Canstar Blue’s 2021 Lawn Mower review has seen Ryobi, Masport, Victa, Ozito, Honda and ALDI rated on reliability and performance, fuel economy and battery life, value for money, ease of use, maintenance, design, noise and customer satisfaction.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Claiming top spot in Canstar Blue’s Lawn Mower ratings, Ryobi scored five stars across multiple categories, including overall satisfaction.
Mowing the lawn has long been a Sunday tradition for many Aussies, followed by sitting back with a cold drink afterwards to admire your hard work. With our climate, you can go months during winter without having to get your lawn mower out of the shed, but during the summer, many of us are out cutting the grass every couple of days to keep it properly maintained. As a result, you’ll want a lawn mower that can handle the workload for when the grass gets away from you, as well as one that can handle the size and shape of your backyard.
With a number of mower types available, finding one that will make short work of your lawn can send shoppers into a head-spin, with the choice between 2-stroke, 4-stroke, electric and even self-propelled models enough for you to think about hiring someone to cut your lawn for you instead! But with 40% of respondents to our latest survey stating that they enjoy mowing their lawn, finding one that makes the job a breeze would be at the top of most people’s priority list.
That’s what Canstar Blue is looking to find out, surveying over 500 Australian adults who have recently purchased an electric or fuel lawn mower in the last five years, so we could turn their feedback into the ratings table you see above, with brands compared on taste, value for money, packaging and variety. Brands that received the minimum survey sample size of 30 responses are featured in our results.
So, which lawn mower brand do Aussies rate a cut above the rest? In 2021, the answer is… Ryobi!
Here are the best lawn mower brands in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s 2021 review:
Ryobi topped our lawn mower ratings, earning five-stars for overall satisfaction, with Masport, Victa, Ozito and Honda all rated four stars, while ALDI finished on three stars overall. Ryobi scored five stars across other categories, including value for money, ease of use, ease of use, design and maintenance.
Other five star results include Masport receiving five stars for reliability and performance, fuel economy & battery life and maintenance & servicing, with Victa also receiving five stars reliability and performance. Ozito also scored the only five star rating for noise while operating, along with five stars for maintenance and value for money.
Below, we cover what’s available from each brand mentioned and explore others that didn’t feature in our star ratings, but may still be worthy of consideration. We also spill the beans on what you should keep an eye out for when shopping for a lawn mower.
Known for a wide variety of tools, Japanese manufacturer Ryobi has a number of lawn mowers available for Aussie consumers to purchase, including both electric and petrol push models, in addition to ride-on mowers. One of the more affordable ranges available on the market, Ryobi may be suitable for those hoping to stick to a budget, with Ryobi lawn mowers exclusively available at Bunnings.
Ryobi’s petrol lawn mowers come equipped with 160, 175 or 190cc 4-stroke engines, each of which come with auto-priming for easy starts, as well as a range of other features, including mulching capabilities to help you get your garden looking ship-shape. The top-of-the-line 190cc model includes self-propelled drive, as well as eight cutting heights and a 55L catcher.
The majority of Ryobi’s line-up comprises of electric push mowers, with both corded and cordless models available. Those after a corded model may be interested in the 1300W model, which features a 33cm cutting width, adjustable handles and a EASYEDGE polymer deck to help you get a close cut without ruining plants or other surfaces. Cordless models include both 18V and 36V mowers, with the 18V One+ mower making up the bulk of the range. Most 18V models feature a run-time of over half-an-hour, making them suitable for those with a smaller patch of grass, although those with larger lawns may find the 36V a better tool for the job.
Founded just across the ditch in New Zealand, Masport has been operating for over 100 years, with the company today offering plenty of lawn mowers for households to choose from, whether you’re after the traditional petrol model, an electric model, or even the classic hand mower.
Its petrol range includes a number of series, including the President flagship model. The introductory model features a 123cc engine, 42L catcher, 16.5inch cutting width and six cutting heights, while the top-of-the-line 4000 InStart model including an electric start system, adjustable wheel bearings, a four-blade cutting system in addition to a 19inch cutting width, 10 cutting heights, all powered by a 150cc engine.
