightest riding mowers have the smallest cut (usually 42 inches) and these weigh around 410 lbs without fuel.
Larger models with a 54-inch cut and a more powerful engine can weigh in at approx 800 lbs.
Zero Turn Mowers
Zero-turn mowers are the newest type of lawn mower on the market. These mowers have a turning radius of zero degrees, making it easy to navigate around obstacles and tight spaces.
Designed for larger lawns and sports fields, they are typically used by landscaping professionals and have an average weight range of 600-900 lbs.
For a smaller model with a 42-inch deck, you can expect it to weigh around 570 lbs. At the other end of the scale are heavyweight mowers with a 60-inch deck and powerful engines that tip the scales at up to 990 lbs.
Commercial zero-turn mowers with a 72-inch cut and upwards can weigh more than 1500 lbs.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right lawnmower can be a daunting task, but understanding the weight ranges of different types of machines can make it easier.
Consider the size of your lawn and specific needs, such as where you will store it when selecting a mower to ensure the best experience.