If you’re in the market for a new lawn mower there are certainly no shortage of options. Petrol lawn mowers offer unrivalled cutting power compared to any other type of mower.
If you have a larger lawn then a petrol mower is a good option as it can cut large areas with ease, while sloped and uneven lawns also benefit from the added power it provides.
Also, lawns that feature a lot dense growth and weedy patches may be easier to tackle with the additional power, electric and battery mowers sometimes lack the power needed to quickly cut through thicker lawns.
There are several factors to consider when choosing which is the right product for your garden. The most important question is what size of area do you need to mow? This will determine what deck size to go for.
- A small lawn of less than 200m2 would normally only require a deck size of 30cm-34cm.
- A medium sized lawn of up to 340m2 would be best suited to a 34cm-40cm deck size.
- A large lawn of over 340m2 would be benefit from a larger deck size of over 40cm.
Hyundai is a renowned vehicle manufacturer, known for producing a range of popular cars, trucks, and motorcycles but they also make petrol lawnmowers using their impressive combustion engines. This results in some seriously impressive petrol lawnmowers, including the Hyundai HYM430SP.
Perfect for small and medium size lawns, the HYM430SP is simple to operate thanks to a recoil start engine that means you just push the button to start mowing – just pull once and the lawnmower is up and running!
In terms of engine power, the HYM430SP features a robust Hyundai 2.6kW OHV 139cc 4-stroke petrol engine that packs plenty of cutting power. When combined with the 42cm cutting width you have one of the most powerful petrol lawn mowers for small and medium-size lawns, although it certainly holds its own in larger lawns too.
The engine is also simple to maintain, with no mixing oil and petrol required – standard unleaded petrol is all you need to fuel the lawnmower.
As mentioned, this is a self propelled petrol lawn mower, which is a great feature that significantly increases usability. You don’t need to worry about pushing and pulling this heavy lawnmower around your garden as the self-propelled mower does all the hard work for you.
Not only is this handy for anyone that may struggle to move heavier lawnmowers, but it’s also a good feature for uneven lawns with lots of slopes, removing the hassle of trying to push and pull around uneven terrain. Simply put, the self-propelled feature makes using the HYM430SP so much easier!
Another great feature is the one-touch adjustable cutting heights that let you quickly switch from six different blade heights, ranging from 25mm to 75mm. This is ideal for cutting different lengths of grass depending on your needs, whether it is removing a lot of length after a long growing period or removing a short amount with a weekly mow.
Other noteworthy features include a huge 45L grass collector, cutting and mulching settings, soft-grip handles, and a foldable design for easier storage.
Pros
- 42cm cutting width that is good for small and medium size lawns
- Self-propelled for easier operation
- Includes rear discharge, cut, and mulching options
- 6 cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 70mm
- Large 45L grass collector
Cons
- Self-assembly required although doesn’t require any tools
- 430mm / 17" cutting width: Ideal for small to medium lawns
- 139cc Hyundai 4-stroke petrol engine: Provides easy starting and low fuel...
- Self-propelled: No need to push - simply steer
Mountfield Petrol Rotary Lawnmower
There is a common misconception that all petrol lawn mowers are hulking machines designed for huge, uneven lawns. This rotary petrol lawn mower from Mountfield shows that this is not the case, with the compact and lightweight petrol lawn mower being a great option for small and medium lawns.
Powered by a strong 100cc Mountfield 100cc 4-stroke engine, don’t be deceived by the smaller design of this petrol lawn mower as it certainly has the cutting power to handle long grass and uneven terrain with ease.
A lack of self-propulsion is worth mentioning though, especially if you struggle with moving heavier objects around. That said, it only weighs 19.5kg which is a very light weight for a petrol lawn mower, so it should be easy enough to operate for most people
Just bear in mind it requires a bit of effort to push and pulls, especially on sloped lawns!
The 39cm cutting width is a good choice for small and medium lawns, particularly on smaller areas, as it means much fewer passes and less time mowing. In terms of cutting performance, the blade makes short work of long and wet grass so should be able to handle most lawn types.
You can also adjust the cutting height between 25mm and 75mm, so there are various options depending on the overall length of the grass. The lawn mower is mostly designed for longer grass on smaller lawns though, so remember that the lowest cutting height won’t produce an ornamental finish – its still a great cut all the same!
Pros
- 39cm cutting width is suitable for small and medium size lawns
- Powerful Mountfield 100cc 4-stroke engine
- 5 cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 70mm
- 40L grass collector
Cons
- Not self-propelled although it is much lighter than most petrol lawn mowers
- 39cm cutting width
- Hand propelled. Net power output: 1.55kW @ 2800rpm
- 100cc Mount field Rs100 oh engine
Einhell GC-PM 46 S Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
The Einhell GC-PM 46 S is a powerful petrol lawn mower that is designed for use in larger lawns of up around 1,400sqm. Of course, this cutting power translates well on lawns that are smaller than this, although all this power is generally best used on larger and tougher lawns.
