Best Petrol Lawn Mower For Large Lawns/Gardens
If you are the proud owner of a large garden or lawn, many might say that you are fortunate to have such a generous amount of outdoor space. And this is true, however when it comes to cutting the grass, problems can arise. This is especially true if you are not using the correct equipment; a reliable petrol lawn mower is vital for these bigger spaces.
But where do you start when looking for a petrol lawn mower that will make quick work of a large green lawn? There are several things that you will need to think about, but even then, choosing a suitable lawn mower can feel like a mammoth task.
For this reason, I have put together an extensive list of the best petrol lawn mowers for large gardens and they all have an incredible amount of power and unrivalled performance.
I will also be taking you through some great tips for buying a petrol mower for your large lawn, including what features to look out for and why they matter.
So, if you have struggled to maintain a trim and healthy-looking large lawn, that is all about to change.
In a Hurry?
I understand that some of you may not have the time to read my in-depth reviews, so to help you out below I have listed my best petrol mowers for large lawns. These are categorised by the most popular features.
Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Choose A Petrol Mower For Large Gardens & Lawns?
You may be asking yourself ‘Hang on, why is this guy pushing petrol mowers when they are the most expensive walk behind mowers on the market?’ But let me let you in on a little secret; if you attempt to mow your large lawn with anything else, you will not get the results you are expecting.
Electric and cordless mowers are excellent, and there are many great ones that I have tested and found to be extremely effective. However, everything is designed for a specific purpose and these mowers just aren’t cut out for massive lawns.
On the other hand, a petrol mower has the incredible power needed to tackle expansive areas with ease. Why else do you think commercial lawn care companies will only ever use petrol lawn mowers? Not only this, but they are built to last so even when you really put them through their paces, they won’t let you down.
Furthermore, these petrol mowers are also extremely adept when it comes to reaching every corner of the garden.
Unless you want to run a lengthy extension cord around your outside space, using a corded mower simply is not convenient when you have a large area to cover. Conversely, a battery lawn mower would be able to reach to the far reaches of the garden, but it is likely that the power would run out before it did. All a petrol mower needs is a quick pit stop and refill and you’re back on your way.
And speaking of going on your way; covering a bigger area can be exhausting, especially when using hefty equipment like a mower. But many petrol mowers have a self-propelled drive that make them much easier to move around and won’t leave you feeling as though you have just run a marathon.
5 Best Petrol Lawn Mower For Large Lawns/Gardens
So, now that you know the benefits of using a powerful and robust petrol mower, let’s get down to the exciting stuff and look at some of the best petrol mowers for large lawns.
Here is a list of my best petrol lawn mowers for large lawns that you can narrow down to your exact requirements using the checkboxes below.
Below are more details of these petrol mowers with links to full in-depth reviews. Although I highly rate the petrol mowers below for large lawns, you may want to use the filters below to narrow the selection down to meet your exact requirements.
10 Best Petrol Lawn Mowers For Large Lawns Reviews
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect petrol lawn mower for your large lawn.
Choose The Right Petrol Mower For Large Lawns Here
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
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Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
✅ Variable Speed
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Safety Key
✅ Self Propelled
✅ Variable Speed
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Safety Key
✅ Self Propelled
✅ Variable Speed
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
✅ Variable Speed
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
✅ Variable Speed
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Hose Wash Port
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
✅ Self Propelled
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Pros and Cons
Buying Guide For Petrol Lawn Mowers For A Large Lawn/Garden
It’s easy for me to sit here and tell you about some of these incredible petrol lawn mowers for large lawns, but if you want to feel confident in choosing the best model for you, it is vital that you understand what features a lawn mower of this type should offer.
Some petrol mowers are not designed to handle large gardens, so by comparing the various elements of the mower, you will be able to make a much more informed decision.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what is important when buying a petrol lawn mower for a large lawn.
Engine
Potentially one of the most critical features of your petrol lawn mower will be the engine. For larger lawns, you need something that can harbour an incredible amount of power and this simply cannot be done if the engine is substandard.
If you have a bigger garden, you will generally need a mower that is more than 125cc, anything lower than this and you will tend to find that it just doesn’t cut the mustard – or the lawn.
In the main, petrol mowers will come with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine and both have their pros and cons. However, when we are looking for a petrol mower that will tackle large lawns with ease, it is better to go for a four-stroke (the vast majority of mowers). These tend to be a lot more powerful and are often used in commercial petrol mowers, but if you have a huge garden, this is likely what you will need. Furthermore, the four-stroke engine is typically a lot more durable than its smaller brother, but it will require some maintenance as with any engine, so be prepared to commit to this. If you would like to know more about what is involved in maintaining a petrol lawn mower please see my article 10 Simple Steps to Maintaining Your Petrol Lawn Mower.
