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After testing battery-powered lawn mowers for the past several years, I’d forgotten the raw, unrelenting power a gas mower can produce. Then, I pulled the recoil cord on the DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower, and it all came rushing back.
DeWalt’s self-propelled 224cc beast cuts a massive swath through tall grass, spins its blades fast enough for clean, healthy cuts, and doesn’t slow down for anything. Those with a large yard or light commercial property who are wondering whether gas mowers are still worth it, I can unequivocally say: yes, this one is.
I tested this DeWalt model DW12ABW6RK039 as part of a larger test for BobVila.com’s self-propelled mower guide, and it took the award for best wide-cut mower. Over a three-week test period, I mowed acres of tall fescue and buffalo grass with the DeWalt mower. Here’s what you need to know.
Best Extra-Wide Mower
DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
How Powerful is the DeWalt 28-inch Mower?
The DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower comes with an electronically governed engine that adjusts speed automatically to handle changing mowing conditions. Whether I was mowing through short fine grass or dense wet grass, it left clean cuts.
Don’t be fooled by the engine size: Using this mower is not an ear-splitting experience. The mower comes with a muffler that makes it quieter than gas mowers I’ve used in the past. It’s not as quiet as a battery mower, but it’s noticeably quieter than most gas models.
The 28-inch swath is a game changer. It reduced my mowing time by at least a third, and the offset front wheels made it easy to turn the machine around at the end of a row. It features dual blades that leave fine clippings and a professional-looking cut. I could easily switch between bagging clippings, mulching, or using the side discharge chute.
Who Is The DeWalt 28-Inch Gas Mower Best For?
I’m in awe of this mower, but it’s not made for the average quarter-acre lawn, and at its current price of $1,579 at The Home Depot, it’s priced well above entry-level models. But for homeowners with large yards or even light commercial mowing needs, the DeWalt 28-Inch Self-Propelled Mower is tough to beat.
Despite its 160-pound frame and pro-grade performance, it’s surprisingly manageable. The rear-wheel-drive self-propelled system is strong and smooth. Plus, it’s easy to start. I gave the recoil cord a light tug and the engine fired up immediately.
Lastly, but by no means least, the DeWalt mower features the Smart Jet deck wash system, which allows the user to connect a hose to the jet port and quickly spray grass and debris out from the underside of the mowing deck. For those looking for a gas-powered mower that covers a lot of ground quickly and delivers clean, crisp cuts, this machine is worth the investment.
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