Written by Terry Smith

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Best petrol lawn mowers – do not buy one until you read this!

This article was last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 8:05 am

Best petrol lawn mower

I’ve been using petrol lawn mowers for three decades and what I’ve done is, from a list I had of 20 or so, I have whittled it down to seven top petrol lawn mowers to save you a bit of time and benefit from my know how. What do I know about petrol lawn mowers? Well. I’ve watched brands rise and fall as well as some good and down right nasty stuff in between (yes – literally engines catching fire and worse). I’ve witnessed that with my own eyes! So in my best petrol lawn mower pics feel comfortable in the knowledge you’re going to pick a mower that provides a powerful cut, sensible to maintain, safe to use, and all at decent money. Plus if you want to get technical I am more than happy to do so – stripes in your lawn, self propulsion, turbos, OVH engines and so on. Before you buy one on my experienced recommendation though. I’d urge you to consider these simple simple things first BEFORE EVEN DREAMING OF BUYING A PETROL lawn mower – especially if this is your first time buying and using a petrol lawn mower! I tell you what, you might not even get your lawn mower started without following my handy thoughts below – literally no oil in the engine (talking about 4-stroke here) and the sensor won’t even allow you to turn the engine over 😀 How do I know? I made that mistake myself years ago 😂  You’d think they come pre-filled but nope not all! Again the points below aren’t meant to put you off buying a petrol lawn mower but awaken you to the fact that having all this power comes with some minor burdens and a bit of a learning curve. Smaller gardens may want to consider equally super cool cordless lawn mowers that are much more maintenance free.

You might never start your petrol lawn mower without understanding some important basics

PRO TIP: But before we go there, this is the crucial things to understand: Some petrol lawn mowers need to be pushed by themselves and some have self propulsion. You may need to buy oil separate (yes I know a pain – I normally end up with SAE30 or 15w40 for all my hyundais, not just the lawn mower). Some are electric start and absolutely CRUCIALLY if you want a stripe in your lawn like the bowls club then you need a ROLLER!!

Do not buy a petrol lawn mower without reading this important info first please:

1. Engine Types: Petrol lawn mowers typically use either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines require a mix of oil and petrol, are generally lighter and have a higher power-to-weight ratio. Four-stroke engines, on the other hand, have separate compartments for oil and petrol, are more fuel-efficient, and produce fewer emissions.

2. Cutting Techniques: These mowers offer different cutting techniques such as mulching, where the grass is cut into fine pieces and left on the lawn as a natural fertilizer, or bagging, where the cut grass is collected in a bag for disposal or composting.

3. Self-Propelled Systems: Some petrol lawn mowers are self-propelled, meaning they move forward without needing to be pushed, making them easier to maneuver, especially on larger lawns or uneven terrain.

4. Adjustable Cutting Heights: Most models allow the user to adjust the cutting height, which is crucial for maintaining lawn health. Cutting grass too short can stress it, while leaving it too long can encourage pests and diseases.

5. Maintenance Requirements: Petrol mowers require regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter cleaning, and blade sharpening. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency and longevity of the mower.

6. Noise and Emissions: Petrol mowers are generally noisier than their electric counterparts and produce emissions, which is a significant consideration for those concerned about noise pollution and environmental impact. Definitely consider ear noise protection. I wear these as a professional landscaper and provide them for my staff too as it is a legal requirement with us operating over 85dB for extended periods of the day.

7. Durability and Power: They are known for their durability and power, making them suitable for larger lawns and tougher mowing tasks, such as cutting through thick or tall grass.

8. Variety of Sizes and Features: They come in a range of sizes and with various features like speed control, wide cutting paths, and different types of blades to cater to different lawn sizes and user preferences.

9. Cost of Operation: The cost of running a petrol lawn mower includes the ongoing expense of petrol and oil, in addition to initial purchase and maintenance costs. 2 stroke engines are considerably more expensive than 4-stroke to run. All the best petrol mowers are 4 stroke!!!!

10. Storage and Safety: Proper storage is essential to prevent fuel leakage and to maintain the mower’s condition. Safety precautions are also necessary due to the presence of flammable fuel and sharp blades.

Best petrol lawn mower ranked by price performance and sheer power!

Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower – best petrol lawn mower for a mid size garden. Tested and proven personally.

Hyundai HYM430SPR 17inch-43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Roller Lawnmower – I’ve used this and I have to say the classic stripe lawn is possible. This is obviously better than the top pick overall for the stripe but other than that you can’t separate these two.

Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower, Self-Propelled, 39cm cutting width, 123cc ST120 Autochoke petrol engine, Up to 250m², Includes 40L Grass Collector What I’d pick if I didn’t like the Hyundai or Flymo

Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower – I’ve personally used this and if you’ve got a wild slope then you will LOVE this.

Honda HRG416SKEH Four-Wheeled Self-Propelled Rotary Mower 16inch – ever reliable Honda – but is it worth the price tag at home 🤔 – whatever – you can’t leave it off the best petrol lawn mowers in the UK!

Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower – Nice choice if you want to push yourself.

As you know this is my top pick and I’ve been using Hyundai petrol equipment professional landscaping for years. In fact I love the  Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower so much I just bought myself a mini dumper – the price and quality means I can’t stop using them, even as a professional! You don’t get a better compliment than that.

Hyundai 17 inch petrol lawn mower deserves to be the top pick this year after years of use it stands up strong still

Comparing the Hyundai HYM430SP and the Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower reveals several key differences and similarities but in my opinion justifies why you choose this marginally over the Mountfield when costs are pretty similar.

1. **Engine and Power**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Equipped with a 139cc Hyundai 4-stroke petrol engine, providing easy starting and low fuel consumption.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Powered by a 123cc ST120 Autochoke petrol engine, also designed for efficient operation and ease of starting.

2. **Cutting Width**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Offers a cutting width of 430mm (approximately 17 inches), making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Has a 39cm (approximately 15.35 inches) cutting width, which is also ideal for small to medium lawns.

3. **Self-Propelled Feature**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: This mower is self-propelled with rear-wheel drive, reducing the effort needed to push the mower, especially on uneven terrain.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Also a self-propelled mower, it’s designed to minimise physical effort, which is particularly beneficial for lawns with slopes or uneven terrain.

4. **Cutting Height Adjustments**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Provides 5 adjustable cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm, allowing for a tailored cut on the lawn.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Offers a 5-stage height-adjustable blade, ranging from 25mm to 70mm, giving you control over the grass length.

5. **Grass Collection**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Includes a 45L grass collector, which is a good size for its cutting width and helps reduce the time spent emptying cuttings.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Comes with a 40-litre fabric grass bag, suitable for its intended lawn size and ensuring efficient grass collection.

6. **Design and Weight**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Much heavier unit at 28kg and you know what they say about heavy – normally reliable.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Weighs around 21kg, making it relatively lightweight and manoeuvrable, with a rust-proof chassis and grooved wheels for additional traction.

7. **Intended Lawn Size**:
– **Hyundai HYM430SP**: Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, up to 2000 square feet.
– **Mountfield SP41**: Designed for small to medium-sized lawns up to 250 square meters.

In summary when comparing these, both mowers are well-suited for small to medium-sized lawns, with self-propelled features that make them easy to operate. The Hyundai HYM430SP has a slightly wider cutting width and a larger grass collector than the Mountfield SP41, which may make it a more efficient choice for slightly larger lawns. The Mountfield SP41, on the other hand, is slightly lighter and could offer better manoeuvrability, especially in gardens with more intricate landscaping or obstacles.

2. Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower, Self-Propelled, 39cm cutting width, 123cc ST120 Autochoke petrol engine, Up to 250m², Includes 40L Grass Collector

The Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower is a self-propelled, compact mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns (up to 250 square meters). Here’s an overview based on my experiences using this machine but crucially:

Height bar easy to adjust and the oil access point are both easy to get at

  • Engine and Power: It’s equipped with a 123cc ST120 Autochoke petrol engine. This engine is powerful enough to handle long and tall grass with relative ease, ensuring efficient mowing for a lawn of its recommended size.
  • Cutting Features: The mower has a 39cm cutting width and offers a 5-stage height adjustment for the blades, ranging from 25mm to 70mm. This allows you to customize the grass height according to your lawn’s requirements.
  • Grass Collection: It comes with a 40-litre fabric grass bag which is sufficient for its intended lawn size. This bag allows for good airflow and helps with grass compaction.
  • Manoeuvrability and Design: The mower is noted for its lightweight design, making it easy to manoeuvre. It’s self-propelled, which means it requires less effort to operate as you only need to steer it, not push it. This feature is particularly beneficial for lawns with slopes or uneven terrain.

    Mountfield SP41 Petrol Lawnmower is very nice to use and manoeuvre
  • Ease of Use: Users have found it easy to operate. Starting the mower is straightforward, and the self-propelled feature reduces the physical effort required. However, some users noted that the instruction manual could be improved, although there are helpful videos online.
  • Construction: The mower has a rust-proof, lightweight chassis and grooved wheels for additional traction, enhancing its durability and ease of use.
  • Maintenance: Routine maintenance is straightforward. It involves cleaning the cutting deck and performing basic engine maintenance like changing oil and fuel.

In terms of performance, the Mountfield SP41 is appreciated for its ability to deal with various lawn conditions effectively. However, it does have a few limitations: it doesn’t cut right to the edges, doesn’t include a rear roller for striped finishes, and the oil filling process can be a bit tricky due to the location of the filler cap.

Overall, the Mountfield SP41 is a well-priced, reliable, and easy-to-use mower that’s particularly suited for smaller lawns. It’s a basic but effective tool for regular lawn maintenance

On my list of reviews is the Flymo XL500 petrol hover lawn mower – mainly because I’ve used it personally and I’m a firm flymo fan. This is an incredible piece of kit if you have a slope or incline to keep in order and it will just keep running and running- I had mine for about 4 years and still going strong!

