Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower

When spring rolled around this year, I found myself staring out at my modest yard with a mixture of dread and determination. My ancient hand-me-down mower had finally given up the ghost after years of sputtering service, and I needed a replacement that wouldn’t empty my wallet but could still handle the somewhat neglected patch of green I call a lawn. After weeks of research, countless YouTube videos, and more than a few conversations with my hardware store-loving neighbor, I took the plunge on the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower. What follows is my complete, honest journey with this budget-friendly yard companion—from purchase to regular use—and everything I wish I’d known before bringing it home.

The Search Begins: Why I Chose the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower

I’ll be completely honest here—I’m not exactly what you’d call a “lawn enthusiast.” I don’t spend my weekends admiring grass types or debating the merits of various fertilizers. I just want my yard to look decent enough that the neighbors don’t start leaving passive-aggressive notes in my mailbox. So when my old mower finally died with a dramatic puff of smoke and a concerning rattle, I knew I needed something reliable but not extravagant.

The Bolens name kept popping up in my research as a brand that offered solid performance without the premium price tag of some competitors. The 20-inch model seemed like the perfect middle ground—not too small to make mowing my quarter-acre lot a day-long affair, but not so large that storage would become an issue in my already cramped garage.

Key Features That Caught My Eye

Before diving into my personal experience, let me break down what the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower actually offers on paper. The most impressive aspect of this mower is how it balances affordability with genuinely useful features that make lawn maintenance less of a chore.

The 20-inch cutting deck strikes a nice balance between maneuverability and efficiency. It’s wide enough to make reasonable progress with each pass but narrow enough to navigate around my flower beds and that oddly placed bird bath my mother-in-law gifted us last Christmas.

The mower comes equipped with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, which might not mean much to the average person (it certainly didn’t to me at first), but essentially translates to “enough power to handle regular suburban grass without struggling.” It’s not industrial-grade equipment, but it’s certainly not a toy either.

Height adjustment is handled through a 3-position lever system, allowing cuts between 1.25 and 3.75 inches. I’ve found this range adequate for maintaining my particular mix of grass types through different seasons, though some more particular lawn owners might wish for finer adjustment options.

The mower features both mulching capabilities and side discharge options, which I’ve found surprisingly useful depending on the season and the state of my lawn. During peak growing season, the mulching function returns nutrients to the soil, while the side discharge is perfect for those “oops, I waited too long to mow” situations.

The Price Tag: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s talk dollars and cents, because that was a major factor in my decision. The Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower typically retails between $169 and $199, depending on where you purchase it and whether there are any seasonal sales happening. Compared to premium models that can easily run $300-500, this price point feels refreshingly accessible.

I ultimately paid $179 for mine during a spring sale at my local hardware store, which felt like a reasonable investment for something I’ll use regularly for years to come. Could I have found cheaper options? Absolutely. But those ultra-budget models often come with plastic parts where you’d prefer metal and engines that sound like they’re on their last legs straight out of the box.

Where to Buy: My Shopping Experience

I spent quite a bit of time researching where to purchase my Bolens mower. The usual suspects all carry this model: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and various local hardware stores. Online options through Amazon and other retailers exist as well, though prices can vary significantly.

After weighing the convenience of home delivery against the benefit of seeing the product in person, I opted to purchase from my local Ace Hardware. This decision was influenced by a slightly better price than the big box stores were offering, but more importantly, by the fact that I could get assistance with any initial setup questions right there in the store.

The staff at my local store were surprisingly knowledgeable about the model, and one employee even shared that he owned the same mower for his own modest suburban lot. That kind of firsthand testimonial from someone not working on commission was worth its weight in gold.

Assembly: Less Painful Than Expected

I’ll admit that “some assembly required” are three words that typically send a shiver down my spine. Visions of confusing instructions, missing parts, and hours of frustration usually dance in my head. However, the Bolens mower arrived in a state that even my mechanically-challenged self could handle.

The box contained the mower body with the engine already mounted (thank goodness), the handle in two pieces, and a bag of hardware. Assembly consisted primarily of attaching the handle sections to the mower body, connecting the pull cord to the handle’s guide, and making a few minor adjustments.

