5 Best Petrol Lawn Mowers of 2024

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The Best Petrol Lawn Mowers

best petrol lawn mower uk

Need some help finding the best petrol lawn mower? In this guide, you’ll get my top recommendations – all of which I’ve personally tested. As a professional landscape gardener, with 22 years experience cutting lawns, I know what makes a good mower! My top pick is the Hyundai 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower. Read on to find out why it gets my seal of approval…

  1. Best petrol model overall - Hyundai HYM510SP 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower

  2. Great all-rounder - Webb Classic WER410SP Self Propelled Petrol Mower

  3. Best for small gardens - Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower

  4. Best budget lawn mower - Cobra M41C Petrol Lawn Mower

  5. Best for medium gardens - Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower

Petrol Lawn Mower Reviews

Best to Buy
  • Copes well when cutting different types of grass because of the power and adjustable cutting heights
  • Self-propulsion feature is optional which makes it easier to mow around small obstacles and tight corners
  • Can be used to mulch dead leaves as well as grass which can be collected and used as compost
  • Comes with engine oil included so you only need to provide the fuel yourself
  • The grass box doesn't miss any grass when collecting
  • Has a nice wide cutting width of 51cm

  • There's no back roller so it won't create a clear striped lawn effect
  • Only one self-propelled speed so the options for self propulsion are 'off' or 'on'
  • May be heavy to manoeuvre for those with less upper body strength when the self-propel isn't activated
Lawn Size
Large
Engine
196cc
Cutting Width
51cm
Height Range
25-75mm
Collection Bag
70 L
Weight
38.7kg
Drive System
Self Propelled Model
Noise
98dB
Overall Score 4.9Read In-depth Review
Assembly Ease
5
Design
5
Power
5
Performance
5
Manoeuvrability
4
Features
5
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

Although primarily known for their reliable and well-designed cars, Hyundai has also been making a name for itself in the gardening world. The brand produces a wide range of garden machinery, and their petrol mowers are revered for being the cream of the crop.

Among the many models on offer, there’s the Hyundai Self Propelled Petrol Mower a fantastic mower with an abundance of features. 

Hyundai-HYM510SP-4-Stroke-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-design

After testing it out, I really only have good things to say about it, but I’m keen to share my experience in a bit more detail:

The unboxing and assembly process for the Hyundai lawn mower was fast and simple – it literally only took minutes to get this Hyundai mower ready to go. This is largely due to the fact that it’s such a well-designed machine – everything seems to work harmoniously together. 

Hyundai-HYM510SP-4-Stroke-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-assembly-ease

Its powerful self propelled petrol 196 cc engine handles everything that Hyundai claims it will, plus more. Whether you use it to collect your cut grass cuttings or to mulch your lawn, the top-of-the-line features deliver great mowing results. It’s also wider (51cm cutting width) and faster than many of the other petrol mowers out there, and the self propulsion makes things easier, so it could really save you time.

Hyundai-HYM510SP-4-Stroke-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-manouverability

If you have a large lawn, or if you’re a professional who cuts multiple gardens with different types of grass, the Hyundai is one of the best petrol lawn mowers to buy. It’s a high-quality machine that won’t let you down.

It genuinely surprises me that I don’t have a single negative comment about how this lawn mower works, but it truly runs like a dream.

After just one use I was convinced by the power and versatility of this machine, and now that I’ve used it several times it has become one of the petrol mowers that I rely on the most as a professional landscaper.

The wide 51 cm cutting width, and decent range of cutting heights (from 25 – 75 mm), means it quickly copes with large areas and different grasses.

Hyundai-HYM510SP-4-Stroke-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-performance

Overall, if you’re looking to strike the right balance between performance, ease of use and cost, the Hyundai 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower should be top of your shopping list.