Utilising a powerful 139cc four-stroke engine, the GC-PM 46 S is all about power, providing enough up to 2900rpms that makes short work of even the hardiest lawns.
Whether its massive in size, long and unkept, or very uneven terrain, the GC-PM 46 S is equipped to deal with virtually any lawn type with great ease.
It’s a very strong lawn mower so does weight a lot, so its good to see there is a self-propelled option to help operate it. Navigating around tight turns and moving up and down slopes is made much easier by this feature, especially because of the rear wheel drive that further improves handling.
If you like to mow grass length to various heights then the GC-PM 46 S is a great choice, as it provides an impressive 9 cutting heights, all adjustable through a quick pull of the level. Heights range from 30-80mm so it’s easy enough to get the desired length for your lawn no matter the time of year.
You can also easily adjust the GC-PM 46 S’s handles to various positions to suit your height, while the start cable is found on the handle and starts the engine in one pull in most instances. It also comes with a 50L grass collector for all those clippings and an indicator to show you when its near full.
Pros
- 46cm cutting width suitable for medium and large size lawns
- Variable cutting heights ranging from 30-80mm
- Robust 139cc four-stroke engine
- Massive 50L grass collector
Cons
- At 31kg it is heavy but the self-propelled feature minimises this issue
- The GC-PM 46 S petrol lawn mower is a robust, efficient and reliable helper for...
- Its 4-stroke engine with 1 cylinder delivers 1.9 kW of power and a high torque...
- There is a central nine-level cutting height adjustment facility with settings...
P1PE 4-stroke Petrol Lawnmower
The P1PE P5100SPE is an incredibly powerful petrol lawn mower that is a great choice for anyone with large lawns that are quite difficult to maintain.
Paired with a Hyundai IC175VE 173cc air cooled 4-stroke, the P1PE P5100SPE comes with monstrous cutting power that can handle lawns of every shape, size, and condition.
Although designed for larger lawns this lawn mower is a fine choice for medium size lawns too, espiecally those that have unnatural shapes or uneven terrain, as the cutting power and self-propulsion of the P1PE P5100SPE combine to make short work of every type of lawn.
Weighing a huge 41kg does make the P1PE P5100SPE one of the heaviest lawn mowers around, so the self-propulsion is certain a must-have feature that helps to remove much of the weight when moving, although the bulkiness of the mower may be quite difficult to handle for some.
That said, if you get around the heavy weight and large size of the P1PE P5100SPE you are left with some serious cutting power. 51cm cutting width also means you won’t be spending an age mowing those larger lawns, with fewer passes needed, particularly in medium size lawns that can be moved in very short time.
There are seven cutting heights (25mm-85mm) available so getting the desired finish is easy enough, while there are various cutting modes available too. For example, you can use standard cut and collect, cut and drop, cut and side discharge, and cut and mulch.
Ergonomic handles with comfort grips are also included to ensure you don’t feel the force of the powerful mower!
Pros
- 173cc four-stroke engine provides substantial cutting power
- 51cm cutting width makes the lawn mower perfect for large lawns
- One touch start button for simple operation
- Four cutting modes
Cons
- Weighs a very heavy 41kg although self-propelled rear wheel drive offsets much of this
- Features an electric start for effortless starting when the battery is charged,...
- 51cm Cutting Width, Ideal for medium to large sized lawns.
- Seven cutting heights adjusted with a central single height adjuster.
Frisky Fox PLUS 20" 5.5hp Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
The Frisky Fox Plus is a very strong petrol lawn mower designed for use in medium and large sized lawns. Using a heavy-duty Wolf ‘Dynamic’ OHV four-stroke petrol engine, the lawn mower has the power need to remove long and wet grass while also performing great on slopes and hilly lawns.
It’s a very flexible lawn mower that provides the user with a variety of settings to suit their needs. For example, there are seven height settings that are easily switch during the one touch lever, with cutting heights ranging from 25 to 75mm to give you the desired height.
There are also multiple speed settings that allow you to adjust the overall speed of the mower. This is a great feature as it means you can set the lawn mower to a pace that suits your needs, whether it’s a gentle walk or something brisker.
However, the highest speed settings aren’t as fast as many other petrol lawn mowers, especially when using the self-propelled function, although the speed does feel more pronounced when in manual mode.
Just bear this in mind as pushing it may be tough for some people, as the lawn mower is on the heavier side.
