The best petrol lawnmower for a small to medium-sized lawn in the UK should have a compact and manoeuvrable design, provide adjustable cutting heights to cater to different lawn conditions, and possess a reliable engine that ensures efficient mowing without being overly cumbersome to operate or store.
My Favourite Petrol Lawnmowers Designed for Medium Sized Lawns
- Best Overall – The Hyundai 18″/46cm 139cc Electric-start Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower is the top pick for its combination of electric start, self-propulsion, and optimal size for small to medium lawns.
- Best Engine – Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower is celebrated for its robust engine performance in a self-propelled model that’s well-suited for small to medium gardens.
- Best Push – The Sprint 460P Push Petrol Lawn Mower 46cm (18″) is ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach, offering ease of use and precise control in a push mower format.
- Best Budget – The Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower provides excellent value, balancing cost-effectiveness with self-propelled convenience for smaller to medium-sized lawns.
Within this article, I will provide you with several resources to help you choose and narrow down your selection, these include a buying guide detailing what to consider, an easy to filter list of my best petrol lawn mowers for a medium lawn, and finally my dedicated lawn mower selection tool that can be accessed using the link above. I am sure these resources will quickly help you to identify a petrol mower that will serve you well and provide you with a well maintained lawn for many years to come.
In a Hurry?
If you are in a hurry and only have limited time, I have included the best petrol mowers currently available on the market for a medium lawn and why they have been shortlisted into popular categories.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 Best Petrol Lawn Mowers For Medium Sized Lawns/Gardens
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect petrol lawn mower for a medium lawn.
Why Should You Buy A Petrol Mower For Medium Gardens & Lawns?
It is not a secret that petrol mowers, in general, have superior and unbeatable power when compared to their electric and cordless counterparts. If petrol mowers are maintained regularly and correctly, they can last for many years. Some people have even confirmed that their petrol mowers have been serving them well for over 15 years and still going strong. Well, that is very impressive to say the least!
With petrol mowers, it is not only the power and freedom of movement you will be able to enjoy. In general, they are well constructed and strong machines designed to deal well with rougher terrains.
What’s more there are many petrol mowers available with self-propulsion, compared to only a few cordless models having this feature. I do not know about you, but having a medium sized garden that can have some slopes, pushing the mower for longer periods can become physically exhausting, even for those frequently attending the gym. If you compare push to a self-propelled petrol mower, some also come with a variable speed, mowing the grass will become extremely easy and enjoyable, as the mower will drive itself at a pace that suits you. I am therefore not surprised that petrol mowers with a self-propelled option and variable speed are the most popular combination.
What Features Should You Consider When Buying A Petrol Mower For Medium Sized Lawns?
Engine
Most petrol engines are now 4 stoke, meaning that they will take standard unleaded petrol and oil separately. Just remember that all petrol mower engines are not equal, not only in terms of power (cc) but also in terms of quality and longevity. It is common to see that the cc will increase with the size of the deck and the cutting options that are provided, such as mulching and side discharge.
For those that follow a regular maintenance schedule and do not allow the grass to grow too long, a mower with a 100cc engine may well be more than enough, however if you require something that is going to cut through longer and more demanding conditions or the mower is larger or self-propelled, then something more powerful is going to be required i.e. 170cc.
Starting The Engine
Starting the engine can be difficult with petrol mowers, particularly if you do not store the mower correctly over the winter period. Petrol mowers will also need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure you do not have any issues with starting or engine performance.
All petrol mowers will come with a recoil start system, but some will have the addition of an electric start. Electric start is the easiest starting option, but of course you will need to ensure that the starter battery is charged and you will also pay extra for this convenience. Not only is this starting method easy, but it is also the safest way to start the mower, particularly if you have any injuries or lack the physical strength. If you would like to see my best electric start petrol mowers, click the link below.
Admittedly, today’s modern petrol mowers have easier recoil start systems when compared to older models and are extremely reliable. The newer and easier to start recoil method requires you to push a primer button a few times before pulling the cord. More often than not, nowadays recoil start petrol mowers have choke free starting with no need to prime the engine.
Size Of Blade
Most people are fully aware that the larger the lawn, the larger the size of the blade / deck will be required, so that you can cut more grass in a single pass. To help you out with what size of blade is recommended on a petrol mower for a medium sized lawn, see the guide below.
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") |
Hose Wash Port
It is worth mentioning that some petrol mowers are supplied with a handy hose wash port for easy cleaning of your mower’s under-deck and blade. This feature makes cleaning the mower quick and simple by attaching your garden hose and running the mower to clean the underside. It is never recommended to turn your petrol mower on its side due to the fuel and oil, so this feature is extremely handy. If you would like to learn more click on the link below.
Self-Propulsion
As mentioned above self-propelled mowers are highly desirable and this is particularly true for medium sized lawns. They will take away all the physical effort normally needed to manually push the machine around your garden. This is especially ideal not only for the elderly, but also for people with less physical strength or injury. Even when you are fit and healthy but have an uneven or sloped lawn, then a self-propelled mower is likely to be the best option. It is worth noting that many models can disengage the self-propulsion if not needed, so you will get the choice.
