Mowing ..

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by swamp

hi
How does the Honda Buffalo 195 pushy [or modern equiv] compare to the Victa models

Back in the mid 2000's, I replaced a Victa Razor (which used the same alloy chassis as the Mustang) with a 19-inch Honda Buffalo Buck with the OHC GSV190 engine. The modern equivalent Victa is basically the same deck, the modern Honda has a different deck appearance and updated GCV170 engines, but mostly the same as the Buffalo.



Once I fitted the proper high-lift blades, and with the full width chute, it was very good at catching. The engine was superb, super smooth, quiet and very good on fuel. However, everything else sucked!

What use is a catcher if it always falls off? Apparently they all do it. Victa's don't. I hated the narrow wheels, and combined with the heavy weight, it would sink down into spongy Kikuyu, which made it hard to push. I also hated how the handle bars were positioned, far too low for me and I'm only average height. What pis.ed me off the most was how it failed to proceed within the first 10-minutes of operation, the dealer blamed my fuel, even though they filled it, so it either had bad fuel put in it or there was something in the tank from manufacture.

All of the above is why I don't fanboy over Honda's like most lawnies do. The engines are nice and they are well made, but the functionality sucks. And that's before I start on the self-propelled models and the tiny discharge chute. Next time you see a lawnie running a Honda, take note of how high they have the governor set trying to overcome the small chute blocking up.

Every Victa I have bought has just worked.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Trendseeker

The old Quantum only smokes momentarily on the initial startup as it fires up. After that there’s no smoke.

Ha ha, they all do that. Actually, I can always smell when a Quantum is running, they seem to always have a slight oil burning smell to them, even if they aren't smoking. They will run like that for decades, just keep an eye on the oil.

The problem with the handle is that it snapped where the clamp holds it at the side on the right-hand side. If I undo the clamp to fold the handle the last few inches of the handle will fall off.

image

I found a couple of suppliers that sell replacement handles. They don’t stock them but can order it in. It was only about $46 and another $50 for delivery. As a temporary measure I’ve held the snapped end piece of the handle in place and then tightened the clamp and it stays in place. It hasn’t come apart but I take care not to put too much pressure on that side of the handle when mowing. I am going to order the new handle. It could do with a few other replacement parts like the wheel and hubcap to spruce it up.

image

I actually went looking for the part for you, it supposed to be specific to the alloy chassis, but it looks the same as the steel chassis to me -

UPPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY - CH88474A

I found them listed at Outdoor King, but they don't stock them. You'd be better to ask your dealer to get one or they might have a second hand one laying around.

https://www.outdoorking.com.au/brand...19-al-ch88474a

I have found this company pretty good with less common replacement parts, might be worth an email -
https://powermowers.com.au/

The other thing you could do would be to use the part listed below. Those are used on the lower handle to strengthen the mounting to the chassis. I'd try one of them fitted to the outside of the handle to add some strength to the fatigued handle. You would probably need a longer bolt for the knob though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/18129534...Bk9SR7S2hOn3ZA

The old one is about 16 or 17 years old and still starts first time.

image

Those XTS engines were towards the last of the good Quantum's, afterwards, they stopped calling them Quantum and went with the stupid numbering system. I also believe they shifted casting from the US to China, while the overall design was the same, they took a lot of weight out of the block casting. Same applied to the 148/158cc small block.[/QUOTE]

[Trendseeker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I actually went looking for the part for you, it supposed to be specific to the alloy chassis, but it looks the same as the steel chassis to me -

UPPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY - CH88474A

I found them listed at Outdoor King, but they don't stock them. You'd be better to ask your dealer to get one or they might have a second hand one laying around.

https://www.outdoorking.com.au/brand...19-al-ch88474a

I have found this company pretty good with less common replacement parts, might be worth an email -
https://powermowers.com.au/

The other thing you could do would be to use the part listed below. Those are used on the lower handle to strengthen the mounting to the chassis. I'd try one of them fitted to the outside of the handle to add some strength to the fatigued handle. You would probably need a longer bolt for the knob though..

