An autonomous travel work machine includes a main body and a wheel, and is configured to execute a predetermined operation on an operation target while causing the main body to autonomously travel with the wheel. The autonomous travel work machine includes: an operation unit having a shape projecting from an upper face of the main body, the operation unit being operated by being pressed from an upper face side; and a protection unit located at a front side in a traveling direction of the main body relative to the operation unit, the protection unit being disposed at a height equal to or higher than an upper end of the operation unit.