Worst Lawn Mower Brands To Avoid (And What To Buy Instead)

As a lawn owner, having access to a lawn mower is not a convenience but a necessity. A good mower is your go-to tool for cutting grass at the right height, which is essential to the health and use of your grass. And even though this equipment is necessary, it is not inexpensive, and as a result, many gardeners are worried about purchasing the wrong one. In this article, let’s talk about lawn mower brands to avoid and what are the goo ones that you should consider buying.

Photo Credit A lousy lawn mower can significantly increase the time & money you spend mowing and maintaining your yard.

Lawn mowers are unquestionably important purchases. Once you get one, especially a more expensive one, you’re pretty much stuck with it unless you want to go through the effort of trying to sell it. On the other hand, even if a cheaper model appears to be a great deal, you shouldn’t make a purchase based on price alone.

If you do this, you can wind up with something that doesn’t cut the grass properly. A bad mower will only cause you problems, and no one wants to be constantly changing lawn mowers. Do you?

Common lawn mower problems include:

• Low power
• Poor durability
• Poor performance
• Overpricing 
• And much more

Also, when it comes to lawn mowers, not all are built the same. Some brands have the issues mentioned above more than others. So, if you are planning to buy a new lawn mower this season, this article is for you.

We will tell you everything you need to know about which lawn mower brands you should avoid and which ones you can choose without worry!

Red Flags To Look For When Buying A Mower

Always buy a lawn mower from a band that offers an extended and complete warranty.

While it’s true that not every lawnmower is made equal, some are better than others at hiding their flaws. When looking for a lawn mower, it is essential to keep an eye out for the following warning signs.

And, if more than two of these apply to the lawn mower you are considering, you should probably look into some other options.

• Lawn mower brands with poor customer service.
• Lawn mowers that are overly colorful and poorly designed.
• Lawn mowers that are emitting white smoke.
• Lawn mowers that are poorly constructed (cheap-looking materials).
• Lawn mowers that are too cheap.
• Lawn mowers with a screeching sound.
• Lawn mowers with a short and limited warranty.
• Lawn mowers with startup problems.
• Lawn mowers with too many negative reviews.
• Lawn mowers with vibrations emanating from the engine.
• Lawn mowers that are too short or too bulky.

Related: Do Brand New Lawn Mower Blades Need To Be Sharpened? A Beginner’s Guide

Lawn Mower Brands To Avoid

There are a plethora of mower manufacturers out there, and it can be challenging to figure out which ones to stay away from. So, here are five of the most well-known lawn mower brands to avoid, along with reasons why.

Also, it is important to clarify here that I am not trying to badmouth any one lawn mower brand because I know that manufacturers are continually looking for ways to improve their products. However, I care about the people who read this blog and encourage them to invest in a good mower.

Sun Joe

Photo Credit Sun Joe makes hybrid, electric, and battery-powered mowers to make cutting grass easy.

This brand is an excellent option to consider when looking for lawn mowers at a more affordable price point. In fact, it has been a strong selling point for the brand for most of the period that it has been available.

Customers, however, have taken notice of the reasons why this brand should be avoided while searching for lawn mowers. The subpar quality of this lawn mower brand’s construction is the primary source of its problems. 

According to the most prominent review platforms, its performance is likewise well below the bar. Some people have reported that it is particularly prone to breaking, and others have noted that its bags readily rupture.

Moreover, the image of this lawn mower brand is being damaged further by claims that their customer service is subpar.

Poulan Pro

Photo Credit Poulan Pro lawn mowers are lightweight and powerful and offer a two-year warranty.

This brand is known for producing gas lawn mowers with engines that are of remarkable quality as they are long-lasting and reliable.

Customers, however, have stated that this is the only aspect of this brand’s gas-powered mowers that they find to be beneficial.

The first problem is with the way the gas mower was put together. It is speculated that it is crafted from low-quality materials and that its components are so rigid that they are unable to be adjusted. Therefore, if you are working on an uneven lawn, you may have some difficulties with this particular brand.

Furthermore, the wheel adjuster on the Poulan Pro is often regarded as poorly built. The cutting precision also suffers since the deck has excessive vibration, which causes it to drop.

