Can a budget cordless lawnmower make a clean, powerful cut without sacrifice? In recent years, cordless lawnmowers have grown very popular as homeowners desire the convenience of cable-free cutting without sacrificing performance. McGregor is one of the more budget-friendly brands out there, a brand you have probably seen on Argos shelves or elsewhere across the UK.
With two main cordless lawnmowers to select from a 34cm and a slight step up at 37cm McGregor is out to provide budget-friendly and easy-to-use lawnmowers for medium to large gardens.
Above and Beyond the Sales Pitch
But even if the specs are good and customer reviews generally good, there are a few things you might want to consider before you spend your cash. This review punches above the sales pitch to help you make your decision on whether or not a McGregor cordless lawnmower is a worthwhile addition to your garden shed or if you might find something better for your dosh.
Price & Performance
McGregor's cordless lawnmower is a tempting combination of price, convenience, and performance on paper. With the 36V system driving two 18V lithium-ion batteries, both the 34cm and 37cm models feature brushless motors for better battery life and efficiency.
34cm & 37cm Options
The 34cm mower is best suited to small lawns, having less weight and a bit lower cost. The 37cm mower boasts a wider cutting, identical capacity batteries to the smaller one, and more grass collector capacity, thus more suitable for those with slightly larger garden.
Budget Conscious Audience
With competitive prices, options like rear rollers for the striped appearance, and central height adjustment, these models aim to provide premium features at a budget-friendlier price. Yet it is worth checking out the pros and cons prior to purchase.
Key Features
The McGregor battery lawnmowers have a number of central features they all share, although varying slightly between the 34cm and 37cm models. Both utilize a 36V power system, with two supplied lithium-ion batteries, and also a dual fast charger. Brushless motors provide greater efficiency, and users generally speak positively about the performance and battery life given the relatively affordable price.
Batteries
The 34/37cm models comes with 2 2.5Ah batteries, which give enhanced run times and performance on thicker lawns. On both models, you can expect to get about 30–50 minutes of cutting time per charge, although this will vary with grass height, density, and usage mode.
Central Height Lever
Height adjustment is easy. The 34cm mower has a central lever with 6 height positions (20–70mm), while the 37cm mower is equipped with a push-button height with 7 positions (25–75mm). Both models also feature metal blades, which tend to be stronger than plastic ones in this category.
Rear Roller
And one of the standout features is the inclusion of a rear roller, typically reserved for higher-end mowers. That helps create those sought-after stripes on your lawn. Both include foldable, adjustable height handles, safety switch, and hybrid grass collection bags with reasonable capacities (35L on the 34cm and 40L on the 37cm).
Battery and Charging Performance
Battery life is likely the most widely praised feature in customer feedback. Both mowers use two 18V batteries together to deliver 36V, and charging is fairly rapid roughly an hour to a complete charge on the included dual charger.
The 2.5Ah batteries on the 37cm model provide solid extended mowing time, which is particularly handy if your lawn is large or you mow less and tend to have denser growth to hack through. Saying that, the 2.5Ah batteries on the 34cm model are adequate for smaller gardens and charge in the blink of an eye if needed.
Battery Maintenance
Like most cordless tools, performance will suffer when batteries are pushed too hard or used for many hours without rest. It is mentioned that battery life throughout the multiple seasons will depend on how well batteries are stored and maintained.
Ease of Use and Manoeuvrability
They weigh 13.3kg (34cm) and 15.8kg (37cm) and are very light for cordless with rollers and blades made of metal. They are easy for the majority to push around, especially on flat or gently sloping grass.
The foldaway handles make it easier to store, especially for those who have less space in garages or sheds. The EdgeMow guides are also a good addition, they allow closer cutting to edges and fences, reducing much of the strimming afterwards.
However, some users mention that the rear roller adds slight resistance when pulling backwards on uneven ground. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if your lawn has dips or rough patches.
Build Quality and Durability
Both McGregor bags are modern and practical in design with accessible controls and a clear focus on functionality. The hybrid collection bag is made of a mix of fabric and hard plastic, which works well to provide both durability and flexibility.
All that aside, there have been a couple of customer complaints regarding the long-term longevities of the plastic bodywork panels and wheels. While these issues aren't prevalent, it's debatable that the construction quality holds up to the price category of the mower. You may not receive the long-term ruggedness of the pricier brands, but with decent care and upkeep, most people find that these mowers make it far past several seasons of mowing.
What Are Customers Saying?
Customer feedback for the McGregor cordless lawn mowers is generally good, particularly for value for money, ease of use, and cutting quality. Most users welcome the easy assembly, straightforward controls, and freedom from cords especially those who are upgrading from corded electric lawn mowers.
