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Best Rear Roller Petrol Lawnmowers - Reviews 2022-2023

Written By: William
Last Updated on January 25, 2023
8.8
Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 650 (1700 Watts, Cutting Width: 40 cm, Lawns up to 650 m², in Carton Packaging)
  • The Advanced Garden Tools from Bosch – the most powerful products for the most demanding tasks
  • Quiet mowing: Pleasant garden work with the lawnmower due to the reduced noise by up to 75 percent and balanced acoustics thanks to the ProSilence technology
  • Easily adjusted cutting height: Simply set grass length between 25 and 80 mm in 7 stages with just one click of a button
  • Comfortable mowing: Healthy working posture for every body size due to height adjustable ErgoSlide handles
  • Collecting and shredding leaves: Easily collect, shred and dispose leaves thanks to the LeafCollect blade
9
Hyundai 40V Lithium-Ion Battery Lawnmower, 42cm / 420mm Cutting Width, Cordless Lawnmower with Battery & Charger, Mulching, 45L Bag & 3 Year Warranty
  • This fantastic lawnmower weighs only 19.9kg, is easy to use and is a ultra-quiet mower.
  • Comes with 6 adjustable cutting heights and 420mm / 16.5" cutting width
  • Our cordless lawnmower has a generous 45L grass collector bag and mulching option: Minimises time spent emptying cuttings.
  • Charges in just 80 mins & provides around 15 mins of mowing time from one charge.
  • For you peace of mind, the electric lawnmower comes with our Hyundai 3 year warranty.
8.8
Yard Force GR40 Range 40V 34cm Cutting Width Cordless Lawnmower with Lithium Ion Battery & Quick Charger, Rear Roller, 35L Grass Bag - LM G34A - Lawn Mower
  • Powerful mower with Brushless Motor
  • 40V Lithium-Ion 2.5Ah battery and quick charger included - interchangeable with other GR40 range products
  • 34cm cutting width with rear roller for striped finish
  • Central Height Adjustment with 7 cutting heights ranging from 25mm-75mm
  • Big 35 litre hybrid grass collection bag with grass full level indicator

Short On Time?

Our Recommended Best Rear Roller Petrol Lawnmowers Is The Hyundai 139cc Petrol lawnmower!

This guide is created for all fellow garden enthusiasts, or anyone who may be looking into purchasing a new mower for a new garden trim this mowing season.  

How much time does it take to mow a lawn? Is it worth it or should I hire someone else? If you want to save some time and effort, then consider buying a petrol lawn mower. They are very efficient and they don’t require too much maintenance.

Petrol lawn mowers are ideal for homeowners who want to cut their grass without having to spend hours every week. Electric ones are better for small, even postage stamp sized garden types. The average cost of owning a petrol lawn mower is around £800, including all costs.

This guide will be discussing the various options you could go for, after we weighed in various factors such as: number of hours of mowing time required to complete the task, if it provides efficient mowing, the sharpness and size of cutting blades, features such as adjustable cutting heights, how many litre grass box capacity, efficiency at storing grass cuttings, number of innovative features, and more. 


1) Hyundai HYM430SPR Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

The first option on this list is the HYM430SPR self-propelled, heavy petrol lawn mower. With modern features, a generous cutting deck and fantastic power from the petrol engines, you can leverage the power to mow even larger gardens with ease and within a short amount of time.

This definitely isn't the most cheap lawn mower option, but it's one of the best models of petrol mower out there. Petrol-powered lawn mowers are best for larger lawns, but they can also be used for smaller gardens- they'll definitely get the job done quicker. 

What We Love

Check out the best features of this petrol mower below:

Powerful Engine, Low Fuel Consumption

This powerful self-propelled powerful mower features a 2.6kW, or 3.7 HP Hyundai OHV 4-stroke 139cc mower engine, which is hefty enough to provide you with a punch of power to allow you to mow your lawn quickly and cleanly- however, it's still environmentally-friendly relative to how eco-friendly power tools generally are.

This petrol lawn mower (x8 more) actually has comparatively low fuel consumption, meaning you can maintain your lawn at a lower cost to the environment. The powerful engine allows you to use the power of petrol to mow in all kinds of conditions, including the hardest conditions such as rain and mud.

 Real wheel drive featured, and a 430mm or 17" cutting width.

Traditional British Lawn Stripes

This petrol lawn mower features a full-width, 43cm split-ribbed rear roller. Rear rollers (1 more) allow you to achieve that traditional British striped lawn look, which is perfect for keeping your grass healthy and well-maintained. Jump to this part of the guide for a small how-to manual on mowing stripes cleanly and perfectly.