The entire process took me about 30 minutes, including the time spent hunting for a screwdriver that was, predictably, not where I thought I’d left it. The instructions were refreshingly clear, with actual useful diagrams rather than the cryptic hieroglyphics that seem to accompany so many products these days.

One tip I’ll offer: take the time to properly adjust the handle height during assembly. I initially set mine too low and found myself hunched over uncomfortably during my first mowing session. A quick adjustment solved the problem, but it would have been easier to get it right the first time.

Perfect for Small to Medium Lawns?

My property is what real estate agents generously call “cozy”—a quarter-acre lot with about 3,500 square feet of actual lawn once you subtract the house, driveway, and various plantings. For this size, the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower has proven to be ideally suited.

I can complete my entire lawn in about 40-45 minutes, including the awkward spots behind the shed and around the various ornamental trees my wife has insisted on planting over the years. The mower is light enough (approximately 52 pounds) that pushing it doesn’t feel like a workout session, but substantial enough to feel stable on slightly uneven ground.

For very small properties—say, a tiny urban lot—this mower might be overkill, and something smaller could be more appropriate. Conversely, if you’re maintaining half an acre or more, you’ll likely want something self-propelled or even riding to avoid spending your entire weekend on lawn maintenance.

Fuel Considerations: Keeping It Running

The Bolens uses standard unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher), which is convenient since I don’t need to make special trips for fuel. The tank capacity is around 0.2 gallons, which doesn’t sound like much but is actually sufficient for my entire lawn with some to spare.

One aspect I particularly appreciate is the fuel efficiency. I can typically mow my lawn 3-4 times on a single tank of gas, which works out to impressive economy given the current price of gasoline. The engine doesn’t seem particularly thirsty, even when tackling taller grass after a rainy week.

A word of caution about fuel storage: I learned the hard way that gasoline doesn’t stay fresh indefinitely. During my first season with the mower, I filled a gas can at the beginning of spring and tried to use the same fuel throughout the season. By late summer, the mower was struggling to start, and a mechanic friend informed me that the gas had likely degraded. I now use fuel stabilizer if I need to store gas for more than a month, which has eliminated the problem entirely.

Starting Process: Turn the Key and Go (Just Kidding)

If you’re accustomed to modern cars with their push-button starts, the starting process for a gas-powered push mower might seem charmingly (or frustratingly) old-fashioned. The Bolens uses a traditional pull-cord start system, which requires a bit of technique to master.

The starting sequence goes like this:

1. Prime the engine by pressing the primer bulb 3 times
2. Hold the safety bar against the handle
3. Pull the starter cord with a smooth, firm motion

When the engine is cold, it typically takes me 2-3 pulls to get it running. Once warmed up, it usually starts on the first pull, which I find quite satisfactory. The pull mechanism isn’t particularly stiff, so it doesn’t require excessive strength, though I wouldn’t describe it as effortless either.

One quirk I’ve noticed is that the mower sometimes requires an extra prime and pull after sitting unused for more than a couple of weeks. This isn’t a defect so much as the nature of small engines, but it’s worth knowing if you’re new to gas-powered lawn equipment.

Warranty Coverage: Peace of Mind

The Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This is fairly standard for this price range, though some premium brands offer longer coverage periods.

The warranty requires that you use the mower for personal, household purposes (not commercial use) and that you perform regular maintenance as outlined in the user manual. It doesn’t cover normal wear items like the blade, air filter, or spark plug, which is also standard across the industry.

I haven’t had to make a warranty claim myself, but I did speak with a fellow Bolens owner at my neighborhood block party who had to replace a defective wheel assembly. He reported that the process was straightforward—he contacted customer service with his proof of purchase, and they shipped the replacement part promptly. His experience gave me confidence that the warranty isn’t just empty promises.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Investment Running Smoothly

No matter how well-built a machine is, regular maintenance is essential for longevity, and the Bolens mower is no exception. Fortunately, the maintenance requirements aren’t particularly demanding or complicated.

