A pristine, well-manicured lawn is a point of pride for any homeowner, and the right mower makes all the difference. Rear bagging lawn mowers are a popular choice for their ability to deliver a clean, clippings-free finish with every pass. By collecting grass directly into a rear-mounted bag, they eliminate the need for raking and leave your yard looking tidy and professionally maintained.
Whether you prefer the raw power of gas or the quiet convenience of electric, there is a rear bagging mower perfectly suited to your property’s size and your personal preferences. This roundup highlights eight excellent options that combine efficient grass collection with powerful performance and user-friendly features. From self-propelled models that handle hills with ease to compact electric mowers ideal for smaller spaces, you’re sure to find the ideal partner for your lawn care routine.
The Best Rear Bagging Lawn Mowers for a Tidy Yard
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
- PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 21-Inch
- AMERISUN 21″ Gas Lawn Mower, 3-in-1 Gas Push Mowers
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
- Fuel Tank Cap for Toro 22 inch Recycler Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 25022 10 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch 11-Amp
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 13 Amp Corded Electric
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
This PowerSmart mower is a versatile workhorse for medium to large yards. Its reliable 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine is known for consistent performance and easy starts, ensuring you can tackle tough mowing jobs with confidence. The 21-inch durable steel deck covers a wide path, significantly reducing the time you spend mowing.
The 3-in-1 functionality offers maximum flexibility. You can choose to bag clippings for a clean finish using the 1.4-bushel capacity, mulch to nourish your lawn with natural nutrients, or use the rear discharge for quick cutting in overgrown areas. With six cutting heights and a self-propelled rear-wheel drive system, this mower provides excellent control and a custom cut for any grass type.
PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 21-Inch
For those who need extra power and effortless operation, this PowerSmart model delivers. It features a robust 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine designed for maximum efficiency and is equipped with an auto-choke for simplified starting. The single-speed self-propel system with rear-wheel drive makes navigating hills and large yards up to half an acre feel almost effortless.
The mowing quality is a key highlight, with a 21-inch wide cutting system and a heavy-duty blade that provides ultra-fine cuts. This results in small, even clippings that are ideal for bagging or mulching. The durable steel deck is built to last, making this a solid investment for homeowners seeking a powerful, self-propelled mower that takes the physical strain out of lawn care.
AMERISUN 21″ Gas Lawn Mower, 3-in-1 Gas Push Mowers
The AMERISUN gas mower is built for steady performance and easy handling on uneven terrain. Its 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine, featuring an auto-choke ignition, provides reliable power for a consistent cut. This mower is a great option for users who need a durable and capable gas-powered machine without a self-propel system.
Where this model really stands out is in its mobility. It features large 7-inch front wheels and oversized 10-inch rear wheels with wide treads and dual ball bearings. This design offers excellent traction and smooth movement, making it easy to push across rough or uneven sections of your yard. Combined with its 3-in-1 functionality and six height adjustments, it provides a comfortable and adaptable mowing experience.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
For smaller lawns or those who prefer an electric option, the Sun Joe MJ401E offers a lightweight and user-friendly solution. Its 12-amp motor provides ample power to cut a 14-inch wide path quietly and without the fuss of gas or oil. The collapsible handle is a brilliant feature for easy, compact storage in a garage or shed.
This mower includes a generous 10.6-gallon grass bag, reducing the frequency of stops to empty clippings. The durable 14-inch steel blade ensures a precise cut, and the 3-position height control allows you to easily tailor the grass height to your preference. It’s an excellent, low-maintenance choice for achieving a neatly bagged finish on smaller properties.
Fuel Tank Cap for Toro 22 inch Recycler Lawn Mower
This product is a replacement fuel tank cap, an essential part for maintaining your mower’s performance and safety. A faulty or lost gas cap can lead to fuel evaporation, debris entering the tank, and potential operational issues. This cap serves as a direct replacement for a wide range of popular mower models and engines.
It is compatible with several brands including Toro, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and Husqvarna, and is designed to fit specific Briggs & Stratton engines like the 675EXi and 725EXi. If you own a Yard Force YF22-3N1SP-SC 163cc mower, this is the correct replacement part. Keeping a properly fitting cap on your mower ensures a tight seal and protects your engine.
Greenworks 25022 10 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 25022 is a straightforward and efficient corded electric mower. Its 10-amp motor provides reliable power for maintaining small to medium-sized lawns, offering a quiet, emission-free alternative to gas models. The consistent power from a corded outlet means you never have to worry about battery life or running out of charge mid-mow.
This mower is designed for simplicity and ease of use, featuring a rear-bagging system to collect clippings for a tidy lawn. As a corded model, it is also very low maintenance, requiring no oil, gas, or spark plug changes. It’s a practical and eco-conscious choice for homeowners with smaller, manageable yards who value a clean and quiet mowing experience.
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch 11-Amp
This electric mower from the American Lawn Mower Company is a modern classic, known for its reliability and simple operation. The 11-amp motor is more than capable of handling the demands of a small lawn, providing a clean, bagged cut without the noise and maintenance of a gas engine. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners.