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Great Model
  • Good for all size lawns as offers a good compromise between size and weight/manoeuvrability
  • Self-propulsion can be deactivated to make it easier to get into smaller areas or around obstacles
  • Ball bearings in the wheels help them move easily even when the self-propulsion isn't on
  • Can dramatically reduce mowing time, cutting lawns in 1/3 of the time of standard lawn mowers

  • The wheels stick out which means that it is more like 44 cm wide even though the cutting width is 41 cm
  • Due to the design of the collection box, you may spill some clippings as you disconnect it from the mower
  • A funnel is required to fill up the oil tank as it is in a position that is difficult to reach
  • Hot starts can be difficult and require several pulls, although cold starts are very reliable
Lawn Size
Small to Medium
Engine
132cc
Cutting Width
41cm
Height Range
25-75mm
Collection Bag
45 L
Weight
28kg
Drive System
Self Propelled Model
Noise
96dB
Overall Score 4.6Read In-depth Review
Assembly Ease
4
Design
4
Power
5
Performance
5
Manoeuvrability
5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

If you’re looking for a self propelled lawn mower from a respected British brand, ‘Webb’ is well worth considering. Famous for their classic yet modern designs, along with their dedication to quality and value, their WER410SP Self Propelled Mower is a popular choice among home gardeners in the UK.

As soon as I opened the box, I could tell that the Webb WER410SP was going to impress. It’s beautifully designed, not only in terms of aesthetics but also functionality. 

Webb-Classic-WER410SP-Self-Propelled-Petrol-Mower-Review-design

It copes well with heavy, long-term mowing, always leaving behind clean and evenly-cut strips, even on rough ground with more grass. It’s happy to cut wet grass too, which is always a bonus! My only gripe would be that it sometimes chokes and struggles when the 45 L bag is only half full. 

Webb-Classic-WER410SP-Self-Propelled-Petrol-Mower-Review-performance

In terms of features, it doesn’t disappoint. It offers seven cutting heights between 25 – 75 mm, a 41 cm cutting width, and a faster-than-average self-propulsion speed – you’ll get the job done in half the time. 

Webb-Classic-WER410SP-Self-Propelled-Petrol-Mower-features

While Webb states that the WER410SP is the best petrol lawn mowers for small to medium gardens, I would say that they’re underestimating its power and capabilities.

Webb-Classic-WER410SP-Self-Propelled-Petrol-Mower-Review-power

Yes, its size, weight, and cutting width wouldn’t usually be enough for a large lawn, but its speed more than makes up for this. It could even be used to mow professionally – something that I’m now doing with it, cutting the lawns for some of my clients.

Webb-Classic-WER410SP-Self-Propelled-Petrol-Mower-manouverability

I would recommend this machine to anyone looking for something lightweight, powerful, and reliable – even if you have a larger garden.

It’s one of the best petrol lawn mowers on the market, if you’re looking for a good all-rounder. It’s not too expensive either, considering its high-end finish, so you feel like you’re getting a good deal too.

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Lightweight

3. Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower[ SAVE 12% ]

Best for small gardens

best petrol lawn mower Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower
  • Lightweight enough to be manageable on inclines
  • A good option for mowing small gardens as the lightweight, small body is easy to manoeuvre
  • Powerful enough for mowing longer grass
  • Can be pushed quickly and still produces an even cut when doing so
  • At 95dB it is the least noisy petrol lawnmower we tested

  • Struggles to cut through damp grass
  • The assembly process is not as straight forward as with other mowers because the instructions are confusing, but there are videos online that can help
  • Oil doesn't come included so both oil and fuel need to be purchased separately
Lawn Size
Small
Engine
123cc
Cutting Width
39cm
Height Range
25-70mm
Collection Bag
40 L
Weight
19kg
Drive System
Push
Noise
95dB
Overall Score 4.1Read In-depth Review
Assembly Ease
3
Design
3
Power
5
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
5
Features
3
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

A popular UK garden equipment brand, Mountfield produces lawn mowers for both domestic and professional use. Their HP41 Petrol Mower is one of their domestic offerings – it’s a mid-range, hand-propelled, petrol mower designed for small gardens.

Mountfield-HP41-Petrol-Mower-Review-design

I wasn’t too impressed with the Mountfield HP41 lawn mower to start with. Assembly was a little time-consuming and its design was lacking. There weren’t any major design flaws, but there were so many ways in which Mountfield could have made the design of this machine so much better, without much extra cost involved on their part.