On the downside, a handful of reviewers experience inconsistency in battery life over time, or receiving faulty chargers or batteries (which are typically sorted under the 2-year warranty). Some also say the collection bag is prone to filling up quickly on thick grass and may need to be emptied more than expected.
A few of the more critical reviews mention that the mower will struggle to cut very long or wet grass, particularly in the case of the 34cm model. Again, something that even more expensive cordless models will suffer from.
Price and Value
The 34cm version of the McGregor typically costs between £140 and £170, while the 37cm version costs between £180 and £220. These are fair prices for a cordless lawn mower with batteries included, brushless motor, rear roller, and metal blade especially in comparison to other models of equivalent quality from top brands.
However, it's worth mentioning that the batteries and charger account for a significant portion of the cost. When either of these breaks beyond warranty, the cost of replacement can be excessive, an all too frequent issue with cheap cordless gardening tools.
Positive Reviews
For the average consumer, the McGregor cordless mower has been a good, working, and even enjoyable upgrade particularly for those who are transitioning from older cord or petrol mowers. While both 34cm and 37cm models exist in these reviews, the overall themes are: convenience, efficacy, and getting value for money.
A Big Leap Forward from Older Corded Models
Several users confirm that the McGregor cordless mower is a big improvement over the traditional corded ones. One reviewer commented, "Bought this to replace a worn out corded mower and I'm so glad I did," and another declared that it was a "great improvement on my old mower," in addition to how much simpler and faster the cutting was.
Convenience cordless is a best-selling point, always defined as eliminating cable issues. One consumer put it succinctly: "Great mower, I bought this only as a cordless mower to eliminate yards of cable." Another put it more colourfully - "No more wires – yes!"
Battery Life and Charging Performance
While battery life is certainly an area of conflicting opinion (discussed in a later section), overall experience based on positive reviews is that run time is fine, even impressive. One reviewer commented: "I can mow my mid-sized rear lawn and front lawns on 30% of battery power," reporting that they were initially apprehensive due to negative reviews about battery power, but very pleasantly surprised.
Another posted: "It is about 2 hours to charge both batteries on a double charger but the charge lasts long enough to mow my front garden and grass verge in front of my property, then mow my 40ft long back garden." Others reported doing two full lawn mows before needing to recharge, saying: "Charged the batteries and so far it has done two full cuts on a large lawn without needing to be recharged."
Even the recharging speed gets compliments - "Battery charge time is very good, in about an hour."
Lightweight, Easy to Use and Store
The lightness and handleability of the McGregor cordless lawnmowers are frequently mentioned advantages, particularly for those who have previously found heavier petrol or wired models difficult to manage. "I am so happy with it, it is very light and also quiet," read one testimonial, and another contributor wrote, "Lightweight… very easy to use."
Assembly is in some reviews described as being easy and quick. One consumer swore it "was easy to put together, now runs like a dream," and another swore to it "being easy to assemble with long-lasting, fast-charging batteries."
Storage and handling are also mentioned strengths: "Easy to store. Good weight and easy to use. A good buy for the money paid."
Excellent Cutting Power and Versatility
Whereas others of these cordless mowers are underpowered, McGregor reviewers claim they don't share those sentiments. "Cuts way better and shorter than my old electric mower," wrote one reviewer, with the other calling the mower an "efficient neat cut in my large garden."
Regular appreciation is directed to the height-adjustable cutting head. One of the reviewers was especially thrilled with the primary height adjustment, which said: "The best thing is the ease of adjusting the cutting height. The single lever is just so much easier than moving individual wheels."
Even the number of height adjustments is a plus point: "It has a very good range of cutting heights," and another described it as "cuts to just the length I want."
Value for Money
For value and simplicity of use, a number of customers say the McGregor mower is a bargain. "All in all, very good value for money," one customer said, while another stated: "Superb for the price." A number described it as "better than expected," and "a good buy for the price paid."
One customer was so satisfied they even bought a second mower: "Very happy with mine so I also bought another one for my Grandson."
Real-World Practicality
They suggest that the McGregor cordless lawn mower delivers consistent in-use benefits, especially on small lawns. "We have two medium sized lawns and can cut both on a single charge easily," said one customer. Another said: "Bought to replace a small hover mower and it does a very good job."
One very sharp consumer exclaimed: "Absolute godsend of a machine! Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, powerful and cuts like a wee champion."
Negative Reviews
Although the majority of customers were satisfied with the McGregor cordless lawnmower, there were large numbers that had serious issues some sending it back after a single or two mows. The main complaints relate to battery life, reliability, and durability in general. These claims are that the mower is great when working but that reliability is less consistent across units.
