Table of Contents
- Which is the Best Self Propelled Petrol Mower?
- Why Buy a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
- Lawn Mower comparison
- 🥇My Top Pick Propelled Petrol Mower — Frisky Fox
- Â Technical Specification
- 🥇Best self-propelled lawn mower for large lawns: P1PE 173cc
- Â Technical Specification
- 🥉Best Self-Propelled Mower for Small Lawns — Webb R41SP
- 🏅Best Self-Propelled Mower With Roller for Stripes — Webb Supreme
- 🏅Best Cheap Self-Propelled Petrol Mower — Einhell GC-PM Lawn mower
- 🥇Most Powerful Self-propelled Petrol Mower: Hyundai 196cc
- 🏅Most Reliable Self-Propelled Mower — Honda Izy
- What you Need to Know About Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
- How to use a Self-propelled Mower
- 7 Essential Tasks for Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Maintenance
- Self-propelled mower vs riding mower vs push mower
Which is the Best Self Propelled Petrol Mower?
If you are looking for the best self-propelled lawn mower available in the UK, you have come to the right place! Click here to skip straight to the comparison.
Why Buy a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower?
If you’re tired of sweating your way around the lawn each weekend, then a self-propelled lawn mower might be just what you’re looking for: these lawn mowers take much of the effort out of mowing the lawn.
Instead of pushing, you simply walk behind – at a speed of your choice which usually ranges from slow amble to power walk.
With the extra power, there is no need to push, so you can usually get the job done faster. If you have a large lawn, self-propelled lawn mowers are often the best possible choice.
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Lawn Mower comparison
🥇 My Top Pick Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower — Frisky Fox
🥇Best Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower for Large Lawns— P1PE 173cc
🥉 Best Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower for Small Lawns — Webb R41SP
🏅Best Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower With Roller for Stripes — Webb Supreme
🏅Best Cheap Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower — Einhell GC-PM Lawn mower
🏅Most Powerful Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower – Hyundai 196cc
🏅Most Reliable Self–Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower —Honda Izy
🥇My Top Pick Propelled Petrol Mower — Frisky Fox
- 5.5HP 173cc 4 Stroke Wolf Petrol Engine with Recoil Start
- Self Propelled 20" 510mm Quad Cut 4 Blade System
- 25 - 75mm Single Lever Height Adjustment with 7 Settings
- Adjustable Speed Control
- 2 Year Warranty
There are two versions of this lawn mower  — the regular version (20″), and the One Plus with a longer blade for more cutting width.
The distinguishing feature of both lawn mowers is the ability to choose between mulching; spraying clippings back on to the lawn, collecting; putting clippings into your own bin or compost heap manually, or side discharge; where clippings are funneled out of a chute on the side.
This is useful because it allows you to accommodate various different grass conditions. To this end, cutting height is easily changed with a single adjustment.
Generally speaking, the mowers cuts well and is easy to maneuver. Should you choose to collect the clippings, it also does a darn good job–stuffing the 50 litre bag full of clippings with little unwanted grass flying everywhere. And, with decent strength it even tackles longer grass with ease.
As for build quality, this is a robust machine which does mean it is quite heavy – probably not the best mower for your infirm grandmother or sickly youth.
Other inconveniences, Â there aren’t really any. Except a few minor gripes: mainly that it isn’t the fastest of mowers, if you are someone who likes to powerwalk around the lawn in anticipation of a cool beer, then perhaps this is isnt for you.
Then again, the speeds are not unusual so shouldn’t be a problem unless you are a very fast walker. The instructions manual could also be a bit easier to decipher, but that is usually the case with such things and I suspect few will bother to read it anyway.
The other thing to bear in mind is that engine oil is not shipped with the mower (unless the deal has since changed).
You will need 600ml of semi synthetic four stroke oil to fill the mower:
- Premium Product
A solid choice of self-propelled mower. Not the fastest, not the slowest, and a little heavy, but makes up for these shortcomings with ease of use and versatility.
 Technical Specification
- Seven cutting heights between 25mm and 75mm
- 50L Grass catcher
- 5.5 Horse power, 173cc petrol 4 stroke engine
- 51 cm blade width
- Self-propelled
- 50 Litre collection box
- Rugged steel construction
- Lawn striper
- 35kg weight
- Special Features: 4 in 1 – Side Discharge, Rear Discharge, Cut & Collect and Mulching
Related: Full review of Frisky Fox mower.