Mountfield-HP41-Petrol-Mower-Review-assembly 

Like I say, nothing major, but the instructions could have been clearer, the handles were difficult to put together, and the place to put the oil is quite difficult to access. So these were my initial gripes.

However, upon turning on the machine, I saw this lawn mower in a different way once I started mowing…

Mountfield-HP41-Petrol-Mower-Review-manouverability

It’s powerful but extremely lightweight – to the point where you can easily run while using it and it’ll cut as cleanly as though you were walking slowly. That in itself tells you a lot about engine power. 

Its ability when mowing through longer grass also impressed me. However, it did fail when it came to damp grass. Granted, you’re not really meant to cut wet grass anyway, but most of the other mowers that I tested still could. 

Manoeuvring this machine was extremely easy, thanks to the fact that it’s so lightweight and its decent cutting width.

However, it’s rather ‘light’ when it comes to features as well (in that there aren’t many). It doesn’t really do anything other than mow and collect grass cuttings. Again, if this is all you need, then it’s a good machine as paying more for extra features would be a waste anyway. 

Mountfield-HP41-Petrol-Mower-Review-performance

It’s one of the best petrol lawn mowers if you’re looking for a simple and lightweight hand-propelled model to mow a small garden.

It’s not good for cutting wet grass, but it’ll handle both long and short grass with ease, as well as tackling inclines and rough ground. It may seem a little basic in terms of design and features, but it’s sturdy, powerful, and reliable.

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Budget Option

4. Cobra M41C Petrol Lawn Mower

Best budget lawn mower

best petrol lawn mower Cobra M41C Petrol Lawn Mower
  • Very little assembly required, arrives almost ready to go
  • Powerful enough to cut through damp grass
  • More height settings included than the majority of petrol mowers at this price
  • Motor oil comes included so you only need to supply the fuel
  • Low price whilst still offering sufficient quality

  • Struggles mowing over uneven surfaces and bumpy lawns
  • Too small to be worthwhile in large gardens
Lawn Size
Small to Medium
Engine
98.5cc
Cutting Width
41cm
Height Range
25-75mm
Collection Bag
50 L
Weight
19.6kg
Drive System
Push
Noise
Not listed
Overall Score 4.3Read In-depth Review
Assembly Ease
5
Design
4
Power
4
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
4
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

A relatively new garden machinery brand, Cobra prides itself on offering innovation, quality, and value for money. This is definitely true of their M41C Hand-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower it’s the lowest-priced of all of the lawn mowers on this page, yet offers features that some higher-end models lack. 

Cobra-M41C-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-Review-design

After opening the box and seeing that the Cobra M41C was almost already fully assembled, I had high hopes – after all, there can’t be many people that actually enjoy assembling lawn mowers, so the minimal assembly was thoughtful on Cobra’s part! Its design is also bright and eye catching – something else that appealed to me. 

Cobra-M41C-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-Review-assembly

My opinion of this lawn mower kept improving after I first started to use it, especially after seeing it mowing through grass littered with pine cones. I was also impressed with how it seamlessly cut through damp grass too. 

This cutting power is its main selling point, given that these jobs would cause some mowers to struggle. The 41 cm cutting width and 10 different height settings (between 25 – 75 mm) make it adaptable for most garden sizes and grass types.

Cobra-M41C-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-Review-features

However, its inability to go over even small bumps in the ground is a let down. This makes it harder to use in uneven gardens, and really it needs a totally level area to work well. 

Cobra-M41C-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-Review-manouverability

The overall conclusion with the Cobra M41C is that it’s a a very good petrol lawn mower. If your garden is bumpy in any way, then there are perhaps better mowing options for you. However, if you have a flat and even lawn, whether it’s small, medium, or even on the small side of large, this mower will get the job done just as well as more expensive machines.

