Our verdict
The bottom line
A genuinely capable German-engineered petrol at a Mountfield SP485 price. The Briggs 875EX is the engine to beat in this class. AL-KO has stronger presence in DE/AT/CH than UK, so used supply is thinner — but condition tends to be better.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Briggs 875EX engine — pro-grade Briggs
- German AL-KO engineering
- 52cm cut + self-propel
- Solid UK dealer presence in northern England
Cons
- AL-KO badge depreciates faster than Stihl
- Mid-cut flap design clogs in wet grass
- Heavier than the Mountfield SP46
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 52 cm |
| Engine / Power | B&S 875EX 190cc |
| Weight | 34 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 70 L |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£170–320 used. Briggs 875EX engine hours under 100 is excellent. AL-KO chassis numbers verify dealer service. The mid-cut flap mechanism develops play; check it pivots cleanly. Less common on UK Marketplace so don't walk away from a clean one — they don't come up often.
Where to look: Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are usually 20–30% cheaper than eBay UK for petrol mowers because most sellers want local pickup. eBay tends to win on cordless and electric (lighter, easier to ship). Always insist on a starting demonstration before paying.