Variable Speed
Some petrol mowers not only come with a self-propelled option, but in addition you can adjust the speed at which the mower is moving. This is beneficial as it will ensure that the mower’s speed can be adjusted according to the area you are mowing, for example when mowing a sloped lawn, you may want to reduce the speed for additional grip and safety. Furthermore, it can be adjusted to match your walking pace, meaning that you will never feel that the mower is too slow or running away from you. This will result in a more comfortable and enjoyable mowing experience, not mentioning that it will be safer too.
If you would like to see the best petrol mowers with variable speeds, click on the link below.
Grass Collection Box
They are all different sizes, normally the manufacturers do a good job of increasing the size of the collection box when the blade and deck are larger, as the mower is designed for larger lawns. For your medium sized lawn this will prevent you from having to stop and empty too often. However, don’t forget to read my full reviews of each mower to see how easy it is to attach and remove the box from the mower. With some models the boxes can fall off when mowing, definitely not something you want!
Another handy feature is a full grass box indicator, so you know when the box needs emptying. Surprisingly only some mowers have this feature. It can be particularly handy when the grass is damp when cutting.
Weight Of The Mower
This is another consideration you will need to make especially if you are not purchasing a self-propelled mower and have a medium sized garden. Generally, petrol mowers are heavier compared to their cordless and electric counterparts, as the engine filled with fuel, oil and the steel deck will for sure add to the total weight.
Even with self-propelled mowers, where you do not need to worry about pushing them around your garden, you will still need to get them in and out of the shed or garage. The weight is not something to worry about, but you do need to be aware of especially if your strength is somehow limited.
Mulching
There are many different methods in which you can cut your grass. You can cut and collect the grass clippings, use side or rear discharge, but also you should consider the benefits of mulching for your lawn. Not only will it be an easier and time efficient option for you, but this method will deliver essential nutrients and moisture to your lawn, preventing weeds and lawn disease, while promoting its health. Some of the cutting methods mentioned above are not suitable for small lawns such as side discharge. The fact that you have a medium sized lawn means that you can utilise any of the cutting options at different times throughout the seasons.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of mulching click on the link below.
Rear Roller
Many people are now purchasing petrol mowers with a rear roller to achieve that perfectly manicured and striped lawn appearance. With some petrol mowers you can have four wheels and a rear roller at the back of the machine, whereas other petrol mowers only have a rear roller instead of the rear wheels. Rear rollers not only make the lawn look amazing for you and your neighbours, but they also help with stability especially when mowing close or over the edge of the lawn. If you would like to see my best petrol mowers with rear rollers click on the link below.
Storage
Petrol mowers are not the smallest mowers to store. Due to the fuel and oil, you will not be able to store them vertically or hang them on a wall, as you are able with some cordless and electric models.
If you are short of storage, consider if the handles fold, some fold at both the mid and deck points and will reduce the overall storage space. In addition, if you have a cloth or hybrid grass collection bag that will reduce the storage space too, so something to consider.
Budget
In this article we have discussed why you should buy a petrol mower for your medium sized garden, what features and functions you should look out for to ensure you are purchasing a mower that is best suited for you and your lawn. However, the cost of the mower and your budget is another important consideration. In general, there are high end petrol mowers like the Honda HRX537HY, budget petrol mowers like the Sprint 460SP, however the most popular and best sellers are the petrol mowers placed at the mid-point with rich features such as the Hyundai HYM460SPE.
Conclusion
Having a medium sized garden, I am sure that you have considered all of the options such as electric, cordless and petrol mowers. The fact that you are reading this article most likely means that you have decided, like me, that a petrol mower is going to be the best option for these circumstances in terms of power, durability, performance and features. It really is just down to choosing one that best fits with your requirements and circumstances to ensure you have years of trouble free mowing and a lawn to be proud of.
Hopefully, this article has helped you decide what is the best petrol mower. If you are still unsure, why not look at my mower selection tool that will shortlist the best suited mowers based on your specific requirements, within seconds. To find out more click on the link below.
Best Petrol Mower For Medium Lawns FAQs
What Size Is A Medium Lawn?
When we are talking about petrol mowers, a medium lawn is considered to be anywhere between 500 and 1000 square metres. Lawns that are below 500 square metres would normally be classed as a small lawn, whereas those that exceed 1000 square metres would be considered a large lawn.
What Size Petrol Mower Do I Need For A Medium Lawn?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a petrol lawn mower for your medium lawn, is the cutting width. Having this just right will allow you to cover the maximum amount of grass in each pass while still allowing you to easily navigate your garden. For a medium lawn, you would usually choose a cutting width between 39cm and 45cm. Anything more than this would be suitable for a large garden and anything below, you’d typically use for a small lawn.
Are Petrol Mowers Good For Medium Sized Lawns?
