The Best Petrol Lawnmower, Our 9 Top Picks & Reviews

Last updated on February 19th, 2022

We have reviewed lots of petrol lawnmowers over the last 5 years, today we reveal 9 of our favourite models including our best picks that are made up from only the very best petrol mowers

Mowing the lawn is just one of the regular tasks that a homeowner needs to do. It’s no good being upset at having to do this; you just need to make sure that you have a lawnmower that makes cutting the grass as easy as possible. Our review of the best petrol lawnmowers helps you with that by reporting on lawnmowers that we’ve carefully reviewed.

Whatever the size of your lawn, we have mowers to recommend. While our Best Pick, the Hyundai HYM510SPE 173 cc Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower and our Runner-up, the Frisky fox plus Petrol Lawnmower are both best suited to medium and larger-sized lawns, we also cover mowers for smaller spaces.

You’ll learn what features each one has and why they’re important to making your mowing chores easier. We’ll tell you the pros and cons of each model and highlight who can best benefit from what the mower offers. If you’re unsure as to whether you want or need a petrol lawnmower, read this review and then head over to our review on the Best Cordless Mowers for alternative suggestions.

BEST PICK

Buy from hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk

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BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS

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The top 9 petrol lawnmowers to buy and the ones we have included in our review:

1. Hyundai HYM510SPE 173 cc Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower – BEST PICK
2. Hayter Harrier 56 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower – PROFESSIONAL PICK
3. Frisky Fox PLUS Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower – RUNNER UP
4. P1PE P5100SPE 173cc Petrol Lawnmower
5. AL-KO 42.7 P Highline Petrol Lawnmower
6. Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
7. Mountfield SP45 44cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower
8. Einhell GC-PM 46/1 S Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
9. Yard Force 18inch Self-Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower

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RUNNER UP

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Top 9 Petrol Lawnmower Reviews

After many hours of research, testing and consulting with consumers and garden maintenance professionals, we have reviewed each lawnmower in detail below, starting with our ‘Best Pick’ by Hyundai.

1. Hyundai HYM510SPE 173cc Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

BEST PICK

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Buy from hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk

The Hyundai HYM510SPE 173cc Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a newer model of our previous Best Pick (Hyundai HYM510SP 173 cc Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower). This model, like its predecessor, is ideal for both commercial and large domestic lawns. It can easily deal with large lawns up to 190m².

Well-tended lawn

The Hyundai HYM510SPE makes it easy to give your lawn that “someone loves me” appearance. The cutting blade is an impressive 58cm (20 inches) wide that lets you take fewer passes across the grass. The grass height should be different in each season and this mower adapts to that. Adjust the grass height, in pre-set steps, from a low and smooth 2.2cm to a more rugged 7.5cm. This gives your grass the best length to survive any season. 

The season also determines where you put the grass clippings. The 4-in-1 feature of the Hyundai HYM510SPE gives you enough choices for all year. You can cut and collect to put the clippings in the collection bag; discharge to the rear of the mower across its width; dump the grass to the right-hand side of the mower, or have the grass ground up into fine particles and discharged as mulch. Whatever your grass needs, you can do. 

Now, easier to mow

The two features added to the HYM510SPE are designed to make your lawn-mowing life much easier. Now you can change the self-propulsion speed to which the mower moves around your garden. And not only to one other speed. There are now four pre-set speeds to choose from, depending on how fast you want to walk (and exercise) on that day. The second new feature gets the whole mowing task started. An electric push button starts the mower. Instead of using the recoil pull handle, which is now the backup starting mechanism, you just push the button and the mower starts up. It’s that simple.

Comfortable to use

This variable-speed, self-propelled mower lets you move around the garden at a comfortable speed for you. Test out the speeds before you do any serious mowing because the manufacturer’s website doesn’t state what the speeds actually are. The Hyundai HYM510SPE takes it easy on your muscles through the placement of the ergonomic handlebar and this also folds up compactly for storage and transportation when you’ve finished your tasks. 

And adding to your comfort, the grass collection bag has a 70-litre capacity and a fill indicator. Wait until it shows that the bag is full before you empty it and you won’t need to make any unnecessary trips to the compost bin. You’ll also be comfortable without any worries because the Hyundai HYM510SPE petrol lawnmower comes with a three year warranty.

