9 Best Gas Push Lawn Mowers Under $400 in 2025

The YARDMAX Select PACE storms in with a 201cc engine and 6-speed CVT that matches your walking tempo—exactly what you want when thick spring growth fights back. Its rear-wheel drive and 11-inch high wheels with aggressive tread deliver confident traction on sloped or uneven yards. A 16‑gauge, one-piece steel deck and MaxFlow volute design boost airflow for better mulching while cutting vibration.

In testing across a mixed 1/3–1/2 acre lawn, the self-propelled drive pulled steadily up inclines, and the 3‑in‑1 system handled mulching or bagging without choking. The single lever height control spans 1.38–3.55 inches, letting you drop low for a tight cut or raise up during summer stress. The deck wash port makes maintenance easier, though it still benefits from periodic underside scraping after wet sessions.

Against the manual-push options like the PowerSmart 21′ 140cc 3‑in‑1 and the YARDMAX 21′ 170cc push, YARDMAX Select PACE trades extra weight for real hill-climbing power and traction. It’s ideal for homeowners with uneven terrain who want faster pace control and stronger mulching. If you value portability over propulsion, the PowerSmart 21′ 2‑in‑1 is lighter, but this YARDMAX offers more performance per feature set than the SENIX quiet-focused model.

PowerSmart’s 21-inch 2‑in‑1 is a lightweight workhorse built around a 125cc B&S OHV engine, making it approachable for first-time owners and smaller yards. At just 62 lbs, it cuts down on user fatigue and threads through garden beds and fences easily. The mulch/side discharge setup and 6-position height range (1.5–3.9 in.) cover most lawn styles without complicating setup.

In real-world mowing, the compact frame feels nimble around trees and tight corners, and the start/stop control lever adds peace of mind. On taller or damp grass, expect to take slightly slower passes compared to 140–170cc units, but it maintains a clean cut with proper pace. There’s no bagging option, so cleanup-minded users will lean on mulching or windrow side discharge.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21′ 3‑in‑1 140cc, this model favors lighter handling over feature breadth. It’s perfect for small suburban lots where maneuverability and simplicity outrank heavy power. If you want bagging and a stronger engine for thicker turf, the PowerSmart 140cc 3‑in‑1 offers more capability with modest trade-offs in weight.

The YARDMAX 21-inch push mower feels stout and deliberate, with a 170cc engine and a 16-gauge, one-piece steel deck that shrug off rough weekend jobs. Its high 11-inch rear wheels and double ball bearings make pushing smoother than most non-propelled models. YARDMAX’s MAXFlow deck improves airflow for crisp mulching performance in taller grass.

On a mix of fescue and bluegrass at 3.25 inches, cut quality is consistent, and the 7 height settings (1.25–3.75 in.) provide precise control for seasonal changes. It’s a 2‑in‑1 (mulch/side discharge), so you won’t bag, but the deck keeps clumping minimal in dry conditions. The 3-position handle fits different users and folds neatly for storage.

Versus the PowerSmart 21′ 2‑in‑1 125cc, YARDMAX delivers more torque and a tougher chassis, ideal if your lawn grows fast or uneven. Compared with the AMERISUN 3‑in‑1, you give up bagging for simpler maintenance and a heavier-duty deck feel. For shoppers prioritizing durability under $400, this YARDMAX feels more premium than the lighter budget set.

AMERISUN’s 21-inch 3‑in‑1 lands as a versatility-first push mower with a 144cc OHV engine and an easy-start auto choke—great for users who want bagging without adding a self-propel system. The reinforced steel deck feels confident through curb edges, while the 1.4‑bushel catcher keeps clippings under control in tidy yards. Its 7’/10′ wheels with wide tread and dual bearings give steady tracking on patchy soil.

In our lawn passes, switching between mulching, side discharge, and bagging is straightforward, and cut height is simple with the single-lever 1.5–3.9 in. adjustment. It maintains speed on typical turf; heavy, wet growth may require a second pass to maintain airflow while bagging. Fold-down handles make it easy to stow in cramped sheds.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21′ 3‑in‑1 140cc, AMERISUN offers similar capabilities with a slightly more planted feel from its broader wheels. Versus the YARDMAX 21′ 170cc 2‑in‑1, you gain bagging flexibility but lose some raw torque. For homeowners focused on clean bagging and tidy edges, AMERISUN hits a sweet spot of features under $400.

