Is this budget Cylinder Lawnmower your garden's been waiting for? In a world surrounded by electric and petrol lawn mowers in our busy marketplace, the simple manual cylinder mower seems to be something of a relic. Yet, for some gardeners, the simplicity and precision of a hand-push mower remain hugely popular.
The McGregor MCM30A, a budget-priced model with classic styling, is just one of many models generating interest. Is it truly a good idea for a manicured lawn, or are there some not-so-apparent sacrifices included in the bargain? Let's take a closer look…
Back to Basic Mowing
The McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower (model MCM30A) is positioning itself as a back-to-basics solution for the person seeking a neat, green, and cost-cutting mow. Available for as little as £40 to £50, it is one of the cheapest models on the market. Produced under the McGregor brand name traditionally associated with Argos and recognized for the supply of garden apparatus at low prices this mower is presenting a neat finish, easy handling, and no electricity or petrol needed.
Simplicity Appeal
Its simplicity is the main reason it's so appealing. No motor to maintain, no cords to discard, it's a straightforward answer for smaller gardens or those who prefer the quiet enjoyment of hand mowing. But the greater number of online reviews, many very positive, some mediocre, some exasperated shows it's not something that will appeal to everyone equally.
Key Features
The MCM30A is a push mower with a manual operation and a 30cm metal cutting blade, which makes it a broad but not excessively broad width ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. Four cutting heights are offered, from 1.8cm to 3.8cm, giving adequate flexibility for contrasting grass conditions and personal tastes. The rear roller is another nice feature to have, enabling one to produce that striped effect many lawncare enthusiasts aspire to.
Lightweight Pushing
It also features a 23-litre grass catcher bag, which will save time raking and cleaning up. At just 6.3kg in weight, the machine is light enough to be easily pushed across the lawn, something that will undoubtedly appeal to older folk or those who do not wish to mess around with mowing.
Warranty
McGregor backs the mower with a two-year warranty, offering additional peace of mind even at this budget price point. But while the features tick many boxes on paper, do they convert to real-world use?
At first glance, the McGregor mower looks and feels very sturdy for a price point. The metal blade and plastic casing offer strength and lightness. Most users praise how easy the assembly from the box is, usually requiring only a couple of easy steps to start working.
Not all Lawns are Created Equal
Pushing it through even flat, short grass is usually no problem, and the lighter weight is a distinct advantage to anyone who may have trouble with the heavier models. But not all lawns are the same, and here some of the limitations become apparent. Long, wet, or uneven grass can be challenging, requiring multiple passes or more muscle effort to produce the same result. While this isn't surprising for a push mower, it's something to consider before purchasing.
Performance and Cutting Results
On immaculately manicured lawns, the MCM30A performs efficiently. The cylinder blade cuts cleaner, in scissor fashion, than rotary mowers' tearing action, and it is more gentle on grass, being more likely to leave the lawn healthier in the long term. Users usually praise the neat finish, particularly on dry, even surfaces.
The rear roller adds a nice visual touch, though it’s worth managing expectations, this isn’t a heavy-duty roller and won’t produce professional-grade stripes on all grass types. As with any manual mower, the quality of the cut will depend not only on the tool itself, but also on how consistently and carefully it is used.
Overgrown Areas
For uneven or overgrown areas, however, the mower struggles. The restricted blade width makes it take longer to mow larger lawns, and tall weeds or thick clumps won't always be sliced through cleanly without repeat passes.
Collection Bag - Gimmick or Useful?
The 23-litre collection bag is a nice inclusion, especially for this price. It's simple to install and performs a decent job of collecting grass clippings, making post-mow raking less necessary. That being said, many reviewers comment that the bag doesn't always pick up all the clippings, especially when mowing at higher speeds or in taller grass. In a few instances, users prefer simply removing the bag altogether and raking clippings up by hand, a small annoyance, but one that could impact your workflow.
For whom is this mower most suitable?
The McGregor cylinder mower will appeal particularly to those with small and medium-sized lawns who enjoy working on them regularly and have no objection to a little manual work. It will suit those seeking a greener alternative to powered equipment, as well as anyone working on tight finances. Those who desire a quieter, more mindful mowing experience with less noise or petrol fumes will be most likely to treasure it.