The basic maintenance schedule looks something like this:

• After each use: Clean grass clippings from the deck and wheels
• Every 5 hours of operation: Check oil level
• Every 25 hours or annually: Replace air filter, clean cooling system
• Annually: Replace spark plug, change oil, sharpen or replace blade

I’ve found that dedicating a Saturday morning each spring to annual maintenance pays dividends in reliable performance throughout the mowing season. The user manual provides clear instructions for each maintenance task, and most can be completed with basic hand tools.

Oil changes, in particular, are simpler than I expected. The process involves removing the oil fill cap, tipping the mower on its side to drain the old oil into a container, and then refilling with fresh oil. The entire process takes about 15 minutes, most of which is waiting for the oil to drain completely.

Cutting Height Range: Versatility for Different Seasons

The Bolens offers three distinct cutting heights: 1.25 inches, 2.5 inches, and 3.75 inches. This range allows for reasonable flexibility in how you maintain your lawn, though it’s worth noting that some premium mowers offer more granular adjustment options.

I typically use the middle setting (2.5 inches) for most of the growing season, which provides a nice balance between a manicured appearance and lawn health. During the height of summer, I raise the deck to the highest setting (3.75 inches) to reduce stress on the grass during hot, dry periods. The lowest setting (1.25 inches) comes in handy for the first cut of spring when I want to remove dead material and stimulate new growth.

Adjusting the height is accomplished via a lever on each wheel, which needs to be set individually. This isn’t as convenient as single-lever height adjustment systems on more expensive models, but it’s manageable and allows for fine-tuning if your lawn has uneven areas.

Manual Push vs. Self-Propelled: The Workout Factor

Let’s be clear about what the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower is and isn’t: it’s a traditional push mower, not a self-propelled model. This means that your own muscles provide the locomotion, not the engine.

For my relatively flat quarter-acre lot, this hasn’t been an issue. The mower weighs about 52 pounds, which is light enough to push comfortably without feeling like I’m training for a strongman competition. The wheels roll smoothly on even surfaces, and the overall balance of the machine makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles.

That said, if your property features significant slopes or if you have physical limitations that make pushing challenging, you might want to consider stepping up to a self-propelled model. The Bolens brand offers those as well, though at a higher price point.

I personally appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a traditional push mower. There are fewer components to break down, and I don’t mind the light exercise. My smartwatch tells me I burn about 300 calories during a typical mowing session, which I consider a nice bonus.

Competitive Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

When shopping for my mower, I seriously considered several alternatives in a similar price range, including models from Murray, Yard Machines, and Craftsman. Here’s how the Bolens compares based on my research and conversations with other homeowners:

The Murray 20-inch model was slightly cheaper (about $15 less) but had a less powerful engine and plastic components where the Bolens uses metal. The Yard Machines option had comparable specifications but lacked the mulching capability that I wanted. The Craftsman model offered similar features but at a $30-40 premium, which seemed unnecessary given the Bolens’ solid construction.

Stepping up in price, brands like Toro and Honda offer enhanced features like single-lever height adjustment, more powerful engines, and additional cutting options. However, they typically start at $250-300, which was beyond what I wanted to spend for my modest lawn care needs.

For those considering electric alternatives, the battery-powered options from Ryobi and EGO offer the advantage of quieter operation and no gasoline to deal with, but typically cost $50-100 more than the Bolens and may require additional battery purchases for larger lawns.

Performance on Thick Grass: The Real Test

Theory and specifications are one thing, but real-world performance is what matters. My lawn consists primarily of Kentucky bluegrass with patches of fescue, and it grows vigorously during the spring and early summer months. If I fall behind on my mowing schedule (which happens more often than I’d like to admit), I’ve found myself facing grass that’s 5-6 inches tall in places.

In these challenging conditions, the Bolens performs admirably, though not miraculously. The 140cc engine provides enough power to cut through thick growth without bogging down, provided I reduce my walking speed a bit. The side discharge option becomes essential in these situations, as the mulching capability gets overwhelmed by very tall grass.

One technique I’ve learned is to make a first pass at the highest cutting height, then a second pass at my desired height if the grass is particularly overgrown. This approach requires more time but produces a cleaner result and puts less strain on the engine.

