Summary
The Spirit 41 has two petrol offerings, a push or a self-propelled (Auto-Drive) option and is designed for small to medium lawns up to 261m². The mower is single speed and runs at 2.5mph.
The Spirit 41 is an entry-level mower for domestic use. The Spirit 41 is easy to manoeuvre, and it has a roller to leave your lawn with professional stripes. This is a Hayter petrol mower for those looking to mow a small to a medium-size lawn in style.
Main Features
- Weight: 30 kg
- Product Dimensions: 47 cm (W) ×137 cm (L) ×105 cm (H)
- For Small/Medium lawn up to 261m²
- Colour: Green
- Blade Length: 41 cm (16.1 in)
- Coverage: up to 261m² (1615 ft²)
- Material: Aluminium
- Fuel Tank: 0.8L
Engine
Hayter uses Briggs & Stratton’s 450E series™ engines in the Spirit 41 mower. The 450E has a fantastic torque to displacement ratio — giving consistent power with little increase in weight. Briggs & Stratton have a good reputation, of being easy-to-start engines, with long lifespans.
The motor sits beneath a 0.8-litre fuel tank, which holds regular 4-stroke unleaded petrol. The Spirit 41 does not have Easy-Start like its bigger brothers the Harrier 41, 48 & 56, for more information on these mower click the following link:
Hayter Harrier 41, 48 & 56 Reviews.
Though the smaller engine size means that it is still easy to start by pressing the primer bulb.
The Spirit 41 comes as a basic push model or self-propelled. There is also an all-electric push version of the Spirit 41, which runs on mains electricity and has a 1500-watt ATB induction motor. The Spirit 41 electric shaves a kilogram off the weight of the petrol version.
Briggs & Stratton 450E™
- 125cc Engine
- 2850 rpm
- Unleaded
- Pull Start
To learn more about the Briggs & Stratton 450E™ Series™ engine, please see the video below.
Hayter Spirit 41 Comparison Table
| Specification | Hayter Spirit 41 Push (617J) | Hayter Spirit 41 Autodrive (619J) | Hayter Spirit 41 Electric Push (615J) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo |  | |  |
| Cut width | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| Cut height - minimum | 15 mm | 15 mm | 13 mm |
| Cut height - maximum | 65 mm | 65 mm | 65 mm |
| Drive system | Push | Push, Autodrive | Push |
| Blade Brake Clutch | No | No | No |
| Handle | One piece folding | One piece folding | One piece folding |
| Engine start | Pull start | Pull start | Electric start |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.8 litre | 0.8 litre | N/A |
| Speed min (mph) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Speed max (mhp) | N/A | 2.5 | N/A |
| Working angle | 20 ° | 20 ° | 20 ° |
| Grass bag capacity | 55 litres | 55 litres | 55 litres |
| Warranty - homeowner | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty - commercial | 90 days | 90 days | |
| Engine model | Briggs & Stratton® 450 E Series™ | Briggs & Stratton® 450 E Series™ | ATB 1500w Induction Motor |
| Engine CC | 125 | 125 | 1500 |
| Rear roller (stripes) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions W x L x H | 472 mm x 1370 mm x 1050 mm | 472 mm x 1370 mm x 1050 mm | 472 mm x 1370 mm x 1050 mm |
| Net weight | 30.0 kg | 30.0 kg | 29.0 kg |
Hayter Spirit 41 Video
To give you a visual representation of the Hayter Harrier 56 Petrol Lawn mower please watch the video below:
Lawn Size
The Spirit 41 is designed for a small to medium lawns, up to 261m². Though you could use this mower on larger areas — it would mean more refuelling and grass box emptying stops. And without Vari-Pitch or the BBC, mowing will take longer over the same area, compared to the Hayter Harrier range.
Self-Propelled Drive
No products found. There are two petrol models of the Spirit 41, the push or the auto-drive mower. Both versions use the same Briggs & Stratton 450E™ engines. Meaning that you are taking some power away from the blade to use on propelling the mower.The top speed of the self-propelling mower is 2.5 mph — a slow walk. Self-propulsion comes in useful when you are mowing uphill or when the grass box begins to fill up. The all-electric version does not have a self-propulsion option.
Height Adjustment
The Spirit 41 has 7 positions of deck height, changeable on a single lever set high on the left-rear of the machine. This means that you can control the deck height of the Spirit 41 without having to venture out from the rear of the handlebar.
