The Best Petrol Lawn Mowers (UK 2026)

By the Mow Pilot editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

A petrol lawn mower gives the most power and freedom for large or rough lawns - no cables, no battery limits, just sustained cutting power. Many are self-propelled to save you pushing. Here's what to look for and our top petrol mower picks for UK gardens.

Quick answer

Hyundai, Mountfield, FUXTEC and Webb make strong petrol mowers. Look for enough engine power (cc) for your lawn, a cutting width to match, and self-propelled drive if the lawn is large or sloped. Petrol needs fuel, oil and occasional servicing, but rewards you with power and unlimited run time - ideal for big or long grass.

What to look for

Engine size (cc) drives cutting power - more cc suits longer, tougher grass and bigger lawns. A wider cutting deck finishes faster. Self-propelled drive is a big help on large or sloped lawns. Consider electric-start models to skip the pull cord, and check the grass box capacity so you're not emptying it constantly. Factor in fuel, oil and annual servicing.

How we pick

We rate petrol mowers on engine power, cut quality, self-propelled ease, build and value. Every pick is a genuine petrol lawn mower suited to larger or rougher lawns.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Is a petrol lawn mower better than cordless?

For large, rough or long-grass lawns, petrol still wins on raw power and unlimited run time. For most medium gardens, a modern cordless mower is quieter, cleaner and lower-maintenance and does the job well. Choose petrol if your lawn is big or demanding; cordless if convenience matters more than maximum power.

Do petrol mowers need a lot of maintenance?

More than electric, yes - you'll need to keep them fuelled, check and change the oil, and service them (spark plug, air filter, blade) roughly once a year. In return you get strong, fade-free cutting power and no battery limits. If low maintenance is a priority, consider cordless instead.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Makita LXT (our score 9.4/10) - A capable lawn mower (cordless mower, 43cm cutting width, 18V battery) for a well-kept lawn..