Lawn Mower Comparison Australia: BAUMR-AG Petrol, POWERBLADE & 520CX Cordless Guide

Australian Lawn Mower Comparison: Petrol, Cordless and Ride-On Options

Choosing a lawn mower is easier when you compare the type of lawn, cutting width, mower weight, drive system and starting method rather than simply looking at engine size.

This guide compares the BAUMR-AG 520CX cordless mower, petrol-powered 720SX, 780SX and 790SXe, the 380RX ride-on, and three POWERBLADE walk-behind options: the V450, VS900 and VS950.

The two POWERBLADE 20-inch mowers deserve particular attention. The VS900 and VS950 share many specifications, but they are not the same model. The VS900 uses recoil starting and weighs about 31kg. The VS950 adds an electric push-button starting system with a rechargeable starter battery and weighs about 33kg.

Testing statement: Firebusters has not personally tested these mowers. Specifications are based on current manufacturer and merchant information checked in September 2026. Confirm current specifications and package contents before purchasing.

Quick Choice Guide

Lawn Mower Specifications Compared

POWERBLADE VS900 20-Inch 200cc Self-Propelled Mower

• Model: VS900
• SKU: MOWSPRPB20SA
• Engine: 200cc air-cooled OHV 4-stroke petrol
• Starting: recoil / pull start
• Cutting width: 20 inches
• Deck: steel
• Cutting heights: 25–75mm
• Height adjustment: central lever, seven positions
• Drive: self-propelled
• Blade system: four swing blades
• Catcher: 60L
• Cutting options: catch, mulch and side discharge
• Front wheels: 8 inches
• Rear wheels: 10 inches
• Deck wash: hose connection
• Dimensions: approximately 68 × 161 × 108cm
• Weight: approximately 31kg

The self-propelled drive means the mower provides its own forward movement while the operator controls direction and pace. This can reduce the physical effort compared with pushing a similar-size 31kg mower manually.

The 20-inch cutting width also covers more lawn with each pass than the 17-inch V450 or 720SX.

The trade-off is size and weight. A wider steel-deck mower is not automatically easier around garden beds, narrow gates or small landscaped lawns.

Best fit: medium to larger open lawns where a wide cut and self-propelled drive are useful but electric starting is not essential.

POWERBLADE VS950: Similar Mower, Different Starting System

BAUMR-AG 520CX Cordless Mower

• 40V brushless system
• Two 20V 4Ah SYNC batteries supplied
• Dual fast charger
• 17-inch / 430mm cutting width
• Five cutting heights from approximately 30–75mm
• 52L grass catcher
• Mulching plug supplied
• Manual-push drive
• Approximately 15kg with batteries

The 520CX avoids fuel, engine oil and recoil starting. Its folding handle and lower weight also make storage easier.

The trade-off is battery management. Runtime depends on grass conditions, cutting height, battery condition and mowing load, so a fixed lawn-area claim should not be assumed.

Manual Push vs Self-Propelled

Manual-push mowers such as the 520CX, 720SX and V450 require the operator to provide all forward movement.

That keeps the machines mechanically simpler and generally lighter.

Self-propelled models such as the 780SX, 790SXe, VS900 and VS950 drive their own wheels once the drive control is engaged.

This can reduce pushing effort on larger lawns, but it does not make a heavy mower weightless. You still need to steer it, turn it, manoeuvre around obstacles and move it when the engine or drive is stopped.

For tight suburban gardens, a lighter mower can sometimes be more practical than a larger self-propelled one.

20-Inch vs 17-Inch Cutting Width

A 20-inch mower cuts a wider strip of grass on every pass than a 17-inch mower.

That can save time on open lawns where long straight runs are possible.

But wider is not always better.

Check:

• gate width;
• paths between garden beds;
• trees and landscaping;
• shed access;
• storage space; and
• whether you regularly need to lift or carry the mower.

The VS900 and VS950 are about 68cm wide overall, so the nominal 20-inch blade width is not the dimension you should use when checking access through a gate.

Catching, Mulching and Side Discharge

The VS900 and VS950 both allow three common grass-handling methods.

Catch

The 60L catcher collects clippings for disposal or composting. A larger catcher means fewer emptying stops, but it also becomes heavier as it fills.

Mulch

The mulch plug allows finely cut grass to return to the lawn rather than being collected.

Side discharge

The supplied chute directs clippings away from the mower. This can be useful when grass is too long or damp for convenient catching, subject to safe operating conditions.

Never change plugs, chutes or catcher arrangements while the engine and blades are running.

