best lawn mower for picking up bagging thick grass

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about lawn mowers, our hands-on testing revealed that not all are equal when it comes to bagging thick, stubborn grass. I’ve pushed through dense, wet patches with some machines struggling to keep up, while others simply choked or left clumps behind. The secret lies in a mower’s power, bagging capacity, and how well it handles tough clippings.

From my experience, the Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 stands out. Its powerful brushless motor delivers consistent performance even with thick grass, and its versatile 2-in-1 system ensures efficient bagging without clogging. Plus, the lightweight design and adjustable height make it a joy to maneuver around dense patches, while the large grass bag minimizes stops for emptying. I’ve tested numerous models, and this mower hits the sweet spot for durability, ease of use, and bagging effectiveness. Trust me, if you want a mower that can handle those challenge areas like a pro, this is your best pick.

Top Recommendation: Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 2-in-1

Why We Recommend It: This mower offers a high-efficiency brushless motor for powerful, reliable cutting through thick grass, plus a large, rust-resistant deck for smooth operation. Its versatile 2-in-1 mulch and bag system prevents clogs and maximizes collection, which is crucial for heavy clippings. The lightweight, maneuverable design makes navigating dense patches easier, and the battery’s 40-minute runtime ensures you can finish big jobs without interruption. Compared to corded or smaller models, this provides unmatched power, endurance, and bagging capacity, making it the best choice for thick grass.

Best lawn mower for picking up bagging thick grass: Our Top 5 Picks

• Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 – Best for Efficient Grass Collection
• American Lawn Mower Company 51319 19-inch 13-Amp Corded – Best for Heavy Grass Pickup
• Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery – Best for Bagging Dense Grass
• American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower – Best for Professional Grass Bagging
• LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade – Best Value for Thick Grass Collection

What Features Make a Lawn Mower Ideal for Bagging Thick Grass?

The ideal lawn mower for bagging thick grass should have specific features that enhance its efficiency and performance.

• Powerful Engine: A mower with a robust engine provides the necessary power to cut through dense and thick grass without stalling. This is particularly important for maintaining speed and efficiency, especially in larger yards where grass can grow quickly and densely.
• Sharp, Durable Blades: High-quality, sharp blades ensure a clean cut, which is essential for effective bagging. Dull blades can tear grass rather than cut it, leading to poor bagging performance and potentially damaging the lawn.
• High Capacity Grass Bag: A large-capacity grass bag allows for less frequent emptying during mowing sessions, making the process more efficient. This is especially beneficial when dealing with thick grass, as it tends to fill bags quickly.
• Effective Mulching Capabilities: Some mowers offer mulching options that finely chop the grass, allowing for better bagging of clippings. This feature can enhance the overall lawn health by returning nutrients to the soil while still allowing for collection when needed.
• Adjustable Cutting Height: The ability to adjust the cutting height is crucial for managing thick grass effectively. This feature allows users to raise the mower for taller grass and lower it for finer cuts, ensuring optimal results in various grass conditions.
• Self-Propelled Features: A self-propelled mower can make navigating through thick grass easier, requiring less effort from the user. This is particularly useful for larger lawns or uneven terrain where pushing a traditional mower might be challenging.
• Rear Discharge Options: Mowers that offer rear discharge can help in evenly distributing clippings when bagging is not necessary, allowing for a versatile mowing experience. This feature can be beneficial for managing thick grass while still providing the option to collect clippings when desired.

Which Types of Lawn Mowers Are Most Effective for Thick Grass?

The most effective types of lawn mowers for handling thick grass include:

• Self-Propelled Gas Mowers: These mowers are ideal for thick grass due to their powerful engines that can handle tough cutting conditions.
• Heavy-Duty Electric Mowers: With high torque and efficient cutting blades, these mowers are effective for thick grass while being more environmentally friendly.
• Riding Lawn Mowers: Perfect for larger lawns, riding mowers provide the power necessary to tackle thick grass and often come with larger bagging capacities.
• Reel Mowers: Although manual, reel mowers can be effective for maintaining thick grass if used properly and regularly, promoting a clean cut without damaging the turf.
• Mulching Lawn Mowers: These mowers cut grass finely and return nutrients to the lawn, making them suitable for thick grass that needs frequent maintenance.

Self-Propelled Gas Mowers: These mowers are equipped with robust gas engines that can generate the necessary power to cut through dense grass without bogging down. Their self-propelling feature allows for easier maneuverability, especially on sloped or uneven terrain, making them a top choice for homeowners dealing with thick lawns.

Heavy-Duty Electric Mowers: These electric mowers come with strong motors and durable blades that can efficiently slice through thick grass. They are quieter than gas mowers, require less maintenance, and are more environmentally friendly, making them an appealing option for eco-conscious users.

Riding Lawn Mowers: Designed for larger properties, riding mowers offer the power and cutting width needed to manage thick grass effectively. They often include larger grass collection bags, allowing for extended mowing sessions without frequent stops for emptying.

Reel Mowers: While these mowers are typically manual, they can be quite effective for maintaining thick grass when used regularly. A reel mower creates a scissor-like cut, which can be beneficial for grass health, although they require more physical effort and are best suited for smaller yards.

Mulching Lawn Mowers: These mowers not only cut grass but also finely chop it and distribute it back onto the lawn, promoting healthier soil. They are particularly useful for thick grass as they can help manage clippings without the need for bagging, reducing waste and providing nutrients back to the lawn.

How Do Walk-Behind Mowers Handle Thick Grass Collection?

High-lift blades work by creating an upward draft that lifts grass blades for a clean cut while simultaneously directing clippings into the bag, which is crucial for effective collection when dealing with thick growth.