Other Masport petrol mowers include the Platinum, Contractor, Pro Power, Utility, Lawn Marshal and Boxer, with a number of models available in each series. The Platinum and Contractor ranges are better suited for those either constantly keeping their lawn in check, or have a big job ahead of them, while the Pro Power and Lawn Marshal models are suited for the weekend warriors or those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Masport also include a number of electric models, such as the Energy Flex, Power Flex and M-TECH ranges. The Energy Flex range features models such as the ST S 18, which includes a 42V battery and an 18inch cutting width, while the Power Flex S19 includes mulching capabilities, a heavy-duty chassis for tough terrains and 11 cutting heights to help you get that manicured look.
Masport also offer ride-on mowers, which come with 2WD or 4WD capabilities, in addition to cylinder mowers for those after a professional finish. Masport mowers are available to purchase at lawncare retailers, with a list of stores available via the Masport website.
Founded back in the 1950s, the Victa lawn mower is an Australian icon, with the brand producing a variety of mowers to suit your needs, whether you have acres or metres to mow. Offering multiple series – which includes electric and self-propelled models – Victa mowers are generally some of the more expensive models available, and are available at hardware stores and mower dealerships.
For a quintessential Aussie mower, Victa has the Classic Cut, which contains an 18-inch cutting width, with a dual-blade cutting system providing an effective way to catch the lawn clippings. Powered by a 4-stroke engine, the Classic Cut mower also features RapidStart technology for easy ignition. Other Victa petrol models include the Corvette and Pace models, with a few limited editions model occasionally available. The Corvette 400 lawn mower features mulching capabilities, QPT technology to help cut down noise, in addition to a 19inch cutting width, while the Pace 100 mower includes durable comfort grip handles, pressed steel chassis and a foam air filter for durable use.
For those after an electric lawn mower, Victa offers 18V models, including a number of Corvette models. The entry level 18V Single Batter Mower features a run time of 45 minutes, and includes a brushless motor and soft-grip handles, while the 18V Corvette Twin lawn mower includes dual cutting blades with an 18inch cutting width and push button start for easy use. Victa also offers a number of ride-on mowers, and even robotic lawn mowers for you to consider if you’ve got plenty of grass to be mowed, or you just don’t fancy getting out into the yard.
Sold exclusively through Bunnings Warehouse, Ozito mowers have been on the market since 1993, with the brand offering electric and hand models only. While you may be out of luck if you were after a petrol model, Ozito’s electric mowers could be able to win you over with one of the cheapest ranges available.
Ozito’s electric mowers come in a range of motor sizes, including both corded and cordless models. The cordless models feature 18V or 36V engines, with the 2x18V model including five cutting heights, safety start, adjustable handles, a 33cm cutting width in addition to a 30L catcher, making it ideal to tackle slightly larger yards. The corded models include the 1200W or 1500W models, with the 1500W mower including a 36cm cutting width, 38L catcher, safety start as well as a thermal overload protection function to prevent overheating while on the tools.
Ozito’s hand model, the Push Reel mower, would be a suitable option for those with a smaller yard, with the model containing self-sharpening blades for reduced maintenance, as well as slip-resistant wheels to ensure easy use, regardless of the weather. The Push Reel also has an adjustable cutting height between 14-42mm for a close cut, with a 300mm width cut able to make short work of narrow areas.
Better-known for manufacturing cars, Honda also sells a variety of tools, including both electric and petrol-powered lawn mowers to help you cut through your weekend chores. Some of the more expensive models on offer, most Honda lawn mowers cost between $700 and $1,700 depending on the model and retailers, but can be purchased at a number of lawn care and lawn mower retailers.
Honda’s petrol-powered lawn mowers include the HRN, HRS, HRX and HRU models, with the HRS216 featuring a 21inch cutting width, six cutting heights, 0.91L fuel tank and side chute for when you’re looking to spread out the clippings. Other Honda petrol mowers include the HRU19, which includes a 19inch cutting width, 54L catcher, 11 cutting heights and a 0.91L fuel tank, with the top-of-the-line HRU216 coming with larger specs and a three-speed gearbox to help tackle the big jobs.