🥇Best self-propelled lawn mower for large lawns: P1PE 173cc
- Briggs and Stratton Easy Start 675EXi 163cc 4 Stroke petrol engine
- 51cm cutting width ideal for medium to large sized lawns
- Self propelled rear wheel drive to take the effort out of mowing
- Simple single lever adjustment to one of 6 different cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm
- Cut and collect, cut and drop, side discharge and mulching cutting options
If you are looking for something suitable for a medium to large lawn the P1PE P5100SPBS ( a mouthful, right?!) is a worthy option. It has a powerful 163 cc 4 Stroke petrol engine from leading engine company Briggs and Stratton. This power, combined with a wide blade means it can get through larger areas with minimal hassle.
It is somewhat heavy at 38kg but the strong engine power gives it self-propelled rear-wheel drive for minimal effort. It also has an Easy start CDI ignition system making it quick and easy to get going.
There are 6 height adjustment options ranging from 25mm to 75mm for the ideal cut according to your environment and needs. Adjustment is super easy with a user-friendly control lever to select the ideal height for your requirements.
The generous 60L Polyester Grass Bag will also come in handy for larger lawns and reduce the time spent emptying out the bag. Versatility is also great and you have the option of choosing a side discharge or a mulching option. Mulching is a time-saving and cost-effective way to naturally return nutrients to the soil for a healthy and more water-wise lawn.
Durability is provided by the strong steel deck used on the P5100SPBS. A handy feature is the deck cleaning connection that allows you to connect a hosepipe for an easy and effective clean after use. Other benefits are the LO-TONE™ muffler which reduces noise, and this lawn mower also has low fuel consumption.
This is the best option for medium to large lawns. It is durable and has a powerful and reliable Briggs and Stratton engine. It is a bit on the heavy side but is still easy to maneuver thanks to the engine power. It is easy to look after and also allows for side discharge or mulching.
 Technical Specification
- 6 Cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm
- 60L Polyester Grass Bag
- 163cc 4 Stroke Briggs and Stratton quality petrol engine
- 51 cm cutting width
- Self-propelled with rear-wheel drive
- Easy start CDI ignition system
- Treated steel deck
- 378 kg weight
- LO-TONE™ muffler
- Paper air filter
- Options for side discharge and mulching
🥉Best Self-Propelled Mower for Small Lawns — Webb R41SP
- Steel Deck; Self propelled
- 2 in 1 cutting system: Rear discharge or collect
- Single lever height of cut adjustment;5 heights of cut: 20mm - 75mm
- Soft grip folding handles
- 50 Litre grass collection bag
Webb is a classic English brand. Some say it has gone off the rails in recent years, but this little mower is still a good ‘un.
Tis’ quite easy to start, and pushing it around the lawn it is light and easy to manoeuvre. All in all, a great budget option.
Value is the main draw of this self-propelled lawn mower, but it is solidly built, and cuts very well.
For longer lawns, there are  7 easily adjusted cutting heights
To the downside, there are several reports of this self-propelled lawn mower arriving broken, so make sure you give it a good once over before fueling it up and mowing. At 37kg it is also not a light mower.
All in all, this mower offers a great value for money option from a classic English brand.
🏅Best Self-Propelled Mower With Roller for Stripes — Webb Supreme
- Durable ABS Thermoplastic Deck
- Self Propelled, Padded Handlebar, Folding Handles
- 6 Height of cut settings from 23 to 77mm
- 55 Litre Grass Collection Bag, 17" Cutting Width
- Two Year Warranty, Weight 32Kg
Most self-propelled mowers don’t have rollers, making this Webb self-propelled roller mower quite unique in that it can dress your lawn with those regal stripes without the exertion of pushing a cylinder mower.
As typical from Webb, the mower is of rugged build-quality, with a decent briggs and stratton engine giving 140cc of grunt.
Just like the frisky fox, this mower can mulch or collect the clippings, making it suitable for various different mowing scenarios.
My only concern is that the self-propelled lawn mower is a little heavy. The 140CC powerful engine is enough to speed the mower along the lawn, but at 35.7kg I would not want to lift or carry this mower.
Also, like most petrol mowers it is a little loud, which might annoy the neighbours!
Decent brand. Decent cut. But most significantly, a hard-to-find combination of striping capabilities, with self-propelled engine and mulching functionality.