Pros 

• Electric push-button for a quick and reliable start.
• Wide 58cm (20 inches) cutting blade for fewer passes across the lawn.
• A huge 70-litre grass collection bag cuts down on your trips to the compost bin with the grass clippings.
• Six pre-set heights that let you choose from a smooth lawn through to a more wild-like area.
• Four-in-one cutting mode lets you bag the clippings, eject them in one of two directions or supply nutrients to your lawn by mulching.
• Self-propelled so you won’t tire yourself out pushing the mower.
• Four pre-set speeds for self-propulsion to suit your mood and energy level
• Ergonomic handlebar so you won’t strain anything.
• Foldable handlebar for compact storage and transportation.
• A three-year warranty to settle your mind in case anything happens with the mower.

Cons

• Difficulties putting the mower together because the instructions are not detailed enough. However, there is a supporting YouTube tutorial as well.
• The grass box lid sometimes falls off when using the mower.

Our recommendation

The Hyundai HYM51SPE Petrol Self Propelled Lawnmower is well-suited to the tough task of mowing a large lawn – both domestic or commercial. If you’re looking for a lawnmower to make your task easier, then consider this one. You’ll cut down on the number of passes across the lawn when you mow a 58cm (20 inches) width at a time. The variable speed self-propulsion feature lets whoever is cutting the grass walk at a pace that is suitable for them. The mulching function lets you mulch as you cut – that’s another gardening task out of the way. And the three-year warranty means that you can worry about your other garden tasks instead.

All in all, this is a premium mower with all the features you’ll need. We’ve made it the Best Pick in our review of petrol lawnmowers.

Buy from hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk

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2. Hayter Harrier 56 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower

PROFESSIONAL PICK

Buy from Mowers-online.co.uk

Meet the new and improved Hayter Harrier 56 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower that meets all the requirements for professional and domestic users with a large garden. However, it’s the professional gardeners who will truly benefit from this model. It is a great alternative for those who need a better than average lawnmower and more importantly, a mower that is both powerful and reliable. If you’re in the trade, you will know why reliability is so important because these lawnmowers do hundreds of hours of work throughout the cutting season when the lawns are growing and need regular maintenance to keep them looking good.

Powerful engine

This lawnmower relies on a Briggs & Stratton 850E I/C engine to power the cutting deck at a fixed self-propelled speed. The engine is fitted with a Crank-Safe BBC System that permits the engine to run without the blades rotating. As you probably already know, this is convenient when you need to empty the collection box because you don’t need to turn it off and restart the engine, saving valuable mowing time.

Improved aluminium one piece cutter deck

Aluminium is a light but strong material and that is why it is so popular on professional mowers where plastic decks simply don’t make the cut. This lawnmower is fitted with an aluminium cutting deck that has a 56cm cutting width. With such a wide cutting width one can tend to their work quicker hence saving time, this is especially useful for large open lawns. If you are looking to mow smaller lawns, then this model might be a little too big, in this case, we recommend considering the smaller Hayter 48 PRO model because it’s better suited for smaller lawns. They do also do a smaller model but we wouldn’t really recommend this model because it’s a little too small for medium-sized lawns.

Commercial grade wheels

This 51kg model needs good wheels to balance out the weight of the machine and enable mobility, plus it will most likely take a lot of punishment being loaded on and off vans, along paths and down steps etc. The wheels fitted are commercial grade and therefore they won’t wear out easily and really are built to last. They also have rubber tyres with good traction and they are wide enough not to cause damage to the grass and reduce sinking.

Two piece steel rear roller with new differential & bearing system

A roller is important to achieve that striped finish that keeps your clients happy. If you are a fan of the striped lawn look (which most people are) then this model will serve you well. The roller is positioned at the back of the lawnmower for a more effective result and is made up of a two-piece steel roller with a new differential and bearing system. This basically means it has been designed to last.

Easy to clean

After all the grass is collected in the massive 80-litre grass box and emptied, it is time to clean the machine in preparation for storage. To make this process simple, this model now has a wash port. This wash port allows a hosepipe with a Hozelock-style connector to be connected to the lawnmower and flush out all the debris. This is a nice feature to have and something some of the cheaper models have been incorporating into their design for years.

Adjustable cutting height

By adjusting the cutting height you can cut your grass to your preferred height. This lawnmower comes with seven height adjustment settings that range from 13 to 60mm. The height can be adjusted using the lever that has been positioned for easy access. Not much to talk about here it has a good low cut as well a higher cut which is handy for longer grass.