The flymo petrol mower will take a battering – still running strong despite being 4 years old

The big advantage is that it won’t run away from you. It also works fantastically if you need a lot of power in an uneven garden. Before I go any further here’s a look at the machine in action:

You’ve got to make a decision on what you want. For me its the Hyundai as best use all day long as you’ll see on price and most things except an extreme slope the Hyundai has it covered. But let’s directly compare the two:

Comparing the Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower and the Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower  (Two of my top picks for best petrol lawn mower) reveals some key differences and similarities:

1. **Engine and Power**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Equipped with a Honda 160cc engine, known for its reliability and power.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Features a Hyundai 139cc 4-stroke petrol engine, providing efficient cutting and easy starting.

2. **Cutting Width and Height Adjustments**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Has a cutting width of 50.5 cm and three cutting heights ranging from 10 to 30 mm.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Offers a 430mm cutting width and 5 adjustable cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm, making it versatile for different lawn conditions.

3. **Design and Usage**:
– **Flymo XL500**: A hover mower that is effective on slopes and wet grass, offering cutting in any direction.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: A self-propelled mower with rear-wheel drive, making it good for handling uneven terrain.

4. **Weight and Portability**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Weighs 18.2 kg and is considered heavy when not in use.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Specific weight not mentioned, but it includes foldable handles for compact storage.

5. **Grass Collection and Mulching**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Does not come with a grass collection bag; grass clippings are dispersed.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Features a 45L grass collector and offers a mulching option.

6. **Ideal Terrain and Lawn Size**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Suitable for medium to large lawns, especially effective on slopes.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns, up to 2000sq.

7. **Additional Features**:
– **Flymo XL500**: Known for its durability and performance on challenging terrain.
– **Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc**: Offers self-propulsion for ease of use, OPC technology for safety, and is easy to assemble out of the box.

In summary, the Flymo XL500 is a powerful and robust hover mower, best suited for larger, more challenging lawns, particularly with slopes. The Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc mower is a more traditional self-propelled model, suitable for small to medium-sized lawns, offering ease of use and versatility with adjustable cutting heights and mulching options.

Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower: cordless petrol hover mower with huge cut span and massive power designed to cut on slants, inclines, hills, and uneven gardens.

To recap a bit about this Flymo petrol mower, it’s designed for cutting slopes and inclines with ease. Being priced at , it’s not the cheapest but if you need something for a hill or slant, this petrol Flymo hover mower just can’t be touched with it’s huge 50cm cutting span and ability to vary cut depth from 10-40mm, it’s a serious performer.

We established the Flymo XL500 petrol hover lawn mower is for large garden use and professional landscape gardeners. The only drawback we could really find was the noise(which is to be expected from a monster 160cc Honda 4 stroke) and the weight during transport. Once you turn it on, it becomes far more agile. Moving it from A to B though, it weighs the best part of 18kg!

Here’s the overview review table of the Flymo XL500 petrol hover lawn mower for convenience if you didn’t follow the link:

Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower Review

Best Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower Features

What needs work on the Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower

Cuts slopes and inclines with ease 18.2 kg
Only cordless hover mower Noisy for a hover mower
Petrol engine
Huge power
Easily cuts any length grass
Can cut in the wet
Starts easily
Clear operating and lifting instructions
No power cord

Could they improve the Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower?

As we already established Flymo have practically maximised the performance of this monster petrol hover mower and it really needs no further tinkering. They worked out the maximum weight you could possibly add already. This is proven by the jumbo ‘PLUS’ version of this model being far less popular indeed! This is most definitely a big time buy if you have slopes or inclines to handle, it is the best Flymo petrol mower, hands down.

You’re probably wondering what’s the difference between the HYM430SPR and the HYM430SP – one little letter costs an extra hundred quid! In two words: LAWN STRIPES. If you want a half decent lawn stripe this is much better than the HYM430SP which can’t do it. Before going any further here’s a look at what the stripe version can do:

Here’s a full rundown of the features when compared directly:

The Hyundai HYM430SP and HYM430SPR are both self-propelled petrol lawnmowers, but they have distinct features that set them apart:

  • Rear Roller: The HYM430SPR comes with a full-width, ribbed rear roller that enables you to achieve the classic striped lawn look. This feature is absent in the HYM430SP model, which means it does not provide the same striped finish.
  • Cutting Width: Both mowers have a cutting width of 430mm (17″), which is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.
  • Engine: They are both powered by a 139cc Hyundai OHV 4-stroke petrol engine, known for its reliable performance and easy starting mechanism.
  • Cutting Heights: Each model offers 5 adjustable cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 75mm, allowing for a tailored grass finish.
  • Grass Collector: Both include a 45L grass collector, which minimises the time spent emptying cuttings.
  • Self-Propelled Drive: The self-propelled feature means that the mower drives itself and all you have to do is steer, which is a shared characteristic of both models. This is particularly advantageous when handling uneven terrain.
  • Design and Storage: Both models have foldable handles that make them compact for transport and storage.
  • Weight: The HYM430SPR has a net weight of 33kg, which is slightly heavier due to the rear roller.
  • Warranty: Each mower comes with Hyundai’s 3-year warranty for home use, ensuring peace of mind and reliability.