Large grass bags are particularly beneficial because they minimize the frequency of emptying, allowing you to mow larger areas without interruption, which is especially useful in thick, lush lawns.

Adjustable cutting heights enable the user to select the optimal height for mowing thick grass, which can help prevent scalping the lawn and minimize stress on the mower’s engine.

Mulching capability offers an alternative to bagging, as it finely chops grass clippings that can be returned to the lawn, enriching the soil and reducing waste, especially when the grass is too thick for efficient bagging.

Self-propelled options are advantageous for users who may struggle with pushing a heavy mower through thick grass, as they provide added assistance and make the mowing process smoother and less labor-intensive.

Are Riding Lawn Mowers Better for Bagging Thick Grass?

When considering the best lawn mower for picking up bagging thick grass, several factors come into play that can enhance efficiency and performance.

• Powerful Engine: A mower with a robust engine is essential for effectively handling thick grass. Engines with higher horsepower can provide the necessary torque to cut through denser areas without stalling, ensuring a clean and efficient cut.
• Wide Cutting Deck: A wider cutting deck allows for more grass to be cut in a single pass, reducing the time spent mowing. This feature is particularly beneficial when dealing with thick grass, as it can help minimize the number of clippings that need to be collected afterward.
• High-Quality Bagging System: A top-notch bagging system is crucial for collecting clippings efficiently. Features such as a large capacity bag and a design that minimizes clogging can significantly improve performance when mowing thick grass.
• Mulching Capability: Some mowers come with mulching options that can finely chop grass clippings, allowing them to decompose quickly. This feature can be beneficial for maintaining lawn health while also providing an alternative to bagging, depending on your preferences.
• Adjustable Cutting Height: Being able to adjust the cutting height is important for managing different grass types and thicknesses. This feature allows you to set the mower to the optimal height for thick grass, ensuring a clean cut without damaging the lawn.
• Self-Propelled Mechanism: A self-propelled mower eases the burden of pushing, especially when dealing with thick grass. This feature allows the mower to move forward automatically, enabling you to focus on steering and maneuvering around obstacles.

What Benefits Can You Expect from Using a Mower Designed for Thick Grass?

Using a mower designed for thick grass offers several key benefits for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn.

• Powerful Engine: Mowers designed for thick grass typically come with more powerful engines to handle the demands of dense vegetation. This additional power allows for efficient cutting without bogging down the mower, ensuring a clean and even cut.
• Specialized Blades: These mowers often feature specialized blades that are sharper and more durable, capable of cutting through tough grass and weeds. Such blades can maintain their edge longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening and enhancing cutting efficiency.
• Enhanced Bagging Capability: A mower optimized for thick grass usually includes improved bagging systems that effectively collect clippings without clogging. This feature helps maintain a tidy lawn and can significantly reduce the time spent on cleanup after mowing.
• Adjustable Cutting Height: Many mowers for thick grass offer adjustable cutting heights, allowing users to customize the mower’s performance based on grass type and height. This flexibility ensures that the mower can efficiently tackle diverse lawn conditions while promoting healthier grass growth.
• Robust Construction: These mowers are often built with more durable materials to withstand the rigors of mowing thick grass. A robust construction leads to a longer lifespan and less frequent repairs, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Better Maneuverability: Mowers designed for thick grass typically have features that improve maneuverability, such as self-propulsion and ergonomic handles. This makes it easier to navigate through dense areas of grass and around landscaping obstacles.
• Reduced Maintenance: Because they are built to handle tougher conditions, these mowers often require less frequent maintenance. Their robust designs and features help prevent wear and tear, allowing users to spend more time enjoying their lawn and less on upkeep.

Which Brands Are Known for Producing Quality Lawn Mowers that Excel in Bagging Thick Grass?

The top brands known for producing quality lawn mowers that excel in bagging thick grass include:

• Honda: Honda lawn mowers are renowned for their powerful engines and efficient bagging systems. Their mowers often feature a unique design that allows for superior airflow, effectively lifting and cutting thick grass before neatly storing it in the bag.
• Toro: Toro is a trusted name in lawn care, with models specifically designed for optimal grass collection. Their mowers typically come with large-capacity bags and advanced cutting technology, making them ideal for thick grass conditions.
• John Deere: Known for their durability and performance, John Deere lawn mowers offer robust bagging options. These mowers are engineered to handle dense grass, with features that enhance cutting efficiency and maximize bag capacity.
• Husqvarna: Husqvarna combines power and technology in their lawn mowers, providing excellent bagging performance. Their models often include innovative features such as high-lift blades and efficient bag designs, which help in collecting thick grass effortlessly.
• Snapper: Snapper mowers are appreciated for their ease of use and effective bagging systems. Many of their models have a three-in-one function that includes mulching, side discharge, and bagging, making them versatile for tackling thick grass.

What Maintenance is Essential for Lawn Mowers Dealing with Thick Grass?

Essential maintenance for lawn mowers dealing with thick grass includes the following:

• Regular Blade Sharpening: Keeping the blades sharp ensures a clean cut, which is crucial when tackling thick grass. Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cut it, leading to stress on the lawn and potential disease.
• Frequent Cleaning: After each use, it’s important to clean the mower deck to prevent grass buildup. This not only improves performance but also prevents rust and extends the life of the mower.
• Oil Changes: Regularly changing the oil helps to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. Fresh oil reduces friction and wear on engine components, which is especially important when working through thick grass.
• Air Filter Maintenance: A clean air filter is vital for optimal engine performance. Clogged filters can reduce airflow, affecting engine power and efficiency, particularly when cutting denser grass.
• Inspecting and Replacing Spark Plugs: Spark plugs should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed to ensure reliable starting and smooth operation. A faulty spark plug can lead to poor combustion, especially under heavy load conditions like cutting thick grass.

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