Could the Einhell self-propelled petrol Lawn mower be the perfect mid-range choice for your garden? If you’re looking for a self-propelled petrol lawn mower that offers the power to handle larger gardens without breaking the bank, the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S might have already caught your eye.
With its capable 132cc engine, 40cm blade and £250–£280 price tag, on paper it looks like a recipe for success. So does it cut the mustard in real life? With plenty of good word against some indifferent performances, let's take a closer inspection at whether or not this mower performs as well as it promises.
Lawn Size Guide
The Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S is sold as a reliable choice for medium and large gardens, covering areas of up to 1,000m². Designed for power and convenience, the model combines a robust 132cc four-stroke OHV petrol engine with a self-propelled rear-wheel drive system to reduce the effort of cutting large, overgrown lawns.
Independent Mowing
Because petrol mowers are most likely to attract individuals who need longer running times and cable or battery autonomy, the GC-PM 40/2 S looks like a perfect option for homeowners that seek independence and power within an affordable price. Budget Friendly Garden Tools
Einhell, maker of value garden equipment under its own label, has introduced features like a central height adjustment, foldable ergonomic handle, and a 45-litre grass bag with fill level indicator. But more than such specifications, the light weight of the mower and user-oriented features are made to help with smoother mobility and storage even in compact garden spaces.
Key Features
And at the core of it all is its single-cylinder, air-cooled four-stroke petrol engine, which develops up to 2 kW of power and idles at 2,900 rpm. It makes mowing difficult ground as well as longer grass a cinch, and with a 40cm cutting width, it devours plenty of ground with each swath.
Mow Heights
It comes equipped with a seven-stage cutting height control between 25mm and 75mm. This allows the user to customize their cut depending on the season or lawn condition. It is simple to change between the two through a central height adjustment lever.
Self Propelled Support
The rear-wheel drive can be activated or deactivated, giving users control over how much assistance they need while mowing. For some, the feature is a game-changer, especially on sloping or uneven ground. The light plastic deck (19.9kg) is easier to manoeuvre than models constructed using steel decking but long-term durability is in doubt.
Grass Collections
The nylon 45-litre bag is strong enough to be re-used and comes with a fill indicator that lets you know when you need to empty it. Although the foldable ergonomic handle provides additional comfort while also being easy to store in small-sized garden sheds.
Positive Reviews - What Are Customers Loving About This Mower
The Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S has also attracted a devoted group of satisfied customers, praising its ease to use, light weight, and reliability as key selling factors. For a mid-price mower, it seems to have satisfied both new petrol mower operators and those upgrading from older, heavier models.
Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre
It is likely the most frequent compliment paid to this lawn mower is how light and easy to manoeuvre it is. For others, it has been a blessing compared to the heavier steel-decked types.
As one reviewer said, "I'm happy with this little mower, it is so much lighter and easier to handle than my old one. Good for a small to medium garden as the basket is small, but I sort of like that—not so heavy, no mess." Another echoed that thought, saying, "A great lawn mower for the money. If you have trouble with the weight, this is very light and easy to manage."
The plastic deck, typically viewed cynically, is actually a blessing to some buyers who appreciate the fact that it does not corrode like metal decks. "The plastic body is much better than the metal ones, no corrosion," said one buyer.
Reliable Starting and Solid Build
Ease of initial startup has also been a selling point, with many users noting that the mower started without difficulty. "Fired up first time. Thirty minutes after unboxing I was mowing the lawn," wrote one buyer. Another agreed "Early days, but started first time too. Would recommend."
There are also mentions that the build quality is reassuring for the cost. "Bought this lawnmower online. So far very satisfied, easy to pull and cuts nicely. Would recommend as it was a reasonable price for the quality of mower," was one comment.
Self-Propelled Feature - A Game Changer for Some
The self-propulsion system is also praised for taking much of the physical labour out of cutting larger areas. "Being self-propelled was a big time saver," said one customer, and another contributed, "Self-propelled system is excellent, easy to manoeuvre with bar, makes it a lot easier."
While some users mentioned they personally would not use the feature as it was "a bit keen" at times, they did enjoy the fact that it was an option.
Reducing Performance and Adjustability
In cutting, the mower appears to handle long or errant grass with little difficulty. "My grass was rather long but having put this on the high settings it handled no problem. Cut out only twice which is expected as it was long," wrote one customer.
The seven-stage height adjustability is also reported to be convenient. Another reviewer stated that it was, "Easy to adjust cutting height, great mower!"