Thanks for searching for those parts. I’ll go and see the dealer. That last one looks like it would do the job too. Very helpful advice, as always.

[swamp]

hi
There are differences it seems between Honda 195 to the latest 197 Buffalo .
My 2003 195 Buff has a full discharge shoot VS the current 197 has half a shoot [equipped with dead man lever also ]

The 196 Buff seems to have fixed most but not all the mechanical issues
--accel cable mount upgrade
slipped in bracket --idle or 100%
---air filter upgrade to a radial mount H/duty style
THE SMALL vertical panel filter had no capacity for dirt
air can bypass filter [watch the install]
small rain shower and filter was wet [silicon air-filter housing ]
---- axle retaining mechanical upgrade

issues
Carburettor extremely thin CAD Zinc plating 18mths before issues
Genuine replacement was EVEN WORSE 6mths b4 issues
issue ,,,used in humid weather moisture in fuel would accumulate in fuel bowl and corrode bowl ,, even using 8 hrs per week .
[remedy ,remove bowl and blast main jet pickup tube with carby cleaner weekly ]

[Trendseeker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This makes me so happy!

Nice to see two Mustang's side by side, they are the best 19-inch mower on the market! You are also in for quite a power boost there too, the old 190cc Quantum made 5.0hp, those 850's make about 6.5 hp, more if you tweak the governor to take it from 2800 to 3600 rpm, nothing will stop it then!

The extra power of the 850 was noticeable. It was excellent to mow with.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Trendseeker

The extra power of the 850 was noticeable. It was excellent to mow with.

image

Yep!

The old 5hp Quantum only had about 8 - 8.5 Nm, the 850 has 11.5, so it's got the torque to grunt through stuff that smaller engines need speed to conquer. The best lawn mower engine on the market today.

[DFB FGXR6]

Anyone here put used motor oil in their chainsaws?

I get wanting to save money, but to compromise such an expensive machine doesn't make sense to me. That's a $1800 saw!



This video also shows how certain aftermarket parts can end up costing you more in the long run.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This makes me so happy!

Nice to see two Mustang's side by side, they are the best 19-inch mower on the market! You are also in for quite a power boost there too, the old 190cc Quantum made 5.0hp, those 850's make about 6.5 hp, more if you tweak the governor to take it from 2800 to 3600 rpm, nothing will stop it then!

Does the old Quantum smoke? While they weren't all that modern compared to what other engines offered, those 190cc side-valves had plenty of torque.

What's wrong with the handle? You can still get parts for them, new or used.

hey, now I feel like having a 4cyc lol.....
Gave my Victa/Briggsy 725EX walker and hard going through 4+" over growth on Saturday.
In that heat by mid morn thankgoodness for the easy walking !
Makes for alot work the amount of unloading the catcher :(

Good buy Trendseeker.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

hey, now I feel like having a 4cyc lol.....
Gave my Victa/Briggsy 725EX walker and hard going through 4+" over growth on Saturday.
In that heat by mid morn thankgoodness for the easy walking !
Makes for alot work the amount of unloading the catcher :(

Good buy Trendseeker.

Was only thinking about this the other day. How is the 725EX going?

[FTE217]

perfect !
Starts first pull every single time.
Reading the 850 torque would have helped more going through the 4+ " stuff but its a one off.
As you know everything grows OTT in these temps and on off rains.
I knew I should have cut before leaving OS for a couple of weeks but I ran out of time :(
It was 3wks growth omg.
Took me twice + longer due to catcher getting filled so quick but alas, 725X still cut right through it with ease - just the thought of more powa excites me like V8's haha

Been a top buy no doubt about it DFB.

