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It’s time to put away the snow shovels and start thinking about getting your yard back into shape.  When looking for a quality, affordable lawn mower for a small yard, there are plenty of models to choose from that include the features you want without breaking the bank. To determine the best lawn mower for you, consider the size of your property, how often you cut the grass, and if you want a discharge bag to collect clippings. Here is some suggestion for the best lawnmowers for the money for small yards.

1. Honda 3-in-1 variable speed lawn mower

Someone pushing a lawn mower in high grass.
Push mower | Anne Hawken via Getty Images

The Honda 21-inch lawn mower receives the “Best Of The Best” Award from Best Reviews. The self-propelled three-in-one variable-speed lawnmower offers unique features with superior control and speed adaptability.

The gas-powered 170cc engine is easy to start and includes an automatic choke for powerful performance. The four-cycle gas-powered engine eliminates the need to mix gas and oil, and changing and filling the oil is easier with a longer and higher oil line on the GCV 170 engine. The simple speed control eliminates the need for gears and offers a singular fluid motion ranging between 1 mpg to 4 mpg.

The easy-to-maneuver handle offers five adjustable positions, and a dual-lever system provides seven multiple-height settings to achieve the desired grass length. Twin blades cut the grass finer, leaving extra room in the bag for clippings. An attached one-step clip director simplifies changing between mulching, bagging, and discharging. It is the ideal mower for cutting less than a quarter acre of property. While the multi-speed function is desirable, some users find it difficult to operate.

The Honda 3-in-1 variable speed gas walk-behind lawn mower (Model #HRN216VKA) receives a five-star rating from over 6,000 reviews. It retails for $549 at Home Depot with an included three-year warranty.

2. Yard Machines 21-inch walk behind lawn mower

According to Best Reviews, the Yard Machines 21-inch walk-behind lawn mower is the “Best Bang For The Buck.” It is an affordable option for homeowners that need to maintain a small lawn.

The gas-powered lawn mower has a reliable 140cc OHV engine, which includes a primer and recoil start. The two-in-one 21-inch cutting deck offers mulching and side discharge capabilities, requiring fewer passes. A dual-level height adjuster easily changes to six height settings, and durable 11-inch rear wheels make moving through uneven terrain effortless. It is worth noting several consumers did not receive all the necessary hardware, so be sure to inspect your shipment for all parts before assembling.

The Yard Machines 21-inch gas-powered (Model #11B-BOS4700) lawn mower retails for $307.96 on Amazon, receiving a four out of five-star rating.

3. Honda GCV200

The 21-inch self-propelled Honda lawnmower has a four-in-one Versamow system that simplifies switching between bagging, mulching, leaf shredding, and discharging. There are seven available cutting heights, but some consumers report problems with grass appearing shorter than the selected height. The mower bags have a 2.5-bushel capacity and are easy to empty.

Advanced features include a 21-inch rust-resistant NeXite deck, micro-cut twin-blade system, three-position adjustable quick-release handle, and a flywheel brake safety system. The drive speed control easily adjusts to the desired self-propelled speed, and fuel stabilizers maintain the gas engine to increase the mower’s longevity.

The top-performing Honda 21-inch NeXite gas-powered lawn mower (Model #HRXVKA) includes a five-year warranty and retails for $799 at Home Depot.

4. Troy-Bilt 21-inch walk behind mower

The unique mulching kit with TriAction cutting system provides a fine, even cut to keep grass clippings to a minimum. The 21-inch walk-behind mower features a side discharge and six different cutting height options. It conveniently folds for easy storage and switches between front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive for better versatility, traction, and maneuverability. The 11-inch rear wheels allow for improved handling on most terrains.

Owners of this model report it can be hard to start the engine, requiring a few pulls of the cord to get going. The side discharge chute also frequently falls off.

The feature-packed Troy-Bilt (TB100) 21-inch walk-behind gas lawn mower has a reliable Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine and retails for $369 at Home Depot.

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