But it may not be best for big or oblong lawns, thick grass, or customers looking for rapid, easy cutting. In these cases, a powered one could be a more convenient investment.
Positive Customer Reviews
Despite being cheap and simple in design, the McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower has pleasantly surprised a lot of customers and sometimes genuinely impressed. The thread running through dozens of reviews is how it performs on smaller lawns, how easy it is to handle, and how it exceeds expectations for a manual mower at such a budget.
"Small But Mighty" – Ideal for Small Gardens
One of the most enthusiastic recommendations is from owners of small or medium-sized lawns looking for a quick, effective trim with minimal effort. The lightness and thinness of the mower are well suited to the job, and numerous reviewers suggest that it has turned gardening upside down. "Fantastic little mower. Need a small mower for my tiny lawn. It works a treat.". It was easy to assemble too." / "Bought this to replace my trusty old Flymo… Excellent little hand powered unit. No leads and no dead batteries to worry about."
Even people who were employing it for more non-traditional uses such as maintaining a grave or lawn in position for pets employed it to be efficient and convenient: "We bought it to keep grass on a grave neat and clean, and it's just perfect all around. Light and easy to use, does a wonderful job."
Better Than Expected – Especially at This Price
Others gladly conceded that they were not expecting much from a mower that will set you back in the order of £40–£50. Most, however, soon changed their minds after trying it: "Fantastic piece of kit. Not expecting much at this price but can say it is good, very good." / "Excellent hand lawnmower bought for smallish plot… Amazed at how good a job it did and was on offer!! Highly recommended."
This chorus of sweet surprise is echoed remark after remark, with customers universally agreeing on its capacity to cut especially well on short dry grass and simple assembly. "Great little mower. So easy to use and quick to get out and put away." / "Easy to assemble and cuts grass tidily."
Freedom from Cables, Batteries and Noise
The shift from electric or petrol mowers appears to be a huge advantage for some consumers. For consumers who are tired of extension cords, recharging batteries, or the noise of engines, this mower is a welcome return to the simplicity of things.
"I bought this because my grandson wanted to start helping with odd jobs. No issues with wires or tripping over cables." / "Improved on the Flymo we used to have." / "No leads and no flat batteries to worry about."
This back to basics is also environmentally kind. One reviewer cut to the chase and said - "Great little lawnmower. Gives you exercise and zero emission."
Ease of Use for All Ages
The mower's light weight (a mere 6.3kg) is obviously a winning point for all manner of users ranging from younger relatives helping with the chores through to physically limited individuals…
"I was actually very impressed that I found this lawn mower. I have arthritis, and it is just fabulous to be able to keep my lawn neat and tidy without having to move a large machine."
Another added buying it for a family member in particular - "Great little mower which I bought for my daughter." The ease with which it can be pushed, no noise, and easy storage makes it available to those who may not wish for the power or the weight of powered models.
Aesthetics and Assembly
Usually, even the appearance of the mower is complemented. One reviewer wrote - "It's a nice dark green metal so it looks like a proper, traditional little mower."
When it comes to assembly, most reviews suggest that assembly is quick and straightforward usually just attaching the handle and screwing a few screws. "I just had to slot the handle on and tighten the screws." / "Very easy to assemble and use."
Cutting Performance – A Healthier Lawn
Some reviewers noted how the scissor type action of the cylinder blade sliced the lawn cleaner and, in one case, left their lawn healthier:
"Cuts the grass beautifully. My lawn has never looked so good." / "I had put grass seed down, which my Flymo sucked up. It cuts perfectly… Lawn now looking good not sure I will use my electric mower again."
This gentle shearing, as compared to the tearing action of spinning blades, is typically considered to be healthier for grass, especially for frequent mowing on small fields.
Mixed Reviews
While the McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower is showered with praise for simplicity and cost, there is a major subset of reviews that is more nuanced. For some buyers, the mower works flawlessly if their garden has particular specifications. For others, the mower is too limiting in what it will do, difficult to assemble, or irritating to drive over sloping terrain or for tall grass. The following section covers more of these conflicting experiences.
