8 Best Walk-Behind Petrol Lawnmowers-That Could Last A Lifetime
Did you know the highest price walk behind lawnmower available online is £1600 (Over $2000), by anyone’s standards that’s a lot of money.
But is it worth it?
I have often mentioned in my articles that a good quality petrol lawnmower could last the full lifetime of the owner with the correct servicing. I would truly expect this to be the case on a lawnmower with a high ticket price.
There will, of course, be issues that will require serviceable parts to be replaced.
I purchased my first lawnmower 14 years ago and still use it to this day. It’s a Mountfield SP 470 self-drive model.
Has it ever broken? Well yes! In fact, this is how I got into the business of repairing lawnmowers for profit.
I can remember around 3 years after purchasing the lawnmower having to race around the garden to try and get the grass cut before the engine cut out. It felt like I was a contestant on a game show!
I couldn’t believe it.
As a new homeowner at the time, I chose the lawnmower as I recognised the Mountfield brand name and the Briggs And Stratton engine.
I fully expected this lawnmower to last at least 10 years for the amount I paid for it.
Long story short, I remember searching online for anyone else having similar problems. I found a youtube channel showing how to service the carburettor and followed the instructions.
I was delighted when I started up the lawnmower and the engine ran perfectly. Many people would have scrapped the lawnmower at this point and opted for a new one.
I simply couldn’t as I knew this engine should last a very long time and quite honestly didn’t want the expense of buying a new one.
In the last 13 years, I have repaired hundreds of lawnmowers and sold them for profit.
In this article, I’m going to share some of my knowledge about what the best lawnmower may be for you and the things you may want to avoid. I have handpicked 8 various high-quality petrol lawnmowers I believe will stand the test of time.
13 years later I still regularly use my original Mountfield petrol lawnmower, but having that issue in the first few years always left me wondering one thing.
How Long Is A Petrol Lawnmower Designed To Last?
Many peoples opinion of how long a petrol lawnmower should last depends on how expensive it was to purchase. After all, if its incredibly cheap and terribly built anyone with common sense wouldn’t expect it to last a lifetime.
But can a high quality lawnmower last a lifetime?
Let’s take a look at 8 walk-behind lawnmowers available online and see what features are included that may make some of these lawnmowers last a lifetime compared to cheaper models.
Let’s Select 8 Of The Top Rated Petrol Lawnmowers Available.
I’m going to select 8 different lawnmowers that potentially could last a lifetime.
Two Lawnmowers with self-drives and a rear roller.
Two lawnmowers with self-drives and no rear roller.
Two Lawnmowers with no self-drive or rear roller.
Two Alternative lawnmowers with excellent build quality.
2 Lawnmowers With Self Drives And A Rear Roller
John Deere R54RKB Petrol Lawnmower
Let’s Start with. John Deere R54RKB Petrol Lawnmower
This top of the range walk behind lawnmower features a cast aluminium deck with a 15-year warranty. The most common reason I see people replace a lawnmower is because the cutting deck becomes rotten and holes start appearing. I would suggest that the deck on this lawnmower could last a lifetime if regularly cleaned underneath.
All other parts of a lawnmower are replaceable, however changing every component from one cutting deck to another is an expensive and time-consuming task.
This lawnmower features a very powerful 6.5 horsepower Kawasaki engine. Kawasaki engines are well known for reliability around the world and I believe with the correct servicing this could last a lifetime.
This lawnmower features an integrated blower fan that helps push the cut grass into the grass box with maximum efficiency. While not essential to the longevity of the lawnmower it’s a nice feature.
Self DriveTransmissions And Gear Box
I’m not a fan of self-drive petrol lawnmowers as often the transmission fails long before the engine or the cutting deck of a lawnmower. Any lawnmower that has a rear roller requires a very solid gearbox.
This lawnmower has a variable speed self-drive and no doubt John Deere have spared no expense in making the self-drive transmission as durable as possible. For me,this or any other lawnmower will not last a full lifetime as the transmission will no doubt need replacing at some point and it may be more cost effective to purchase a new lawnmower.
If a self-drive is absolutely essential then I would certainly suggest spending the extra money on a quality lawnmower such as this one. Many cheaper lawnmowers with self-drives fail very quickly, usually after 2 to 3 years. This happens as some of the transmission gears are made from plastic and wear over time.
I certainly wouldn’t expect this to be the case on a quality lawnmower such as this, but at some point, the self-drive may fail. It would be an expensive repair also.
This is undoubtedly a fantastic lawnmower and if a self-drive is required I would certainly consider purchasing it if I required a self-drive and a rear roller model.