The cutting height goes as low as 15mm and will rise to 65mm with a simple sliding of the lever. Unlike mowers in Hayter’s Harrier range, the Spirit 41 does not have Vari-Pitch™. So, you need to adjust the deck-height on the Spirit 41 as you drive over any bumps to avoid scuffing the turf.
Deck, Cutting Diameter and Features
Deck
No products found.The deck of the Spirit 41 is a hybrid design of non-corrosive aluminium and plastic. The aluminium acts as a rigid base for the engine, handlebar and wheels to mount to. Aluminium is both lightweight, strong and it will not rust.Plastic fills in the rest of the deck, helping to reduce the weight of the design, and it will also not rust after cleaning it off with water. The Spirit 41 models do not have the Easy-Wash™ function that the Hayter Harrier range does.
The deck, at over 47 centimetres, is far wider than the blade width. So, you may find that you are missing more grass than you would expect when you are trimming along a wall.
Blade
The 41-centimetre steel blades of the Spirit lift the grass as they cut — giving the lawn a healthier place to grow back from. The lifting also improves the airflow, so that the clippings are less likely to stick to the deck, and instead glide into the grass box.
The design of the blade on the Spirit 41 enables this mower to collect and shred the autumn leaves by setting the mower on a higher setting, very nice!
Roller (Stripes)
Each Hayter Spirit 41 comes with an integrated lawn roller. This is a single piece roller, and not split, as is the case with Hayter’s Harrier range. The roller has corrugations to reinforce the structure, which means it can push down across the grass as it rolls. The ribs on the roller also assist with traction, more specifically, on the self-propelled model as this is where the mower is driven/powered from.
Grass Box Capacity
No products found.The 55-litre grass box has a solid plastic base, with the rest of the box using high quality mesh. The mesh has a steel frame supporting it from the inside, which is easy to remove and collapse when you want to store it.This kind of mesh box is excellent for airflow and helps with reducing the weight resting on the rear of the machine.
There is no grass box full indicator on this grass collection box.
Practicalities
Weight
Fewer extras on the Spirit means less weight, and because the Spirit 41 does not have as much weight, it is easier to steer around tight bends. A lighter mower also means that you have more possibilities for storage, such as on a shelf if you are feeling strong.
The approx. 30 kg weight does not vary too much between the three different models of Spirit, including the electric option. See the comparison table below to see the difference between all the Spirit 41 models.
Maintenance
The 4-stroke engine needs an annual service from an authorised Hayter dealer to ensure the machine continues to run trouble-free and preserve the warranty. Engine oil and the spark plug needs changing once a year.
You can refer to the Hayter handbook which has a detailed maintenance schedule of what needs to be done on a regular basis.
In addition, you can always check out my article – 10 Simple Steps to Maintaining Your Petrol Lawn Mower – https://easylawnmowing.co.uk/10-simple-steps-to-maintaining-your-petrol-lawnmower/.
Storage
The handlebars and the grass box, both fold down and fit on top of the mower when in storage. At 30 kilograms, this machine is little heavy (but much lighter than the Harrier range), but with the help of a family member, it is possible to store the Spirit 41 on a shelf.
Hayter also makes storage covers for the Spirit 41. These covers are ideal for keeping the mower clean and dry during the winter months.
Speed
The Spirit 41 comes as either a push mower or you can upgrade to the self-propelling version. Auto-Drive uses the same 125cc engine to push the mower up to 2.5mph. You cannot disengage the blade if you want to drive the machine without it spinning. The 2.5mph seems an ideal speed for the consumer market as you don’t have the feeling of the lawn mower running away from you.Safety Features
There are two main controls on the Spirit 41, the throttle and the clutch. If you release the throttle and the clutch while mowing, the engine will stop.
If the blade hits an object, like a rock, the friction disc on the crankshaft protects the Spirit’s engine from damage. In emergencies, there is also an engine stop lever, which will cut out the engine immediately.
Mulching
There is no mulching plug or blade for the Spirit 41. As with other Hayter petrol mowers, you can remove the grass box and have the clippings leave from the rear of the machine. Once the grass is dry, you can return to the spot and re-mow the clippings further.
But, with Hayter petrol mowers, the point is to remove the grass and leave behind fine striping for a professional look. By leaving clippings behind, you are never going to achieve the same crisp effect.
