Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 19, 2024
Are you dead tired of dragging a heavy lawn mower around your backyard? Hang in there! A self-propelled lawn mower is ready to succor. ...Read more
PROS

The engine comes equipped with an Overhead Value technology and that is a feature that will greatly prolong the service life of the engine and the mower itself. In addition to your regular recoil pull start setup, the model also utilises an electric key start option that will allow you to save some time and effort with its sheer convenience. The machine also incorporates four different cutting options.

CONS

The device is a bit heavy so you might have a hard time controlling it at first. 

OUR VERDICT

The Hyundai HYM46SPE Self-Propelled Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower is one of the most remarkable options on the market. If you're not the kind to shy away from spending a few additional pounds, there's no other model out there that will be able to offer you quite as much in terms of power and control over the entire process.

detailed parameters
Engine power / displacement

159cc 4-stroke OHV petrol engine

Starting

Key electric and Recoil pull start with CDI ignition system

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Cutting width

460 mm

Cutting height

25mm to 75mm (7 positions)

Grass bag capacity

70L, Polyester bag with hard top

Usability

Fill level Indicator, Height-adjustable soft-grip handle (Foldable)

Extras

Operator Presence Control, 4-in-1 cutting options, Garden hose connector

Diameter of wheels

Front - 200mm, Rear - 250mm

Speed

1 speed

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The model offers nine different levels of central cutting height adjustment that will allow you to quickly adjust the length of the lawn from 30mm to 80mm with nothing but a single lever. The powder-coated sheet steel housing of this model isn't just robust and reliable but also adds just a touch of chic and style in order to brighten up what is otherwise a fairly boring activity.

CONS

Some users find it to be a tad too loud. 

OUR VERDICT

The Einhell GC-PM 46 S Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is an attractive model that has quite a lot going for it, but the biggest advantage is, without a doubt, the sort of flexibility it offers that will allow virtually any customer out there to enjoy all of the benefits of this versatile product.

detailed parameters
Engine power / displacement

139cc 4-stroke petrol engine

Starting

Recoil pull start

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Cutting width

460 mm

Cutting height

30mm to 80mm (9 positions)

Grass bag capacity

50L, Polyester bag

Usability

Fill level Indicator, Height-adjustable handle (Foldable)

Extras

QuickStart™ technology

Diameter of wheels

Front - 178mm, Rear - 204mm

Speed

1 speed

Warranty

2 years

PROS

This self-propelled petrol lawn mower features a robust powder coated steel body that, in addition to the McCulloch's superior design and technologies, will do its part to ensure that the model will be able to serve you for years to come. It also comes fully assembled and ready to work, so you won't have to waste your time doing it yourself.

CONS

The fuel efficiency could use some improvement. 

OUR VERDICT

The McCulloch M46-110R Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is the kind of model you could easily recommend to people looking for a reliable machine that will make the cutting process as fast and easy as possible.

detailed parameters
Engine power / displacement

110cc 4-stroke petrol engine

Starting

Recoil pull start

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Cutting width

460 mm

Cutting height

30mm to 80mm (6 positions)

Grass bag capacity

50L, Polyester bag

Usability

Height-adjustable handle (Foldable)

Extras

N/A

Diameter of wheels

Front - 190mm, Rear - 210mm

Speed

1 speed

Warranty

2 years (product registration required)

PROS

The mower can also be used without the collector if you wish to leave the cuttings. The model also features just about 20 kilograms in weight, meaning that you won't have to drag a massive, heavy machine around your relatively small backyard. The engine is quiet and efficient in terms of fuel consumption. 

CONS

The cutting width is somewhat underwhelming. 

OUR VERDICT

If you don't happen to live in a large mansion with thousands of acres of land, you don't really need the most powerful option out there. What you do need, however, is a model like the Mountfield SP414 Petrol 4-Wheel Self-Propelled Rotary Lawnmower that will provide you with everything required in order to take care of your yard.

detailed parameters
Engine power / displacement

100cc 4-stroke petrol engine

Starting

Recoil pull start

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Cutting width

390 mm

Cutting height

25mm to 70mm (5 positions)

Grass bag capacity

40L, Canvas bag

Usability

Height-adjustable handle (Foldable)

Extras

Operator Presence Control

Diameter of wheels

Front - 175mm, Rear - 175mm

Speed

1 speed

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Similar to the majority of high-end self-propelled lawn mowers, this one comes with a rear-wheel drive that enables energy-saving and continuous lawn care. The cutting system features 2 different functions: the first one collects all of that grass in a 50-litre grass collection bag and the second one discharges all of that grass from the rear, which is a great option for those who recycle.

