The Best Petrol Lawn Mowers: Quality for Every Budget

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Updated:3/20/2023

While electric, cordless, and even robotic lawn mowers are becoming more popular, there is always a place for a good petrol lawn mower. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best petrol mowers, explain what to look for when making your investment in the best petrol lawn mower, and take you through the details of the best non electric lawn mowers to buy now. 

Our TOP Picks

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Best Petrol Lawn Mowers

Here are our top picks for the best petrol lawn mower models available right now. 

  1. Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower
  2. Hyundai 16″/40cm 79cc Petrol Lawnmower
  3. Einhell GC-PM 40/1 Petrol Lawnmower
  4. Yard Force 40cm Hand Push Petrol Lawnmower
  5. Sprint 2691794 4 
  6. Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower 20SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
  7. NEXUS NX42SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
  8. RocwooD Petrol Lawn Mower

Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower 

Best for Ease of Use
Mountfield HP41 Petrol Lawnmower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 123cc 
  • Weight: 19kg
  • Cut width: 39cm 
  • Cut height: 20 to 70mm
  • Grass Box: 40L

Do you have a small garden, 250m² or less? If so the HP41 is a good option to consider. We gave it the top spot for the best petrol lawn mower overall. 

 It is compact and lightweight making it easy to move around. The HP41 starts with ease and has a 123cc engine, more than enough power for a smaller garden. 

You get a range of five cutting positions from 25 to 70mm so you can achieve the perfect height for your needs. 

Mountfiled has a good reputation and most users are happy with the aftersales service. It is a robust and reliable petrol lawnmower with a 40L grass collecter which should be fine for smaller gardens. Some people, however, would prefer a bit more power. 

Pros:

  • Light and easy to move
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable to use
  • Easily adjustable cutting height
  • Good aftersales service
  • Easy to start

Cons:

  • Not the largest grass collector
  • Not self-propelled

Hyundai 16″/40cm 79cc Petrol Lawnmower

Best For Small Gardens
Hyundai 16"/40cm 79cc Petrol Lawnmower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 79cc
  • Weight: 19kg
  • Cut width: 40cm
  • Cut height: 25 to 75mm
  • Grass Box: 40L

Also light and nimble, yet surprisingly tough, is this option from Hyundai. It takes the top spot as the best petrol mower for small gardens.

 It weighs in at a mere 19kg and is a breeze to operate. The engine capacity is only 79cc so if you have slopes or need to cut long or wet grass, it might not have as much power as you want. For a flat patch of lawn, it is a winner. 

The cutting width is 40cm, it is easy to start and does not guzzle fuel. This makes it economical to use and also means less noise than a larger petrol engine. 

The 40L grass bag makes cleaning up quick and easy. There are 6 height options from 25 to 75mm for a lush perfect lawn all year round. The foldable handles and light compact design make it easy to store when not in use. 

It comes with a 3-year warranty for domestic use. This mower offers good value for money in its class. The safety features are good including Operator Presence Control (OPC). Setting up could not be easier and it comes with everything you need to get going. 

Pros:

  • Light
  • Value for money
  • Starts with ease
  • Good safety features 
  • Decent warranty
  • Easy to store
  • Economical to run

Cons: 

  • Could do with a bit more power in some gardens

Einhell GC-PM 40/1 Petrol Lawnmower 

Best For Reliability
Einhell GC-PM 40/1 Petrol Lawnmower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 79.8cc
  • Weight: 17.1kg 
  • Cut width: 40cm
  • Cut height: 25 to 60mm
  • Grass Box: 45L

A solid and reliable option for small to medium lawns up to 800 m² is the GC-PM 40/1 Petrol Lawnmower by Einhell. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this model and it should last you many years if well-maintained. 

Despite only having an engine capacity of just under 80ccs, it delivers 1.2kW with a high RPM (revolutions per minute) The 4-stroke engine handles well. It is a walk-behind petrol lawn mower.

You only get three height options ranging from 30 to 60mm and the cut width is 40cm. The grass container is a durable textile design and has a 45L capacity. For convenience, it has a level indicator so that you when it is time to empty. 

This is also one of the best budget petrol lawn mower options on the market.

Pros:

  • Reliable and dependable
  • Durable
  • Decent power
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Only three height adjustment options
  • Not ideal for steep banks 

Yard Force 40cm Hand Push Petrol Lawnmower GM R40

Best For Comfort
Yard Force 40cm Hand Push Petrol Lawnmower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 127cc
  • Weight: 22kg
  • Cut width: 40cm
  • Cut height: 25 to 75mm
  • Grass Box: 45L 

One of the features that stand out on the Yard Force 127cc Mower is comfort. It is ergonomically designed and has soft grip handles. The power is decent at 127cc and this is a popular choice for lawns up to 400m².

It is an easy-start petrol lawn mower and is easy to operate. The cutting height is easy to adjust through five options from 25 to 75mm. The mower comes with a 45L grass bag. 

