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."
