8 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for St. Augustine Grass 2025

Blazing through St. Augustine’s thick runners, the EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A feels purpose-built for southern lawns. The variable-speed self-propel system (.9–3.1 MPH) lets you dial in traction without tearing stolons, while the 21-inch deck and 6-position height (1.5–4 inches) cover the ideal range for coarse, dense turf. Dual 56V 4.0Ah batteries push up to 65 minutes of runtime, and the IPX4 weather resistance with LED headlights makes early or late sessions practical in coastal climates.

In testing on lush, overgrown St. Augustine, the EGO’s torque maintained blade speed well when mulching, though max-height passes worked best for first cuts before stepping down. The deck easily toggles between mulch, bag, and side discharge; the two-bushel bag helps with thatch cleanup when the lawn is spongy. Push-button start and lightweight handling reduce fatigue, but ultra-dense or wet patches can require a slower pace to keep a clean cut.

Compared with the Greenworks 60V 25-inch model, the EGO is more maneuverable and lighter, while sacrificing a wider deck and extra mulching efficiency. Against the YARDMAX gas unit, it’s quieter and maintenance-free, though the gas model grips aggressive slopes better. The EGO suits homeowners wanting a premium cordless experience with strong runtime and turf-friendly speed control—offering a more refined, user-friendly package than the Greenworks 40V alternative.

Punching above its weight, the MightyMow 2x20V handles St. Augustine if you respect its limits. The brushless motor spins up to 4200 RPM, and the 18-inch deck sneaks into tight spaces along curbs and flowerbeds common in Gulf Coast yards. Self-propel pace (2.0–4.3 ft/s) reduces fatigue on thicker patches, while dual 4.0Ah batteries give about 30 minutes—enough for small lawns or quick trims.

In practice, it performs best with frequent mowing at higher settings for St. Augustine’s thick blades—use the single-lever 6-position height (1–3 inches) near the upper end to avoid scalping runners. Mulching works for maintenance cuts, but bagging is smarter after rainy growth spurts to prevent clumps in the 40L collector. It can bog in tall, wet growth; two-pass mowing (raise then lower) keeps the cut clean.

Compared to the EGO Power+ kit, the MightyMow is more compact and lighter but gives up runtime and deck width. Against the Greenworks 40V 21-inch, it’s more affordable and nimble, though not as powerful for dense lawns. It’s a solid pick for budget-conscious homeowners with small St. Augustine lawns who mow weekly—trading brute force for convenience and low weight.

This Greenworks 60V 25-inch is a St. Augustine crusher thanks to its dual-blade system delivering 30% better mulching and a 25-inch swath that reduces passes. The 60V platform claims 50% more power than 40V systems, and it shows when powering through thick, coarse turf. Self-propelled rear-wheel drive and aluminum handles give a premium, sturdy feel with less flex on bumpy lawns.

In thick, tall St. Augustine, it maintains blade tip speed impressively, especially when mulching at higher deck settings before stepping down. With up to 80 minutes of runtime on two 4.0Ah batteries, it comfortably covers up to 2/3 acre in typical conditions. It’s quieter than gas and keeps pace on moderate slopes, though the wider deck needs careful overlap around tight landscaping.

Compared to the EGO LM2102SP-A, this Greenworks wins on deck width and mulching efficiency, while the EGO is lighter and more nimble in tight spaces. Versus the Greenworks 40V 21-inch, it’s a clear step up in power and cut quality on dense turf. Ideal for larger St. Augustine lawns where coverage and mulch quality matter—delivering more lawn per charge than the 21-inch Greenworks 60V.

Built like a trail-gripper, the YARDMAX Select PACE leverages aggressive spike tread rubber tires and RWD to hook into St. Augustine’s thick thatch without slipping. The 201cc engine and CVT 6-speed selector let you match pace to conditions—from flat turf to uneven, spongy areas. A 22-inch, 16-gauge steel deck and MaxFlow volute design aid airflow for better lift and mulching.

On tall, dense St. Augustine, it powers through single-pass cuts more confidently than most electrics, especially on slopes and uneven ground. The 7 height settings (1.38–3.55 inches) are well-suited to keeping the lawn at a healthy upper range and avoiding runner damage. It’s not as quiet and needs regular maintenance, but the deck cleanout port and double ball-bearing wheels keep upkeep and handling manageable.

