If you’ve got a medium to large garden and you’re tired of running out of battery halfway through, a petrol lawnmower is probably the answer. They offer raw cutting power, larger deck widths, and no cables or charging to worry about. But with dozens of models on the market — from budget workhorses to premium machines with electric start and roller stripes — choosing the right one isn’t always straightforward.
We’ve researched and compared the best petrol lawnmowers you can buy in the UK right now. Whether you need a simple push mower for a modest lawn or a self-propelled beast for a large plot, there’s something here for every garden and every budget.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
| Hyundai HYM510SPE | Best overall | £380–£420 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Honda IZY HRG 416 PK | Reliability | £395–£470 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Murray EQ2-700X | Large gardens | £350–£430 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Webb WER410SP | Mid-range value | £200–£250 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Einhell GC-PM 46/4 S | Best value | £180–£250 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mountfield SP41 | Budget self-propelled | £200–£230 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Our Top Picks
1. Hyundai HYM510SPE
Best for: Overall performance and features
The Hyundai HYM510SPE is, in our view, the best all-round petrol lawnmower you can buy in the UK right now. It packs a 196cc four-stroke engine into a generous 51cm (20-inch) cutting deck, which means fewer passes and quicker mowing on larger lawns. The electric start is a genuine game-changer — no more yanking a pull cord on a cold morning.
This is a 4-in-1 machine, offering rear collection, side discharge, mulching, and a rear flap for leaving clippings on the lawn. The self-propelled drive takes the strain out of pushing, and the seven cutting heights (25mm to 75mm) give you plenty of flexibility throughout the seasons. The 70-litre grass bag is one of the largest in its class, so you’ll spend less time emptying it.
Build quality is solid, with a pressed steel deck that feels reassuringly sturdy. Hyundai backs it with a three-year warranty and UK-based spares, which gives real peace of mind. It’s not the cheapest, but for the features and cutting width you get, it represents excellent value.
What we like:
- Electric start — press a button and go
- Generous 51cm cutting deck covers ground quickly
- 4-in-1 functionality including mulching
- Three-year warranty with UK parts support
Worth knowing:
- Heavier than smaller models at around 36kg — storage space needed
- Electric start battery needs occasional charging over winter
2. Honda IZY HRG 416 PK
Best for: Reliability and long-term value
Honda needs little introduction when it comes to petrol engines, and the IZY range is their entry point into the domestic lawnmower market. The HRG 416 PK features a 41cm cutting deck powered by Honda’s own GCVx145 engine, which is renowned for being easy to start and incredibly dependable. If you want a mower that will still be going strong in ten years, this is the one.
This is a push mower (not self-propelled), which keeps the weight down and makes it ideal for small to medium-sized lawns up to around 500 square metres. The cutting height adjusts centrally across five positions from 20mm to 74mm. Honda’s Versamow selective mulching system lets you choose between collecting clippings and mulching them back into the lawn — or a blend of both.
Yes, you’ll pay more than you would for a budget brand. But Honda’s build quality, engine longevity, and resale value make it a sound investment. Spare parts are easy to source, and servicing is straightforward even for beginners.
What we like:
- Honda engine — arguably the most reliable in the business
- Versamow selective mulching is brilliantly clever
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre at around 27kg
- Excellent resale value if you ever upgrade
Worth knowing:
- Push only — no self-propelled option on this model
- Premium price for a 41cm cutting width
- Doesn’t include a side discharge option
3. Murray EQ2-700X
Best for: Large gardens and tough grass
If you’ve got a big lawn and need something that won’t flinch at long or thick grass, the Murray EQ2-700X deserves a serious look. It features a powerful Briggs & Stratton 750EX engine paired with a wide 56cm (22-inch) cutting deck — one of the largest you’ll find at this price point. It chews through overgrown patches with real confidence.
The self-propelled drive is essential at this size, and Murray delivers it smoothly. Like the Hyundai, it’s a 4-in-1 machine with rear collection, side discharge, mulching, and rear deflector options. The 75-litre grass collector is enormous, which suits the bigger cutting area this mower is designed for.
