Maintaining a lush, healthy St. Augustine lawn requires a mower that is both powerful and gentle. This grass variety thrives with a higher cut and can be sensitive to stress, making the right equipment essential. A self-propelled mower takes the physical effort out of mowing, allowing you to focus on achieving a clean, even cut that promotes turf health and prevents scalping.
Whether you prefer the quiet convenience of cordless electric or the traditional power of gas, there is a model designed to meet your needs. This roundup features ten excellent self-propelled mowers, evaluated for their cutting capabilities, ease of use, and features that are particularly well-suited for caring for St. Augustine grass.
The Best Self-Propelled Mowers for St. Augustine Grass
- EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
- MightyMow 2x20V 18 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless, Brushless Push Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 60V 25” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (LED Lights + Aluminum Handles)
- YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower, 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
- Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless Motor, LED Lights
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine, 3-in-1, Self-Propelled
- SENIX LSSG-H2 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower with 163 cc 4-Cycle Engine
- BILT HARD 21 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 201cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine
- Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A is a top-tier cordless option that combines impressive power with user-friendly features. Its variable speed self-propel system lets you easily adjust your pace from 0.9 to 3.1 MPH, which is perfect for navigating different sections of your lawn. With two included 4.0Ah batteries, you can get up to 65 minutes of quiet, emission-free runtime on a single charge.
For St. Augustine grass, the six cutting height settings are a significant advantage, allowing you to set the deck between 1.5 and 4 inches to find the ideal height for turf health. The one-handed adjustment makes it simple to change on the fly. This mower offers full versatility with its 3-in-1 function, letting you mulch, side-discharge, or collect clippings in the included two-bushel grass bag.
MightyMow 2x20V 18 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless
For smaller lawns, the MightyMow cordless mower provides a capable and convenient solution. It operates on two 20V batteries, offering up to 30 minutes of runtime, which is ample for many residential properties. The high-efficiency brushless motor not only extends the motor’s life but also provides the torque needed for a consistent cut.
The self-propel feature on this mower takes the effort out of mowing, with a speed range from 2.0 to 4.3 ft/s to match your walking pace. Its six-position cutting height adjustment allows you to customize the cut for your St. Augustine grass. This model is a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight, push-free mowing experience without the noise and maintenance of a gas engine.
Greenworks 60V 25” Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower
If you have a larger yard, the Greenworks 60V mower with its expansive 25-inch cutting deck is an excellent option. This wider path means fewer passes and less time spent mowing. The 60V platform delivers power comparable to gas mowers but without the associated noise, fumes, or maintenance.
With the included dual 4.0Ah batteries, this mower can run for up to 80 minutes, covering up to two-thirds of an acre. The self-propelled rear-wheel drive provides the traction needed to handle inclines with ease. For maintaining a large St. Augustine lawn, the combination of runtime, cutting width, and self-propelled power is a significant benefit.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD Gas Lawn Mower
For those who prefer gas power, the YARDMAX model stands out with its industry-leading CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This system offers superior speed control, allowing you to perfectly match the mower’s pace to your walking speed by selecting one of six preset speeds. This is ideal for navigating sloped or uneven terrain common in some yards.
The high, 11-inch rear wheels and aggressive spike-tread rubber tires significantly increase traction and maneuverability. A 22-inch steel deck provides a wide cutting path, and the 3-in-1 functionality offers mulching, side-discharge, or rear bagging. The deck cleanout port makes maintenance simple after mowing.
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower
This Greenworks 40V mower is part of a large ecosystem of over 75 compatible tools, making it a smart choice if you want to invest in a single battery platform. It includes a 5.0Ah battery that provides up to 45 minutes of runtime, suitable for medium-sized lawns. The self-propelled feature ensures easy operation across your property.
The durable steel deck houses a highly efficient brushless motor, which offers more torque and a longer operational life. A single lever adjusts the cutting height across seven positions, making it simple to find the perfect setting for St. Augustine grass. The 3-in-1 design provides the flexibility to bag, mulch, or side-discharge clippings based on your lawn care preferences.
Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
Another strong contender from the Greenworks 60V line, this 21-inch model is packed with useful features. The self-propelled system with rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction for tackling slopes and thick grass, and it allows for on-the-go pace adjustments. It operates about three times quieter than a typical gas mower, ensuring a peaceful mowing experience.
Integrated LED headlights allow for mowing in lower light conditions, from dawn to dusk. This mower goes beyond the standard 3-in-1 with a 4-in-1 design that includes mulching, bagging, side discharge, and a turbo leaf pickup function. This versatility is excellent for handling different seasonal lawn care tasks.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
The PowerSmart gas mower is built around a reliable 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its smooth starts and durable performance. This makes it a dependable workhorse for tougher mowing conditions. The 21-inch steel deck is efficient for covering medium to large yards, reducing the total mowing time.
This mower offers a 3-in-1 function, giving you the choice to bag clippings into the 1.4-bushel bag, mulch them back into the lawn for nutrients, or use the rear discharge for fast mowing. With six cutting height settings, you can easily adjust to the recommended height for St. Augustine grass.
SENIX LSSG-H2 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The SENIX LSSG-H2 features a 22-inch cutting deck, allowing you to cover small to medium-sized yards quickly and efficiently. Its space-saving design includes a fold-down handle for compact vertical storage. The self-propel function utilizes front-wheel drive to make mowing less strenuous.
