The Mountfield SP185 is a robust, self-propelled petrol lawn mower designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns seeking efficient and versatile grass cutting. Its key benefit lies in its 3-in-1 functionality – collecting, mulching, or rear-discharging clippings – making lawn care adaptable to your needs. However, as a petrol-powered machine, it requires routine maintenance and fuel management to ensure optimal performance.
3-in-1 Cutting System: Offers flexibility with rear-discharge, collection, or mulching options, allowing you to choose the best method for your lawn.
Self-Propelled Drive: Reduces user effort by propelling itself forward, making mowing less tiring, especially on slightly sloped or larger areas.
46cm (18") Cutting Width: Ideal size for efficient coverage of small to medium lawns, balancing maneuverability with cutting speed.
Stiga ST140 OHV Autochoke Engine (139cc): A reliable 4-stroke petrol engine providing consistent power, with an autochoke feature for easier starting.
60-Litre Grass Collector: A generous capacity grass bag means fewer interruptions for emptying, complete with a 'bag full' indicator for convenience.
Mulching Plug Included: Enables the mulching function, returning fine grass clippings to the lawn as natural fertilizer, promoting healthier grass.
Operator Presence Control (OPC) Lever: An essential safety feature that stops the engine when the lever is released.
Versatile 3-in-1 cutting options (collect, mulch, rear-discharge).
Self-propelled design reduces effort and fatigue.
Large 60-litre grass bag minimizes emptying frequency.
Mulching function provides natural lawn fertilization.
Reliable Stiga engine with autochoke for easy starting.
Suitable cutting width for small to medium lawns.
Requires regular petrol engine maintenance (fuel, oil, spark plug).
Heavier than electric models, potentially less maneuverable in very tight spots.
Produces exhaust emissions and noise inherent to petrol engines.
Requires fuel storage and handling.
Initial setup may involve some assembly.
Versatile 3-in-1 cutting options (collect, mulch, rear-discharge).
Self-propelled design reduces effort and fatigue.
Large 60-litre grass bag minimizes emptying frequency.
Mulching function provides natural lawn fertilization.
Reliable Stiga engine with autochoke for easy starting.
Suitable cutting width for small to medium lawns.
Requires regular petrol engine maintenance (fuel, oil, spark plug).
Heavier than electric models, potentially less maneuverable in very tight spots.
Produces exhaust emissions and noise inherent to petrol engines.
Requires fuel storage and handling.
Initial setup may involve some assembly.
The Mountfield SP185 is designed for efficient and adaptable lawn care. Its 3-in-1 cutting system allows you to tailor your approach:
Use collection for a pristine, tidy finish, especially when grass is damp or you want to remove clippings. The large 60-litre grass bag and its 'bag full' indicator make this process very convenient, reducing trips to empty.
Engage the mulching function by fitting the included mulching plug. This finely chops grass clippings and returns them to your lawn, acting as a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. This is ideal for regular cuts on dry grass, promoting healthier growth.
For longer grass or less formal areas, the rear-discharge option allows clippings to be expelled directly behind the mower without collection.
The self-propelled drive significantly reduces the physical effort required, making mowing a more pleasant task, particularly on medium-sized lawns or areas with slight inclines. The 139cc Stiga ST140 OHV engine, with its Autochoke system, ensures reliable starting with minimal fuss. This mower's 46cm cutting width strikes an excellent balance, allowing for efficient coverage of your lawn while remaining maneuverable around garden features. It's best suited for lawns up to approximately 800-1000 square meters (> Info needed: specific lawn size recommendation if available).
Unboxing and Assembly: Carefully unpack all components. You will likely need to attach the handle, grass collector, and potentially some other minor parts. Follow the assembly instructions provided in the user manual.
Add Engine Oil: Before the first use, add the recommended 4-stroke engine oil to the engine crankcase. Do not run the engine without oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add Fuel: Fill the fuel tank with fresh, unleaded petrol (E5 recommended, check manual for specific octane/ethanol limits). Do not overfill.
Blade Check: Ensure the blade is securely fastened and free from damage.
Lawn Size: Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns (typically up to 800-1000m²).
Fuel: Compatible with standard unleaded petrol (E5 is generally recommended; consult your manual for specific details). Always use fresh fuel.
Engine Oil: Requires 4-stroke engine oil (e.g., SAE 30 or 10W-30). Refer to your manual for the exact specification.
Cleaning: After each use, clean the underside of the cutting deck to prevent grass build-up, which can affect cutting performance and lead to rust. Use a hose (avoiding direct spray on engine parts) and a scraper. Clean the grass bag regularly.
Engine Maintenance:
Oil Change: Change engine oil after the first 5 hours of use, then annually or every 25 hours.
Spark Plug: Check and clean/replace the spark plug annually.
Air Filter: Clean or replace the air filter regularly, especially in dusty conditions.
Fuel System: For long-term storage (over a month), run the engine until it's out of fuel or use a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
Blade Care: Regularly check the blade for sharpness and damage. A sharp blade ensures a clean cut and healthier lawn. Have it sharpened or replaced as needed.
Storage: Store the mower in a dry, covered area, protected from weather. Ensure the fuel tank is either empty or filled with stabilized fuel for winter storage. Refer to the manual for specific winterization steps.