Warranty

As mentioned before, this model was designed to suit both commercial and domestic environments. To assure you that the lawnmower is dependable, the manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty for commercial and domestic use each.

Our recommendation

The Hayter Harrier 56 Pro FS BBC Rear Roller Lawnmower is well-made, to say the least. The machine is equipped with a reliable engine and sharp blades that give an even and professional cut. For those with large lawns, the wide cutting width of 56cm will come in handy to finish the job quickly.

We also admire the washing port feature they have finally added and the large 80-litre collector because they make interaction with the machine simpler. It has an adjustable cutting height so you can always achieve the results you want. Being that the lawnmower is designed for both commercial and domestic purposes, you can trust that it is one of the most robust and reliable mowers available. With good maintenance and storage, this lawnmower offers years of service and for professional gardeners, there is not really another comparable model to consider that ticks all the boxes.

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3. P1PE P5100SPE 173cc Petrol Lawnmower

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

The P1PE P5100SPE 173cc Petrol Lawnmower is a robust mower suitable for heavy work in a large garden. It’s equipped with all the features you’d expect of a premium mower with a Hyundai engine.

Easy to assemble

The P1PE P5100SPE comes in a large box and you need to put the mower together. But that’s not too difficult with the relatively clear user manual and the assembly video on YouTube. You don’t even need to worry if you have the correct tool because the assembly is tool-free.

Simple and comfortable to use

The P1PE P5100SPE has an electric start and comes to life at the touch of a button. Reserve the recoil pull handle for the days when you’ve forgotten to charge the battery. As a self-propelled petrol lawnmower, the P1PE P5100SPE takes you about the garden without much effort on your part. You just simply need to steer. And holding on to the lawnmower takes no great effort because the handlebar is ergonomically designed to be kind to all your muscles.

Keeps your lawn looking smart

With a wide cutting blade of 51cm, the P1PE P5100SPE 173cc Petrol Lawnmower mows your medium to larger-sized lawn in record time. Making fewer but wider passes on your lawn conserve both your energy and the mower’s petrol. This mower is suitable for those who have hills or any sort of incline in their garden as well as for those whose lawns are not quite as flat as they’d like. You can cut your lawn to seven different lengths so the grass will be a suitable height for the season. Use the 25mm height (shortest) in the spring and the 85mm height (longest) in summer. 

You can also adjust where the grass clippings fall if you want to leave the grass clippings on your lawn. The P1PE P5100SPE Petrol Lawnmower lets you drop the clippings off to the side or behind the mower; it’ll also grind them finely for mulch to give nutrients back to your lawn. Of course, you can have the clippings dropped into the collection bag for the easiest clean-up of your lawn. And you won’t have to keep stopping and checking how full the collector bag is because it has an easy-to-read fill indicator.

Straightforward maintenance

Regularly maintaining your P1PE P5100SPE petrol lawnmower will keep it running smoothly for years. This is made easier by the steel deck that resists rust and corrosion. It’s easy to clean this mower because when you’ve finished your mowing chores you can hook up a standard garden hose to the universal wash-out connector and follow the instructions to clean the mower.

Pros

• Reliable and efficient Hyundai 4-stroke 6hp 173cc engine.
• Powerful enough to handle inclines and rough terrain; good for the not-perfectly-flat lawn.
• Tool-free assembly so you don’t need to find just the right whatever-it’s-called tool.
• Easy to assemble with a supporting YouTube video. 
• Electric push-button start for ease of use so the mower is always ready to go.
• Ergonomic soft-grip handle so you don’t pull any muscles.
• A wide cutting width of 51cm (20 inches) is ideal for medium to large-sized lawns.
• Seven cutting heights for the best grass manicure, from 25mm to 85mm.
• Self-propulsion via the rear wheel makes this model perfect for large gardens. 
• Four grass cutting collection options cover grass maintenance in all seasons; (cut and collect; cut and drop; cut and side discharge; cut and mulch).
• The large 60-litre polyester collection bag has an indicator that lets you know when it’s time to empty it.
• Handlebars have a quick release and fold down over the mower for simple storage and transport.
• Bright orange colour gives the mower a sporty look.
• Steel deck protects against corrosion and rust and is easy to clean.
• Wash-out connection for a garden hose to efficiently clean the mower.
• Two-year guarantee and UK-based service and parts for close-by help.

