Research-led review · Updated May 2026
Cobra MX46SPB Review
By The Best Mowers UK · Research-led assessment from specs and verified owner reviews
Specs
| Cutting width | 46 cm |
|---|---|
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 500E (140 cc) |
| Deck | Steel |
| Drive | Variable-speed self-propelled |
| Cut heights | 6 positions, 25-75 mm |
| Grass box | 55 litres |
| Cutting system | 4-in-1 (collect, mulch, side, rear) |
| Weight | 32 kg |
| Start | Recoil with ReadyStart (no priming) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
What owners praise
- Briggs & Stratton engine - ReadyStart means no priming bulb, no choke fiddling. Pull and go, even after winter storage. The 500E is a proven unit with parts available everywhere.
- Variable-speed drive - adjust your walking pace on the fly. Much better than single-speed rivals around corners and on slopes.
- 4-in-1 versatility - collect, mulch, side-discharge, or rear-discharge. Most owners run mulch mode for routine cuts and switch to collection for the autumn leaf clean-up.
- Build quality - steel deck, solid wheels, chunky bail lever. Feels like it'll last a decade with basic maintenance.
The drawbacks
- Heavy at 32 kg - you won't be lifting this over garden steps easily. The self-propelled drive compensates on flat ground but steep banks require effort.
- Cobra dealer network is thinner than Mountfield - fewer high-street service centres. Most servicing is through garden machinery specialists rather than B&Q or Homebase.
- Price gap vs Mountfield - £120 more than the SP46 for a marginally better engine and variable-speed drive. Whether that's worth it depends on your priorities.
- Fuel-sensitive like all modern petrol mowers - E10 goes stale in 30 days. Use stabiliser or Aspen 4T if it sits idle over winter.
How it compares
The budget alternative is the Mountfield SP46 at £329 - Italian engine, single-speed drive, £120 less. The premium step-up is the Honda HRX 476 VK at £999 - 20+ year lifespan, Xenoy deck, but more than double the price. The Cobra occupies the rational middle ground.
Who should buy it
UK lawn owners with 500-1,000 m² who want a proper engine without paying Honda prices. Buyers who value variable-speed drive for gardens with slopes or tight corners. Anyone who wants 4-in-1 flexibility without compromise.
Don't buy it if your lawn is under 400 m² (cordless is simpler and cheaper), if budget is your top priority (Mountfield SP46 at £329), or if you want a lifetime mower (Honda HRX at £999).