Tackle the lawn this gardening season with the best lawnmowers of the year: ditch the fraying cable and extension leads for something a little more practical, a full-fledged petrol lawnmower is truly something to behold.
Perfect for larger gardens, petrol lawnmowers are enough to give even the most veteran gardeners a new lease on life. Tackling weeds, and the jungle that was formerly your backyard is typically a daunting, day-long challenge fraught with inconvenience, and power is at the centre of it.
The best petrol lawnmowers of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Webb WER410SP lawnmower - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best budget: Q Garden 39 cm Petrol Lawn Mower - Buy now on Currys
• Best for efficiency: Webb WER510SP 20"/51cm Lawnmower - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for power: Powerbase 149cc Petrol Lawn Mower - Buy now on Ebay
If your larger garden is in dire need of a tidy-up, don't inconvenience yourself: fetch a fantastic petrol lawnmower for a low price, and experience the drastic difference. Choosing a petrol lawnmower, however, can certainly be perilous, knowing just what to choose for you and your garden can be nothing but challenging, especially if you're new to the hobby.
Fret not, though, at What's The Best we've dug deep, and selected a sensational range of petrol lawnmowers certain to take your garden to new neatness heights. These fantastic cordless lawnmowers are a must-have in tackling the garden - gone is the inconvenience of wrestling a cable that is practically begging to be cut by the lawnmower, here to stay are powerful, petrol-fuelled lawnmowers that'll dominate your lawn-scape in record time, with no grass being too tough or troublesome to handle.
Why choose a petrol lawnmower?
If you've looked at some cordless lawnmower options and wondered why petrol lawnmowers are even still an option, you've come to the right place. Having the option to charge your lawnmower is pretty fantastic, there's no denying it: the convenience of plugging your lawnmower in before use, and not dealing with a bothersome cable is frankly brilliant.
But petrol lawnmowers excel in one regard that is tough to top with electrical power, and it's hardly shocking. Petrol lawnmowers last much longer in use than electric-powered cordless lawnmowers, lasting several hours on a full tank compared to the couple of hours you'll get in a cordless lawnmower.
What's more, petrol lawnmowers are, generally speaking, significantly more powerful than standard lawnmowers and electric cordless lawnmowers alike, giving you more cutting power than a standard lawnmower might.
The best petrol lawnmowers of 2024:
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall petrol lawnmower
![Webb WER410SP 16”/41cm Self Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/05/Webb-WER410SP-1641cm-Self-Propelled-Rotary-Petrol-Lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
A sensational all-around petrol lawnmower for practically anyone, in no small part thanks to its affordability, the Webb WER410SP 132cc lawn mower is the perfect tool for battling an overgrown garden, thick with weeds.
Loaded with a 132cc petrol engine, with a solid 0.8-litre capacity, you can expect the Webb WER410SP to cover a huge amount of ground on a single tank, it's just that good. For those seeking absolute precision whilst mowing, the Webb WER410SP has cutting height adjustment from 25-7 mm, which is a level of control rarely seen amongst moderately priced petrol lawnmowers.
Don't like the look of strewn grass atop your lawn? Catch it with the good-sized 45-litre catch bag, ideal for day-long mowing.
We categorically believe this is the best petrol lawnmower of the year, but it's not without its nagging issues. For one, we'd love for it to be a little quieter in operation: at around 95dB, you'll hear nothing but the loud whirr of the rotary blade and the thumping engine when in use, so plan your day wisely.
That being said, the Webb ER410SP is a superb choice for anyone in need of a powerful, efficient, and well-priced petrol lawnmower suitable for any gardener.
Pros
- Incredible cutting power
- Ideal for all-day cutting
- Strong adjustability
Cons
- Fairly noisy model compared to other petrol lawnmowers
Engine type: | Webb DVO130 132cc petrol engine |
Fuel capacity: | 0.8 litres |
Cutting width: | 41 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable between 25 mm to 75 mm |
Catch volume: | 45 litres |
Features: | Self-propelled, 7 cutting heights, rear discharge or collect, folding handle, single lever height adjustment |
Weight: | 26 kg |
Best budget lawnmower
![Q Garden 39cm (16") Petrol Rotary Lawn Mower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/05/q-garden-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.currys.co.uk
When it comes to petrol lawnmower shopping, deals are far and few between - so we couldn't not mention the Q Garden 39 cm lawnmower. A great choice for smaller gardens and for those who prefer to traverse their garden at their own leisure, this hand-propelled petrol lawnmower is tough and quite capable of handling its own against bushes of weeds.