If you’re looking for an electric lawn mower, Honda offers the HRG416 and HRG466, both of which are compatible with Honda’s universal battery system, handy for those who already own a few Honda power tools. The HRG466 includes an 19inch cutting width, 50L catcher, self-propelled drive, mulching capabilities and a 3-Phase brushless motor.
Part of the supermarket chain’s Special Buys, you’ll only be able to get your hands on a Gardenline Lawn Mower at select times throughout the year. While it may not have the same range size as other brands, if you’re looking for a no-frills model, or you’re simply after an affordable lawn mower that you can pick up with the bread and milk, ALDI may be best the option for you.
ALDI’s petrol model includes a 161CC 4-stroke engine, with an 18-inch cutting width, suitable for smaller to medium-sized lawns. Other features include a 55L catcher, as well as seven adjustable heights to find the best length for your lawn, with ALDI generally selling this petrol model for under $200.
For those after an electric model, ALDI has also previously released a 2x20V cordless lawn mower, which features an adjustable handle for easier use and storage, as well as an integrated battery indicator to let you know when you’re running on empty. With its brushless motor, the cordless mower has a 14.5-inch cutting width, ideal for smaller lawns, as well as an adjustable height of 25mm to 75mm, allowing you to give your lawn the look you want. It’s worth noting, however, that ALDI’s lawn mowers can change from one year to the next, so this summer’s releases may look a bit different.
While the six brands featured in our 2021 review can be considered some of the biggest around, there are others on the market that may be worth a look. These include:
Known for a variety of household appliances, German manufacturer Bosch has also ventured outdoors to offer a number of lawn mower models, including hand mowers and electric lawn mowers. Bosch’s hand mower, the AHM 38G, features a 38cm cutting width, multiple cutting heights as well as four cylinder blades to pair with the lower cutting blade to help you get that manicured look.
Bosch’s range of electric mowers includes the ARM 37, which includes an engine output of 1400W, 37cm cutting width and a 40L catcher, while other models include the CityMower, which features three cutting heights, Ergoflex handles, 32cm cutting width and a 31L catcher. The top-of-the-line model is the Bosch AdvancedRotek 36-750, which features noise-reduction ProSilence functionality, LeafCollect blades to help with keeping the lawn neat and tidy, in addition to a 50L catcher, 44cm cutting width and seven cutting heights.
Founded more than a 100 years ago, Japanese manufacturer Makita offers a smaller range of mowers in comparison to other brands, but still enough for those after an electric model. Makita’s electric range consists of cordless models, with the majority featuring 2x18V batteries, ideal for both smaller and larger yards. One such model is the SLM532ZX, which features a 21inch cutting width, 70L catcher, self-propelled model, four cutting blades and can hold two additional batteries on deck to help you quickly swap out the power supply to keep the wheels moving on the job. Makita mowers are available to purchase through authorised Makita dealerships, in addition to third-party mower and garden care retailers.
Operating within Australia for more than 60 years, Rover has a wide selection of lawn care products, including lawn mowers for every backyard type and size. Focusing on traditional petrol models, Rover has a competitively priced range, with models available for purchase at lawncare and mower retailers, with a list of retailers available via the Rover website.
Rover’s range predominantly features the Duracut series, with the entry-level 410 model featuring an 18inch cutting width, two-blade cutting system, 45L catcher and 140cc engine, while the 196cc engine model also featuring a four-blade cutting system, 65L catcher and 21inch cutting width. Rover also feature other petrol models such as the Hi Wheeler, which is suitable for those with tricky terrains, as well as the self-propelled Endeavor for those who don’t want to do all the work.
Known for its range of commercial range of lawn mowers, Toro has a number of household mowers, including push, ride-on and electric models, available for purchase. The ‘Walk Power’ range starts with a 21inch cutting width, in addition to features such as replaceable steel deck wear plates and a 3speed self-propelled drive system, while other push mowers can feature up to a 30inch cutting width to help make short work on the lawn.