Another way the Frisky Fox Plus lets you adjust the lawn mower is by selecting from four different cutting modes. This includes the standard cut, cut and collect (which gathers clippings into 50L grass collector) along with side discharge and mulching options.
The lawn mower produces a very nice, even cut across most types of lawns, especially those that have longer or wetter grass. You won’t get a close-cut finish at the lowest height setting, which is common among petrol lawn mowers.
Pros
- Very powerful 173cc four-stroke engine
- Seven variable cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm
- Four cutting options
- Adjustable speed settings
Cons
- Not the quickest when in self-propelled mode but gets faster when pushing manually
- Wolf Dynamic OHV 5.5 HP 4-stroke petrol engine.
- A lever allows you to adjust the height from 25mm to 70mm.
- Self-propelled - The gearbox has a control to control the speed.
Murray EQ 700X self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower
The Murray EQ 700X is a powerful petrol lawn mower suitable for medium and large sized lawns. It boasts an impressive 53cm cutting widths and six different height settings that range from 28mm to 92mm, making it a very versatile lawn mower that can handle most types of lawns.
The self-propelled lawn mower is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 750EX SERIES DOV engine that produces a maximum mowing speed of 3.6km/h. When combined with the large cutting width, the 161cc engine makes quick work of larger sized lawns!
A centralised lever lets you switch between the six cutting heights, with each one letting you remove varying lengths with each pass.
The lowest setting of 28mm may not provide a precise finish on lawns that are already short, although it certainly excels when removing more length from the grass, especially with the 92mm cutting height.
There are four modes available too, including cut and collect, side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching. Each mode is suitable for different situations so its great to have so many options available.
Also, the 70L grass collector is huge and lets you mow an entire lawn without needing to empty it!
A unique feature with this lawn mower is a built-in wash port. This lets you connect your hose to the mower deck for much simpler cleaning, easily washing away dirt and grass to help improve the longevity of the lawn mower.
Pros
- Impressive 161cc four-stroke engine
- Large 53cm cutting width
- Six cutting heights (28mm-92mm)
- Four function modes
- Huge 70L grass collector
Cons
- The lowest cutting height doesn’t reach as low as some petrol mowers although it does have one of the highest cutting height settings
- 21 Inch/53 cm durable steel deck for increased protection against damage and...
- Centrally adjustable cutting height ranging from 28 mm to 92 mm in 6 positions
- 4-in-1 functionality: Bagging, rear and side discharge and mulching
Petrol Lawn Mower Buying Guide
If you’ve decided that you want to buy a petrol lawnmower then you won’t be lacking in options. There are countless makes and models available not to mention countless different features that you may find useful, so choosing the best model can be quite challenging!
Check out the buying guide below for all the information you need to buy the best mower for your garden!
Lawn Mower Type
There are three main types of petrol lawnmower:
Rotary Petrol Lawn Mower
Easily the most popular and widely available type of petrol lawnmower, rotary mowers feature a large fixed blade at the bottom that rotates at high speeds to cut down the grass.
This type is the most affordable petrol model in most cases while being highly versatile, working well in most lawns, although it does lack the precise finish found in other types.
That said, their affordability makes them a great option for most people looking for a petrol machine – you’re most likely to find one of these mowers within your price range!
Hover Petrol Lawn Mower
While not as widely available as rotary mowers, hover petrol mowers are a good option for people that may struggle with heavier and bulkier models.
They feature a fixed blade at the bottom but no wheels, instead featuring a large fan attachment that produces a cushion of air that makes it hover above the lawn as you mow. They’re also much more expensive than most rotary machines.
Cylinder Petrol Lawn Mower
Much like hover mowers, cylinder petrol mowers are far less common than rotary mowers, although they offer some of the most precise finishes of any type, making them a good option for people that want an ornamental lawn.
Cylinder mowers feature a cylindrical section of blades at the bottom that rotates against another fixed blade, producing a very fine finish. This doesn’t mean that the mower is more suitable for shorter grass lengths, as anything too long may be difficult to mow using a cylinder mower. There also hand pushed mowers which are known as cylinder models.
Engine Type
There are two main types of engines used for petrol options – 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.
In most cases, a 4-stroke engine is the best option as it doesn’t require you to mix oil and petrol for fuel like with most 2-stroke engines.
This basically makes them much more convenient to use as they accept most types of petrol, including leaded and unleaded, while most come with premixed fuel.
As most new machines feature 4-stroke engines you may find that 2-stroke models are bit cheaper, although they don’t offer much value beyond this. Stick with a 4-stroke engine in most instances!