Start-Up
If you are going to be spending a good chunk of your time mowing the lawn, then you want to make sure that the job is as easy as possible. One of the things that has deterred homeowners from investing in petrol mowers in the past is that they can be notoriously difficult to start up.
However, many of the modern models are much easier to work with. You will find that they either feature a recoil or an electric start. Of course, an electric start with a safety key is the easiest and safest way to get your mower started, but even these do come with a recoil backup just in case the system fails or the starter battery is not charged.
A recoil start can be easy to use in most newer petrol mowers and you will find that many of them are extremely reliable. This method requires you to push a primer button a few times before pulling the cord. In days gone by, this could have been touch and go, but that isn’t a problem now with easy start recoil. Some recoil start petrol mowers nowadays have choke free starting with no need to prime the engine prior to starting.
The type of start you choose will depend on your personal preference, but if this is your first petrol mower, I would recommend going for an electric start purely for convenience.
Self-Propelled Petrol Mowers For Large Lawns
Almost all petrol mowers for large lawns have a self-propelled drive and this makes it that much easier, especially when you are mowing a larger area. If your garden is massive, the last thing you want is to be hauling a hefty mower around it, putting unnecessary strain on your body. For this reason, it is a good idea to go for a self-propelled model.
However, there are manual petrol mowers, but it is worth keeping in mind that these will require more effort from you. If your strength and stamina aren’t excellent or are elderly, I would avoid this type of mower and opt for the convenience of self-propelled. Even if you are fit, strong and healthy, but have steep slopes or a very uneven lawn, then self-propelled is by far your best option.
It is also worth keeping in mind that a lot of the self-propelled models have the option to disengage this feature, so you get a choice.
Variable Speed Control
Some petrol mowers come with the option to control the self-drive speed and this is imperative if you want to be able to mow at a different pace each time and not feel that the mower is running away from you. Perhaps on a hot, sunny day you will want to make the most of the weather and will mow at a more leisurely pace. Conversely, if there is a chill in the air or you are in a hurry, mowing at a quicker speed can make the job easier.
Of course, not all models come with this option, so do be sure to look at this before you part with any of your hard-earned cash.
As well as checking whether there is a variable speed control, you should also take a look at where the controls are located. For the most part, the controls should be located on or near the handle for easy use. You will also want to find a petrol mower whose handle has a soft grip; not only will this make it more comfortable when using, but it will also give you greater control over the drive and reduce vibration.
Grass Box Capacity
When you have a larger lawn, it makes sense to purchase a petrol lawn mower with a larger grass collection bag. If you get something that is much smaller, you will find that you are having to stop to empty it more frequently.
Many of the grass collection bags and boxes on petrol mowers are between 50 and 70 litres making them ideal for more extensive areas of lawn.
Furthermore, you should think about how easy the grass box is to put on and take off, if this is not a simple task, you will be adding to the overall time spent tending to your garden. It is worth noting that the larger the grass box, the heavier the mower will become when full. This is particularly so if you are cutting damp grass, so just something to bear in mind.
Mowing Features
Your petrol mower may come with the ability to mow in more than one way and the way you intend to use the mower will depend on the mowing features you require.
Most commonly, a petrol lawn mower will come with a cut & collect option; this is where the clippings are transferred into a grass collection box and disposed of manually. However, some of these machines come with a mulching plug which prevents the clippings from entering the collection box and instead returns them to the lawn. This is great for larger lawns for two reasons.
Primarily, it eliminates the need to have to keep stopping to empty your grass collection bag, but it will also serve you in another way, or rather, your lawn. When you return the grass clippings back onto the ground, they act as a natural fertiliser which means that your lawn will grow more densely and will look lush and healthy.
Other mowing options include rear or side discharge where the grass clippings are forced out of either the back or the side of the mower respectively. Similarly to mulching, the clippings will be returned to the ground. Side discharge is particularly useful if you are working with very long or damp grass as it will prevent too much mess from developing in the deck.
Cutting Width And Height
One of the most important things to think about, aside from the power of the engine is the cutting width, which is something called deck size or cutting diameter. These terms will all tell you the same thing; how much lawn will be covered and cut in one pass.
For bigger lawns, you will need a petrol lawn mower that has a generous cutting width, if you don’t, it will take you much longer to cover the entire area. In the main, anything over 50cm will serve you well when tackling a huge area. When we refer to a large lawn, this tends to mean anything above 1000m². For your reference, below is a table to explain what you might need if your lawn is not quite as massive.
| Lawn Size | Cutting Width |
| Large Lawn Size (1000m² +) | Over 46cm |
| Medium Lawn Size (500 – 900m²) | 39cm – 45cm |
| Small Lawn Size (less than 400m²) | up to 40cm |
Weight
Since most petrol lawn mowers come with a self-propelled drive, you won’t need to be too concerned about the weight as this drive will do most of the hard work for you. However, if you are opting for a petrol mower that is not self-propelled, you will need to think about this a little more.