Pros:

  • Good power 
  • Simple height adjustment with five options
  • Comfortable ergonomic design 
  • Economical to run

Cons:

  • Some found the instructions confusing 
  • A few complaints about the durability of the housing
  • Requires 1 Lithium Ion battery 

Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Self-Propelled
Sprint 2691794 420SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 125cc
  • Weight: 25.2kg
  • Cut width: 42cm
  • Cut height: 28 to 92mm
  • Grass Box: 60L

There is a lot to appreciate about this model. Firstly, it is self-propelled. That means less effort for the user. It also has a tough alloy steel casing so can handle a few knocks. The cutting width is a generous 42cm making quick work of your lawn,

The engine is a Briggs & Stratton which is known for reliability and performance. The mower comes with a 2-year warranty. 

Another handy feature is that you can choose between the large 60L grass bag or use the rear discharge setting. The cutting height is easy to adjust and you have 6 options for the perfect finish. 

It is adjustable and comfortable with an ergonomic design. It also folds away for ease of transport and storage. The mower comes with a 2-year warranty. It wins top honours for the best petrol self propelled lawn mower.

Pros:

  • Self-propelled
  • Quality motor
  • Durable metal deck
  • Decent cut width 
  • Adjustable handle 
  • Easy to store 
  • Large grass bag 

Cons:

  • Wheel height adjustment can be tricky
  • On the heavy side 
  • Limited height adjustment options 
  • On the expensive side 

Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower

Best Lightweight
Murray EQ200 Petrol Lawn Mower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 125cc
  • Weight: 22.2kg 
  • Cut width: 41cm
  • Cut height: 28 to 92mm
  • Grass Box: 60L

The Murray EQ200 also comes with a quality Briggs & Stratton engine that offers power and reliability. 

The handles are also adjustable and comfortable to use. It folds away well making it easy to store. 

There are 6 cut height options giving you a good range according to your needs. 

The warranty is 2 years for consumer use. Oil (0.5 4-stroke SAE30) needs to be purchased separately before use. 

Pros:

  • Reliable engine
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable
  • Easy to store
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Slightly more expansive than comparable options 

NEXUS NX42SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Best For a Medium Lawn
NEXUS NX42SP Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 125cc
  • Weight: 25.2kg
  • Cut width: 41cm
  • Cut height: 6 options 
  • Grass Box: 60L

Self-propelled always makes cutting the lawn a bit easier and the NX42SP by Nexus fits the bill. Coupled with a reliable and quality Briggs & Stratton engine as well as an alloy steel build, this mower should last you many years. For small to medium lawns, you can’t go wrong. 

This mower has a 41cm cutting width with an option of a grass collector or rear discharge. With six cutting height options you can find the ideal length according to the season and your taste. It is easy to change with the lever system. 

The handle can also be adjusted it is a comfortable machine to operate. It comes with a 2-year warranty. The grass box is a large 60L so this means fewer trips to empty it. 

Pros:

  • Self-propelled
  •  Good engine
  • Large grass collection box
  • Great durability 
  • Comfortable 
  • Six cut height options 

Cons:

  • A bit heavy 

RocwooD Petrol Lawn Mower Self-Propelled 41cm 

Best for Power
RocwooD Petrol Lawn Mower Self Propelled
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Key Features:

  • Engine size: 132cc
  • Weight 
  • Cut width: 41cm
  • Cut height: 25 to 75mm
  • Grass Box: 45L

You will get plenty of power from the 132cc RockwooD 41cm mower. It is self-propelled to make life even easier. The alloy steel ensures a robust construction that will give you years of mowing. It has a 4cm cut width giving you speed and accuracy. 

It boasts an impressive choice of seven cutting height options, from 25 to 75mm. The grass box is 45L so more than enough for most small gardens. The design is compact and the handles fold back. This allows for easy storage.

Pros:

  • Self-propelled 
  • Easy to move
  • Durable build 
  • Seven cutting height options 

Cons:

  • Some found the speed options a bit slow

How to Buy the Best the Best Petrol Mowers

When deciding on the best petrol lawn mower, there are a few important considerations: 

Engine capacity

This is essentially the power of the lawnmower. Now, while a small flat garden might not need much power, the more the better. Long grass, wet grass, and inclines all require more power. Never make the mistake of underestimating the amount of power you need. 

It is measured in CC or Cubic Centimeters. The larger is naturally more powerful.

Weight

Petrol lawn mowers are heavier than corded electric mowers and certainly heavier than cordless mowers. This is not necessarily a problem as many are easy to operate. If you have steep slopes you will be grateful for the power of a petrol mower. Slopes can always be landscaped for a dramatic look that does not need mowing. 

If weight is a concern, you might want to consider a hover mower

Self-propelled or Push

This will depend on the size of the lawn, the weight of the machine, and the person using it. Lawn mowers designed for larger gardens tend to be heavier to pack in more power and durability. For a small flat garden, a compact light model without this feature is easy enough to use. 

If it is used by someone with decreasing strength then a self-propelled model will be a better idea. It will save some of the hard work. 

Cut width

Cut width is a trade-off between cutting speed and agility. A larger cut width will cut a larger lawn faster while a smaller one will be more accurate. Base your decision on the size of your lawn area. 

