Compared to electric options, petrol lawn mowers are more powerful for tackling larger lawns. They don't skimp on the power, allowing you to mow slopes and uneven surfaces with ease. In general, petrol lawn mowers cost anywhere between $200 up to $1,200, depending on the size, model and motor.
To find the right model for your needs, consider if you want a push mower or a self-propelled option. Push mowers are suitable for flat yards, but they need more physical effort to operate. Self-propelled models are easier to use, but they can be pricier. Other factors you should consider are the size of your yard, the machine's weight, usability and cutting width.
The team at Finder examined various petrol lawn mowers available on Amazon and Bunnings for this list. We chose models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose petrol lawn mowers for each category based on key product features.
Our pick for the best overall petrol lawn mower is the Victa 18" Classic Cut Mulch or Catch Petrol Lawn Mower. On Bunnings, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Featuring a Briggs & Stratton 500E series engine and 6.8Nm torque, this Victa petrol lawn mower is an overall workhorse for small and large gardens. It's got mulching functionality so you can use your grass clippings to enrich your lawn. Apart from dual-swing black blade cutting systems, this also has a rapid start ignition for convenience.
Customers praised the product's ease of use, durability and design. It has a foldable handle for easy storage, a minimum cutting height of 11mm and a 0.8L fuel tank capacity. And because this lawn mower isn't corded, navigating is quite easy, allowing you to cut grass in hard-to-reach areas. It also comes with a 5-year domestic warranty and a lifetime warranty on the catcher for peace of mind.
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Bunnings, we recommend the Cheetah 16" 127cc Cut and Catch Lawn Mower as the best cheap model.
This Cheetah petrol lawn mower is a lightweight and compact option for small yards. It has a maximum cutting capacity of 17mm, a 16" steel chassis and a fabric bag catcher. Powered by a 127cc OHV engine, this model offers plenty of power to get your lawn perfectly manicured. Additionally, it comes with a 12-month warranty.
Due to being lightweight, this lawn mower is quite easy to manoeuvre, ensuring the grass is cut at an even height. Users said it is easy to use and empty, while others loved that it takes the cuttings from the yard without the need to clear it during mowing. It's also relatively quiet with a 69dB noise rating. However, this little beauty tends to struggle cutting thicker grass, according to some reviews.
For small lawns, we selected the Baumr-AG 720SX 17 Inch 139cc 4-Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower as the best petrol lawn mower. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This Baumr-AG petrol lawn mower features a class-leading 139cc OHV 4-stroke engine, 7-stage central level height adjustment and oversized wheels for easy navigation. It also has a torque speed of 3000rpm, a 1L fuel tank capacity and a 400ml oil capacity.
Customers praised the product's heavy-duty performance and value for money. It's a bit of a challenge to start but this nifty equipment offers heaps of power to evenly cut grass in no time. It's got a cutting height of 25mm to 75mm, while the grass catcher can carry up to 45L of clippings. Some reviewers didn't like the bulkiness of the unit.
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Honda's 21" Push Mower is our pick for the best option for large lawns, garnering a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Bunnings.
Honda's 21" Push Mower is a heavy-duty yet easy-to-use lawn mower suitable for both small and large yards. It is easy to start and features a 21" durable steel deck to evenly cut grass. Additionally, it has a 3 in 1 clip director for mulching, bagging or discharging. It also has a maximum cutting height of 101mm and a 66L fabric grass catcher.
Honda was named the best rated petrol lawn mower brand at the Finder Retails Award 2020/21. This 21" push lawn mower possesses all the good features that make Honda a trusted brand among consumers. It is heavy-duty, durable and reliable. This model is also easy to navigate with an ergonomic handle for added comfort. A few customers added that it has minimal vibration when operated. However, some found the motor too noisy for their liking.
We chose the Toro 22" Personal Pace® All-Wheel Drive Lawn Mower as the best heavy-duty model. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Bunnings.
Toro's Personal Pace petrol lawn mower is an innovative piece of garden equipment, offering a 3 in 1 catch, recycle and utility discharge function. It features a 22" steel deck, automatic drive system and traction assist so you can mow at a comfortable pace. It comes with a 3-year engine warranty for peace of mind as well.
Customers gave positive feedback on the lawn mower's durable design, ease of use and versatility. It has more than enough power to cut through even the thicker grass to ensure your lawn is well-manicured. Others also mentioned that it is easy to navigate on hard-to-reach areas and rougher terrains. Additionally, it has a mulching capability, a 470ml oil tank capacity and a reinforced grass catcher bag.