Murray is owned by Briggs & Stratton, so the engine and mower are designed to work together rather than being a mix of different suppliers. That integration shows in how well the machine runs. It’s a proper workhorse for gardens over 1,000 square metres.
What we like:
- Massive 56cm deck — covers large lawns fast
- Briggs & Stratton engine is well proven
- 75-litre collector means fewer emptying trips
- Solid 4-in-1 functionality
Worth knowing:
- Pull-start only — no electric start option
- The 56cm deck can feel bulky in tight corners
- Heavier than most at around 38kg
4. Webb WER410SP
Best for: Mid-range value and reliability
The Webb WER410SP hits a sweet spot between price and performance that makes it one of the most popular petrol mowers in the UK. For around £200–£240, you get a self-propelled mower with a 41cm cutting deck, a 132cc four-stroke engine, and a 45-litre collection bag. It’s a straightforward, honest machine that does its job well.
Seven cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm give you good seasonal flexibility, and the self-propelled drive makes light work of slopes and longer runs. The steel deck is durable and the overall build feels reassuringly solid for the money. Webb offers a three-year guarantee, which is generous at this price point.
This is a collect-only mower — there’s no mulching plug or side discharge — but for many gardeners, that’s perfectly fine. If you want a dependable petrol mower without spending a fortune, the WER410SP is hard to beat.
What we like:
- Self-propelled at a very competitive price
- Steel deck feels built to last
- Three-year guarantee included
- Seven cutting heights for year-round use
Worth knowing:
- Collection only — no mulching or side discharge
- 45-litre bag fills fairly quickly on longer grass
- The 132cc engine can labour in very thick growth
5. Einhell GC-PM 46/4 S
Best for: Best value self-propelled mower
Einhell has built a strong reputation for offering decent garden tools at aggressive prices, and the GC-PM 46/4 S is a prime example. You get a self-propelled petrol mower with a 46cm cutting deck, a 50-litre grass box, and nine cutting height settings — all for well under £250. It’s a lot of mower for the money.
The four-stroke engine starts reliably and provides enough power for lawns up to around 1,400 square metres, which is a generous coverage area at this price. The wider 46cm deck strikes a nice balance between manoeuvrability and cutting efficiency. Nine cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm give you more adjustment than most competitors offer.
Build quality is decent rather than exceptional — the deck is pressed steel and the grass box is fabric — but everything feels fit for purpose. For a gardener who wants self-propelled convenience without paying a premium, this is one of the best options available.
What we like:
- Excellent value — hard to find a cheaper self-propelled option
- 46cm deck is wider than most in this price range
- Nine cutting heights for precise adjustment
- Suitable for larger lawns up to 1,400m²
Worth knowing:
- Build quality is functional rather than premium
- Pull-start can be a bit stiff when cold
- The grass box could be larger for the deck size
6. Mountfield SP41
Best for: Budget self-propelled for small gardens
The Mountfield SP41 is a compact, no-nonsense self-propelled petrol mower that’s ideal if you have a smaller garden but still want the freedom of petrol power. With a 39cm cutting deck and a reliable 123cc STIGA ST120 engine with auto-choke, it starts easily and handles typical domestic lawns without any fuss.
Five cutting heights from 25mm to 70mm cover the essentials, and the 40-litre grass collector is adequate for the smaller lawns this mower is designed for. The polypropylene deck won’t rust, and the overall weight is manageable enough for most people to push around comfortably — even with the self-propelled drive switched off.
Mountfield is a well-established British brand with a strong dealer network, and the SP41 comes with an impressive five-year warranty when registered. If you want a simple, reliable petrol mower for a garden under 400 square metres, this is a cracking choice.
