A good self-propelled petrol lawnmower offers a reliable drive system that matches the user’s walking speed, a powerful engine to handle various grass types, and user-friendly controls that make mowing less physically demanding, especially on sloped or uneven terrain.
My Favourite Electric Lawnmowers Tested and Reviewed
- Best Overall/Engine – The Murray EQ2-500X Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is praised for its robust Briggs & Stratton engine and self-propelling feature, providing top-notch efficiency and ease of use.
- Best Electric Start & Variable Speed – The Hyundai 20″/51cm 196cc Electric-start Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower stands out with its convenient electric start and variable speed options, offering effortless ignition and adaptable pace control.
- Best for Smaller Lawns – Perfect for smaller gardens, the Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower is self-propelled and has a 39cm cutting width, making it easy to navigate around tight spaces while still delivering a powerful cut.
- Best for Larger Lawns – The Cobra MX534SPH 53cm (21in) Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is designed for larger lawns, featuring a wide cutting deck and self-propelled drive to cover more ground efficiently with minimal effort.
Please note that not all self-propelled petrol lawn mowers are created equally, so to help you out with your selection, I have done some serious research and testing to find the best of the best. Use the handy filters below to narrow down your selection to meet your specific requirements, and use the in-depth information provided to make an informed decision when purchasing your next petrol mower.
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 self-propelled 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
Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mowers – Large Lawns over 1000m²
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect self-propelled petrol lawn mower for a large lawn.
Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mowers – Medium Lawns up to 1000m²
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect self-propelled petrol lawn mower for a medium lawn.
Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mowers – Rear Roller
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the best self-propelled petrol lawn mower with a rear roller for a striped lawn appearance.
Petrol Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers Buyers Guide
Introduction
When purchasing a petrol lawn mower you will need to decide whether or not you want to invest a little more to have the option of self-propulsion. There are several factors that may influence this decision and in this guide, I am going to help you to ensure that you get this right. In general, you will want to consider the size of your lawn, the type of terrain, your budget, and if you want / require the convenience of a self-propelled petrol model that will reduce the physical effort.
I am of the opinion, while investing in a petrol mower that will serve you for many years to come, having the option of a self-propelled drive will ensure that you will future proof your mower and your requirements. This is particularly true, if you move house, become physically less-able or simply want to the get job done quicker at some point in the future. But that is not all, you will also need to decide if variable speed is something that is going to be a necessity on your self-propelled petrol mower.
What Is A Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower?
A self-propelled petrol mower is simply a push mower that has the addition of a self-propelled drive, which powers normally the rear wheels or roller. The idea is for you to simply guide the mower in the direction you want to mow, whilst the self-propelled drive is engaged. You will normally have two levers on the bars, one being the OPC (Operator Presence Control) lever and the second is the clutch, that will engage the self-propulsion. A variable speed model will also normally have a separate lever on the bars, that can be used to select a number of speeds which vary in number and range between models. More on this later.
What To Look For In A Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower?
A petrol lawn mower is a fair investment and a good one will last you many years if well looked after and annually maintained. Before making your purchase it is essential that you consider a number of factors detailed below.
Size Of The Lawn Area & Cutting Width
The size of your lawn will dictate to some extent the deck size, the power and features your petrol mower will need to have. As a guide, a smaller lawn up to 500m² will need a deck size up to 40cm, a medium sized lawn between 500m² and 1000m² would need a deck size of around 40cm to 45cm, and finally a larger lawn over 1500m² will need a deck size of over 46cm.
Engine Power
With a large garden combined with the self-propulsion, the petrol mower will have to work harder. You also do not want to spend all day trying to mow the lawn, so look for one with good power that can cut the grass to the height you require in as fewer passes as possible. For example, for a medium sized lawn I wouldn’t recommend a petrol mower with an engine of less than 139cc, for a larger lawn you should be looking for a mower with an engine capacity in excess of 170cc.
Self-Propulsion With Variable Speed
With a smaller patch of lawn this is not a major concern, but pushing a big heavy petrol lawn mower around a large or even medium sized garden can soon become tiring. Self-propulsion will take the hard work out of mowing and all you really have to do is just guide it around the garden. The added benefit of variable speed means you can adjust the mower to travel at a pace that best suits your needs, making the job more easy and enjoyable.
Grass Collection Box Capacity & Type
A larger grass collection box will let you mow the lawn faster as you have to spend less time emptying it out. The more powerful self-propelled petrol lawn mowers will have no problem with the additional weight of a large and fully loaded grass collection box, and the fewer trips to empty it out will make your job faster. Also consider the type of the collection box that is supplied with the petrol mower. They will either be full cloth mesh, solid or a combination of both. I personally prefer a hybrid grass collection box as you benefit from both excellent circulation through the cloth, smaller storage required when folded and the solid top with a handle provides strength and also prevents dust and debris flying up towards the operator.