The HYM430SPR’s rear roller is the standout feature, making it suitable for those who desire a professional, striped finish to their lawn. The HYM430SP, while lacking the roller, is still a robust and efficient mower for general lawn care needs. Both models are designed with ease of use in mind and are equipped to handle small to medium-sized lawns efficiently.

5. Fox 18inch-46cm Petrol Turbo Lawn Mower Recoil 4 Blades 139cc Self Propelled with 60L Collection Bag

The Fox petrol lawn mower is another big bit of equipment. While I prefer the Hyundai in this range. This is an accomplished petrol mower that’s sold really well. It is very powerful and well priced, so worth considering and we shall take a closer look at it’s specs just now.

The petrol lawn mower is a very serious bit of kit. It has huge power going up-hill, the 139cc turbo 4 stroke delivers tons of power at the cutting wheel, it’s a self propelled petrol lawn mower which is nice and you need it given the size. It offers cutting adjustment from 25mm to 75mm which is very normal and good. The suction on this thing is unrivalled as is the cutting. I’ve never known a mower to be so capable of cleaning up after itself. In fact, it’s such a good grass sucker, you’ll regret running this thing without the collection box which is a healthy 55 litres I would add.

This Frisky Fox lawn mower has a two year warranty which is a little light compared to Hyundai who offer three years normally. Its only pull start which means you need some force. As I mentioned on the Hyundai, pull starting a 173cc is heavy even when it’s perfectly greased and good to go. One thing I really like is the mulching function and it’s very good. Also, given it’s not a roller petrol mower, it actually cuts a pretty good stripe as far as rotary lawn mowers go.

Where it’s beaten by the Hyundai is the speed. The four speed control is great but in my opinion needs another setting upward. Given the incredible suction capability it could easily go another 20% quicker. If you’re looking for a fast fast, definitely the Hyundai outperforms. Fox sell it as a quick mower but I don’t think it is. I also think it would be handy to include oil in the package so you can get going straight away, as soon as the petrol mower arrives.

Fox PLUS 18″ QUAD-CUT Petrol Lawn Mower Review

Best Fox PLUS 18″ QUAD-CUT Petrol Lawn Mower Features

What needs work on the Fox PLUS 18″ QUAD-CUT Petrol Lawn Mower

Big powerful engine Hyundai warranty longer
Unrivalled cutting
4 blade cut system
Adjustable speed control
Incredible suction
Mulching option
Self propelled

Could they improve the Fox PLUS 18″ QUAD-CUT Petrol Lawn Mower?

Yes they can. Whilst this is a quality bit of kit the speed could be improved and the warranty could be upped to match Hyundai. As a grass cutter and collector though, it’s faultless. It’s reliable and economical enough. I prefer the Hyundai for the features, if you like bog standard big power cutting and sucking you might prefer this machine.

The Honda HRG416 PK petrol lawnmower needs no introduction. The second you mention Honda, my first thought is an easy to use, bullet proof engine. Sadly that wasn’t my only experience of this Honda petrol lawn mower. First thing to say is that without doubt this is a nice piece of kit, poor quality lawn mowers won’t even make it onto my reviews. It needs to be good. So let’s look in more detail.

HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER: Great grass cutter that picks up grass in all conditions but has its niggles.

The Honda IZY HRG416 PK petrol lawnmower unquestionably produces excellent results, when its running smoothly, it’s amazing. The grass cutter is effortless and the collection bag is 50 litres which is great too. You can adjust the blade height from 20-74 mm with 6 positions too. It’s a 4 stroke Honda engine that needs no comment, except the auto choke. If/when Honda have a petrol lawn mower sale. This would be a steal. It also makes nice stripes in the grass which is a plus.

The choke has caused a couple of issues with firing up over the past. Don’t get me wrong, this is a limited number of issues on a hugely popular product but when it does happen to you. It’s annoying because you don’t expect anything other than perfection. To coin the sales phrase I’ve seen ‘Starting the Honda HRG 416PKE is virtually effortless’ and ‘auto choke system which ensures a perfect start in any weather conditions’. In 99.99% of cases that may be true but a few do have niggles and it’s a dent on an otherwise perfect petrol lawn mower.

That little issue aside that you’re unlikely to experience, it’s a good cutter and produces 4.4HP which is ample. It has a 41cm cut span and the noise isn’t too sad at all. The three year Honda warranty completely stomps out my issue with the choke as they’ll fix it for sure. And for fairness that should be mentioned. When you buy a Honda, you buy Honda after sales care. It’s a push machine and weighs 28kg. That’s ok but it’s a fair workout. Essentially it’s a basic brute force machine that cuts grass effortlessly. If you’re in good shape and like a workout, this will get the lawn cut rapid. For similar money, I prefer the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower but that’s just my opinion.

HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER Review

Best HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER Features

What needs work on the HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER

Honda engine Auto choke sometimes an issue
Cuts grass effortlessly
Picks up grass very well
4 stroke engine
Really smooth
Makes nice stripes
Great after sales care

Could they improve the HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER?

The simple answer is probably no. They just need to make sure the auto choke is good and this is a nice lawn mower. While it doesn’t stand out for value or performance. It’s what it’s doing quietly that wins here. It’ll practically last forever and Honda after sales care is second to none. You buy a piece of kit like this and don’t ever think about it’s replacement. That speaks volumes without the noise.

The Webb 18in/46cm push petrol lawnmower represents excellent value for money and is somewhere in between the Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Lawnmower for value and the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower for performance. While it matches neither for these qualities in my opinion, as an all round performer at £269.95, it offers plenty and well worth considering if you’re garden is on the large side and you want a cheap petrol lawn mower.

Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower: ‘Great grass cutter, powerful engine, mulcher, and folds away nicely’

The most important thing to know about the Webb 18in/46cm push petrol lawnmower is the cut. This thing really cuts. It’s got tons of cutting power for the money and is a good budget alternative. OK, it doesn’t outperform the Hyundai but it’s not much over only half the price. For the price to cut power it’s probably the best petrol mower.

With the petrol lawn mower sale, you can get this for £25 less on Amazon too. Of all the Webb petrol lawn mower range, for me this is the best mower. It has the three-in-one mulch, collect and discharge grass options, seven height settings from 25mm-75mm, and a very healthy 50L collection box that allows you to see it filling. It’s just a very solid mid range petrol lawn mower that will not disappoint if you’re the type of person that likes all rounders.

Where I feel it falls down a little is the one year engine warranty and two year mower warranty. Hyundai are well out front on that score. Being mid-sized it’s absolutely no problem being just a push mower. It’s very easy to use and pretty agile as petrol lawn mowers go. It has decent soft grip handles too.

Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower Review

Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower Features

What needs work on the Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower

Best pound for pound grass cutter The warranty could be looked at
Reliable Briggs and Stratton 4 stroke
Mulcher
Large grass box
Great value for money
Easy to use
Soft grip

Could they improve the Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower?

I really don’t think we could ask a great deal more of the Webb 18in/46cm push petrol lawnmower. It cuts miles better than other mowers in this price range and will make light work of half an acre of lawn. I would like to see Webb petrol lawn mowers have more confidence in the product durability and offer a longer warranty but it’s a great buy whatever way you look at it.

Buyers guide to the best petrol lawn mowers for sale

Best petrol mower – Buyers guide to the best petrol lawn mower

There’s a lot of ways to define the best petrol mower. If I was to say to you the Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower cuts the grass best pound for pound, this would be one way to look at it. But that isn’t the only valid way to think about lawn mowers and find great value for money. There’s loads of different angles to consider here.

Another way to interpret the best petrol mower is to simply look at the price. The Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is a third cheaper than the Webb petrol lawn mower and cuts very efficiently indeed. I would say this is also a viable perspective to consider when buying a lawn mower.

The most obvious way to look at this would be to simply take the best petrol mower which is the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower. It cuts better, collects better, starts better, cuts faster, and goes quicker than all the other mowers in this review with maybe the exception of the Fox which does have amazing suction power.

But overall it is the top performer and then you have to factor the cost into all of this. Naturally it is the most expensive so buying the best petrol mower takes a bit of careful juggling and consideration. We need to open our minds to our own specific situation; how big is the garden; is the ground even; do we want a stripe down the lawn and so on.

Petrol lawn mower sale

Finding a petrol lawn mower sale can save big money. Buying a lawn mower in itself is an expensive operation and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Get it wrong, and you’ll be pulling your hair out. Don’t believe me? Just take a look online at all of the one star reviews from people that have bought a mower.

So take your time and get one in a petrol lawn mower sale. Do your research thoroughly and make sure that you pick the right mower. Some people nearly end up depressed when they buy the wrong product and can’t return it. Don’t let that happen to you. The Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower is a great deal right now. It’s not necessarily a petrol lawn mower sale, but it is an absolute bargain and the price is certain to increase in the near future.

I find the HONDA IZY HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER to be on the high side so this is a mower I’d love to grab in a petrol lawn mower sale. If you could get this £50 or so cheaper it would take it down into the next range of pricing and represent an absolute steal. As it sits now, I think it’s a fair price and a buy if you are a firm believer in Honda as a general brand.

Self propelled petrol lawn mower

What is a self propelled petrol lawn mower? Basically in case you are unsure, it is a mower that basically has its own drive. You do not need to push it, effectively it will pull you. This is a seriously beneficial feature that you will find on larger, higher quality petrol lawn mowers. Some of the bigger mowers lweigh nearly 35kg! Without being self propelled there would be some serious pushing going on. It’s worth noting that the Honda is push powered and quite heavy, so if you’re not all that strong, it’s one to avoid.

