Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm Review: The Corded Powerhouse for the Great British Lawn

There’s a specific sound that signals the end of an era in any British garden: the strained whine of a once-faithful lawnmower finally giving up the ghost. For over a decade, my old machine was a trusted partner, but last spring, it became clear its best days were behind it. The cuts were uneven, it struggled with slightly damp grass, and the sheer effort required was turning a pleasant garden task into a weekly chore. This decline left me with a lawn that looked patchy and unloved, a constant reminder that my key piece of equipment was failing me. The search began for a successor—not just a replacement, but an upgrade. I needed something with power, a wide cutting path for my medium-sized lawn, and the reliability to last for years to come. This quest led me to test the Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm, a machine that promised robust performance without the fumes and fuss of petrol alternatives.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Rotary Mower

An electric rotary mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for achieving a pristine, healthy lawn with minimal fuss. For homeowners with small to medium-sized gardens, these machines offer the perfect balance of power, convenience, and affordability. They solve the problem of managing unruly grass growth efficiently, providing a clean, sharp cut that promotes turf health. Unlike petrol mowers, they are quieter, lighter, and require virtually no engine maintenance, eliminating trips to buy fuel and messy oil changes. The primary benefit is their straightforward, plug-in-and-go operation, making garden maintenance accessible and less of a chore for everyone.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the weekly challenge of maintaining a lawn up to around 400-500 square metres. They value simplicity, low noise levels for suburban living, and consistent performance. They likely have an accessible outdoor power source and prefer not to store flammable liquids. However, a corded electric mower might not be suitable for those with very large, expansive gardens where a 10-metre cord would be restrictive. In such cases, a self-propelled petrol mower or a high-end cordless model would be a better investment. Similarly, for those with very small, intricate, or steeply sloped lawns, a lighter hover mower might offer superior manoeuvrability.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the mower’s cutting width and overall size. A wider deck, like the 40cm on the Webb WEER40, significantly reduces the number of passes needed to cover your lawn, saving you time and effort. However, also think about storage. Look for models with foldable handles that allow for more compact storage in a crowded shed or garage.
• Capacity & Performance: The motor’s power (measured in Watts) and the grass box capacity (in litres) are the two most important performance metrics. A powerful motor (1600W or higher) will tackle longer, thicker grass without bogging down. A larger grass box (40L or more) means fewer trips to the compost bin, streamlining your workflow and getting the job done faster.
• Materials & Durability: The main body of a mower is typically made from either plastic (polymer) or metal. High-quality, durable plastics are common and offer the advantage of being lightweight and rust-proof. The quality of the wheels and the blade material are also critical for longevity. A steel blade will hold its edge longer, providing a cleaner cut for a healthier lawn.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that make your life easier, such as a single-lever height adjustment system, which is far superior to changing the height on each wheel individually. Consider the weight of the machine—while a heavier mower can feel more stable, a lighter one is easier to manoeuvre around obstacles. Maintenance for electric mowers is minimal, typically involving cleaning the underside and occasionally sharpening the blade.

With these factors in mind, it becomes easier to identify a machine that not only meets the technical requirements but also fits perfectly into your gardening routine.

While the Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Sturdy and Purpose-Built Machine

Unboxing the Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm, the first thing we noticed was its solid construction. The deep green and black chassis feels robust, a significant step up from the flimsy plastic feel of some budget mowers. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward; attaching the handles and assembling the grass box took less than 15 minutes with no special tools required, a sentiment echoed by users who found the process incredibly easy. At 13.5 kg, it has a reassuring heft. It’s not feather-light, but this weight translates to a feeling of stability and quality on the lawn, preventing it from bouncing over uneven patches. The single lever for height adjustment moved with a satisfying and solid click through its five positions, promising quick and easy changes on the fly. Paired with a generous 10-metre power cable, our initial assessment was that this is a thoughtfully designed mower built for serious work. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its build quality.