Petrol lawn mowers are heavier by nature, this is due to the addition of the engine, which in itself can weigh quite a bit. Put this on top of the steel body and other components of the mower and you will end up with something that could be as heavy as 40kg.
This is a lot of weight to move around, particularly if you do not have a self-propelled drive, so you should think about your strength and physical abilities before you purchase.
Even if you are using a self-propelled mower, there is still the consideration of storing the mower. Taking it in and out of the shed or outbuilding will require you to manoeuvre it using nothing but your own strength and something heavier could be a problem.
Storage
More often than not, petrol lawn mowers tend to be much bulkier than their electric and battery powered cousins. This is largely thanks to the engine, but there are ways that these hefty machines can be more easily stored, because after all, just because you have a large garden, that doesn’t mean you have a huge shed.
One of the main features to look out for if you want something that is easy to store, is a mower that has folding handles. This can cut the overall size of the lawn mower in half in terms of how much area it covers, making it far easier to store.
However, you should keep in mind that while other types of mower can be hung on the wall or stored vertically, doing this with a petrol mower is not possible as it will cause the fuel to leak and damage to occur. For this reason, you should always store it flat on its wheels.
Cost
There is not getting away from it; petrol lawn mowers can be the most expensive type of mower on the market depending on the brand and features. But what you are getting is something much more powerful and reliable, hence why they are so good for a large garden that requires a lot of maintenance.
However, it is important to set a budget and do some research to see what you can realistically purchase for that amount. There are plenty of decent petrol lawn mowers out there on the lower end of the price scale, just be sure to check that it has all of the features we have discussed in this article. Also ensure, particularly with lower end models, that spare parts are readily available and support is there if needed.
Conversely, you might decide to invest in something much more top-of-the-range and the likelihood is that if you do, this will be a piece of equipment that will serve you for many years to come.
Maintenance
One of the added responsibilities of owning a petrol lawn mower is that you will need to service it regularly and perform a certain degree of maintenance. Of course, you could outsource this work, but for many homeowners this is an unnecessary cost. Bear in mind, that with some premium brand petrol lawn mowers the warranty will depend on you having the mower serviced annually by a authorised service dealer.
When you first purchase your petrol mower, you may be unfamiliar with how to correctly look after it. But rest assured, that if you treat it well, it will be a tool that will stay with you long into the future.
Maintaining a petrol mower can be off putting for some people, but once you understand what you need to do, it isn’t as complicated as you may have first thought.
Here is a rundown of everything you will need to think about when it comes to taking care of your petrol-powered mower.
- From time to time, certain components of the lawn mower may need to be replaced. It is good to familiarise yourself with your mower and look at the manufacturers website to determine what spares you may need. It can be useful to have some of these parts ready and waiting for a quick fix. These parts include spark plugs, air filters, oil and fuel additives.
- You will also need to perform an annual service on your mower, much in the same way that your car requires its service.
- The first thing to check is the spark plug. This may look like a small component, but it has a very important job; igniting the engine. Without it, your mower will not start. If the spark plug is in any way faulty, damaged or corroded/pitted, you should replace it without hesitation.
- You will also need to replace the air filters; the individual product will determine how frequently you need to do this, although quarterly is often sufficient. These air filters prevent dust and other particles from making their way into the engine, which could cause it to malfunction and run badly.
- A petrol lawn mower is nothing without its blades, so ensuring that they are sharp and ready for cutting is an integral part of caring for your machine. If they need to be sharpened, do this before attempting to mow as dull blades will not give as good a result.
It is important to keep your mower clean, especially under the deck where a lot of grass and dirt will accumulate. Some mowers come with a handy hose connector for easy cleaning, but if yours doesn’t, you will need to manually clean it.- Make sure that the wheels and any bolts holding the equipment together are checked regularly and tightened if necessary.
- It is unlikely that you will be cutting your lawn over the winter so once you have finished that last mow of the autumn, be sure to completely drain the fuel tank or ensure it has a fuel stabiliser/preservative.
Conclusion
Having a large garden or lawn is definitely a positive thing, but when it comes to maintaining it you may find things a little more of a challenge. Using a petrol mower is a great option for a huge lawn as it will make the job that much easier. Yes of course, a ride-on-lawn mower will get the job done quicker, but this is not suitable for everybody as cost, storage and access are the main limitations.
There are several things that you should look out for when choosing a petrol mower for a large lawn including the cutting width, self-propelled drive and the power of the engine.
Once you are confident that you know what you are looking for, the lawn mowers listed above are some of the best and efficient currently on the market. And if you’re anything like me, you will be extremely impressed by these petrol lawn mowers suitable for large lawns.