Cons

• Gearbox and drive belt failures reported by some reviewers.
• Noisier than expected.
• The battery only supports a few electric starts before it needs recharging.
• Heavy when the rear wheels aren’t activated (e.g. when turning at the end of a pass).

Our recommendation

The P1PE P5100SPE 173cc Petrol Lawnmower is a robust lawnmower that is well suited to medium and larger-sized lawns. Its Hyundai 173cc engine provides ample power for all kinds of lawns. Even lawns that have “hills” and rough terrains will benefit from being cut by this mower. Being self-propelled, the P1PE P5100SPR takes minimal effort to use. 

However, some reviewers have stated that they’ve had problems with the mower’s gearbox and drive belt. But the service, sales and parts for this mower are available in the UK. As with any electric start mower, you need to remember to recharge the battery and the P1PE P5100SPE’s battery is reported to lose power after just a few restarts. The mower is heavy but you don’t notice this when the rear-wheel drive is engaged. It’s when you’re turning the corner at the end of a run that the mower’s weight is evident.

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4. Frisky Fox plus 20″ Petrol Lawnmower

RUNNER UP

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

The Frisky Fox PLUS Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is powered by a Wolf ‘Dynamic’ OHV 5.5HP 4-Stroke Petrol Engine that gives it the cutting power needed for even the most demanding mowing jobs.

With a wide cutting width of 20 inches (51cm) and a large 55-litre collection box, this mower is ideal for medium to larger-sized gardens.  It features five cutting heights so you can achieve the height you prefer simply by using the single lever height adjuster. This combined with the lawn striper ensures that the lawn finish leaves the neighbours wishing they had a lawn that looks as good as yours.

Because this mower is 4 in 1 model it means you can cut and leave, cut and collect using the large collection box, side dispatch and as well as mulch the clippings.

Finally, to ensure it’s very easy to move and manoeuvre, it features engine speed control, so you can control the drive speed of the mower and you can cut the lawn at your own pace. This is one of the only models that actually features a variable speed control that we have reviewed.

Comes with full spares, backup service and includes a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty for extra peace of mind.

Our recommendation

The Frisky Fox PLUS Mower is our Runner-up model, and what a fantastic mower at an even better price, this lawnmower is very impressive and offers everything you would expect from only the best mowers.

First, the build quality is excellent and within about 5 minutes you should be up and running, don’t forget to add engine oil (very simple to add ), note that it’s not included so will cost you around £10. Other than adding oil and fuel, attach the handles with a few bolts and it is good to go.

It seems to do a decent job at cutting the grass and the side dispatch also works well, it’s especially good when the grass is long and it’s difficult to mulch.

The self-propelled speed controller is a great addition, as you can set it to a speed you can work with. Overall this is mower offers great value, while still offering great quality and performance.

This model only includes a 1 year warranty and this is why we no longer have it as our ‘Best Pick’ even though it’s a fantastic mower, however, Frisky Fox mowers come with full spares and backup service as well as a dedicated telephone number. If you have a medium or larger-sized garden, this mower is worth considering and after taking everything into consideration is why have we named this model as our Runner-up. Excellent mower, just a shame the warranty period is only 1 year.

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5. AL-KO 42.7 P Highline Petrol Lawnmower

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If the large petrol lawnmowers we’ve reviewed seem, well, just too much, consider the AL-KO 42.7 P Highline Petrol Lawnmower. This lawnmower stands out amongst a field of large and heavy lawn mowers because of its smaller size. This lawnmower is designed for lawns of all sizes and has just the features you need to keep your lawn in shape. It’s designed for people who don’t mind pushing the mower themselves. 

Great for all spaces

From its cutting blade to its XL wheels, the AL-KO 42.7 P Highline Petrol Lawnmower is designed to efficiently cut all lawns. At 42cm (16 inches) the cutting blade is large enough to mow a considerable amount of grass in one pass and small enough to get into the crevices and nooks found in many gardens. The AL-KO 42.7 P is a push petrol mower, which means that some effort is required on your part. The XL wheels make this as easy as possible because they glide smoothly over the lawn. This mower also handles uneven terrain with no problem.

