Hi and welcome to my webpage that is going to help you to choose the best petrol mower for you and your lawn.
So, I have been testing and reviewing lawnmowers for many years and have answered thousands of questions from up and down the country from people who are struggling to find a petrol mower that suites their exact requirements. I’m often asked “what is the best petrol mower?”, and my answer is always “it depends”. What’s a good petrol mower for one, may not be suitable for another. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
The first question I always ask someone who is looking to purchase a new petrol mower is “do you really want or need a petrol mower?”. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against petrol mowers per say, it’s just, perhaps a cordless battery mower may be better suited to certain people or situations.
Ok let’s assume that you do indeed require the superior power and longer runtimes that petrol mowers have to offer, and you understand that there will be some ongoing service requirements and maintenance required.
Now comes the part where you will need to choose a petrol mower that suites your lawn size, has the cutting options you require and has the power and performance to cut your lawn effectively.
Do bear in mind that should you require additional information or have any queries regarding the petrol lawn mowers I have carefully curated and listed below, you are encouraged to utilise the Q&A section here. Your questions are greatly valued, and I am at your service to help ensure you make the most suitable selection for your next petrol mower.
My Favourite Petrol Lawnmowers Tested and Reviewed
1. Best Overall –
The Murray EQ2-500X Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is highly regarded for its self-propulsion system, reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, and versatile cutting options that make it a top performer in various lawn conditions. The reason I rate this petrol mower so highly, is because, Murray have chosen the ever reliable and high performance Briggs & Stratton 575EX 140cc engine. I find that this engine starts reliably and provides the power needed when I’m cutting longer lawns that have been neglected, and for the effortless self-propelled drive. If you have a lawn under 400m², then this mower’s 51cm (20″) deck is going to be too big, therefore you want to take a look at the EQ2-500 with its smaller 46cm (18″).
2. Best for Small Lawns –
The Hyundai 16″/40cm 79cc Petrol Lawnmower shines on small lawns with its compact design and lightweight construction, offering precise control and easy storage. The reason I have selected this mower for smaller lawns, is down to the reliable Hyundai engine and its lightweight at just 19kg. You can see from my video review how well this mower cut my lawn and how compact it is when packed away in my shed and boot of my car. For smaller lawns it’s ideal and performed well for me when testing. Just remember, this is only 79cc and if the lawn is practically long, you will need to cut first on a higher setting and work you way down. When I tested on very long damp grass the engine struggles and cut out.
3. Best for Medium Lawns –
The Sprint 460SPX Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower is tailored for medium-sized lawns with its efficient cutting system, easy handling, and robust build for consistent performance. So this Sprint petrol mower performed so well for me that I had to include it in my top pick petrol mowers. The 46cm (18″) deck makes it ideal for medium sized lawns up to 1300m² and like the Murray EQ2-500x above has my favourite engine fitted, the Briggs & Stratton 575EX Series 140cc Engine with Readystart. I recommend this mower because you are not only getting that super B&S engine, but also the 4-in-1 cutting options, cut and collect, mulching, rear discharge and side discharge. I found the mower maneuvered well thanks to those larger 28cm rear wheels, collected the cuttings effectively in the large 60L collection bag. Oh, and to top it off, there is a handy hose wash port that allowed me to get the deck clean of cuttings with ease.
4. Best for Larger Lawns –
For larger green spaces, the Mountfield SP53 Petrol Lawnmower stands out with its wide cutting 51cm (20″) width, high-capacity engine, and features designed to tackle large areas with ease. I chose this mower as my top pick for larger lawns because I found the overall performance, build quality and quality of cut was top notch. This Mountfield petrol mower has a highly regarded engine, the Stiga ST 170 OHV Autochoke petrol engine that provides 166cc 2.60kw (3.84hp), more than capable of dealing with the most challenging lawns. As my own lawn was not large enough to test this mower effectively, I took the mower to a local field to give it a run. You can see from my video review just how well this petrol mower from Mountfield did at effectively cutting the lawn. It’s true, this mower is not designed for commercial use, however it is more than powerful enough for the toughest domestic lawns. Just keep in mind that there is no side discharge with this mower, so only cut and collect, mulching and rear discharge.
Welcome to your definitive guide to the best petrol lawnmowers in the UK for this year, 2024! My comprehensive list is the product of over a decade of expertise in evaluating and recommending petrol lawnmowers. I’ve meticulously analysed the market to present you with the finest choices that stand out in terms of performance and quality. Whether you prefer the classic push mower or the convenience of a self-propelled model, my assortment caters to all preferences and lawn dimensions.