Certainly one of the lightest petrol lawnmowers of the year, we love the Q Garden lawnmower's manoeuvrability, as well as its solid range of cutting height adjustability. What's more, its 132cc engine certainly isn't anything to ignore: this mighty lawnmower tackles any terrain, be it sloped or rugged, all without breaking a sweat.
Of course, lacking self-propulsion isn't ideal, hand-propelled lawnmowers aren't going to offer users the comfort of automatic movement, but at its weight, you'll hardly notice either way.
Impressively well made for its budget price, the Q Garden rotary lawn mower is a smart choice for you and your wallet.
Pros
- Excellent adjustability and catch volume for larger gardens
- Useable for hours at a time
- Lighter than most lawnmowers for easier manoeuvrability
Cons
- Hand-propelled design isn't ideal for tougher grass
Engine type: | 132cc OHV petrol engine |
Fuel capacity: | 0.8 litres |
Cutting width: | 39 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable between 25mm to 75 mm |
Catch volume: | 35 litres |
Features: | Durable poly deck design, hand-propelled |
Weight: | 18.7 kg |
Best petrol lawnmower for efficiency
![Powerbase 149cc Petrol Lawn Mower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/05/powerbase-149cc.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.ebay.co.uk
The breathtaking Powerbase 149cc petrol lawn mower: a step in the right direction for avid gardeners in search of the ultimate tool against dishevelled grass and unruly plants encroaching on your garden's borders.
Deal a quick blow to rogue flora with the mighty Powerbase 149cc, a powerful, and efficient lawn mower. Amongst its plethora of enjoyable features: its beastly 149cc engine, stocky 0.9-litre engine and self-propulsion, we particularly enjoy the Powerbase's sizeable catch bag, perfect for swift, effective gardening without any pit stops.
A showstopping lawnmower that is as powerful as it is aesthetically impressive, one detraction from its larger size is the Powerbase's loud, heavy design. More power means more engine, and it certainly has enough of it. This bigger, bulkier design is louder and heavier, making it difficult to store, and potentially bothersome to nosey neighbours, so be warned.
A true top-tier contender, the Powerbase petrol lawn mower should be your first and last stop if you enjoy efficiency in your gardening.
Pros
- Excellent wide blades for quick cutting
- A high-performance engine is fantastic for tough foliage and grass
- Self-propelled power ensures easy control
Cons
- Particularly loud and heavy
Engine type: | 149cc 4-stroke petrol engine |
Fuel capacity: | 0.9 litres |
Cutting width: | 46 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 25mm to 75mm |
Catch volume: | 55 litres |
Features: | Self-propelled |
Weight: | 28.8 kg |
Best petrol lawnmower for power
![Webb WER510SP 20"/51cm Self Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/webb-WER510SP-2051cm-self-propelled-rotary-petrol-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
The top of our list for raw power, the WEBB WER510SP is reserved for the insatiable gardener, always looking for the best way to blitz their messy lawn and bring a little order to the wild chaos of an untended garden.
A huge 1.2-litre engine, an ultrawide 51 cm cutting width, a phenomenal cutting bag, and much more: there are few things that the Webb WER510SP lacks, as far as we've seen. What might be our favourite feature, however, is the terrific 173cc engine inside, which effortlessly glides through even the toughest grassy knolls.
If that's not enough, the Webb WER510SP petrol lawn mower has mulching capabilities, so you can help feed your lawn even whilst mowing.
With an engine of its size, along with its other components, you won't be surprised to learn that this is one of the heavier designs on the market. Reaching nearly 40 kg, you won't be picking up and hauling this petrol lawn mower any time soon, so purchase with caution.
All-in-all, we love the Webb WER510SP and its raw mowing power, it's certainly one to keep an eye on this mowing season.
Pros
- High-powered 173cc engine
- High catch volume
- Impressive 1.2-litre tank
Cons
- Very heavy design isn't ideal for portability
Engine type: | Webb DVO173 173cc 4-stroke engine |
Fuel capacity: | 1.2 litres |
Cutting width: | 51 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 25 mm to 75 mm |
Catch volume: | <span style="font-size: 16px">65</span> litres |
Features: | Self-propelled, mulching, easy-start |
Weight: | 37.5 kg |
Best petrol lawnmower for mulching
![Murray Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/murray-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Murray is a trusted name amongst green-fingered gardeners, and there's no mystery as to why. Phenomenally designed to catch each and every blade of grass from the largest of sprawling gardens, the Murray self-propelled petrol lawn mower's most impressive feature must be its 65-litre catch bag and mulching capabilities.