If you would like to learn more about mulching the lawn, see my article The Benefits of Mulching Lawn Mowers – Complete Guide
What’s Included in the Box?
- Hayter Spirit 41 Lawn mower
- Fabric Grass Collection Bag and Frame
- Single-Piece Polymer Lawn Roller
- Instruction Manual
Warranty
The warranty is shorter, than the larger Hayter Harrier petrol mowers, for the Sprit range homeowners will receive 3 years warranty, and 90 days for professional users. Again, this warranty is valid IF you take the machine for its annual service at an authorised dealer. A 3-year warranty for a petrol mower is still very impressive and compares very favourably to other brands.
There is a lifetime warranty on the crankshaft, which protects the engine from the blade if it sticks.
Pros and Cons
Should You Buy this Model?
For smaller to medium sized lawns up to 261m², this is an impressive machine that should be on your shortlist. If you have a square lawn, you will find the Spirit 41 amazing to use, and the striping finish will bring a tear to your eye. Yes, it’s not packed with features like its bigger Harrier brothers, but what is does do is cut the lawn very precisely, leaves an enviable striped finish, is reliable and a pleasure to use.
The Spirit 41 is beyond other compact mowers, Hayters are for those that are serious about the appearance of their lawns. And even though this petrol mower is heavier, the weight serves the purpose of compressing the grass under the roller to achieve the traditional British striped lawn.
Conclusion
Hayter makes stylish, high-end lawn mowers, for those that want to invoke mower and lawn envy amongst their neighbours. For sure, Hayter is more expensive than some other brands, but those brands will not leave the same consistency of cuts and stripes. High quality is another attribute of the Hayter mowers and with over 70 years of experience behind them, you can expect to be more than satisfied with your purchase.If you love Hayter mowers and aspire to own one — then the Spirit is the perfect entry-level model for you. As mentioned above the build quality is high, as are the quality of the materials and components Hayter use. For a first-time Hayter buyer, the push model is an excellent choice. If a petrol engine is not an option, Hayter have you covered with their electric mains model of the Spirit 41. (see my comparison table above for the differences)
Once you have owned a Hayter mower, you may never want any other brand. Thought this model is an entry level Hayter mower, it is by no means a compromise on the high standards and values that Hayter stand for.
Where Should I Purchase This Hayter Spirit 41?
Mowers Online have been providing outstanding customer service since 2000 and will be happy to assist and provide pre or after sales advice. Delivery is fast and usually within 2-4 working days.
Mowers Online stock the full range of Hayter Spirit petrol mowers and have special offers from time-to-time, so be sure to check the price button below. Ordering through Mowers Online also means you will receive a free starter kit that includes a fuel can, funnel and 0.6 litres of 4 stroke engine oil.
Alternatives
Click below for a full review of the range of Hayter Harrier Petrol Lawn Mowers
Not sure about this Petrol Lawn Mower? Click here for more Petrol Lawn Mower reviews.
Hayter Spirit 41 FAQs
Is the Hayter Spirit 41 Electric?
Yes, there is an electric and petrol model of this mower.
Does the Hayter Spirit have a pull cord to start the engine?
Yes, the petrol models of this mower are recoil (pull cord) start only.
How big is the grass collection box on the Spirit 41?
55 Litres
Is there a 4 wheeled model of the Hayter Spirit 41?
Yes, there is a 4 wheel model number HA616J
How easy it is to get parts for the Spirit 41 mower?
Parts are readily available and priced reasonably.
Can I read the Hayter Spirit User Manual before purchasing?
Yes, there is a link in the review above to the user manual.
Does the Hayter Spirit 41 have a variable speed model?
No, single speed only.
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.
Hi Mark,
Is the hayter spirit 41 auto drive still available? I have searched all over but with no luck 😞
Hi Jo, I believe the Hayter Spirit 41 range has been discontinued. You may be able to still pick one up on the second hand market, but spare parts may be difficult to obtain.
I have had this Hayter Spirit 41 for around 10 years & in that time two of the wheels have snapped off from the axel, leaving the centre stub behind the retaining nut. I feel this is a design fault. simply because the 4 slots form a weakness. The cost over the years with delivery has been £24 to £34. Now I cannot think of the cost at present as inflation is a 10.% here in the UK.
Hi Barrie, thanks for sharing your of this Hayter Spirit mower. Thanks Mark