Save on petrol lawn mowers with these deals and discounts:
For this list, we looked into various petrol lawn mowers available on Amazon and Bunnings. We considered models from the following brands:
Baumr
Cheetah
Fieldman
Giantz
Greenworks
Honda
Masport
Ryobi
Toro
Victa
Yardking
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of May 2022). We also considered each model's key product features, including value for money, cutting width, ease of use and weight. We came up with what we believe are the 5 best petrol lawn mowers you can buy right now in Australia.
How to compare petrol lawn mowers
There are several important factors to take into account when choosing a petrol lawn mower, so make sure you consider the following:
Cutting width
Most petrol lawn mowers have a cutting width of between 16 and 22 inches. The larger the width, the more you'll be able to mow in a short time. However, wider cutting decks can make a mower difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces and affect the amount of storage space a mower takes up.
Price
Most petrol lawn mowers designed for home use are generally priced somewhere in the $200–$1,200 range. Above this price point, most products you find will be commercial-grade mowers.
Catcher
A catcher will ensure that your lawn is neat and tidy when you've finished cutting the grass. Check the capacity of the mower's catcher to get an idea of how often you'll need to empty the grass clippings.
Mulching attachment
Many petrol lawn mowers come with a mulching attachment or plug, which is designed to mulch your clippings and distribute them as you go. This provides a natural fertiliser for your lawn and can promote future growth.
Ease of use
Head in-store to take a closer look at a mower and how practical it will be to use. For example, is the bail within easy reach? Are the handles at an acceptable height or can they be adjusted to suit you? Are all controls simple to use and understand? Is it simple to adjust the cutting height to suit different areas of your lawn?
Weight
Most petrol mowers weigh somewhere in the 30–40kg range. If you suffer from mobility issues or you're simply not as strong as you used to be, check the weight of the mower in the specs sheet. It needs to be light enough for you to comfortably manoeuvre in and out of the shed, and to push around your yard.
Height settings
Check how many adjustable height settings are available. The more options available, the more you'll be able to cut your lawn to suit your requirements.
Warranty
Before you buy, check the length of the manufacturer's warranty and read the fine print to find out exactly what it covers.
Starting mechanism
Check how easy the mower is to start. While some models come with a traditional pull-cord, others offer push-button or key starting.
Types of petrol lawn mowers
There are 2 main options you'll need to consider when buying a petrol lawn mower:
Push mowers. If you choose a push mower, you need to be willing to do some hard work yourself. The motor works to spin the cutting blades on these models, but providing the power required to physically move around the yard is up to you. Push mowers are a good choice for flat yards that aren't too large, and for anyone who doesn't mind raising a sweat when mowing.
Self-propelled mowers. As the name suggests, self-propelled mowers use the engine to send power to the front or rear wheels, or in some cases to all 4 wheels. To operate the mower, you simply need to squeeze the bail (a bar located on the handle) to engage the mower, and this causes the cutting blades to start spinning and the mower to start moving by itself – your job is to steer it around the yard. Self-propelled mowers make mowing the lawn less strenuous. They're a good choice for larger yards, sloping terrain and anyone looking to take the hard work out of mowing.
Petrol lawn mowers vs battery and electric lawn mowers
Before choosing a petrol lawn mower, take some time to consider whether a battery-powered or electric lawn mower may be a better choice.
Electric lawn mowers
Electric lawn mowers are lighter and quieter than petrol mowers, and you don't have to worry about heading to the servo every time you run out of fuel. They also tend to require less maintenance than petrol models.
The downsides are that you'll need to be close to a power point, you'll have to deal with the hassle of dragging around a cord and electric mowers tend to have narrower cutting decks than petrol options.
Electric lawn mowers are best for relatively small yards within easy reach of a power source.
Battery-powered lawn mowers
Also known as cordless lawn mowers, battery-powered mowers remove the hassle of lugging around a power cord. They're lighter and quieter than petrol mowers, and battery running times have increased substantially in recent years. Another benefit is that you can often use the battery from your mower to power other garden tools from the same manufacturer.
However, you may need to deal with the annoyance of the battery running out before you've finished the job, and then (if you don't have a spare) cooling your heels while the battery recharges.
3 things to consider
Petrol mowers are best for large lawns. If you have a large lawn to mow, we're talking 400 square metres or more, the long running time and heavy-duty cutting power of a petrol lawn mower will typically make it the best choice.
Cutting width is key. When you're comparing mowers, a difference of a few inches in the cutting widths of 2 models may not seem like much. But when you're tackling a big lawn on a hot summer's day, you'll definitely appreciate the ability to cover a little extra territory with each run.