In the Field: A Deep Dive into the Webb WEER40’s Performance

A mower’s true character is only revealed on the lawn. Over several weeks of testing on different types of grass, in varying conditions, we pushed the Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm to its limits. We evaluated everything from raw power and cutting quality to ergonomics and collection efficiency to give you a complete picture of how it performs in a real-world garden environment.

Power and Cutting Performance: The 1800W Motor in Action

The heart of this machine is its formidable 1800W electric motor, and frankly, it’s a beast. Where our previous, less powerful mower would have sputtered and stalled on the first cut of the season, the Webb WEER40 powered through with unwavering confidence. We deliberately tested it on a patch of lawn that had been left to grow long and a little damp after a spell of rain. The motor didn’t labour; the high torque kept the steel blade spinning at optimal speed, slicing through the thick turf cleanly without tearing the grass blades. This raw power is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.

The 40cm cutting width is the perfect partner to this powerful motor. On our medium-sized rectangular lawn, the wide path visibly reduced the number of passes required, shaving a good 10-15 minutes off our usual mowing time. This efficiency is a huge quality-of-life improvement. We also found, as one user happily reported, that the design allows it to cut very close to edges, fences, and flower beds. This minimises the amount of follow-up work needed with a strimmer, getting you to that finished look much faster. The combination of sheer power and a wide, edge-friendly deck makes the Webb WEER40 an incredibly effective tool for maintaining a larger domestic lawn.

Design and Usability: From Assembly to the Final Stripe

From the moment you begin assembly, the Webb WEER40 feels user-friendly. The instructions are clear, and the components fit together logically. The main handle is secured with easy-to-use locking levers, and while one user mentioned uncertainty about folding the lower handle, we found the upper handles fold down neatly over the body for more compact storage. The power trigger is a full-width bail arm, which we find much more comfortable for prolonged use than a small button, as it allows you to vary your grip without stopping the motor.

Manoeuvrability is good, but its 13.5kg weight is a factor to consider. On level ground, the weight provides a planted, stable feel, gliding smoothly on its large wheels. It doesn’t feel like it’s about to tip over on slight inclines. However, for users who may be accustomed to a much lighter machine or have steep slopes to navigate, the weight could be a drawback, requiring a bit more physical effort to push uphill or pull backwards. The 10-metre cable provided ample reach for our garden, but for those with very long lawns, an extension cord will be necessary. One of the standout usability features, however, is its noise level. For an 1800W motor, it’s surprisingly quiet, producing a lower-pitched hum rather than a high-pitched scream, making for a more pleasant experience for both the operator and the neighbours.

Versatility and Adjustability: Dialling in the Perfect Cut

A great lawn requires more than just cutting; it requires cutting at the right height for the season and conditions. This is where the Webb WEER40 truly excels. The five distinct cutting heights, ranging from a close 20mm trim to a 70mm cut for longer grass, provide all the flexibility you could need. A short, 20-25mm cut is perfect for creating a neat, bowling-green look in the height of summer, while the higher settings are invaluable for the first cut of spring or for managing grass during drier periods to promote root health.

What impressed us most was the mechanism for changing these heights. The mower features a single, large lever located near one of the rear wheels. Adjusting the cutting deck is a simple one-handed operation: pull the lever outwards, slide it into the desired slot, and release. It engages with a solid, reassuring clunk. This is a massive improvement over older or more basic models that require you to adjust each of the four wheels individually, a tedious and time-consuming process. This easy adjustability encourages you to use the right height for the job, ultimately leading to a healthier and better-looking lawn.

Grass Collection and Efficiency: The 50L Bag and Its Quirks

The Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm is equipped with a very generous 50-litre grass collection bag. The bag itself is a hybrid design, with a hard plastic top and a mesh fabric body. This design is intended to promote better airflow, which in theory helps to fully pack the bag with clippings before it needs emptying. In practice, this large capacity is a game-changer. We were able to mow our entire front lawn without once having to stop and trek to the compost heap.

