Best Lawn Mowers for Your Backyard in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 1, 2024
Warm weather can mean many things to different people, but for those who have a grass lawn, it always means one thing in particular: ...Read more
PROS

A completely automated lawn mower, which includes collision sensors and a boundary wire to prevent it from straying from your yard. Greatly eases the process of maintaining a yard.

CONS

Should be operated by an adult, as children may think of it as a toy.

OUR VERDICT

Total automation of the lawn mowing process makes this a no-brainer for those who don't have hours to spend taking care of their lawn.

detailed parameters
Engine type

Battery-powered

Engine power

18 v 1.6 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery

Propelling type

Self-propelled

Coverage

Up to 400 m² with an automatic recharge

Collecting bag capacity

N/A

Wheels

N/A

Wheel Height Adjustment

Via a rotary knob located away from the blades

Cutting width

17 cm

Cutting modes

Mulching

Cutting height

Max 50 mm,
Min 20 mm

Weight

7.4 kg

Usability

Easy installation, Automatic Charging, Pre-programmed launch, Anti-theft, PIN code, Safety stop button

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Extremely versatile lawn mower that includes most accessories that people come to expect. Includes a grass bag for easily collecting grass clippings, and helps keep the yard beautiful after a mow.

CONS

Oil and petrol needed, which can raise the cost of the initial purchase.

OUR VERDICT

This lawn mower is pretty much the golden standard for features that people require. The three year warranty ensures that you'll get plenty of reliable usage of your mower.

detailed parameters
Engine type

Petrol

Engine power

4 HP

Propelling type

Push

Coverage

Up to 400 m²

Collecting bag capacity

55 litres

Wheels

Double ball bearing wheels at the front

Wheel Height Adjustment

Controlled by a single lever

Cutting width

41 cm

Cutting modes

Collecting, 7 cutting height settings

Cutting height

Max 60 mm,
Min 13 mm

Weight

30 kg

Usability

One piece folding, handlebars, full-width Operator Presence Control (OPC)

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Extremely lightweight and electric, which means no unnecessary trips to the petrol station just to mow your lawn. Hard shell grass box makes disposing of grass clippings a cinch.

CONS

Requires a cord for operation.

OUR VERDICT

The lightweight and flexibility of this model makes it perfect for those seeking their first lawn mower. Ideal for small to medium-sized yards.

detailed parameters
Engine type

Electric motor

Engine power

1200 W

Propelling type

Push

Coverage

For small-sized lawns

Collecting bag capacity

31 litre

Wheels

N/A

Wheel Height Adjustment

Manual

Cutting width

32 cm

Cutting modes

3 cutting height settings, collecting

Cutting height

Max 60 mm,
Min 20 mm

Weight

6.8 kg

Usability

Ergonomic handlebar design, Ability to cut near the walls, flower beds, and lawn edges

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Has the perfect height and width dimensions for mowing a lawn. The large capacity grass bag means that you can move your lawn quickly without having to stop every few minutes to empty it.

CONS

A no-frills model with few extra features.

OUR VERDICT

A quality lawn mower at an affordable price. Perfect for those who need a lawn mower that focuses on its primary task of moving the lawn.

detailed parameters
Engine type

Petrol

Engine power

1600 W at 2900 rpm

Propelling type

Push

Coverage

Up to 500 m²

Collecting bag capacity

50 litres

Wheels

Wheel size — 170 mm

Wheel Height Adjustment

Manual

Cutting width

40 cm

Cutting modes

5 cutting height settings, collecting, rear discharge

Cutting height

Max 75 mm,
Min 20 mm

Weight

23.8 kg

Usability

Foldable handle,
Fully Assembled

Warranty

1 year

PROS

One of the most unique models available, this hovering lawn mower allows for low cuts of the grass while requiring almost no effort to glide across the lawn. 

CONS

The blowing of air for the hovering effect can scatter grass clippings.