Even with a 161 cc engine and solid adjustable cutting system, the Murray petrol lawn mower's mulching options ensure your garden will be well and truly fed after fresh mowing. Its rear and side discharging system used to distribute garden mulch is perfect for maintaining a happy, healthy garden without any blemishes.
As typical with high-end lawn mower models, the Murray self-propelled petrol lawn mower struggles somewhat with manoeuvrability and storage optionality thanks to its heavy size, which can make narrow spots in gardens almost impossible to reach. This lawn mower was designed to handle huge swathes of gardens, however, and a great hedge trimmer might be worth considering for more confined spaces.
For day-long mulching, however, Murray's ever-reliable self-propelled lawn mower is more than ideal.
Pros
- High-powered lawnmowing
- Enormous 75-litre catch volume
- Excellent mulching capabilities with rear and side discharging
Cons
- Fairly large design that's not ideal for tough-to-reach corners
Engine type: | Briggs & Stratton 750EX Series™ DOV®, 161 cc |
Fuel capacity: | 0.8 litres |
Cutting width: | 56 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 25 mm to 75 mm |
Catch volume: | 75 litres |
Features: | Self-propelled, mulching, rear discharge, side discharge |
Weight: | 34.1 kg |
Best petrol lawnmowers for narrow gardens
![Mountfield HP164 39CM 123CC hand-propelled rotary petrol lawnmower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/mountfield-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.diy.com
If you're tired of leaving tough-to-reach places to become overgrown, you're not alone: a great narrow petrol lawn mower is ideal for reaching those smaller spots and giving your garden an even, inviting look. Mountfield's SP164 has a cutting width of around 39 cm, which is smaller than most petrol-powered lawnmowers on the market this year.
This narrow cutting width gives gardeners plenty more control over smaller spaces and is less likely to cause any damage to the blades themselves whilst in use. Damage to the blades, however, are considerably less likely with the Mountfield SP164: its solid hardened steel blade is made to endure potential mistakes such as hitting rocks or mowing over choppy ground.
If we were to nitpick, we'd point out that covering a larger garden with a narrower cutting blade is going to take longer than it might on a lawn mower with a much wider blade. If you're looking for narrow cutting, then this certainly is the petrol lawn mower for you, but you've got to be prepared for some setbacks too.
A lightweight, well-designed lawn mower that'll handle smaller crevices and larger lawns alike, the Mountfield SP164 is a great choice for anyone, even those on a budget.
Pros
- Perfect narrow size for small garden spaces
- Excellent manoeuvrability
- Great value for less than £250
Cons
- Not as effective for quick lawnmowing thanks to slimmer cutting width
Engine type: | Mountfield ST120 OHV 123cc engine |
Fuel capacity: | 0.75 litres |
Cutting width: | 39 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 25 mm to 70 mm, with 5 different positions |
Catch volume: | 40 litres |
Features: | Self-propelled, polypropylene deck, hardened steel blade, folding handles |
Weight: | 19 kg |
Best ride-on lawnmower
![Mountfield MTF 98M SD Petrol Ride-on lawnmower 352cc](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/Mountfield-MTF-98M.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
A luxury few can afford, but it's nonetheless worth mentioning: why push your lawn mower when you can drive your lawn mower? This lavish petrol lawn mower is made to take on the most sprawling garden landscapes with absolute ease and precision, all the backache of wheeling a heavy lawn mower.
Gorgeously designed, comfortable and downright excellent at ploughing through tangling weeds and other pesky plants, the Mountfield MTF 98M has an unbeatable 352cc of engine power, and we can scarcely believe it. With a 6-litre fuel capacity, this bonafide vehicle is made to make short work of acres of land.
Without question, for most aspiring gardeners with trowels and gloves at the ready, the Mountfield MTF 98M SD is out of their price range and is simply unnecessary for a normal-sized garden. Yes, despite its exciting appeal, the Mountfield MTF 98M is far too expensive and large for most.
If, however, you are fortunate enough to own enough land to warrant a ride-on lawn mower, then the Mountfield MTF 98M is perhaps the best choice for you this year.
