Our verdict
The bottom line
A landscaper's tool, not a domestic mower. The Kawasaki FJ180V is the engine in serious commercial kit — bomb-proof but loud. Discharge-only suits big rough lawns where collection is impractical. Buy this only if you're mowing acres or doing it for money.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Kawasaki commercial engine — pro-grade
- Rear discharge handles tall grass
- Self-propelled with hydrostatic-feel drive
- Built for daily landscaping use
Cons
- No grass collection (kit extra)
- Eye-watering price for non-commercial buyers
- Heavy and wide
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 53 cm |
| Engine / Power | Kawasaki FJ180V |
| Weight | 45 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | — |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£800–1300 used. Kawasaki engine hours under 800 is good (these run for 2000+). Self-propel cable wear is the common fault. Look for a discharge chute that pivots cleanly — bent chutes are common from contractor abuse.
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.