OUR VERDICT

A lightweight and very easy to handle model, this lawn mower is an exercise in convenience. Handles inclines and slopes that most other lawn mowers can't, all with minimal effort.

detailed parameters
Engine type

Electric motor

Engine power

1300 W

Propelling type

Push

Coverage

Up to 30 minutes for the 20-litre grass bag

Collecting bag capacity

20 litres

Wheels

N/A

Wheel Height Adjustment

Manual

Cutting width

30 cm

Cutting modes

4 cutting height settings

Cutting height

Max 30 mm,
Min 10 mm

Weight

8.4 kg

Usability

Easy to empty grass box, Easy to store, Ergonomic design, Fully assembled

Warranty

1 year

Battery Powered Mower

The Flymo Lithium-ion Robotic Lawnmower 1200 R is your battery-powered buddy for small or medium-sized lawns. It mows the lawn automatically in an irregular pattern, leaving no wheel tracks and keeping the layer of grass nice and tidy by mulching the grass clippings, which helps fertilize the ground. It easily avoids any obstacles thanks to the collision sensors along with the boundary wire that you get in the package. Also included are tilt and lift sensors, making it absolutely safe for pets and children. With a total charging time of only one hour, it quickly glides over your lawn without causing any unnecessary noise or distractions. With a noise level of only 58 dB, you can hold a conversation without being drowned out by the mower.

Not only is this lawn mower quiet, it can also be easily adjusted to match the needs of your lawn care. With a cutting height between 2 and 5 cm, you can easily and quickly adjust the height to your preference. Although the width of 17 cm is small, it allows the mower to easily navigate any obstacles that might remain in your yard.

Compact and Versatile

The small size and battery operated nature of this lawn mower brings a versatility that almost no other mowers can match. Being able to operate on inclines of up to 25 degrees, it can trim the grass in places that almost no other lawn mower can reach. The lawn mower's self-guidance system helps it easily slip through narrow alleys and passageways within your yard that a push mower simply can't fit into. This kind of versatility will enable you to easily maintain your yard without going through any extra work just to get to those hard to reach places.

One other fantastic feature of this mower is its sturdy construction. As it was made to be operated with minimal oversight, this lawn mower can both work and last through unpleasant conditions. No longer does a rainy day need to postpone your lawn maintenance. You also don't need to worry about it being left out in inclement weather, as it is made to withstand harsh conditions. With such a sturdy and versatile nature, this model will help keep your lawn looking pristine for years to come.

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B00C70LUQ4

A Classic Lawn Mower

Anyone who has ever had to mow a lawn before is well aware of the classic look of a lawn mower - a petrol-powered engine, rectangular chassis, handlebar, and perhaps even a grass bag. Rolling on four wheels and pushed from behind, the picture and even actions of mowing a lawn are familiar to almost everyone. This is the picture of a lawn mower that is permanently embedded into most people's minds, and the Hayter 617 Spirit 41 lawn mower fits this picture perfectly.

This is a classic lawn mower in all aspects. Featuring a 4 horsepower Briggs & Stratton Series 500 Engine, this petrol-powered mower provides plenty of power for cutting even the toughest of lawns. The 41 cm base cut of the mower also allows for a wide swath of grass to be cut in one pass, which prevents needing to push the mower back and forth seemingly endlessly over a lawn. There is even a spacious grass bag included, which allows your mower to easily collect the grass clippings instead of leaving them scattered across the yard. This lawn mower has an ideal set of features for helping to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy.

Performance and Durability

This model includes the performance capabilities that are expected of most lawn mowers. With a 4 horsepower engine, your mower will provide plenty of power for cutting tough grass and even strong weeds, while the 7 different height settings controlled by a single lever will allow you to easily adjust the height of the cut specifically for your lawn. The petrol tank, while not very large, can hold enough petrol to ensure that you can mow a lawn of up to 400 square meters in one go.

The performance capabilities of this lawn mower are not the only outstanding features. The Hayter brand is well-known for its high quality and durable products, and this lawn mower is no exception. The strong yet lightweight aluminum chassis gives this model a very durable frame, yet still being light enough to easily push across the lawn. A tough ABS polymer covers the bottom of the mower, ensuring that your lawn mower will continue to operate reliably even after hitting rough patches in a yard.

For a standard lawn mower, this model offers nearly everything that most people need in a model, and anyone looking for a classic mower should give this affordable model serious consideration.

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B001SEQQCI

Lightweight Electric Mower

One of the most inconvenient aspects of standard lawn mowers is the matter of filling them with petrol. Most of the time, taking the lawn mower to the nearest petrol station to fill the tank is not practical, so it is often necessary to use a petrol can to fill it. This can often result in the spillage of petrol, not to mention the fumes and the noise that often emanates from many lawn mowers. For people who are tired of dealing with these issues, the Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower will be the perfect fit.

