Bought a Princess 42 12 months ago now this review was a reason why is went for it to be honest and 1 year on I can absolutely say it's bloody brilliant. My lawn now is fairly modest but I still love it now, being able to mow my entire lawn without having to empty the grass collecting bin is a game changer. It makes mowing the lawn an incredibly hassle free job. Grass box was a bit of a pain in the butt to get together but managed without tools.
Thanks so much for your positive feedback. Much appreciated, yes the grass box was somewhat tricky to assemble but got there in the end. Luckily it is done only once, then feels sturdy. Thanks again Mark
@@EasyLawnMowingThat must be why the new 2023 range has a fabric grass box. I much prefer a solid plastic grass box as more hardwearing but they're becoming less common with newer mowers thesedays. There are some differences in the range. My Princess 38 has a power cord you plug into the handle whereas here it's moulded into the handle which makes it more difficult to replace, also there are angle adjustments at the bottom & two height positions midway.
Thank you. I had no idea what the mulching plug was until now... I am very pleased with mine. It is quiet and light, just what I needed and the roller for the stripes is an added bonus.
Thanks for the review. I've bought it on the basis of this review. Once it arrived, I came back to this video to see how to put it together. A thumbs up from me!
Great video, just recently bought one and used this video to put it together, made life so much easier. The box lid was a little fiddly to fit but got there in the end, less than twenty minutes with this video.
I wish I had found this video when I was shopping for a mower about a year ago - I ended up with this exact unit, the only regret I have is not spending more for the battery version, like you I've found it very difficult to find a negative with this mower. It even came pre-assembled so no fighting with the grass box, thanks to Ron Smith & Co of Worcester. My previous mower was a Flymow EasiGlide 330 which regularly scalped the new build levelled lawn
I bought the Princess 42 yesterday and assembled it today. Very difficult putting the grass box together but with the aid of pliers I succeeded eventually. My grass had grown very high and it made short work of it including the tough rye grass stalks. My only complaint is that the roller came apart at one end and I had to keep stopping to put it together again, but the supplier has promised to glue it for me. I also had problems with the grass box lid which kept opening and spraying me with grass cuttings. I eventually discovered that the spring had not been fitted correctly so that will also have to be rectified. A good mower let down by poor design and lack of quality control at the factory.
Hi Stephen, thanks very much for your feedback. I must admit I did also struggle to put the grass box together initially, but once it was done it worked well and was sturdy. I also didn't have an issue with my roller, but pleased they are correcting this for you. Thanks again Mark
Damn right it was hard, my Dad was trying to put it together for ages but no joy. Took me some time to do it. I think the elderly will struggle with this as it’s as easy as it’s made to look
Thanks for this amazing review. Is this mower any good clean lawn stripes by using the rear roller ? Also is there any other lawn mower in the similar price range which can do the clean lawn stripes too ?
Thanks for your positive feedback, glad the review has helped. Any lightweight electric lawn mower is not going to stripe the lawn as well as a dedicated lawn roller or heavy petrol mower. Defined and long lasting lawn stripes depend largely on the weight pushing down on the glades of the grass to create the appearance of stripes. This Mountfield creates stripes just as well as any other lightweight electric mower, but you will have to cut the lawn on a higher height setting.
Fantastic review and very helpful on how to put together, I've just ordered the Princess 42 version from screw fix so looking forward to picking it up.
Thank you! Your video was much better than the instruction manual for assembling this. It’s such a quiet dinky little mower and so easy to manoeuvre, especially compared to the awful bulky Spear&Jackson one I sent back. I love it 😊
I have just picked up the corded Princess 38 & that does have an adjustment lever at the bottom. There must be different versions as your model has a built in power cord whereas mine you can plug in, so easier to replace if it gets damaged. There is also a new Princess range just out which comes with a fabric grass box but i prefer the solid plastic as more hard wearing. A couple of improvements would be for the height lever to have been made from metal as the plastic could break & the addition of side combs to better cut the edges of the lawn.
