Murray 20-inch Push Mower vs Troy-Bilt TB120 Gas Push Mower

The Troy-Bilt TB120 is the stronger pick for most shoppers: its 140cc engine gives it more torque for thick grass and light brush than the Murray's 125cc Briggs & Stratton E450. The Murray counters with a 16-gauge steel deck, tool-free 5-position height adjustment and a Prime 'N Pull start that needs no choke. Both are basic push mowers with 7-inch wheels and no self-propulsion, so buy on engine size and deck durability rather than features. Owners of both report easy assembly and first-pull starts; the Murray's 4.1 rating across about 2,000 reviews is solid but not stellar.

• Choose the Murray 20-inch push mower if you want a proven Briggs & Stratton engine, a heavier steel deck and simple no-choke starting for a yard up to about half an acre.
• Choose the Troy-Bilt Gas Push Mower if you want the larger 140cc engine and 21-inch cut for tougher, thicker grass and don't need self-propulsion.