Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a rewarding experience, and for many, a petrol lawn mower remains the preferred choice. This guide provides comprehensive petrol lawn mower reviews UK, helping you navigate the market and find the perfect machine for your garden in 2026. We’ll cover everything from essential considerations to detailed product reviews and maintenance tips.
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Table of Contents
What to Consider When Buying a Petrol Lawn Mower
Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to assess your needs. Here’s a breakdown of key factors:
- Garden Size: Smaller gardens (under 500m²) may suit a push mower, while larger areas (over 800m²) benefit from a self-propelled or even a ride-on mower.
- Terrain: Uneven ground or slopes require a self-propelled model with good traction.
- Grass Type: Thicker, coarser grasses need a more powerful engine and wider cutting deck.
- Features: Consider options like self-propelled drive, mulching capabilities (returning fine grass clippings to the lawn as fertiliser), rear or side discharge, and adjustable cutting heights.
- Budget: Petrol lawn mowers range significantly in price, from around £250 to over £700.
Types of Petrol Lawn Mowers
There are several types of petrol lawn mowers available. While robotic mowers are gaining popularity, petrol options within that category remain limited. Here’s a focus on the most common types:
Push Mowers
These are the most affordable and lightweight option. They require manual effort to push, making them suitable for small, flat gardens. They generally have engine sizes between 125cc and 140cc.
Self-Propelled Mowers
These mowers feature a drive system that assists with forward motion, reducing physical strain, especially on larger or sloped gardens. They’re available with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Engine sizes typically range from 140cc to 190cc.
Ride-On Mowers
Ideal for large estates and extensive lawns, ride-on mowers offer comfort and speed. These are a significantly larger investment.
Robotic Mowers (Petrol Limited)
While the majority of robotic mowers now use battery power, some hybrid or petrol-powered models exist, mainly for larger, complex gardens where battery life is a concern. These are less common and typically more expensive.
Top 5 Petrol Lawn Mowers UK – 2026 Reviews
1. Mountfield SP555 Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower – £399.00
The Mountfield SP555 is a popular choice for medium-sized gardens. It offers a 46cm cutting width and a reliable 139cc engine. The self-propelled feature makes tackling slopes and uneven terrain easier.
- Pros: Good value for money, easy to start, self-propelled, 5 cutting heights.
- Cons: Can struggle with very long or thick grass, plastic chassis.
- Suitability: Gardens up to 600m², relatively flat terrain.
2. Flymo EasiMow 300R Petrol Lawnmower – £249.00
A budget-friendly option, the Flymo EasiMow 300R is a lightweight push mower ideal for smaller gardens. Its 30cm cutting width and 100cc engine provide sufficient power for maintaining a tidy lawn.
- Pros: Very affordable, lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, compact storage.
- Cons: Push mower (requires more effort), smaller cutting width, limited features.
- Suitability: Small gardens (under 400m²), flat surfaces.
3. Cobra M46SP4 Petrol Lawn Mower – £479.00
The Cobra M46SP4 boasts a robust 173cc engine and a 46cm steel cutting deck, making it suitable for tackling tougher lawns. Its self-propelled drive and four-wheel traction provide excellent control.
- Pros: Powerful engine, steel cutting deck, self-propelled with 4-wheel drive, mulching function.
- Cons: Slightly heavier than some models, can be noisy.
- Suitability: Medium to large gardens (up to 800m²), uneven terrain, thick grass.
4. Hayter R41SP Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower – £649.00
Hayter is a renowned name in lawn care. The R41SP offers a premium experience with its 135cc engine, 41cm cutting width, and advanced features like the AutoDrive system for variable speed control. It’s known for its excellent cutting performance.
- Pros: Excellent cutting quality, AutoDrive system, durable construction, comfortable to use.
- Cons: More expensive than other models, heavier.
- Suitability: Medium-sized gardens (up to 700m²), those who prioritise cutting quality.
5. McCulloch M56-160S Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower – £529.00
The McCulloch M56-160S combines power and convenience. Its 160cc engine and 56cm cutting width make quick work of larger lawns. It features a self-propelled drive and a mulching function.
- Pros: Large cutting width, powerful engine, self-propelled, mulching capability, steel chassis
- Cons: Can be a bit bulky to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
- Suitability: Large gardens (up to 900m²), those wanting to cover ground quickly.
Comparison Table: Best Petrol Mowers
| Model | Engine Size (cc) | Cutting Width (cm) | Drive Type | Mulching | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountfield SP555 | 139 | 46 | Self-Propelled | No | 399.00 |
| Flymo EasiMow 300R | 100 | 30 | Push | No | 249.00 |
| Cobra M46SP4 | 173 | 46 | Self-Propelled (4WD) | Yes | 479.00 |
| Hayter R41SP | 135 | 41 | Self-Propelled (AutoDrive) | No | 649.00 |
| McCulloch M56-160S | 160 | 56 | Self-Propelled | Yes | 529.00 |
Petrol Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring your petrol lawn mower operates efficiently and reliably.
- Oil Changes: Change the oil at least once a year, or more frequently with heavy use.
- Blade Sharpening: Sharpen the blades regularly (at least twice a season) for a clean cut and healthier lawn.
- Air Filter Cleaning: Clean or replace the air filter regularly to ensure proper engine performance.
- Spark Plug Replacement: Replace the spark plug annually.
- Winter Storage: Drain the fuel tank, add fuel stabiliser, and clean the mower thoroughly before storing it for the winter.
Safety Considerations When Using a Petrol Lawn Mower
Safety should always be a top priority.
- Protective Gear: Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and sturdy footwear.
- Clear the Area: Remove stones, toys, and other debris from the lawn before mowing.
- Safe Starting: Start the mower on a flat surface and away from flammable materials.
- Avoid Hazards: Be aware of slopes, holes, and other potential hazards.
- Never Leave Unattended: Never leave a running mower unattended.
Where to Buy Petrol Lawn Mowers in the UK
You can find petrol lawn mowers at a variety of retailers:
- B&Q: https://www.diy.com
- Homebase: https://www.homebase.co.uk
- Argos: https://www.argos.co.uk
- Garden Centres: Local garden centres often offer a good selection and expert advice.
- Online Retailers: Amazon.co.uk, eBay.co.uk and specialist garden machinery websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What engine size do I need for my garden?
For small gardens (under 400m²), a 100-125cc engine is sufficient. Medium-sized gardens (400-800m²) benefit from 140-175cc, and larger gardens (over 800m²) require 190cc or more.
Q: How often should I sharpen the blades?
Sharpen the blades at least twice a season, or more frequently if you mow regularly or encounter sandy soil.
Q: What’s the difference between rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive self-propelled mowers?
Rear-wheel drive provides better traction on slopes and uneven terrain, while front-wheel drive is more manoeuvrable on flat surfaces.
Q: Is a mulching mower worth the extra cost?
Yes, a mulching mower can significantly improve lawn health by returning valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertiliser.
Q: Petrol vs Electric – which is better?
Petrol mowers offer more power and runtime, making them suitable for larger gardens and tougher conditions. Electric mowers are quieter, more environmentally friendly, and require less maintenance, but may lack the power for extensive lawns.