@@EasyLawnMowing Having just tested out the corded Princess 38 on my uneven small lawn with bumps & slopes. I found that the roller kept splitting apart. So pretty much useless unless i tape / glue it together. On a 35mm setting it would scalp parts of the lawn that sloped down a little on the edges. I think the wider the mower the more of the blade would cut into the ground especially at a lower cutting setting. Also with there being no grass combs on the side it made cutting the edges more difficult. For those with a perfectly level manacured lawn then it would perform adequately but most lawns are not like that. I may try the smaller Gardena PowerMax 1200/32 or 1400/34 next which looks similar but with edge guides & no back roller (not essential).
Thanks. Your video has just swayed me into a decision to buy the Mountfield as opposed to the equivalent Bosch. It appears to have better build quality, and decidedly better, longer-lasting brushless motor.
Great video. Thankyou. Very informative. I have to agree re the grass box, still struggling to attach the lid completely and satisfactorily. Apart from that, I’m very pleased with my purchase. Off to cut the lawn now 😁.
OK thanks. My mower arrived yesterday, did a test cut, it wasn't picking up the grass for some reason, maybe it don't like damp grass? Had to keep going over it to pick it up. Not sure if you had this or not. But overall for £117 next day delivery, its a nice mower. I like to water my lawn every day, but may have to stop this if it don't like damp grass.
Hi Tony, I didn't have this problem. I cut a slightly damp grass and it seemed to be OK. The only time I had issue with damp grass with this mower was when the mulching plug was inserted, however this is to be expected as mulching and damp grass do not go together. Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing Update, I think my issue was because it was on 20 cut. Did 25 cut and was fine. Also regarding the blade, can you suggest a good mulching replacement blade that fits this machine.
Thanks Tony, it is great to know that everything is fine with the mower. It is important to follow the 1/3 rule, where you only cut 1/3 off the total length of the grass at any one time for a more healthy lawn and good advice for cordless. With regards to the blade I believe the blade that is available on Amazon, link below, is the mulching blade. I have given this mower to my brother in law and he mulches regularly, the same blade was fitted. amzn.to/3cehx3y Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing Hi Mark, Thanks for the info, I shall stick the method you mentioned, I've also noticed that the 25 cut on thus mower cuts lower than the macalister electric mower I have. Hyundai 25 cut is much better.
One thing that's confusing is the mulching plug and a rear roller. I was told by a Mountfield seller that mulching with a roller is pointless as yes it mulches but then the roller pushes it into the grass and there wont be a tripe. I suppose it's useful from time to time to mulch and forego a strip. What do I know?
Thanks for your comment, yes rear roller and mulching don't really go together, however if the grass is dry and not too long then there is no problem with the 2 working together.
Hi. Good question. They are both very good mowers. The Mountfield has the mulching plug included. Have you considered the slightly larger 38cm deck on the Mountfield Princess 38? When you say medium lawn, do you know roughly how many square meters? easylawnmowing.co.uk/mountfield-princess-38-review/ thanks.
Hi Tony sorry for the delay in responding. It is difficult to say as both mowers are equally as good as each other. If I had to decide I would say that the Mountfield has a slightly better build quality compared to that of the Hyundai.
@@tonyhaz6664 Hi Tony, no the mulched grass cuttings are so fine that you will hardly notice them on your lawn. They provide provide essential nutrients and moisture to your lawn, and decompose very quickly. This is a very beneficial process for the health of your lawn. Mark
They are both on a very similar lines, it depends on your lawn requirements and what functionality you are looking for. Did you have a particular Bosch model in mind? I will then be able to provide further comparison.
@@EasyLawnMowing Hi well my garden lawn is 21sqm(355sq ft) But I want it to look lush and fresh. I was hyundai 338cm or mountfield 38cm. They may be too big for what size lawn I have
The mower (Princess 38) is very good apart from the rear roller … what a rubbish design… I’ve had to get a replacement after 9 months as the flimsy clips broke and the roller then falls apart … the roller is in two halves and clips together ….. very poor quality from a good manufacturer.
Hi Thanks for your feedback. I have not had this issue with the roller on mine, but I do prefer a single moulded rear roller as this will avoid any possibility of the roller splitting in two.
