Our verdict
The bottom line
The mower nearly every UK garden has had at some point. Cheap new, cheap used, easy to repair. Not glamorous, but it does the job for years if you change the oil.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Best-value self-propelled petrol on the UK market
- Stiga engine is reliable and parts are everywhere
- Light at 27kg — easy to push and store
- Huge used supply keeps prices low
Cons
- Plastic deck not as durable as steel
- Cable-operated drive less smooth than Honda
- Rear flap hinge a known weak point
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 46 cm |
| Engine / Power | Stiga ST120 OHV 123cc |
| Weight | 27 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| 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
Used SP46s should be £100–160 — never pay more than £180. Massive supply on Marketplace. Look for visible engine oil leaks around the dipstick (a common fault). The plastic rear flap hinge cracks — check it pivots freely. If the drive cable feels loose, factor £15 for a replacement.
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.