Assembly - Simple for Some, Infuriating for Others
Some users reported that the mower was easy to assemble, but others were frustrated with minor issues with assembly that usually involved misaligned screws or difficult parts. "As an old lady I thought it would be very difficult to assemble, but I managed it… although I did need to use a wrench to loosen up the bolt that makes the blades turn."
"Ages to assemble as screws did not want to go into holes… after some thing happening and banging and loads of bad language, it is all okay and working beautifully!"
A second customer reported similar dissatisfactions - "The assembly took longer than expected because the screws for the handle just would not fit." Most of us eventually got the mower assembled with some grit. But those expecting a stress- or tool-free assembly process may need to have realistic hopes.
Performance Depends on Lawn Conditions
This is maybe the biggest single exception: the McGregor cylinder mower will perform best on short, level grass. If the lawn is too long, bumpy, or weedy, several reviewers mentioned that the mower will struggle. "Good for regular, groomed lawns only… awful for lawns with long weeds and uneven ground needing to make multiple, multiple passes."
"If used to cut grass longer than its highest length setting, it just glides over it without cutting it." / "Cut top of the grass, had to use another to finish the lawn off. Can't be dropped low enough."
A single commenter summarized it in a mix of praise and warning - "It does a fair job if the lawn is short enough."
Another said it disappointed him, despite great expectations - "Unfortunately I was disappointed despite all the glowing reviews. This mower only cuts on grass which is already very short… If the grass gets more than a certain length, it is nearly impossible to chop through unless using genuine force."
Grass Collection Box - Typical Complaint
Even among the best of reviews, there was a concession of a flaw in the grass collection basket. For many, it just doesn't collect enough of the clippings or won't remain attached when in use. "Compact, no hassle, no wires, but grass catcher's a bit rubbish."
"The basket for the collection is extremely flimsy and will not remain in its place when placed… I now mow without the basket and then simply rake up the clippings afterwards." /"Cutting box is a problem & could be improved."
Whilst this does not have a direct effect on cutting performance, it does mean extra effort for users who prefer a tidy, gathered finish.
Build Quality and Durability Issues
Whereas most buyers believed the mower was light and worth the money, some did express some early reservations and concerns regarding the build quality particularly rust and longevity in use. "Good product… but second use had some rust (or beginnings of) which surprised me… Still cuts but unsure how long it will actually last."
Another. reviewer also reported a firm. handle fit, to their disappointment. about. long-term. wear - "Handle can be quite stiff. to get on."
Good Value, With Effort
The overall common belief among most mixed reviews is that the McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower is indeed value for money but only if one is willing to function within its parameters. For one, you'll likely have to mow more frequently, put up with a bit of manual work, and maybe sacrifice the grass catcher altogether.
"You need to get used to it and it's pull/push tired work (good training if you take it that way)." / "It's good quality, only more for finer grass, not the high ones. So bear that in mind." / "It has done the job and [is] easy to build and use."
Negative Reviews
While most customers enjoyed the McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower as a handy, light mower for small gardens, other customers had a much different experience. The product was returned by some customers as poorly constructed, not cutting well, hard to assemble, and with short longevity. In other cases, the mower flat simply didn't work.
1, "Doesn't Cut" – Repeated Complaints About Ineffective Performance
One of the biggest grouses for most critical critics is one glaring defect alone: the mower not being able to cut grass properly, especially if the lawn is not very healthy. "Unfortunately this was useless, wouldn't cut the grass at all.". I had to borrow another one." / "I purchased this to mow a small lawn and it is not really performing and is totally a waste of money." / "Appalling, doesn't work… didn't cut a single blade of grass.
Avoid at all costs." / "It did not cut the grass evenly and left most of the grass behind… disappointing after spending the time and money I did."
One critic even said they ditched it altogether - "When mowing it just couldn't do it… after 2 hours of trying I gave up and returned it."