It also has a blade brake clutch that enables you to empty the grass box whilst disengaging the blade and leaving the engine running. This is a nice feature but over time the clutch will wear out and the lawnmower will struggle to cut longer grass.
Many extra features on a lawnmower are nice but I prefer to keep it simple. The more simple, the less likely it will be to cause any problems.
Honda HRH 536 QX4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower- Red
Secondly, let’s take a look at Honda Lawnmowers. In particular, the HRH 536 QX 4-Wheel Self Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower – Red
Honda lawnmowers are renowned for there build quality and easy starting. For many professional gardeners, Honda is the only choice.
This lawnmower according to the manufacturer’s specification has a high-density alloy deck. This of course means it is highly unlikely to rust or become rotten.
As previously mentioned the self-drive on any petrol lawnmower must be well built, particularly if it has to propel a rear roller. This Honda model boasts a “Heavy Duty” gearbox.
One feature I really like is the blade is designed to twist and not break should you accidentally strike a hard object. This will save the crankshaft becoming bent and is another reason this lawnmower could last a lifetime.
This lawnmower would make an excellent choice if a self-drive rear roller model is required.
Parts are widely available for Honda lawnmowers and are reasonably priced.
If I had to purchase a petrol lawnmower with a roller and a self-drive I would probably choose this over the John Deere simply because the parts are regularly stocked by local lawnmower service centres.
I like the way the product description refers to transmission as “Heavy Duty” I’ve had many Honda lawnmowers to repair for profit and I’ve always been impressed with the overall quality and I like the overall appearance of them also.
2 Lawnmowers With Rear Self Drives And No Rear Roller
Eliminating a rear roller lawnmower can help extend the life of a petrol lawnmower. Most of the lawnmowers that have transmissions that fail have a rear roller. It’s this extra weight that I believe wears the gearbox out far too quickly.
Honda Izy HRG536SD 21- inch Wheeled Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
The Honda IZY range of lawnmowers are some of the best lawnmowers I’ve come across. I have seen well maintained “IZY” lawnmowers look like new even after 10 years of use.
The Honda Izy HRG536SD 21-inch Wheeled Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
Usually I would suggest a 21-inch lawnmower would be rather cumbersome to manoeuvre around an average size lawn, however, the IZY range is really nicely designed changes direction easily. For a 21-inch cut lawnmower, it’s very easy to manoeuvre.
Having a large cutting width lawnmower such as this means you will get the grass cut in less time. This, of course, means over the lifetime of the lawnmower the engine has done less work than a 16-inch cut lawnmower.
If engine longevity is your main concern when looking to purchase a lawnmower to last a lifetime then purchasing a larger cutting width may be the answer.
This lawnmower features the very popular GCV 160 engine. This is a powerful engine yet runs really quietly. It also has an automatic choke that works well so servicing of the carburettor in future years will be minimal.
The cutting deck is high quality and would potentially last a lifetime if any old grass is removed from the underside of the deck at the end of each cutting season.
This Lawnmower is a great all-around choice when purchasing a self-drive model with no rear roller.
Take a look at this video from my Youtube channel on how to service a Honda Petrol Lawnmower
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel here https://www.youtube.com/c/MowerMan
Masport 250ST 18″ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Recently I purchased a second hand Masport 470 lawnmower from someone who was emigrating to Australia!
I bought the lawnmower on eBay with the intention of selling it for profit. Having serviced it and used it this year to cut a large lawn for a relative, I have been amazed by the quality and feel of it.
I decided to keep this lawnmower I was so impressed with it.
I really like Masport 250ST 18″ Self Propelled Lawn Mower
I have recently serviced lawnmowers with the newer style 450 and 500E engine.
You can watch one of my youtube videos here.
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They are very simple to work on and start well. With a thick steel cutting deck and swing away blades to save expensive accidents, I believe this lawnmower could potentially last the average homeowner a full lifetime.
This is another excellent design of lawnmower and has an 18-inch cut which is a great choice. It also cuts shorter than most other lawnmowers, in fact, it cuts as short as 10mm.
I have mentioned Honda lawnmowers frequently throughout this article as I believe they are good value for money, however, I also understand that Honda may not be everyone’s personal choice.
This is an excellent alternative featuring a powerful Briggs And Stratton engine.
I can tell you from experience this is a very high-quality lawnmower that is built to last.
2 Lawnmowers With No Self Drive And No Driven Rear Roller
If I had to purchase a petrol lawnmower to last a full lifetime, I would purchase a lawnmower without a driven rear roller and without a self-drive.