Battery Life: The Most Common Complaint
Poor battery life is one of the most common complaints made in bad user reviews. Users reported much shorter run times than expected -- as low as 10 minutes on a full charge in one instance. "Had to be returned, on full charge gave me 10 minutes cutting time. took me 3 full charges to cut my garden."
Others were just as annoyed - "The battery lasts for 20 metres not good enough." / "Batteries went dead after about 20 minutes. if it's no better it's going back for a refund."
One was disillusioned with the manner in which batteries run out when used over and over - "Battery life continues to decrease after each use down to a mere 10 minutes after the sixth use."
Some reviewers complained that although the batteries charged rapidly, the down-side was that they had a limited run time. One noticed a common fallacy - "You must use both batteries together in order to start the mower – it's not a case of charging one up while running the other."
Reliability Issues Cutting Out, Loss of Power, Faults
They complained that the mower cutting out or not working at all even after a normal charging process.
"Worked for 2 minutes, had to take back. Fully charged, no power." / "Used one time! Second time absolutely useless! Do NOT PURCHASE!" / "Worked for about 10 mins and conked out."
One critic trashed a highly aggravating customer service experience after successive loss of power by the mower - "Mowed only one area of lawn before it kept shutting off… Called customer service and told to wait for a returns number which never arrived until I called back."
Another grumbled, "Battery kept shutting down despite the fact that grass was still relatively short."
Weight and Handling Issues
Although some have referred to the mower as light, others have complained that the mower was clumsy and heavy especially once batteries have been inserted. "It's heavy and clumsy, and that's without the two batteries fitted." / "Extremely heavy mower."
This problem was bad enough to lead at least two buyers to return the machine exclusively due to handling concerns.
Weak Construction and Design Flaws
Faults in terms of durability also emerged in the negative comments, specifically on the rear roller and grass box.
There were two occurrences of the same identical fault - "The roller at the back came loose and was destroyed by the blades when used for the second time." / "The roller (used to create lines) came loose and was destroyed by the blade. It felt very flimsy."
Another common frustration was the grass box detaching whilst in use - "Battery charge isn't long lasting, keeps cutting out! Grass box falls off."
Baffling Instructions
While not across the board, one reviewer said unclear battery instructions - "Battery charging instructions. the diagrams seemed to contradict each other." They went on to return the mower despite first believing that it was the right one for medium-sized gardens.
Summary of Complaints
- Short battery life, sometimes just 10–20 minutes
- Ongoing shutdown or complete failure to cut
- Cutting off mid-usage even when batteries are full
- Bulky and awkward to manoeuvre (opposite to some other reviewers)
- Brittle parts, particularly the rear roller and grass box
- Insubstantial construction quality, resulting in early returns
- Confusing or deceptive user guides
Who It Is For
McGregor cordless mower appears quite appropriate for…
1, Small and medium-sized residential lawn owners (up to 150–200 sq. metres)
2, Upgraders from a corded or hover mower who would appreciate the benefit of being cordless
3, Individuals who prefer light and effortless usage several customers said it was much easier to manoeuvre than their old petrol or corded model
4, Individuals with front and back lawns who are tired of dealing with cables
5, Users who cut relatively frequently and therefore are not confronted with long, wet, or very overgrown grass
6, Anyone in search of a less noisy alternative to petrol or mains-powered noisy machinery. As one customer wrote: "Bought to replace old worn-out corded mower… batteries charge in no time and I can do my mid-sized rear lawn and front lawns using only 30% of battery life."
Another commented - "On full charge it does it all no problem… battery charge time is very good in about an hour. Brilliant for the price."
7, As long as your lawn is properly mowed, isn't too large, and you want affordable cordless freedom, this mower might be excellent value.
Who It Is Not For
From negative feedback, the McGregor 34cm/37cm mower is not ideal…
1, Owners of large or heavily overgrown lawns (in excess of 200–250 square metres) especially if more than 30–40 minutes to cut
2, Those who anticipate long battery life or are looking for one-pass cutting various reviews mention 10–20 minutes of run time, far less than the advertised 50 minutes
3, Those wanting high-end construction, various parts such as the roller and grass box have been referred to as lightweight
4, People with mobility problems who need an ultra-lightweight version although many describe it as light, others say it feels heavy after both batteries have been put in
5, Buyers who want petrol-equivalent power or more enduring performance. One annoyed user commented - "Was forced to return, on a fully charged battery gave me 10 minutes of cutting time… not very impressive." Another warned: "Battery life still reduces with every use… just a 10-minute working time after sixth use."