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5. Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower

Best for medium gardens

best petrol lawn mower Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower
  • Mows all types of grass whether it's short, long, thick or wet
  • Good value for the price paid and machine received
  • Sufficiently lightweight to make it easy to carry in and out of storage
  • The handles are height adjustable so it is comfortable for people of different heights

  • Struggles to give such an even cut on bumpy, uneven ground
  • May take a lot of effort to cut gardens with a lot of inclines as there's no self propulsion
  • The rear-discharge function gets blocked easily so it's best to use the mower with the grass collection box attached
Lawn Size
Small to Medium
Engine
125cc
Cutting Width
41cm
Height Range
28-92mm
Collection Bag
60 L
Weight
22.2kg
Drive System
Push
Noise
Not listed
Overall Score 4.3Read In-depth Review
Assembly Ease
4
Design
5
Power
5
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
4
Features
3
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

Manufactured in the USA, Murray lawn mowers are known for being hardy and durable. The EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower is the brand’s budget option, but it’s still the second most expensive petrol lawn mower that I tested. 

Murray-EQ200-Petrol-Lawn-Mower-Review-design

As soon as I opened the box and started to assemble the Murray EQ200, I could tell that this would be a strong and capable machine. Assembly took a little longer than other mowers, but it wasn’t complicated in any way and no tools were required. It just needed a patient, methodical approach.

The lawn mower’s thoughtful design was appreciated, particularly in terms of the handles (they are wide, foldable, and height adjustable) and the large size of the grass collector bag. When I turned the machine on it continued to impress.

Granted, it was quite loud, so the noise may disturb your neighbours. But it coped well with every type of grass that I threw at it. Whether it was short, long, thick or wet grass, the six cutting heights combined with the powerful engine meant that it could mow them all without any problems. 

Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower (1)

The only stumbling point (literally) was on bumpy and uneven ground – it didn’t manage such an even cut over lumpy terrain.

Flat lawns are definitely where this machine really shines.

Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower (3)

Inclines could be an issue too, simply because this mower isn’t self-propelled. That said, it’s light enough to push uphill for short periods of time. 

The Murray EQ200 keeps its promises with the features that it offers, except when it comes to the rear-discharge function (which is pretty much useless). It gets blocked easily and doesn’t work as well as you might expect from an otherwise well-designed machine.

If this is important to you, then you’d be better off looking for a lawn mower that prioritises this feature. However, if you’re happy to always use the grass collector bag, then this mower performs well in other respects.

Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower (2)

It’s most appropriate for small-to-medium lawns, but this is purely because it’s hand-propelled. If you’re after a high-quality machine that offers good cutting performance, this is a great option to consider.

In fact, I’d even say that because of its power, cutting width, and bag size it could easily handle larger lawns too (as long as you didn’t mind pushing it).

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Product Testers

Landscape Gardener
Gardening Expert

Finding the best petrol lawn mower requires a thorough and systematic approach to testing. We chose a range of top models and tested them on several crucial aspects, including:

  1. Assembly and Setup: Most petrol mowers are fairly straightforward to assemble, only requiring a few minutes to set up. Models that were unnecessarily difficult to assemble were marked down. We factored the clarity of instructions and whether the manufacturer offers video tutorials into this evaluation.
  2. Engine Performance and Power: We evaluated each mower’s engine performance, considering factors such as engine type, engine displacement, and horsepower. Models with less powerful engines were marked down, but only if the engine size and power inhibited its ability to perform well in small, medium or large gardens. As well as testing the mowers on different garden sizes, we also tried them out in varied terrains, including flat lawns and sloped surfaces, to gauge their ability to handle challenging cutting conditions.
  3. Cutting Performance: We assessed each petrol lawn mower’s cutting width, speed and precision of their cutting. Models that performed best on a variety of terrains, grass lengths, and moisture levels were rated highest, as these offered better versatility. Models with the optimal cutting width (41 cm or above) and a range of cutting heights (ideally from 25 mm to 50 mm) were given the best ratings.
  4. Manoeuvrability and Handling: To identify the best petrol lawn mowers for manoeuvrability, we tested each model’s handling around obstacles like flower beds, trees, fences, tight corners, and various garden layouts. We considered factors like the mower’s height, the width of the wheels, and its weight. Models that weighed 30 kg or more were rated down as these are too heavy for the average gardener.
  5. Grass Collection and Extra Features: We inspected the grass collection capabilities of each mower, assessing the size and design of the grass box, as well as the ease of removal. Models were marked down on poor design that caused grass spillage or difficulties when detaching the grass box. We also evaluated extra features that enhanced the mowing experience, such as mulching capabilities, adjustable height settings and safety features.
  6. Build Quality and Robustness: We assessed the build quality and materials used in the construction of each model to gauge their longevity and resistance to wear and tear. We also looked at the durability of key components, such as the cutting blades and the mower deck.
  7. Value for Money: Finally, we considered each mower’s value for money based on the features they offer, efficiency, performance, and price. Those that were cheaper yet didn’t compromise on quality were rated the best in terms of value for money.