Customers have complained that the grass was trimmed excessively short when using this mower, which ruined both the appearance of the yard and its overall health. Considering this, I can see why its overall customer satisfaction rating is only 37%.

Cub Cadet

Photo Credit Cub Cadet mowers often have difficulty starting, running abruptly, idling badly, and cutting unevenly.

According to Consumer Reports, even though this brand has been on the market for a significant amount of time, it is now considered one of the worst brands of lawn mowers due to its poor customer satisfaction rating of only forty percent.

The other major drawbacks of this brand are its subpar efficiency inside discharge and when bagging the clippings. Specifically, it has been observed that the grass clippings bag tears very easily.

However, despite the company’s pride in the outstanding performance of its self-propelled mowers, these mowers do not operate as well as their competitors’ mowers. Additionally, the cost is relatively high, which is something to keep in mind as well.

Craftsman

Photo Credit Lawn mowers from craftsman often fail to start or lose power during the operation.

We are not referring to all Craftsman mowers because the company is still one of the leading brands in the industry of power tools; however, for a very long time, buyers have well recorded their dissatisfaction with the inability of Craftsman lawn mowers when it comes to packing clippings and their side discharges.

Some people even go so far as to assert that Craftsman mowers are only suitable for mulching and cannot perform any other function.

Although it is generally agreed upon that the prices are fair, many clients have mentioned that the lawnmowers produced by this manufacturer have a relatively short lifespan. Complaints center typically on a perceived lack of adequate mowing in essential areas.

Related: Lawn Mower Height Settings | What’s The Best Mowing Height For Lawn Grass?

Stihl

Photo Credit Stihl lawn mowers are often built poorly and do not have much power to get large jobs done right.

It is a well-known brand of lawn mowers, but, similar to Earthwise (mentioned below), it is lacking in the quality department when it comes to its electric mowers.

The most significant obstacle would be design problems. First, consumers have concerns over its level of effectiveness. It appears to lack power while having a deck size of 15 inches. 

As a result of this, subjective evaluations suggest that you need to add at least 30 minutes of additional mowing time to a job that you should have been able to do in 20 minutes. 

In addition, it is considered to be quite pricey in comparison to its construction and performance. The fact that it only received a satisfaction rating of 45% from customers as a whole justifies its inclusion on this list of products that should be avoided.

Earthwise

Photo Credit Users have frequently reported built problems when it comes to Earthwise lawn mowers.

Although it is a reputable brand, its electric mower models do not live up to expectations in terms of the level of satisfaction they provide to customers.

To begin, it is fueled by a lead-acid battery, which, compared to lithium batteries, is unreliable and does not have as much power.

As a result, the most common complaints regarding this brand’s electric mowers focus on their unsatisfactory ability to cut grass cleanly.

Despite having been constructed for big jobs, it cannot perform adequately for medium to large perimeters. It is because the device does not have a very long battery life, making it unsuitable for large jobs.

Moreover, even though it costs less than comparable electric mowers, it doesn’t perform as well. Customers said it was a “waste of money” and “regretted purchasing it.”

Troy Bilt

Photo Credit One of the most common problems people come across with Troy Bilt mowers is fuel issues.

This particular brand is considered to be among the best when it comes to power mowers. However, a number of reviews point out that there are problems with bagging bags on mowers manufactured by this brand.

Customers complain about grass and mulch falling from the clippings bag every time they mow the perimeter, which is one of the most basic tasks of a mower. In all honesty, this is the one thing I have a problem with when it comes to Troy Bilt.

On the other hand, this resulted in a customer satisfaction rating of only 55%. That percentage does not bode well for the reputation of the business because the brand’s shortcomings obviously outweigh its performance.

Lawn Mower Brands To Consider

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s speak about a few reputable lawn mower manufacturers and models you should consider when you’re out shopping. The following are a few of my favorite brands of lawn mowers:

Greenworks 25223

Photo Credit With an electric lawn mower from Greenworks, you can get more done in a shorter amount of time.

I believe that it is an excellent option for homeowners who have an uneven lawn or a lot of obstacles that need to be navigated.