🏅Best Cheap Self-Propelled Petrol Mower — Einhell GC-PM Lawn mower
- Four stroke Einhell OHV engine with one cylinder
- Disengage able rear-wheel drive
- Central cutting height adjustment, five levels
- Sturdy plastic housing for agile handling
- Extra-high rear ejector for good catching result
This stylish and hardworking lawn mower proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to have a great self-propelled lawn mower. It is highly effective, easy to use and great value for money. Cheap is perhaps the wrong word but it certainly is affordable and will give you a lot of bang for your buck.
The mower is nimble and easy to operate while delivering a precision cut. With 1.2 kW of power from the 99cc four-stroke engine, it will handle most small to medium-sized lawns and large sized lawns with ease. It is ideal for gardens up to 1,000 m².
The GC-PM 40 S-P is self-propelled with rear-wheel drive although this can be disengaged if required by the environment. At a mere 18.5 kg, it is a lightweight lawn mower making it easy to operate and a pleasure to use. The large wheels also help to make movement swift and easy even in tough conditions.
There are 5 cutting height options ranging from 25mm to 60mm. This allows you to adjust it according to the season, the type of grass and your personal requirements. It is quick and easy to adjust through the various heights.
This model has a large 50L grass catcher so you will not waste time emptying it every 10 minutes. The level indicators will keep you updated when it needs to be emptied out. Dual handles on the grass catcher make it easy to remove and empty and putting it back in place is equally easy. The handles on the GC-PM 40 S-P are ergonomically designed for comfort and fold back for easy storage or transport.
The Einhell is a lightweight effective self-propelled lawn mower for small to medium gardens. It is highly affordable and is quick and easy to use. While it lacks some advanced features it is a user-friendly option that is a breeze to operate.
Tech Spec
- 5 Cutting Heights from 25mm to 60mm
- 50L Grass catcher
- 99cc 4-stroke, OHV air-cooled engine
- 40 cm cutting width
- Self-propelled
- Lightweight durable plastic housing
- 5 kg weight
🥇Most Powerful Self-propelled Petrol Mower: Hyundai 196cc
- Hyundai 196cc 4 stroke petrol engine with low fuel consumption
- Effortless push button electric start and Recoil pull start backup
- Self propelled with 4 variable speeds and rear wheel drive to take the effort out of mowing
- Simple single lever central height adjuster - six cutting heights 25mm to 75mm to give a perfect finish
- Rear discharge side discharge collect and drop and mulching cutting options
Hyundai has a solid reputation for quality products at affordable prices. They are also known for good aftersales service which is an important factor when it comes to lawn mowers. This model comes with a 3-year warranty.
The main benefit, however, is the power of this lawn mower. It sports a 196cc 4 stroke Hyundai petrol engine. The model is self-propelled with rear-wheel drive. It provides a choice of 4 speed options to optimize it for effectiveness and ease of use according to the operator as well as the conditions. This makes it more comfortable and easier to operate. Starting is an absolute breeze with an easy electric start. For backup, it has a recoil starter which gives you added peace of mind.
An added bonus is that the engine is highly fuel-efficient making is less expensive to operate. It also does not hurt that it is one of the better-looking lawn mowers on the market. Looks are nothing without durability and the tough steel deck and general design are built to last and handle the job.
You can choose from 6 different cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm. This allows for an ideal finish throughout the year. If you wish to collect grass rather than mulch, the large 70L grass bag will make this easy and reduce the number of times you have to go and empty the bag. It is made from a durable polyester with a hard top.
Not only is this lawn mower exceptionally powerful in its class but it is well made from durable quality materials. The 4 speed options improve the ease of use and it has all the features you need to maintain a medium to large lawn in great condition with minimal hassle and effort.
Technical Specifications
- 6 Cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm
- 70L Hard top Polyester Grass Bag
- 196cc 4 Stroke petrol engine
- 42 cm cutting width
- Self-propelled with rear-wheel drive with 4 speed options
- Electric CDI ignition system
- Steel deck
- 43.8 kg weight
- 3-Year warranty
- Rear or side discharge as well as a mulching option
🏅Most Reliable Self-Propelled Mower — Honda Izy
- Self-propelled
- 41cm (16") cutting width
- Recoil start
- Steel deck
- 50l grass bag
Honda is a household name and is known for its reliable products. Their Izy HRG536SD lawn mower is no exception. Despite being a relatively lightweight lawn mower it has a long blade making it suitable for medium to large lawns.