Also got the EGO blower few weeks back.
LB6504E 56V with the 5.0 batteries, plus my bro inlaw gave me another charger so I'm set my friend. 2 batteries.
Now these are battery blower worth every cent, press that Turbo button man that thing had some kick back !
Eats any of that Bunnings stuff for breaky

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

perfect !
Starts first pull every single time.
Reading the 850 torque would have helped more going through the 4+ " stuff but its a one off.
As you know everything grows OTT in these temps and on off rains.
I knew I should have cut before leaving OS for a couple of weeks but I ran out of time :(
It was 3wks growth omg.
Took me twice + longer due to catcher getting filled so quick but alas, 725X still cut right through it with ease - just the thought of more powa excites me like V8's haha

Been a top buy no doubt about it DFB.

Also got the EGO blower few weeks back.
LB6504E 56V with the 5.0 batteries, plus my bro inlaw gave me another charger so I'm set my friend. 2 batteries.
Now these are battery blower worth every cent, press that Turbo button man that thing had some kick back !
Eats any of that Bunnings stuff for breaky

Think of the 163cc 725 engine as being the Windsor 5.0, the 190cc 850 like the Windsor stroker 5.6. Both sweet sounding engines, just has that bottom end thump.

Now that you have the EGO, can I tempt you with a stubby nozzle for car drying duties as well?

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/e...b5800e-lb6500e

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

perfect !
As you know everything grows OTT in these temps and on off rains.
I knew I should have cut before leaving OS for a couple of weeks but I ran out of time :(
It was 3wks growth omg.

Took me twice + longer due to catcher getting filled so quick but alas, 725X still cut right through it with ease - just the thought of more powa excites me like V8's haha

Been a top buy no doubt about it DFB.

Despite cutting grass for so bloody long, I actually still love doing it................except summer Kikuyu growth spurred by humidity and rain. It's a killer and makes me want to quit every time. Mowing in early spring or autumn is the best as you are just tipping the growth rather than hacking, so its easier on the body, easier on the machine, and looks better too.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Anyone here put used motor oil in their chainsaws?

I get wanting to save money, but to compromise such an expensive machine doesn't make sense to me. That's a $1800 saw!


This video also shows how certain aftermarket parts can end up costing you more in the long run.

All my used motor oil goes onto the wooden fence posts to help protect them from termites.

[DFB FGXR6]

Mowed the back lawn with the freshly rebuild Corvette 400 today. It's certainly got more power now, and no smoking either.

[anobserver]

This morning was the Honda SP`s debut at its new home, and there was plenty to do.

Despite being only two weeks since last done, went around with the edger for a quick tidyup. Its a corner block with a long footpath on the main road, so theres always overgrowth to keep in check.

Then the main event, out with the Honda and into it!



One of the other blokes was there too, running around in the fenced in section around the kiddies playground, with a venerable victa 850.

The honda struggled a little on the thicker stuff, so i raised the cutting height a little. This was most evident on the side street frontage as above.

Overall very happy with it, having the self propelling function meant less weight to push around. As a lifelong pen pusher, i appreciate that and hope i wont be as exhausted by end of day.

Im sure the new mower will get much use over the summer growing season!

[OneMadMan]

I decided to do a "TED talk" on my mower, without the video..

Here goes...

A couple of years ago my partner was cutting a clients hair at home... as she does now that she has sold the shop. Said customer starts talking about the new lawn mower she purchased.



She said it's excellent value at $245 (I think from memory) delivered. Perfect for her small back yard, which is a bit bigger than ours.

At the time I was using a corded electric mower, just a cheap $40 one I picked up second hand at the pawn shop - not from crime convertors...

I really hated the whole:
unroll the 20 metre extension cord, (no power point close by)
Roll it back up when finished deal, and having to be careful not to run over the ext lead


So I thought stuff it, and bought one.

My first eva new mower purchase!! Yeah...


Mate(s) I can tell you that this thing is 1000% perfect as far as my needs go:

**Note the ciggie lighter for a size reference...**

Grass before cut



Grass after cut



it came with everything:
Mower
Catcher
2 Batteries with remaining level indicators and a Dual battery charger.