Toro’s range of ride-on mowers includes the TimeCutter, Titan and Z Master series, each with a number of models within each line-up. The TimeCutter models feature a 32 or 42inch cutting width, dual drive system and automatic parking brake for when you need a break, while the Z Master is for those serious about lawn care, featuring 22inch rear wheels, MyRIDE Suspension for tricky terrain and a number of accessories for additional comfort while out on the job.
Like anything with a motor, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to buying a new lawn mower, particularly as it could transform your lawn from jungle to award-winner. In addition to your budget, factors such as your lawn size, lawn variety and how often you’re looking to mow will all influence what type of mower you purchase. Major factors to consider include:
An obvious area to consider is the cutting capabilities of the mower. All brands will list at what height the grass will be cut, as well as the variable height adjustment that each model is capable of. The more adjustable the height settings are, the more options you will have when it comes to mowing the lawn, meaning you’ll get the cut you want, as well as giving your grass the attention and care it needs to grow properly.
Cutting width is also something to take into account, with the larger the width, the more you can cut in one go. The only trade off, however, is that with a larger width, manoeuvrability might become an issue for some, with larger widths also not suitable for smaller spaces.
The power source will also play a part in your decision process, as while it may seem a simple choice between petrol and electric motors, each has other aspects to consider. For petrol models, this includes choosing between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke model, which require different fuel types to run, and usually a trip to the petrol station to refuel.
Electric mowers are available in both cordless and corded models, which means you can either have one powered by a battery or powered by electricity through your home’s wall socket. Buying a corded model means having to consider where you wall sockets are, as well as possibly carrying around an extension cord while mowing, which can present problems if you accidently run over it! Similarly, cordless models may also run out of charge before you finish mowing, leaving you with a half-finished job. Only 26% of survey respondents stated that their lawn mower’s power lasts long enough to mow their entire lawn, meaning looking into the battery capacity and charging time can save you from standing around.
Other areas to consider include features such as mulchers, catcher capacities, ergonomic handles and adjustable wheel bearings, as each may make your time outside more comfortable, particularly if you have a big lawn. Each feature may cost you a bit more, but may be worth it when it comes to comfort and convenience.
Lawn mowers range in cost depending on the brand and type that you’re after, but can cost anywhere between $80 to over $20,000. Hand mowers are the cheapest, with most costing under $100, while ride-on mowers are the most expensive, with entry-level models still costing a few thousand dollars. In Canstar Blue’s latest survey, respondents spent, on average, $484 on their latest lawn mower.
How often you should be mowing will be dependent on how quickly your grass grows, as well as the type of grass, and your general preferences to how you want your lawn looking.
In Canstar Blue’s latest survey, almost a third of respondents (32%) were out tackling the lawn every week, with 45% saying they mowed monthly. However, 14% stated that they only mowed when they needed to, showcasing that while others may find enjoyment in the garden, others only consider mowing a chore.
With plenty of brands and models to consider, which mower you end up unleashing on your lawn will come down to a variety of factors, as well as what you want your lawn to look like at the end of the day. Those with a bigger lawn may be better suited looking at models with a wider cutting width as well as larger motors or batteries to ensure the job gets done, while those with a garden on a slope may find a self-propelled model the best fit. If you’re a bit of a green thumb, a mower with mulching capabilities may also be your best option, allowing you to take proper care of your lawn, while those with a small patch may even consider a hand mower.
Every backyard is different, and there are plenty of model types and brands to consider, so doing a bit of research into lawn mowers could potentially save you money in the long run, as well as save you time mowing, meaning there’s more time to enjoy your lawn with that cold drink. And if you’re looking to get the edge over your neighbours, be sure to check out our line trimmers ratings to ensure your yard is a cut above the rest.
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Content Projects Lead, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.
Photo Credit: Tretyakov Viktor/shutterstock.com, Sergey Ryzhov/shutterstock.com
Canstar Blue surveyed more than 3,000 Australian adults across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction, via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased an electric or fuel lawn mower in the last five years – in this case, 544 people.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then by mean overall satisfaction. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.
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