CONS

The grass bag is made of subpar materials. 

OUR VERDICT

The WEBB R41SP Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is one of those models that will be able to satisfy the kind of customers looking for an affordable product that, despite the conservative price, will be able to provide enough power and convenience to take care of a medium-sized lawn with effortless ease.

detailed parameters
Engine power / displacement

118cc 4-stroke petrol engine

Starting

Recoil pull start

Drive

Rear-wheel drive

Cutting width

410 mm

Cutting height

25mm to 60mm (7 positions)

Grass bag capacity

50L, Polyester bag

Usability

Height-adjustable handle (Foldable)

Extras

N/A

Diameter of wheels

Front ~ 170mm, Rear ~ 200mm

Speed

1 speed

Warranty

2 years

Pull the Key

The Hyundai HYM46SPE Self-Propelled Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower is one of those models that don't really have a bunch of shortcomings. The only real disadvantage of this product is its price. But if you're willing to pay a few hundred pounds to keep your lawn clean and pristine, there are very few options out there that could rival the mower from Hyundai. Power, performance, and all types of conveniences are there for those that truly care about what their yard looks like.

If power is the name of your game, the model has you covered with a truly impressive 159cc 4-stroke petrol engine. While it should go without saying that this sort of motor will be able to deal with any kind of grass with absolute ease, it should also be mentioned that the said engine comes equipped with an Overhead Value technology and that is a feature not to be underestimated when it comes to prolonging the service life of the engine and the mower itself. By the way, in addition to your regular recoil pull start setup, the model also utilises an electric key start option that will allow you to save some time and effort with its sheer convenience. And if convenience is what you're looking for, you would be hard-pressed to find a model with a more thought-out design.

You're the One in Charge

Though convenience is a rather vague term that could include a number of things that have little to do with one another, there just isn't a better word to describe how every little detail seamlessly falls into place in this self-propelled petrol lawn mower. Think about it: the model comes equipped with a self-charging battery that works only when the lawn mower is running in order to stay fully charged, the self-propelled feature is incredibly easy to utilise thanks to a handlebar lever that incorporates a soft grip foam handle, and the Central Height Adjustor will allow you to have full control over the entirety of the process.

Speaking of control, this flexible product includes four different cutting options that will allow you to cut and collect, cut and drop, cut and mulch, or cut and side discharge. And in case you aren't quite sure what the third option is for, let's just say that the mulching one will prove to be immensely useful for dry, lean lawns as it helps to retain moisture. Having said all of that, there are still a lot of interesting or simply noteworthy things about this product, but we're running out of time here and we wouldn't want to bore you with the details. Though we can't really wrap this thing up before at least mentioning one of the largest grass collectors with a 70L capacity, a fill level indicator that will be able to demonstrate how full the latter collector is, and a garden hose connector that will allow you to easily clean your deck, thus prolonging the lifespan of your self-propelled lawn mower. All things considered, the Hyundai HYM46SPE Self-Propelled Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower is one of the most remarkable options on the market. If you're not the kind to shy away from spending a few additional pounds, there's no other model out there that will be able to offer you quite as much in terms of power and control over the entire process.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01DM4W4F4

Flexibility Is Where It's At

It should go without saying that people have different lawns that vary not just in size but also in terms of terrain, the sort of grass that grows on it, and all of the additional details that may or may not matter when it comes to purchasing the right lawn mower. Of course, certain models are versatile and flexible enough in order to negate the majority of these differences and provide just about any customer with a product that suits his needs. As you might imagine, there aren't a whole lot of lawn mowers out there that could fit this description, and there are even less of those that'd be able to do it as well as Einhell GC-PM 46 S Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower does.

As we have already mentioned, every individual has different kind of grass that grows in his backyard, and that means that a truly flexible lawnmower has to be able to adjust to a large variety of different heights. Fortunately enough, that is where the model in question shines most, offering nine different levels of central cutting height adjustment that will allow you to quickly adjust the length of the lawn from 30mm to 80mm with nothing but a single lever. Speaking of the handle, it isn't just height adjustable and ergonomic but also foldable, meaning it can easily be stored in order to save some space.

Style Is Never Out of Style

Setting the elements that make this self-propelled petrol lawn mower so flexible aside for a moment, we would like to direct your attention toward something that is slightly more obvious and still underappreciated in the eyes of certain customers. Naturally, we're talking about the looks. Though arguably not the most important aspect there is, the powder-coated sheet steel housing of this model isn't there just to make it robust and reliable but also to add just a touch of chic and style in order to brighten up what is otherwise a fairly boring activity.

