A petrol lawn mower is the most common choice for gardens where a cable's reach or a battery's charge is no longer enough. It gives you full freedom of movement, handles tall and wet grass and runs for as long as there is fuel in the tank. The only problem is that there are hundreds of models, and the differences between them are often confusing. In this buying guide we show, step by step, what really matters so you buy a mower suited to your lawn rather than to a marketing brochure.
Lawn size and cutting width
The first decision follows directly from the size of your plot. Cutting width determines how many passes you make and how long a single mow takes. The general rule is simple: the larger the lawn, the wider the mower.
- up to 300 m² — a cutting width of about 40–46 cm is enough, a push mower;
- 300–800 m² — aim for 46–51 cm and consider drive;
- over 800 m² — 51 cm and more, almost always a self-propelled version, and a garden tractor for large areas.
There is no point buying the widest machine for a small garden — a heavier mower is harder to manoeuvre around flowerbeds, trees and paths.
Drive: push or self-propelled mower?
A push mower is lighter, cheaper and simpler to use — it works well on a flat, small lawn. A mower with wheel drive (self-propelled) moves forward on its own, while the operator merely guides it. This is a huge difference on a larger area and on a slope, where pushing a heavy machine quickly becomes tiring.
If your plot has inclines or slopes, or you regularly mow a large area, drive stops being a luxury and becomes a real saving of effort. Check whether the travel speed is adjustable — it makes work easier both along edges and in open space.
Terrain
A flat lawn forgives a lot — almost any mower will cope here. Problems begin on slopes and uneven ground. On inclines, drive and a low centre of gravity are key, as are suitable tyres with a pronounced tread. On uneven ground, with molehills and roots, larger wheels (especially at the rear) and a solid metal deck that withstands accidental impacts perform better.
If the garden has many obstacles — young trees, flowerbeds, decorative features — favour manoeuvrability and a smaller width, because a wide mower will leave uncut "islands".
Engine: power and capacity
Engine power determines how the mower copes with dense, tall and wet grass. For an average lawn, a unit of around 120–160 cm³ is enough. If the grass is often tall, or you mow less often and cut thicker turf, it is worth choosing a more powerful engine that will not "choke" under load.
A practical tip: it is not only power that matters, but also smoothness of operation and ease of starting. Check whether the model has a convenient starting system and a reputable engine for which you can easily buy a filter, spark plug or oil. If you are hesitating between different engine types in garden equipment, our article on petrol or diesel — which engine to choose will help.
Grass collection: catcher, side discharge or mulching
How you deal with cut grass really affects comfort:
- Catcher — grass goes into a container and the lawn stays clean; but the catcher must be emptied regularly, and its capacity matters on a large area.
- Side discharge — fast on tall grass and large overgrown areas, but leaves clippings on the lawn.
- Mulching — grass is shredded and returned to the lawn as natural fertiliser; it saves time and improves turf condition, but requires regular, more frequent mowing.
The most versatile are 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 models that combine several functions — then you match the cutting method to the situation, not the other way round.
Height adjustment and extra features
A good mower should have a convenient, ideally central height adjustment with several positions — you will set the machine differently in spring than in a hot summer, when grass should not be cut too short. Also pay attention to the deck material (steel is more durable, plastic is lighter and corrosion-resistant), a folding handle for easy storage and the quality of the wheels and bearings.
Maintenance and use
A petrol mower needs basic servicing: oil changes, cleaning the air filter, checking the spark plug and regularly sharpening the blade. A blunt blade does not cut but tears the grass, so its tips turn brown. Before the winter season it is worth properly preparing the equipment for storage. You will find more practical tips in our equipment buying guide.
Summary
Choosing a petrol mower comes down to a few questions: how big the lawn is, whether the terrain is flat or sloping, how often and how tall the grass you cut is, and what you want to do with the cut grass. Match cutting width, drive, engine power and the collection system to that — and you will get a machine that serves for years rather than frustrating you at every mow.
Not sure which model will be best for your garden? Call us — we will help you choose a mower for your terrain and budget. See the full range in the lawn mowers category.