The next thing to consider is the speed. Most self propelled petrol lawn mowers go at different speeds. For example, I would say the fox is a little on the slow side at it’s top speed setting but the Hyundai HYM510SPE Petrol Lawn Mower at its top speed setting goes like a train! Make sure you read thoroughly and know what you’re buying. Getting a lawn mower of this quality means it’ll be with you most of a lifetime. The last thing you want to do is make the wrong choice. It needs to be just right!

Petrol lawn mower with roller

You buy a petrol lawn mower with roller for one reason only. You want a stunning striped look on your lawn that wows and impresses. Not to mention it makes you feel good when sitting in the garden early afternoon with a cup of tea or better yet a G & T :-). Joking and play aside, picking the wrong petrol lawn mower with roller can be a big headache. I’ll give you a very decent example. Hyundai Petrol Roller Mower.

The Hyundai HYM530SPER Petrol Roller Mower is a very high quality piece of equipment that’s not quite perfect. It’s received a fair bit of negative feedback which to my mind is pretty unfair and here’s why. It’s been purchased in good faith but with little knowledge of the expected result. By contrast in price, the Honda and Hayter petrol lawn mower with rollers are DOUBLE with the same spec. You honestly cannot expect a machine of half the price to perform as well. It’s naive to think you can get a steal.

So be careful with petrol lawn mower with rollers because you really need to spend a serious amount of money to get a Wimbledon tennis lawn. As brilliant as the Hyundai HYM530SPER Petrol Roller Mower is, it cannot do the job of a professional machine that priced nearly the same as a decent rotary petrol lawn mower. Food for thought methinks.

Best petrol lawn mower for large gardens

If you’re gardens not quite big enough for a ride on or you don’t have the budget, the best place to start looking for the best petrol lawn mower for large gardens is a rotary type cutter. Rotary lawn mowers are by far and away the best value for money when considering a lawnmower for a large garden.

In this review, the best petrol lawn mower for large gardens is the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower. Rather than talk about what makes a good lawn mower for a large garden it’s much easier to just talk directly about the Hyundai lawn mower because it ticks all the boxes.

Firstly you want a hugely powerful lawn mower that cuts effortlessly. If you’ve got anything over half an acre you really don’t want a machine that struggles with the cut. You also want it to have really decent suction because clearing large lawns after the mow is a real pain and very unwelcome problem to have.

The best petrol lawn mower for large gardens will be rapid and of course it will be self propelled too. The Hyundai goes like a rocket on the top speed setting and clears everything in its path. This is the quality you need for a large garden lawn. Otherwise, getting the lawn mower out becomes an unwelcome chore, that leads to longer grass, and then it all ends up totally out of control. Buying a decent rotary cutter that picks up grass well with a large collection bag to reduce stops is a very sensible way to approach the task.

Petrol hover mower

There aren’t many petrol hover mowers on the market. There aren’t even that many in the world. I know of Americans that purposely order and ship the Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower because they simply are not for sale. When it comes to tough slopes and inclines a self propelled lawn mower isn’t a touch on the Flymo petrol hover mower.

Because of the way a hover mower works in general, a serious slant of up to 50 degrees is still easy to manage, even with a machine that weighs a callosal 18.2kg! If it seems like I’m just talking up the Flymo and disregarding other brands, then I am! The reason is because there is no comparator on the market with regards to a petrol hover mower. The only other model is the PLUS version of the Flymo and the engine weight makes it unruly and difficult to use. In spite of being a lump, this is the best petrol hover mower available.

Buying a petrol hover mower to me means one thing: you have a slope that all the others mowers just can’t handle. This is where a petrol hover mower really comes into its own and will serve you fantastically. Be warned, it’s not cheap but it does represent great value. The only other genuine alternative is a strimmer, and I don’t know many with a whopping 50cm span that decimates thick shrubby tufts of grass like the Flymo petrol hover mower…

Electric start petrol lawn mower

Many of the big petrol mowers are 4 to 6 HP. Normally around 170cc or so in engine size give or take. Have you kick started a 125cc bike? Then you’ll start to understand the kind of force and exertion required to get one going. It’s fine when it’s brand new. It always goes like a rocket first pull. Now wait for a year or two later and you’ve flooded the carburettor or the fuels been left over Winter season and is now stagnant. That’s a different animal….

For me, and electric start petrol lawn mower is a must. Call me lazy, or lacking in effort if you prefer to be kinder. Either way a push start beats pull start every time. Why can I say this with such confidence? Easy. Every single electric start petrol lawn mower has a pull start feature as a safety fall back if the battery flattens or there’s a spark plug issue or similar. Take the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower. You will fire the mower up 30 times and more on one battery charge and it normally goes first couple of seconds. Let’s for some reason say you haven’t charged the battery. No problem, revert to the pull start but don’t make life difficult and limit yourself to a machine that only has pull start.

