The most reliable walk-behind lawn mower brands, according to Consumer Reports

Walk-behind mower ownership has climbed as smaller yards and battery-powered models have made lawn care accessible without a riding mower. Choosing the wrong brand raises the odds of engine trouble, battery failure, and costly repairs within the first few years.

Consumer Reports surveyed members about nearly 43,000 mowers purchased between 2015 and 2025, rating brands on predicted reliability and owner satisfaction to identify the standouts. Reliability scores across walk-behind brands span from a perfect 100 to a dismal 14.

Here are the five that ranked highest.

Credit: Snapper

Snapper battery push mowers carry a reliability score of 100, the only brand in its category to reach that mark. Eleven percent of battery push mower owners told CR their battery life had declined over time, the most commonly reported problem in the category. CR says Snapper posted a near-perfect reliability score alongside strong owner satisfaction marks, making it the standout choice for buyers who want a battery push model that holds up.

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt gas self-propelled mowers score 98 out of 100 for predicted reliability, the highest mark in the gas self-propelled category. These models power the wheels forward, reducing operator effort across large yards. CR names DeWalt the most reliable gas mower brand in its survey ratings, though owner satisfaction lands at midrange, meaning buyers value the dependability more than the overall ownership experience.

Credit: Stihl

Stihl battery self-propelled mowers score 95 out of 100 for predicted reliability, the top mark in that category. Battery self-propelled models trade some runtime for powered-wheel assist, a feature that CR says makes them relatively trouble-free despite lower overall runtime than push models. CR singles out Stihl as one of only two brands in the battery self-propelled category to earn high marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.

Credit: Green Machine USA

Green Machine battery push mowers score 90 out of 100 for predicted reliability. Predicted reliability scores feed into each model's overall CR rating, and low-scoring brands are ineligible for a CR recommendation regardless of how well they perform in lab cutting tests. CR credits Green Machine with high reliability marks, making it one of only three battery push brands to score in the 88-or-above range.

Credit: Toro

Toro gas push mowers score 88 out of 100 for predicted reliability, the top mark in the gas push category. Gas push mowers are not limited by battery charge time, but CR's survey found that 17 percent of gas push mowers develop engine problems or become hard to start. CR rates Toro alongside Troy-Bilt and Bolens at the top of the gas push category for reliability, and also highlights Toro for a strong owner satisfaction score in the gas self-propelled category.