Featuring a powerful 1200 W electric motor, this lawn mower provides plenty of power for cutting a medium sized lawn of up to 150 square meters. The 32 cm cutting width also provides a spacious enough width while allowing the mower to remain narrow enough to fit through tight spots. There is even a grass comb attached to the bottom that ensures that your lawn maintains a neat appearance immediately after the trim, which is also helped by the spacious 31 L grass box that provides plenty of storage for clippings without having to stop halfway through to empty it.

Easy To Operate

Such a powerful mower may seem like it would be difficult to operate, but nothing could be further from the truth. The electric engine makes this lawn mower very lightweight and extremely easy and comfortable to use. Instead of having to use a pull cord to manually start the engine, this mower can be started simply by pressing the handle. The lightweight construction of the mower also makes it easy to push across your lawn, yet is durable enough to handle most rough spots. The wheels also feature 3 different height settings, allowing you to easily adjust the cutting height of the mower.

One of the few drawbacks to the model is the fact that it is corded. Although it is certainly not ideal for a large lawn, the cord is long enough to allow for the easy mowing of a medium sized yard, and strong enough to handle the typical wear and tear that can occur during the course of mowing. Although anyone with a large yard may need to look for a different model, this compact, lightweight, and very affordable mower is perfect for those who desire performance and ease of use.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £89.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0099LETKS

A Serious Lawn Mower

Those who have a large yard, especially with relatively uneven ground and tough grass, will know the necessity of having a serious lawn mower for lawn care. Small mowers with weak engines just don't do for such types of lawns, so those in need of a lawn mower tend to look for the more powerful models. Anyone who fits this bill should take a serious look at the McCulloch M40-110 Classic 110 cc - 40 cm Petrol Rotary Lawnmower.

This lawn mower is a serious tool made for serious work. The engine is a very powerful 1.6kW at 2900 RPM, and is push-propelled, which helps make such a big and powerful lawn mower easier to move across the lawn. The wide 40 cm cutting width provides a wide expanse of cutting power without leaving spots underneath untouched. Also featured is the ability to adjust the cutting height to five different settings, providing the capability of mowing over uneven or rough spots without problems. The 50 L grass collector provides a very large amount of space for storing grass clippings, which ensures a continuous cut across the lawn without frequent stops to empty it.

Master of Lawns

Although built for serious work, such a serious lawn mower is not without its conveniences. Along with the spacious 50 L grass collector is a long handle meant for helping the user navigate the mower easily. The handle includes a rope with a handle attached for the recoil start engine, meaning you can start the mower from a standing instead of a kneeling or bent over position.

Along with the provided conveniences is a highly durable body, created with the fine craftsmanship that McCulloch is renowned for. The heavy-duty steel chassis provides an extremely durable body for the mower, which will last a lifetime of use without requiring any serious maintenance. The steel blades will also last just as long, providing sharp and even cut for years.

Nowadays there are many a lawn mower on the market that advertise themselves as being for serious work, but few can actually live up to that claim. However, the McCulloch brand certainly does, and will provide you with a lifetime of excellent work with this model.

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B01AAF87CM

Lawn Mower From The Future

One of the aspects of the future that people have often thought about are different devices and vehicles that hover or fly. This image has been especially popularized by films about the future. Although we are still waiting for flying cars, the future of lawn mowers has arrived with the Flymo HoverVac 280 Electric Hover Collect Lawnmower. Featuring a 1300 W powerplant, this lawn mower literally hovers above your lawn on a thin layer of air, so it is no exaggeration to claim that this mower literally glides across your lawn with ease.

The hovering aspect of this mower contains several distinct advantages over other lawn mowers. Since it is gliding on air, it is probably among the easiest lawn mowers to push across your lawn, requiring almost no more effort than just strolling along the lawn. It also provides a very close trim to the ground, which makes it perfect for those who have thick grass and want it cut short. Lastly, it is also able to reach inclines and other uneven spots that almost all other lawn mowers can only reach with difficulty, or are even unable to do so at all.