@@EasyLawnMowing the replacement roller has been fitted this week and the mower works great again with lovely stripes… I still think a solid roller would be better and deserving from Mountfield / Stiga
Very helpful. This convinced me that this was the mower I needed and Mark is absolutely right about its qualities.
Great to hear! Thank you so much for your positive feedback.
Bought a Princess 42 12 months ago now this review was a reason why is went for it to be honest and 1 year on I can absolutely say it's bloody brilliant. My lawn now is fairly modest but I still love it now, being able to mow my entire lawn without having to empty the grass collecting bin is a game changer. It makes mowing the lawn an incredibly hassle free job.
Grass box was a bit of a pain in the butt to get together but managed without tools.
Thanks so much for your positive feedback. Much appreciated, yes the grass box was somewhat tricky to assemble but got there in the end. Luckily it is done only once, then feels sturdy. Thanks again Mark
@@EasyLawnMowingThat must be why the new 2023 range has a fabric grass box. I much prefer a solid plastic grass box as more hardwearing but they're becoming less common with newer mowers thesedays. There are some differences in the range. My Princess 38 has a power cord you plug into the handle whereas here it's moulded into the handle which makes it more difficult to replace, also there are angle adjustments at the bottom & two height positions midway.
Thank you. I had no idea what the mulching plug was until now... I am very pleased with mine. It is quiet and light, just what I needed and the roller for the stripes is an added bonus.
Thanks Kay for your positive feedback, so pleased the video assisted you in finding your perfect mower.
Mark
Thanks for the review. I've bought it on the basis of this review. Once it arrived, I came back to this video to see how to put it together. A thumbs up from me!
Hi. Thanks for the message. Glad I could help. Thanks Mark
Great video, just recently bought one and used this video to put it together, made life so much easier. The box lid was a little fiddly to fit but got there in the end, less than twenty minutes with this video.
Great to hear, thanks so much for your feedback, grad the video was helpful. Mark
Thanks - a good comprehensive review. You helped me understand where the grey mulching plug goes!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the positive feedback.
I wish I had found this video when I was shopping for a mower about a year ago - I ended up with this exact unit, the only regret I have is not spending more for the battery version, like you I've found it very difficult to find a negative with this mower. It even came pre-assembled so no fighting with the grass box, thanks to Ron Smith & Co of Worcester.
My previous mower was a Flymow EasiGlide 330 which regularly scalped the new build levelled lawn
Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Please do an update video with the mulch plug in ! Would love to see how small it mulches the grass
Yes will add some pictures to the review when I get a chance.
I bought the Princess 42 yesterday and assembled it today. Very difficult putting the grass box together but with the aid of pliers I succeeded eventually. My grass had grown very high and it made short work of it including the tough rye grass stalks. My only complaint is that the roller came apart at one end and I had to keep stopping to put it together again, but the supplier has promised to glue it for me. I also had problems with the grass box lid which kept opening and spraying me with grass cuttings. I eventually discovered that the spring had not been fitted correctly so that will also have to be rectified. A good mower let down by poor design and lack of quality control at the factory.
Hi Stephen, thanks very much for your feedback. I must admit I did also struggle to put the grass box together initially, but once it was done it worked well and was sturdy. I also didn't have an issue with my roller, but pleased they are correcting this for you.
Thanks again
Mark
Damn right it was hard, my Dad was trying to put it together for ages but no joy. Took me some time to do it. I think the elderly will struggle with this as it’s as easy as it’s made to look
Thanks for this amazing review. Is this mower any good clean lawn stripes by using the rear roller ? Also is there any other lawn mower in the similar price range which can do the clean lawn stripes too ?
Thanks for your positive feedback, glad the review has helped. Any lightweight electric lawn mower is not going to stripe the lawn as well as a dedicated lawn roller or heavy petrol mower. Defined and long lasting lawn stripes depend largely on the weight pushing down on the glades of the grass to create the appearance of stripes. This Mountfield creates stripes just as well as any other lightweight electric mower, but you will have to cut the lawn on a higher height setting.
@@EasyLawnMowing thanks
Fantastic review and very helpful on how to put together, I've just ordered the Princess 42 version from screw fix so looking forward to picking it up.