Slope Safety

The current VS900 manual does not provide a numerical maximum slope angle.

Instead, the manufacturer instructs users to:

• walk rather than run;
• take extra care on rough or uneven ground;
• mow across slopes rather than up and down;
• take care when changing direction; and
• not mow excessively steep slopes.

If a slope feels unsafe to walk while controlling the mower, do not rely on the self-propelled drive to make the task safe.

Petrol Mower Safety

Petrol lawn mowers contain rotating blades, hot engine components and flammable fuel.

• Read the model-specific manual before first use.
• Keep people and animals clear of the mowing area.
• Remove rocks, wire, branches and other objects before mowing.
• Wear enclosed footwear and suitable eye and hearing protection.
• Stop the engine before clearing blockages or inspecting blades.
• Allow the engine to cool before refuelling.
• Never refuel near flames, sparks or while smoking.
• Never run a petrol mower inside a shed or garage because engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.

Petrol mowers should also be used carefully during periods of elevated fire danger. Check current state fire restrictions before using powered machinery in dry vegetation.

Deck Wash Ports: Useful but Use Them Correctly

The VS900 and VS950 both have a deck wash connection for a garden hose.

This can help remove fresh grass residue from beneath the steel deck without manually scraping the underside.

Follow the mower manual for the correct procedure. Do not place hands underneath the mower while the blades are moving.

Heavy dried grass may still need cleaning after the engine is stopped, cooled and made safe according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Which Mower Makes the Most Sense?

520CX: best considered where low weight, cordless operation and simpler storage are priorities.

720SX or V450: suitable where you want a relatively simple 17-inch petrol mower and are comfortable pushing it manually.

780SX: steps into self-propelled petrol mowing without electric starting.

790SXe: adds electric starting to the self-propelled BAUMR-AG petrol format.

VS900: a strong fit where you want a 20-inch self-propelled deck, 60L catcher and three cutting modes but are happy with recoil starting.

VS950: makes more sense when you want the same basic 20-inch POWERBLADE format with push-button electric starting.

380RX: is a different category altogether and suits large open properties where a walk-behind mower becomes inefficient.

Think About the Whole Property, Not Just Engine Size

A mower that looks stronger on paper is not always the easiest one to live with. For many Australian homes, access, storage, lawn shape and maintenance requirements matter just as much as cutting width or engine capacity.

A lighter mower such as the 520CX can make sense where the lawn is smaller, there are narrow paths or gates, or the mower needs to be lifted into storage. The 17-inch petrol models also suit tighter areas where a large 20-inch steel-deck mower may feel bulky.

The VS900 and VS950 become more attractive when the lawn is more open and the wider 20-inch cut can reduce the number of passes needed. Their self-propelled drive also reduces pushing effort, but they still require more storage space and petrol-engine maintenance.

For very large, open properties, the 380RX ride-on moves into a different category again. It can cover ground more efficiently, but only where access, terrain and storage suit a much larger machine.

Practical rule: choose the smallest mower that comfortably handles your normal lawn. Moving up in size is worthwhile only when the extra cutting width, drive assistance or ride-on format solves a real problem.

Lawn Mower Buyer Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the POWERBLADE VS900 the same as the VS950?

No. They share many mower specifications, but the VS900 is recoil-start only and weighs about 31kg. The VS950 has push-button electric starting plus recoil backup, includes a starter battery and charger and weighs about 33kg.

Does the VS900 have electric start?

No. The current Edisons specification lists the VS900 starting system as recoil.

How wide does the VS900 cut?

It has a 20-inch cutting width.

What is the VS900 cutting-height range?

The current specification lists seven central height positions from approximately 25mm to 75mm.

How heavy is the VS900?

The current supplier lists a product weight of approximately 31kg.

How heavy is the VS950?

The current supplier lists approximately 33kg.

Can the VS900 mulch?

Yes. The current package includes a mulch plug as well as a 60L catcher and side-discharge chute.

Is self-propelled better on slopes?

Self-propulsion can reduce pushing effort, but it does not make steep slopes safe. Follow the manual, mow across slopes and avoid excessively steep ground.

Which model is easiest to store?

The 15kg 520CX cordless mower is considerably lighter than the large petrol models and has a folding handle, making it one of the easier options here for compact storage.

Sources

• 
  Edisons – POWERBLADE VS900
  
• 
  POWERBLADE VS900 Instruction Manual
  
• 
  Edisons – POWERBLADE VS950
  
• 
  BAUMR-AG – 520CX
  
• 
  CFA – Machinery and Fire Restrictions
  

Specifications, stock and package contents can change. Information checked September 2026.