Summary
The Cobra MX484SPCE is a 4 speed self-propelled petrol mower fitted with a powerful 173cc Cobra Y173V engine. It has 3-in-1 cutting options that include cut and collect, mulching and side discharge. It is provided with a 48cm cutting width, steel deck, 6 cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm and a 65 litre soft mesh, solid top grass collection bag.
In this Cobra MX484SPCE review, I want to tell you about the exciting features you can look forward to if you purchase this machine. Designed for medium to large sized gardens, this is a brilliant option and it’ll deliver a clean cut even when things get a little more challenging or rugged.
There’s some great versatility that comes with this machine in the form of three mowing modes. You even have the choice to add on a swing tip blade and if all that wasn’t enough, you’ve got a choice of six cutting heights. If you’re looking for something that’ll work in every eventuality then the Cobra MX484SPCE petrol mower could be it.
Main Features
- Engine: Cobra 173cc 4 stroke
- Cutting deck: 48cm
- Drive: Self-propelled
- Speeds: 4 speed drive
- Height adjustment: 6 – 25mm to 75mm
- Grass collection bag: 65 litre
- Start type: Electric start button
- 3-in-1 mowing – cut & collect, mulch and side discharge
- Optional swing tip blade
- Powerful Cobra engine
Engine
The Cobra MX484SPCE runs on a 4 stroke Cobra 173cc engine (Y173V) which is designed to perform well at the same time as being quiet. As far as petrol mowers go, there’s always going to be some noise, but this one certainly won’t be deafening.
The power of this engine, combined with the 48cm deck size, make this mower ideal for lawns up to 600 square metres. In addition, it has the added feature of having an electric start with a recoil backup, so no more priming or struggling to get your mower started.
But perhaps what is the most useful feature of this Cobra MX484SPCE is the 4 speed drive that ranges from 1.5mph to 2.5mph. This allows you to adjust the speed of the self-propelled drive to suit your pace and speed at which you want to get the job done.
The 4 speeds this mower offers are –
- Speed 1: 1.5mph (2.5km/h)
- Speed 2: 2mph (3.2km/h)
- Speed 3: 2.2mph (3.6km/h)
- Speed 4: 2.5mph (3.9km/h)
Cobra MX484SPCE Video
To get a visual representation of the Cobra MX484SPCE petrol lawn mower see the video below.
Performance
One of the things that I love about the Cobra MX484SPCE petrol mower is that it’s so versatile. So often, I see lawn mowers that are designed well for one thing, but then let you down in other areas. The Cobra MX484SPCE won’t do this.
It’s got an array of mowing options which I’ll discuss in more detail later. What’s more, it’ll move easily over all types of terrain without compromising the quality of the cut.
Self-Propelled Drive
The Cobra MX484SPCE is a large lawn mower that weighs 44kg. This tells you that you’re naturally going to have a hard time moving it around the garden, until you learn that it’s fitted with an essential self-propelled drive.
What’s even better is that you have a choice of four speeds that range between 1.5mph and 2.5mph (2.5kmph – 3.9kmph), so that versatility I talked about earlier is extended to this as well.
Features In Detail
Blade And Deck
If you’re spending a few hundred quid on a lawn mower, the last thing you want is something that’ll fall apart after a few runs around the garden. But the good news is that, like almost all petrol mowers, the Cobra MX484SPCE features a durable steel deck. This allows you to tackle a whole variety of terrain types without worrying about damage. Add the fact that this mower has much larger rear wheels increases its ability to deal with the most toughest and uneven terrains.
The mower comes with a standard blade, but there is the option to add a swing tip blade which is interchangeable and offers a more efficient cut. However, the main point of this is to reduce impact damage to the drive shaft which can be a problem when mowing on rougher ground. Essentially, the blade looks like one that is used on a robotic mower with 4 individual razor sharp blades that can rotate if they hit a solid object.
Cutting Diameter
The Cobra MX484SPCE has a 48cm cutting deck which is ideal for gardens that measure up to 600 square metres. However, if your lawn is slightly larger, this might be a little small but fear not, Cobra also has a larger version of this mower; the Cobra MX534SPH which has a 53cm cutting deck. Opting for this larger Cobra, for a bigger lawn, will allow you to cover more area in one pass, reducing how much time you have to spend mowing.
Cobra Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Handles
The handles on the Cobra MX484SPCE are covered with a comfortable foam grip which is great, but you’ll also notice how conveniently located all the controls are. Everything is within reach including the push button start and levers, so you won’t need to overstretch yourself.
It’s a little disappointing that folding the handles down for storage is not so straightforward. You will need to unscrew 4 bolts and remove them in order to fold the handles down. A quick release lever on each side would have been a quicker and easier method, but understand that Cobra opted for strength over convenience.
Height Adjustment
It’s so important to have a good range of height adjustment options on a mower and with the Cobra MX484SPCE, you get six. This is pretty generous in the scheme of things especially when you learn that they’re between 25mm and 75mm, so you’re covered for almost every situation and time of the year.
What’s more, the height adjustment is controlled by a central lever which makes everything super quick and easy.
Mowing Features
I have mentioned that the Cobra MX484SPCE is a very versatile piece of equipment and that is demonstrated perfectly when you look at the mowing functions.
