Hyundai 20" Petrol Lawnmower
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 51cm cutting width, 196cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers (UK 2026)
A self-propelled lawn mower drives itself forward so you simply steer - a real help on larger lawns and slopes, saving you from pushing the full weight of the machine. Available in petrol and cordless, here's what to look for and our top self-propelled picks.
Quick answer
Self-propelled mowers from Hyundai, Mountfield and the cordless ranges take the effort out of mowing bigger lawns. The drive pulls the mower along at walking pace while you guide it. Look for the power to suit your lawn (petrol cc or battery voltage), a comfortable drive speed, and a cutting width that finishes big lawns efficiently.
What to look for
Check whether the drive speed is fixed or variable - variable lets you match your walking pace. Petrol self-propelled models suit the largest lawns; cordless self-propelled are quieter for medium-large lawns. A wider deck plus self-drive makes short work of big areas. Consider the mower's weight, since self-drive matters most when the machine is heavy.
How we pick
We rate self-propelled mowers on how well the drive works, cutting power and width, ease on slopes, and value. Every pick is a genuine self-propelled lawn mower.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Mountfield SP164
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 39cm cutting width, 123cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
#3 
Mountfield SP41
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 39cm cutting width, 123cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
#4 
Greenworks
A capable lawn mower (cordless mower, 46cm cutting width, 48V battery) for a well-kept lawn.
#5 
VonHaus Petrol Lawnmower
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 51cm cutting width, 171cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
#6 
Hyundai 17" Petrol Lawnmower
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 42cm cutting width, 139cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
#7 
Hyundai 17" Petrol Roller
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 43cm cutting width, 139cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
#8 
Hyundai Petrol Lawnmower
A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 46cm cutting width, 139cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn.
Frequently asked questions
Is a self-propelled mower worth it?
If your lawn is large, sloped or your mower is heavy, yes - the drive saves you pushing and makes mowing far less tiring. On a small flat lawn a push mower is lighter, cheaper and perfectly fine. The bigger and hillier your garden, the more a self-propelled mower earns its place.
Do self-propelled mowers need more maintenance?
The drive system adds a little complexity, but on quality mowers it's reliable and needs minimal care beyond keeping it clean. Petrol self-propelled mowers need the usual engine servicing; cordless ones need very little. Overall the extra maintenance is small relative to the effort the drive saves you.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Hyundai 20" Petrol Lawnmower (our score 8.9/10) - A capable lawn mower (petrol mower, 51cm cutting width, 196cc petrol engine) for a well-kept lawn..