During normal conditions—grass at 3-4 inches tall—the mower handles everything with ease. It cuts cleanly and efficiently, with no missed spots or uneven results. The quality of the cut is comparable to what I’ve seen from my neighbors’ more expensive models.

Weight and Storage Considerations

At approximately 52 pounds, the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower strikes a nice balance between substantiality and manageability. It’s heavy enough to maintain consistent contact with the ground but light enough that I can lift it into my truck bed when needed without throwing out my back.

For storage, the mower’s handle folds down to reduce its footprint in my garage. In its folded configuration, it takes up a space roughly 30 inches wide by 36 inches deep by 18 inches high. This compact storage profile is particularly valuable for those of us with limited garage or shed space.

One minor complaint: the handle locking mechanism is a bit finicky, occasionally requiring some jiggling to properly engage. It’s a small annoyance rather than a significant flaw, but worth mentioning for the sake of completeness.

Blade Maintenance: Keeping Things Sharp

A sharp blade makes an enormous difference in both the quality of your lawn and the efficiency of your mower. The Bolens comes with a serviceable blade from the factory, but like all mower blades, it will dull over time and with use.

I’ve found that sharpening the blade twice per season—once in spring and once mid-summer—provides optimal performance. The sharpening process involves removing the blade (disconnect the spark plug first for safety!), securing it in a vise, and using a metal file or bench grinder to restore the cutting edge. If you’re not comfortable with this process, most hardware stores and lawn equipment shops offer blade sharpening services for $10-15.

Alternatively, replacement blades are readily available for around $20-25. I keep a spare sharpened blade on hand so I can quickly swap it in when needed, then sharpen the dull blade at my convenience.

One important note: The blade must be balanced after sharpening to prevent vibration that can damage the engine and reduce cut quality. A simple blade balancer tool costs about $5 and is well worth the investment if you plan to sharpen your own blades.

Collection Options: Dealing with Clippings

The Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower comes standard with side discharge and mulching capabilities. A rear grass collection bag is available as a separate purchase, though I’ve opted not to use one.

The mulching function works surprisingly well for regular maintenance mowing. The specially designed blade and deck create a circulation pattern that cuts grass clippings multiple times before depositing them back into the lawn. These finely chopped clippings decompose quickly and return nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for additional fertilization.

When the grass is too tall or wet for effective mulching, the side discharge option directs clippings away from the mower in a neat row. I find this preferable to bagging as it saves time and effort while still maintaining a tidy appearance. If clippings are particularly heavy, I might make a second pass with my rake to spread them more evenly.

For those who prefer a perfectly manicured look with no visible clippings, the optional collection bag (approximately $30-40) attaches easily to the rear of the mower. Based on conversations with other Bolens owners, the bag performs adequately but requires frequent emptying during heavy cutting seasons.

Replacement Parts: Availability and Cost

Any machine with moving parts will eventually need replacement components, so the availability and cost of parts is an important consideration. Fortunately, the Bolens uses a popular Briggs & Stratton engine, for which parts are widely available both online and at local hardware stores.

Common replacement items and their approximate costs include:

• Air filter: $5-8
• Spark plug: $3-5
• Oil filter: $5-7
• Replacement blade: $20-25
• Wheels: $15-20 each
• Pull cord assembly: $15-25

I’ve found that Amazon, Home Depot, and specialty lawn equipment websites reliably stock these parts. The user manual includes part numbers, which makes ordering the correct replacements straightforward.

One recommendation based on my experience: purchase common maintenance items like air filters and spark plugs in advance rather than waiting until they’re needed. This prevents the frustration of having your mowing plans derailed by a simple maintenance issue.

Fuel Efficiency: More Mowing, Less Filling

While the manufacturer doesn’t provide specific fuel consumption figures, my real-world experience suggests that the Bolens is quite efficient. The 0.2-gallon tank typically allows me to mow my entire quarter-acre property 3-4 times before requiring a refill.

This efficiency translates to both convenience and cost savings. I can complete several weeks of lawn maintenance without a trip to the gas station, and my seasonal fuel expenditure for mowing amounts to less than $20.

