The Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower (Model GM R40A) is a popular choice for homeowners seeking an affordable yet highly effective machine. It comes equipped with a 127cc 4-stroke petrol engine and self-propelled motor and promises to take much of the drudgery out of mowing, especially for medium-sized gardens.
At a price of between £220 and £270, it is solidly in the budget sector of petrol mowers and will be attractive to anyone who's upgrading from an electric or cordless one.
Some Critics
But whereas the mower has earned plenty of positive reviews for performance and price, it is not completely free of critics either. Others have noted where they believe it could be improved, and their input is always worth considering if you are comparing it to higher-priced versions. What we're going to do here is take a look at its key points, how good it is, and the most common feedback from clients to inform your decision.
Key Features
Fundamentally, the Yard Force GM R40A is driven by a 127cc 4-stroke petrol engine with 2kW of power and 2900 rpm. That is more than enough to handle overgrown grass and bumpy surfaces. As a self-propelled machine, it has minimal pushing, which is a significant advantage on bigger lawns or inclined areas.
Mowing Width
The 40cm cutting width is a balance of ground coverage speed with being easy to handle in tighter spots such as flower beds and walking trails. Five of the cutting heights, from 2.5cm to 7.5cm, are centrally adjustable for easy lawn care all year round.
Warranty Cover
It collects clippings from grass in a 45-litre collection bag, reducing the necessity for regular emptying when in use. Weighing a total of 23.9kg, it is relatively lightweight for a petrol mower but heavier than electric mowers. The item also comes with a three-year manufacturer's guarantee (when registered online), providing new owners with extra confidence.
Fuel Tank
It's worth mentioning that a few of the most important specs for prospective customers. Oil capacity is 500ml (recommended SAE 30), and fuel tank capacity is 1 litre of unleaded petrol. There is no mulching plug on this mower, unlike some rivals, which could be a drawback for gardeners who prefer to mulch clippings.
Build Quality and Design
The GM R40A is constructed with a robust steel deck, giving it the durability expected of a petrol mower in this price range. The self-propelled mechanism has been praised by many for being smooth and reliable, making it less fatiguing to use. That said, some users have reported that the mower feels slightly less refined in design compared to higher-end machines, particularly in terms of handle comfort and the collection bag’s attachment.
Ease of Use
Setup out of the box is easy, although something to note is that the mower does not come pre-oiled. First-time users should ensure they use 500ml of SAE 30 oil and check levels through the dipstick before starting to use. Regular maintenance, such as the oil level check and air filter cleaning, is also recommended to maintain the engine's smoothness.
The self-propel function is the standout feature for most buyers, making hard work a lot easier on larger lawns. The set speed does feel a little too quick for customers who prefer to stroll at a slower pace or need to manoeuvre very confined spaces.
Larger Lawns
On larger lawns, the 127cc engine provides enough power to handle long or damp grass without stalling. The centrally mounted cutting heights are easy to switch between a short summer cut and a more even set for overgrown patches.
The 45-litre grass bag is large and sufficient for the majority of household mowing sessions, though some purchasers noted that it can occasionally leave a small streak of clippings when nearly full.
Customer Reviews - Positive and Negative Comments
Customer reviews for the Yard Force GM R40A are mostly positive in nature. Most customers refer to it as excellent value for money, referring to its easy start-up, easy manoeuvrability given the self-propelled feature, and tough cutting performance.
Some Concerns
But a lesser group of purchasers have complained. Typical reasons for complaint include problems with the assembly manual, problems with the grass bag mount, and occasional complaints about stalling or vibration on long use. It's worth mentioning these points appear in the minority of reviews but are something to pay attention to when purchasing a cheap petrol mower.
Maintenance and Spare Parts
Maintenance, as with any petrol mower, is necessary. This includes oil level checks and topping up (500ml SAE 30 oil), cleaning or replacing the sparking plug (TORCH F5RTC), and making sure the air filter is clean. Spare parts are available for the Yard Force GM R40A but would likely require ordering directly from the company or approved service stations.
