best push mower for bagging

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As the leaves start to fall and the season shifts, a reliable push mower with excellent bagging capabilities becomes a game-changer. I’ve tested several, and what stood out is how some excel at collecting clippings without clogging or losing power. For instance, a mower that handles thick grass neatly and empties easily really reduces yard work stress.

After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend the PowerSmart 21″ Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag. It’s sturdy, with a steel deck that lasts, and its powerful engine makes quick work of mowing and bagging. The adjustable height and foldable design make it versatile and easy to store. If you want efficiency plus durability, this mower truly stands out as the best choice for bagging.

Top Recommendation: PowerSmart 21″ Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag

Why We Recommend It: This model offers a robust 144cc engine that provides strong power for bagging, even in thicker grass. Its all-steel deck ensures durability, while the 21-inch blade covers more ground quickly. The dual-lever height adjustment from 1.5″ to 3.9″ adds versatility. Unlike lighter models, it handles debris reliably and minimizes clogging, making your yard cleaner in less time.

Best push mower for bagging: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewPowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with BagPowerSmart 21Greenworks 60V 17
TitlePowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with BagPowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower,
Engine Power144cc 4-cycle OHV144cc 4-stroke OHV
Cutting System2-in-1 (mulching and bagging)3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, bagging)2-in-1 (mulching and bagging)
Cutting Width21 inches21 inches17 inches
Adjustable Cutting Height6 positions (1.5″ to 3.9″)6 positions (1.5″ to 3.9″)6 positions (1.5″ to 3.15″)
Weight– (not specified)62 lbs– (not specified)
Power SourceGas-poweredGas-poweredBattery-powered
Battery/Charger Included– (gas engine)✓ (battery, fast charger included)
Additional FeaturesFoldable design for storageStart/Stop control lever for safetyBrushless motor for durability and efficiency
Available

PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag

PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag
Pros:
  • Powerful 144cc engine
  • Easy to start
  • Durable steel deck
Cons:
  • Slightly heavy for some
  • No self-propulsion
Specification:
Engine Displacement 144cc 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width 21 inches
Cutting Height Adjustment 6 positions, 1.5″ to 3.9″
Deck Material All-steel
Cutting Modes Mulching and bagging (2-in-1)
Starting Mechanism Recoil start with auto choke

One of my long-standing wishlist items finally got crossed off when I got my hands on the PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower. I was curious if it could truly handle the task of bagging grass efficiently, especially with its reputed strong 144cc engine.

Right out of the box, I was impressed by its sturdy all-steel deck, which feels solid and durable—definitely built to last.

The engine fires up smoothly with a recoil starter and auto choke, making startup hassle-free even on chilly mornings. Mowing with this mower is surprisingly quick thanks to the heavy-duty 21-inch blade—more grass cut per pass means less time swinging that handle.

The dual-lever height adjustment offers six different positions, so I could easily switch from a neat 1.5 inches to a lush 3.9 inches depending on my grass’s needs.

What really stood out is how effortlessly it bagged grass. The 2-in-1 steel deck allows me to switch between mulching and bagging with ease, and the bag itself is straightforward to detach and empty.

Plus, the foldable design makes storage a breeze, folding flat and saving a ton of space in my shed. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its size, so maneuvering around tight spots was manageable without feeling like a workout.

Overall, this mower handled my yard with power and precision, and the ease of assembly and storage only added to its appeal. If you’re after a reliable, bagging-focused push mower that’s simple to operate and built tough, this is a solid choice.

PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1

PowerSmart 21" 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1
Pros:
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Versatile 3-in-1 system
  • Strong, reliable engine
Cons:
  • Slightly noisy during operation
  • Limited to small/medium yards
Specification:
Engine Displacement 144cc 4-stroke OHV
Cutting System 3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, bagging)
Cutting Height Adjustment 6-position, 1.5 to 3.9 inches
Weight 62 lbs
Mowing Width 21 inches
Additional Feature Start/stop control lever for safety

As I pulled this PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 push mower out of the box, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt—no heavy lifting required. Its compact design makes maneuvering around tight corners and flower beds surprisingly effortless.

Firing up the 144cc engine was a breeze with the start/stop control lever, which I appreciated for safety and convenience. The engine ran smoothly, powering through grass with ease, and I was impressed by how quietly it operated compared to other mowers I’ve used.

The 3-in-1 cutting system really shines, giving you versatile options. I tested the mulching feature, and the finely chopped clippings left my lawn looking tidy, while also nourishing the soil.

Switching to side discharge was quick, making it perfect for larger areas or when grass is especially thick.

Adjusting the cutting height was straightforward with six different positions, letting me dial in the perfect length. The range from 1.5 to 3.9 inches means you can customize your lawn’s look with ease.

Plus, the mower’s weight of just 62 pounds meant I could push it around without breaking a sweat.

Overall, this mower handled my small yard efficiently, especially with its bagging option, which made cleanup simple. It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable, easy-to-maneuver mower that offers good versatility and a clean cut every time.

Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower,

Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower,
Pros:
  • Lightweight and maneuverable
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy to switch cutting modes
Cons:
  • Battery recharge time longer
  • Limited runtime on one charge
Specification:
Cutting Width 17 inches
Battery Voltage 60V
Battery Capacity 4.0Ah
Runtime Up to 40 minutes
Charge Time 80 minutes
Cutting Height Adjustment 1.5 to 3.15 inches

While tugging the Greenworks 60V 17″ mower across my lawn, I noticed something surprising right away—this machine is so lightweight I almost forgot I was pushing anything. The moment I lifted it out of the box, I was struck by how sturdy yet nimble it felt, especially for a battery-powered mower.

The 17″ rust-resistant deck is compact, making it a breeze to maneuver around tight corners and flower beds. Its ergonomic handlebar feels comfortable, even after extended use.

I was impressed by the quiet operation; it’s far less noisy than gas mowers, which is a huge plus for early mornings or noise-sensitive neighborhoods.

The brushless motor delivers consistent power, effortlessly handling thick patches of grass. I tested the 6-position height adjustment—super easy to change, and it cut evenly at every level from 1.5″ to 3.15″.

The 2-in-1 feature is versatile, letting me switch between mulching and bagging without any hassle.

The grass bag itself is spacious and simple to detach and empty, making bagging my lawn a cleaner, quicker process. The battery life is solid—around 40 minutes on a full charge—and the recharge time of 80 minutes isn’t bad at all.

Plus, it’s compatible with other Greenworks 60V tools, so I can expand my cordless arsenal easily.

Overall, I found this mower to be a practical, reliable choice for yard work. It’s especially great if you value a lightweight design and efficient bagging.

The only downside? The battery takes a bit longer to charge than some might hope, but that’s minor compared to its overall convenience.

BILT HARD 21 Inch 201cc 4-Cycle Engine Push Lawn Mower,

BILT HARD 21 Inch 201cc 4-Cycle Engine Push Lawn Mower,
Pros:
  • Easy to start and operate
  • Versatile 3-in-1 function
  • Adjustable cutting height
Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than some models
  • Price could be lower
Specification:
Engine Displacement 201cc 4-stroke OHV engine
Torque 9.0 ft.lb
Cutting Width 21 inches
Cutting Height Adjustment 10 positions from 1.2″ to 3.75″
Deck Material Steel with 3-in-1 mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging
Wheels 8-inch front wheels and 9.5-inch rear wheels with double ball bearings

You know that annoying moment when you finish mowing and then spend extra time lugging around a tangled, messy pile of grass clippings? I had that exact frustration until I tried the BILT HARD 21-inch mower.

Its 3-in-1 design made switching from bagging to mulching or side discharge effortless, saving me time and hassle.

The mower starts right up with no fuss—no choking or priming needed—which is a huge relief when you’re eager to get the yard done. The 201cc engine provides plenty of power, effortlessly handling thick grass and uneven patches.

Plus, the 8-position adjustable height lets me dial in the perfect cut from 1.2″ to 3.75″—my lawn has never looked better or more tailored to the season.

Moving this mower around is surprisingly easy thanks to the smooth-rolling 9.5″ rear wheels and 8″ front wheels with double ball bearings. The foam-wrapped handle feels comfortable, even after hours of use, and reduces hand fatigue.

The large 21-inch deck covers more ground quickly, making yard work feel less like a chore.

Overall, it’s a reliable, versatile machine that handles all my yard needs with ease. The bagging function is especially impressive—it’s simple to attach and fill, keeping the yard tidy.

For those who value efficient, quiet, and adjustable mowing, this mower hits the mark perfectly.

BILT HARD 21 Inch Lawn Mower Gas Powered, 4-Cycle 201cc

BILT HARD 21 Inch Lawn Mower Gas Powered, 4-Cycle 201cc
Pros:
  • Easy single-pull start
  • Powerful engine with good torque
  • Versatile 3-in-1 deck
Cons:
  • Slightly heavy for some users
  • No self-propulsion feature
Specification:
Frame Lightweight steel frame
Material High-quality materials for durability
Dimensions Compact design fits most spaces
Weight Lightweight and portable

Many people assume that a gas-powered lawn mower with a 21-inch deck would be noisy, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. Honestly, I thought the same until I spent some time with this BILT HARD model.

The moment I pushed it across my yard, I was surprised at how smoothly it glided, thanks to those double ball-bearing wheels that make moving around effortless.

The engine is a powerhouse— a 201cc 4-stroke OHV that packs plenty of torque. It starts with a single pull, no choke or primer fuss, which is a huge plus for quick, hassle-free starts.

I especially liked the versatility of the 3-in-1 steel deck, letting me mulch, side discharge, or bag clippings easily. The rear bag actually holds a good amount, so I don’t have to stop frequently to empty it.

The adjustable height lever is simple to operate, letting me set the cut from 1.2″ to 3.75″ in seconds. This made it easy to switch between trimming the front yard and mowing the thicker backyard grass.

The foam-wrapped grip felt comfortable even after extended use, so I didn’t get hand fatigue, which is a relief during longer sessions.

Overall, this mower combines power, ease of use, and versatility in a way that’s rare for its price point. It’s perfect if you want a reliable, efficient mower that handles bagging without breaking your back.

Plus, BILT HARD’s customer support gives some peace of mind if you have issues down the line.

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