Highline 5.2 SP-S
"52cm AL-KO petrol SP — German engineering"
RRP New
£599
Manufacturer
Buy Now
£549
Lowest UK retailer
Used Avg
£330
Facebook / eBay UK avg
★ 4.5 (222) · Value 8.1/10
Full Highline 5.2 SP-S review →
SP485 HW V
"48cm V-Drive SP — Mountfield's flagship walk-behind"
RRP New
£649
Manufacturer
Buy Now
£599
Lowest UK retailer
Used Avg
£340
Facebook / eBay UK avg
★ 4.4 (188) · Value 8/10
Full SP485 HW V review →
Verdict — which one to buy
Our take
German engineering vs British value. AL-KO's Briggs 875EX is the engine to beat in this class; Mountfield has wider UK distribution. AL-KO for buyers in northern England with a local dealer; Mountfield for everyone else.
Spec-by-spec
| AL-KO Highline 5.2 SP-S | Mountfield SP485 HW V | |
|---|---|---|
| RRP | £599 | £649 |
| Buy now | £549 | £599 |
| Used avg | £330 | £340 |
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / Power | B&S 875EX 190cc | Stiga ST160 OHV 166cc |
| Cut width | 52 cm | 48 cm |
| Weight | 34 kg | 34 kg |
| Self-propelled | Yes | Yes |
| Rear roller (stripes) | No | Yes |
| Mulching | Yes | Yes |
| Bag capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
| Suited to lawn | Large | Large |
| Noise | 95 dB | 95 dB |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Value score | 8.1 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
Pros & cons of each
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
Pros
- Variable-speed V-Drive transmission
- 48cm cut + 70L box — generous for the price
- Rear roller for stripes
- Stiga ST160 engine handles long grass
Cons
- V-Drive cable is a known wear part
- Heavier than the standard SP46
- Stiga ST160 not as durable as a Honda GCV
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