The rear tires of the Greenworks 25223 mower are 10 inches in diameter. These larger tires contribute to the vehicle’s ability to move smoothly across washboard surfaces, which is an advantage. 

The lawnmower is equipped with not one but two batteries and can do a total of three functions. If you have a rather average yard size, you should purchase a mower like this one because it has a steel deck and the flexibility to adjust to seven different positions.

It is more affordable than the ego electric lawn mower (mentioned below), but if you already have the money, I recommend going with the ego model instead.

Toro 21382

Photo Credit When you pull out this sleek, black beast, your neighbors won’t know you have the greenest mower.

If you have a hilly property, the Toro 21382 will be an excellent option for you to consider. The cutting breadth of the 21382 model from Toro is an astounding 21 inches.

The deck is made from cast aluminum, so you won’t have to worry about rust, and it is equipped with a Honda GCV160 engine (yes, even Toro uses Honda engines now!).  

This engine has received compliments for its silky-smooth operation. Even if you are working with a wet lawn, this mower has excellent skills for bagging and mulching the grass clippings it cuts.

The Toro 21382 is equipped with rear-wheel drive and has sufficient power to climb steep inclines. In addition to that, it features a system called Personal Pace. 

Due to this arrangement, the lawn mower will move more quickly whenever you apply pressure on its driving lever.

The Honda HRX217VKA

Photo Credit Easy-starting, fuel-efficient, and powerful, Honda’s home GCV200 engine bestows this mower with a lot of power.

Choose a Honda lawn mower if you want an investment that will last you for at least the next 15 years. This is an updated version of the 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower that I already possess.

This top-of-the-line model from Honda provides a fantastic quality of cut and is an indispensable instrument for preserving the vitality of your grass.

Like most Honda mowers, this mower employs a two-blade chopping system capable of doing an excellent job of bagging and mulching the grass.

When the bagging function is used on this mower, it performs a terrific job of sucking in the grass cuttings and debris like a vacuum, and it also does an excellent job of mulching the lawn.

The Honda HRX217VKA comes equipped with a powerful engine with a displacement of 200 cc and drives the rear wheels. This translates to the fact that it can easily power up slopes and has the strength necessary to consume thick grass in your yard.

Ego-Power LM2135SP

Photo Credit It has a multi-blade cutting mechanism for superior cutting performance.

The Ego brand is one that comes highly recommended from me. Their mowers come at a high cost, but they are well worth it. This model is battery-powered and self-propelled. 

One of its advantages is that a single charge of the battery is sufficient to keep the mower operating for close to sixty minutes.

This model contains all of the characteristics of Ego’s earlier versions and new features, such as two blades and speed control, that are simple to comprehend.

This cordless lawn mower can be charged in an extremely short amount of time. The maintenance required for a gas-powered lawn mower is significantly more complex than that needed for a battery-powered device like this. 

My neighbor down the street has one of these, and whenever I see her mowing her lawn, I usually do a double take since I can’t hear the mower, even though I live just two homes away from her. I have never had one of these myself, but I have seen one in action.

Related: Help! My Lawn Mower Pull Cord Is Not Catching | Here Is How To Fix It Fast!

Pros & Cons Of My Top 3 Recommendations

Even though the lawn mowers in the above recommendations are all great choices, they still are not perfect. So, here is a comprehensive overview of each of their pros and cons to help you make the right decision for your yard.

Pros & Cons Of Ego Lawn Mowers

Pros

Cons

Ego lawn mowers come equipped with a range of features that, when combined, can simplify your life, such as self-propelled models and the ability to mulch grass clippings. They are also quite quiet, which means that you won’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors while mowing the grass as you won’t hear a thing. Ego lawn mowers are notable for their minimal weight and maneuverability. Because of this, they are an excellent choice for individuals with limited strength or movement.

They are often more expensive than several other kinds of lawn mowers. Despite being simple to manage, ego lawn mowers can be hard to push up slopes or through thick grass.

