In a nutshell

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for Value, it’s ideal for small to medium sized gardens, cutting approximately 250 square metres on a single charge. Packed with features, including an eco-mode to extend battery life, battery level indicator, a large, 55-litre grass box, and folding handles for easy storage, it also comes with an excellent five-year warranty.

What we tested

  • Ease of Handling
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Cutting Performance
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Setting up / Storage
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Value for money
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Pros

  • Steel deck
  • 55-litre grass box with fill level indicator
  • Seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm
  • Eco-mode
  • Handle folds for storage
  • Battery level indicator
  • Battery compatible with Stihl AK tools

Cons

  • Grass box is a bit fiddly to assemble
  • Relatively long charge time (205 minutes)
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What are the main features of the Stihl RMA 248 cordless lawn mower?

Powered by an AK30 36V Lithium-ion battery, it takes 205 minutes to fully charge, which is one of the slowest charge times on test, but cuts approximately 250 square metres on a single charge. There’s also a battery level indicator, which is visible during mowing so you can see how much time you have left, as well as storage for a second battery on the mower itself - although an additional battery costs an extra £139 from Just Lawnmowers. The RMA 248 is one of two cordless mowers on test with a steel deck – the other being the more expensive Makita DLM460PT2. Although these mowers cost more than the plastic deck alternatives on test, their bodywork is built to last, and should mean you are less likely to need to replace them in the future. It also features a cutting width of 46cm, which is one of the widest on test and will help you cut a bigger lawn more quickly, seven cutting heights, ranging from 25 to 75mm, and it comes with a generous 55-litre grass box, which features an indicator to show when it’s full.


What is the Stihl RMA 248 cordless lawn mower like to use?

Overall, it’s easy to assemble – you don’t need extra tools – but it’s fiddly to lock the two halves of the grass box together. It has good safety features, with a safety plug and a dual start system, which means the mower won't start until you push the side button and squeeze the handle. The height and position of the handle is at a comfortable height for the average user, and despite having a powder-coated steel deck rather than a plastic one, it’s not too heavy. However, it’s 155cm long and has a cutting width of 46cm, which means it might be tricky to turn in tight spaces. This mower is designed for cutting larger lawns quickly rather than dealing with smaller, more intricately shaped gardens. We love the eco-mode that automatically slows the blades down when it’s cutting short grass, and speeds them up to tackle longer lawn or leaves. The cut is clean and, being a rotary mower, the grass is sucked up into the grass box leaving the lawn clear of cuttings.


Is the Stihl RMA 248 cordless lawn mower easy to store?

The handle folds down flat across the body of the mower for easy storage, and the grass box is simple to remove to store on top of the mower, however, it’s one of the bigger models on test so keep this in mind if space is an issue.


Is the Stihl RMA 248 cordless lawn mower good value for money?

This well-designed cordless mower features a durable steel deck and plenty of features, which puts it in the top price bracket. However, as it comes with a five-year warranty, we think it’s good value for money. Plus, the AK30 battery is interchangeable with other Stihl AK tools, saving you money in the future when you buy other Stihl cordless tools such as the leaf blower and grass trimmer.

Buy the Stihl RMA 248 cordless lawn mower from Just Lawnmowers

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For more reviews, visit our round-up of the best cordless mowers.


Cordless Mowers – Buyer’s Guide Video

Product Specifications

Product
BrandStihl
ModelRMA 248
Price£590.51
Part of multi tool systemYes
Features
Powered byElectric - cordless
Battery charge time205min(s)
Cutting height25-75mm
Number of cutting height settings7
Cutting width46cm
Collection capacity55l
Lawn size suitable for250m²
Noise96dB
Weight21kg
Height106cm
Width52cm
Depth155cm
Warranty5YEAR
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