Power comes from a reliable Briggs & Stratton 163 cc 4-cycle engine with a Prime ‘n Pull start for reliable ignition. The 3-in-1 steel deck provides mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities, with a large 19-gallon bagger included. A washout port is also included, facilitating easy cleaning after use.
BILT HARD 21 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The BILT HARD mower is designed for efficient and reliable performance with a robust 201cc 4-stroke OHV engine. A significant user-friendly feature is the no-choke, no-primer design, which aims to make starting the mower as simple as possible. The 21-inch steel deck provides a 3-in-1 functionality for versatile clipping management.
This model is self-propelled with a rear-wheel drive system and a single speed, moving the mower forward effortlessly so you only need to steer. The comfortable, foam-wrapped handle is angled to help reduce hand and arm fatigue during longer mowing sessions, making it a good fit for larger properties.
Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For maximum power in a cordless format, the Greenworks 80V platform is a top contender. This 21-inch self-propelled mower is built to handle demanding mowing tasks with ease, offering performance that can rival many gas-powered models. The high-voltage system is designed to power through thick grass without hesitation.
As part of the Greenworks family, it benefits from the brand’s extensive experience in battery-powered outdoor equipment. You can expect the convenience of instant start, zero emissions, and significantly reduced noise levels. The self-propelled feature ensures that operating this powerful mower requires minimal physical effort, making lawn care a more pleasant task.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for St. Augustine Grass
Choosing the right self-propelled lawn mower for St. Augustine grass is a bit different than picking one for any other lawn. This grass is a bit of a diva; it has thick, wide blades and a spongy growth habit that can be tough on mowers. I’ve learned that getting the cut right is the key to keeping it healthy and beautiful. Here’s what I always look for.
First and foremost is the cutting height. St. Augustine grass needs to be cut tall, typically between 3.5 to 4 inches. Cutting it too short stresses the grass, exposes the soil to sun, and invites weeds and disease. So, my number one rule is to find a mower with a high enough cutting height adjustment. Many mowers max out at 4 inches, but some go higher, which is even better for the hotter months when I want to let the grass grow a bit taller to retain moisture.
Next, I consider the mower’s deck and cutting system. A wider deck, like a 21-inch or 22-inch, means I can cover more ground with fewer passes, which is great for larger lawns. But the real magic is in the blade. A high-lift blade is my go-to. It creates a stronger suction that pulls the tall, sometimes lazy blades of St. Augustine upright for a cleaner, more even cut. This also helps with bagging and mulching performance, as it lifts the clippings effectively into the bag or chops them finely for mulch.
The type of drive system matters for comfort. St. Augustine lawns can be uneven. A front-wheel drive mower is good for flat terrain, but if your yard has any slopes or bumps, a rear-wheel drive model gives you much better traction and control. For the ultimate in maneuverability, especially on hilly properties, I look for all-wheel drive systems. They power all four wheels, making it feel like the mower is practically pushing itself.
Finally, I think about power and clippings management. A powerful engine, whether gas or a high-voltage battery, is non-negotiable for powering through thick St. Augustine without stalling. For clippings, a good mulching kit is fantastic. It returns nutrients to the soil, which St. Augustine loves. But for those times when the grass is damp or overgrown, a robust bagging option is essential to prevent clumping. When I’m searching for the 10 best self-propelled lawn mowers for St. Augustine grass, these are the features I prioritize to ensure a healthy lawn and an easy mowing experience.
FAQ
Why is a self-propelled mower better for St. Augustine grass?
While you can use any mower, a self-propelled model is a huge help because St. Augustine grass is often thick and spongy. Pushing a heavy mower through that can be a real workout, especially on a hot day. The self-propelled drive does the hard work for you, making it easier to maintain a steady, slow pace. This is crucial because you never want to rush mowing St. Augustine; a slow, consistent speed ensures the high-lift blade can properly stand the grass up for a clean cut.
Can I use a mulching blade on St. Augustine grass?
Absolutely, and I often recommend it. Using a mulching blade and closing the side-discharge chute allows the mower to chop the grass clippings into tiny pieces and blow them back into the turf. These fine clippings decompose quickly, acting as a natural fertilizer and helping to retain soil moisture. This is a great way to feed your St. Augustine lawn naturally. Just be sure to mow frequently enough so you’re never cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, or you might end up with clumps.
What is the ideal mowing height for St. Augustine in the summer?
During the peak summer heat, I keep my St. Augustine grass at about 4 inches tall. This taller height provides more shade for the soil and roots, which helps conserve water and protects the grass from heat stress. It also encourages a deeper, healthier root system. Letting it get too long and then scalping it down is one of the worst things you can do, so consistent mowing at a high setting is the secret.
How often should I mow my St. Augustine lawn?
This depends entirely on how fast it’s growing, which is influenced by rain, fertilizer, and temperature. During its main growing season in the spring and summer, I typically mow mine once a week. The golden rule I follow is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. So if my ideal height is 4 inches, I’ll mow again when it gets to about 5.5 or 6 inches tall.
Is gas or electric better for mowing thick St. Augustine grass?
Both can work well if they have enough power. Traditionally, gas mowers offered more raw power, which is great for tough, thick grass. However, today’s high-end battery-powered mowers are incredibly powerful and can easily handle St. Augustine. I prefer electric for the quiet operation, zero emissions, and low maintenance—no more oil changes or spark plugs. The key is to check the battery’s voltage and amp-hour (Ah) rating to ensure it has enough runtime to finish your lawn on a single charge.