Purpose <p>Current research on surface wave sensors, vital for modern technology, explores how mass loading and magneto-mechanical coupling affect anti-plane wave velocities to enhance sensor precision for detecting subtle environmental changes. Despite the high sensitivity of piezo-magnetic materials, their brittleness limits use, prompting the integration of piezo-magnetic fiber-reinforced composites (PMFRC) to study Love-type waves for surface sensing and BG-type waves for magnetic detection.</p> Methods <p>A detailed micro-mechanical model using material strength principles and the rule of mixture has been developed to calculate the material constants of PMFRC. This model helps derive equations for the propagation of Love-type and BG-type waves, considering their distinct dynamics. The model specifies appropriate boundary conditions for both magnetically open (MO) and short (MS) scenarios and for structures with or without thin-coated mass loading. By employing advanced variable separation techniques and solving the systems of equations, closed-form velocity equations have been obtained.</p> Results <p>The study investigates the propagation characteristics of both the anti-plane waves in two distinct models of a PMFRC structure: Model-I, consisting of a layer overlying a half-space beneath an air medium, and Model-II, where the uppermost surface of the layer is micro-coated with a mass loading. The velocity equations for anti-plane waves in both models, under MO and MS conditions, are deduced and validated against classical and pre-established results.</p> Conclusion <p>Velocity profiles, magneto-mechanical coupling effects, mass loading sensitivity, and the influence of fiber-volume fraction on both the waves under different models and magnetic conditions has been explored</p>