Versatility At Its Finest

Since this is an electric mower, there is no need to mess with petrol. Instead, just simply plug it into the mains using the provided 10 m power cord, and start it up. The narrow 28 cm cutting width makes it less than ideal for anything larger than a small yard, but it also means it can easily move through tight spaces and uneven terrain. It even includes a 20 L grassbox, which may seem small until you realize that the mower compacts the grass that it collects, which means that you're able to cover a lot of ground before needing to empty it. The cutting height is also adjustable by attaching the included spacers to the fan, so you are not limited to just one height.

This mower does have a few drawbacks, including the narrow cutting width and the need to use it while connected to mains. However, anyone who has a small to medium sized lawn should consider this model, especially for it's light weight and ease of use. In fact, you might even find yourself having fun while mowing the lawn! There are few lawn mowers on the market that can make this same claim, so pick up this model to experience the future of lawn mowers.

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B00IJF6AI4

Infographics


What Is a Lawn Mower?

Every home owner with a grass lawn probably already knows what a lawn mower is. For those who don't, a lawn mower is an appliance meant for cutting the grass in a lawn, to prevent the grass from becoming overly long and unmanageable. Most typical lawn mowers work by using a large rotating blade to cut grass as the mower moves over the lawn. Most standard mowers are powered by small petrol engines, but recent advances in lawn mower technology include some that are mechanically or electrically powered.

Older mechanical push mowers were traditionally what most people used many years ago, but the difficulty with providing a clean and tidy cut can often cause frustration for people. Although there are still some on the market, they have fallen out of favour for electric and petrol-powered lawn mowers. Electric mowers are a newer invention that is mostly suitable for small or medium-sized yards, whereas those with large lawns should probably look at petrol-powered mowers. Regardless of which type of mower it is, most models should be affordable as well as suitable for most any type of lawn.

What Features to Compare

Type

When looking for a lawn mower, you should first figure out which type of lawn mower you want or need. Despite what many people think of when they hear the word "lawn mower", there are many types that are available. There are of course the conventional lawn mowers that have a petrol-powered engine that are operated by a combination of starting the engine and manually pushing the mower across the lawn. However, in recent times, the lawn mower hasn't been immune to the progress of technology. There are multiple types to choose from now, including the above mentioned conventional lawn mowers as well as mechanically operated (non-powered), and also electrical. There are even self-powered lawn mowers that don't require much more by the operator other than pushing a button to start it. 

Performance

In the past, lawn mowers were relatively simple machines, and most didn't have much in the way of performance advantages over others. Today, though, this is no longer the case. Gauging the performance of a lawn mower is important when considering which model to buy., especially when it comes to the different types available. For petrol-powered lawn mowers, you should be aware of how long it can operate on a full tank of petrol before needing to be refueled. Electric-powered mowers need the same consideration in regards to the charge of the battery, or in the case of corded models, how far the cord can extend from the mains. Apart from this, you should also take a few other aspects into consideration, including the cutting height of the mower and whether or not this can be adjusted.

Usability

One other important aspect of choosing a lawn mower is making sure that its usability measures up to what you need. Different lawn mowers have different features that can affect the usability. For instance, petrol-powered mowers are often heavier than other types, and thus can be harder to push. Some, however, include real-wheel drive, which can make them much easier to operate. Electric or mechanical mowers tend to be much lighter, but may not perform as well at the actual task of cutting grass. A few other features to consider are things such as whether or not it includes a grass catcher or mulcher.

Did you know?