Thanks for your feedback, glad may videos are helpful.
Mark
Thank you! Your video was much better than the instruction manual for assembling this. It’s such a quiet dinky little mower and so easy to manoeuvre, especially compared to the awful bulky Spear&Jackson one I sent back. I love it 😊
So pleased that you are happy with your new mower and that the video helped. Thanks for your feedback.
Would have been interesting to see how well the mulching worked, whether it is an even spread or piles it up in lines or patches.
If the conditions and grass length are right then this mower mulches well. Check out my article easylawnmowing.co.uk/the-benefits-of-mulching-grass/
I have just picked up the corded Princess 38 & that does have an adjustment lever at the bottom. There must be different versions as your model has a built in power cord whereas mine you can plug in, so easier to replace if it gets damaged. There is also a new Princess range just out which comes with a fabric grass box but i prefer the solid plastic as more hard wearing. A couple of improvements would be for the height lever to have been made from metal as the plastic could break & the addition of side combs to better cut the edges of the lawn.
Thanks for sharing, I will take a look at the new models and try to get a review and video completed soon. Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing Having just tested out the corded Princess 38 on my uneven small lawn with bumps & slopes. I found that the roller kept splitting apart. So pretty much useless unless i tape / glue it together. On a 35mm setting it would scalp parts of the lawn that sloped down a little on the edges. I think the wider the mower the more of the blade would cut into the ground especially at a lower cutting setting. Also with there being no grass combs on the side it made cutting the edges more difficult. For those with a perfectly level manacured lawn then it would perform adequately but most lawns are not like that. I may try the smaller Gardena PowerMax 1200/32 or 1400/34 next which looks similar but with edge guides & no back roller (not essential).
One of the better reviews! I went for the 42 as i wanted to upgrade from my 37cm Flymo nice one!
Great to hear, many thanks.
Really useful review thank you. Helped with putting it together and learning about the features.
Hi Edna, many thanks for your positive comments. Glad it was helpful.
Mark
Very well presented and professionally produced reckon I will be buying one of these shortly based on the review, think the 42 might be best suited.
Thanks Nathan for your positive comments. Glad the video has helped you. Mark
Thanks. Your video has just swayed me into a decision to buy the Mountfield as opposed to the equivalent Bosch. It appears to have better build quality, and decidedly better, longer-lasting brushless motor.
Glad I could help!
Thanks for this review Mark, much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Thankyou. Very informative. I have to agree re the grass box, still struggling to attach the lid completely and satisfactorily. Apart from that, I’m very pleased with my purchase. Off to cut the lawn now 😁.
Thanks very much for your kind comment and so pleased you are happy with your mower. Mark
Great review and a great lawnmower just as you describe. Significantly better product than the Flymo equivalent that I had returned!
So pleased to hear that you are happy with your purchase. Thanks for letting us know.
OK thanks.
My mower arrived yesterday, did a test cut, it wasn't picking up the grass for some reason, maybe it don't like damp grass? Had to keep going over it to pick it up. Not sure if you had this or not.
But overall for £117 next day delivery, its a nice mower. I like to water my lawn every day, but may have to stop this if it don't like damp grass.
Hi Tony, I didn't have this problem. I cut a slightly damp grass and it seemed to be OK.
The only time I had issue with damp grass with this mower was when the mulching plug was inserted, however this is to be expected as mulching and damp grass do not go together.
Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing
Update, I think my issue was because it was on 20 cut. Did 25 cut and was fine.
Also regarding the blade, can you suggest a good mulching replacement blade that fits this machine.
Thanks Tony, it is great to know that everything is fine with the mower. It is important to follow the 1/3 rule, where you only cut 1/3 off the total length of the grass at any one time for a more healthy lawn and good advice for cordless.
With regards to the blade I believe the blade that is available on Amazon, link below, is the mulching blade. I have given this mower to my brother in law and he mulches regularly, the same blade was fitted.
amzn.to/3cehx3y
Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the info, I shall stick the method you mentioned, I've also noticed that the 25 cut on thus mower cuts lower than the macalister electric mower I have. Hyundai 25 cut is much better.