Pros & Cons Of Toro Lawn Mowers

Pros

Cons

The Toro Lawn Mower’s price point is surprisingly competitive when placed in context with comparable lawn mowers now available for purchase. They are simple to use and are equipped with a range of features that simplify the process of maintaining a lawn, such as an automated shut-off function and a system that allows it to move forward independently. Those looking for a lawn mower that is dependable and long-lasting may want to consider purchasing a Toro Lawn Mower.

Those searching for a solid or quick lawn mower should go elsewhere, as Toro lawn mowers are often not the greatest option. Those with larger yards may find the Toro Lawn Mower challenging to push because of its weight.

Pros & Cons Of Honda Lawn Mowers

Pros

Cons

Mowers manufactured by Honda have a well-deserved reputation for being exceptionally reliable and simple to start up, even after being put away for an extended length of time. Furthermore, they are simple to operate and come equipped with a self-propulsion capability, making mowing the grass much less complicated. Lawn mowers manufactured by Honda are renowned for their exceptional longevity and durability.

Depending on the specific model that you go with, Honda lawn mowers can be pretty pricey, which is one of their more notable drawbacks.

Things To Consider When Buying A Lawn Mower

Photo Credit Budget is obviously the most critical factor to consider when buying a new lawn mower.

You probably want a lawn mower to make landscaping a more pleasant and less time-consuming experience, regardless of whether you are a first-time homeowner making an investment in lawn care gear or a highly experienced professional looking to enhance your arsenal of power equipment.

If you have a high-quality lawn mower in your garage, you can trim the grass independently without hiring a landscaper and in much less time.

And when it comes time to buy a lawn mower, there are many things to take into consideration; however, the following are the most significant ones!

Cost

Priced between $200 and $800, push or walk-behind lawn mowers remain the most cost-effective option. Expect to pay more upfront if you go with a feature set that offers a better level of convenience.

The addition of ball bearing wheels, updated motors, and cast aluminum structures all contribute to the increased cost.

Reviews

Consistent negative feedback from independent review sites and anecdotal information from customers who have used the product can help you quickly determine if a brand is a flop.

It is more important than you might believe to research the different brands of lawn mowers before making a purchase.

Maneuverability

Consider how well a lawn mower fits your needs in terms of comfort. Invest in a push-type mower if you feel more at ease maneuvering it while walking behind it rather than driving it yourself.

Invest in a lawn mower designed like a tractor if you think you need more grip and control when riding it.

Power & Performance

Photo Credit The 120 to 190 cc range provides the most reasonable engine power for any lawn.

Find a lawnmower that is appropriate for the dimensions of your yard. When it comes to large lawns, the lawn mower’s performance directly affects the engine’s size and capacity.

The range of 120 to 190 cc will provide the most reasonable level of engine power for any grass.

Mulching & Bagging

One of the useful features of owning a lawn mower is that, once all the grass has been cut, it can either be auto-ejected on the side and turned into mulch or they can be vacuumed in and put in the bag.

If you find that reviews for a particular brand are poor in these areas, you should not even consider purchasing it.

Deck Size

Generally speaking, the more grass a deck can remove in one swing, the wider it needs to be. Therefore, if the deck is broader, there will be less time needed to complete the task. Even more compact decks can pack a powerful punch.

They are simpler to maneuver and perform better on terrains with more uneven surfaces. However, a larger deck is more suited for the task at hand if the perimeter is both large and uniform in shape.

Power Sources

Photo Credit Buy a gas-powered lawn mower if you want a powerful machine and need to work in large areas.

One more thing you need to consider is whether your lawn mower will be powered by gas, a cord, or batteries instead. You should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option to find the one that suits your needs best.

Corded Lawn Mowers

They produce the least amount of noise while operating and never need to be recharged. However, because it needs to be plugged into a power outlet, they do not provide you with an acceptable mowing range.

Electric Lawn Mowers

They are easier to maintain, less noisy, and friendlier to the environment than alternative options. On the other hand, they have a lower power output, and it is only logical that they stop cutting when the battery dies.

Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers

The most powerful types of lawn mowers are those that are gas-powered. When working in a large yard, they can operate continuously as long as you have gas refills available. However, they could be loud, and they aren’t exactly eco-friendly.

Some Side Features To Consider

Photo Credit Consider buying an electric start mower if you have strength or shoulder issues.