Petrol lawn mowers are considered by many to be the best thanks to their elite power and performance, this is particularly true when purchasing a petrol lawn mower for a lawn over 500m². While a lot of manufacturers are now producing excellent electric and cordless mowers, they still don’t rival the power and performance of petrol. If you need a mower that will give you a balance between power, efficiency, mobility and durability then choosing a petrol machine is your best bet.
Do Petrol Mowers Need Oil?
Yes. Petrol lawn mowers have an engine that contains moving parts. These parts move against one another and when they are not lubricated, this can cause friction and problems with overheating. To avoid this, it is required that all petrol lawn mowers are regularly topped up with oil as specified by the manufacturer. You will also need to change this oil for every 50 hours of mowing or at the end of each mowing season.
Do I Need A Self-Propelled Petrol Mower For A Medium Lawn?
Many petrol lawn mowers come with a self-propelled drive, which essentially means that all you need to do is guide it around the garden. This is great if you have a large lawn but can also come in handy for medium lawns where the user wouldn’t have the strength or physical fitness to push the heavy mower around the entire lawn. Moreover, many people who are as fit as a fiddle choose a self-propelled petrol lawn mower for their medium garden purely for the convenience and ease of use. Many homeowners with a medium sized lawn would also choose a petrol mower with variable speed, providing even more flexibility particularly on lawns that are sloped or uneven.
Are Petrol Mowers That Mulch Good For A Medium Sized Lawn?
Absolutely, a medium sized lawn is anything over 500 to 1000 square metres and trying to dispose of so many grass cuttings weekly during the growing season, is going to be a challenge. Mulching the grass cuttings will allow you to keep your grass healthy, thick and looking great without the headache of environmentally unfriendly and costly disposal.
Are Petrol Mowers Easy To Use?
There is a stigma attached to petrol lawn mowers regarding how difficult they are to start. But that’s an ancient notion as modern petrol lawn mowers are much easier to fire up. A lot of them come with an electric start function, which takes away the hassle of having to use a pull cord. Having said that, even those with a recoil pull cord start are now far easier to use.
Can You Mow Wet Grass With A Petrol Mower?
While it is possible to mow wet or damp grass using a petrol lawn mower, it’s usually best to avoid this. This is because, when grass is wet, it tends to clump making it much more difficult for the lawn mower to propel it into the collection bag or out of the chute. If possible, wait until the lawn has dried completely before mowing, but if you must do it when wet, be sure to sharpen your blades and raise the height of the mower for best results.
What Oil Do Petrol Mowers Use?
If you are using a standard four stroke petrol lawn mower then you would normally use SAE 30 oil. There are other variations of this type of oil including SAE 5W 30 and SAE 10W 30. These are both synthetic products and tend to cost a little more. However, you will find that they give a much better performance so are worth considering.
What Causes A Petrol Lawn Mower Not To Start?
There are a lot of reasons why your petrol lawn mower might not start, so it’s worth investigating when you notice problems. That said, there are some common issues that you should look at first including a dirty or disconnected spark plug or clogged air filters. You might also find that the fuel is not getting to the engine, therefore it won’t start. In this case, it could be to do with the flow through the carburettor; giving it a little tap could dislodge anything but if it doesn’t, you may need to replace the fuel filter. Stale fuel can also cause problems with starting your mower; I would always recommend using a fuel stabiliser to preserve its life.
How Long Should A Petrol Lawn Mower Last?
Petrol lawn mowers are among the most long lasting and durable gardening equipment in the world with many having an average lifespan of ten years! However, they will only last this long when you take good care of them, so it’s essential to have a good maintenance routine. If you fail to do this then you may find that your lawn mower only lasts two or three years at best.
Can I Stripe My Medium Sized Lawn With A Petrol Lawn Mower?
Yes. If you want to create a traditional English striped lawn, then this can be done using a petrol lawn mower that is fitted with a rear roller. It’s possible to buy petrol mowers with a roller already attached or you can purchase a roller kit and fit one yourself. The fact that your lawn is medium-sized has no bearing on the ability to create lawn stripes, and there are many models available with deck sizes and other features that are suitable.
How Do You Measure The Cutting Width Of A Lawn Mower?
A lawn mower is measured in centimetres or inches across the entire width of the deck, and this tells you the cutting width of the machine. It’s important to choose a cutting width that is suitable for your lawn. When mowing a medium lawn, you wouldn’t want to use a 30cm lawn petrol mower, as it would take much longer to get the job done. On the other hand, using a 53cm mower might make it difficult to navigate obstacles and tighter areas of the lawn, so it’s important not to go too big or too small.
How To Choose A Petrol Lawn Mower For A Medium Lawn?
When you are choosing a petrol lawn mower for a medium sized garden, the most important thing to consider is the cutting width and that this is in line with the size of your lawn. But you may also wish to consider things like what mowing features there are: for example, whether there is a self-propelled drive, rear roller, mulching plug etc. How you wish to mow your lawn will depend on which of these features you choose. It’s also important to look at how powerful the mower is. You will need something that is easily able to manage the size of your garden. Generally speaking, a lawn mower with 139cc (3.5hp) should be suitable for medium gardens.
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.
