Push lawn mowers are defined as any kind that a person must push. These include the manual reel mowers which have no engine. The blades are activated simply by pushing the mower. It also includes most electric and gasoline operated mowers.
The exceptions to this would be a riding lawn mower or a lawn tractor. Also an exception is a robotic mower, which is a very small and lightweight electric mower that is self-propelled within a designated perimeter. Another exception is self-propelled lawn mowers which will move forward with the simple pull of a lever.
Push mowers vary in size, from a 22 pound reel mower to a large gasoline or electric mower. Reel mowers are manually operated and light, often collapsible. This makes them a favorite of lawn care professionals who travel, such as park caretakers or contractors with multiple clients. Clippings are generally sent through the blades and out the back of the mower. While some models may have a collector bag attached, most do not.
In contrast, most electric or gasoline powered mowers are heavier (up to 75 pounds or more) but have a collection bag attached for easy cleanup. The advantage to a gasoline powered or electric mower, while less convenient to take from place to place, is that the engine often helps propel the machine, making the work go faster. There are also hover lawn mowers, which have air pushing them off the ground, making terrain less of a problem.
Depending on the level of effort that one wishes to exert, whether it is to do all the work with a reel mower or to let an engine carry the bulk of the weight and also whether one prefers using gasoline, electricity or batteries. If you have a lawn, there is a push lawn mower out there for you.