But most importantly... the destructions.
Very minimal assembly required. No tools needed.
The unit itself is as light as bro.

The only problem I have had with it was the fail safe push button. Well... it umm failed.



When I pulled the go lever, while depressing the red button with my other hand, she didn't go mate. Hmm, WTF?

Pulled it apart and found that there was a spring, that was to strong for the plastic arm that actuated the release mech... and it broke tearing the cheap Chinese plastic arm. Not replaceable or glue-able. (did try the trusty Sellys 2 pack Araldite and waited 2 full days for it to cure, but no dice.

So I removed the spring, two bits of spring metal strips, and now she's a one handed bandit. Been 100% reliable use wise and has been for over 100+ mowes.

Battery life is great. One charge will do the yard 4 times.
So in closing, would I recommend this? Hell yeah.

Value for money rating and ease of use score outta 10... 9.9 only because I had to fsck with it after 30 or so uses to fix the safety.

So all in all, if that's what you got back in the 'day' the new brush-less jobbies must leave this in the weeds.... (bad dad joke there).

Some more pics to end my 1st EVA review..








Cheers,

One sunburnt Man

[DFB FGXR6]

This unit has been loaned out for quite a while, so apart from an oil change in September, I haven't touched it since getting it back on Friday. I think you can guess where it was, I would have left it there if I didn't love it so much.

Why can't modern Briggs engines idle down like this? It makes it so much easier to empty the catcher. I've only owned one other Quantum, but it didn't idle like this either. Perhaps the burn rate isn't as efficient at low revs like this, in turn increasing emissions? That's the only thing I can think of why all Briggs engines from the late 90's have been like that.



I fixed the choke on it yesterday, which wasn't engaging when the throttle was pulled all the way home. I also checked the plug, it was quite carboned up and actually quite loose. While it doesn't smoke, you can smell the slightest tinge of oil when its running, all Quantum's are like that though. So, I will give the thing a head job (sorry, couldn't pass that opportunity) to remove carbon from the combustion chamber and valves. I've ordered a head gasket, new filters and a spark plug. Then it will be added to my rotation.

The more and more I mess with these things, the more I realize the older stuff was made better.

[OneMadMan]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The more and more I mess with these things, the more I realize the older stuff was made better.

Old mowers (and just about everything for that matter) are BETTER. Period. Full stop.

IMHO when Victa stopped using alloy carbs, their mowers were rubbish.

My 1st mower was a 160 cuber with an alloy carby that had the black plastic flag governor.

Red button spring loaded 'tickler' for the fuel primer and a fuel level gauge in the petrol cap.
I got it for free when I was 14yo.
It had been sitting in the rain for weeks. Bloke says to me (neighbour that is), if you mow my yard you can have it. SWA eeet!

My first engine to tinker with. Borrowed dads mower, mowed his grass which was 2 foot high, in the middle of a Qld summer, and Boom. One new mower.

Long story short, after playing with that for a few years, making money cutting other peoples lawns... I thought I would upgrade to a newer plastic carby model (2nd hand to me mind you).. and the thing was junk, nothing but problems.

Nodding in agreement. Old things are better, because they don't have 'built in obsolescence'.


Cheers,

One happy cordless mower Mad Man

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by OneMadMan

Old mowers (and just about everything for that matter) are BETTER. Period. Full stop.

IMHO when Victa stopped using alloy carbs, their mowers were rubbish.

My 1st mower was a 160 cuber with an alloy carby that had the black plastic flag governor.

Red button spring loaded 'tickler' for the fuel primer and a fuel level gauge in the petrol cap.
I got it for free when I was 14yo.
It had been sitting in the rain for weeks. Bloke says to me (neighbour that is), if you mow my yard you can have it. SWA eeet!