The self-propelled petrol lawn mower can make your life easier due to the automated propulsion, making mowing your overgrown grass a less laborious task and a more enjoyable experience.

Easy to Store

This perfect petrol lawn mower features folding handles, and these also happen to be comfort grip handles, both of which are a beneficial feature- allowing you to use your mower both comfortably and stress-free, knowing that it can be stowed away compactly to save you space. If you have no garage or are limited on shed space, this feature will also prove to be handy for you. 

This premium lawn mower will stow away perfectly for a range of lawn sizes, whether that's larger lawns, a mid-sized garden, or even for those of you who have smaller sized lawns.

Large Capacity Grass Box Size

The Hyundai HYM430SPR features a hefty 45 litre grass box size for storing all the grass clippings as you mow. The large quick-release grass collector features a high airflow plastic top, and this ensures maximum grass pickup. If you hate the mess you have to deal with after, this lawnmower is an excellent choice.

You can spend less time emptying your grass clippings, and more time getting the job done mowing!

6 Cutting Height Adjustments

This petrol roller lawn mower allows you to select from six different cutting heights, within a range of 25 and 75 millimetres. This height can be easily adjusted using the single height adjusting lever which is integrated into the mower.

Having various heights to choose from is quite an expected feature from such an expensive machine, but it's great for the purpose of creating those beautiful traditional garden stripes.

Very High Quality Machine

Overall, these modern petrol mowers actually revive the demise of petrol mowers (nowadays, electric ones are more popular as people have become more eco-conscious). The quality of the components can be felt during usage, and definitely seen through the long-term use. While this isn't uncommon for Hyundai products, it's definitely worth mentioning since it's a very expensive option to go for.

Easy to Use

Above all, this mower is definitely one of the easiest to use out of many options out there. The automatic propulsion (or self-propelled motor) is one of the standout reasons why this is such an excellent option. 

You can put less power into pushing your machine, as the mower will give it's own push to get the job done. 

Criticisms:

The only downside we found to this product was the unclear instructions provided on installation and usage. This isn't a problem though, as there are many guides online for this highly popular self-propelled mower.

Specifications:

Cutting Width: 43cm

Cutting Heights/Range: 6; 25-75mm

Colour: Blue/Black

Weight: 33 Kilograms

Engine: (2.6kW) 3.7 HP Hyundai OHV 4-stroke 139cc 

Power Source Type: Petrol

Dimensions: 130 x 48 x 103 centimetres


2) Hyundai HYM430SP Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower

Next up on our guide, we've got yet another Hyundai machine- this time, it's the HYM430SP. This is very similar to the previous one, but it's got some key changes:

  • Significantly lower cost
  • Slight change in cutting width
  • Mulching functionality
  • Operator Presence Control (OPC) Technology
  • Better suited for small lawns

The sections below will review this lawn mower, to decide if this is a better pick for you.

What We Love

Check out the best features of this petrol mower below:

Quick and Easy Assembly

The Hyundai HYM430SP features an entirely tool-free assembly, so you can be up and running within minutes of unboxing your new lawnmower. This is a great feature if you're living on your own, or aren't very good at assembling things in general; let's face it, manuals aren't always very clear or easy to comprehend. 

The tool-free assembly will make the startup hassle-free and stress-free.

Ideal for Small to Medium Sized Lawns

The cutting width of this mower is slightly smaller than the HYM430SPR model above, being 420mm in comparison to the 430mm above. This is still rounded up to 17 inches, but don't be confused- it still is 10 millimetres smaller than the HYM430SPR model. 

This cutting deck width is perfect for small to medium sized lawns, so if you have a larger garden- we recommend the HYM430SPR model above.

6 Adjustable Cutting Heights

The Hyundai HYM430SP's cutting height setting can also be easily adjusted to six different options, between 25 and 75 millimetres. This isn't a change from the model mentioned above, so you still benefit from the adjustability whilst paying a lower price.

The height is easily adjusted using the single height adjusting lever, which is a great way to change the setting without confusion or error.

Easy to Start Every Time

This model features a smart contactless ignition system, meaning the engine is very easy to start up and the drive to the real wheels is controlled directly from the rear mounted handle control. 

All wheels use twin-sealed bearing to extend the life and provide low resistance. 

Giant 45 Litre Grass Box Capacity

This lawn mower features a hefty 45 litre grass collector, which is quite a large capacity for a cheaper machine. This means you can complete the mowing in very little trips to the bin/need for emptying. Not only is this way easier, it'll save you time and allow you to get the task out of the way so you can carry on with your daily activities.

