While petrol lawnmowers require more maintenance than electric mowers, their ability to run for extended periods and deliver superior power makes them a compelling choice if you have a larger lawn. However, navigating the vast array of models and features can be daunting.
To make your search easier, we’ve researched the best petrol lawn mowers in Australia to help you find the one that suits your lawn needs. You can also explore our comprehensive guide on the best lawn mowers and battery-powered lawn mowers available in Australia. Let's get to it!
Our Top Picks
In a hurry? Here are our top three petrol lawnmowers in Australia:
PowerBlade VS900 Petrol Mower
Best petrol mower for most people; it has an OHV 4-stroke engine with a 4-in-1 functionality, 51 cm cutting width, and 7 cutting heights (25 to 75 mm).
Masport 470 Petrol Mower
Best fuel-efficient petrol mower with 140cc RapidStart 4 stroke engine, 46 cm cutting width, and a height range between 10 and 70 mm.
Baumr-AG 720SX Lawn Mower
Best budget petrol mower with an OHV, 4-stroke engine, a 1 L fuel capacity, 40 cm cutting width, 7 adjustable stages, and a 45 L grass catcher.
8 Petrol Lawn Mowers for Aussies
Our research considered the challenges of Australian lawns, cutting-edge technology, durability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use, whether you need a reliable workhorse or the latest in lawn care innovation.
1. PowerBlade VS900 4in1 Petrol Mower
Best Petrol Mower for Most People
Cutting width: 51 cm; 7 stages
Engine: OHV 4-stroke; 225cc
Weight: 39 kg
The PowerBlade VS900 lawn mower offers a good balance of power, efficiency, and convenience. It is powered by a class-leading 225cc 4-stroke engine with advanced four-stroke OHV technology for a high power output, easy starting, and efficient operation. The VS900 has 4-in-1 functionality, which allows you to catch, mulch, direct side discharge, or direct rear discharge.
PowerBlade's VS900 has a seven-stage central lever height adjustment system to adjust the cutting height to suit your lawn. It has a cutting width of 51 cm and a cutting height range of 25 - 75 mm. Plus, it's self-propelled, so mowing your lawn is a stroll rather than a chore.
The 4-in-1 lawn mower also features a high-grade steel deck for ultimate durability, an integrated drink holder, quick-release folding handles for easy storage, and a large 65L catcher.
Pros
- Durable build
- Convenient features
- High power and efficient engine
- Versatile 4-in-1 functionality
- Self-propelled feature
- Good value for money
Cons
- Requires ample storage room
2. Masport 470 2'n1 Petrol Lawn Mower
Best Fuel-Efficient Petrol Mower
Cutting width: 46 cm
Engine: Briggs & Stratton, 4-stroke; 140cc
Weight: 25 kg
The Masport 470 2'n1 Petrol Lawn Mower is a popular choice among consumers for its ease of use, durability, and fuel efficiency. Masport is well-known for its range of lawnmowers; the 470 is no exception. It is powered by the Briggs & Stratton 140cc 4-stroke engine.
With the Masport 2'n1 Petrol Lawn Mower, you get a 460 mm steel chassis and the Masport Quickcut Blade System, which allows for easy cutting and mulching of lawns with perfection. It is powerful enough to cut through long and hard grass. The mower also features a comfortable upturned upper handle with a soft grip and a reinforced lower handle for added strength.
The mower also features a catcher with a volume of 46.5L and a cutting height range of 10 - 70 mm, with single-point cutting height adjustment. So you can easily adjust it to suit your lawn's needs. Masport offers a 4-year warranty on the chassis and a 2-year warranty on the engine.
Pros
- Fuel-efficient
- Durable and easy to use
- Masport brand reputation
- 460 mm steel chassis
- Powerful enough
- Generous warranty
Cons
- Can be difficult to start sometimes
3. Honda 21" Petrol Lawn Mower
Best Domestic Grade Petrol Mower
Cutting width: 53 cm; 7 stages
Engine: Honda GCV170, 4-Stroke; 166cc
Weight: 40 kg
The Honda 21" (53 cm) Self-Propelling Lawn Mower with Clip Director Mulching is a silent yet efficient model from a top brand. Its key features include Honda’s impressive Mow-Safe engine brake technology, low fuel consumption, and quiet operation for residential use. The model’s powerful 160cc engine and MicroCut twin bar blades allow for a thorough cut.