With a 14-inch cutting width and a rear collection bag, it is perfectly sized for compact yards. This mower is an excellent option for those seeking a no-frills, effective tool that gets the job done quickly and quietly. It’s a time-tested model that emphasizes function and user-friendly operation over complex features.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 13 Amp Corded Electric
The Earthwise corded electric mower strikes a great balance between power and maneuverability. Its 13-amp motor is one of the more powerful in its class, easily cutting through grass with a 16-inch swath. This makes it suitable for slightly larger small yards where a 14-inch mower might feel too slow.
The rear bagging system efficiently collects clippings, contributing to a neat and clean lawn appearance. As an electric model, it requires minimal upkeep and operates much more quietly than gas alternatives. The 16-inch deck offers a good compromise, being wide enough to cover ground efficiently yet narrow enough to store easily and navigate around obstacles.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Rear Bagging Lawn Mower
When I’m looking for a new mower, I know that a rear bagging lawn mower is a fantastic choice for keeping my yard looking clean and tidy. But with so many options out there, from gas to electric, and self-propelled to push models, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for my specific needs. I’ve learned that the best way to choose is to break it down into a few key areas I always consider.
First, I think about the power source. Gas mowers give me the most power and total freedom from cords, which is great for my larger, more rugged yard. They do require more maintenance, like oil changes and spark plug replacements. If my yard is smaller or I just want a quieter, lower-maintenance option, I look at electric mowers. Corded electric models are limited by the extension cord’s reach, but they’re lightweight and start with the push of a button. Cordless battery-powered mowers offer great convenience and are much quieter, but I always check the battery life and voltage to make sure it can handle my entire lawn on a single charge.
Next, I consider the mower’s cutting width. A wider deck means I can finish the job faster because I’m covering more ground with each pass. For a small, flat yard, a standard 21-inch deck is usually perfect. If I have a larger property, I might look for a model with a 22-inch or even wider deck to reduce my mowing time.
I also pay close attention to the bag itself. Capacity is a big deal. A larger bag means I can mow for longer before I have to stop and empty it, which is a huge time-saver. I look for bags that are easy to detach and have a sturdy handle for carrying clippings to my compost pile. Some bags even have indicators that show when they’re full, which is a handy feature that prevents overfilling and messy spills.
Finally, I think about the terrain of my yard. If it’s mostly flat, a standard push mower works just fine and gives me a good workout. But if I have hills or uneven ground, a self-propelled model is a game-changer. It does the work of pushing for me, so I can just guide it, which makes mowing much less of a chore. Adjustable speed settings on self-propelled mowers are a bonus, allowing me to set a comfortable pace.
By thinking about my yard’s size, my desired level of maintenance, and the features that make the job easier, I can find the perfect machine for my needs. Taking the time to compare these factors ensures I invest in a mower that will keep my lawn looking its best for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of a rear bagging lawn mower?
For me, the biggest benefit is the clean finish. Collecting the clippings in the bag leaves my lawn looking neatly manicured and prevents grass from being tracked into my house. It’s also great for controlling weeds, as I’m removing the weed seeds before they can spread. If I’m dealing with a lot of leaves in the fall, the bagger makes quick work of cleaning them up. Using one of the best rear bagging lawn mowers for your yard really helps in maintaining a pristine outdoor space.
Are rear bagging mowers harder to push than side-discharge mowers?
They can be, especially when the bag starts to fill up. The added weight at the back does change the balance. This is why I always recommend considering a self-propelled model if you have a larger yard or any slopes. The self-propelled feature drives the wheels for you, so you’re just guiding the mower, not pushing dead weight. It makes a significant difference in effort.
How often do I need to empty the bag?
This totally depends on how thick and tall your grass is. If the grass is damp or very lush, the bag will fill up surprisingly quickly. As a general rule, I try to empty it before it gets completely packed full. An overstuffed bag can restrict airflow, which hurts the mower’s cutting performance and may leave clumps of grass on your lawn. It’s better to make a few extra trips to the compost bin than to struggle with a clogged mower.
Can I still mulch with a rear bagging mower?
Many modern mowers offer a 3-in-1 feature, which means they can bag, mulch, or side-discharge. To mulch, you typically need to remove the bag and attach a mulch plug that closes off the discharge chute. This keeps the grass clippings circulating under the deck where they get chopped into fine pieces that decompose and feed your lawn. It’s a great nutrient-recycling option, but I find bagging is better when the grass is overgrown or when I want that super-clean look.
What should I do with all the grass clippings?
I almost always add my grass clippings to my compost pile. They are a fantastic “green” material that provides nitrogen to help break down “browns” like leaves and twigs. Just be sure not to use clippings from a lawn that has been treated with herbicides if you plan to use the compost in a vegetable garden. You can also use the clippings as a thin, nitrogen-rich mulch around flower beds, but spread them thinly to avoid matting.