Best Petrol Mower For Large Lawns FAQs
How Good Are Modern Petrol Lawn Mowers?
Petrol lawn mowers are exceptionally good for large lawns because they have a very good balance between manoeuvrability and power. These are the most powerful types of lawn mower and you’re going to need this when tackling a bigger area. Plus, there aren’t any power cables getting in the way which gives you greater freedom of movement. Self-propelled models add to their superior performance and convenience when tackling larger lawns.
What Size Is A Large Lawn?
Many people compare the size of a lawn with the size of a tennis court. Generally speaking, a large lawn is anything between four and six tennis courts in size. If you’re working in square metres, then a large lawn would be considered to be an area above 1000m².
How Big Of A Mower Do I Need For A Large Lawn?
When you are mowing a large lawn, it’s important to choose a petrol mower whose cutting width will make the job quicker and easier. Lawn mowers come in a variety of sizes, but something that measures between 45cm and 56cm is typically going to be the best choice for a big lawn.
What Is The Best Mower For A Large Lawn?
The best type of lawn mower for a large lawn is a petrol model, without any doubt. However, there are a lot of models out there and choosing between them can be tricky. I have a full guide on petrol mowers which you can find on this website, but as a rule of thumb brands like Hyundai, Webb, Mountfield, Cobra and Hayter are all excellent choices for domestic use.
What Is The Widest Deck On A Petrol Lawn Mower?
The largest petrol lawn mowers usually have a cutting width that goes up to around 53cm. However, there may be times that you need something bigger and in this case, you might need to start looking at ride on mowers whose cutting width can be double this or more.
Do Petrol Lawn Mowers Use Electric?
No, petrol lawn mowers run on a combustion engine that requires fuel to work. However, there are some petrol mowers that feature electric start. This makes the machine easier to fire up and relies on an internal battery. Fortunately, this is usually self-charging and doesn’t require any specific maintenance.
Do Petrol Lawn Mowers Need Oil?
Yes. If you are using a petrol lawn mower for a larger lawn, then you will need to regularly top it up with oil. This is because of the moving parts found inside the engine which will grind against one another if not lubricated causing friction and overheating. Depending on whether you have a two stroke or four stroke lawn mower the oil will need to be added to either the same compartment as the fuel or a separate compartment, respectively. It’s also super important to change your mower oil for every 50 hours of use or at the end of each mowing season, whichever comes first.
How Often Should I Mow My Lawn?
During the spring and summer months, you will normally need to mow your lawn every seven to ten days. This will encourage healthy growth and keep it looking neat and tidy. However, once winter sets in you can take a break from mowing and even in the autumn, you can push it back to every two weeks.
What Petrol Can I Use In My Lawn Mower?
In most cases, lawn mowers require unleaded petrol. You will need to check the octane rating which should be no lower than 87. Furthermore, it’s essential to avoid using petrol that has an ethanol content of more than 10%.
How To Choose A Petrol Lawn Mower?
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a petrol lawn mower and you can find a more detailed guide on these things here on the easylawnmowing website. However, generally speaking, when choosing a petrol mower for a large garden, you will first need to think about the cutting width. You’ll then start to look at how powerful the engine on the mower is. For mowers with larger cutting decks, you’ll want at least 18hp. In addition to this, you’ll need to think about things like whether the mower has electric start, is self-propelled or has variable speeds, as well as how the mower operates i.e does it have a mulching plug, collection bag or side discharge chute?
How Long Should A Petrol Lawn Mower Last?
The great thing about petrol lawn mowers is that they’re very robust and will have a long service life provided they are well looked after. If you perform the correct maintenance on your petrol mower, you might expect it to last up to a decade! On the other hand, if you don’t take good care of it, you may find it struggles to make it through just a couple of mowing seasons. Remember, if you have a large lawn your mower will be worked much harder, cover more miles and generally be put under more strain, compared to that of a smaller lawn.
Are Petrol Lawn Mowers Hard To Use?
Petrol lawn mowers used to be much more difficult to use than they are today. Many people are put off by the pull cord start which is notoriously difficult to get right. However, today’s manufacturers have made it much easier, and many have added electric start to make it even more simple. Actually, mowing with a petrol mower is beautifully easy when you have a self-propelled drive as all you need to do is guide it. This is a very important feature for mowers designed for larger gardens as it will prevent you from having to over exert yourself. What’s even more convenient is not only a self-propelled drive, but one that has variable speeds.
Are Petrol Lawn Mowers Safe?
Petrol is a highly flammable liquid so it goes without saying that your mower could be dangerous when not used correctly. It’s essential to keep it away from heat sources and store fuel safely. Always read the manufacturer’s user manual for the safe use of your petrol mower.