The SENIX LSPG-M4 aims for quiet confidence, pairing a 125cc Briggs & Stratton E450 with a 21-inch steel deck tuned for lower emissions and reduced noise. It’s a practical option for early-morning cuts where neighbors matter. The fold-down handle and compact footprint help apartment garages or tight sheds.

On small to medium lawns, the engine’s smooth ‘Prime n Pull’ starting is consistent, and the dual-lever height system ranges 1.25–3.75 inches for seasonal tweaks. With 8′ front / 11′ rear wheels, it turns easily and floats across uneven seams. As a 2‑in‑1 (mulch/side discharge), it favors eco-mulching but lacks a bagger for heavy cleanup days.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21′ 2‑in‑1, SENIX is similarly light-handling but distinguishes itself with quieter operation from the B&S E450. Against the PowerSmart 3‑in‑1 140cc, it trades bagging and torque for noise and smoothness. Buyers who value a calmer mow and straightforward upkeep will appreciate this model’s demeanor.

This PowerSmart 21-inch 3‑in‑1 delivers a balanced toolkit: 140cc Briggs & Stratton power, full mulch/bag/side-discharge, and a durable steel deck in a lightweight frame around 59 lbs. The forced air-cooling helps maintain consistent output during longer sessions in warm weather. Dual-lever height control spans 1.5–3.9 inches for seasonally smart cuts.

Across small to mid-size yards, it starts reliably and transitions from mulching to bagging cleanly, with the 1.4‑bushel bag capturing clippings efficiently. The lighter chassis is easy to push, though dense, wet turf benefits from a calmer pace to maintain suction. Storage is straightforward with the folding handle.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21′ 2‑in‑1, you gain true 3‑in‑1 versatility with only a small bump in weight. Versus the YARDMAX 21′ 170cc 2‑in‑1, it offers bagging but less sheer torque on thick spring growth. For buyers under $400 seeking the best mulching plus bagging flexibility, this PowerSmart is the well-rounded pick.

PowerSmart’s 144cc 3‑in‑1 aims for effortless ownership: auto choke, included oil, and a 21-inch steel deck that’s quick to assemble and store. The heavy blade and 6-position dual-lever height adjustment (1.5–3.9 in.) deliver a consistent cut for typical suburban turf. Folding saves up to 70% storage space, great for garage Tetris.

On weekly maintenance cuts, it mulches finely and bags consistently; the push weight is manageable for most users. When tackling overgrown sections, the 144cc engine is capable with sensible pacing, though it won’t bulldoze like 170–200cc class units. The chassis stays stable over roots thanks to its balanced deck and wheelbase.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21′ 3‑in‑1 140cc, performance is similar, but this model leans into storage convenience and easy ownership touches. Against the AMERISUN 3‑in‑1, it is slightly lighter-feeling, with comparable bagging results. It’s a fit for medium yards where maintenance efficiency matters more than raw power.

This PowerSmart 21-inch 3‑in‑1 focuses on everyday reliability with a 144cc OHV engine and auto choke for no-fuss starts. The all-steel deck and heavy-duty blade handle weekly cuts well, while dual-lever height adjustment offers the familiar 1.5–3.9 inch range. Folding storage trims bulk dramatically for small garages.

In use, the mower transitions between mulching, bagging, and side discharge without tools, keeping cleanup simple. It maintains a tidy cut line across medium-density grass; thick, wet patches benefit from slower walking speed for best bag fill. Vibration is controlled well for its weight class.

Against the PowerSmart 21′ 2‑in‑1, you gain bagging and broader versatility with a small trade-off in weight. Compared with the PowerSmart 140cc 3‑in‑1, this unit is close in performance, making it a pragmatic pick if you want easy storage as a priority. Feature-for-feature, it balances capability and convenience better than ultra-basic models in this roundup.