Last Updated on March 31, 2026
The Mountfield SP53 petrol lawnmower is a powerful and reliable gardening machine designed for maintaining medium to large lawns with ease. Built by Mountfield, this self propelled mower combines strong cutting performance with durable construction, making it a popular choice for homeowners who need a dependable petrol mower.
Powered by a 166cc STIGA petrol engine, the Mountfield SP53 delivers excellent performance and can handle thicker grass without losing efficiency. It features a 51 cm cutting width, multiple cutting height settings and a large 60-litre grass collector, allowing you to mow larger areas quickly while reducing the need for frequent emptying.
We’ll explore the key features, performance, and benefits of the Mountfield SP53 petrol lawnmower to help you decide if it’s the right mower for yourgarden.
Mountfield SP53 51cm Self-Propelled Mower, 60L Collector
You get a capable self‑propelled petrol mower that covers up to about 650 m² with fewer passes thanks to a 51 cm deck and a large 60 L collector. It strikes a sensible balance between cutting performance and price, though you should be prepared for petrol maintenance and to secure a few fiddly components during use.
Overview
The Mountfield SP53 is a self‑propelled petrol lawnmower designed for homeowners who need a robust, no‑cord solution for medium‑sized lawns (up to roughly 650 m²). You’ll find it positions itself between light battery mowers and heavier commercial units: offering a broad 51 cm cutting width, a dependable single‑cylinder STIGA ST170 OHV engine, and a generous 60 litre grass collector. The design aims to reduce the number of passes you need to make while giving you options to collect clippings or mulch them back into the turf.
Engine and Drive: What you should expect
The heart of this mower is the petrol STIGA ST170 OHV engine with Autochoke, which is engineered for reliable starting and consistent power delivery under load. You operate a self‑propelled drive system, which takes a significant share of the physical effort out of pushing longer or slightly undulating lawns.
Benefits of this arrangement include:
Drawbacks to keep in mind:
Cutting deck, blade and grass management
The 51 cm cutting deck is a practical size: wide enough to reduce mowing time but narrow enough for tight turns and standard garden gates. The deck is made from alloy steel for rigidity and includes a skid plate to minimise scalping on uneven ground. Cutting height is centralised and adjustable across six positions, giving you flexibility from close mowing to higher summer settings.
A 60 L fabric grass collector is supplied and features a flap indicator that shows when the box is near capacity. You also get a mulching plug for situations where you prefer to leave finely cut clippings on the lawn to act as organic feed.
Advantages you’ll notice in day‑to‑day use:
Handling, ergonomics and storage
You operate the mower from an ergonomic soft‑grip handlebar that folds down for storage. Large rear wheels improve traction on undulating terrain and make turning less of an effort. Controls are straightforward: a single lever for central height adjustment and the usual throttle/drive engagement on the handle.
Features that matter when you use the mower:
Maintenance and serviceability
Petrol engines demand more routine attention than battery models. The SP53 is relatively straightforward to service if you’re comfortable with basic DIY maintenance:
If you prefer minimal maintenance, factor in the time and cost of upkeep when choosing this unit.
Safety and practical notes
The mower includes standard safety cut‑outs: the blade stops when you release the handle. The steel chassis and the skid plate add protection against stones and uneven ground, but always inspect the lawn for debris before mowing. The fabric grass bag makes emptying easier, but its clip joints need to be secured properly to avoid separation when full.
Table: Practical specifications at a glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | 51 cm |
| Engine | STIGA ST170 OHV, Autochoke |
| Collection capacity | 60 L canvas collector |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions (22–80 mm) |
| Drive | Self‑propelled |
| Weight | ~32 kg (pack weight ~34.5 kg) |
Who should consider the SP53?
This mower is best for you if:
It may be less suitable if:
Practical buying and ownership tips
Final takeaways
The Mountfield SP53 is a pragmatic, well‑rounded petrol mower that puts engine power and bagging capacity at the centre of its value proposition. You’ll gain time savings from the 51 cm deck and the 60 L collector, and the self‑propelled drive helps on larger plots. Expect regular petrol‑engine upkeep and pay attention to the grass collector clips and handle fixings in the first few uses to ensure they remain secure. For many homeowners who want a reliable petrol solution without stepping up to commercial units, it’s a compelling middle ground.
FAQs
You should find the STIGA ST170 OHV Autochoke engine straightforward to start if you follow the initial setup: add the recommended oil, fuel and prime per instructions. Many users report first‑pull starts after proper priming, but cold or stale fuel and a flooded carburettor can complicate starting—regular fuel and correct storage help avoid this.
Yes, the self‑propelled drive and large rear wheels give better traction on gentle slopes. However, the unit is relatively heavy, so you should avoid very steep banks where manoeuvrability and safety are compromised. For steep terrain, consider lighter options or specialist slope mowers.
Mulching works well when the grass is not excessively long or wet. Use the mulching plug and mow at a higher setting for thick growth; this produces fine clippings that decompose on the lawn. In very wet or heavy growth conditions you might still see some clumping—regular mowing helps prevent that.
Expect basic checks before each season and light maintenance during the season: oil level checks, air filter inspections, and spark plug replacement as per the manual. Full oil changes and filter replacements are typically annual or per hours of use; follow the included service schedule for optimal longevity.
First ensure all clip joints are correctly engaged and the frame supports are properly seated. If the clips are worn or loose, inspect them for damage and consider reinforcing with small secondary fasteners when necessary. Regularly emptying the collector before it becomes overfull reduces stress on the joins.
It depends on your priorities. You’ll get uninterrupted runtime and higher top torque with petrol, which is valuable for larger plots and damp grass. Battery mowers win for noise, lower maintenance and emissions. If you value run time and raw cutting power at a midrange price, this petrol model often represents strong value.
