Best Self-propelled push mower? Gas not electric.

Love my Toro (Recycler model with personal pace self propel). I never really liked the Honda thumb style handle.

I have the Honda HRN, I've been pretty happy with it. Starts the first pull and plenty of power. Self propel will move it faster than I care to walk.

Can't beat a Honda

I had an HRX before going bigger. It was the best lawnmower I’ve owned, just wished they had a bigger deck.

I didn't see it mentioned yet and it's above your budget but the Toro Timekeeper (or timemaster, don't remember) would be great for a yard that size

Absolutely zero complaints from my Toro Recycler. Its around 7 years old and still starts on the first pull every time.

Honda took a big step back with the current HRN's, the GCV170/GCV200 don't seem to have the reliability of the GCV160/190's and there are some serious issues with the self-propel system with the newer deck design, especially if you mulch grass while it is still damp. Maybe Honda will make some updates soon.

Love my all wheel drive husqvarna HU725AWDEX push mower. Also notice there are alot of them in the neighborhood. Not sure they make the model I have anymore, brought it from Lowe's many years ago.

I have the Honda HRX217. Good mower but doesn't mulch as well as my previous Snapper.

I have a Honda with the 160cc engine that has been great. I also have a toro with the personal pace at another property. The Honda cuts better but I certainly prefer the personal pace of the toro over the thumb drive of the Honda. If I had to pick one I would probably flip a coin to decide. I have had to get parts for the toro and all you have to do is put the serial number into their website and the parts are very easy to get. I have not had to get any for the Honda.