Cut height

As the seasons change and weather patterns differ, how often you water and your cutting height needs might also change. It will also depend on the health of your lawn and the type of grass you use. 

Durability

One of the major advantages of petrol lawn mowers is that they tend to be tougher than their corded and cordless counterparts. The power of a petrol engine allows you to operate the machine with a similar effort. 

Many are made of steel alloy which can handle a bit more than a plastic deck. That being said, there are many models in all categories that have durable plastic casing. 

Maintenance

The one downside of petrol lawn mowers is that they need a bit more maintenance than the electric or cordless options. It is not a major task but the mower will need a service from time to time.

Warranty

A decent warranty is a sign that the company behind the mower has faith in its equipment. It will give you peace of mind should something go wrong.

Grass box

A grass box will save you from raking up after mowing. Invest in a lawn mower with sufficient capacity for the size of your lawn. This will save you a bit of time and effort.

Mulching Feature

Many lawn mowers include a mulching feature. This cuts the leaf blades finely and they can be left on the lawn surface. Over time they break down creating a natural fertiliser. 

This will enrich the soil for a lush verdant lawn. It is eco-friendly and saves time and money. You might want to consider a petrol lawn mower with mulcher functionality. 

Petrol Lawn Mower with Electric Start

This is a nice feature to have and saves a bit of effort. Most quality modern lawn mowers use a recoil start and start easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While researching and evaluating the best petrol mowers we came across a few FAQs that you might be wondering about yourself. 

Electric or Petrol Lawn Mower?

Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Electric

Pros:

  • Less expensive
  • Relatively quiet 
  • Easy to maintain

Cons: 

  • Generally less power than petrol
  • The cord gets in the way and restricts movement

Petrol

  • More power, especially for slopes, wet or long grass
  • Great freedom of movement
  • Generally more durable
  • Often options for a rear roller for striped lawns
  • Some are self-propelled making them easy to operate

Cons:

  • Can be a bit more expensive
  • A bit more noise
  • Some maintenance required 
  • The cost of petrol needs to be considered 

How to service a petrol lawn mower

 The first thing you want to do is read the manual that comes with your machine. While the basics are the same on all petrol lawn mowers some aspects are slightly different. 

Using the correct tool, remove the spark plugs and inspect them. This will also ensure your safety while you complete the service. Clean the plugs and replace them when the service is complete. If they are corroded or in poor condition, it is best to replace them. 

Drain the remaining petrol in the tank. This should be done monthly and especially before storing the lawn mower in the colder months when not in use. 

Drain the engine oil.

Clean the entire machine are remove all grass and debris that may be clogging it up. This should be done after every mow. The areas where the mower takes in air are especially important to keep clean so pay attention to these areas.

Check all nuts and bolts, handles, wheels, and any other connections. Tighten where necessary. Inspect the air filters, clean them, and replace them if they are clogged or have started to perish. Ensure the blades are sharp and replace them if necessary. 

Replace the oil and be sure to check it is at the correct level. Refer to the instruction manual to confirm the ideal oil for your machine. 

Replace the fuel with fresh and correct fuel. 

What oil do I need for my petrol lawn mower?

Most 4-stoke petrol engines use SAE 30 oil. You can also use SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30 synthetic oils. They are a bit more expensive but last longer and improve protection as well as performance. 

Will My Lawn Mower Run on e10 Petrol?

Most petrol mowers are more than happy with E10 petrol as well as unleaded E5, 95, and 98. What you want to avoid is any petrol that has more than 10% ethanol. 

Where to buy petrol for a lawn mower?

Most domestic lawn mowers use simple unleaded petrol. The larger industrial mowers often use diesel. You can purchase fuel from your regular petrol station. 

Two-stroke machines use the same fuel as four-stroke machines but remember you will need to add oil to the fuel according to the instruction manual. 

How Long Can You Leave Petrol in a Lawn Mower?

Most manufacturers recommend that you replace the fuel every month. If you store the lawn mower for the winter months, it is best to drain the fuel and replace it with fresh fuel when you start to use it again. Adding a fuel stabilizer will increase the time you can leave fuel in the lawn mower but if you plan correctly this should not be necessary. 

What Is the Ideal Cutting Width?

You want to get the correct size for your garden. Here are the suggestions:

  • 300m2 or less 40 to 42cm
  • 600m2 49cm
  • 1000m2 56cm

If you have an intricate garden a smaller blade will be more acute. While it might take a bit longer to cut the results will be neater. 

For very large gardens, you might want to consider a petrol ride on lawn mower.

Conclusion

Deciding on the best petrol lawnmower can be a daunting task. We have explained the important factors to consider before making your investment. 

Look at the power, cutting width, weight, and other features to find the one that is best for your needs and your garden. Provided you get the correct size for your garden, you can’t go wrong with any of our best petrol lawn mower recommendations. 

We trust that you found that enlightening. Please drop us a line if you have any questions or comments. 

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    Article by Charl Jooste

    Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.

    Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.

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