6, For more demanding garden users or those who want top-of-the-range quality and long runtimes, a more robust cordless equivalent (e.g. from Bosch) or a petrol mower is probably a worthwhile expense
Pros/Benefits of the McGregor Cordless Lawnmower
1, Cordless Convenience - Without cables to follow behind you have the freedom to mow anywhere around garden features, flower beds, and divided front/back lawns without any trouble. A number of customers appreciated the flexibility it offers compared to standard corded or hover mowers. "Cordless is a game changer for me. quieter, quicker and has a decent grass box."
2, Suitable for Medium Lawns - When using it to cut a neat, medium-sized lawn, most were satisfied with the battery life. Some managed to cut the front and back gardens on one charge. "Very pleased… it has done two full cuts on a large lawn without needing to be recharged."
3, Fast Charging - Either of the 2.5Ah batteries is charged by the supplied dual charger in about an hour perfect for rapid turnaround or one-after-the-other cutting jobs.
4, Simple Assembly and Controls - Customers constantly mention how easy the mower is to put together, and how easy the height adjustment lever is. No fiddling with individual wheels. "The ease of cutting height adjustment. single lever is just so much easier."
5, Light and Easy to Store - Folds away for storage and is lighter to handle than most petrol mowers. For many, especially older users, this made the chore of mowing less. "Very light and also quiet… cuts to just the length I want."
6, Rear Roller for a Striped Finish - Although not everyone purchases for this reason, the rear roller is a good feature for those requiring that manicured look on the lawn.
7, Great Value for Money - The value-for-money price point of around £180–£220 is commonly regarded as competitive for a cordless mower with two batteries and a brushless motor. "Does exactly what it says on the box… very good value for money."
Downsides/Cons of the McGregor Cordless Lawnmower
1, Battery Life May Be Unpredictable - While many discussed the runtime, others grumbled about getting only 10–20 minutes well short of expectations. Either because of defects, battery charge factors, or heavy grass situations, it's common among the negative review threads. "Had to return, on a full charge it gave me 10 minutes cutting time."
2, Batteries Must be Used Together - You can't cut with one battery and charge the other, they must both be inserted at the same time. This limits convenience for some individuals.
3, Roller Durability Issues - Back roller falling off and getting destroyed during usage is the issue complained about, suggesting the construction quality should be improved in some respects. "The roller… fell off and got chewed up by the blades during second use."
4, May Have Trouble Cutting Wet or Thick Grass - Several users noted that the mower bogged or cut out when attempting to cut long, wet, or thick grass, making it less reliable under tougher cutting conditions.
5, Heavier Than Expected When Batteries Are Inserted - Despite being described as lightweight, some users still found it heavy or awkward especially when lifting or turning on uneven ground. “Very heavy mower… I’m only short.”
6, Quality Control Seems Hit-or-Miss - A number of returns due to faulty batteries or motors cutting out early suggest inconsistency in product quality or post-manufacturing testing.
Final Verdict - Is the McGregor Cordless Lawnmower Worth a Purchase?
If you're looking for an affordable, simple-to-use cordless lawnmower perfect for regular mowing on small to medium lawns, the McGregor is a top contender. It offers the ultimate advantages homeowners desire such as cord freedom, quick charging, adjustable height of cut, and a rear roller for neater presentation.
Value for Money
Its value for money is excellent, considering that you have two batteries, a fast dual charger, and a brushless motor, all for under a price most high-end brands charge. For most average buyers with normal garden needs, this mower operates quietly, hygienically, and efficiently.
Some Flaws
It isn't perfect, however. Battery life is variable, and the mower can become stressed in heavy going especially on wet or long grass. Some users experienced reliability issues after very little use, and other users found build quality issues, notably around the rear roller.
Solid All Rounder
So, it's a sound all-rounder for general purposes, but those with larger or tougher gardens, or anyone expecting petrol-grade performance, may consider a more powerful one or prepare to mow more frequently.
Ratings
Value for Money: ★★★★☆ 4 out of 5
A very good value for money given what you get cordless, twin batteries, roller, and quick charging.
Power & Performance under Tough Conditions: ★★★☆☆ 3/5
Robust enough for regular grass, but penalized on performance for coping with thick, wet, or long-term uncut lawns.
In our opinion, the McGregor cordless lawn mower is a smart investment for budget-conscious gardeners with small lawns. It won't mow down everything you apply it to, but with the right situation, it does a beautiful job. If you understand its limitations and properly maintain the batteries, this mower can be a great buy for many seasons to come.
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