Derek's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best petrol lawn mowers should have a nice wide cutting width of at least 40cm; the larger your garden, the wider you should choose. This will you help you make less trips up and down, and mow more efficiently.
  2. They should also be as lightweight and easy to manoeuvre as possible. Most of our recommendations below are under 30kg, but you’ll really notice the benefit nearer the 20kg mark.
  3. Like with any lawn mower, it’s so important to choose one with a grass collection box, that’s fitting to the size of your garden. Larger lawns will probably want 60 litres and over, 50 litres for medium is good, and 40 litres for smaller gardens is good too.
  4. Also pay attention to the cutting height range of the mower, and the number of options within this range. If you like your grass nice and short, look for a petrol mower that goes down to 25mm, which most of our recommendations do. If your grass gets a lot of wear and tear, it’s best it keep in the 40 mm to 50 mm range, whilst you may even wish to leave shady areas even longer. This is why it’s important to choose a model with a wide range of heights.
  5. You may also want to look for a model that’s self-propelled, especially if you have a large, uneven or hilly garden. Or if the petrol lawn mower is heavy of course! And then finally, engine power. Again, this is dependent on the terrain in your garden, but the higher the ‘cc’ the better it’s capability of tackling a challenging landscape. 
  6. Look for a model with at least a 2 year warranty. Bear in mind petrol mowers sit in the shed for 4-5 months out of the year which can lead to parts going wrong.

From our extensive testing, weighing all these factors up, we chose the Hyundai HYM510SP 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower as our top recommendation. It just ticks so many boxes! But of course, the most important thing is to choose a petrol mower that’s right for your garden.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Hyundai HYM510SP 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower
    best petrol lawn mower Hyundai HYM510SP 4 Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower
    • 4.9
    • Large
    • 196cc
    • 51cm
    • 25-75mm
    • 70 L
    • 38.7kg
    • Self Propelled Model
    • 98dB
  • Webb Classic WER410SP Self Propelled Petrol Mower
    best petrol lawn mower Webb Classic WER410SP Self Propelled Petrol Mower
    • 4.6
    • Small to Medium
    • 132cc
    • 41cm
    • 25-75mm
    • 45 L
    • 28kg
    • Self Propelled Model
    • 96dB
  • Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower
    best petrol lawn mower Mountfield HP41 Petrol Mower
    • 4.1
    • Small
    • 123cc
    • 39cm
    • 25-70mm
    • 40 L
    • 19kg
    • Push
    • 95dB
  • Cobra M41C Petrol Lawn Mower
    best petrol lawn mower Cobra M41C Petrol Lawn Mower
    • 4.3
    • Small to Medium
    • 98.5cc
    • 41cm
    • 25-75mm
    • 50 L
    • 19.6kg
    • Push
    • Not listed
  • Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower
    best petrol lawn mower Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower
    • 4.3
    • Small to Medium
    • 125cc
    • 41cm
    • 28-92mm
    • 60 L
    • 22.2kg
    • Push
    • Not listed

How to Choose The Best Petrol Lawn Mower

Petrol lawn mowers are a popular choice because they are more powerful than corded electric mowers and cordless mowers. They offer a clean, efficient cut and a crisp mowing experience.

If you’re thinking about buying one of the best petrol lawn mowers recommended on our list, take a look at the following tips to help you make an informed purchase.

