Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S self-propelled petrol lawn mower (40cm, 2kW, 45L)
Product description
The essentials
If you’ve got a medium-to-large lawn and you don’t want to spend every weekend pushing a mower, the Einhell GC-PM 40/2 S is built around the basics done properly: a 4-stroke petrol engine, a 40cm cutting width, and rear-wheel self-propulsion you can switch in and out. On paper, that combination is meant to reduce the effort of mowing and keep the pace steady as the grass gets thicker.
It’s also set up for practical lawn care rather than just “getting it done once in a while”. There’s a 7-step central cutting height adjustment (25 mm to 75 mm), so you can match the setting to the season and the condition of the lawn. And when it comes time to empty, you get a 45L grass box plus a fill level indicator to take the guesswork out of when you’ll need to stop.
That said, it may not suit everyone. Petrol mowers can be more involved to maintain than corded or battery options, and the self-propelled drive mainly helps when you’re moving over larger areas—on tiny gardens it can feel like a lot of machine for the job.
What you’ll notice day to day
The biggest day-to-day improvement here is the rear-wheel drive being able to be engaged and disengaged as needed. In real use, that typically means you can let the mower do more of the work on longer stretches, while taking back control when you’re turning, edging, or dealing with awkward patches.
The 40cm cutting width is another practical angle. It’s not the widest you’ll ever find, but for lawns up to around 1,000 m² it’s a sensible middle-ground that aims to reduce the number of passes.
There’s also a nice “control” element thanks to the central 7-step cutting height adjustment between 25 mm and 75 mm. If your grass is growing fast in summer, or you’re trying to manage a rougher patch by not cutting too low, that range gives you flexibility.
One small limitation to keep in mind: with no information provided about features like mulching or side discharge, it’s best viewed as a grass-collection focused mower. If your preferred setup involves other discharge methods, you’ll want to double-check what’s supported before buying.
Key points that matter for buying
This model sits in the straightforward, performance-for-the-size category. With a 2kW 4-stroke OHV engine and an idle speed of 2,900 rpm, it’s designed for consistent mowing rather than occasional light trimming.
If you’re weighing up alternatives, it often comes down to how you want to mow: - If you want something that’s built to cover a decent area with less pushing, a self-propelled petrol mower like this makes sense. - If your garden is small, or you’d rather avoid petrol upkeep entirely, you may find a simpler electric or battery approach fits better.
A useful way to judge whether it’s the right match: think about how long mowing usually takes you, and whether you’re struggling with effort rather than cutting height. If effort is the problem, this model’s rear-wheel drive is exactly what you’re paying for.
Tech specs
- Name: Einhell Petrol Lawn Mower Self-Propelled (GC-PM 40/2 S)
- Type: Petrol lawn mower (walk-behind)
- Engine: 4-stroke OHV engine
- Power: 2 kW
- Idle speed: 2,900 rpm
- Cutting width: 40 cm
- Recommended garden size: up to 1,000 m²
- Cutting height adjustment: 7 steps, centrally adjusted
- Cutting height range: 25 mm to 75 mm
- Grass box capacity: 45 L
- Drive: Powerful rear-wheel drive, engage/disengage
Care & maintenance reality check
Because this is petrol, you’ll need to follow the usual routine: keeping fuel and the engine in good order, and generally being a bit more hands-on than with corded or battery mowers. That’s not automatically a deal-breaker, but it’s worth accepting upfront.
Also, while the grass box is described as durable and includes a fill level indicator, the way your lawn collects clippings will still depend on grass growth and how often you mow. If you let the lawn get very long between cuts, you may find the collection box fills up quicker than expected.
Who it suits best (and who should pass)
It’s a solid fit if you’re mowing up to around 1,000 m², want a 40cm cutting width, and like the idea of self-propelled rear-wheel drive to make longer sessions less tiring.
It might not be for you if: - your garden is tiny and mowing is typically short (you may be paying for features you won’t use) - you strongly prefer avoiding petrol maintenance - you need a mower option that supports other workflows beyond grass collection (the provided information focuses on the grass box)
A simple example: imagine a typical UK suburban lawn where you mow every week or two. With the GC-PM 40/2 S, you could start with a higher setting from the 7-step range (closer to 75 mm) if the grass grew a bit tall, then drop gradually towards your usual height once it’s under control. Meanwhile, engaging the drive for straight runs can make those longer passes feel noticeably easier.
Buying verdict
Worth considering if you have a medium-to-large garden and you want a self-propelled petrol mower with a 40cm cutting width, a 7-step cutting height range (25 mm to 75 mm), and a 45L grass box with a fill indicator.
You may want to skip it if you’re after a low-maintenance, hassle-free mowing experience, or if your mowing area is so small that pushing effort isn’t really your limiting factor. In that case, it can feel like more machine than you need.