Don’t get me wrong, the electric start petrol lawn mower idea is relatively new and if it’s a small petrol mower the pull isn’t such a big deal. But after using it on big mowers and feeling the benefits I certainly can’t go back. I’ve come from an age where getting the mower out of the shed and started can cause family meltdowns, temper tantrums, and all kinds of ill feeling and expletives 🙂

Small petrol mower

I often start to wonder are small petrol mowers dying in popularity? The uprise of the inevitable unstoppable force: cordless lawn mowers almost guarantee redundancy for the small petrol mower. But, let’s be honest, fossil fuel will run out and all petrols will eventually go. This is just a cycle in our history and the next will be battery lawn mower.

Whenever I ask myself the question I am quickly reminded about the price. A small petrol mower like the Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Lawnmower outperforms any cordless battery lawn mower and even the best electric lawn mowers for that matter. What’s more at a price that it is untouchable. The battery power is five times the price and not the performs. The corded electric version is just a pain none of us want to go back to. Electric shock worries, cutting wires ending the grass cutting short, and spending 15 minutes taking out the power lead and untangling it. I’ve had my fill of that thanks

So the small petrol mower still has a place and is here to stay for the foreseeable future. If you look at battery advancement, it’s going to be another ten years before they can catch a little lawn mower at least.

Mountfield petrol mower

You can’t go far wrong with a Mountfield petrol mower. They’ve been built for a long time and product testing and development is so extensive that they now make some of the best value petrol mowers available for sale in the UK and my personal favourite in terms of value to performance is the Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Lawnmower.

They don’t just do budget, they do top quality mowers too. The only problem with the top quality mowers in my mind is the difficulty of matching Hyundai. For me, at the moment, Hyundai and cleaning up and that’s not just my personal opinion. You can have a look at sales volumes online to know for yourself but Mountfield petrol mowers are right up there and certainly not to be ignored.

Mountfield mowers in general have a good reputation. As with any product manufacturer, there is the odd hiccup but certainly nothing that would make me turn away from their range of petrol mowers. In particular the cheaper mowers are brilliant!

Hyundai lawn mower

Buying a Hyundai lawn mower at the moment means great value, high quality build that will inspire confidence, and great performance. There’s a couple of models in particular that are absolute standouts to match the statement I’ve just made. My favourite is the Hyundai Petrol Lawn Mower. For the price, it over delivers in features and performance. Normally, this comes with sacrifices such as poor quality components or quick product failure. Not so with Hyundai lawn mowers, they offer three years warranty and are leading the way at the moment in this price range.

Let’s add some balance though, the Hyundai lawn mower range is not without fault. While many perform brilliantly and have the most glowing reviews, the odd model is still not quite perfect. Take the Hyundai Petrol Roller Mower for example. Hyundai have tried to make a roller mower for similar money to the rotary version. This just can’t work, something has to give. You can’t have a roller powered the same as rotary and expect the same high standard.

A rotary and roller mower work very differently. There’s a lot more effort and friction involved with a roller. The result is a mower that seems underpowered slightly. Now, how they go about a fix will be interesting. Do they up the power and up the price, or, tune the engine and it gets noisier and the result is a shorter lifespan. Very interesting to watch how their product developers handle that.

Flymo petrol mower

If you’re searching for Flymo petrol mowers it means one thing. You want to look at the Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Lawn Mower or perhaps the ‘PLUS’ version. I wouldn’t go with the ‘PLUS’, the standard XL500 is a monster already and will cut any slopes or inclines that you have in mind, all the way up to 50 degrees. This is basically the only Flymo petrol mower that I am aware of in the UK market.

Being the only Flymo petrol mower, they’ve had a lot of time to develop this model and it’s paid off. What an amazing machine! There is simply no other lawn mower to match the ability of the Flymo XL500 petrol hover lawn mower with regards to cutting steep hills and banks. A self propelled petrol lawn mower just doesn’t have the same ability. Now don’t get me wrong, if it’s not so steep the rotary style will perform just fine. But steep sections of land need a strimmer or the Flymo petrol mower.

You just cannot begin to imagine how much time you’ll save with the XL500 compared to a strimmer. Bear in mind the XL500 is a whopping 160cc engine, there’s no way you could carry a strimmer of that size comfortably, and certainly not for any longer than a couple of minutes. It means this Flymo petrol mower solved a problem no one else could.

Honda petrol lawn mower

You buy a Honda petrol lawn mower. You buy quality, you buy performance, you buy a mower you know will last. The only thing I would say is that all the after care and quality come at a price but it’s still value.

Take a cheap petrol mower. It might give you a couple of years service before falling to pieces. Let’s for argument sake say you spent £80 on it. A Honda petrol lawn mower might set you back £400. Now let’s say the Honda cuts 3 times better/faster and saves you 30 hours a year for ten years…I think you can see where I’m going with this…always buy quality over quantity if you can afford the upfront cost. Take the HONDA HRG416 PK PETROL LAWNMOWER. My only gripe is the price I just wish it was cheaper. Quality will never come that cheap!