Cut and Collect
For starters, there’s a huge 65 litre grass collection bag, which gives you plenty of room for clippings. It’s very efficient too, because it’s a fabric grass bag which means that the airflow is improved so the clippings will compact more, meaning you’ll get more in.
Mulching
If you prefer to mulch then you’ll be glad to know that there’s a mulch plug included. This is ideal for the health of your lawn as the grass clippings are recycled and used as food for the grass which is high in nutrients like potassium and nitrogen.
Mulching the grass cuttings as opposed to collecting them, allows the clippings to be spread back across the lawn as you mow. You will be able to use the mulching option as often as you like. Some similar priced petrol mowers from other brands either do not have the mulching option, or charge extra for the mulching plug.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of mulching why not read my complete guide.
Side Discharge
Finally, there’s a side discharge chute which allows you to deposit the clippings in neat lines along the side of the mower. This works particularly well when the grass is longer, perhaps for the first mow of the season.
Rear Roller
The Cobra MX484SPCE does not have a rear roller, so therefore will NOT produce a striped lawn appearance. This is normal for a mower that has a mulching ability. If you simply have to have a striped lawn, then take a look at the Best Petrol Lawn Mowers For A Striped Lawn.
Grass Collection Bag
At 65 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 – not that it will be very often thanks to the decent size!
When it does come to emptying, the grass collection bag removes and empties easily. The rear flap locks the collection bag into position with no risk of it jumping off when the mower hits the first bump.
Practicalities
The Cobra MX484SPCE petrol mower features an electric start button which makes it so much easier than the petrol mowers of old. There is a recoil start on there in case the battery dies, but on a single charge, the mower will start up at least 100 times so there’s very little worry of that happening.
There’s no denying this is a heavy mower at 44kg, so the fact the mower is self-propelled is going to reassure you that you will not struggle to get this mower around the lawn whilst cutting. In addition, the self-propelled drive with variable speed will offer many options to suit all mowing preferences and requirements.
I really like the fact that there’s a two year warranty on the Cobra MX484SPCE, so in the event that anything goes wrong, you’re covered for a nice amount of time. Now that’s great peace of mind.
Cobra MX484SPCE User Manual
Click here to access the Cobra MX484SPCE User Manual
What’s Included In The Box?
- 1 x Cobra MX484SPCE
- 65 litre grass bag
- Mulching plug
- Side discharge chute
- Battery charger
- User manual
Pros and Cons
Should You Buy This Cobra MX484SPCE?
If you want a petrol lawn mower that’s user friendly and versatile then I would have no qualms in recommending the Cobra MX484SPCE. It gives you some amazing options that allow you to mow the lawn in a way that suits you and that’s something I really like.
The Cobra MX484SPCE is an excellent choice for anyone with a medium or large garden regardless of their strength or stamina, even though this mower is on the heavy side. This is thanks to the variable speed self-propelled drive that makes using the lawn mower a breeze. Moreover, with electric start, pulling that pesky cord and doing your back in will be a thing of the past.
It would be great for anyone who wants a powerful petrol mower that is going to be easy to use, easy to start as well as being quiet, efficient and great value for money. You won’t find anything else that compares, at least not in this class and price of mower.
Some may opt to upgrade to a Honda engine, however for domestic use, the Cobra engines are more than adequate in terms of performance and reliability.
Conclusion
I have to say that the Cobra MX484SPCE has really impressed me. As far as petrol lawn mowers go, it’s definitely one of the easier ones to get to grips with and it has some great features that make it suitable for a wide range of users.
For gardens that are on the large side of medium, this is a mower that will get the job done properly and efficiently. You might even have fun while you’re working in the garden, and you can’t get much better than that!
It is as though Cobra has put together all of the most important mowing features and combined them into a machine that is well built, easy to use, cuts and performs extremely well, and above all is excellent value for money. If you compare this model to another similar mid range petrol mower, expect to pay over £100 more for the privilege.
You will get a 2 year warranty with this mower should anything go wrong, just remember this is a domestic warranty and will not be covered if used for commercial purposes.
With four speeds, six cutting heights, the option to switch over the blade and three cutting modes plus so much more, it is evident that I am really fond of this petrol mower from Cobra.
Where Should I Purchase This Cobra MX484SPCE ?
- 48cm (19in) Petrol Lawnmower with steel deck and 4 speed drive system, from 2.5km/h to 3.9km/h speeds
- Push button electric starting, with a powerful Cobra Y173V 173cc engine
- 6 Stage central height of cut adjustment, from 25mm to 75mm - Tackles longer grass with ease, as well as finer cut lawns
- Large 65l garss bag collector for less bag emptying, includes a full indicator
- 2 Year warranty (domestic)
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cobra MX484SPCE FAQs
Does the Cobra MX484SPCE have a single lever to adjust the height?
Yes, a single lever adjusts all 4 wheels.
Does the Cobra MX484SPCE have an electric start option?
Yes, with a recoil start backup.
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 MX484SPCE operate at?
Speed 1: 2.5km/h, Speed 2: 3.2km/h, Speed 3: 3.6km/h, Speed 4: 3.9km/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.
You make no mention of a battery charger.Is that an extra cost?
Hi Barrie, yes this mower comes with the battery charger. I will update the review to make this clear.