  • Before the modern lawn mower was invented, people tended to mow their lawns using scythes. The person would hold the scythe with the bladed end down just a few centimetres from the ground and swing it around in a semi-circle to cut the grass. It was a long and tedious process, especially for large land owners, who would often employ peasants to mow their lawns for them.
  • The first mechanical lawn mower was invented by Edwin Budding of England in 1830, during the height of the Industrial Revolution. The original design of Budding's invention has carried through to mechanical mowers that are still sold today.
  • The invention of the lawn mower led to the popularization of outdoor sports played on fields or pitches, including cricket, rugby, football, and many others.
  • Steam powered lawn mowers started appearing on the market around the turn of the 20th century. These machines were often very bulky and could take hours to heat up to operating temperatures.
  • The first riding lawn mowers were pulled by animals, most often horses.
  • One of the first rotary lawn mowers was created and sold by Australian company Victa in 1952. These lawn mowers used combustion engines that are similar in design to petrol-powered lawn mowers of today.
  • Despite the recent additions of electric and battery-powered lawn mowers to the market, petrol powered lawn mowers are still the most commonly purchased and used lawn mowers on the market today.
  • The first electric lawn mower was actually invented by a farmer named C.C. Stacy in the 1930s. He never patented his invention, and electric mowers similar to his design didn't appear on the market for many years.
  • Hover lawn mowers are a very recent invention. They work by blowing compressed air downwards, which lets the mower hover just a few centimetres above the ground. They are best used for mowing steep slopes and inclines, which are often very difficult to mow with other types of lawn mowers.
  • Lawn mowers that are ridden by the operator are called by different names. In the UK, they are called "ride-on mowers", and in the US and Canada, they are called "riding mowers".
  • Some lawn mowers are made for the specific purpose of mulching, which is the process of grinding grass clippings into very small pieces that are used for providing fertilizer for a lawn or garden. Some of these mowers don't collect the grass, but instead, redeposit the mulch on the ground immediately after cutting. Others are made to collect the mulch so the operator can then redistribute it however they want.
  • Anyone operating a combustion engine lawn mower should consider wearing ear protection, as prolonged exposure to the high decibel volume can cause hearing damage.
  • Electric lawn mowers are considered more environmentally friendly, as they do not produce fumes that can damage plant life or carbon dioxide.
  • All lawn mowers should be operated with care, as the blades that spin at a high velocity can seriously injure someone, and can also throw debris into the operator's eyes. It is best to wear eye protection and thick shoes or boots when operating any lawn mower.

FAQ:

Q: Are all lawn mowers noisy?
A: Petrol lawn mowers are considered noisy since they have an internal combustion engine that can produce a lot of noise. Wheels can also contribute to noise, depending on the material they are made of. Rubber generates less sound than plastic. Anything above 70 dB is louder than a conversation and won't sound very pleasant.

Q: Why doesn't my lawn mower start?
A: Owners of petrol lawn mowers have issues with starting it after several seasons of usage. First of all, make sure that the fuel tank has been filled before you start to panic. If you have petrol in the tank that has been sitting there for a long period of time, change it out for fresh petrol. If the engine doesn't have a pull starter, it may be the spark plug failing to operate. Check it for any looseness, disconnection, or dirt. Clean it off, reconnect it, and tighten. If the air filter is dirty, simply clean it (or replace if necessary). If the fuel is not reaching the engine, you might need a new fuel pump or filter.

Q: Why does it suddenly turn off?
A:
You're probably cutting some tall grass and need to increase the cutting height. Also, the air filter may have gotten dirty. Simply clean or replace the filter. Grass clippings and debris can build up over time, so make sure that you clean the underside of your mower and empty the grass bag if it's full.

Q: Why shouldn't I buy a push-powered model?
A: It is not as efficient as an electric or petrol-powered one, and it also lacks access to narrow passages since you won't gain speed and have enough space for manoeuvring. Buying an electric or petrol-powered lawn mower will save you a lot of time and energy.

Q: What should I do about natural obstacles?
A: Before mowing your lawn, it is best to clear out any obstacles that you can, such as branches, stones, or other debris. Leaves can also cause problems with lawn mowers, so it is best to rake any fallen leaves on your lawn before moving.

Q: What is the normal lifespan of the cutting blades?
A: The lifespan of the blades really depends on the type of material they are made of. Metal blades will obviously last the longest, and probably won't need to be changed very often. Blades made of a softer material such as light alloys or plastic may wear out much more quickly, so it is best to check them after each mowing session.

Q: Why should I purchase an electric lawn mower instead of a petrol one?
A: Electric lawn mowers have several advantages over petrol-powered mowers. First of all, they tend to be easier to operate, such as starting it with the push of a button instead of using a crank or pull cord. They also tend to be lighter and easier to move around the lawn. Lastly, they also generate much less noise, as they don't use a combustion engine.

Q: What advantages do petrol-powered mowers have over electric ones?
A: Despite the noise and difficulty to use of petrol-powered mowers, they do have some advantages over electric mowers. The combustion engines tend to provide a lot more power than electric motors, which means they are able to provide a cleaner cut, especially with tough grass and weeds. They are also generally more suitable for larger yards.

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