Long-Term Satisfaction
It is quite possibly the strongest endorsement, however, that is from a long-time customer of Einhell: "7 years owned… still running strong if you keep on top of it i.e., service, new oil, new petrol it will be okay." Another took their own experience with the company: "Had an Einhell 46cm lawn mower for 13 years, never a second of trouble. Metal casing rusted away, and you stopped stocking replacement parts—put me into buying a new lawn mower."
These findings suggest that under proper maintenance, the GC-PM 40/2 S may be more durable than originally expected.
Minor Assembly Problems
Though the overall assembly process receives acclaim, a few users did mention some fiddly aspects. "Can be tricky attaching that handle, otherwise all good," wrote one customer. Another supporting remark: "Have to take the back wheels off, bending back plate a little to accommodate a screwdriver. But you get the cylindrical tool to take off the wheel nuts/slicing blade. Initial cut was great.".
Despite these minor irritations, all of these installed easily and without hassle. "Easy to assemble and get running," summed up another satisfied customer.
Mixed Reviews - Some Warnings from Customers
While the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S has plenty of satisfied customers, some reviews suggest problems that prospective buyers might like to hear about. These are not general criticisms but reveal personal experiences with assembly, usage, and post-sales service.
Assembly Instructions Could Be Improved
Some customers complimented the mower for how easily it assembled after they figured it out, but they were critical of the instructions being unclear and relying too much on pictures.
A first-time user of a petrol mower wrote "I was a bit nervous assembling it but was quite straightforward. The instructions are really going to have to be improved and in words, not images. Definitely would suggest watching YouTube videos about it beforehand."
Another critic added "Well the instructions are in the wrong order… also, one of the holes on the bar wasn't drilled correctly (cowboy-style) and cross-threaded the bolt when I attempted to tighten it."
Self-Propulsion Too Fast for Some Consumers
Though most consumers enjoy the self-propelled feature, some had trouble handling it, particularly older consumers or those with mobility problems.
As one critic succinctly put it: "Purchase this mower if you like running… No speed adjustment. When you pull the lever, you take off like a rocket. I'm in my 70s and I have mobility issues, I did not expect to be running behind a lawnmower designed for walking purposes."
Another individual mentioned that the self-drive feature had broken after a month: "Self push drive broke after a month. Starting string cord broke two weeks ago and you can't get a replacement."
Reliability Problems in Outstanding Cases
Some customers complained of mechanical failures, but these would seem to be the exception and not the rule. One customer wrote: "Engine starts but won't run longer than a few seconds." Another warned: \"Self push drive broke after a month… complete waste of money.\
There were no comments from the majority of customers about customer service concerning the following. The reviewer had a maddening experience after getting a damaged mower:
Purchased this and it arrived with a damaged back wheel. Contacted Einhell and they dispatched a dirty second-hand, incorrect-sized wheel. Contacted them again and they unwillingly sent a replacement wheel, but the axle was distorted. Einhell didn't care about this either. Amazon were great though and refunded me
This appears to be a isolated incident, but it does serve to show the benefits of buying from a reputable retailer like Amazon or B&Q.
Are These Issues Common?
It's also noteworthy that virtually every review does not even refer to these problems. The most common criticisms are assembly problems and high self-propulsion speed, though mechanical problems and poor customer service appear to be a rare occurrence. For those who don't have mobility issues and have some basic DIY experience, these issues won't be a problem.
Who is the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S For?
This mower is ideal for medium to big garden owners, particularly those with gardens of up to 800–1,000 m² in size. Its 40 cm cutting width and 45-litre grass collector bag make it ideal for dealing with huge areas without having to empty it too often.
The rear-wheel drive for self-propulsion is a feature for time-and effort-saving users. It helps the mower glide easily over slopes or uneven ground, making it ideal for those who detest pushing a mower since it consumes a lot of effort. A user described it as a "great time saver" and "easy to steer using the bar, which makes everything so much easier."
It is also a suitable choice for those upgrading from older petrol mowers. The lightweight plastic deck will not rust, and the fold-down handle allows convenient entry into a shed or garage. For those looking for good quality within the £250–£280 price range, it is a blend of solid performance and practical features.
Those in regions of thicker, damper grass will appreciate the mower's powerful 132cc OHV engine, which can deal with overgrown situations when utilized at higher cut heights.
Who Is It Not For?
Not everyone will be suited to this mower. Although most appreciate the self-propulsion facility, some found it too rapid and lacking any form of speed control feature. As one tester put it: "When you take the lever you rocket off. Fun for some, but not for me in my 70s." Those who have mobility issues or prefer a less physically demanding mowing experience might struggle more.
