Hort Week Reviews: Allett Mowers at Winterbourne House & Garden
Winterbourne House & Garden nestled near Birmingham offers a beautiful example of an early 20th-century Arts & Crafts garden. Now under the care of the University of Birmingham this garden is a hub for RHS courses and horticultural traineeships. Head gardener Dan Cartwright is determined to raise the quality of the garden's large formal lawn and has enlisted the help of horticultural practitioner Jack Phillpotts and horticultural supervisor Will Hunt to explore a variety of mowers that could achieve the perfect cut.
As part of a kit review by Hort Week, the team put a selection of battery-powered cylinder mowers to the test and the Allett Stirling and Allett C34 Evolution were among the top contenders.
Allett Stirling
Launched in 2021, the Allett Stirling is a popular option among lawn enthusiasts and professionals alike. This lightweight and highly manoeuvrable machine is perfect for those seeking a top-quality cut within a manoeuvrable mower. It offers a choice of six- or 10-bladed cylinders for different turf tasks. Use the 10 blade if cutting below 20mm.
Powered by EGO 56V batteries, the Stirling provides an impressive runtime of 1,500-2,000m² on a single charge with the 10Ah battery. Charging takes around 40 minutes and having two batteries means the mower can operate continuously.
The key standout feature of the Stirling is its tool-free cartridge change which allows you to swap out cartridges in under 15 seconds—changing from cutting to scarifying for example. Competitors machines were named a bit of a “faff” when it came to the cartridge change taking up to 5 minutes. The lightweight grass bag also ensures ease of handling and emptying further enhancing the mower's appeal for those looking for a stress-free mowing experience.
Testers were particularly impressed with the mower's simplicity. Dan Cartwright mentioned that the Stirling is “accessible” for teams especially for those who may not be in peak physical condition/may be elderly but still require a professional finish. Dan mentioned that the house regularly have staff that have changed careers and can be in their 50s and 60s so don't want to be mauling a heavy mower around. The price of the Stirling is also an attractive factor offering great value compared to more expensive alternatives.
Cartwright remarked, “We need machines to be accessible, and the Stirling is perfect for mature gardeners or those who prefer an easy-to-use yet effective tool.”
Allett C34 Evolution
Mitch and Austin took the C34E/2 along also for the team to test out. The Allett C34 Evolution is a heavy-duty battery-powered mower designed for professional sports applications and large estate lawns. It features an 86cm (34in) cutting width and offers a top-quality finish with its six- or eight-bladed cylinder options. Perfect for large gardens or sports pitches this mower combines high performance with versatility making it an ideal choice for those looking to make quick work of bigger spaces.
Equipped with four 82V 8Ah Li-ion batteries, the C34 Evolution provides around two hours of runtime, making it suitable for all-day mowing if necessary, especially with the help of spare batteries and quick charging capabilities (90 minutes to full charge). Its innovative features include a half-speed button, which provides better control during tight turns or manoeuvring around obstacles and quick, tool-free cartridge changes.
Jack Phillpotts praised the mower’s easy handling despite its large size, saying, “The half-speed button is a real game changer—it lets you relax when turning. The stripes this mower leaves are fantastic with excellent definition.”
While the C34 Evolution is better suited for larger properties or sports pitches, Dan Cartwright was impressed by its ease of use and comfort despite its size, stating, “It’s surprisingly easy to use. The half-speed button makes a huge difference.”
However for the Winterbourne garden team the C34 Evolution was a little too big for the smaller lawns.
“The kit review at Winterbourne House was a great chance to see how our mowers stacked up against the competition. The feedback spoke for itself—our Ultra quick-change cartridge system, battery efficiency and ease of use really set the Stirling and C34 Evolution apart. While some competitor machines were seen as ''a bit of a faff'' to adjust, ours were praised for their simplicity and performance proving once again why Allett leads the way in innovative battery-powered cylinder mowers.” Mitch Severn, UK Sales Manager
The Winterbourne House & Garden team were impressed by the simplicity, lightweight design and affordable price point of the Allett mowers, and the Stirling is especially well-suited for gardeners or grounds people looking for a mower that combines ease of use with professional results.
For more details, check out the full review and specifications on Hort Week https://www.hortweek.com/kit-test-cutting-edge-battery-cylinder-mowers/article/1905374