Paul has been repairing petrol garden machinery for over 20 years. You might expect him to always recommend petrol. He doesn't.
Here's his honest, no-nonsense take on which type of mower actually makes sense for different situations.
Where Petrol Still Wins
For medium to large lawns, rough ground, and professional use, petrol mowers remain the practical choice. Here's why:
- Power — petrol engines deliver consistent power regardless of battery charge. They don't slow down halfway through a large lawn
- Runtime — fill the tank and mow all day. No waiting for batteries to charge
- Cut quality on tough grass — the torque from a petrol engine handles long, wet, or thick grass far better
- Longevity — a well-maintained petrol mower can last 15-20 years. Most battery mowers are designed for 5-8 years before the batteries degrade
Paul's tip: "If your lawn is bigger than a tennis court, or you're cutting anything other than a neat domestic lawn, petrol is still the way to go. The power difference is real."
Where Electric Makes Sense
For small, flat, well-maintained lawns, a cordless electric mower is genuinely a good option:
- Zero maintenance — no oil changes, no spark plugs, no carburettor cleaning, no fuel going stale over winter
- Quieter — significantly less noise, which matters if you've got close neighbours
- Lighter — battery mowers are typically lighter and easier to push
- Instant start — press a button, no pull cords
The Battery Problem Nobody Talks About
Here's what the manufacturers don't emphasise: replacement batteries are expensive. A set of batteries for a premium cordless mower can cost £150-300. After 3-5 years of regular use, battery capacity drops noticeably. At that point, you're either buying expensive batteries or a whole new mower.
With a petrol mower, the equivalent maintenance cost over the same period is a fraction of that — oil, filters, spark plugs, and the occasional service.
What Paul Sees in the Workshop
The most common repairs on petrol mowers are: - Carburettor issues from stale fuel (preventable) - Blunt blades (easy fix) - Pull cord replacement (normal wear) - Oil-related wear from missed services (preventable)
Notice a pattern? Most petrol mower problems are caused by lack of basic maintenance, not inherent design flaws. A mower that gets an annual service and fresh fuel runs reliably for decades.
The Honest Verdict
If you have a small flat lawn and want zero hassle, buy a decent cordless mower from a reputable brand. But budget for battery replacement in 4-5 years.
If you have a larger lawn, uneven ground, long grass, or you want a mower that'll last 15+ years, petrol is still the better long-term investment — provided you maintain it.
- Small flat lawn (under 100m²) — cordless electric is fine
- Medium lawn (100-500m²) — petrol recommended
- Large lawn (500m²+) — petrol essential
- Professional/commercial use — petrol only
Need your petrol mower serviced? Call Paul on 07342 239878 or WhatsApp to book.