In terms of performance, the lawn mower at hand is not the one to trail behind either, incorporating a one-cylinder four-stroke engine that generates a high torque, all while a disengageable rear-wheel drive ensures continuous work. And as far as the process of cleaning is concerned, the manufacturers made sure to provide the model with a fairly spacious 50-litre textile grass bag that comes with a level indicator so that you could determine at a single glance when is the right time to empty the bag. Finally, the last thing we would like to mention is, ironically enough, the starter cable that is located on the handle in order to make sure that reaching it won't present any challenges whatsoever. All in all, the Einhell GC-PM 46 S Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is an attractive model that has quite a lot going for it, but the biggest advantage is, without a doubt, the sort of flexibility it offers that will allow virtually any customer out there to enjoy all of the benefits of this versatile product.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £400.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00TIQVPAQ

Now That's What We Call Durable

A self-propelled lawnmower is one of those tools that combines the sort of control over the process that a regular push mower offers with the kind of convenience that could often rival the ride-on types. With that said, since we're talking about a machine that is essentially an advanced gardening tool, it's no surprise that so many customers all over the world choose models like McCulloch M46-110R Petrol Rotary Lawnmower, given that this is a product from one of those companies that don't waste their customer's money on unnecessary features and instead focus on arguably the most important elements - durability and convenience.

Speaking of the former, this self-propelled petrol lawn mower features a robust powder coated steel body that, in addition to the McCulloch's superior design and technologies, will do its part to ensure that the model will be able to serve you for years to come. And, moving on to something that combines the aforementioned superior design and conveniences, we would be remiss not to note that the lawn mower comes fully assembled and ready to work, so you won't have to waste your time with a bunch of power tools trying to put the whole thing together before Christmas. Now, that's not all there is in terms of design since any self-propelled lawn mower requires a handle and this one incorporates a foldable structure that will allow you to save some space in your garage when the job is done and it's time to store the product.

Impressive Cutting Width

Of course, any model that the manufacturers claim to be durable wouldn't be worth its salt if it didn't come equipped with a reliable and powerful engine to deliver the sort of performance that would befit a truly durable case. And even though the product may not have the most impressive motor out there, what it offers is a high-performance 110cc engine that will be able to provide more than enough power for some of the toughest mowing tasks. And since some of those mowing tasks may involve grass of different size, the team of experts at McCulloch made sure to implement six different cutting height positions from 30mm up to 80mm.

Now, there are still a few things worth mentioning before we wrap this review up. One of them is a cutting width of 460 mm that will allow you to spend less time mowing your lawn even if the said lawn is far from being small. A 50-litre grass collector that comes with the model isn't the most impressive option out there, obviously, but it get's the job done. To sum all of it up, the McCulloch M46-110R Petrol Rotary Lawnmower is the kind of model you could easily recommend to people looking for a reliable machine that will make the cutting process as fast and easy as possible.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01AAF87IG

Enough to Keep Your Backyard Clean

If you don't live in a castle with thousands of acres of land, there's a good chance you don't really need a lawn mower that features the most absurdly powerful engine or the one that comes with a 100-litre bag. On the contrary, what you need is a model that offers just enough firepower to handle your yard and a sufficient number of features and conveniences to make that process as comfortable and effortless as possible. And, suffice it to say, the Mountfield SP414 self-propelled petrol lawn mower might just be exactly what you ought to be looking for.

Now, there are a few things that make this model more than suitable for your average household with a small to medium-sized lawn. First off, the mower features just about 20 kilograms in weight, meaning that you won't have to drag a massive, heavy machine around your relatively small backyard. Following in the footsteps of the model itself, the 100cc 4-stroke petrol engine will also be able to offer just enough power to handle all sorts of grass but not too much of it, so you won't have to deal with all of the downsides of a powerful engine like the noise and the lackluster fuel efficiency. As the manufacturer put it: "This great little mower is a joy to use and extremely economical to run." And, quite frankly, we cannot disagree with that statement.

Years of Service

Of course, just because we're talking about a model that does not feature the most powerful motor or some of the most bleeding edge technologies doesn't mean that this Mountfield self-propelled petrol lawn mower can afford to be wobbly and unreliable. On the contrary, a model like that is often only as good as its chassis, and that is precisely why the people behind this product have installed a polypropylene chassis featuring the familiar to their clients 'Mountfield Red' design. Suffice it to say, the model will be able to provide you with years of service, all while keeping the aforementioned small to medium-sized lawns lush, neat, and tidy.