Mulching Functionality

The core difference is that this machine offers a handy mulching function- which is always a great addition as it allows you to keep your lawn healthier in the long run and potentially preserve the richness of wildlife and insects on your lawn. Insects are highly beneficial to the maintenance of a healthy lawn, as they provide grounds for new vegetation and flowers to bloom, as well as improve the overall vibrancy and health of the soil.

The supplied mulching plug will give your lawn a nutritious feed whilst helping the environment, and save you the hassle of emptying your grass cuttings- it's a win-win! 

Ultimate Safety

This lawn mower comes with one of my personal favourite features of Hyundai machines- the OPC technology for safety. OPC stands for Operator Presence Control, which is a unique and specialist technology designed to ensure that the engine won't run once you let go of the handle.

This can save you from so many potential injuries, and makes it safer for households where pets or children are present. Children and pets can easily run onto the lawn suddenly, so this functionality will help make mowing a safer experience.

Efficient Storage

This lawn mower offers storage efficiency thanks to the foldable handles. This makes it ideal for people who have sheds or garages, or even want to transport their lawnmower within a vehicle to take elsewhere. The possibilities are endless when this mower can be folded away compactly.

Criticisms:

This mower is honestly a great option for anyone who's looking to purchase a new machine at a reasonable price, from a renowned brand. The only issue we came across is performance on bumpy/uneven land. The rear wheels can find themselves jammed or stuck when the land is particularly soft or uneven, so we recommend using this mower on a completely dry day- if you happen to have uneven land on your garden. 

Specifications:

Cutting Width: 420mm

Cutting Heights/Range: 6; 25-75mm

Colour: Blue/Black

Weight: 28 Kilograms

Engine: (2.6kW) 3 HP Hyundai OHV 4-stroke 139cc

Power Source Type: Petrol

Dimensions: 135 x 49 x 105 centimetres


3) Cobra RM40SPCE Electric/Petrol Lawnmower with Roller 

Finally on our list we've got the Cobra RM40SPCE. This is an electric start petrol lawnmower, which is also self-propelled and is powered by a DG450 OHV engine. The colour is also striking, with a beautiful bright red body and black accents. It's slightly more expensive than the HYM430SP model above, but it's still cheaper than the Hyundai HYM430SPR model we ranked #1. 

There are some key differences to note here:

  • Smaller cutting width
  • Larger cutting height adjustment range
  • Larger grass cuttings collection bag
  • Electric-start, yet petrol powered
  • Grass bag full indicator 

The sections below will review this lawn mower, to decide if this is a better pick for you. 

What We Love

Check out the best features of this electric-start petrol mower below: 

Self-Propelled Drive

This Cobra lawn mower is self-propelled, and features a good walking speed of 3.4km/h. This means you can take it easy, and enjoy the experience. You can also push faster, if you'd like to get in a bit of a workout while you mow your lawn.

This mower also features an electric key-start mechanism in addition to the standard recoil pull-start functionality. If you're not in the mood to apply force to get your mower to run, you can benefit from this electric mower by simply clicking a button. The electric start eliminates the need to pull the recoil rope entirely, and replaces it with an electric ignition key starter. It doesn't get any easier- far less lawn mowing hassle!

In addition, this functionality can preserve the longevity of your machine by reducing the wear and tear on the engine whilst providing efficient cutting.

Large Grass Cuttings Storage

This lawnmower features a huge 50-litre robust grass clipping collection bag as well as the direct collect functionality. There's also a handy grass bag full indicator situated at the top of the collection bag. This makes your life easier, as you don't have to keep checking to see when the bag is full- it'll inform you itself, so you can spend more time mowing your lawn.

Powerful Cobra Engine

The Cobra RM40SPCE features an ultra powerful 135cc DG450 OHV engine, paired with a handy electric start mechanism to make the lawn mowing process even more effortless. with Electric Start Makes cutting the lawn effortless.

Cutting Height and Width Adjustments

This lawnmower features a six stage adjustment functionality to allow you to select from a cutting height between 17 and 75 millimetres. The single height adjuster makes changing the cutting heights even easier.

Additionally, the cutting width is 16 inches- or around 40cm. This is great for achieving the tradition luscious striped look.

Rear Roller for Stripes

The Cobra RM40SPCE comes equipped with a full-width rear roller, and this is available for the rear roller series of petrol lawnmowers from Cobra. The rear roller works smoothly, providing you with the tools needed to produce those traditional British stripes.

