Gardeners with medium-to-large properties who’ve run out of charge mid-mow know the frustration of battery-powered kit. Petrol lawnmowers offer raw cutting power, larger deck widths, and no cables or charging to worry about. This guide covers options from budget workhorses to premium machines with electric start and roller stripes. If you are not sure petrol is right for you, our electric vs petrol comparison sets out the trade-offs.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Product |
Best For |
Price Range |
Rating |
|
Hyundai HYM510SPE |
Best overall |
£380–£450* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Honda IZY HRG 416 PK |
Reliability |
£400–£470* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Murray EQ2-700X |
Large gardens |
£350–£450* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Webb WER410SP |
Mid-range value |
£200–£260* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Einhell GC-PM 46/4 S |
Best value |
£180–£260* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Mountfield SP41 |
Budget self-propelled |
£200–£240* |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
*Prices fluctuate on Amazon — check the box below each product for the current price.
Product Reviews
1. Hyundai HYM510SPE
Best For: Overall performance and features
Still the best all-round petrol lawnmower you can buy in the UK right now. It’s built around a 196cc four-stroke engine and a generous 51cm cutting deck. The electric start function remains a genuine game-changer — no more yanking a pull cord on a cold morning. It offers 4-in-1 functionality (rear collection, side discharge, mulching, rear flap), self-propelled drive, six cutting heights, and a 70-litre grass bag. Build quality features a pressed steel deck with a three-year warranty and UK-based spares.
Strengths: Electric start, generous 51cm deck, 4-in-1 functionality, three-year warranty Considerations: Heavier at ~36kg; electric start battery requires winter maintenance
2. Honda IZY HRG 416 PK
Best For: Reliability and long-term value
Built around Honda’s GCVx145 engine — renowned for being easy to start and incredibly dependable — with a 41cm cutting deck. This push mower (not self-propelled) suits lawns up to approximately 500 square metres. Five cutting height positions range from 20mm to 74mm. The Versamow selective mulching system allows choosing between collecting clippings and mulching them back into the lawn, or a blend of both.
Honda mowers are sold through Honda’s own UK store and its network of approved dealers rather than through Amazon, so no affiliate box is included for this pick — buy direct from Honda or a local Honda dealer for genuine stock and warranty support.
Strengths: Honda engine reliability, Versamow mulching, lightweight at ~27kg, excellent resale value Considerations: Push only; premium pricing for 41cm width; no side discharge option; not sold via Amazon
3. Murray EQ2-700X
Best For: Large gardens and tough grass
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 750EX engine with a wide 56cm (22-inch) cutting deck — one of the largest you’ll find at this price point. A proper workhorse for gardens over 1,000 square metres, it features self-propelled drive, 4-in-1 functionality, and a 75-litre collector.
Strengths: Massive 56cm deck, proven engine, 75-litre collector, solid 4-in-1 functionality Considerations: Pull-start only; bulky in tight corners; heavier at ~38kg
4. Webb WER410SP
Best For: Mid-range value and reliability
Still hits a sweet spot between price and performance. This model features a 41cm deck, 132cc four-stroke engine, 45-litre collection bag, and self-propelled drive. Seven cutting heights span 25mm to 75mm. Includes a three-year guarantee. This is collection-only (no mulching or side discharge).
Strengths: Competitive self-propelled pricing, steel deck durability, three-year guarantee, seven cutting heights Considerations: Collection only; 45-litre bag fills quickly on longer grass; engine can labour in thick growth
5. Einhell GC-PM 46/4 S
Best For: Best value self-propelled mower
A self-propelled petrol mower that still undercuts most rivals at its cutting width, featuring a 46cm deck, 50-litre grass box, and nine cutting height settings (25mm–75mm). The four-stroke engine handles lawns up to approximately 1,400 square metres.
Strengths: Excellent value, 46cm deck, nine cutting heights, suitable for larger lawns Considerations: Functional rather than premium build; stiff pull-start when cold; smaller grass box relative to deck size
6. Mountfield SP41
Best For: Budget self-propelled for small gardens
A compact model with a 39cm deck and 123cc STIGA ST120 engine featuring auto-choke. Five cutting heights span 25mm to 70mm. The 40-litre grass collector suits smaller lawns. Polypropylene deck resists rust. Offers a five-year warranty when registered.
Strengths: Five-year warranty, auto-choke reliability, lightweight and compact, budget-friendly self-propelled option Considerations: 39cm deck too small for larger gardens; only five cutting heights; collection only
Buying Guide Section
What to Look For
Consider your lawn size first: a 40cm deck is fine for gardens under 400 square metres, but anything larger benefits from a 46cm or 51cm cutting width. For more than half an acre, a ride-on mower saves hours.
Key decision points include: – Push vs. self-propelled: Push models are lighter, cheaper, and simpler to maintain, but self-propelled drive matters for slopes, uneven ground, or a larger area – Engine size: 125cc for light mowing, 140–170cc for medium lawns, 190cc+ for larger plots or thick grass – Extras: Mulching capability, electric start, and larger grass collectors
Types of Petrol Lawnmower
Push (hand-propelled): Lighter, cheaper, fewer maintenance parts; best for small, flat lawns Whichever you choose, our lawnmower maintenance guide keeps it running well.
Self-propelled: Drive themselves forward; essential for larger lawns, slopes, or reduced fatigue; cost more and weigh more
Roller mowers: Create classic lawn stripes; more expensive (brands like Hayter specialise); for traditional aesthetic preference
Spending Guide
- Under £200: Capable push mowers and basic self-propelled options (39–41cm widths)
- £200–£350: Sweet spot for most gardeners, with solid self-propelled mowers, 41–46cm decks, and multiple cutting heights
- £350–£500: Premium territory with larger decks (51cm+), electric start, 4-in-1 functionality
- £500+: Honda’s higher-end models and specialist roller mowers from brands like Hayter
FAQ Section
How often should I service a petrol lawnmower? Minimum annual service at the start of the mowing season, including oil change, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug check, and blade sharpening. A mid-season oil check is recommended for frequent mowing.
Is a petrol lawnmower better than cordless? Petrol mowers offer more power, larger cutting widths, and unlimited runtime for medium-to-large lawns (over 300–400 square metres). Cordless suits smaller gardens better due to quieter operation and lower maintenance.
Can I use E10 petrol in my lawnmower? Most modern mowers (post-2011) accept E10 fuel, but prolonged storage can cause degradation. Using a fuel stabiliser or draining the tank before winter storage is good practice.
How long do petrol lawnmowers last? With proper maintenance, a good petrol lawnmower should last 8–15 years. Honda engines are noted for longevity. Key factors: regular oil changes, blade sharpening, and proper winter storage.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai HYM510SPE remains our top recommendation for most gardeners thanks to its electric start, 51cm width, and 4-in-1 functionality. The Honda IZY HRG 416 PK is still the pick for those prioritising engine reliability with a smaller deck preference (bought direct from Honda rather than Amazon). The Mountfield SP41 remains the suggestion for budget-conscious buyers who still want capable self-propelled performance.
