Our verdict
The bottom line
The smart Mountfield for buyers who want longevity over self-propel. The steel deck is the killer feature — a plastic-decked SP46 will warp after a few years; this S42PD will still be cutting in 20. Buy if you have a flat lawn and a dry shed.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Steel deck unusual at this price — outlasts plastic
- Stiga engine — proper Mountfield reliability
- Mulch plug as standard
- Push-only means simpler service
Cons
- Push-only on a 28kg machine is hard work on slopes
- 42cm narrower than the SP46
- Steel deck rusts if stored damp
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 42 cm |
| Engine / Power | Stiga ST120 OHV 123cc |
| Weight | 28 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | No |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 55 L |
| Suited to lawn | Medium |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£70–130 used. Steel deck rust is the make-or-break — flip and look for hole-through corrosion (not just surface rust). Engine checks same as any Stiga: dipstick golden, fires cold. Anything stored under cover is a buy; anything left outside, walk away.
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.