The OHC four-stroke GCV 160cc engine delivers plenty of power and being self-propelled it will move around your garden with speed and ease. The wheels are large and sturdy which makes tricky areas or wet conditions easier to work on.
The 61L grass collection bags also help speed up the process especially on larger lawns and you also have the option to mulch or use the discharge. Mulching is environmentally friendly and will save you money while leaving your lawn healthier. It also saves you time as you mow.
Although it does not have an electric start the Honda reliability and light flywheel make the recoil starter a pleasure to use. It is padded for comfort and requires minimal effort. The automatic choke also makes it easier to start particularly when it is cold or has not been used for a while.
The cutting deck is crafted from durable pressed steel and treated to minimize the risk of rust. Another advantage of this model is that it is relatively silent so it will not deafen the operator or disturb the neighbors too much. There are 4 height adjustment options ranging from 19mm to 80mm for a perfect neat cut.
It is user-friendly, light and easy to operate. It will take much of the hard work out of mowing your lawn and let you get the job done effectively and quickly. The ergonomic design and soft-grip handles make it comfortable to operate.
While this model does not have all the bells and whistles of some other models it is a rugged and durable lawn mower that is effective on medium to large lawns. It is designed for strength, reliability, and ease of use — a classic option that is well-loved by many happy customers.
Technical Specifications
- 4 Cutting Heights from 19mm to 80mm
- 61L Grass collection bag
- 160cc OHC 4 Stroke Honda petrol engine
- 53 cm cutting width
- Self-propelled
- Recoil starter
- Pressed steel deck – cataphoresis treated
- 36 kg weight
- Automatic choke
- Options for side discharge and mulching
If you think you might prefer an electric mower, check out my review of the best alternative to a petrol mower here.
What you Need to Know About Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers
- How to use a self-propelled mower
- 7 Essential tasks for self-propelled mower maintenance
- Self-propelled mower vs riding mower vs push mower
How to use a Self-propelled Mower
Self-propelled mowers rely on handlebar controls to adjust the speed of the wheels, and engage the cutting blades. As a safety feature, if you let go of the handlebar controls then the wheels will stop turning.
The following instructions will help you set up the mower and get started.
Setting up
Place the lawn mower on a stable flat surface. Decide on the cutting height adjustment you wish to use. This decision will be based on the type of grass, the season and weather conditions, the current length of the lawn and your personal goals.
The next thing you want to do is check the oil level. Some models have visual oil display and others rely on a dipstick. Add oil if necessary. You will need to fill the petrol (gas) tank, generally with unleaded petrol.
Once you have set up the mower you want to clear the lawn of debris and obstructions.Remove any stones, rocks, sticks and other potential threats before you begin to mow. These could easily be projected towards the operator or others at high speeds. Apart from humans and animals, they could also harm the surrounding building particularly the windows.
Once that is done and everything is safe and secure you can start the lawn mower. Many feature an electric start while some will use a recoil start. You want to start it over grass and not on a hard surface. Some models have a drive speed option so this should be selected according to your needs. Activate the drive mechanism using the drive lever or drive control bar.
Safety tips
Lawn mowers can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They have fast spinning sharp blades so this statement is pretty obvious. If handled correctly, however, they are perfectly safe and should pose no risk to the user. The two most important factors to consider are to exercise due caution and use common sense. The first step is to read and understand the instructions and ensure you understand how the machine works.
There are a few other ideas that will increase the safety of self-propelled lawn mowers.
Wear protective clothing
As much as it might be tempting to mow the lawn in a pair of shorts and perhaps a t-shirt, it makes sense to wear protective clothing. Long pants with some strength are a good start. Comfortable and sturdy shoes or boots with a good grip are important.
Gloves and goggles are recommended for additional safety and protection. It is also important that the clothing fits snugly.
Avoid other people
You do not want to mow while there are other people, particularly children around. Ensure that others stay away while the lawn is getting cut. Children should not use the lawn mower and it should only be used by those that understand the risks and take the necessary precautions.
Push the mower away from your body
The lawn mower is designed to work in a forward direction. This is always important but more so with a self-propelled model. Never try to pull it towards you.
Other safety tips include taking additional care on banks and steep slopes as well as around obstacles. If you do have to tackle a hill, move in an up and down direction. Always mow when there is sufficient light so that you can see what you are doing and avoid mowing the lawn in the rain or poor weather.