Versus the Greenworks 60V 25-inch, the YARDMAX delivers superior traction and raw torque on challenging terrain, while giving up the quiet, maintenance-free experience. Compared with the PowerSmart gas mower, it offers more refined drive control and tire grip. Best for homeowners battling hills, sandy soils, or damp mornings—the traction advantage is notable over the EGO cordless on slopes.

The Greenworks 40V 21-inch is the sweet-spot electric for routine St. Augustine care, pairing a brushless motor with a steel 21-inch deck that resists flex in heavy turf. Up to 45 minutes of runtime on a 5.0Ah battery supports small to medium yards when mowing weekly. Rear-wheel self-propel improves traction on spongy lawns, and vertical storage saves garage space.

In practice, it cuts cleanly at mid-to-high deck settings, with the 7-position height adjust helping preserve St. Augustine’s crown. Mulching is solid for maintenance cuts; for post-rain growth spurts, the bagging option keeps clumps at bay. It can slow in very tall or wet patches compared to 60V units, so two-step mowing (high then desired height) keeps quality consistent.

Compared to the Greenworks 60V 25-inch, this model is lighter and easier to maneuver but not as powerful for thick, overgrown blades. Versus the MightyMow, it delivers stronger torque and better runtime with a wider deck. It’s ideal for owners who mow consistently and want a balanced electric without jumping to the heavier 60V class—offering better cut quality than the budget MightyMow.

Engineered for tall, dense blades, this Greenworks 60V 21-inch uses high-torque output and rear-wheel drive to stay planted on thick St. Augustine. The 4-in-1 deck adds a turbo leaf pickup mode, which doubles as a helpful clump-busting assist after humid growth spurts. LED headlights and quiet operation make dawn/dusk mowing practical in hot climates.

On dense turf, it maintains blade speed better than 40V peers and handles slopes with confidence thanks to RWD. Runtime up to around 45 minutes with two 4.0Ah packs fits medium lawns; for larger areas, plan for battery swaps. Mulching at higher settings first, then stepping down, preserves turf health and prevents scalping.

Against the Greenworks 60V 25-inch, this 21-inch is nimbler around beds and fences, though it lacks the dual-blade mulching edge. Compared to the EGO LM2102SP-A, it’s similarly capable on dense grass but offers 4-in-1 versatility. It’s best for owners with medium St. Augustine lawns who prioritize torque and traction while keeping a manageable deck size—trading coverage for agility versus the 25-inch model.

The PowerSmart 21-inch gas mower brings 140cc Briggs & Stratton power to thick St. Augustine without overcomplicating the setup. A 21-inch steel deck and rear-wheel drive give steady traction over spongy turf, while 3-in-1 functionality makes switching from mulch to bag straightforward. The 6-position height range (1.5–3.9 inches) aligns well with recommended St. Augustine cut heights.

In real lawns, it holds blade speed through dense runners better than many entry-level electrics, especially when the grass is slightly damp. Bagging is effective for dethatching passes; mulching is fine for weekly maintenance at higher settings. It’s not as refined in speed control as CVT systems, and engine noise is noticeable, but cut consistency is reliable.

Compared with the YARDMAX, the PowerSmart is simpler and lighter but loses some traction sophistication and deck durability. Against the Greenworks 40V, it wins in raw torque for overgrown sections but requires fuel and maintenance. It suits value-seekers who want gas reliability for dense St. Augustine without stepping into premium pricing—providing more punch than budget cordless options.

The SENIX LSSG-H2 emphasizes wide-cut efficiency with a 22-inch deck and a proven 163cc Briggs & Stratton EXi675 engine, ideal for St. Augustine’s coarse blades. Front-wheel self-propel keeps the mower light-feeling and nimble in flat yards, while the 3-in-1 steel deck covers mulch, bag, and side discharge. A 6-position single-lever height adjust (1.25–4 inches) nails the range St. Augustine prefers.

On thick turf, it performs best with steady, even pacing—FWD can spin if you push uphill over spongy runners, but on flat or gently sloped lawns it glides. The included large bagger is handy for post-rain cleanup, and the washout port saves time when clippings stick. It’s not as grippy as RWD systems in challenging terrain, but the cut is consistent across typical suburban yards.

Compared to the YARDMAX, the SENIX trades traction and CVT finesse for easier maneuverability and similar coverage. Against the PowerSmart, it offers a wider deck and convenient washout, while giving up RWD traction on slopes. Best for small-to-medium St. Augustine lawns with primarily flat terrain—delivering quick coverage and straightforward operation at a manageable size.