Cutting Width
The cutting width is an important feature to look at on any mower as it determines how much time you’ll spend mowing. In simple terms, the wider the cutting width the less time it takes to cut the grass, as you make fewer passes because the wider cut removes more grass.
So, if you have quite a large lawn then a wider cutting width is recommended, although there is a good range of cutting widths that can accommodate most lawn types.
For example, small to medium-sized lawns will benefit from cutting widths between 39 and 42cm, while anything above 42cm is good for larger lawns – some reach upwards of 50cm!
Height Settings
It’s good to have adjustable cutting heights as this gives more control over how much length you remove from your lawn.
The higher the cutting height the more length you can remove, while lower heights are needed for getting precise finishes and mowing small amounts off lawns – this is a good option if you plan on regularly mowing throughout the growing season.
Most of the best petrol lawnmowers have variable cutting heights ranging from 20mm to 80+mm. The more adjustable heights the better, as you can mow the lawn to whatever length you need depending on how long or short the grass has grown.
If your lawn doesn’t tend to overgrow then fewer cutting heights are needed, although it’s always nice to have more options should the situation call for it!
Is it Self-Propelled?
All the cutting power produced by petrol models comes with one major drawback – they are very heavy to operate compared to electric lawn mowers. While this may not be an issue for every gardener there are people that will struggle to manoeuvre them around the garden.
A self-propelled petrol mower overcomes this problem by using the engine to propel it forward as you move it, essentially removing all the weight as you mow.
It’s a great feature that removes much of the hard work needed to operate these heavier machines, so definitely lookout for this when buying!
If after reading this you decide petrol is not the best option for you then read our buying guide on the best cordless lawn mowers which review some of the top models for sale.
Petrol Lawnmower FAQ’s
Should I buy a push or self propelled mower?
Push models are best suited for flat lawns and gardens, while self-propelled are more beneficial to those with hills or slopes. If your garden is more than 650m2 and flat, you will still benefit form a self-propelled model as it will requires less effort and the job will be completed in less time.
What should I look for in a petrol lawnmower?
Power is usually the number 1 consideration. Most are labelled as HP (Horsepower). To keep things simple, find out how much coverage you get with each more and aim for one with at least 20% more coverage than you need. Other considerations are the blade size, cutting width, height adjustments, mulching features, electric start, grass box size, engine capacity.
Can you leave petrol in a mower when not is use?
Leaving petrol in your mower will result in it going stale and it will likely cause issues when you try to use it again. If left for a long time (more than a few weeks) it would be best to get it serviced before attempting to use it. Get into it a routine of only putting in the amount you need for a cut and empty any leftover. It will help keep the machine in good condition and prevent any costly repairs.
How to know if petrol in a mower is stale?
Water separation with sediment sinking to the bottom is a clear sign of stale fuel. Drain the fuel immediately and dispose of appropriately
Why won’t my petrol mower start?
There are numerous reasons some of the most common are:
- No fuel or not enough. Check there is plenty in the tank.
- A spark plug that has gathered dirt or debris or is not making a good connection. If it is making a good connection, try replacing it.
- An air filter that is clogged or is no longer functional. Replace it
- Low oil level – Check oil and top up if necessary.
Can a mower blade become less sharp mowing we grass?
Yes, it can cause the blade to dull as the mower needs more power to get through wet grass. It is never ideal to mow wet grass but only doing it when its dry is not always practical. Never mow wet or damp grass with an electric mower, this is where petrol powered rotary mowers are best used. Make sure there is no visible surface water as no mowing should be done at all in that case, only mow slightly damp grass.
Who make the best Petrol Lawnmowers?
- Most of the well-known manufacturers produce some outstanding models but there are also lesser-known names in the industry that have realised good solid mowers over the last few years.
- Honda – As you would expect Honda have some great petrol models with their HRG line standing out for me.
- Hyundai – Some great models in their petrol line up including the HYM400P
- Mountfield – A really good brand with solid machine across their range. A few to look out for include the HP425, S481 and the HP164.
- Webb – The Webb R410HP and the R18HP are two excellent mowers from this well-respected brand.
- Hayter – The Hayter Osprey 46 is one my favourite push mowers, and they produce other excellent options.
- Cobra – Now better known than ever cobra produce the MM51, M46B and M41C and other push mowers that are good, reliable machines.
- AL-KO – The comfort 42.1 and the 4.20 push mowers offer smooth mowing at a reasonable price point.
Why does my petrol lawn mower start then cut out?
- It could be a few things, but I would recommend checking:
- Spark plugs are functioning and secure.
- Petrol has not been left in tank for a long time.
- Bowl of the carburettor may have debris stuck in it or the carburettor itself may need replacing.
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
