If your property spans large areas and you need a mower with ample width, a 72 inch walk behind mower can save time by covering more ground in fewer passes. This guide highlights five practical options and explains who each is best for, along with helpful caveats. The top picks include tow-behind models for lawn-tract work, reliable reel mowers for precise cuts, and an electric walk-behind that avoids gas. Use this overview to compare needs like power, width, maneuverability, and maintenance when selecting a mower for expansive properties.
| Product | Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake 60V Walk Behind String Mower | Cordless Electric | Small to mid-size yards, noise-sensitive settings | Two 4Ah batteries for up to 90 minutes runtime |
| Earthquake Acreage Tow-Behind Mower | Tow-Behind | Large, uneven terrain; wide passes | 44″ deck, adjustable cutting height, durable steel deck |
| LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower | Corded Electric | Small to medium yards seeking low-maintenance power | 3,300 RPM, compact 14″ deck, five height positions |
| American Lawn Mower 2607-16 Reel Mower | Push Reel | Low-maintenance, environmentally friendly cuts | 7-blade reel for fine-textured grasses; sharpener included |
| Snapper 1687914 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit | Self-Propelled Walk Behind | Medium yards needing reliable self-propulsion | Briggs & Stratton 82V kit; 21″ deck; 3-in-1 mulch/bag/side discharge |
Earthquake 60V Walk Behind String Mower
This cordless mower is best for homeowners with medium-sized lawns seeking quiet operation without gasoline. It features a 22″ cutting width and a variable speed dial for better control across grass types. The two included 4Ah batteries extend runtime up to about 90 minutes, reducing the need for frequent stops. Best for: small to mid-size yards, urban lots, and users prioritizing low noise and easy maintenance.
Caution: Battery-powered mowers may require charging breaks for larger properties, and runtimes can vary with grass height and density. Choose this if you want minimal upkeep and no fuel handling.
Earthquake Acreage Tow-Behind Mower
This tow-behind mower is best for large properties where a riding mower isn’t preferred or available. Its 44″ steel deck and 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine deliver robust cutting performance in rough terrain. The mower can traverse uneven ground with adjustable cutting height and a 2″ hitch ball for towing. Best for: large lawns, fields, and properties with obstacles where a larger width helps finish faster.
Limitation: Tow-behind models require a suitable vehicle to tow and careful maneuvering around rocks and roots. Choose this if you need maximum width and power on tough terrain.
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower
This corded electric model is best for yards where a reliable, low-maintenance power source is preferred and a 14″ cutting width suits tighter spaces. It offers 5 cutting height positions ranging from 1.4″ to 3″. Best for: small yards, urban homes, and users seeking no gasoline or battery replacements.
Caution: The corded design limits mobility away from outlets; ensure safe cord management during mowing tasks.
American Lawn Mower 2607-16 Reel Mower
This reel mower with a 7-blade design is best for precise, clean cuts on fine-textured grasses. The 16″ width covers ground efficiently while remaining lightweight for easy pushing. The included SK-2 hand sharpener helps keep blades sharp at home. Best for: small to medium lawns, Bermuda or Bentgrass areas where a clean, eco-friendly cut matters.
Limitation: Reel mowers require more effort on tall or thick grasses and can be harder to push on uneven terrain. Choose this if you prioritize environmental friendliness and low maintenance.
American Lawn Mower 2002-20 Reel Mower
This 20″ reel mower with a grass catcher offers efficient cutting with a broad pass width for more ground per stroke. It includes adjustable cutting height from 2″ to 3″ for lawn health and appearance. Best for: smaller lots where a quiet, green-mowing approach is desired, or for gardeners who value a cleaner edge with minimal waste.
Limitation: Not ideal for very large lawns due to narrower width and manual effort requirement. Choose this if you want a simple, eco-friendly mower with a catcher.
Snapper 21″ SP Walk Mower Kit
This self-propelled walk mower with a 21″ deck is best for mid-sized yards needing steady speed control. It includes a Briggs & Stratton 82V battery kit with two 2Ah batteries and a rapid charger, plus a 3-in-1 deck design that mulches, bags, or side-discharges. Best for: yards where constant propulsion and a versatile 3-in-1 function improve efficiency.
Caution: Battery kit adds weight and may require extra charging time for larger sessions. Choose this if you want dependable propulsion with flexible discharge options.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for a 72 Inch Walk Behind Mower
- Width and terrain: Wider decks reduce passes on flat, even terrain but can be harder to maneuver around obstacles. Tow-behind models maximize width for large properties but require a tow vehicle.
- Power source: Gas, electric corded, or cordless battery options each have trade-offs for runtime, maintenance, and noise. For very large properties, consider a model that supports long runtime or easy battery swaps.
- Deck type: Reel mowers deliver clean, precise cuts with low maintenance but require more manual effort; multi-function walk mowers offer bagging, mulching, and side discharge for versatility.
- Cutting height and adjustability: Look for a wide range of height adjustments to suit different grasses and seasonal growth. Height stability is essential on uneven ground.
- Maintenance needs: Reel mowers and belt-driven systems require periodic sharpening or belt checks. Electric models reduce fuel maintenance but require charging infrastructure and cord management where applicable.
- Safety and handling: Self-propelled and tow-behind units reduce operator fatigue but introduce steering and control considerations. Ensure appropriate safety features like blade guards and proper disconnects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a 72 inch walk behind mower? A mower with a cutting width near 72 inches intended for ease of mowing large areas, often achieved with tow-behind or specialized heavy-duty walk-behind configurations.
- Are tow-behind mowers suitable for residential yards? They work best when a tow vehicle is available and the yard can accommodate wide passes, typically on larger properties.
- Do reel mowers work on uneven ground? Reel mowers can perform well on flat to gently sloped lawns; very rough terrain may reduce efficiency and require adjustments.
- What maintenance do electric mowers need? Electric mowers require battery care (for cordless models) and periodic blade sharpening or replacement, alongside general cleaning.
- Which mower is best for quiet operation? Cordless and electric mowers generally operate more quietly than gas-powered models, making them suitable for noise-sensitive areas.
- Can I use a 44″ tow-behind mower on my property? A 44″ deck is wide for certain large lawns, but if your space allows and you have a suitable tow vehicle, it can still increase efficiency compared to narrower units.