Pros
- Phenomenal lawn mower for acres of land
- Up to seven adjustable grass heights for cutting perfection
- A fantastic array of attachments, including a mulch plug
Cons
- Only suitable for very large areas of land
Engine type: | STIGA ST350 352cc single-cylinder engine |
Fuel capacity: | 6 litres |
Cutting width: | 98 cm cutting width |
Cutting height: | 25 to 80 mm |
Catch volume: | Not applicable |
Features: | Seven adjustable cutting heights, five gears, one reverse gear |
Weight: | 164 kg |
Best ride-on petrol lawnmower with rear-collect
![Feider FRT-75BS125 Compact Rear-Collect Ride-On Mower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/Feider-FRT-75BS125-Compact-Rear-Collect-Ride-On-Mower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
www.diy.com
Yet another ride-on mower, but designed with a different purpose in mind: the Feider FRT-75BS125 petrol lawn mower is perfect for those mowing large plots of land who'd prefer to either take the cuttings away, or instantly turn them into mulch to keep the grass as green as can be.
Catch up to 170 litres of grass waste in one go with this fantastic ride-on mower, beautifully designed and engineered to sweep through acres of land in one go, all from the comfort of a driver's seat. Trim your grass down to a tiny 20 mm, with up to six positions to choose from, Feider's FRT-75BS125 lawn mower is a powerful companion for all of your gardening needs.
Once again, this ride-on lawn mower is a luxury, and isn't feasible for standard-sized gardens - it's reserved for those with swathes of land to maintain, and its price isn't for the faint of heart.
If, however, you've got deep enough pockets and plenty of land to warrant such a pricey purchase, you won't find a better mulching ride-on mower at its price.
Pros
- Excellent for enormous grass-cutting collection
- Ideal for large amounts of land
- It is particularly affordable compared to other lawnmower options
Cons
- Very large and expensive
Engine type: | Briggs & Stratton 3125-Series, 340cc |
Fuel capacity: | Not specified |
Cutting width: | 76 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 20 to 90 mm, with 6 positions |
Catch volume: | 170 litres |
Features: | Bagging, mulching, rear-discharge |
Weight: | 160 kg |
Best petrol lawnmowers under £150
![FUXTEC FX-RM4180 Petrol Lawn Mower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/FUXTEC-FX-RM4180-petrol-lawn-mower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
At the other end of the price spectrum, the FUXTEC FX-RM4180 petrol lawn mower is a fraction of the cost of most mowers on the market, and scarcely sacrifices performance for it. Packed with great hardware, with a one litre fuel tank, a 45-litre catch bag, and an impressive level of adjustability, this hand-propelled lawn mower is a phenomenal buy for anyone sick and tired of battling power cords.
At 80cc, the engine of the FUXTEC FX-RM4180 certainly isn't the best - it's not going to give you the ultimate smooth glide that you might find on a more expensive model, but rest assured, mowing remains incredibly satisfying.
We particularly like the FX-RM4180's 18 kg design, perfect for easy storage and impressive hand control at a whim. A light design comparable even to the best cordless lawnmowers, the FUXTEC FX-RM4180 is a brilliant investment at a low cost.
Pros
- A solid choice for budget buyers
- High-capacity fuel tank for day-long mowing
- Great for small spaces
Cons
- Fairly low power at 80cc compared to other options
Engine type: | 4-stroke, 80 cc |
Fuel capacity: | 1 litre |
Cutting width: | 40.6 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable between 25 mm and 55 mm |
Catch volume: | 45 litres |
Features: | Collection basket, lightweight and manoeuvrable |
Weight: | 18 kg |
Best petrol lawnmower for high catch volume
![Hyundai 19"/48cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Roller Lawnmower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/Hyundai-1948cm-139cc-self-propelled-petrol-roller-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Hyundai is probably better known to you as a car manufacturer, but its engine expertise extends far beyond vehicles. Hyundai's truly special 48 cm self-propelled petrol lawn mower is tough, beautifully designed for a truly enjoyable lawnmowing experience, and highly powerful - making it the perfect companion for gardening this year.
Probably one of the only petrol lawnmowers with cupholders, this seriously luxury petrol lawnmower has everything you'll need to tackle even the trickiest lawns with ease. Strong and dependable, this 139cc petrol lawnmower has some fantastic options for shearing your garden to the millimetre, and its self-propelled design makes for easy mowing of slopes.
We'd certainly note that the Hyundai 48 cm petrol lawn mower is one of the most expensive of our list, and it's a little troubling. At 139cc, it doesn't have the most powerful engine, nor the greatest additional features, and yet it's one of the priciest.
And yet, this petrol lawnmower bursts with quality in every feature, we can't deny it. The Hyundai self-propelled petrol lawnmower is a brilliant choice for the most invested of gardeners this year and is bound to mow on till your lawn is as perfect as can be.