Thank god I’ve found this. I’ve just spent nearly 2 hours, lots of tears and I’m pretty sure a nervous breakdown lol 😆
Glad it helped!
One thing that's confusing is the mulching plug and a rear roller.
I was told by a Mountfield seller that mulching with a roller is pointless as yes it mulches but then the roller pushes it into the grass and there wont be a tripe.
I suppose it's useful from time to time to mulch and forego a strip. What do I know?
Thanks for your comment, yes rear roller and mulching don't really go together, however if the grass is dry and not too long then there is no problem with the 2 working together.
Thanks, I couldn't really tell how effective the rear roller was at producing a 'stripe' was it effective?
Yes, but not as effective as heavy mower due to the weight.@@anonymouspdg6121
Nice video, witch one will you recommend for a medium size garden, this one or the Bosch Rotak 34 R Electric Rotary Mower?
Hi. Good question. They are both very good mowers. The Mountfield has the mulching plug included. Have you considered the slightly larger 38cm deck on the Mountfield Princess 38? When you say medium lawn, do you know roughly how many square meters? easylawnmowing.co.uk/mountfield-princess-38-review/ thanks.
@easyLawnMowing. The power on press switch stopped working. Any idea how to fix it and where to fix it anywhere near West yorkshire?
Hi, please contact Mountfield directly and they will be able to advice www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk/contact-us
Useful review, thank you mate
Thank you, so glad it was helpful. Mark
Thank you, this was really helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Great review just what I am looking for awaiting delivery, fed up with the Flymo.
Hope you enjoy it!
Really helpful thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
@@EasyLawnMowing I bought this one on Saturday ! It’s great!
Are you going to do a review on ego lawn mower?
Yes. I have contacted Ego and they are going to loan me a mower to test. Do you have one in mind? Thanks. Mark
@@EasyLawnMowing EGO 21 in. Select Cut 56V Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Walk Behind Push Mower model# LM2133
Ok thanks. I will see if they can loan this. Thanks. Mark
I can't decided on the 42cm mountfield or the hyundai 38cm what would you suggest.
Hi Tony sorry for the delay in responding. It is difficult to say as both mowers are equally as good as each other. If I had to decide I would say that the Mountfield has a slightly better build quality compared to that of the Hyundai.
@@EasyLawnMowing
Thanks for getting back, regarding the hyundai 38, when mulching do get issue walking grass bits on doors?
@@tonyhaz6664 Hi Tony, no the mulched grass cuttings are so fine that you will hardly notice them on your lawn. They provide provide essential nutrients and moisture to your lawn, and decompose very quickly. This is a very beneficial process for the health of your lawn. Mark
Would you recommend over bosch
They are both on a very similar lines, it depends on your lawn requirements and what functionality you are looking for. Did you have a particular Bosch model in mind? I will then be able to provide further comparison.
@@EasyLawnMowing Hi well my garden lawn is 21sqm(355sq ft) But I want it to look lush and fresh. I was hyundai 338cm or mountfield 38cm. They may be too big for what size lawn I have
Or even the mountfield that you reviewed looks great. My only put off is the comments about assembly
@@ngozisamson6991 The assembly is easy apart from the grass box that is a little fiddly, but once you get it together it is done.
@@ngozisamson6991 For your sized lawn I would go for the smaller 34cm Mountfield, as it is a nice compact size and will be easier to manoeuvre.
The mower (Princess 38) is very good apart from the rear roller … what a rubbish design… I’ve had to get a replacement after 9 months as the flimsy clips broke and the roller then falls apart … the roller is in two halves and clips together ….. very poor quality from a good manufacturer.
Hi Thanks for your feedback. I have not had this issue with the roller on mine, but I do prefer a single moulded rear roller as this will avoid any possibility of the roller splitting in two.
@@EasyLawnMowing the replacement roller has been fitted this week and the mower works great again with lovely stripes… I still think a solid roller would be better and deserving from Mountfield / Stiga
It’s a right pain putting the collector together!
Yes I agree, it is little frustrating as you can see in my video. Once it is together (done only once) it is sturdy and works well. Mark