By the way, going back to the engine for a moment, we probably would be remiss not to mention that the latter is incredibly easy to start, with a standard recoil rope system that is as simple and reliable as it gets. We also did point out earlier that the model will be more than suitable for smaller sized lawns and that is exactly where three height adjusters that incorporate five different pre-set cutting positions come in with heights ranging from 25mm to 70mm. Finally, another nice little feature is the fact that the mower can also be used without the collector if you wish to leave the cuttings. So, to put it differently, if you don't happen to live in a large mansion with thousands of acres of land, you don't really need the most powerful option out there. What you do need, however, is a model like the Mountfield SP414 Petrol 4-Wheel Self-Propelled Rotary Lawnmower that will provide you with everything required in order to take care of your yard.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B007Y5ZJEG

Better Than You'd Expect

Shopping on a tight budget can be a bit of a nightmare, there's just no two ways about it. Your choices are limited and, sooner or later, you're often forced to settle for a subpar product that doesn't meet the majority of your requirements. Nevertheless, sometimes you're able to find exactly what you're looking for at a price range that wouldn't drain a hole in your pocket. And if what you're looking for is a tool that will help you take care of your lawn, you might want to take a look at the WEBB R41SP Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower.

As we have alluded earlier, this is one of the more affordable options on the lawn mower market. Despite that, you'll be pleasantly surprised with what the model is capable of offering. For starters, this self-propelled petrol lawn mower comes equipped with a 118cc 4-stroke petrol engine and while that's not necessarily the most powerful engine on the market, the kind of power it offers will be more than enough to handle a medium-sized lawn with absolute ease. Your typical recoil pull start is located around the handle, providing you with the opportunity to get started without putting in too much effort. Speaking of the handle, the said part of the mower is height-adjustable, which is important given that the model features 7 different cutting positions ranging from 25mm to 60mm in order to match the sort of grass the customers may have in their or their preferences. In addition to that, the handle features a soft grip with a foldable structure, so pushing the whole thing around shouldn't inconvenience you in any way and storing it in your garage will be as easy as a pie.

A Reliable Partner

A self-propelled lawn mower is, as you probably know, a machine that spends the majority of its service time outside. So, just like any other tool that has to deal with whatever mother nature might throw its way, the aspect of durability is certainly not the one you can sell short and any mower that isn't prepared to faithfully serve you for years to come wouldn't be worth its price, regardless of how much it may cost. Fortunately enough, the model in question does not suffer from a lack of durability, mostly thanks to a strong steel deck that should be able to withstand just about anything it could encounter in your yard and wheels with ball bearings that reduce the rotational friction and support radial and axial loads.

Other than that, there isn't really that much left to say about it. Similar to the majority of high-end self-propelled lawn mowers, this one comes with a rear-wheel drive that enables energy-saving and continuous lawn care. The cutting system isn't necessarily sophisticated, but it does feature 2 different functions: the first one collects all of that grass in a 50-litre grass collection bag and the second one discharges all of that grass from the rear, which is a great option for those who recycle. In conclusion, the WEBB R41SP Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is one of those models that will be able to satisfy the kind of customers looking for an affordable product that, despite the conservative price, will be able to provide enough power and convenience to take care of a medium-sized lawn with effortless ease.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01AYAASXY

What Is a Self Propelled Lawn Mower?

Everybody knows that lawns need trimming and grooming. The lawn mowers are up to cope with this job worldwide. There are several types of lawn mowers designed for specific tasks. The self-propelled lawn mowers are among them. These mowers differ from other models by self-propelling design; they just need guidance, not pushing. The range of application of self-propelled lawn mowers is rather wide and they can be used for any lawns. Still, the best they do when they cover lands from 0.25 to 1 acre.

If you need to groom a small-sized lawn, we advise considering push lawn mower or electric lawn mower. Yet, if your yard is more than 1 acre, pay attention to high-performing riding lawn mowers.

Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers

What Features to Compare

Driving features

When you choose a self-propelled lawn mower, pay your attention to driving features. Self-propelled lawn mowers may have front-wheel drives, rear-wheel drives, and four-wheel drives. So, you should pick a model based on the terrain. The four-wheel drive models are more affordable and suit the level terrains and lands with many obstacles since you can easily lift and turn such a mower by hands. The rear-wheel drive models are more appropriate for hilly lands and slopes since the rear wheels bear the centre of gravity. Such lawn mowers offer a good ground grip; however, manoeuvring is far more difficult. The four-wheel drive models are highly mobile and are able to handle various kinds of lawn. Unfortunately, such models are very few and they are more difficult to control. The manoeuvrability depends on a diameter of wheels. The large wheels surmount bumps and pits better, while the small ones allow manoeuvring between multiple obstacles. The engine power determines the type of lawn a mower can handle. The low-power lawn mowers cope with soft grass well and consume less fuel in comparison with high-performance models, while more powerful lawn mowers are capable of grinding weeds and even thin twigs without hitches.