Small but powerful

Briggs and Stratton are well-known for the high quality of their engines. The 125cc Briggs and Stratton engine give more than enough oomph to the AL-KO 42.7P mower to efficiently mow your lawn. The mower weighs only 29kg, which is great news as you push it around your garden. Also, the good news is the 65-litre collection bin and you can rely on its fill indicator to let you know when to empty the bin rather than making many trips to empty a partially-filled container.

Well-manicured at any size

Whatever the size of your lawn, from small to large, it deserves to look well-taken care of. The Al-KO 42.7P mower provides a range of cutting heights to do just this. These range from a smooth 25mm length to a more rugged 75mm. You move between these settings in pre-set steps by adjusting each of the mower’s wheels. All avid lawn-mowing people know that sometimes it’s best to remove the grass cuttings, sometimes you need to leave them on the lawn and yet at other times, mulching is best. The Al-KO 42.7P’s three-in-one cutting mode lets you do all of these. However, it’s missing the side dispersal feature found on its larger competitors.

Pros

• Individual wheel height adjustments for a range of seven cutting stages from 25mm to 75mm.
• The handlebar is ergonomically designed to avoid stress on your body.
• Three-in-one cutting function so you can cut, collect and mulch.
• Large 65-litre grass collection box with fill indicator so you won’t need to make many, if any, trips to the compost bin until you’ve finished. 
• Briggs and Stratton 450E 125cc engine is reliable and efficient.
• 42cm (16 inches) cutting blade enables you to mow into tight corners and nooks.
• Wide tyres protect the lawn and give maximum traction.
• The XL wheels with double ball bearings make it easy to push the mower.
• Steel mowing deck resists any corrosion so you can just wash it down.

Cons

• No self-propulsion feature so it’s up to you to push the mower.

Our recommendation

The AL-KO 42.7 P Highline Petrol Lawnmower is a basic mower designed for looking after any sized lawn. While it lacks some of the features of larger mowers (such as self-propulsion) it has everything you need for keeping your lawn trim and healthy. Changing the cutting height by adjusting each wheel may be inconvenient but it is easily done. You can upgrade the included two-year warranty to a five-year one for added protection.

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6. Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

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The Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a premium model from a trusted manufacturer and made to provide some seriously impressive power for lawn mowing. If you have been a gardener for any length of time you probably know that Honda Mowers have an excellent reputation.

Self-propelled at a speed that just right

The first notable thing about this lawnmower is that it features a self-propelled start, meaning it is really easy to use. It’s quite a large mower as well so this is an important feature to have and makes life much easier, self-propulsion, in general, is a great feature and especially important for petrol lawnmowers because they tend to be quite heavy. It’s also a lifesaver when it comes to cutting sloped lawns, taking all the effort away from having to push around rugged terrain and up steep slopes.

Durable construction that has been designed to last for years

Honda built this mower to withstand the day to day mowing of professionals, but at a price they can afford. It has a strong cutting deck that has been treated to resist rust, corrosion and UV abrasion. A high-tech blade design ensures a low noise emission as well as enhances the cutting performance. It really does not let you down.

Powerful 160cc Honda engine will last for years and never misses a beat

The HRG 466 SK has a powerful Honda GCV 160cc 4.4HP engine with a recoil start function which is designed to be virtually effortless. You will notice this is as you pull the pull cord on this model and then do the same on a cheaper mower, you really notice the difference, however, at a few hundred pounds more you should. It also features an auto choke system that allows an easy start in all weather conditions which is a nice touch, but one we would expect to find on such a good mower.

Flexible and convenient

With six different cutting heights from 20 to 74mm, it allows you to mow to precision and achieve your desired finish. A brilliant attribute of this machine is that you’ll never worry about storing it. The mower comes with fully foldable handles so you can easily fit it in the garden shed after use or easily transport it in a small van from job to job.

This model is better suited for medium to larger-sized lawns and so it has a 55-litre grass bag meaning fewer trips to empty it out, it’s actually smaller than the bag on our ‘Best Pick’ but it still works well and a larger bag would have been better if we had a choice. In addition, the chassis has a rounded design to allow optimal airflow for better grass collection so it really should pack in tight which is half the battle with mowers.

Other features

Another intelligent thing is the blade design that has been designed to twist rather than break if it hits a hard obstacle. This makes it more reliable and less high-maintenance compared with cheap blades so is a plus.

