Summary
The Cobra RM40SPC is a self-propelled petrol mower fitted with the reliable Cobra 135cc DG450 engine, that is E10 compatible, it has a full width rear roller for a traditional striped lawn appearance. The Cobra RM40SPC has a 40cm (16″) cutting width, steel deck, 6 cutting heights, ranging from 17mm to 75mm, and a 50 litre hybrid soft mesh solid top grass collection bag and weighs in at 34kg.
If you are in the market for an excellent British lawn mower and striped bowling green lawn, then there aren’t many other brands I would be as confident in recommending as Cobra. The Cobra RM40SPC is a powerful and reliable piece of equipment that is perfect for medium sized gardens thanks to its suitability to cut lawns up to 600m².
It’s one of the simpler petrol mowers from Cobra and doesn’t have a plethora of features like mulching mode or rear discharge, but then this mower is designed to achieve a beautifully manicured lawn as opposed to hacking through a dense wilderness. What this RM40SPC does have, is more than enough to make maintaining your lawn a cinch. With six easy to adjust cutting heights, self-propelled drive and a nifty Cobra 135cc DG450 engine, this is an excellent petrol mower for people who want quality at an affordable price.
But surely it can’t all be this good. In my Cobra RM40SPC review, I’ll be guiding you through all the most important features and sharing any negatives and limitations you need to be aware of to ensure that you make the right decision.
Main Features
- Self-propelled drive
- 40cm cutting deck
- 6 cutting heights
- 50 litre hybrid grass collection bag
- Cuts to edge
- Rear roller
- Folding handle
- 2 year warranty
Engine
The Cobra RM40SPC runs on a Cobra 135cc DG450 engine. This is the perfect balance between powerful operation and low noise. If you don’t want to disturb the peace, this is almost certainly going to be a selling point.
Self-Propelled Drive
The Cobra RM40SPC is a self-propelled petrol lawn mower with a single speed of 3.2km/h. This is perfect as it’s in line with most people’s walking speed. However, it is a little disappointing that it doesn’t have variable speed, but in the scheme of things, it certainly isn’t a deal breaker.
Now, if you prefer a non self-propelled mower, Cobra also sells this model without that feature. The Cobra RM40C runs on a slightly less powerful DG350 OHV engine and is great for smaller gardens without slopes.
There’s also another version of this mower; the Cobra Cobra RM40SPCE which has many of the same features, but also boasts a push button start which makes life incredibly easy instead of having to pull the recoil cord to get it up and running.
Cobra RM40SPC Video
To get a visual representation of the Cobra RM40SPC petrol lawn mower see the video below.
Performance
What I really love about this and all other Cobra mowers is that they are built perfectly to tackle UK conditions. With all of the features combined, you will notice that the Cobra RM40SPC performs like a dream and makes light work of even more demanding cutting conditions.
What’s more, the Cobra RM40SPC has a cut to edge ability which is enhanced by the rear roller. But I will go into more detail on the roller a little later on. For now, let’s focus on the fact that when using the Cobra RM40SPC, you won’t need to worry about having lots of long edges left, as this handy machine will reach all corners of your garden.
Features In Detail
Blade And Deck
The Cobra RM40SPC features a strong steel deck that’s perfect for more challenging conditions as there is no concern about damage. It’s got a 40cm cutting width that is ideal for medium sized lawns and combined with the 135cc engine and 50 litre grass collection bag, is ideal for lawns up to 600 square metres.
That said, if your lawn is on the larger side of medium, you might need something slightly bigger and the good news is that this model also comes in a 43cm and 46cm option; just look for the RM433SPBI and the RM46SPCE respectively. Below I have shown the differences between these models, to assist you in choosing the best configuration for your circumstances.
Cobra RM40SPC – 40cm this model for medium lawns
Cobra RM433SPBI – 43cm model designed for larger lawns
Cobra RM46SPCE – 46cm model designed for larger lawns
Cobra Comparison Table
Below I have included a table showing the variations of the 40cm Cobra RM40 range. You can see the differences in engine, propulsion, starting options and weight.
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Handles
The handle on the Cobra RM40SPC conveniently folds down so that the lawn mower is easier to store. It’s also incredibly simple to attach the handle out of the box and requires nothing more than a 13mm spanner and a little elbow grease to tighten the nuts.
Height Adjustment
One of the things that I really love about the Cobra RM40SPC is that it comes with a diverse range of cutting heights. At the minimum end, you’ve got a super short 17mm cut, which is far shorter than many other models and so something of a stand out feature, if you are a fan of a close golf green finish.
