Summary
Having to choose the best petrol mower with a cut and collect feature is easy, as they all allow you to collect the grass clippings into the grass collection box before disposing of them. This is unless you choose a dedicated mulching mower.
However, what if you want more flexibility and cutting options from your petrol mower? What if you want your mower to provide other cutting features such as side and rear discharge in addition to cut and collect? What if you want all 4-in-1 cutting features, meaning that you want mulching included too, so you can benefit from the natural fertiliser and nutrients being returned to your lawn? Many homeowners nowadays want to have the ability to adapt their lawn’s needs according to the changing season and enjoy the benefits.
These are all good questions and if you read on, I will share with you the best petrol side and rear discharge mowers that I have tested and reviewed. You can click on the “Full Review” button that will take you to my comprehensive reviews of each mower providing pros, cons, practicalities, features and clearly explaining who the mower is suitable for.
Best Petrol Mower To Side and Rear Discharge
What Is a Side Discharge Mower?
Using a side discharge mowing feature is ideal for longer grass and larger areas of lawn, where you do not want to collect the grass clippings, or it is not practical to do so.
Side discharge method cuts the grass cuttings and disposes of them using a chute on one side of the mower’s deck. This method will leave lines of cut grass on your lawn, that are normally left there to decompose.
With very few petrol side discharge mowers, you have the option to attach a bag to collect the grass clippings, but just remember this bag is considerably smaller compared to the collection box at the back of the mower. So, if you want to collect the cuttings, side discharge is not your best option.
What Is a Rear Discharge Mower?
All petrol rear discharge mowers are supplied with a grass collection box for collecting the clippings. Many rear discharge mowers provide the option to fully or partially block the back or insert a mulching plug and turn them into a mulching mower.
Same as with the cut and collect method, the rear discharge option cuts the grass clippings and with the help of the air flow lifts and sends them to the back of the mower. If the grass box is removed, and the mower has a rear discharge option, then the clippings will exit the mower from behind the deck, under the mower and return them back to the lawn. In general, the rear discharge option means that there is a device in place to keep the flap opened slightly when the grass collection box is removed.
This cutting method reduces noise levels and can be used for cutting both dry and damp grass.
Which Is Best a Side or Rear Discharge Mower?
It is not a question of what cutting method is better, as much as what cutting method you prefer to use, what you want to do with the clippings (collect or leave them on the grass to decompose) and what your mowing schedule is like. If you regularly leave your grass to grow too long, then the side discharge method is recommended for this particular situation.
However, why decide between these options when you can purchase petrol mowers with both side and rear discharge? Naturally, all mowers are supplied with the cut & collect option, but mulching is also another highly beneficial feature to consider. Below I have included the best petrol mowers that provide all 4 cutting options, so you can choose according to the conditions of your lawn, your preference and season of the year.
To help you out use the filter below for additional features to narrow your search down to find your perfect mower.
Best Petrol Mower with Rear and Side Discharge, Mulching and Cut and Collect
Do You Need Help With Choosing The Perfect Lawn Mower?
If you are still unsure about what is the perfect mower for you and your lawn, why not head over to my best mower selection tool, by clicking the link below. It will select the perfect mower in seconds, based on your specific requirements.
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.