Other Features To Consider When Purchasing A Petrol Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Apart from factors related to the size of the lawn, there are a few other factors to consider.
Recoil Or Electric Starter
While most modern recoil starters are easier and more reliable than they were some years back, it is still a physical effort to pull the cord to start the petrol mower and can put strain on the wrists / back. If this is a concern, look for a lawn mower with a convenient electric starter. An electric start mower will always have the recoil start as a backup, so you need to bear in mind that there will be an additional battery on the mower for the electric start function. This battery should charge itself whilst the mower is running, but may need to be charged manually when the mower is not used for a long periods of time or is started and stopped more frequently. In general, a good quality electric start petrol mower will start all season without the need for a recharge.
Cutting Methods
Your new petrol mower will come with a number of different cutting methods depending on the model you choose. Unless it is a dedicated mulching mower, your self-propelled petrol mower will have the ability to cut & collect the grass cuttings, but may also have other options such as mulching, side and rear discharge.
Mulching is a feature that only some models have. It has an additional mulching plug, that blocks the collection chute, and a special blade designed to chop the grass into small pieces, that are then returned back to the lawn providing nutrients to the soil and improve the health of the grass. Mulching is economical and environmentally friendly, that is the reason it is becoming very popular, but not everyone is going to utilize it.
Cutting Height Options
Depending on the type of lawn, the time of year, weather conditions and a number of other factors, you will want to adjust the cutting height from time to time. If the grass has been left to get a bit long, you do not want to send it into shock by cutting it right back in one go. Look for a petrol mower that gives you a range of cutting height options and that are easy to adjust via a central height lever. In my opinion, a petrol mower should have at least 5 cutting heights that range from 30mm to 70mm to provide a good range. Naturally if you want a bowling green cut then a lower height setting will be required and a cylinder mower may be a better option.
Rear Roller
If you are wanting that elegant and professional striped effect on your lawn, you want to look for a petrol self-propelled model with a rear roller. The good news is that there are many options and brands available, but some of the best mowers for this purpose are from Hayter, Hyundai and Honda.
Budget
A petrol lawn mower is a fair investment and should last you for many years to come. You want one that is tough and powerful enough to handle your lawn effectively, but also durable to stand the test of time. As mentioned above, the more features you add to the petrol self-propelled mower, the higher the cost, so ensure that you know what you want and only include these features if you are going to utilize them.
Another area that will have a bearing on the cost of the petrol mower is the make and model of the engine. Some brands will include their own engine, that is cheaper compared to an engine with a premium brand such as Honda and Briggs & Stratton, for example.
Noise
If you have neighbours that are close by, you don’t want to upset them every time you mow. Some models are considerably quieter than others so bear this in mind. A petrol mower with a good quality engine will generate a noise value of around (dB(A)) 94.
Fuel Consumption
If you are cutting often, particularly on a large lawn, the cost of fuel can add up quickly. Look for a model that is economical to operate and is not over-powered for your needs. Keeping it well looked after and serviced will also help to keep fuel usage down to a minimum.
Handle Comfort
Some models have soft grip handles that are ergonomically designed. This makes the lawn mower much more comfortable, absorbing some of the vibration, and less tiring to use. You also want the handle height to be adjustable so that it is comfortable for different people to use. The design of some models I have tested made it difficult for me to reach the OPC without removing my hands from the bar, some had no foam padding, so make sure you look out for this.
Storage
If you have limited storage space, look for a more compact model and one that allows the handles to fold down for easy storage. A solid grass collection box can be bulky, so look for a hybrid type that will fold down, again reducing storage.
Hose Wash Port
Keeping your self-propelled petrol lawn mower clean under the deck is essential, not only for the cutting performance, ensuring that the grass collection is efficient, but also for ensuring that the self-propelled drive is free of debris and works efficiently. The addition of a hose wash port on your petrol mower will allow you to connect your garden hose to the mower’s deck and clean it quickly and efficiently whilst the mower is running. Using this feature after each mow will ensure that the grass doesn’t dry and stick to the mower’s deck, making it really difficult to remove.
Conclusion
So there you have it. It makes sense to include the option of self-propulsion when purchasing your next petrol mower, even if it is something you may use occasionally or require in the future. Yes it will cost a little more, but it is not much in the scheme of things. For example, the difference between a Hyundai non self-propelled model and the identical mower with the self-propelled feature will cost around £60 more.
If you have steep slopes in your garden then this is a no-brainer. But even if you don’t, why not make mowing the lawn with this feature that much easier and more enjoyable.
I hope this guide to buying a self-propelled petrol mower has helped you to choose the best model for you and your lawn. If not, please feel free to drop a question or comment in the comments box below, and I will be happy to help.
Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower FAQs
What Is A Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower?
