Our Guide to the Best Roller Lawnmowers of 2024
Achieving a perfectly striped, professional-looking lawn is easier than ever with the right roller lawnmower. In this guide, we’ll explore the best roller mowers available, highlighting top models from brands like Hayter, Mountfield, Cobra, Honda, and Masport.
Roller lawnmowers combine the precision of rotary mowers with the classic striped finish, making them a favourite among homeowners and professionals alike – with our website and store offering some of the highest quality models available in the UK.
Why Choose a Roller Mower?
Roller mowers are designed to deliver a pristine, professional finish to your lawn. These mowers feature a rear roller that flattens the grass as it’s cut, creating the iconic striped effect often seen on sports fields and in high-end gardens. The roller also stabilises the mower, allowing it to mow right up to the edge of your lawn without tipping into flower beds.
When compared to other types of mowers, such as cylinder and rotary mowers, roller mowers combine the best of both worlds. While cylinder mowers offer a very precise cut, they can struggle with uneven surfaces and require frequent maintenance. Rotary mowers, on the other hand, are versatile and easier to maintain but don’t provide the same level of finish. Roller mowers strike a balance, offering excellent cutting performance with the added benefit of the striped finish and enhanced stability.
Our Top Roller Mower Picks and Their Features
Hayter Harrier 56 PRO 22″ Roller Mower (579A)
Powered by the reliable Briggs & Stratton 850E 190cc engine, this self-propelled mower boasts a 56 cm cutting width, making it ideal for larger lawns of 522 m² and above. Its aluminium deck construction also ensures durability and longevity, while the split steel rear roller guarantees the perfect striped finish. This model comes with a two-year warranty and includes the following features:
- Vari-Pitch Cutting Technology: This adjusts the deck height automatically for optimal performance even on uneven terrain.
- Crank-Safe Blade Brake Clutch: This is a system that protects the engine from damage by disengaging the blade without shutting down the motor.
- Folding Handlebar: To ensure easy storage and transport, even in gardens where space is an issue.
- 80-Litre Grass Bag Capacity: With a generous collector attached, you can mow for longer without frequent stops.
Mountfield SP555R V 21″ Variable Speed Roller Mower
The Mountfield SP555R V is a premium roller mower perfect for medium to large-sized lawns. It is powered by the robust Honda GCVx200 OHV Autochoke engine, providing consistent and powerful performance, and the 53 cm cutting width and Twinclip blade system, featuring four cutting edges, ensure a precise and efficient cut every time. Backed by a five-year extended warranty, this model also includes:
- Variable Speed Features: Adjustable speed allows you to change from 3 to 5.1 km/h, making it adaptable to various grass conditions.
- Adjustable Cutting Heights: With a centralised eight-position cutting height adjustment – ranging from 13 mm to 65 mm – this model offers versatility for different lawn types.
- Galvanised Steel & Aluminium Chassis: This reinforced casing protects your mower from wear and the elements, and makes future maintenance simpler and more cost-effective.
- Integrated Washing Link: Located on the top of the deck, you can use this feature to wash the underside of the machine once you’ve finished mowing.
Cobra RM40SPC 16″ Self-Propelled Roller Mower
The Cobra RM40SPC is a compact yet powerful roller mower, ideal for smaller gardens up to 600 square metres. It is equipped with a 135cc Cobra DG450 engine, known for its quiet operation and efficient performance, and the 40 cm cutting width and six-stage adjustable cutting height, ranging from 17 mm to 75 mm, provide flexibility to achieve the perfect cut for your lawn. Protected by a two-year warranty, some staple features include:
- Full-Width Rear Roller: This creates a traditional striped finish and supports the mower when mowing along the edges of flower beds and borders.
- 50-Litre Grass Bag Capacity: Suitable for smaller lawns, and the lightweight design of the model makes it much easier to manoeuvre.
- Folding Handlebar: This ensures convenient storage before and after each mow.
Honda HRH 536 QX 21″ Professional Roller Mower
The Honda HRH 536 QX is a professional-grade roller mower designed for demanding users who require reliability and top performance. Powered by the Honda GXV160 160cc engine, this mower features a durable cast aluminium deck and reinforced cutter deck handle, ensuring it can withstand rigorous use. Plus the 53 cm cutting width makes it suitable for large lawns, while the single-speed drive system ensures consistent performance. Some essential features include:
- Dual Air Filter & Extra-Large 1.5-Litre Fuel Tank: Both features combine to allow for extended use without frequent refuelling.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Ranging from 13 mm to 65 mm, this model provides versatility for different grass types.
- Ergonomic Design: This model is incredibly easy to use, with controls designed for user comfort and a robust construction that ensures long-lasting durability.
Masport RRSP 18H 18″ Roller Mower
The Masport RRSP 18H is a versatile roller mower that combines the benefits of a rotary mower with the precision of a roller mower. Powered by the Honda GCV 160cc engine, this self-propelled mower features a 46 cm cutting width, making it suitable for medium-sized lawns, and the steel rear roller allows you to mow over the edges without falling into flower beds, ensuring a clean cut. Some other features include:
- Quickcut Blades: These provide an efficient cut, primed to be rolled into tidy strips.
- Single-Lever Height Adjustment: Offering a cutting height range of 13 mm to 52 mm for a custom finish every time.
- 45-Litre Grass Bag: This modest capacity is adequate for regular use in small to medium-sized gardens.
- Lockable Folding Handlebar: With a CamLock handlebar, you can ensure easy and secure storage.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Roller Mower
Selecting the perfect roller mower for your lawn involves considering several key factors, such as:
- Engine Power: Engine power affects the mower’s ability to handle thick and damp grass. Smaller gardens may only need a 135cc engine, like the Cobra DG450, while larger lawns and professional applications benefit from more powerful engines, such as the 190cc Briggs & Stratton in the Hayter Harrier 56 PRO or the 200cc Honda engine in the Mountfield SP555R V.
- Cutting Width: The cutting width determines how much grass the mower can cut in a single pass. A wider cutting width reduces mowing time for larger lawns but can be cumbersome in smaller, more intricate gardens. Choose a 40 cm cutting width for smaller lawns and a 53–56 cm width for larger areas.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: Flexibility in cutting height is crucial for achieving the desired lawn finish. Models with a wide range of cutting heights, such as the Mountfield SP555R V and the Honda HRH 536 QX, offer greater versatility for different grass types and conditions.
- Additional Features: Look for features that boost usability and maintenance. Self-propelled models reduce physical effort, making mowing easier, especially on larger lawns. Features like folding handlebars for compact storage, large grass bag capacities for fewer stops, and wash ports for easy cleaning can significantly improve your mowing experience.
Choosing a Roller Mower Based on Lawn Size
One of the best ways to ensure you get the best performance and value for your investment is by considering the size of your lawn.
- Small Lawns (up to 600m²): We recommend the Cobra RM40SPC for its compact size and ease of use.
- Medium Lawns (600-750m²): The Masport RRSP 18H offers a great balance of power and manoeuvrability.
- Large Lawns (750m²+): Hayter Harrier 56 PRO or Mountfield SP555R V both offer robust engines and wide cutting widths, ensuring efficient mowing.
Find the Perfect Roller Mower for Your Garden Today
Roller lawnmowers are an excellent choice for achieving a pristine, striped finish on your lawn. We’ve highlighted some of the best models available, each with its own unique features tailored to different lawn sizes and needs. For more personalised advice or to explore our full range of roller mowers, contact our lawn care experts today.