2, Assembly Problems: Missing Bolts, No Instructions, and Poor Fit
The majority of the upset reviewers were angry or couldn't get the product together from poorly phrased instructions, misaligned holes, or missing hardware. "The handle didn't/doesn't fit right… my handyman could manage to get it to stay in place using tools and a nut and bolt." / "There were two missing bolts… returned for refund."
"Hard to assemble… haven't been able to use it yet as cannot determine where handle is supposed to go." / "Self-assembly needed special tools and this was not explained… the handle holes were too small to fit easily."
In one particularly scathing review, a customer stated that their entire experience from construction to customer service was atrocious - "It broke when the blades came into contact with a pebble… Argos were usually unhelpful… I left it there where hopefully the staff have drop-kicked it onto a scrapheap."
3, Build Quality Criticized as "Flimsy" and "Cheap"
Poor construction is a consistent theme in poor reviews. Loose screws to dull blades after very little use, these consumers found the mower simply too poorly made to be worth anything.
"Very weak… screws fall out each time I'm cutting." / "Blades go blunt after 4 uses. Very hard work!! Leaves the grass patchy so I've got to cut it again a few days later." / "Handle just stays there slotted in… occasionally the handle comes off." / "Collector doesn't function either."
One customer gave a blunt verdict - "Rubbish. Not worth the cost."
4, Grass Collector Described as "Useless" or Not Working
Even from those who tried to get the mower up and running, the grass collection bag was often reported as being totally useless.
"Grass box is useless… very flimsy." / "The basket doesn't pick anything up." / "Collector does not work either."
For most, this design flaw added to the clean-up and cancelled out the product's promise of ease.
5, Not Best for Uneven Lawns or Anything Except the Shortest Grass
Some owners had realized too late that the mower is not designed to cut uneven or irregular lawn surfaces.
"If your ground is uneven then it doesn't cut at all." / "Could not have short cutting of the grass… used shears instead. Perfect." Others found that even small areas were too much - "Hopeless. Hopeless, Hopeless."
6, Returns and Regret - "Waste of Money"
Many customers returned the mower, and the ones who didn't usually expressed regret that they couldn't. "Just a waste of money." / "DO NOT BUY… couldn't return it as I had tried it." / "Dreadful waste of money… your products are poor quality and your customer service is appalling."
Who It Is For
The McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower may be a worthwhile investment for some types of users and lawns, as long as realistic expectations are set and the lawn is in good health already.
1, Small, flat lawn owners - A few reviewers noted that the mower is ideal for small patches of grass free from weeds, bumps, or slopes. One called it "ideal for a small lawn," while another individual said that it "works well. especially in an area where there is no electricity access."
2, Eco-friendly customers - It doesn't consume electricity or petrol, thus a good option for customers who want to reduce environmental impact. A customer commented, "saves money being handheld and not electric."
3, Customers who want an easy-to-manoeuvre, light mower - It's light, easy to manoeuvre, and requires small storage space. A customer noted, "handle is easy to take off, making it small and easy to store."
4, Heavy mowers - Users who keep their grass closely cut and well-trimmed tend to get the best results. As one reviewer pragmatically put it, "does a fair job if the lawn is kept short enough."
5, DIY enthusiasts - People content with a little basic assembly and fiddling may consider that this mower represents good value. One said, "as an elderly lady I thought it might be quite difficult to assemble but I managed it."
Who It Is Not For
On the other hand, the mower has disappointed a number of users especially those seeking a powerful easy-to-use tool. It is not suitable for the following people…
1, People with uneven or long lawns - This is the most frequent complaint by far. Several reviewers commented that the mower "won't cut at all" on uneven, weedy, or thick grass. One said, "if your ground is uneven, it doesn't cut at all," and another said, "horrible for long weeds and uneven ground."
2, Buyers expecting easy assembly - Several of the reviews complained of misaligned parts, missing bolts, and incomprehensible instructions. For example, "assembly took longer than expected as the handle screws simply would not line up."
3, Anyone who wants a good grass collector - The grass basket was universally denounced. Many of them removed it altogether. "The collection basket is extremely fragile and just won't stay in place."
