10 Best Lawnmowers with Roller for Stripes UK (2024 Expert’s Guide)

A beautifully striped lawn is the envy of everyone on your street. Although they look super impressive, stripes are actually not very difficult to achieve. Certain types of lawnmowers are designed to achieve a striped effect and if you know what you’re looking for you’ll never miss out on a perfect lawn.

To save you all the hard work, I’ve hand-tested dozens of mowers and created this list of the best lawnmowers for a striped lawn. The top 5 include a variety of options to suit every garden and budget and they all come with the essential rear roller for lovely stripes.

I’ve linked them all through to Amazon so you can find them at the cheapest price but you can also buy many of these at Argos, Screwfix or B&Q.

Top 5 Best Lawn Mowers For Stripes

• Top Choice – Cobra RM46SPC Self Propelled Rear Roller Petrol Lawnmower
• Runner Up – Hyundai HYM430SPER Self Propelled 139cc Electric Start Petrol Roller Lawn Mower
• Best Budget Option – Bosch Electric Rotary Lawn Mower Rotak 34R
• Best Professional Mower – Hayter Harrier 41 Autodrive Variable-Speed Rear-Roller Lawnmower 375A
• Best Electric Mower – Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawnmower with 2.5AH Lithium-ion Battery and Quick Charger

1. Top Choice – Cobra RM46SPC Self Propelled Rear Roller Petrol Lawnmower

Stealing the top spot, we have Cobra, who have managed to achieve a perfect balance between price and functionality.

This powerful mower has a generous cutting width of 40cm and can achieve a very close cut at 17mm for the lowest cutting height. It can also cope with longer grass as a central lever easily adjusts the cutting height.

The mower is self-propelled so very easy to use and the full-width rear roller creates very neat striping every time.

This mower can manage larger lawns up to 600 sq meters and the grass clippings are stored away in the huge 55-litre grass box.

This lawnmower has a high-quality build and even though it’s a petrol engine the electric start makes it user-friendly. Due to the rear roller, this mower can’t be fitted with a mulch plug but collecting the cut grass means a cleaner striped finish for your lawn.

2. Runner Up – Hyundai HYM430SPER Self Propelled 17″ 43cm 430mm 139cc Electric Start Petrol Roller Lawn Mower

If you’re looking for a mower that does more then Hyundai is a great place to start. The 43cm cutting blade is complimented with a full-width, split, ribbed rear roller to give that perfect striped finish.

Never struggle to start a petrol mower again as this model has an electric push-button start. The ergonomic, soft-grip handles fold flat so this mower tucks away neatly into the shed.

It’s a self-propelled, rear-wheel-drive so you can mow with ease and the 45-litre grass collection bag is plenty for small to medium lawns. The single lever central height adjustment gives you full control of your lawn care.

It’s easy to keep clean as the deck has a hose attachment and when you buy this model you get a free bottle of engine oil to get you started!

3. Best Budget Option – Bosch Rotak 34R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower

This is a budget-friendly, electric mower with an integrated rear roller for neat stripes. It has grass combs and inset front heels that allow close-to, or over-the-edge cutting which saves using a trimmer.

The Ergo flex handles are designed for comfort and ease of use and this mower is very lightweight at only 12kg so is very nice to use.

This mower is best for small gardens up to 300 square meters in size. It can do larger than that if you’re on a budget but it’s best suited for small gardens.

It comes with a 2-year warranty as standard but you can extend this to 3 years if you prefer. It isn’t the sturdiest or most powerful mower on this list but it is an ideal choice for small lawns and the price is very attractive.

4. Best Professional Mower – Hayter Harrier 41 Autodrive Variable-Speed Rear-Roller Lawnmower 375A

If you have a lawn that needs professional-level care then this is the mower for you. It comes with a two-piece, ribbed, rear roller which provides superior traction and is easy to manoeuvre without marking up the lawn when turning to go in the opposite direction.