Self Propelled Petrol Mowers vs Manual Push Petrol Lawn Mowers

A self propelled lawn mower uses engine power to achieve forward motion – the alternative is you having to push it manually. The best self propelled petrol mowers are great if you have a large area to mow or uneven lawns and slopes. They also tend to work well on long grass, bumpy lawns and damp grass. Self propelled petrol models require a larger engine and will be more expensive. They also tend to be heavier and larger.

A push mower will be sufficient if you have a flat, even lawn and rarely need to cut long, overgrown areas. The blades are powered by the petrol engine but the mower is pushed by hand with no help from the motor. These petrol mowers are usually smaller and lighter than self-propelled ones. They offer excellent manoeuvrability in small- to medium-sized gardens; especially useful when cutting around flower beds and features.

READ NEXT: The UK’s Best Professional Lawn Mowers

Sizing Up Your New Petrol Lawn Mower

The Cutting Deck

When it comes to petrol lawn mowers, the size of the cutting deck affects how much grass gets cut at a time.

Most of the UK’s top lawn mowers will have a cutting deck of between 40 – 53 cm.

A smaller deck will be suitable for smaller gardens, especially if there are a lot of obstacles to mow around. For large gardens, a larger steel deck will get the job done quicker.

The Grass Collector

Having to keep stopping to empty the clippings bag or box can be a nuisance. If you plan on collecting clippings, choose a mower with a larger collector to cut down on the time spent emptying it.

Grass collectors can range in size, generally having a capacity between 40 L to 70 L. Depending on the size of your lawn, a smaller capacity might be sufficient; however, if you have a larger space you may have to empty the collector too often if it’s on the small side.

An extra thing to bear in mind: if the lawn mower has a ‘mulching‘ feature, you can eject mulched grass onto the lawn instead of collecting it. If you’re happy to use mulch clippings as fertiliser, it won’t matter what size the grass collector is as you won’t need to use it.

The Mower Itself

It’s worth considering where you’re planning to store your mower whilst choosing which model to buy. Some may be much larger than others and you don’t want any unexpected surprises on the day you introduce your beautiful new mower to your shed or garage.

Some petrol lawn mowers (but not all) have foldable handles. This reduces the space they take up in storage. It can make them a lot easier to store, so take note of whether or not the mower you’re looking at has collapsible handles.

Other than that, your best bet is to check the specifications of the mower you’re looking to buy, and physically measure out how much space it will take up in the shed. This helps visualise the situation, as some mowers may be much larger than you think!

Choosing the Right Starting Mechanism For You

Some of the best petrol mowers have an electric start to ensure they start reliably every time. Mowers with an electric start have rechargeable batteries to support this mechanism, so you will have to remember to charge this. Most also have a standard pull-start as well, in case the battery isn’t charged.

Other petrol lawn mowers can have an automatic choke, which makes sure the engine receives the right balance of fuel and air, for reliable starting.

Finally, there is the more ‘traditional’ way of starting a petrol engine: priming and pulling. Generally, you will need to press the priming bulb slowly around three times to deliver fuel to the carburettor, then pull the starting cord to get the engine going.

READ NEXT: How to Start a Petrol Lawn Mower

Choosing a Petrol Lawn Mower with the Right Cutting Settings

Petrol lawn mowers have a variety of cutting heights usually measured in millimetres. These vary between models and some petrol mowers cut lower than others.

You may wish to check how close a shave your mower can give, especially if you want a bowling-green finish to your lawn. Most of the time it’s easy to change the cutting height setting using a simple lever. Although, very occasionally, mowers have a more complicated mechanism so it’s a good idea to check.

Equally, if you’re not as worried about having a lot of height choices, you can find a mower with less height-cutting range and it may work out cheaper.

For more information on cutting heights, check out this guide on what height you should cut your grass.

How to Fuel Your Petrol Lawn Mower

Always use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer and ensure it is fresh. Unleaded petrol goes stale after three months and your mower will be more difficult to start with old fuel.

If your mower has a two-stroke engine, the motor oil will need to be mixed in with the fuel. If it has a four-stroke engine, there will be a separate compartment for the oil.