My chosen petrol lawnmowers boast robust engines, resilient build quality, and innovative features such as mulching and discharge options, all designed to streamline your lawn maintenance routine.
Before we delve into the individual models that have earned my recommendation, let’s first consider three key factors to help you refine your choice.
Step 1. Self-Propelled OR Push Petrol Mower?
Firstly, you will need to decide if you want a petrol mower that propels itself or one you need to push. A self-propelled mower will naturally be easier to manoeuvre and work with, but does add additional cost.
Step 2. Size Of Your Lawn & Appropriate Deck Size?
Petrol mowers come in a wide variety of decks and grass collection box sizes. You need to consider the size of your lawn and purchase the appropriate sized deck or cutting width. To assist with choosing the best deck size for your lawn, I have created this handy table below to guide you in making the right choice.
Petrol Lawn Sizes to Lawn Mower Deck Guide
| Size of lawn | Square metres (Square Feet) | Deck Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small lawn | Up to 500m² (5,400 Sq. Ft.) | Up to 42cm (16.5") |
| Medium lawn | 500m² to 1000m² (5,400 to 10,800 Sq. Ft.) | 39cm to 45cm (16" to 18") |
| Large lawn | 1000m² to 1500m² (10,800 to 16,200 Sq. Ft.) | 45cm to 53cm (18"to 21") |
Step 3. Four Wheels OR Rear Roller?
Another initial decision you will need to make is if you want a standard 4 wheel petrol mower or one that has 2 front wheels and a rear roller for a striped lawn appearance.
In a Hurry?
Before we jump into the reviews, I understand that some of you could be pushed for time. If you don’t have time to read my in-depth petrol lawn mower reviews, I have listed my top selections below, for your convenience.
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Find the Best Petrol Lawnmowers: Top Picks for UK Gardens in 2024
After considering your primary requirements, it’s time to delve into the specifics of petrol lawnmowers and evaluate the array of features they offer. Look for attributes that cater to your needs, such as engine power, adjustable speed settings, cutting performance, mulching capabilities, zero-turn agility, convenient electric start, built-in hose wash ports, and side discharge functionality.
Designed to simplify your search for the perfect petrol mower, this user-friendly tool effortlessly guides you through selecting the best petrol mower for your lawn. Begin by specifying the size of your lawn, and then choosing from a variety of features that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking for a mower with mulching capabilities, a self-propelled system, or rear roller for a striped lawn, my tool dynamically updates the selection to match your preferences. With each option, you can delve into a comprehensive review to ensure you make an informed decision.
Learn more about how to choose the best petrol mower for your lawn and a full guide here.
Video Guide To Buying The Best Petrol Lawn Mower
Leading Petrol Lawnmower Brands in the UK
The UK boasts a rich heritage of petrol lawnmower manufacturing, with several homegrown brands leading the way in garden machinery.
Mountfield, a name synonymous with quality and reliability in British gardens, continues to craft some of the best petrol lawnmowers in the UK, offering a range of models that cater to various gardening needs.
Hyundai, while a global powerhouse, maintains a strong presence in the UK market with their innovative and durable lawn care products.
Hayter, another quintessentially British brand, is renowned for its premium lawnmowers that leave behind a beautifully striped lawn, a hallmark of the traditional British garden.
Einhell brings German engineering to the UK’s shores, providing a selection of petrol mowers that combine efficiency with user-friendly design.
Cobra, a relatively newer British brand, has quickly established a reputation for versatile and robust mowers that tackle the UK’s diverse landscapes with ease.
Webb stands out with its classic designs and commitment to performance, echoing the British tradition of fine lawn maintenance.
Murray, although not a UK brand, also offers a range of petrol lawnmowers that are well-suited to the demands of British gardening, ensuring there’s a mower to fit every gardener’s preference.
Together, these manufacturers contribute to a vibrant and competitive market, ensuring UK consumers have access to some of the best petrol lawnmowers in the world.
Best Petrol Lawn Mower FAQs
How Long Should A Petrol Lawn Mower Last?
Petrol lawn mowers are durable tools, but they need to be well maintained if they are going to stand the test of time. For the most part, a good petrol lawn mower should last for around ten years. When they’re regularly serviced, they could even exceed this, but if they’re poorly maintained, they might only last 3 to 4 years.
Are Petrol Lawn Mowers Good?