Buy Honda means buying once. No thrills, not the best value to performance but always good and always quality. You won’t worry about lifespan, in fact when I buy Honda, I don’t think I’ve ever thought about replacement. I have some Honda engines that are ten, nearly fifteen years old and have had nothing more than an oil and filter change every so often.

Webb petrol lawn mower

The Webb petrol lawn mower range is a mixed bag. Some amazing, some not quite so. The model I picked out in this review for you is one of the best performing and best reviewed Webb petrol lawn mowers you can buy on the internet. That said, it’s one of the best performing lawn mowers in the UK full stop with regards to the price to performance argument.

The Webb 18in/46cm Push Petrol Lawnmower is a lovely bit of kit and kind of backs up my thought trend that the Webb rotary petrol lawn mowers are better than the roller versions. As I mentioned with the Hyundai earlier. I really believe it’s difficult to make a budget roller mower. The effort required is considerable and budget or value mowers do far better in general as rotary type cutters.

This is no slur on Webb, by the way. I love the mower in this review, as do many online. In stars, this is one of the highest rated mower manufacturers online. Just check Amazon for yourself to be sure. They have some not so great models, but the one listed is every bit as good as top brands and brilliant value for money.

Concluding best petrol lawn mowers for sale

These mowers are a robust option for lawn care, especially suited for larger areas and more demanding lawn conditions. However, it’s important to weigh their benefits against their environmental impact and maintenance requirements.

The best petrol lawn mower: you need a vastly powerful petrol mower because you have a large garden or you don’t keep up maintenance as much as you would like? You like getting the lawn cut rapid, and you turn to the best petrol lawn mower for a fuss free job? Or perhaps, it’s because you’re looking for a self propelled petrol lawn mower that you follow behind pointing in the right direction from time to time. For whatever reason you’re looking for the best petrol lawn mower, we will deliver you an accurate and unbiased rundown on the best petrol mowers available.

Years ago, a petrol mower was pretty much necessary, even for small to medium sized gardens. These days with cordless lawn mower technology advancing significantly, petrol lawn mowers are far more suitable for big gardens, even of a commercial nature. The great thing about the best petrol lawn mowers these days is you won’t need to pull start your petrol mower till your arms fall off! Yes, any of us old enough have been there!

I can’t think of anything worse than starting a flooded old 4 stroke petrol mower. Luckily these days they are like mini cars. With the addition of electric start petrol lawn mowers to the range, it’s just become all that more comfortable. Actually, you might even call it a pleasure to cut the lawn with a petrol mower.

Before we go deep into a 30 minute read just to decipher the very best petrol lawn mower, I am going to give you the info right now. Some of us just don’t have the time to read about petrol mowers and I appreciate that. I’m also including a table of contents because this is a lengthy post and there may well be a model you’re specifically interested in, or a snippet of information for that matter. I’ve picked a small petrol mower and the best petrol lawn mower for a large gardens.

Best petrol lawn mower: Hyundai HYM510SPE Petrol Lawn Mower

The best petrol lawn mower for a large gardens is the Hyundai HYM510SPE Petrol Lawn Mower. Whilst normally I’ll try to pick out a budget model, I really don’t think there was anything good enough to rival the quality of this Hyundai self propelled petrol lawn mower.

I won’t go into the complete review here but it’s completeness and overall capability makes it a clear favourite for best petrol mower overall too. From the highly fuel efficient four stroke engine that’s really reliable to the four variable self propelled speeds, no customer has been forgotten, this is a machine that can be used by all with HUGE power.

Best petrol lawn mower for large gardens: Hyundai HYM510SPE Petrol Lawn Mower

Being an electric start petrol lawn mower, it fires up effortlessly and first time, every time. What’s more, it comes with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty to back that fact up.
The Hyundai HYM510SPE 173 cc self propelled electric push button start petrol lawn mower is the complete package for sure and easily the best petrol mower for large gardens in my mind. But we will go into more detail in the actual review segment.

Best small petrol mower: Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Rotary Lawnmower

The review for the best small petrol mower goes to the Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Lawnmower. For , this a very complete piece of kit and a really nice small petrol mower. If I had a medium sized garden then I would have no hesitation recommending this cracking mower. Being a small garden petrol mower doesn’t mean small power and performance.

We will go into far more detail on the actual review and for anyone that wants to have a closer look at the spec you can follow the link Mountfield 297411028/AMZ / 394 P-B Petrol Rotary Lawnmower. It’s a good little small petrol mower and tastefully priced too.

 


About Terry Smith

I’m Terry Smith from gardentoolbox.co.uk, a professional landscape designer, hobbyist gardener, and barbecue fanatic with 20 years experience building and restoring. So as you go through my site you'll watch me document some of the professional garden installs I make as well as the major projects I take on at home. While sharing those experiences and guiding you, I'll be recommending some great tools I use to enable this along the way so you can really buy in confidence. Always feel free to pop me a message: info@gardentoolbox.co.uk

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