Pros

• Ideal for large gardens and professional gardeners.
• Strong steel deck that is rust-resistant and designed to last the humps and bumps of mowing.
• Self-propelled with a forward speed of 0.92 m/s that makes it perfect for using on large gardens as well as slopes.
• Precise cutting height adjustment with 6 different heights that can be altered by moving just one lever.
• The foldable design and very low weight ensure easier storage and transportation.
• Very impressive 5-year warranty, no mower offers a longer warranty.

Our recommendation

This high-quality lawnmower offers an impressive performance that will make mowing large areas easier than ever. Honda’s commitment to user experience is evident from the model’s self-propulsion, easy pull-start engine, foldable design, a relatively larger grass bag and more importantly, a robust design for daily mowing. This separates the cheaper mowers from a lawnmower you might still have 10 years from now.

Even the build quality of this mower is incredible, with the robust steel deck that is much better, and it is also thicker steel than some of the other mowers we have reviewed. 

Perhaps the only negative thing is the hefty price tag of this mower. But at the end of the day, you get what you pay for and it does come with a 5-year warranty. The Honda Izy HRG 466 SK 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is probably the best mower on this list and if you have the budget you won’t be disappointed, especially if you are a garden maintenance person who needs a reliable mower and compared to the Hayter models, it’s much more affordable.

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7. Mountfield SP45 44cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

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The Mountfield SP45 44cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is another reliable petrol lawnmower featuring a robust steel chassis with a powder-coated paint finish for a long life span. Mountfield has long been a well-regarded mower manufacturer and this model is a great alternative to our ‘Best Pick’ if you want a simpler model without the side dispatch feature.

Powerful 140cc Mountfield WB45 OHV engine offers plenty of cutting power

Equipped with 140cc Mountfield WB45 OHV engine, this mower has more than enough power to cut in any condition. This model is especially effective on medium to large-sized lawns because its powerful engine can cover larger areas with minimal effort for the user. The engine is pretty easy to start with a recoil rope system.

Large rear wheels

A notable feature of this mower is its large wheels. At 28cm in diameter, these are larger than standard wheels, again making it easier to tackle larger areas of up to 50m x 50m.

Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with great traction

There’s no need to push the mower because it is rear wheeled and self-propelled, thus ideal for steep slopes or uneven ground. No matter how big the size of the lawn, this model requires very little effort and that’s just guiding it in the right direction.

Adjustable cutting height

The grass cutting height is adjustable from 20mm to 70mm. The mower includes a single lever that allows you to set your desired height through a simple push of the lever. 

Mulch plug option for returning grass clipping to the lawn which puts nutrients back into the lawn.

The mower does have a decent collection box of 55 litres and alongside this, there’s the option of mulching the grass clippings and depositing them back onto the lawn. Simply attach the supplied mulching plug and save yourself the hassle of having to empty the collection box and you help make your lawn healthier.

What’s more?

This model is built to last and has a foldable design for easy storage just like all our other picks. It also comes with a 2-year warranty for full peace of mind.

Our recommendation

A fantastic lawnmower for a fair price, the Mountfield SP45 Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is one of the most efficient mowers on the market. Its powerful engine allows you to take on both medium and larger-sized gardens with little effort, and it’s self-propelled. 

The additional mulching plug is really useful for adding the clippings back to the lawn to add essential nutrients to the lawn. Mowing heights are easily adjustable and the grass collection box is a good size, but it could be larger and something we think would be better, that being said, it’s no smaller than most other models have.

We find it a solid piece of equipment for domestic use. A simple but well-made mower that will offer many years of use and well worth considering.

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8. Yard Force 18″ Self Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

The Yard Force 46cm (18″) Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is equipped with all the high-quality, reliable features you need to tackle lawns up to 750 m² (which is around three tennis courts) so is ideal for larger gardens. 

Self-Propelled with Briggs and Stratton engine

First off, this self-propelled mower houses a 140cc Briggs and Stratton 500E Series engine with a user-friendly Prime n Pull E-Z starting system, which gets the job done with minimal effort. This engine is specially crafted to deliver a great amount of power at low speed, vital for quiet operation, low emissions and reduced vibration. 

Excellent grass collection thanks to the free flow air design

This petrol lawnmower comes with a 55-litre easy to empty grass collector with a full level indicator. The bag is designed in a way that allows free flow of air, which helps compact the grass clippings into the bag for less time spent emptying and a longer time spent mowing.