The lawn mower also has a spacious 66-litre fabric grass catcher, allowing prolonged mowing sessions without frequent emptying. It boasts mulching capabilities, allowing you to fertilise your lawn while mowing. The mower's efficiency is further enhanced by its 53 cm blade length and cutting width, which can be adjusted from 27 to 100 mm.
Despite its professional-grade design, the Honda 21" is classified as a domestic mower for less frequent use. A 2-year domestic warranty accompanies your purchase, providing an extra layer of assurance.
Pros
- Silent operation
- Efficient fuel consumption
- Powerful 160cc engine
- Spacious 66-litre fabric grass catcher
- 2-year domestic warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavier
4. Victa Classic Cut & Catch
Best for Medium-Sized Lawns
Cutting width: 46 cm; 10 stages
Engine: Victa V144 Series™, 4-stroke; 144cc
Weight: 28 kg
The Victa Classic Cut 18” Cut and Catch Lawn Mower is a great value petrol lawn mower, especially for less complicated lawns. It boasts an easy-to-start ignition system, a quiet Briggs & Stratton 500E Series OHV engine with a displacement of 144cc, and a dual swing-back blade with an 18-inch (46 cm) cutting width for robust and steady performance.
Victa's Classic Cut is a mulching lawn mower ideally suited for medium to large lawns that are regularly maintained and don’t have overgrown grass. It also has a comfortable grip handlebar for ease of use and a durable plastic catcher for collecting grass clippings. The catcher has adjustable vents, allowing you to control the airflow and ensure optimal performance.
The Victa lawn mower comes with a 5-year limited warranty for the chassis and consumer use, providing peace of mind for your purchase.
Pros
- Easy to start and use
- Large grass catcher
- 10 different cutting height adjustments
- Generous warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for overgrown lawns
5. Rover Duracut 420 Lawn Mower
Best Petrol Mower for Manoeuvrability
Cutting width: 46 cm; 10 stages
Engine: Rover OHV 480; 140cc
Weight: 34 kg
Rover Duracut 420 has a 140cc Rover OHV 480 engine perfect for small lawn areas. With a 46 cm (18-inch) steel deck, it’s robust enough to handle harsh conditions of grass, and its four swing-back blades are perfect for slicing grass for a thorough cut. You get a 45-litre grass catcher with a fill indicator and a cutting height adjustment in 10 positions within 12 - 70 mm.
Rover Duracut 420 also boasts 17.7 cm front wheels and 20 cm rear wheels, both smooth-rolling ball-bearing wheels for smooth manoeuvrability. The mower offers clean-catching performance and mulching capabilities thanks to its mulch plug. There’s also a safe stop engine brake for controlled lawn mowing. Rover Duracut is easy to start and ergonomically designed.
The petrol lawn mower is backed by Rover's 5+5 year engine and unit warranty for peace of mind. The petrol mower's ease of use, safety features, and warranty make it a solid choice for any homeowner.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Mulching capabilities
- 45-litre grass catcher
- Safe stop engine brake
- Generous warranty
Cons
- Not for larger lawns
6. Baumr-AG 720SX 139cc Lawn Mower
Best Budget Petrol Mower
Cutting width: 16-inch; 7 stages
Engine: OHV, air-cooled, 4 stroke; 139cc
Weight: 21 kg
The Baumr-AG 720SX lawn mower is an ideal best-budget lawn mower for lawn owners with moderate lawn area. It features a 139cc 4-stroke engine that cuts through grass effortlessly. The petrol mower has a height between 25 and 75 cm in seven height adjustments that let you determine the level at which your lawn is mowed. It packs a 45-litre grass catcher and a 1-litre oil tank to ensure you can complete more in one round.
Baumr-AG's 41 cm cutting width is ideal for smaller lawns and offers excellent manoeuvrability around obstacles such as trees and stones left on the lawn for decoration. At 21 kg, it is lightweight and user-friendly. Its large rear wheels and self-propelled functionality allow for effortless travel across your lawn, reducing the amount of physical exertion required.