However, during our initial tests, we noticed the collection wasn’t quite as perfect as we’d hoped, with some clippings left behind. This is where we stumbled upon a crucial piece of user feedback that transformed the mower’s performance. Inside the rear discharge chute, there is a black plastic flap. As one astute user discovered, this flap can sometimes impede the flow of clippings into the bag. It clips in and out very easily. Upon removing it, the collection efficiency improved dramatically. The mower began to collect clippings with vacuum-like voracity, packing the 50L bag tightly to the brim. This simple, tool-free modification elevates the collection system from good to excellent and is a top tip for any new owner.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Webb WEER40 is strongly supported by general user sentiment. Many, like one reviewer who was replacing a 15-year-old Bosch, are “very happy with the mower’s performance, quality, and features.” The quality-to-price ratio is a frequently praised aspect, with one individual stating they were so surprised by it they couldn’t even offer “constructive criticism.” This speaks volumes about the value proposition of this machine.

The ease of assembly and its ability to cut right up to borders are other commonly cited benefits. On the critical side, the feedback is minor but consistent with our findings. The weight is noted as being “a bit heavier” than older models, which is a fair trade-off for the powerful motor and robust build. The most practical piece of feedback, which we verified, concerns grass collection. One user pinpointed the issue perfectly: “I had issues too until I removed the black flap on collecting box.” This small tip appears to solve the primary performance quirk mentioned by a handful of owners.

How Does the Webb WEER40 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm sits in a competitive market. To understand its position, it’s crucial to compare it against other popular options that cater to different needs and garden types. While it excels in power and coverage for medium lawns, other mowers might be a better fit depending on your specific requirements.

1. Flymo EasiMow 340R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower

The Flymo EasiMow 340R is a strong contender for those with smaller, more formal lawns. Its key differentiating feature is the integrated rear roller, designed to create classic, professional-looking stripes. Its cutting width is narrower at 34cm, and its grass box is smaller at 35 litres, making it less suitable for larger areas where the Webb’s 40cm deck and 50L box would save significant time. If achieving a striped finish is your absolute priority and your lawn is on the smaller side, the Flymo is an excellent choice. However, for sheer power and efficiency on medium to large lawns, the Webb WEER40 holds a clear advantage.

2. Hyundai 139cc Electric-Start Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

The Hyundai petrol lawnmower represents a major step up in both power and freedom, aimed at users with very large gardens where a power cord is simply not feasible. Being self-propelled, it requires minimal effort to push, making it ideal for vast or sloped terrains. It offers a slightly wider 42cm cut. The trade-off comes in the form of increased noise, emissions, and regular maintenance (fuel, oil, spark plugs). The Webb WEER40 is for the homeowner who wants powerful, convenient performance without that extra hassle. If you don’t have a huge estate to manage, the Webb’s plug-and-go simplicity is far more practical.

3. Flymo Hover Vac 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

The Flymo Hover Vac 270 operates on a completely different principle. It hovers on a cushion of air, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre over irregular terrain, steep banks, and awkward corners. However, it is a specialist tool. With a tiny 27cm cutting width and a small 15L collection box, it is designed for very small or unusually shaped gardens. Using it on a medium-sized lawn would be a slow and frustrating task. The Webb WEER40 is the all-around workhorse, while the Hover Vac is the nimble tool for tight spaces and tricky spots.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Webb WEER40 the Mower for You?

After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Webb WEER40 Electric Rotary Lawnmower 40cm is a truly exceptional machine that delivers outstanding value. Its powerful 1800W motor, wide 40cm cutting path, and large 50L collection bag combine to create a highly efficient and effective lawn maintenance tool. It turns a potentially long chore into a quick and satisfying task. The build quality is solid, the single-lever height adjustment is a joy to use, and it offers the versatility needed to keep a lawn healthy and tidy all year round. While it is a little on the heavy side, this weight adds to its stability and performance on the turf.

We recommend the Webb WEER40 without hesitation to anyone with a small-to-medium sized lawn who wants a powerful, reliable, and easy-to-use corded electric mower. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, features, and price. If you’re ready to upgrade from an underpowered old mower and reclaim your weekends, this is an investment you won’t regret. You can check the latest price and secure yours today and see the difference it makes to your lawn.