What we like:
- Five-year warranty — best in class at this price
- Auto-choke engine starts without fuss
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Self-propelled drive at a budget-friendly price
Worth knowing:
- 39cm deck is too small for larger gardens
- Only five cutting heights (some rivals offer seven or nine)
- Collection only — no mulching option
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Petrol Lawnmower
What to Look For
Choosing the right petrol mower comes down to a handful of key decisions. First, consider your lawn size. A 40cm deck is fine for gardens under 400 square metres, but anything larger benefits from a 46cm or 51cm cutting width. Bigger decks mean fewer passes and quicker mowing.
Next, think about whether you want push or self-propelled. If your garden is flat and compact, a push mower is lighter, cheaper, and simpler to maintain. But if you’ve got slopes, uneven ground, or a larger area to cover, self-propelled drive makes a real difference to comfort.
Engine size matters too. A 125cc engine is fine for light, regular mowing. Step up to 140–170cc for medium lawns, and 190cc or above for larger plots or thicker grass. More power means less bogging down in challenging conditions.
Finally, look at the extras. Mulching capability returns nutrients to your lawn and saves you trips to the compost bin. Electric start is a luxury, but once you’ve used it, you won’t want to go back. And a larger grass collector means fewer stops to empty.
Types of Petrol Lawnmower
Push (hand-propelled) mowers rely on you to provide the forward motion. They’re lighter, cheaper, and have fewer parts to maintain. Best for small, flat lawns.
Self-propelled mowers drive themselves forward — you just guide them. Essential for larger lawns, slopes, or anyone who wants a less tiring mow. They cost more and are heavier, but the convenience is worth it for most gardeners.
Roller mowers have a rear roller that creates classic stripes on your lawn. They tend to be more expensive (brands like Hayter specialise in these), but if you love that traditional striped look, they’re the way to go.
How Much Should You Spend?
Under £200: You’ll find capable push mowers and a few basic self-propelled options. The Mountfield SP41 sits right at this level and offers great value. Expect 39–41cm cutting widths and smaller engines.
£200–£350: This is the sweet spot for most gardeners. You’ll get a solid self-propelled mower with a 41–46cm deck, decent engine power, and features like multiple cutting heights. The Webb WER410SP and Einhell GC-PM 46/4 S live here.
£350–£500: Premium territory. Expect larger decks (51cm+), electric start, 4-in-1 functionality, and engines from trusted names like Briggs & Stratton or Hyundai. The Hyundai HYM510SPE and Murray EQ2-700X sit in this range.
£500+: This is where you’ll find Honda’s higher-end models and specialist roller mowers from brands like Hayter. Worth it if you’re serious about lawn care or need commercial-grade durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service a petrol lawnmower?
At minimum, service your mower once a year — ideally at the start of the mowing season. This means changing the oil, cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking the spark plug, and sharpening the blade. If you mow frequently or have a large lawn, a mid-season oil check is also worthwhile.
Is a petrol lawnmower better than cordless?
It depends on your garden. Petrol mowers offer more power, larger cutting widths, and unlimited runtime — making them the better choice for medium to large lawns (over 300–400 square metres). Cordless mowers are quieter, lighter, and require less maintenance, so they suit smaller gardens well. We’ve covered this in detail in our Cordless vs Petrol Lawnmower comparison.
Can I use E10 petrol in my lawnmower?
Most modern petrol lawnmowers (made after 2011) are compatible with E10 fuel. However, if your mower sits unused for long periods, E10 can degrade faster and cause starting problems. Using a fuel stabiliser or draining the tank before winter storage is good practice. Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
How long do petrol lawnmowers last?
With proper maintenance, a good petrol lawnmower should last 8–15 years. Honda engines are particularly known for longevity. The key is regular oil changes, blade sharpening, and proper winter storage. Even budget models will give you years of service if you look after them.
Final Verdict
For most gardeners, the Hyundai HYM510SPE is our top recommendation. The electric start, 51cm cutting width, and 4-in-1 functionality make it a genuinely impressive machine for the price. If reliability is your top priority and you’re happy with a smaller deck, the Honda IZY HRG 416 PK is an investment that will pay for itself over years of dependable service. And if budget is tight, the Mountfield SP41 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable, self-propelled petrol mow