Best Petrol Lawn Mower Under £150
Finding a reliable petrol lawn mower for under £150 is tough, but not impossible. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the few models that offer real cutting power and durability at this price point.
Quick answer
For under £150, the Mountfield 1530S is the most reliable self-propelled option with a solid Briggs & Stratton engine. For a pure budget bargain, the Bosch Rotak 43 (petrol version) or the Hyundai 140cc offer good basic cutting without breaking the bank.
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Research updated June 2026.
Mountfield 1530S
Reliable self-propelled mower with a proven engine.
| Product | Best For | Engine | Cutting Width | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountfield 1530S | Best Overall | Briggs & Stratton 140cc | 46cm | 4.5/5 |
| Hyundai 140cc | Best Budget | Hyundai 140cc | 46cm | 4.0/5 |
| Bosch Rotak 43 | Best Lightweight | Bosch 140cc | 43cm | 4.2/5 |
| Flymo 46 C | Best for Small Lawns | Flymo 140cc | 46cm | 3.8/5 |
| Stihl RM 2 RT | Best Value Self-Propelled | Stihl 2-stroke 36cc | 46cm | 4.3/5 |
Mountfield 1530S
Best OverallPros
- Reliable Briggs & Stratton engine
- Self-propelled drive works well
- Good 46cm cutting width
Cons
- Heavy at 28kg
- Plastic deck can crack over time
The Mountfield 1530S is the standout choice for anyone needing a self-propelled petrol mower without spending over £150. It uses a Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine, which is widely regarded as one of the most reliable small engines for domestic use. Owner reviews consistently praise its ability to start easily and cut through thick grass without stalling.
The 46cm cutting width is ideal for medium-sized lawns, and the self-propelled drive makes pushing it up slopes much easier. The main downside is the plastic deck, which is lighter than steel but can crack if you hit a rock. Overall, it offers the best balance of power, features, and brand reliability at this price point.
Hyundai 140cc Petrol Lawn Mower
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price
- Steel deck is durable
- Easy to start
Cons
- Not self-propelled
- Grass collection bag is small
The Hyundai 140cc is a no-frills push mower that delivers solid performance for the money. It features a steel cutting deck, which is more durable than the plastic decks found on many competitors at this price. Owner reviews note that it starts reliably and cuts cleanly, even on slightly damp grass.
The main trade-off is that it is a push mower, so you will have to do the work yourself. The 50-litre grass bag is also on the smaller side, meaning more frequent emptying. However, for a budget buy that will last a few seasons, the Hyundai is a strong contender.
Bosch Rotak 43 Petrol
Best LightweightPros
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
- Bosch brand reliability
- Good cut quality
Cons
- Plastic deck
- Smaller 43cm cutting width
The Bosch Rotak 43 is a lightweight petrol mower that is very easy to push and store. At just 22kg, it is one of the lightest petrol mowers you can buy, making it ideal for users who struggle with heavier machines. The Bosch engine is known for being easy to start and relatively quiet for a petrol mower.
The trade-off is a 43cm cutting width, which is slightly smaller than the 46cm standard, and a plastic deck. Owner reviews are generally positive, praising the cut quality and ease of use. It is a solid choice for smaller lawns where weight is a primary concern.
Flymo 46 C
Best for Small LawnsPros
- Compact design
- Easy to store upright
- Affordable
Cons
- Engine can be hard to start when cold
- Plastic deck feels less robust
The Flymo 46 C is a compact push mower designed for small to medium lawns. It is easy to store thanks to its upright storage capability, and the 46cm cutting width is decent for the price. Owner reviews mention that it cuts well once started.
The main criticism is that the engine can be temperamental, especially when starting from cold. Some users report needing multiple pulls. It is a budget-friendly option, but you may need to be patient with the starting process.
Stihl RM 2 RT
Best Value Self-PropelledPros
- Self-propelled drive is smooth
- Stihl brand reliability
- Good cutting performance
Cons
- 2-stroke engine requires oil mix
- Can be noisy
The Stihl RM 2 RT is a self-propelled mower that offers excellent value for money. It uses a Stihl 2-stroke engine, which is known for being powerful and reliable. The self-propelled drive is smooth and makes mowing large lawns much easier. Owner reviews are very positive about its build quality and cutting ability.
The main downside is that it uses a 2-stroke engine, meaning you have to mix oil and petrol. This adds a step to the refuelling process. It is also slightly noisier than 4-stroke alternatives. However, for the price, it is a very capable self-propelled mower.
What to check before buying a petrol lawn mower under £150
When shopping on a tight budget, you need to focus on the essentials. The engine is the most important part. Look for well-known brands like Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, or Bosch. These are more reliable and easier to repair than generic engines. A 140cc engine is standard for this price range and is sufficient for most domestic lawns.
Next, consider the cutting width. A 46cm width is the most common and efficient for medium lawns. A 43cm width is lighter but means more passes. Also check the cutting height adjustment. A single lever system is much easier than adjusting each wheel individually. Finally, decide if you need self-propelled. It adds weight and cost, but saves effort on slopes.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid buying a mower with a very small grass collection bag. A 50-litre bag will fill up quickly, especially on a damp lawn. Aim for at least 55 litres if possible. Also, do not ignore the deck material. Steel decks are more durable than plastic, but they are heavier. Plastic decks are fine for flat lawns but can crack on uneven ground.
Another common mistake is buying a 2-stroke mower without realising you need to mix the fuel. If you prefer convenience, stick to a 4-stroke engine. Finally, do not skip checking the warranty. A 2-year warranty is standard. Avoid brands that offer less than 1 year, as this often indicates poor build quality.
FAQs
Can I get a self-propelled petrol mower for under £150?
Yes, the Mountfield 1530S and Stihl RM 2 RT are both self-propelled models available under £150.
What is the best engine brand for a cheap petrol mower?
Briggs & Stratton is the most reliable engine brand found in budget mowers. Stihl and Bosch are also good options.
Is a steel deck better than a plastic deck?
Steel decks are more durable and less likely to crack, but they make the mower heavier. Plastic is lighter but less robust.
How often should I change the oil in a petrol mower?
You should change the oil after the first 5 hours of use, then once a season or every 25 hours of use.
Can I use a petrol mower on wet grass?
It is not recommended. Wet grass clumps and clogs the deck, and it can be slippery. Wait until the grass is dry.
What size lawn is a 46cm mower good for?
A 46cm mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns up to about 500 square metres.
Are 2-stroke mowers more powerful than 4-stroke?
2-stroke engines are lighter and can have a better power-to-weight ratio, but they require oil mixing and are noisier.
How long should a budget petrol mower last?
With proper maintenance, a budget petrol mower can last 3 to 5 years. The engine is usually the first thing to fail.
What is the best way to store a petrol mower?
Store it in a dry shed or garage. Drain the fuel if storing for winter to prevent carburettor issues.
Do I need to sharpen the blade on a new mower?
New blades are usually sharp enough. Sharpen the blade once a season or if you notice a ragged cut.
Our verdict
For under £150, the Mountfield 1530S is our best overall pick due to its reliable Briggs & Stratton engine and self-propelled drive. If you are on a strict budget and don't mind pushing, the Hyundai 140cc offers the best value with a durable steel deck. Both are solid choices that will handle a medium lawn without breaking the bank.