Don't forget about maintenance. Petrol mowers typically require more maintenance than electric and cordless mowers, and staying on top of these routine tasks can help prolong the lifespan of your machine. Things like changing the oil, cleaning the oil filter and cleaning the undercarriage are all important, so check the user manual for details of essential maintenance tasks.
Here are a few tips to maintain your petrol lawn mower:
Regularly clean the air filter and remove debris and dust.
Occasionally check the carburettor. If it is clogged, you can use compressed air to clear out any obstruction.
Regularly change the oil of your petrol lawn mower.
Sharpen the mower's blades at least once a month.
Make sure to store your equipment in a cool, dry place to avoid any weather damage.
An electric lawn mower is designed to be lightweight and easy to move around your garden. It offers enough power to manicure smaller yards, ensuring the grass is cut evenly. It is also cheaper and easier to maintain compared to a petrol model.
A petrol lawn mower is designed to be a workhorse suitable for both small and large gardens. It can handle cutting thicker grass and navigating through steeper terrains, making it suitable for heavy-duty garden tasks. However, it's more expensive and quite high maintenance.
In general, unleaded petrol (ULP) is best suited for most petrol lawn mowers as this can help with winter storage problems that E10 fuel has. However, it is still best to check your user manual to know the recommended fuel for your lawn mower's specific model and make.
Best Rated Petrol Lawn Mowers Brand: Honda
The name Honda should not only conjure up images of a car, but of a great petrol lawn mower too. The brand took out this year's category award due to its great performance and cleaning and maintenance scores.
Best rated petrol lawn mower brand award breakdown
Honda
8.21
4.5
4.23
4.34
4.36
4.55
Victa
8.2
4.49
4.29
4.14
4.51
4.55
Rover
8.19
4.46
4.38
4.38
4.38
4.5
Baumr-AG
8
4.29
4.29
4
4.71
4.29
Ryobi
7.87
4.26
4.21
4.26
4.34
4.37
Masport
7.84
4.24
4.1
4.24
4.22
4.42
Husqvarna
7.75
4.27
4.09
4.18
4
4.05
Other
7.75
4.15
4.46
4.08
4.31
4.31
Gardenline (Aldi)
7.3
3.95
3.95
3.9
4.19
4
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Previous Retail Awards
Best Rated Petrol Lawn Mower Brand 2019: Husqvarna
Husqvarna is a Swedish manufacturer of power tools and outdoor power products, including trimmers and mowers. 100% of surveyed customers recommend Husqvarna petrol lawn mowers. With the top overall score and high scores for ease of use and performance, Husqvarna is the best petrol lawn mower brand in Australia. Husqvarna also received the Finder Retail Award for the best brand for whipper snippers.
Overall rating
Recommended
Build Quality
Value for Money
Cleaning & maintenance
Ease of use
Quietness
Performance
Husqvarna
4.27
100%
4.5
4.18
4.18
4.41
3.91
4.32
Honda
4.32
90%
4.44
4.06
4.18
4.39
3.61
4.37
RYOBI
4.1
100%
4.13
4
4
4.15
3.65
4.26
Victa
4.05
95%
4.16
4.06
3.9
4.24
3.45
4.13
Rover
4
92%
3.73
4.17
4
4.04
3.04
3.67
Masport
3.86
88%
4.04
3.93
3.86
4.26
3.33
4.12
Gardenline (ALDI)
3.6
93%
3.53
4.17
3.87
3.87
3.3
3.87
Baumr-AG*
4.64
86%
4.14
4.5
4.07
4.43
4
4.57
Black Eagle*
4
100%
3.75
4.25
3.75
3.25
3.5
3.25
Ego*
3
2.5
2.5
3
4
4.5
4
John Deere*
3.7
100%
4.2
3.6
4.1
3.8
2.9
4.4
Parklander*
4
100%
4.5
4.25
3
3.25
3.25
4.5
Redback*
3.67
67%
4
4
4
3.67
2
3.5
Sanli*
3.5
80%
3.1
2.9
3
3.4
3.5
3.3
Supaswift*
3.38
33%
3.13
2.63
3
3.25
3.38
3.17
Toro*
3.63
100%
3.13
3.63
3.63
3.5
3.5
3.63
TPE*
4
100%
5
5
5
4
3.5
4
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless otherwise indicated. Methodology and more info.
Why you can trust Finder Shopping best guides
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We assess hundreds of products for each guide to ensure you're getting a full overview of the market. All guides are regularly reviewed and fact-checked.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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