There's not much to complain about at its price point. The 12-month warranted lawn mower offers no extra perks or functionality but is an ideal, compact option for anyone working on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Easy to assemble
- Good for smaller lawns
Cons
- Limited features
- Not for large lawn areas
7. Victa Commercial 19" 850 I/C
Best Professional Grade Petrol Mower
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 850 I/C, 4-Stroke; 190cc
Weight: 38 kg
The Victa Commercial 19" 850 I/C Lawn Mower is one of Australia's most potent self-propelled mowers. It's suitable for the toughest grass and large lawn areas. With a durable Die-Cast Alloy Chassis, a Commercial Warranty, and four-stroke blades, it takes much less time to get the job done. The mower is powered by a robust Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series 850 I/C engine.
Victa Commercial has 8-inch double ball bearing pro wheels that make mowing convenient. Additionally, the self-propelled variable-speed gearbox makes mowing effortless. Other features include a foldable handle for easy storage and commercial-grade mulching for natural lawn fertilisation.
This lawn mower has a 2-year domestic product and engine warranty and a 3-year limited chassis warranty.
Pros
- Foldable handle
- Robust engine
- Good warranty
- Commercial-grade mulching
- Powerful self-propelled mower
- Suitable for large lawn areas
Cons
- Pricey
- Can be heavy for some user
8. Masport Contractor ST S21 3'n1 SP
Best Petrol Mower for Tough Terrains
Engine: Kawasaki OHV Series, 4-Stroke; 179cc
Weight: 59.6 kg
The Masport 21" Contractor features a commercial-grade Kawasaki 179cc OHV Series FJ 180V IC 4-stroke engine for tough-going conditions and regular mowing. Its high arch heavy-duty steel chassis can withstand sandblasting and hard impacts and is combined with the 4-blade cutting system. The mower is self-propelled with variable speed control and features the GT Agility PRO 3 Speed Commercial drive system.
Masport's commercial mower also features a cutting width of 54 cm (21") and an adjustable cutting height range from 13mm to 60mm. It offers multiple cutting methods, including cut, catch, mulch, and rear discharge, making it adaptable to various lawn conditions. Masport features an open rear chute to allow great grass flow and catcher full performance in a hard 80-litre High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) catcher.
For extended use, the mower has an upturned handlebar with a soft grip for comfortable operation and can be locked in three positions. The lower handlebar is reinforced for added strength. At 59.6 kg, the mower is the heaviest on our list. However, this weight contributes to its sturdiness, enabling it to endure regular use easily.
Pros
- Commercial-grade engine
- 54 cm (21") cutting width
- Multiple cutting methods
- 80-litre catcher
- Sturdy construction
- High arch heavy-duty steel chassis
- Self-propelled with variable speed control
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy (59.6 kg)
- Small bolts for grass chute
Why Buy a Petrol Lawn Mower?
Because petrol is synonymous with power, petrol-powered lawnmowers continue to be popular. They are an excellent choice for dense lawn growth and more brutal species, and they are mostly more durable than battery-powered and electric lawn mower models. The latter two, however, are ease-of-use and environmentally friendly.
Petrol lawn mowers also come in a wide range of models. With the same powerful engine, you can purchase a tiny, lightweight model, easy-start petrol mower, a self-propelled or manually powered one, or even a riding one. They have no cable, no charging time, and can operate as long as they have fuel, allowing them to go anywhere and work for as long as you require. This is important if you have a large lawn or a landscaping business and must ensure the mower can go farther from an outlet and still work through many tasks.
However, they are not without disadvantages. Petrol mowers require regular maintenance and fueling. They emit fumes during operation and require fossil fuels, which harm the environment. They can also be very noisy during operation and are heavier to manage due to their engine weight.
How to Choose the Best Petrol Lawn Mower?
When purchasing a petrol lawn mower, consider several factors to ensure you choose the right one. We'll go over the critical deciding factors below.
#1 - Engine Type and Power
The engine is the most essential part of a petrol lawn mower, so choosing one with the right power is important. Two-stroke engines are lighter and easier to start but require more maintenance and produce more emissions. Four-stroke engines are heavier, more expensive, and more reliable and fuel-efficient.