The deck is made of high durability, corrosion-resistant aluminium and it has a hose attachment for simple cleaning. The cutting deck is designed with a trim side to get a neat finish around the edges and flower beds.

The mower has some real high-quality design features like the varipitch cutting technology which automatically adjusts airflow for different cutting heights. It can also recognize the temperature of the engine and the starter can prime itself to ensure a smooth start every time.

The self-drive has variable speeds so mowing the lawn has never been easier. A 60L grass box capacity rarely ever needs emptying and foldable handlebars make storage simple.

This is a really powerful and really great mower and to seal the deal, the deck comes with a lifetime warranty. At 38kg it is a very heavy mower so some people may struggle to work with this model.

5. Best Electric Mower – Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawnmower with 2.5AH Lithium-ion Battery and Quick Charger

For lawns up to 400 sq meters, this cordless electric mower gives you freedom as well as the perfect finish. Equipped with a rear roller, it will leave your lawn striped and 7 different height adjustment settings will give you a clean finish.

The battery charges in as little as 75 minutes and you’ll get a good 35 minutes runtime when fully charged. The motor is a high-quality, brushless one that is both quiet and energy-efficient.

Torque sense technology adjusts the speed of the blade for optimum performance. The grass collector is designed for good airflow so it compacts the clippings to maximize storage space.

This mower doesn’t produce manicured, close-to-edge cuts so a trimmer is needed.

Things To Consider When Buying A New Lawnmower

Size Of Lawn

The size of your lawn is always the first thing to consider when choosing a new lawnmower. Small lawns up to about 250-300m2 can suit a corded electric mower but any bigger than that needs a battery or petrol mower.

For small lawns (up to 300 sqm) you should be ok with a cutting width of around 30 cm, medium lawns (300-450sqm) will need 35-40 cm and larger lawns (450sqm+) will need 40 cm+.

Electric Vs Petrol

Battery mowers are lightweight and fuss-free. They don’t require maintenance like a petrol mower and they’re much quieter. The only issue is that they’re not very powerful so unsuitable for a thick/long lawn or uneven ground. The batteries only last around 30 minutes and are expensive to replace.

Corded electric mowers are the lightest and easiest to use. The issue is the cord limits where you can go. You need a close power supply and these mowers don’t have rough lawns very well.

Petrol lawnmowers are the most powerful and heavy-duty lawnmowers. They cover a huge area and can handle any lawn. The downsides are they are heavy, expensive, loud, and require some upkeep.

It’s important to consider the type of garden you have and choose a mower that suits you and your lawn.

Rear Roller

The rear roller is the key to achieving a beautifully striped lawn. One with a rear roller is the best lawn mower for stripes although some rotary mowers can give a pretty good finish as well.

Grass Collector Vs Mulching

To achieve a clean and attractive finish, a grass collector will hold all the lawn cuttings so you can dispose of them in the compost or a garden waste bin. This leaves only a fresh-mowed, striped lawn with no need to rake and potentially affect the finish.

A mulching lawnmower cuts the clippings up very fine and allows them to fall back onto the lawn. This can affect how the lawn looks but does help to keep it nourished. Often, if the mower has a rear roller it won’t be compatible with a mulching plug.

Storage

It’s important to consider where you’re going to store your lawnmower as they need a shed or garage or some other shelter when not in use. If you don’t have outdoor storage then you can buy a custom lawnmower storage container on Amazon. Just make sure you check the dimensions of your new lawnmower to ensure it will fit. Models with folding handles can save a lot of space when in storage.

F.A.Q.s

How do you get stripes on your lawn?

Choose a lawnmower with an integrated rear roller. Mow in straight lines and move parallel to each line as you go.

How long do lawn stripes last?

This depends on the type of grass and the season. Stripes can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. It’s important not to stripe your lawn more frequently than a 2-week interval as the lawn can end up flattened which isn’t good for the long term. You can stripe it more frequently if you make sure to use the roller in the opposite direction.

How do you mow a checkerboard pattern in your yard?