Value for Money
With a standard price of between £220 and £270, the Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a good value for money feature set. The inclusion of the self-propelled drive, steel deck, and three-year warranty make it a good bet in the budget petrol mower category.
Though there are compromises on some build complexity and additional features (such as absence of a mulching plug), the overall value offers decent performance for most residential uses.
Positive Reviews
The Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower has clearly struck a chord with many consumers, particularly those seeking a budget-friendly version that does not lack important features. Continual feedback from customers is how easy it is to put together and operate the mower, even for people who are not long-time petrol mower users.
One of the reviewers summed it up well: "Great buy. I wanted a lawnmower for my granddaughter to use, and she has found this one so very easy to use. I would gladly recommend this bargain buy." This sense of ease is evident in much of what is said, with compliment on the mower being easy to put together and easy to start consistently.
Easy To Use
Ease of use is touted repeatedly. One customer wrote: "I bought this lawnmower a month ago and am thrilled at how easy and light it is to manoeuvre. No messing and getting tangled with wires!" This echoes the appeal of switching from electric or cordless options to a petrol option that allows for unhampered movement. Another reviewer wrote: "Easy to use mower.".
Older Users
This lawnmower is easy to start and will cut the grass with ease to the height that you prefer. Older Users For elderly individuals or those with less mobility, the Yard Force GM R40A seems like a suitable choice. One customer in their seventies said: "Great lightweight mower, easy to start.". I needed a mower that would be simple to manoeuvre; this is the one." Similarly, another commented: "I purchased this lawn mower a few weeks back and find it an excellent product. Easy to manoeuvre and thanks to being self-propelling, easy to manoeuvre on a slightly sloping lawn."
Self-Propelled Support
Self-powered is often brought out as a major advantage, making what might otherwise be a drudge job much easier. In the words of one customer: "I bought this a good few weeks ago and it has made the slog of cutting the grass a breeze of a job.". Would gladly recommend to anyone." Another commented: "Had this lawnmower for a couple of months and very happy with it. Cuts nicely and the self-propelled is a bonus. You won't find a better one for the price!”
Performance and Power
In terms of cutting performance, buyers say that the 127cc engine and 40cm cutting width are quite more than adequate for medium-sized gardens and even for demanding conditions. One fan reviewer said: "Brilliant. I bought this as my garden is 200 feet long. The grass at the bottom grows so rapidly I usually have to strim first.
“Wow! This just whizzed through it." They continued: "My grass is predominantly moss and my cordless struggled really to cut it, but this had no problems."
Overgrown Areas
Similar comments were made by other buyers about the mower's performance when cutting long or wet grass. One of them commented: "Great machine. Really attacks the long grass. I bought this a few weeks ago and it's excellent." Another says: "Powerful machine. Works as expected with a powerful engine."
Minor Challenges
Nevertheless, some users referred to some challenges. One stated: "It does provide the lines most will want, but did find it cumbersome to manoeuvre when changing direction and trying the edges." This indicates that while power and cut quality are excellent, weight and uniform speed of the mower may take some getting accustomed to for some.
Value for Money
The Yard Force GM R40A is always praised for its value in customer reviews. People generally comment that it is good value for the money, given its specification and quality of work it performs. As one commenter posted: "Excellent mower. I bought this mower 3 weeks ago and it's good value for the money. Easy to assemble. Only thing I'd say negative is you don't get any engine oil with the mower."
Another satisfied customer said: "Good stuff. I love it. Works well, has all the features that expensive makes have and at a low price. No minuses whatsoever until now."
Even customers who were initially sceptical were satisfied after they used it. One of them wrote: "Was a bit sceptical about buying this mower but I'm glad I did. Easy to put together and use, cuts the grass easily."
Assembly Feedback
Ease of assembly is another area where the mower scores high. Several customers reported that putting the mower together was far less daunting than it could have been. "Brilliant lawnmower. Easy to put together," one commenter posted. Another agreed: "So happy with this mower. Easy to do grass, goes across the grass so easy."
Engine start-up is reported to be a breeze for most owners. One user writes "Excellent product. So happy with it. Cuts and starts easy."