For small gardens (under 200 m²), the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S might be overkill. A small electric or cordless mower might be a better solution without petrol, oil, and maintenance.
Experienced shoppers who are environmentally sensitive will also hesitate. It gives off fumes and requires regular fuelling such as all petrol mowers, which might not appeal to a wish for green alternatives such as battery-powered mowers.
Lastly, new petrol mower users can expect some easy maintenance in the form of oil changes and servicing to guarantee longevity. Assembly is mostly easy, but a couple of reviews cite the manual as being hard to use. In advance, it is best to watch a setup video.
Pros / Advantages of the Einhell 40cm SP Petrol Lawnmower
1, Good Value for Money - It's generally placed as a good performer in the £250–£280 market sector by most customers. It balances self-propulsion, sensible cutting width, and light weight for a price below much of the opposition.
2, Light and Easy to Handle - At 19.9 kg, it's over half the weight of standard steel-deck petrol mowers. "Light and easy to use, even for someone with a small to medium garden," said one reviewer.
3, Self-Propelled Capable Saves Time - The rear-wheel drive is a customer favorite with customers having large or sloping lawns. It can be engaged or disengaged, giving you options depending on your terrain.
4, Powerful Cutting Ability - The 132cc 4-stroke OHV engine packs 2 kW of power and can cut long, dense grass with a breeze. A reviewer mentioned that it "cut quite long grass with no problem on the high settings."
5, Adjustable Cutting Heights - Seven adjustable cutting heights (25–75 mm) allow you to optimize your cut for various seasons or conditions of grass.
6, Storage Design - Folding handle and plastic deck for easy storage in tight spaces. Great for smaller garden sheds.
7, Weather-Resistant Plastic Deck - Unlike metal decks that will eventually rust, the heavy-duty plastic enclosure resists weather corrosion, enabling the mower to endure for more years.
8, Easy and Quick Start - With most reviewers reporting a smooth, easy pull-start system out of the box.
9, Bountiful Warranty - A 3-year manufacturer's warranty (if registered online) provides extra assurance.
Cons / Disadvantages to the Einhell 40cm SP Petrol Lawnmower
1, Self-Propelled Speed Could Be Too Fast for Others - The self-propulsion is uncontrolled. As one grumpy old user griped: "You blast off like a rocket… not good for anyone in their 70s." Those with limited mobility or who prefer a gentler pace might struggle.
2, Assembly Can Be Fiddly - The assembly instructions were described as confusing by some users, being largely image-dependent. Slogans like "the manual really needs to be improved" and fiddly handle installations were heard quite often.
3, Grass Collection Bag Capacity - The 45-litre grass catcher is adequate but might be small for very large lawns and require more than infrequent emptying.
4, Drive System Unreliability Issues (Unusual) - Several customers had the self-propelled drive failing after a while or even straight out of the package. While unusual, it suggests some irregularity in quality inspections.
5, Customer Support Problems (One-Off Cases) - A number of customers encountered poor service from Einhell's customer support, though other customers had issues resolved quickly by retailers like Amazon.
6, Unsuitable for Small Garden Sizes - In lawns smaller than 200-400 m², the size and power of this mower might not be required. A smaller cordless alternative might be easier to handle.
7, No Variable Speed or Mulching Option - There are no sophisticated features like variable speed control or mulching, available in some high-end models.
Final Verdict - Is the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S Worth It?
The Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S petrol self-propelled lawn mower finds an unusual equilibrium between value, usability, and affordability. For £250–£280, it offers characteristics found in pricier models such as the 132cc engine, self-propulsion, and the seven-stage height adjustment of the cutting blade.
Practical Choice
This lawn mower is specifically designed for medium and large gardens of up to 1,000 m², and its lightweight plastic deck renders it a reasonable choice for home owners looking for a rust-free, space-saving machine. Most users appreciate its consistent performance, easy setup, and ergonomic handling. Its foldaway handle and compact shape are thoughtful touches for homeowners with limited storage space.
Minority Issues
It is not without issues, however. Some users reported issues with the self-propelled drive speed being too rapid for their tastes, and an extremely small minority had customer or drive problems. The assembly procedure could be made more transparent, particularly to less capable users.
Over these occasional negatives, the overall response is extremely positive. If upgrading from an older, heavier steel-deck mower or entering petrol mowers for the first time, the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S provides a great introduction.
For owners looking for a reliable, affordable petrol mower that does the job without too much hassle, this is an easy bet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 for Value for the Money
It offers strong features and performance for a price that seems difficult to beat in the current market.
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