7 Essential Tasks for Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Maintenance
To extend the life of your lawn mower and to ensure it works safely and effectively, you need to perform regular maintenance. Most maintenance is fairly quick and easy to do and most people should have no problem with the basics. Take note of these essential tasks:
1. Read the instruction manual!
Most people tend to ignore these but it is important to read the instructions and safety warning as well as the basic maintenance instruction. Familiarise yourself with the basics so that you know what is required.
2. Keep it clean
The first part of maintenance is to correctly clean and dry your lawn mower after use. A dirty lawn mower is not only a risk but it will also not perform at its peak. Remove grass and debris from the undercarriage and clean and wipe the exterior of the mower. Also, keep the grass collector clean.
3. Keep an eye on the oil
Quality oil in the necessary quantity is essential for the safe operation of your engine. Low oil levels could be disastrous and old poor oil will impede performance. Always check the oil level before using the lawn mower. Some have a visual indicator while others use a dipstick.
When the oil is dark and degraded it should be replaced. This is generally fairly easy to do and your instruction manual should explain the process. Ensure you use the correct oil according to the specifications in the manual.
4. Drain the petrol when storing the lawn mower for extended periods
The climate in the UK means you might go months without the need to mow your lawn. If this is the case, drain the petrol from the lawn mower before storing it. Old petrol left in the tank could cause some damage and make it more difficult to start when you need to get mowing again.
Related: Which is the best petrol for a lawn mower?
5. Clean or change the spark plug
As with any engine, it is important to have spark plugs that are clean and in good condition. Use the correct spark plug spanner to remove the plug. Inspect and clean it if necessary. It is recommended to replace the spark plugs every season and they are not expensive. Take care to not overtighten the plug when inserting the replacement.
6. Check the air filter
Most lawn mowers have an air filter. This should be checked and cleaned regularly for optimal performance. They are normally easy to get to and this should be an easy task. If they are extremely dirty, clogged or damaged, the filters should be replaced.
7. Sharpen the blade
One of the most important parts of the lawn mower is the blade. It is critical that it is sharp. Dull blades will do more harm than good. Most can be sharpened up to a point but will eventually need replacing.
A sharp blade will result in a neater cut and a healthier lawn while also reducing stress on the lawn mower as well as the user. If you choose to sharpen the blade, be sure you know the correct way to do it. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional.
Self-propelled mower vs riding mower vs push mower
A great looking lawn is appealing and uplifts the appearance of your property for you, your family, guests, and your neighborhood. It can be lots of hard work but some things make it a bit easier. The right self-propelled lawn mower is one option that can help.
If you have a small patch of lawn that is mostly flat, this not be a major issue but it is certainly worth looking into for anything larger than a very small area. The more often you mow, the better your lawn will look. If it is a major job you will be less inclined to do it as often as necessary.
The young and fit with a smaller garden might have no issue with a push mower but many will appreciate the benefits of a self-propelled model. Steep banks or inclines especially will be much easier with a self-propelled lawn mower.
Self-propelled Mower vs Push Mower
That is not to say there are no benefits to a walk-behind or push mower. Many people enjoy the exercise and provided the area is not too large or hilly, it can be good exercise without putting you off the job at hand. Much will depend on the size and style of your lawn area.
With a push mower, it will only operate as fast as you can push. Obviously, you can never simply glide effortlessly through the lawn but a self-propelled lawn mower will generally make the job faster and easier. Many self-propelled lawn mowers have variable speeds to accommodate different people as well as different environments.
Larger or steeper gardens, longer grass, and wet conditions require more power. More power generally means the lawn mower will be heavier. Heavier lawn mowers will be harder to push and in these cases, a self-propelled model will be a blessing. Consider the environment and size of the lawn when making your decision.
Self-propelled Mower vs Riding Mower
There is no denying that a riding lawn mower is great for large areas but it comes with certain challenges and there are some negatives. The first thing is that they are significantly more expensive than a good self-propelled lawn mower.
While they are ideal for very large areas, one has to determine if they are necessary for your garden, even those with a large lawn. There is a need for both options according to the environment but one has to choose wisely.
Sure, a ride on lawn mower further reduces the effort required and can be a bit of fun for a while. They are, however, not as easy to navigate and will result in less accuracy in parts of the garden.
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