Small Drawbacks Cited in Positive Reviews
While generally positive, even positive reviews occasionally mention minor faults. Some users reported disappointment at the lack of engine oil included in the package: "Only thing I would say negative is you don't get any engine oil with the mower."
Other buyers also mentioned that it was slightly too heavy to handle when applied in the confines of narrower spaces: "Item is a little heavy but a good product. Fairly easy to assemble." Another added: "Filling the oil was slow and it overflowed because I tipped too much in the funnel to begin with."
These comments suggest that although the Yard Force GM R40A generally mows well, it still requires some managing to set up and operate, particularly for beginners with petrol mowers.
Biggest Criticisms
While generally very positive, the Yard Force GM R40A self-propelled petrol lawn mower does receive some criticism on some particular issues—most significantly, durability, the self-drive mechanism, and post-purchase service.
Self-Propelled Mechanism Trouble
Other users have reported failure of the drive cable or gearbox, but these seem relatively rare. The GM R40 petrol mower repair tutorial on YouTube describes the manner in which the self-propel cable can fail or become disconnected with a manual adjustment required. This suggests that there is a remedy but indicates that the tension or fitting of the drive cable can eventually soften.
Durability Concerns
Some Trustpilot reviewers have penned complaints about premature failure of engines. A reviewer posted that his mower "worked for 20 yards of lawn mowing and died on it," to which Yard Force allegedly went "radio silent" when asked to return. Although the company ultimately had the issue resolved, these complaints show inconsistency in construction quality and risk for premature failure in a couple of isolated units.
Customer Service Inconsistencies
Trustpilot scores for Yard Force UK are around 2.6/5, and there are multiple one-star reviews grumbling about poor response times and refusal to get refunds or repairs. One of them complained: "Absolutely appalling company. Emailed and phoned repeatedly in relation to obtaining a refund … nobody has made the effort to contact me." These findings suggest customer service is hit-or-miss, and that can be an issue if you have issues.
Summary of Common Complaints
Self-propel girder cable breaking and cable pull-off or gearbox issue, though these can be fixed through tension adjustment. Premature stalling of the engine, complaints of engine failure after just 20 yards usage, and with mixed results on resolutions, some customer service issues. Failure or no response to fix/refund requests, which brought about frustrations.
How Common Are These Problems?
Note well these are esoteric grievances and an exception. Most users see good performance and excellent value. That being said, if you foresee heavy or extended use, or like quick and reliable support, such problems though exceptional warrant noting.
Who it is For
The Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower is a suitable choice for those with medium-sized family gardens, 400 m² to 600 m². Its 127cc 4-stroke engine and self-propelled system make it perfect for sloping lawns and uneven ground, where a normal mower would be hard work to push. The mower is also appropriate for those who do not want cables and schedules.
Another in her 70s observed how its light weight and easy start made it "perfect for a medium to large lawn." The trouble-free pull-cord start is popularly reported to kickstart first or second time, even for beginners with petrol engines.
For busy families with long or heavy grass, the 2kW engine and 2900 rpm blade speed means that it can tackle harder patches where smaller electric mowers will struggle.
For less sensitive areas environmentally, i.e., rural or suburban places where noise and emissions are not a priority, this mower is ideal. Its users will be those with garden designs that are not complicated, not too many tight turns, and mostly open spaces through which they will have no problem manoeuvring once they learn to handle the self-drive lever.
Who it is Not For
This petrol mower is maybe not ideal for very small gardens (below 100 m²) where a small electric or cordless mower would be handier. Its 23.9 kg weight, while in the range most would find easy to handle, could be heavier for older users with inclines or those needing to cut through tight strips and debris regularly. One reviewer wrote edging and manoeuvring had to be approached carefully and that "you can't just throw it around like a cordless."
It also lacks a mulching capability, so eco-friendly landscapers who want to compost clippings into the lawn may be disappointed. Likewise, homeowners in environmentally sensitive areas or subject to noise ordinances may prefer a battery model.
The pull start, though highly praised for its reliability, will not be best for those with limited hand or shoulder strength. Though it generally starts smoothly, it's more difficult to perform than the push of a button on an electric one. Highly angled or very unevenly sloping gardens may also highlight the weakness of its self-propelled drive system, especially if the cable tension decreases with use.