This mower also works great in mowing right up to the edges of borders and flowerbeds, helping you achieve a cleaner and more uniformly-trimmed look. The rear roller supports the lawnmower when the front wheels are in line with the border too.

Criticisms:

The only criticism for this item is that it's quite heavy. This can make mowing a little more laborious than if you were to use a smaller, electric mower- for example. If the weight isn't an issue, this is a great mid-range priced option to go for when selecting your new mower.

Specifications:

Cutting Width: 40cm (16")

Cutting Heights/Range: 6; 17-75mm

Colour: Red/Black

Weight: 36 Kilograms

Engine: 135cc Cobra DG450 OHV with Electric Start

Power Source Type: Petrol


Why Should You Own a Lawnmower?

Lawn mowers are a great addition to your shed or garage, and an essential if you own a garden with grass. Trimming your lawn will help maintain the health of the soil and plants, whilst improving the overall vibrancy of the lawn itself. If you happen to have hedges and shrubs, a lawnmower can be beneficial to maintain those too.

If you have a larger area to cut, or perhaps you offer lawn-mowing services professionally, a mower is essential to for cutting grass on large areas. If you do happen to offer a service, a lawnmower can help you tackle large/long hedges and cut the time taken to complete the job massively- in comparison to using trimmers or clippers.

If you like the look of short grass, or even stylisation such as traditional lawn stripes, a mower is required to achieve the look and maintain it, and ensure that your lawn remains clean and tidy. In addition, owning a lawnmower can help keep the air clean, especially if you use it regularly. 

Generally, a lawnmower is an essential investment for your garden in maintaining a beautiful yard.


Buyer's Guide: Mowing 101

This mini guide below will help instruct you on determining which type of lawnmower you need, and what specifications you should look for when selecting your final choice.

Lawn Size

When it comes to selecting the type of roller mower, it's critically dependent on how large or small the patch size is that you're working on.

A small lawn will typically be well-suited with a hand-push or an electric mower, while a medium-sized lawn may need either an electric mower or a petrol-powered one.

Large lawns will be better suited to use with a petrol-driven or electric cordless mower; this is because we don't want to trudge along with cables and cords- it's annoying and potentially dangerous.

What Kinds of Mowers Produce Stripes?

There are two main types of lawnmowers that are capable of achieving that traditional striped garden look, if that's what you're after:

  • Cylinder Mowers: These types of mowers feature a frontal rotary blade, which is essentially designed to scissor the grass down. They are usually more costly, but they are ideal for lawns which are regularly maintained. If you're cutting long, damp grass- these can struggle quite a bit though; they work best on flat lawns, as they run the risk of scalping uneven ones
  • Rotary Mowers: These are best for uneven, or generally non-flat lawns. The rotating blade under the mower the rear roller are great for creating clean cut stripes. However, not all rotary mowers have a roller- so you need to be careful and make sure you read the item description well

What Power Type Should I Look For?

Generally, you're looking at three different sources of power that lawnmowers usually fall under:

  • Manual/Push: These are the most affordable option, and are best for small lawn sizes. Why? Because you have to do most of the work. They work best for flatter lawns, and are also the type that create some of the best looking stripes! 
  • Petrol: These are by far the most powerful type of lawn mowers. They don't require a cord or cable, making them safe and hassle-free, and are also very flexible in use. This makes them ideal for large lawns. The main downside to them is that they're extremely heavy, so it can be problematic for manual use. Additionally, they are noisy, and yearly maintenance costs are quite high (cleaning filters, checking oil, etc.). The start-up function is key to consider too; there's a key-start or a pull-cord/recoil. The key method is, however, battery operated and will need to be changed or replaced with time. They're still cheaper than electric mowers, so if you're short on cash, these could be a better pick. 
  • Electric: These types of mowers are best suited to small and medium-sized lawns. They have far lower noise pollution, lower maintenance, and are generally eco-friendlier. The downsides are that they're costly, and aren't powerful enough for thicker grass growths (after being left untamed too long). Cordless electric mowers are the more versatile option as they eliminate the strains and limitations associated with cables. The main flaw is that the battery can run out fast if you're dealing with large lawns, and the charging time is usually quite long.

About the author 

Written by William
I have always had a passion for gardening and that with a background in selling lawn mowers for the past 10 years, I have become very knowledgeable in all types of gardening tools. The site TheBestMowers.co.uk was created as a hub where I can review and write about all of the tips around gardening.
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