I would also purchase a lawnmower with a very good quality cutting deck.
Eliminating the self-drive or a driven rear roller takes away many issues that could stop you owning the same petrol lawnmower for a whole lifetime.
Replacing the transmission on a lawnmower is one of the most expensive repairs you can do. Especially if it’s a transmission that propels a rear roller.
Hayter 617 Spirit 41 Push Rear Roller 41cm Petrol Mower
Did you know it’s still possible to get that nice striped cutting effect from a rear roller without having a self-drive?
The Hayter 617 Spirit 41 Push Rear Roller 41cm Petrol Mower
Hayter products are very high quality, in fact, they have held a Royal warrant to supply horticultural equipment to Her Majesty The Queen since 1960. They brand themselves as makers of the finest mowers.
This is a good sign when looking to purchase a lawnmower to last the maximum length of time.
I have had many Hayter lawnmowers to repair for profit and they re-sell for very good prices.
This lawnmower boasts a Briggs And Stratton 500 series engine that is popular worldwide.
Hayter also mentions in there product description that with correct operation and maintenance tasks this will ensure a long service life. I do believe this to be the case as many times I have had Hayter lawnmowers that are over 20 years old and still in excellent condition cosmetically.
If you are looking for a simple high-quality lawnmower that will still offer a nice striped cut this may be the lawnmower for you. It has a smaller cutting width so is still very easy to push without needing a self-drive.
All in all a sensible choice from a quality manufacturer.
Honda HRG466PK Petrol 4 Wheel Push Mower 18″
This would be my personal choice if I had to choose a new lawnmower to last a very long time.
This lawnmower Honda HRG466PK Petrol 4 Wheel Push Mower 18″
It features a superb quality cutting deck and a great easy starting yet quiet powerful Honda engine. Take a look at how the handle attaches to the cutting deck. It’s solid and high quality.
This lawnmower does not have one part that can’t be replaced relatively cheaply. Servicing is easily carried out and it features an automatic choke system. The starter recoils are ultra reliable and built to last.
This lawnmower has no rear roller and no self-drive so in my opinion, if you maintain the cutting deck well at the end of the cutting season this lawnmower has no reason to not last a very long time.
It’s very simple in design and very well built. It also moves across the grass with ease even without a self-drive due to the design and excellent wheel configuration.
Sometimes less is more and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase this lawnmower.
I would expect to own this lawnmower for a very long time before having any problems at all.
2 Alternative Lawnmowers With Excellent Build Quality.
Murray EQ400 18/46 cm petrol push lawnmower with Briggs & Stratton 450E Series engine
It has a 450E Briggs And Stratton Engine and an 18-inch steel cutting deck. This lawnmower has a 60 -litre grass bag and Murray lawnmowers have an excellent reputation.
It is more industrial in appearance but very simple in design.
With a great engine and a reputable Murray cutting deck, this lawnmower should be taken into consideration when looking for a long lasting lawnmower. It may just be a sensible option for you.
McCulloch M46-125 Petrol Wheeled Rotary
Recent McCulloch lawnmowers have excellent reliability and build quality. This McCulloch M46-125 Petrol Wheeled Rotary
As well as having a Briggs And Stratton 450E Series Engine it has a built-in cutting deck wash facility.
This is excellent news for keeping the cutting deck in good condition.
Simply attach a hosepipe to the top of the deck and it washes off the underside of the cutting deck for you. If you do this regularly this lawnmower could last a long time especially with an excellent engine fitted. A solid choice from a well-established brand.
Plus it looks great too!
Final Thoughts
Whichever lawnmower you choose to purchase be sure to give it the care and attention it deserves.
Keeping the cutting deck in good order would be my number one tip.
If you choose a petrol lawnmower with a self-drive it may be worth checking out the manufacturer’s warranty as parts can be very expensive. Be aware of cheap plastic cutting decks and lawnmower brands you have never heard of.
It’s almost impossible to buy spare parts for a lawnmower if you don’t know the make and model number.
I hope this article has helped anyone looking to purchase a quality petrol lawnmower.
Hopefully, with the advice I have shared you can make an informed decision and have trouble-free mowing for a long time to come.
Take a look at the recommended products page for more information.
https://repairlawnmowersforprofit.com/recommended-products/
Be sure to check out my article on how to start your own repairing lawnmowers for-profit business here https://repairlawnmowersforprofit.com/how-to-make-money-selling-lawnmowers-my-complete-guide/
Happy Mowing.