Last of all, those people that do not like regular petrol engine maintenance like checking oil level and spark plugs will find it harder than a plug-and-play cordless mower.
Pros / Benefits of the Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
1, Self-Propelled Design - The self-propulsion benefits by removing the labour from mowing, especially in large gardens and on slight slopes. For many, it makes mowing a physical workout a much easier task.
2, Powerful 127cc Petrol Engine - With 2 kW power and 2900 rpm blade speed, the mower tackles thick long grass that would overwhelm less powerful electric or cordless counterparts. One reviewer praised it for "actually attacking the long grass" with no hesitation.
3, Wide Cutting Range - The 40 cm blade width and 5 adjustable heights (2.5 cm–7.5 cm) make it suitable for different lawns and seasons.
4, Big Grass Collect Bag - With a 45L collect bag, trips to empty clippings are reduced, ideal for continuous mowing sessions.
5, Great Value for Money - At a price of £220–£270, the mower matches more expensive designs in terms of features and performance. It has been described by reviewers as "excellent value" and "worth every penny."
6, Easy Assembly and Kick-Off - Most customers have reported that the assembly is easy and that the pull-cord starter will kick in the engine on the first or second pull.
7, Sufficiently Strong for Medium Gardens - It is reported to be light enough to handle within medium-sized gardens but strong enough to cope with uneven patches and some slopes.
8, 3-Year Warranty (with Registration) - The extended warranty gives peace of mind, especially for a petrol mower in this price range.
Cons / Disadvantages of the Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
1, No Mulching Facility - Unlike some rivals, the mower lacks mulching, which could be a let-down for gardeners who wish to send clippings back to the lawn as a natural fertiliser.
2, Customer Service Problems - Certain users are unhappy with delays or lack of response from Yard Force UK after-sales support. Claims under warranty and spares availability have varied according to complaints on review websites like Trustpilot.
3, Challenging in Tight Spaces - Costing nearly 24 kg, it can be challenging to push through gardens with lots of obstacles, tight aisles, or stony corners. Operators report that they have to "get used to the self-propel lever" and take their time edging.
4, Engine Maintenance Required - As with any petrol mower, maintenance is a necessity. New petrol mower users must be comfortable with monitoring oil levels, SAE 30 oil (500 ml capacity), and fresh unleaded fuel.
5, Noise and Pollution - Being powered by petrol, it is noisier and produces more exhaust emissions than electric or battery mowers something you might need to remember if you live in a sensitive residential area.
6, Self-Propel Cable Issues - Although not common, some owners and repair manuals note the self-propel cable becoming loose or breaking over time and requiring adjustment manually.
7, Too Heavy for Some Users - While lighter than most petrol mowers, it could still be too heavy for frail, elderly users or those of lower strength, particularly on steep gradients or turning repeatedly.
Final Verdict – Complete 5 Star Rating
The Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower (127cc) is a good choice for anybody wanting a rugged, powerful, and affordable solution for medium gardens. Its self-propelled propulsion, the robust 4-stroke engine, and the big 45 L collection bag all come together to provide it with a performance level that belies the relatively low price.
Super on Sloped Terrain
Apart from the problems noted above, most of the users sing its praises of how easy it is to put together and use, with the self-propel feature doing most of the hard work out of pushing even slightly inclined lawns. It performs well on long or damp grass and leaves neat, even cuts across numerous different height settings. At its price bracket (£220–£270), the mower provides functionality and power very similar to more costly brands.
Minor Trade Offs
Where it does let itself down is that it has no mulching plug and requires periodic petrol engine servicing, but these are minimal sacrifices for the sheer value on offer. This mower is not for small town gardens or delicate areas where noise would be a problem, but for most average gardens it is a sturdy working and dependable machine.
Highly Recommended
We would not think twice about recommending the Yard Force 40cm Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower to the general public. If you want a petrol mower that does mowing easily without being excessively costly, this one is an excellent choice in our humble opinion.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Value for Money: 5 stars out of 5
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