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The Best Mowers

Research-led review · Updated May 2026

Stiga Estate 384M Review

By The Best Mowers UK · Research-led assessment from specs and verified owner reviews

Ride-on lawn mower on a large UK lawn

Specs

Cutting width84 cm (33 inches)
EngineStiga ST 500 (452 cc single-cylinder OHV)
TransmissionTransmatic (manual, 6F + 1R)
Cut heights7 positions, 25-80 mm
DischargeSide (collector optional)
Turning circle50 cm
Fuel tank6.0 litres
Weight192 kg
Warranty3 years (domestic)
Made inItaly

What owners praise

  • Italian build quality - fit and finish are noticeably better than the Mountfield 1538M. Panel gaps are tighter, paint is thicker, everything feels more considered.
  • Engine refinement - the ST 500 runs smoother and quieter than comparable single-cylinder rivals. Less vibration through the seat, easier on the ears during a 30-minute mow.
  • Tighter turning - 50 cm turning circle is better than Mountfield (56 cm). Navigating around trees and borders feels more precise.
  • Growing dealer network - Stiga have been expanding their UK dealer presence. Service availability is better than it was 5 years ago.

The drawbacks

  • 84 cm deck is narrow for the price - the Mountfield 1538M offers 98 cm for £400 less. On very large lawns you'll make more passes with the Stiga.
  • Manual transmission - same friction-disc system as the Mountfield. Functional but jerky compared to hydrostatic. The 384E (hydrostatic) solves this for £300 more.
  • Side-discharge only - collector is an expensive extra (~£350). At £2,899 base price, including a collector would be a nicer package.
  • Single-cylinder engine - adequate but you can hear and feel the single-cylinder vibration. The Deere X167's Kawasaki V-twin is a different experience entirely.

How it compares

The Mountfield 1538M-SD at £2,499 is £400 cheaper with a wider deck - the budget choice with adequate results. The John Deere X167 at £3,299 is £400 more with a Kawasaki V-twin and hydrostatic drive - the premium step-up. The Stiga sits between both, offering better build than Mountfield without Deere's price tag.

Who should buy it

UK homeowners with 1,500-2,500 m² who want better-than-budget ride-on quality without paying Deere prices. Buyers who value Italian manufacturing and refined build over raw deck width. Anyone stepping up from a Mountfield who wants something that feels more premium.

Don't buy it if deck width matters most (Mountfield 1538M at 98 cm for less), if you want hydrostatic as standard (pay £300 more for the 384E or go Deere), or if your lawn is over 3,000 m² (the 84 cm deck will feel slow).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Stiga Estate 384M worth £2,899?+
It sits neatly between the budget Mountfield 1538M (£2,499) and premium John Deere X167 (£3,299). You get a better engine and transmission than Mountfield, Italian manufacturing quality, and Stiga's growing UK dealer network. Fair value for a mid-range ride-on.
What engine does the Stiga Estate 384M use?+
A Stiga ST 500 - a 452 cc single-cylinder OHV four-stroke built in Stiga's own Italian factory. Reliable, adequate power for the 84 cm deck, and parts available through Stiga dealers across the UK.
Does the 384M have hydrostatic transmission?+
The M model uses a manual transmatic (friction-disc) gearbox. The E model (384E) offers hydrostatic for about £300 more. If budget allows, the hydrostatic is worth it for the smoother driving experience.
Stiga Estate 384M vs Mountfield 1538M-SD?+
Stiga wins on build quality, slightly better engine refinement, and Italian manufacturing heritage (Stiga owns the Castelgarden factory that makes Mountfield). Mountfield wins on price (£400 less) and wider deck (98 cm vs 84 cm). The Stiga feels nicer; the Mountfield covers more ground per pass.
How big a lawn can the 384M handle?+
Comfortable up to 2,500 m². The 84 cm deck is slightly narrower than some rivals, so very large properties (3,000+ m²) will take longer. For typical large UK gardens, it's well-matched.