A self-propelled petrol lawn mower has a feature that allows the machine to propel itself leaving the user only having to guide or steer it where they need to go. They have a powered drive which makes them perfect for large lawns or where the terrain is a little more challenging, such as gardens that have steep slopes.
How Long Do Petrol Lawn Mowers Last?
One of the great things about the petrol lawn mower is that it lasts much longer than other types of mowers, thanks to their steel construction. However, this is largely based on how well you take care of the machine. If you perform regular services and use the mower as directed by the manufacturer, you could expect it to continue performing for over a decade. However, if you don’t take good care of it and the engine, in terms of regular maintenance, then it might struggle to make it past the five-year mark.
Is A Petrol Self-Propelled Mower Worth It?
The biggest advantage of a self-propelled petrol lawn mower is that it will save you a lot of time and effort when tending to your lawn. They’re definitely worth considering if you would otherwise struggle to manoeuvre a hefty petrol mower around your garden or if you are working with a larger lawn. Just bear in mind that a self-propelled model will cost more compared to a petrol mower without this functionality.
Are Self-Propelled Petrol Mowers Easy To Use?
Petrol lawn mowers may take some getting used to as they’re not ‘plug and go’ like corded or battery powered models. However, the good news is that most modern petrol lawn mowers come with easy start features, so there’s none of that cord pulling and engine tuning that puts so many people off. The self-propelled feature is also easy to use and comes either with a single or variable speed lever, that can be easily adjusted on the bars.
Is It Bad To Pull A Mower Backwards?
Your self-propelled petrol lawn mower is designed to move forwards when the drive is engaged, so it stands to reason that forcing it to go backwards is not the best idea. If you want to pull the mower backwards you can disengage the drive, however the lawn will not be cut evenly and collection will also be negatively affected. Always try to mow the lawn moving the mower forward when using self-propulsion and only reverse, with the drive disengaged, if you need to manoeuvre out of a tight corner.
What Is The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower To Purchase?
If you’re in the market for a self-propelled petrol lawn mower then there are a lot of brands to consider. Manufacturers such as Honda, Hayter, Mountfield, Hyundai and Einhell are all excellent options, but the most important thing to look out for is how easy and convenient that self-propelled function is. For most people this means having a reliable easy start, variable speed and a range of cutting options such as mulching and side discharge.
When Should I Change My Lawn Mower Oil?
Typically speaking, you should aim to perform a complete oil change for every 50 hours of use or at the end of each mowing season. That said, I would always recommend checking the oil level after each use to ensure that it doesn’t need topping up. Failing to do this could affect how well your engine performs and could even shorten its lifespan.
Is Front Wheel Drive Or Rear Wheel Drive Better On A Petrol Lawn Mower?
Lawn mowers with front wheel drive are usually easier to move around as there is the option to tip the mower backwards, to disengage the wheels, to manoeuvre it without having to release the clutch. Moreover, these lawn mowers generally tend to be cheaper, so are a good choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective option. However, rear wheel drive on a petrol lawn mower will provide you with much better traction which, if you’re using a self-propelled mower, you may well need because of slopes or uneven ground. Not to mention that rear wheel drive will assist in achieving a straighter line. Self-propelled mowers with a rear roller will also be driven from the rear by the roller itself, which is normally ribbed for better traction.
What’s The Advantage Of Large Rear Wheels On A Lawn Mower?
One of the features that manufacturers love to plug on their self-propelled petrol lawn mowers, is that they have larger rear wheels. The benefit of this is that they are much easier to manoeuvre over uneven ground. Many people buy a self-propelled mower for this very reason, so the addition of large rear wheels makes the job even easier. You’ll also find that these larger wheels won’t get stuck as easily in dips in the ground.
Can You Push A Self-Propelled Petrol Mower?
It is possible to push your self-propelled petrol lawn mower without causing any damage to it. However, you probably won’t want to, as it’ll typically be very strenuous. These lawn mowers are heavier owing to the large engines inside them and being self-propelled is usually a way of helping the user to avoid having to lug around a hefty machine.
How Do You Mow With A Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
The beauty of the self-propelled lawn mower is that it requires very little input from the user. All you need to do is fire it up and the power drive will move it forward; you do not need to push it. The only thing you will need to do is guide the mower along the path you wish to take. If your petrol mower does not have a variable speed option, it is always a good idea to check the speed before purchasing to ensure it matches the pace at which you want to mow.
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.
A very useful guide – thank you. However I need a self-propelled pedestrian-controlled mower with electric start as I can’t use a start-cord, so need to know if any of your mowers have this feature. The area is fairly small – just the odd small lawns which I can’t get into with the tractor-mower.
Hi John
Thanks for your message.
The Hyundai HYM430SPE would be a good choice and has an electric start.
A review can be found here
https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/hyundai-hym430sp-review/
This review is for the recoil start model but there is a link to the electric start version.
The only issue at the moment is that there is no stock for most of these mowers due the current situation.
Regards
Mark