#2 - Cutting Width and Height Adjustment
The cutting width determines how much grass the mower can cut in one pass. A wider cutting width means fewer passes and, thus, less time spent mowing. However, it's essential to choose a cutting width that is appropriate for your lawn size. A mower with a cutting width that is too wide for your lawn will be difficult to manoeuvre.
Also, consider the height adjustment feature, which allows you to control the height of your grass. This is important for maintaining a healthy lawn, as different types of grass require different cutting heights.
#3 - Grass Collection Options
Some mowers come with a grass box or bag to collect clippings, while others offer a mulching feature that finely chops the grass and returns it to the lawn as a natural fertiliser.
Collecting grass clippings is essential if you have many trees or shrubs on your lawn, as it prevents the clippings from blocking sunlight and air circulation. Mulching is a great option if you want to improve the fertility of your soil and reduce your reliance on chemical fertilisers.
#4 - Wheel Size and Maneuverability
Larger wheels can make the mower easier to push, especially on uneven terrain. Some models also offer self-propelled features, which can be a real back-saver.
If you have a large lawn, you'll want to choose a mower with self-propelled features. This will make it easier to push the mower around, even when it's full of grass clippings.
#5 - Additional Features
In addition to the essential features listed above, several additional features can make mowing more convenient and enjoyable. These features include:
- Electric start: This eliminates the need to pull a recoil cord to start the engine.
- Speed control: This allows you to adjust the speed of the mower to match your walking pace.
- Steering assist: This makes it easier to turn the mower, especially on uneven terrain.
- Headlights: This allows you to mow safely in low light conditions.
#6 - Budget
Petrol lawnmowers can cost between a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars. Setting a budget before you start shopping is essential so you don't overspend. Still, be sure to choose good value over cost. Considering these and the other factors above will guide you in selecting the best petrol mower for you and your lawn.
Maintenance Tips for Petrol Lawn Mowers
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your petrol lawn mower lasts many years. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean the mower deck and remove any grass clippings or debris. This not only keeps the mower looking good but also prevents rust and ensures optimal performance.
- Oil Change: Regularly check the oil level and change it as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Fresh oil is crucial for the smooth operation of the engine.
- Blade Care: Keep the mower blade sharp for a clean cut. Dull blades can tear the grass, leaving it with jagged edges that can turn brown.
- Air Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.
Always refer to your mower’s user manual for specific maintenance instructions and safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about petrol-powered lawnmowers in Australia.
What petrol does a petrol lawn mower use?
Petrol lawn mowers generally require unleaded petrol with an octane rating of at least 87. The petrol should have an ethanol content of 10% or less. This is true for both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. However, while 4-stroke engines burn only gasoline, 2-stroke engines run on a mixture of unleaded gasoline and two-cycle engine oil. It’s important to note that fuels with high ethanol content, such as E15 or E85, are not recommended as they can attract water, leading to corrosion and potential engine damage.
Do petrol lawn mowers need oil in the petrol?
If your lawn mower has a four-stroke engine, you put unleaded petrol in the fuel tank and add engine oil to a separate place (the crankcase). If it has a two-stroke engine, you mix two-cycle oil with the unleaded petrol before putting it into the tank. The exact ratio of petrol to oil depends on the mower, but it’s usually between 30:1 and 50:1.
How long does petrol last in a lawn mower?
Petrol in a lawn mower typically starts to degrade after 30 days. However, it can degrade even faster if kept under the wrong conditions. Gasoline has a shelf life of just 3 to 6 months.
It’s critical to only put as much fuel in it as you need and to drain it before storing it for the winter. But don’t worry if you failed to store your mower correctly during the off-season or if you’ve gone longer between lawn cuts than you planned.
Mark Thompson
Summary
Choosing the right petrol lawn mower for your needs is essential to ensure that you get the best value for your money. When deciding, consider factors such as the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and your budget.
In this guide, we have reviewed the best petrol lawnmowers available in Australia based on various criteria, including performance, features, and value for money. We hope this has helped you narrow down your choices and find the perfect petrol lawn mower for your lawn needs.
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