Our verdict
The bottom line
For people who care more about engine longevity than badge prestige. The Honda V-twin will run for 1500 hours with sensible service. Choose this over a JD if your priority is "still works in 15 years".
Pros & cons
Pros
- Honda V-twin — the most reliable engine in the category
- 122cm deck cuts huge areas
- Hydrostatic drive smooth
- Honda dealer support nationwide
Cons
- Side-discharge no collection (kit extra)
- Heavy
- New price serious
Full specs
| Type | Ride-on |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 122 cm |
| Engine / Power | Honda V-twin 688cc |
| Weight | 250 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | — |
| Suited to lawn | Large |
| Noise level | 100 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£1700–2900 used. Honda engine hours under 500 is excellent — these run forever. Test the hydrostatic forward/reverse smoothness. Look at the deck spindles — bearing seizure is the most expensive ride-on fault and these are non-trivial to replace. Honda service stamps add £400 to fair value.
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.