Petrol lawn mowers are elite when it comes to power and many homeowners and commercial users opt for them because of this combined with their freedom of use. This power means that they are far more suitable for larger and more demanding lawns making your workload much lighter. When compared to using a corded or battery mower for this type of work, you’ll find that a petrol mower will save you a lot of time, physical effort and will produce far superior results.
Do Petrol Lawn Mowers Need Oil?
Petrol lawn mowers rely on a combustion engine which has several moving parts. In order for these parts to move smoothly, they need to be lubricated using oil. This is why it is important to include oil checks and top ups as part of your wider mower maintenance schedule. Not only will this help the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently, but it will also ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Are Petrol Mowers Easy To Use?
Many people are put off the idea of using a petrol mower because they think they will be difficult to use. But unlike many of the older models, newer petrol lawn mowers often come with easy and electric start functions. Moreover, a lot of petrol lawn mowers are self-propelled which makes them much easier to push and manoeuvre around the garden.
How Often Should I Change My Lawn Mower Oil?
It’s important to regularly check the oil level in your petrol mower as not having enough will affect how well the engine performs and starts. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to change the oil completely at the end of every mowing season or for every 50 hours of mowing, whichever comes first.
How Do I Know If My Mower Engine Is 2 or 4 Stroke?
Petrol engines are either two or four stroke and this refers to the number of revolutions the engine goes through to complete a single power stroke. There are pros and cons to each type of engine and you’ll normally find details about your engine on the product listing or packaging. However, if you do not have access to this, you can tell the difference by looking at the fill ports for the engine. If yours has a single port where you can add both oil and petrol, then this is a two-stroke engine. If there are two ports; one for petrol and one for oil then this will be a four stroke engine. It is essential that you NEVER mix oil and petrol in these types of four-stroke engines.
What Happens If You Put The Wrong Oil In Your Lawn Mower?
If you’ve accidentally used the wrong oil in your mower, this could cause a multitude of problems, depending on what oil you have used. For example, using oil that is too heavy for your engine could cause it to become damaged, and using the incorrect viscosity might make the engine run more slowly. In any case, you will typically find that the mower burns through oil much more quickly if it isn’t the correct one. For this reason, it’s important to check with the manufacturer exactly which oil to use.
Why Does My Petrol Lawn Mower Smoke?
There are several reasons that your lawn mower may be blowing out smoke, but one of the most common is that there is not enough air moving through the system compared to the level of fuel. This causes incomplete combustion, and any leftover fuel will turn into smoke which is what you are seeing. The easiest way to correct this problem is to clean or replace the air filters.
Can You Tip A Petrol Lawn Mower On Its Side?
You should avoid tipping your petrol lawn mower onto its side as this may cause fuel or oil to leak into the air filters. If this happens then your mower may begin to smoke or you may find you have difficulty getting it to start up. If you need to tip the mower over to perform maintenance on the blades, for example, you should ensure that it is completely empty of any liquids. Tilting the mower backwards to access the underneath of the deck is also an option, but sometimes doesn’t provide enough clearance.
How Often Should A Petrol Lawn Mower Spark Plug Be Changed?
Your petrol lawn mower will require more maintenance than an electric model, but it’s not so much that it’ll take over your life. Spark plugs should ideally be changed every 25 hours of mowing time or once per mowing season.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
Good reviews, thank you. I was looking for a dedicated mulching mower, as I find lugging loads of grass cuttings and finding somewhere to put them very tiring at nearly 77, so I’m thinking of getting a Stiga 47S which is both a mulcher and self propelled.
Hello,
Thanks for a great website packed with useful info.
I’ve come across a German brand of machines called DeltaFox but I can’t find any reviews on your site. Perhaps they are not sold in the UK? If you know anything about them I’d appreciate your input. They seem to be well-priced with Briggs & Stratton engines.
Cheers.
Hi Nigel, I do not have any experience of the DeltaFox mowers. They are a brand of the German company Grizzly tools, however I believe that they are manufactured in the far East and China.
I don’t think they can be purchased here in the UK.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Mark, I really appreciate the quick reply. Guess I’ll hang on for the Webb. Like you mentioned, a few of the retailers are saying they are expecting stock in Mar/Apr. It also seems to have good reviews.