Pros
- Excellent array of features
- High-powered engine for handling tough foliage
- Fantastic 70-litre grass bag
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other lawnmowers
Engine type: | 139cc Hyundai 4-stroke OHV single-cylinder |
Fuel capacity: | 1 litre |
Cutting width: | 48 cm |
Cutting height: | Adjustable from 25 mm to 75 mm, with 5 different positions |
Catch volume: | 70 litres |
Features: | Self-propelled with rear roller for striped lawn effect, electric start with recoil backup, cup holders, foldable handles |
Weight: | 41.5 kg |
How do I choose the best petrol lawnmower?
![The best petrol lawn mowers](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/petrol-lawnmower.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
What is engine cc?
CC, or Cubic Capacity, is the measure of how much fuel or air can be pushed through an engine's cylinders at once: the higher the cc, the more powerful the engine.
A higher cc engine is capable of mowing through tall, tough grass a lot easier, and also offers better self-propelled control, making it much easier to mow in general.
What is mulching?
Mulch is essentially plant matter that has been finely chopped through a process called mulching and dispersed on the ground.
This process is highly beneficial for plants, as they can feed from the mulch and uptake nutrients - making your grass greener and healthier than ever before.
Though a great range of lawnmowers mulch, not all of them do: if you're interested, make sure mulching is listed as a feature before buying, it's not a given.
Self-propelled vs hand-propelled: what's the best?
Certainly a tough choice to make, the decision to buy a self-propelled or hand-propelled petrol lawnmower can be based on a number of factors:
Hand-propelled:
Hand-propelled lawnmowers are your standard lawnmower: they're light, simple and cost-effective, requiring the user to push the lawnmower manually through your garden to mow.
This cheaper option is also simpler to repair thanks to its less-complicated design, so bear that in mind when considering your lawnmower's longevity.
The downside of the hand-propelled lawnmower, however, is that it is physically exhausting, especially if you're tackling slopes and hills.
Self-propelled:
Self-propelled lawnmowers are unique in that they do not require pushing to move: simply switch them on and off they go. Being self-propelled, they're incredibly easy to use, and are perfect for larger gardens. If your lawn is sloped or hilly, controlling the lawnmower is as easy as possible: it'll easily handle tough terrain.
The downside of self-propelled lawnmowers, however, is their higher prices, heavier designs, and more expensive maintenance, all of which make the self-propelled lawnmower a slightly riskier buy.
Verdict:
Choosing between either self-propelled or hand-propelled hand lawnmowers is massively based on preference: price is a huge factor in buying a lawnmower, and for many, a hand-propelled mower is more than enough.
If price is no object, however, a self-propelled lawnmower is the choice for you, there's no denying it.
FAQs: your questions answered
![A black ride-on petrol lawn mower](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/8/2024/06/petrol-lawnmower-ride-on.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Do petrol lawnmowers need servicing?
Yes, as with anything with an engine, petrol lawnmowers require servicing: this can be done at home with the correct engine maintenance skills, or done by a professional for a moderate fee. If you plan on using your petrol lawnmower for a long time, servicing is a must.
Can petrol lawnmowers mow wet grass?
Unlike electric lawnmowers, petrol lawnmowers can be used to tackle wet grass, but it isn't recommended. Wet grass can cause damage to the metal parts of your lawnmower, leading to rust and decay over time.
What's more, mowing in wet grass can cause some serious damage to your lawn, and damage soil structure in general, it's not advised to cut whilst wet at all.
When is the best time to cut your grass?
It's best to cut your grass in the late afternoon as this gives time for the morning dew to escape from the grass, which prevents extensive lawn damage.
Spring and summer are the best times of year to mow your grass: this is when grass is constantly growing, and therefore cutting isn't going to damage it.
Ryan Houghton is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What’s The Best, known best for his expertise in gaming, with a particular soft spot for PC gaming, audio tech, televisions and smartphones.
Diligently writing for What’s The Best for almost two years, there are very few tech products Ryan hasn’t had his hands on to review; televisions, headphones, folding phones and even LEGO, if it’s nerdy, he’ll be there.
His well-versed history as one of the resident techies at What’s The Best has kept him keen to uncover the very best deals, savings and offers for those in need of a cracking deal to upgrade their setup.
In his downtime, Ryan most likely has his nose buried in a fantasy book, or his eyes glued to a screen whilst playing a tough-as-nails Soulslike or leisurely RPG, indulging in most forms of escapism where possible.
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