If you’ve got a sloped, uneven, or unusually shaped garden, a petrol hover mower can be a game-changer. Unlike traditional mowers, hover mowers float on a cushion of air, making them easy to maneuver around tricky corners, flower beds, and slopes. For larger lawns or gardens with tough grass, a petrol hover mower offers the power and flexibility you need. Let’s explore the best petrol hover mowers available in the UK, designed to make mowing less of a chore.
Best Petrol Hover Mowers in the UK
1. Flymo XL500 Petrol Hover Mower
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 160cc Honda GCV160 4-stroke engine
- Cutting Width: 50.5 cm (20 inches)
- Cutting Heights: Adjustable from 10mm to 30mm
- Weight: 18 kg
- Features: Metal cutting blade, durable ABS polymer cutting deck, folding handles for easy storage
- Pros: Powerful engine, lightweight for its size, excellent on slopes and uneven terrain
- Cons: Limited cutting height range, not self-propelled
The Flymo XL500 is one of the most popular petrol hover mowers for good reason. It’s powered by a robust 160cc Honda GCV160 engine, providing ample power to tackle long, wet, or thick grass, even on slopes and uneven ground. With a 50.5 cm cutting width, it covers a large area quickly, making it ideal for medium to large gardens. The metal cutting blade ensures a clean cut, and the folding handles make it easy to store. While it doesn’t offer a wide range of cutting heights, its power and maneuverability make it a top choice for challenging terrains.
2. Cobra AirMow 51 Pro Petrol Hover Mower
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 173cc Honda GCVX170 4-stroke engine
- Cutting Width: 51 cm (20 inches)
- Cutting Heights: 16mm to 34mm with 3 adjustable heights
- Weight: 19 kg
- Features: Heavy-duty metal blade, 3-stage height adjustment, robust build quality
- Pros: Very powerful, handles tough and thick grass, great for professional use
- Cons: Heavier than some competitors, higher price point
The Cobra AirMow 51 Pro is designed for more demanding users, whether for professional groundskeeping or larger domestic gardens. With its 173cc Honda GCVX170 engine, this model offers incredible power and reliability. The 51 cm cutting width is perfect for covering large areas efficiently, and the three adjustable cutting heights let you adapt to different lawn conditions. The heavy-duty metal blade can handle dense grass and even small twigs. It’s slightly heavier, but the added power and robust build quality make it an excellent choice for tougher jobs.
3. McCulloch M46-140WR Petrol Hover Mower
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 140cc Briggs & Stratton 500E engine
- Cutting Width: 46 cm (18 inches)
- Cutting Heights: 30mm to 80mm with 5 adjustable settings
- Weight: 26 kg
- Features: Air cushion mowing, foldable handles, easy start
- Pros: Good maneuverability, versatile cutting height range, reliable engine
- Cons: Heavier than some models, not ideal for very steep slopes
The McCulloch M46-140WR is a reliable petrol hover mower that offers versatility with its five adjustable cutting heights ranging from 30mm to 80mm, making it suitable for different lawn types. Powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton 500E engine, it provides good power for medium-sized gardens. The air cushion design ensures easy maneuverability around uneven terrains and slopes, and the foldable handles add convenience for storage. Though it’s slightly heavier than other hover mowers, its sturdy build and versatility make it a good all-rounder.
4. Toro HoverPro 550 Petrol Hover Mower
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 160cc Honda GCV160 engine
- Cutting Width: 53 cm (21 inches)
- Cutting Heights: 16mm to 34mm with adjustable spacers
- Weight: 19.5 kg
- Features: Nylon cutting line, large cutting width, ideal for commercial use
- Pros: Wide cutting width, lightweight for size, great for slopes and banks
- Cons: Cutting line needs regular replacement, not ideal for heavy brush
The Toro HoverPro 550 is perfect for those who need a mower capable of handling large areas with slopes and banks. Its 160cc Honda engine provides reliable power, and the 53 cm cutting width is one of the largest available in petrol hover mowers. It uses a nylon cutting line instead of a metal blade, which is safer for uneven terrain but does need regular replacement. Lightweight and easy to handle, this mower is a fantastic choice for gardeners who need both coverage and flexibility.
5. Flymo XL400 Petrol Hover Mower
Why It Stands Out:
- Engine Power: 135cc Honda GCV160 engine
- Cutting Width: 40 cm (16 inches)
- Cutting Heights: Adjustable from 10mm to 30mm
- Weight: 12.5 kg
- Features: Compact design, lightweight, durable metal blade
- Pros: Lightweight and compact, easy to maneuver, affordable
- Cons: Smaller cutting width, limited height adjustment range
The Flymo XL400 is a compact and lightweight option, perfect for smaller gardens or those who need a mower that’s easy to handle. It’s equipped with a 135cc Honda engine that offers sufficient power for most garden maintenance tasks. The 40 cm cutting width is ideal for navigating tighter spaces, and its low weight makes it particularly easy to maneuver. It’s a great choice for those who don’t need the power or size of larger models but still want a quality petrol hover mower for light to medium-duty use.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Petrol Hover Mower
When selecting a petrol hover mower, consider these key factors to ensure you choose the best one for your needs:
- Engine Power: A stronger engine (160cc and above) provides more cutting power, which is crucial for thick, tough grass or uneven terrain.
- Cutting Width: Larger cutting widths (50 cm and above) cover more ground faster, but smaller models (40-45 cm) are easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Cutting Height Range: The more adjustable heights, the more flexibility you have for maintaining different types of lawns. Most hover mowers offer limited height options.
- Weight: Lighter mowers are easier to handle and maneuver, especially on slopes and banks, but they may have less cutting power.
- Blade Type: Metal blades are durable and ideal for cutting thick grass, while nylon lines are safer for uneven terrains but require frequent replacement.
- Ease of Use: Look for features like folding handles, easy-start mechanisms, and lightweight designs that improve usability and storage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best petrol hover mower in the UK depends on your garden size, terrain, and the type of grass you’re dealing with. For power and versatility, the Flymo XL500 and Cobra AirMow 51 Pro are top choices for medium to large gardens and professional use. If you need a more compact option, the Flymo XL400 offers excellent maneuverability and ease of use for smaller gardens.
With the right petrol hover mower, you’ll breeze through mowing even the toughest lawns, keeping your garden looking pristine with minimal effort.