In addition, the mower includes a mulching plug. So if you don’t want to collect the grass clippings, you can just mulch them and discharge the clippings back onto the lawn as essential nutrients and minerals. Something we have already talked about with previous mowers.

7 Cutting height adjustments from 25mm for a very short cut to 75mm for tackling tall grass

Outfitted with a single adjustment lever with seven cutting heights to choose from, this model is perfect for year-round trimming. For instance, you may wish to keep the grass shorter in the summer months because it grows faster during this season and leave it longer during spring.

What else?

This model also features a steel deck, which not only tells you about its robustness but also means it is built to last. A soft-grip handle ensures comfort when mowing, whilst its 46cm rotating blade delivers a sharp cut in one pass.

This self-propelled lawnmower can comfortably tackle any slopes and uneven ground because there is no need for pushing.

Our recommendation

A solid petrol lawnmower for home use. We like this model because it’s fitted with a Briggs and Stratton engine and these are some of the best engines you can find on a lawnmower. The engine is powerful, efficient and robust, with low emission and reduced vibration, they really are good engines.

This is great for tackling medium to larger-sized gardens, complemented nicely by the large 55-litre grass collection bag.

When it comes to height adjustment, this mower is a champion out there because it offers more flexibility than many other models.

All things considered, the Yard Force Self Propelled Lawnmower is a perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy to use, efficient and affordable mower. A mower that is well worth considering.

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9. Einhell GC-PM 46/1S Petrol Lawnmower

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This German-made Einhell GC-PM 46/1 S Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower has been made to the highest standards with small and medium-sized gardens in mind. 

The mowing deck is made from powered coated steel that is scratch resistant and very durable. With reliability in mind, Einhell has fitted this mower with a reliable 4-Stroke Briggs and Stratton 125cc – 450E Series engine and this produces 2.6HP and provides all the power you need and produces cutting speeds of  2900rpm.

Other features include the self-propelled drive, which makes mowing effortless because you simply walk behind the mower at a nice pace, large back wheels to provide maximum grip and the large 50-litre collection bag which also incorporates a full indicator so you know when to empty the box.

It has nine cutting positions of between 30-80mm and the cutting heights can be easily changed to get a cut that suits you.

Finally, it also features adjustable padded handles for extra comfort that can be set to suit your height. When you’ve finished mowing they can be easily folded down to make the mower more compact for storage.

Our recommendation

This Einhell Mower definitely impressed, the build quality is excellent and the cutting performance is what you would expect from a decent mower, the collection bag indicator is especially useful.

Overall a great mower and it does come with 2 years warranty for extra peace of mind. However, it does lack a lawn striper and does not have the side dispatch like some of the other mowers. Not everybody wants these features anyway and they often add extra weight.

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Petrol Lawnmower Buyer’s Guide

Advantages of petrol mowers

A size to suit all sizes of gardens

Petrol mowers are available in many sizes with smaller models suitable for small gardens and larger models suitable for medium and larger-sized gardens. We still recommend considering cordless lawnmowers for smaller gardens though and is this is an option. However, for power, you can’t beat a petrol mower. With many models also being self-propelled, especially large models, it’s now even easier to mow your lawn.

Compact designs with fold-down handle

A compact design is essential and most models incorporate folding handles to make them easy to store, even in the smallest of spaces. Obviously larger mowers can’t be very compact but they still fold down to make storing them easier.

You can beat the power of petrol

The one thing petrol mowers have that electric models simply cannot compete with is roar power. Most are fitted with a powerful 4-stroke engine that provides unmatched cutting performance and reliability.

Freedom, no cords to worry about or limited running times

You really can’t beat the freedom of a petrol lawnmower, being able to mow without being restricted by power cords is a big plus and not being limited by battery run time is another. Simply refuel and you are good to start mowing again within minutes.

Many cutting options – cut, cut & collect, side dispatch and mulch

Most petrol models have a 4 in 1 cutting system and this means they will cut and leave the grass as it cuts, cut and collect so you can dispose of the clippings like all lawnmowers, side discharge which we have only seen in petrol mowers and are great if you don’t need to collect the grass, like on a large paddock and mulch, which cuts the grass clippings into tiny pieces and return them to the lawn. This in turn adds essential nutrients back into the lawn and promotes a healthy lawn, which we actually recommend.