The engine seems to maintain consistent fuel efficiency regardless of grass conditions, though particularly challenging cutting (very tall or wet grass) does increase consumption somewhat. Even under these demanding conditions, I can complete at least two full mowing sessions on a single tank.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Over the two seasons I’ve owned my Bolens mower, I’ve encountered a few minor issues that were easily resolved. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Difficulty Starting: This is typically caused by stale fuel, a dirty air filter, or a fouled spark plug. I’ve found that draining old gas, installing a fresh spark plug, and cleaning or replacing the air filter resolves most starting issues.

Uneven Cutting: This usually indicates a dull or damaged blade, or wheels set at different heights. Sharpening or replacing the blade and ensuring all four wheels are set to the same height position solves this problem.

Engine Stalling Under Load: This can result from cutting grass that’s too tall or wet, or from a clogged air filter. Raising the cutting height, mowing when the grass is dry, and cleaning the air filter addresses these issues.

Excessive Vibration: This typically indicates an unbalanced blade or loose mounting hardware. Balancing the blade and tightening all bolts according to the specifications in the manual eliminates problematic vibration.

Smoking Engine: Blue smoke usually means oil is burning in the combustion chamber, while white smoke often indicates the mower is burning oil-contaminated gasoline. In either case, checking oil levels and quality, and using fresh fuel, typically resolves the issue.

For more complex problems, the user manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting guide. In the rare event that an issue persists, Bolens customer service is available by phone and has proven helpful based on my one experience contacting them about a minor carburetor adjustment.

User Reviews: What Others Are Saying

My personal experience with the Bolens has been largely positive, but I was curious how it performed for other owners with different lawns and usage patterns. After combing through online reviews and speaking with fellow owners, I’ve found a consistent pattern of feedback.

The mower receives particularly high marks for value, with most users agreeing that it delivers performance beyond its modest price point. Reliability is another frequently mentioned strength, with many reviews noting several seasons of trouble-free operation.

Ease of assembly and straightforward maintenance are commonly cited positives, especially among first-time mower owners who appreciate the uncomplicated design.

The most frequent criticisms center around the manual height adjustment system, which requires setting each wheel individually, and the lack of a included grass collection bag. Some users with larger properties also wish for self-propelled functionality, though this is clearly a matter of matching the tool to the task rather than a defect in the mower itself.

Overall, the Bolens seems to earn a solid 4 out of 5 stars across most review platforms, with the majority of owners considering it a worthy purchase.

My Final Verdict: Is the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower Right for You?

After two full seasons of use across various conditions, I feel qualified to offer a comprehensive assessment of the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower. Like any product, it has both strengths and limitations that should inform your purchasing decision.

The Bolens excels in these areas:

• Value for money
• Reliability and consistent performance
• Ease of use and maintenance
• Suitable power for typical suburban lawns
• Compact storage footprint
• Fuel efficiency
• Availability of replacement parts

Areas where it falls short:

• Manual rather than self-propelled operation
• Limited cutting height options
• Individual wheel height adjustment
• Grass collection bag sold separately
• Not ideal for slopes or very large properties

For homeowners with small to medium-sized, relatively flat lawns who prioritize value and simplicity, the Bolens represents an excellent choice. It handles the basics of lawn maintenance with aplomb without unnecessary frills that drive up costs.

If your property features significant slopes, expansive lawn areas, or if you have physical limitations that make pushing challenging, you might be better served by a self-propelled model, despite the higher cost.

Similarly, if you’re particular about precise cutting height adjustments or demand professional-grade results, you might want to invest in a premium model with more refinement. But be prepared to pay substantially more for these incremental improvements.

For my needs—a modest suburban lawn and a practical approach to maintenance—the Bolens 20 Inch Push Mower has proven to be a reliable partner that delivers consistent results without breaking the bank. Two years in, I remain satisfied with my purchase and expect several more seasons of dependable service from this humble but capable machine.

In the world of lawn care equipment, where it’s easy to be seduced by expensive features you may never use, the Bolens represents a refreshing return to basics—a straightforward tool that does exactly what it promises without unnecessary complications. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.