Choosing a new lawn mower isn't always as simple as picking the biggest engine or the lowest price. One of the most common questions is whether it's worth upgrading to a self-propelled mower or sticking with a traditional push mower.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer and the best choice depends on your lawn size, terrain, budget and how much effort you want to put into mowing.
In this article, we'll break down the key differences between the two options, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which lawn mower is best suited to your backyard.
This is the biggest difference between the two. A self-propelled mower has wheels that keep it moving by itself, so all you need to do is guide it.
A push mower is the traditional sort - you’ll have to do all the pushing yourself, which can be a tough gig on larger properties, in the heat or when you have some slopes to deal with.
A lot of Victa mower series, like the Corvette and Mustang, have both self-propelled and push options. We recommend to work out which mower series is best for you, then choose self-propelled or push as the final option. For more information on the Victa mower series, check out the Victa buyers guide.
It’s a common understanding that self-propelled mowers would be much faster than a push mower. They are being pushed at a constant speed, which is often faster than a heavy push mower could be driven.
You won’t need to take breaks as often because the drive system will do most of the work. Less water breaks means mowing less time!
Simply put, a self-propelled mower is a more sophisticated machine, so understandably it comes with a higher price tag than a push mower.
We alway say that everyone’s perfect mower will be different. For those with small yards, or who don’t mind the workout of a push mower, a self-propelled mower may not be worth the extra cost.
Alternatively, people who avoid the laborious job of mowing - whether that’s influenced by their yard size, or hotter weather conditions, the extra investment of a self-propelled mower is a better option.
A self-propelled mower has more complex components compared to a push mower, so the maintenance required isn’t the same. On top of all the usual maintenance, you’ll also need to service the drive system including the belts and transmission.
The maintenance difference isn’t usually a noticeable issue to the average owner. Especially if you’re buying a high quality machine like the Victa Self-Propelled Corvette which is unlikely to break down.
We often think of a self-propelled mower as the option between a push mower and a ride-on mower. If you have a medium lawn that takes you more than 45 mins to mow, you’ll really want to think about investing in a self-propelled model.
Trust us, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner!
Here’s what a lot of people don’t realise: a normal push mower can weigh over 30kgs! If you have some hills to tackle in your backyard, even if it’s a little under that 500 m² threshold, a self-propelled mower will save you heaps of time (and sweat).
Some people don’t mind spending a little extra if they know they’re getting the most efficient, convenient model. Even if your lawn is flat and on the smaller side, a self-propelled option is still going to save you plenty of time and effort.
We have also recommended self-propelled mowers to people that get fatigued more quickly, whether that be because of a condition or health factors. It’s a great option if you’re not sure you can handle pushing the mower through overgrown grass for more than 20 minutes.
Depending on the climate you live in and the kind of grass on your lawn, you may find yourself mowing much more often than the average joe. For example, a Kikuyu turf in Queensland is going to be a challenge to keep short during summer!
If you know your lawn needs weekly care, then a self-propelled mower could be for you.
For some properties and some people, a self-propelled mower is overkill. If your lawn is just a small patch of grass, or you’re physically capable of pushing a mower for longer periods, a push mower may be a better option.
Sometimes, people really want the premium build quality of Victa, but just can’t justify upgrading to a self-propelled option. This is true when the alternative might be a cheaply made self-propelled mower that is going to cause constant maintenance headaches.
Even though a self-propelled mower is easier to push when the engine is running, the machine itself is heavier than a push mower. If you have a few pesky stairs leading up to your shed, it could be tricky to lift a self-propelled mower up them when you’ve finished mowing.
Also, self-propelled models can be slightly larger than push options. So, if storage space is super tight, a push mower with a smaller deck size - like the Victa 18” Steel Utility Mower - could be a better option for you.
At the end of the day, the best lawn mower is the one that suits your property and the way you like to mow. If you have a larger lawn, uneven terrain or simply want to spend less time and energy maintaining your yard, a Victa self propelled mower is well worth the investment.
On the other hand, if your lawn is small, flat and you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, a quality push mower will still deliver excellent results.
Whichever option you choose, investing in a reliable mower from a trusted brand means you'll enjoy better performance, durability and a cleaner cut for years to come. Explore the full range of Victa lawn mowers to find the model that's right for your home and make mowing one less thing to worry about.