The impressive checkerboard pattern is actually quite easy to do. Once you’ve finished striping the lawn lengthways, use the roller to travel perpendicular to these stripes.

Do you edge or cut grass first?

Edging the lawn first is a good idea as it avoids accidental damage to trees, flowerbeds, and edging by mowing too close.

How long should the grass be?

You want to keep the grass at 2-4 inches tall to achieve perfect striping. If the grass is too short then it doesn’t bend as well after the roller has been over it. This leads to less impressive striping.

More Lawnmowers Reviewed

Murray EC320 32 cm Electric Corded Lawn Mower

For small gardens up to 300 sq meters, this corded electric mower is a great option. the 10-meter power cable gives you plenty of room and grass combs direct the grass towards the blade meaning less trimming is required.

Ergonomic, soft-grip handles make this mower pleasant to use and easy to manoeuvre and a soft start means anyone can use it.

The grass collector is really easy to detach and sturdy enough (due to the hardtop) that you can empty it without issues.

It’s pretty lightweight and therefore not suitable for uneven or sloping lawns. It’s a great option for small lawns if you want to upgrade from a hover mower to achieve a more attractive finish.

Grizzly petrol lawnmower BRM 4615-22

Another great option if a petrol lawnmower is what you need. This Grizzly model has rear-wheel drive and a large 46 cutting width so it will manage medium to large gardens. It is made of solid alloy steel and the cutting height is easily adjustable.

For a steel, petrol mower it isn’t very heavy at only 22kg and the rear-wheel drive makes it even easier to use. It has a built-in, blade break so you can safely stop the blade from spinning if you need to turn the mower or empty the bag.

Keeping it clean is simple as it has a hose attachment and ball bearings to keep the wheels on track. It has a nice-sized, hard-top grass collector which is easy to empty and a folding handle makes it easy to store.

It doesn’t have a rear roller so the striped effect won’t be as pronounced as other models. It does have PVC, large rear wheels which will produce a gentle stripe but not as clear as a rear roller or cylinder mower.

Einhell Petrol Lawn Mower GC-PM 46 S

This small-looking mower can handle lawns up to 1400 sq meters! This is one of the best petrol lawnmowers for rough or uneven ground as it has 9 different height settings and disengaged rear-wheel drive to help you progress through mowing without stopping and starting.

You can set the handle to a height that best suits you so avoids muscle soreness after mowing. It’s made from durable, solid steel and the hard-wearing grass bag will serve you well.

It is a recoil start so not ideal if you find you struggle with these. It’s also pretty heavy at 31.5kg so not ideal if you sometimes struggle to get the mower out of the shed.

It’s not technically a stripe lawnmower as it doesn’t have a rear roller but the wheels do leave an attractive stripe effect. This mower is perfect for large, uneven lawns that need a heavy-duty mower to tackle them.

Webb 43cm/17in Push Cordless Rear Roller Rotary Lawnmower

If you’re keen to steer clear from a petrol lawnmower then a cordless electric lawnmower is the next best thing. This push mower has a 40V 4Ah lithium-ion battery so the freedom of a petrol mower without all the maintenance.

The cut grass can be directed to the collection bag, mulched, or set to rear discharge so is quite versatile. The mower has a 35-minute runtime on a single charge and the battery takes 2 hours to re-charge. This makes it possible to use this model for large lawns.

The mower has a single lever for adjustable cutting heights so is really easy to set. The deck is made of ABS plastic which is durable and won’t corrode.

This is a great cordless rear roller mower and will achieve a beautifully striped lawn every time.

Take Home

A striped lawn isn’t out of reach for us regular homeowners! It really comes down to a decent quality lawnmower that suits your needs as well as your lawn. I hope this article has helped clear up any questions you may have had and has put you one step closer to achieving an enviable striped lawn for all the neighbours to appreciate.

Well after an update for 2024 there isn’t much to report! All my top models from last year remain the best picks this year as the lawnmower industry is a slow-moving beast. Which is fine by me. Here’s to the smell of freshly cut grass.

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