Hi Mark, I am looking to get a petrol rear roller mower for my small/medium sized lawn (so 16-18 inch deck). I’m thinking that I don’t need self-propelled considering the size of the lawn, plus I have curved flower beds etc. so the manual push control would be better suited. I also would love to have a mulching option, which I know is not normal for roller mowers. The only mower I have found that offers all of this is the Webb ‘Supreme’ RR17P but it seems to be out of stock with most sellers. Do you have any views on this mower? The other mower I love the look of is the Masport RR Push with its beefy engine, but it doesn’t appear to have a mulching option. Any views on this mower and whether it can mulch using an adapter? Or do you know of any other mowers meeting my criteria that can be converted, maybe with an optional mulching plug?
Many thanks!
Charlie
Hi Charlie
Yes, this is going to be a difficult find, mulching with rear roller.
The only other mower I am aware of is the Honda HRD536 QX where you can purchase and optional mulching kit. But this is a professional mower and is reflected in the price.
I don’t believe there is a mulching kit for the Masport.
The Webb has been out of stock for some time now, but normally most manufactures will be replenishing stock around this time (March).
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark
Would you recommend the Hyundai 51cm mower. I’ve also had a look at Cobra machines with a similar spec and price range. Thought I’d buy a Hayter but mixed reviews on YouTube make me worry whether it is worth extra money. I have a large lawn but will only be mowed once a week, so clearly domestic use. Ideally I don’t want to spend much over £600-£650.
Thank you
Manik
Hi Manik,
The Hyundai mowers are my best-sellers, they are very good value for money, technical and after sales support is good.
For domestic use the Hyundai may be your best option. If you want a self-propelled model with variable speed, electric start and 4 cutting functions including mulching, the I would go for
https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/hyundai-hym510spe-review/
The Hyundai HYM510SPE will cost you around £75 less, but it doesn’t have the electric start option. https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/hyundai-hym510spe-review/
If you do decide to purchase don’t forget to use my discount code within my review – MOWJO (5% discount)
As you were considering the Hayters, were you looking for a rear roller too?
Below I have included a mower selection tool, that will recommend the best mower based on your specific requirements.
https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/find-the-perfect-lawn-mower/
Hope this helps
Kind regards
Mark
Thank you Mark. I just noticed your response. Thank you for this
Hi Mark
You advised me earlier on either a mountfield HP41 or a hyundai hym 400p
I know they are similar but i just looked at a mountfield 394 – pb briggs & stratton engine, is this one better or all the same really?
Thanks
Paula
Hi Paula
To be honest they are pretty much similar in terms of the mower and its features. In terms of the engine, then yes the Briggs & Stratton 125cc engine is by far more superior than Mountfield’s own engine. Naturally, this is reflected in the purchase price of the mower. You will find that commercial gardeners will choose the Briggs & Stratton engine due to the increased power and longevity as they use them on a far more frequent basis. For domestic use, the Mountfield engine would be completely fine, if looked after and serviced on a regular basis.
You can see my article on what is involved in maintaining a petrol mower here – https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/10-simple-steps-to-maintaining-your-petrol-lawnmower/
Hope this helps.
Mark
Hi, i am looking to get a petrol,self propelled rear roller mower and narrowed it to a stihl rm545v and a honda hrx426qx. Stihl cheaper and lighter by nearly 9kg but i know hondas are reliable and built well. Its for small to medium lawns with flower beds to mow round and wondered how easy the honda is to manoever being heavier. I had a webb rr17sp but first stopped on 2nd use and replacement was useless so looking to step up and wondered what your thoughts are. Cheers tim
Hi Tim,
To be honest with you I have not used any Stihl petrol mowers, but not heard a bad word against them.
The Honda petrol mowers are reliable and well built. In terms of the weight you would need at least 35kg for the rear roller to produce longer lasting stripes. So perhaps, the heavier Honda would be advantageous to you if this is important. Remember, a dedicated garden roller filled with water would be around 35kg, and with sand around 55kg.
Sorry I can’t help with the comparison, I will be testing some used Stihl mowers in the coming months.
Hope this helps.
Mark
can you advise if universal rollers are any good for mowers without rollers?
Hi Jay, thanks for your message. To be honest you really need a heavy mower (petrol or large battery mower) with an integrated roller, so that the mower’s weight is above the roller to compress the turf.
Universal rollers will produce initial striping effect but they will not last long.
Hope this helps
Mark
Can anyone direct me to a push along mower with electric start please?
Hi Richard, unfortunately it is very difficult to find a push petrol mower with electric start.
You may need to consider a self propelled petrol mower, but don’t engage the drive. Below is a list of 10 Best Self propelled petrol lawn mowers for 2020.
https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/best-self-propelled-petrol-lawn-mowers/
Hope this helps.
Kind regards
Mark