Performance

Performance is one of the most important aspects of any lawn mower, and it depends on several parameters. The size of cutting deck defines the amount of grass you can trim per one sweep. The longer the blade is, the faster the cutting will be, though the models with shorter blades are more mobile and can mow in narrow places. The cutting height adjustment will let you pick the appropriate height for your lawn. The more capacious grass bag your lawn mower features, the longer you can work without cleaning, yet, consider that a bag full of wet grass may add weight to the unit and make its operation more complicated. Lastly, a mower travel speed will determine the amount of your time and effort required to mow your lawn.

Usability

Finally, you should pay attention to technologies and features that enhance the usability of a lawn mower. Currently, there are lawn mowers featuring electric start; their engines are started with a turn of a key, just like cars. The models equipped with a pull start are run via a recoil starter, and you should pay attention to accessories facilitating this process. The speed variability will provide a comfortable mower guidance and you won’t have to run behind. The models with adjustable handles allow for customizing their height to your needs. The rubber or foam coating on a handle provides comfort when you use a mower for a long time and prevents slipping. The foldable design of a handle allows for a convenient storage and transportation. Besides, some models feature special ports for a connection of water hoses to wash decks from grass clippings.

Did you know?

Old and Not Necessarily Gold Either

When it comes to technologies, the majority of people tend to "suffer" from the so-called baby duck syndrome, a phenomenon that makes people think that the first piece of technology they ever used in a particular field is automatically better than anything that comes after it. And even though that is a rather understandable approach, it couldn't be more wrong as far as lawn mowers are concerned. While the fact that standard lawn mowers are far less effective compared to their modern counterparts is to be expected, it should also be noted that traditional lawn mowers are also the most dangerous type of lawn mowers out there. Of course, most people might find it rather surprising, especially given that they look far more harmless in comparison to self-propelled lawn mowers or ride-on mowers, but the truth is that around 68,000 receive different kinds of injuries every year thanks to the these “harmless” lawn mowers. And given that these injuries generally tend to occur when people get too close to the traditional gas-guzzling lawn mower, most of these injuries simply wouldn't happen if people were using a different, more sophisticated piece of technology. 

What Is It With Lawn Mowers and England?

Of course, there is nothing particularly odd about the fact that the very first lawn mower was invented by Edwin Beard Budding, an Englishman from Eastington, Stroud. The man was inspired by watching a cutting cylinder at a local cloth mill. Though he did patent it in 1830, it took almost 10 additional years for an effective machine to be put into action. On the other hand, speaking of odd, there certainly is something peculiar about the fact that a lawnmower museum is an actual thing. Yeah, you heard that right, a lawn mower museum. The whole thing is called The British Lawnmower Museum and is located in Merseyside, Great Britain. As you might imagine, this peculiar enterprise is dedicated to the lawn mower, with over 300 restored exhibits of garden machinery over the last 200 years, including the ones that Prince Charles and Princess Diana used to own.

An Unusual Movie Star

If somebody were to ask you to describe a scenario that first comes into your mind when you think of lawn mowers (aside from their primary application), there's a good chance that "at the centre of a movie's attention" wouldn't be that high up on your list. Nevertheless, a lawn mower has actually received some decent screen time over the past few decades, with the most prominent example of that being "The Straight Story", a movie that was directed by the legendary David Lynch in 1999. In this film, a 73-year old farmer makes a trip from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin in order to repair the relationship with his estranged brother. And while that may not sound that far-fetched, here's where the story gets interesting. First off, the farmer in question travelled the 240-mile journey on a lawn tractor at an incredible speed of 5 miles per hour. In addition to that, the plot of the movie was actually based on a true story of Alvin Straight’s journey across Iowa and Wisconsin back in 1994.

Sources:

1. Lawn Mower, Encyclopedia.

2. Lawrence Schumacher How Lawn Mowers Work, HowStuffWorks.

3. Kimberly Myers How A Lawn Mower Works, Jacks Small Engines. September 9, 2015.

4. Kelly Burke Buying a Lawn Mower - What's the Difference? The Spruce. November 15, 2017.

5. Difference Between Electric and Gas Lawn Mowers, Difference Between.

6. Timothy Dahl How to Choose the Right Lawn Mower for Your Yard, Lifehacker. March 26, 2015.

7. Marc Lockley Buying a lawnmower: a guide, The Guardian. April 17, 2014.

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