Again, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine. With two-stroke engines the ratio of fuel to oil tends to be 40:1.

If using a four-stroke petrol mower, check the oil level before every use and top it up if necessary.

READ NEXT: What Oil to Use in a Petrol Lawn Mower

Cleaning and Mulching: Accessories You May Want

Some petrol lawn mowers include additional features such as a mulching plug and/or cleaning accessories.

A mulching plug will shred the clippings into tiny pieces before discharging them onto your lawn. This helps to fertilise your lawn and maintain moisture. This is an especially good feature if you often cut long grass which would go sodden and brown if left on the lawn without mulching.

If a petrol lawn mower has a hose attachment then cleaning the underside deck becomes much easier. This makes it possible to simply hook up a hose in order to flush out and clean the cutting deck.

It’s essential to regularly clean your petrol mower if you are going to get many years of use out of your machine. As a result, a mower with a hose attachment makes the process of cleaning much simpler.

How to Maintain & Look After Your New Petrol Mower

Despite lasting for many years, most petrol lawn mowers require occasional repairs. Check that the brand you choose has spare parts available. Take note of the following suggestions to keep your mower in good shape after each use:

  • Check all bolts and screws regularly to make sure they are not loose or missing. Check the wheels to make sure they are not loose or wobbly.
  • Clean the underside of the mower after each use with water; grass cuttings left on the metal parts may damage them. When cleaning and checking the machine deck, always lift the mower up from the front. Turning the mower on its side can allow fuel to flow into the air filter. This will cause difficulty in starting and excessive smoke.
  • Clean the cutting blades of your machine regularly and have them sharpened or replace them as necessary.
  • Clean the grass bag or box. If this becomes clogged it may block air flow or cause poor collection.
  • If your mower is self-propelled check the drive belt regularly. Take off the belt cover, remove grass and debris and check that the drive belt is in good order and properly adjusted.
  • Check the air filter and spark plugs and clean or replace if necessary.
  • Check the oil regularly and fill it up if it’s running low.

READ NEXT: Why Your Petrol Lawn Mower Keeps Cutting Out

A Word About Routine Servicing

Petrol lawn mowers need regular servicing, much like a car, to keep them working well for years. You can do this yourself or have someone do it for you. Many lawnmowers offer a 3-year guarantee, so this is worth looking out for.

Storage Advice

Firstly, as mentioned above, you don’t want to spend hours choosing the best mower only for it not to fit in your shed.

Folding handles help with storage, and measuring out a space for the lawn mower before you buy it can be invaluable.

When winter comes, and it’s time to store your mower, drain the fuel from the tank or run the engine to burn off any remaining fuel.

Always store the mower on a level surface. Do not lean it against a wall or hang it from a hook – this may cause oil to seep into unwanted parts of the engine.

Petrol Lawn Mower FAQs

Petrol lawn mowers require clean, fresh, unleaded petrol (unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise).

If the fuel is more than three months old it will likely have gone stale. Stale fuel doesn’t easily combust, and the machine will not work as well.

Check the ethanol content of the fuel. Fuel with an ethanol content of up to 10% is ok to use, but some fuels contain 15% ethanol which should be avoided.

READ NEXT: Can You Use e10 Petrol in a Lawn Mower?

Most standard models have a fuel capacity of 1 L.

How quickly this is used up will depend on several factors: how often you use the mower, how powerful it is, and what settings you have it on.

Once you have used your mower a few times, you should have a good idea about how quickly it uses fuel. It may be a good idea to fill it with only as much fuel as necessary (and a little extra), instead of fully filling the tank each time, to avoid leaving fuel in the tank that could go stale.

Unlike electric mowers, there are several steps to using and maintaining your petrol lawn mower.

You can routinely service your mower yourself, or take it to a professional to do it for you. Routine servicing includes things like filter and oil changes. If you choose to take your machine to a professional, book your service at the end of the season is a good idea as dealers can be very busy in spring.

You should clean your petrol lawnmower after every use to avoid damage from grass clippings built-up. In particular, make sure that the deck of the mower is clear of debris.

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