A lawnmower should include the standard characteristics listed above, but you may also find additional valuable features. The following are some features that are to be praised, as they offer value to your lawn mower.

Electric Start

Pull-starting your mower is not needed thanks to the availability of electric start mowers nowadays. This is excellent for those who have strength or shoulder issues. Honda even manufactures a mower with built-in battery charging, so you never need to plug the mower into rejuice its battery.

So, if pulling a starter rope is challenging for you or anybody else operating the mower, look for a mower with an electric start.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Test out the height adjusters on the mower before making a purchase to ensure they are simple to operate. Some mowers have a single lever that adjusts the cutting height of two wheels at once, while others require the use of two separate levers.

Warranties

You should probably get a guarantee to cover your new lawn mower unless you are an expert at fixing power equipment.

You might be able to add a second protection plan for a cost, depending on where you buy your new lawn mower. This kind of extra coverage might be a wise investment if you like to treat your equipment roughly.

Safety and Ease-of-Use Features

Modern lawn mower models have more safety features and are simpler to use than older models. Consider what ease-of-use and safety feature you and your yard need when buying a lawn mower.

If you hate mowing the grass, you can also acquire a robotic lawn mower. However, instead of purchasing a mower because it has the most features, you should select one based on the most critical aspects to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Although lawn mowers are expensive and shopping for one may be a stressful experience, being prepared with a brief list of lawn mower brands to avoid and lawn mower brands that you can buy with confidence is sure helpful.

Also, before making a purchase, do some research, and don’t be afraid to spend a little bit more money on a higher-quality product. Your grass will express its gratitude to you in this way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What company makes lawn mowers?

The leading mower manufacturers in the United States are Black Decker, Ferris, Cub Cadet, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, John Deere, Craftsman, American Lawn Mower Co., and Greenworks.

Additionally, as a licensed manufacturer, American Lawn Mower Co. focuses on producing manual reel mowers under the brand names Earthwise, American Lawn Mower, Great States, and Scotts.

What is the oldest lawn mower brand?

The first gasoline-powered lawn mower to be manufactured in the United States was developed in the year 1914 by the Ideal Power Mower Co. of Lansing, Michigan.

The invention was based on a patent that Ransom E. Olds had held for a number of years. In addition, Ideal Power Mower was the company that introduced the world’s first riding lawn tractor that was self-propelled for sale in the market in the year 1922.

How long do mowers last?

An average mower may spend about 48 hours a year mowing grass—1.5 hours once a week for eight months—and a well-maintained mower can last up to 15 years.

Most lawn mowers, on average, can survive ten years or longer with little maintenance. However, if you don’t take care of your lawn mower, it should last about 4 to 5 years.

Is Husqvarna as good as John Deere?

When it comes to the performance and functionality of their products, John Deere is superior to Husqvarna’s offerings. However, Husqvarna is an excellent option because of its lower starting price. Also, while comparing the zero-turn mowers by John Deere and Husqvarna, it appears that the zero-turn mowers manufactured by John Deere are more long-lasting.

What lawn mowers do professionals use?

The ride-on mower, the zero-turn mower, and the walk-behind push mower are the types of lawn mowers used most frequently in commercial settings by professionals.

The popularity of ride-on mowers can be attributed to the fact that these machines are ideal for cutting large areas of grass and several acres without subjecting the operator to undue strain.

Sources for Further Reading

Lawn mower tune-up | University of Delaware. (2022). Retrieved 10 September 2022, from https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2022/march/lawn-mower-tune-up/

Lawn Mower Care and Safety – Gardening Solutions – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (2022). Retrieved 10 September 2022, from https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/tools-and-equipment/lawn-mower-care-and-safety.html

Mowers and mowing safety. (2022). The University of Minnesota. Retrieved 10 September 2022, from https://extension.umn.edu/lawncare/mowers-and-mowing-safety

Editor’s Recommendations

How to Read Fertilizer Numbers? What Is The NPK Ratio? A Comprehensive Guide

Rhizome & Stolon Grasses: What Are They & Why Are They Amazing?

How To Remove Grass From A Yard To Start A New Garden? A Comprehensive Guide