Push vs Self-Propelled Mower?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Fiskars StaySharp Max 18-in Reel Push Mower
Fiskars' StaySharp Max is a maintenance-free manual reel mower; on specs it fits small, flat, regularly cut lawns where an owner wants quiet, zero-emission mowing over power and speed.
| Power | Manual (human-powered, no motor) |
|---|---|
| Deck | 18 in cut width, 5 blades |
| Drive | Push, InertiaDrive reel |
| Runtime | Unlimited (no fuel or battery) |
| Cutting height | 1-4 in |
| Discharge | Reversible chute, no bag included |
| Best for | Small flat yards under ~1/4 acre |
EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP 21-in Self-Propelled Mower
On specs, EGO's LM2135SP pairs a 21-in deck, self-propel, and a rated 60-minute 56V runtime, making it a strong battery pick for quarter- to half-acre yards where gas maintenance is unwelcome.
| Power | 56V battery (7.5Ah kit) |
|---|---|
| Deck | 21 in steel |
| Drive | Self-propelled, Touch Drive 0.9-3.1 mph |
| Runtime | Up to ~60 min (56V 7.5Ah) |
| Cutting height | 1-4 in, 8 positions |
| Discharge | 3-in-1 bag / mulch / side discharge |
| Best for | Up to ~1/2 acre |
Our verdict
This is the effort spectrum. The Fiskars reel is the purest push mower: you supply all the force, which is fine on a small flat lawn but hard on slopes or tall grass. The EGO self-propelled sits at the other end, using a driven transmission so the mower pulls itself across medium yards and hills. A powered battery or gas push mower is the middle ground when you want an engine but not a driven transmission. On specs, pick a push (manual reel or powered push) for small flat lots and tight budgets, and self-propelled for larger areas, thick turf, or any real slope where pushing a heavy deck gets tiring.