4, The elderly or disabled - Even light, it still takes a great deal of effort on anything except the flattest and shortest of lawns. One reviewer admitted, "if the grass gets above a certain length, it is virtually impossible to cut through unless using real force."
5, Buyers seeking durability - Rusting, dullness of blades after some uses, and handles getting detached reveal that it's not a durable tool. A buyer simply said, "blades are dull after 4 uses. Really hard work!"
Benefits/Pros for McGregor Cylinder Mower
1, Budget Price Point - The majority of shoppers were amazed at how affordable this lawn mower was, particularly when it was discounted. One customer stated, "Wasn't expecting much for the price but. it is good, really good."
2, Very Light and Portable - As light as it is compared to the majority of electric or gas mowers, it's a breeze to push around and lift. "Really good push mower… light to carry away."
3, Space-Saving and Easy to Store - Being thin and manual with an extractable handle, the mower is compact enough to store in a shed or cupboard. "Handle is easy to remove, so it is space-saving and easy to store."
4, No Petrol or Electricity Needed - This is a self-mown mower that only uses your own muscle energy, so it is green and cheaper to run in the long term. "Gives you exercise and zero emissions."
5, Silent Running - Since there is no motor, it moves hardly silently ideal for early morning mowing or noise-prejudiced areas.
6, Simple to Manoeuvre on Flat, Well-Cared-for Lawns - On a short, level lawn, customers cut cleanly and had no trouble manoeuvring. "My lawn never looked better," one customer enthused.
7, Perfect for One-Off or Initial Use - Many customers reported buying it specifically for solo small jobs (e.g., grave plots, caravan lawns, patches for dogs) and it performed beautifully.
Weaknesses/Cons of the McGregor Cylinder Mower
1, Weak Grass Collector Construction - The grass box is universally regarded as weak, nothing, and prone to falling off. Several customers went ahead and removed it. "Basket won't pick anything up."
2, Problems on Long or Rough Lawns - Weeds, tall grass, and irregular ground are more than this mower can handle. "Doesn't cut… didn't cut one blade of grass," was the gripe of an angry customer.
3, Build Quality Issues - Multiple complaints mentioned misaligned holes, missing bolts, and general flimsiness. “Screws come out every time I’m mowing.”
4, Requires Frequent Use for Best Results - The mower performs best on lawns that are regularly cut and kept short. “You have to maintain it constantly… otherwise it’s a backbreaking task.”
5, Hard to Assemble for Some - Assembly could be tedious or frustrating, especially where instructions are unclear or tools are required. "Took ages to assemble… screws did not want to line up."
6, Short Blade Life - A few reviewers reported that the blades became blunt soon, reducing cutting effectiveness after minimal use.
7, Physically Challenging for Larger Space - Even with its light body, it takes some effort to push it through dense grass. This might not be ideal for elderly users or those who have mobility problems.
Final Verdict - Only Purchase If It Is Right for Your Lawn and Your Expectations
The McGregor Cylinder Lawnmower is a budget, push-only mower that excels at simplicity, occasional use, and tidy, compact lawns. If you prefer a quiet, eco-friendly alternative to electric or petrol mowers and you're willing to put in a bit of elbow grease, it can be a satisfying and practical purchase.
Buy this Cylinder mower if…
- You have a small, even lawn that's already reasonably well-managed
- You require a light, easy-to-use mower for quick trims
- You are not fussed about a little assembly
- You don't mind leaving the grass box off and raking up afterwards
- You need an inexpensive secondary mower for occasional use
Avoid this Cylinder mower if…
- Your lawn is uneven, weedy, overgrown, or larger than average
- You desire a mower that picks up clippings well
- You're looking for precision engineering or a long lifespan
- You can't or won't apply a little bit of manual effort
- You desire plug-and-play operation with no assembly worries
In short, it's not a miracle mower but it is a straight shooter. For the proper user, on the proper lawn, at the proper price, it can get the job done surprisingly well. For anyone else, frustration is more likely to ensue than satisfaction.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Good value for lighter work on flat lawn mowed frequently, but not for every garden or gardener with uneven lawns, tall grass lawns or lawns that need grass to be collected and removed with a tidy finish.
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