Our verdict
The bottom line
The Honda-engined SP46 is the bargain that nobody talks about. You get Honda longevity on a chassis with massive parts supply — and Mountfield resale economics. A used Honda HRX is £550. A used SP46H is £220. Same engine reliability for less than half the price.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Honda GCV engine on a Mountfield body — best of both
- Significantly more reliable than the standard SP46
- Same parts/dealer support as the regular SP46
- Self-propelled, mulch plug, the works
Cons
- £100 more new than the standard SP46
- Honda engine adds about 3kg
- Used supply thinner than the rope-start variant
Full specs
| Type | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Cut width | 46 cm |
| Engine / Power | Honda GCV 145 OHC 145cc |
| Weight | 30 kg |
| Deck | Steel |
| Self-propelled | Yes |
| Rear roller | No |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Cutting heights | 6 positions |
| Bag capacity | 55 L |
| Suited to lawn | Medium |
| Noise level | 95 dB |
Buying second-hand
Used-market tip
£170–280 used. Always confirm the Honda decals are genuine (Mountfield also sold a Briggs version called SP46B — different beast). Check the GCV engine number on the side cover. Honda-engined Mountfields are reliable and underpriced — an absolute value buy.
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.