At the other end, there is a 75mm cutting height and all in all, you’ve got six to choose from. Switching between these is super simple thanks to a single lever located near the rear roller for quick and convenient operation.
Mowing Features
If there is anything that lets the Cobra RM40SPC down, it’s that it doesn’t come with a choice of mowing features. A mulching plug would have been a nice addition, but the cut and collect system is very effective, so I won’t complain too much.
The Cobra RM40SPC comes with a large 50 litre grass box which gives you plenty of space to keep those clippings until you’re ready to empty. Since this is a hybrid grass collection box, you get the best of both worlds. Tough plastic for durability while the fabric bag ensures good airflow for better collection and compaction.
Rear Roller
One of the things that really makes the Cobra RM40SPC stand out, and is probably the main reason for considering this mower, is the full width rear roller. If you want a traditional striped lawn, this is a must have feature and since it’s full width, it also adds to the stability of the mower.
Couple this feature with the heavy weight of a petrol mower, the low 17mm cutting height and you can achieve a bowling green finish to your lawn.
Grass Collection Box
For a larger lawn, it stands to reason that you will need a large grass collection bag and this is precisely what you will be getting with this model.
At 50 litres, there is plenty of room for lots of clippings and the handy full flap indicator will let you know when it is time to empty.
This is a hybrid type collection bag, that is my preferred choice as it will produce excellent circulation, good protection from dust / debris and folds flat for reduced storage.
When it does come to emptying, it is effortless and the cuttings exit the bag without obstruction.
Practicalities
As I mentioned earlier, putting the Cobra RM40SPC together is super simple. Out of the box, all you need to do is attach the handles and then clip the fabric part of the grass box onto the frame using the rubber clips.
As mentioned above, with this petrol mower there is no multiple cutting options available. However this is common for petrol mowers with dedicated rear rollers (no rear wheels), as mulching, side and rear discharge do not go together with a rear roller.
What’s more, you get a good 2 year warranty with the Cobra RM40SPC, not that I think you’ll need it. This is a super reliable and well made piece of equipment, but that lengthy guarantee certainly gives you some added peace of mind.
Cobra RM40SPC User Manual
Click here to access the Cobra RM40SPC User Manual
What’s Included In The Box?
- 1 x Cobra RM40SPC lawn mower
- Grass collection box
- 2 x cable clips
- Spark plug socket
- User manual
Pros and Cons
Should You Buy This Cobra RM40SPC?
I think that the Cobra RM40SPC is a fantastic piece of kit for someone that has never used a petrol mower before. It’s easy to get to grips with and since it doesn’t have a huge number of features, it’s not complicated to use. But it does have more than enough to make it a very efficient and well performing machine.
Thanks to the self-propelled drive, I’d recommend the Cobra RM40SPC to anyone whose garden has slopes or wants to make light work of mowing the lawn.
If you’re looking for a high-quality petrol lawn mower that’ll allow you to create a perfectly manicured finish, that rear roller and low cutting height will meet your needs exactly.
Conclusion
I have really enjoyed looking at the Cobra RM40SPC and while it isn’t the most advanced petrol lawn mower out there, it’s one that gets the job done and gets it done right. There are just enough user-friendly features for the weekend gardener or homeowner who simply wants something that’ll make light work of maintaining a garden.
It’s extremely affordable in the scheme of things, especially when you consider that the full width roller is a direct competitor of the much more expensive brand, Hayter.
For medium gardens where a degree of versatility is needed, the Cobra RM40SPC would be a great addition to your tool shed.
Where Should I Purchase This Cobra RM40SPC?
- Cutting Width: 40cm / 16"
- Drive Type: Self Propelled
- Cutting Height: 17 - 75mm 6 Stage Adjustment
- Warranty: 2 Years
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cobra RM40SPC FAQs
Does the Cobra RM40SPC have a single lever to adjust the height?
Yes, a single lever adjusts the rear roller.
Does the Cobra RM40SPC have an electric start option?
Not this particular model, but the Cobra RM40SPCE does have electric start.
Is oil supplied with this mower?
No, you will need to purchase around 0.5 litre of SAE30 4 stroke engine oil.
What speeds can the Cobra RM40SPC operate at?
This is a single speed drive at 3.4km/h.
Not sure about this Petrol Lawn Mower? Click here for more Petrol Lawn Mower reviews.
Want to lean more about what’s involved in maintaining a petrol lawnmower? Check out my guide 10 Simple Steps to Maintaining Your Petrol Lawnmower
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.
