Our verdict
The bottom line
The cheap-and-cheerful Mountfield for buyers who do not need self-propel. Same engine as the SP46, half the secondhand price. If you have a flat lawn and decent fitness, ignore the SP46 and buy this.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Same Stiga engine as the SP46 for less money
- Push-only means fewer cables and parts to fail
- Light enough for an average user
- Massive used supply
Cons
- Push-only is tiring on big lawns
- No rear roller
- Plastic wheels wear out
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 46 cm |
| Engine / Power | Stiga ST120 123cc |
| Weight | 24 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | No |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 55 L |
| Suited to lawn | Small |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£60–110 used is the right zone — these come up constantly on Marketplace. Same engine checks as the SP46: no oil leaks, golden oil, fires on first or second pull. The HP46 is the most plentiful petrol mower in the UK — never overpay; another will appear next week.
Where to look: Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are usually 20–30% cheaper than eBay UK for petrol mowers because most sellers want local pickup. eBay tends to win on cordless and electric (lighter, easier to ship). Always insist on a starting demonstration before paying.