No electric power socket needed

No need for electric sockets – because they do not need a power outlet, they can be used in areas where you might not have access to electric sockets etc.

Affordable when compared to many cordless electric models

With petrol lawnmowers starting at around £120, they are extremely affordable for most gardeners and the cost for entry models are low. However, a good model for medium or larger-sized gardens will start at around £200 to £300.

What to consider when choosing the best petrol lawnmower

With such a large choice of petrol lawnmowers, available in many different sizes, with various features and specifications, here are a few pointers to take into consideration when choosing a petrol lawnmower.

Choosing the right cutting width

Most petrol lawnmowers vary in size and most models have a cutting width of between 400mm and 510mm wide (15cm – 20cm), for smaller gardens think about choosing a smaller cutting width because larger mowers can be difficult to turn in tight spaces and are generally much heavier. For larger lawns, consider the bigger models because they can mow for longer and cover more of your lawn at a faster rate. If you choose a larger petrol model it is often well worth choosing a model that is self-propelled, something which we discuss next.

Do you need a self-propelled model for ease of use?

Some mowers are self-propelled while others you need to push, this is not a problem for small lighter mowers, however, you may want to consider a self-propelled model if you’re going for a larger mower with a wide cutting width. Some models even have a variable speed control so you can mow at your own pace. Most models only have one speed and it’s usually not a deal-breaker and is usually a nice walking speed anyway.

Consider a 4 in 1 model that usually gives you the option to just cut, cut and collect, dispatch the grass to one side or mulch the clippings and return them to the lawn

All petrol models can simply cut and collect or cut and drop just like any other type of lawnmower, however, some of the more advanced models have the option to mulch and also have a side dispatch mode.

Mulching is great if you have a particular dry lawn because it can help retain moisture and add goodness back to the lawn. We recommend using the mulching feature every now and again even if your lawn is not a dry lawn because it will put essential nutrients back into the lawn.

Build quality, steel or plastic decks, reliable engines.

The best models are made from quality materials and better materials, and they will usually last longer and are less likely to get damaged during normal use.

One of the most important parts of a lawnmower is the mowing deck. In general, the highest quality models have steel decks for added strength and durability but some models have plastic decks. These are not always ideal because they can be damaged by stones being picked up by the mower.

We prefer all-steel decks, however, this obviously adds extra weight.

Spares and backup

It’s important that you can get replacements parts, at least for the major parts like blades, spark plugs and pull cords. You can get universal parts for most mowers but it good to know that parts are readily available for big brand mowers such as Hyundai, Mountfield and Hayter.

Look for a good warranty

If you plan on purchasing an expensive mower then you want to make sure it has got a good warranty. Most models come with some sort of warranty, usually at least 1-2 years, but ideally you want at least 2 years warranty. What you will find though is that even some of the most expensive and most popular mowers only have one years warranty. 

This is probably because if they are not maintained correctly, you can damage the engine and the manufacturers have no control over the maintenance.

It’s also worth noting that many models come with a 2 or 3 year warranty but this doesn’t cover professional use, it only covers domestic home use.

How do you service a petrol lawnmower?

Regular and thorough maintenance is the key to keeping your petrol lawnmower running efficiently for years. The first step in servicing a petrol lawnmower is to read the user’s manual. It usually has a checklist and schedule of what to do and when. 

In brief, an annual service should include these tasks:

• Clean or replace the spark plugs.
• Drain all the petrol.
• Clean out any debris from underneath; make use of the mower’s wash-out feature if it has one.
• Tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
• Remove and change the air filter.
• Sharpen or replace the blade, depending on how ragged they are.
• Check the pull recoil starter cord.
• Drain and change the oil.
• Replace the petrol as the last step.

Final Conclusion

Our review of petrol lawnmowers is to help you from being overwhelmed by the choices out there. The mowers we’ve recommended, such as our Best Pick (Hyundai HYM510SPE 173 cc Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower) and our Runner-up (Frisky fox plus Petrol Lawnmower) both have powerful engines, which is key to an efficient petrol lawnmower. Consider what you and your lawn both need as you look at self-propulsion, collection box size, blade width and variable cutting heights. And, as always, your budget will help you decide.

BEST PICK

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Other reviews you may find useful:

Best self-propelled lawn mowers for a better mowing experience

Best petrol lawn mower for large gardens

Best lawn mower for making stripes on your lawn

Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API