My first engine to tinker with. Borrowed dads mower, mowed his grass which was 2 foot high, in the middle of a Qld summer, and Boom. One new mower.

Long story short, after playing with that for a few years, making money cutting other peoples lawns... I thought I would upgrade to a newer plastic carby model (2nd hand to me mind you).. and the thing was junk, nothing but problems.

Nodding in agreement. Old things are better, because they don't have 'built in obsolescence'.


Cheers,

One happy cordless mower Mad Man

The plastic G4 carburetor were/are frustrating to deal with. If they aren't leaking, then they're are not far from it. I also hate that you can't fine tune them, no adjustment screws.

[OneMadMan]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

The plastic G4 carburetor were/are frustrating to deal with. If they aren't leaking, then they're are not far from it. I also hate that you can't fine tune them, no adjustment screws. imageimage

Wow, seeing the decomp valve brings back memories of blisters for me..

Being 14 and knowing everything there is to know... I removed the decomp valve thinking because it had more compression, it would start easier

Same thread as the CJ8, bung one of them in there and she's golden.. NOT!!!

I didn't know what an air gap was, so she was always a bit tough to start. Having no decomp valve made for many blisters and nasty words...


Live, learn, die. Oh well...


Cheers,

One Mad Man

[DFB FGXR6]

Interesting findings with this video...................



I would have assumed with a richer oil mixture an engine would run cooler? I have though notice an engine run slower on 25:1 than 50:1.

[CFOUR]

old school trick to use outboard 2stroke oil as bar oil is about the only odd tip id give for chainsaws.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

old school trick to use outboard 2stroke oil as bar oil is about the only odd tip id give for chainsaws.

Is it thick enough though? I've seen regular two-stroke oil used as bar oil and it seemed like it was too runny to properly lubricate the bar and chain, as in it was slung too easily off the end of the bar and not kept where it was needed.

[CFOUR]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Is it thick enough though?

yeah, It may need re filling sooner if anything, but seems to keep the chain sharper longer than bar oil. It's an old man trick I got from my dad who has done endless chainsaw work in his time. He always said marine stuff is used over regular power equipment stuff. bar oil, two stroke and marine two stroke cost roughly the same so it's not a cheapskate thing.

Once had a chainsaw with a broken bar oil tank so would spray motorcycle chain lube on the chain ever few cuts, was annoying and would get on my clothing but worked.

[OneMadMan]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

yeah, It may need re filling sooner if anything, but seems to keep the chain sharper longer than bar oil. It's an old man trick I got from my dad who has done endless chainsaw work in his time. He always said marine stuff is used over regular power equipment stuff. bar oil, two stroke and marine two stroke cost roughly the same so it's not a cheapskate thing.Once had a chainsaw with a broken bar oil tank so would spray motorcycle chain lube on the chain ever few cuts, was annoying and would get on my clothing but worked.

Short arms.. deep pockets, nothing wrong with that

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

yeah, It may need re filling sooner if anything, but seems to keep the chain sharper longer than bar oil.

Oil doesn't keep the chain sharp, it lubricates the moving parts of the chain, links, guides and bar channel aswell as keeping temperatures down.
What will keep the chain sharp is not dipping it into the soil, wood types and not cutting material full of ants, termites and sand.
Bar oil is cheaper than quality two stroke oil so I'd stick the with the right tool for the job on that one.

Bit of a change for me after a body breakdown in the middle of last year, off the tools now and have taken on a role in biosecurity. Should have done it ages ago, pay, training and benefits are better, no more pre dawn starts, largely out of the weather, modern vehicles (the rickety old machinery was what did me in) and the heaviest thing I have to lift is my lunch box
Looking forward to going to work each day which has had a positive effect on my personal life too.

[Vekgib]

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

Oil doesn't keep the chain sharp, it lubricates the moving parts of the chain, links, guides and bar channel aswell as keeping temperatures down.
What will keep the chain sharp is not dipping it into the soil, wood types and not cutting material full of ants, termites and sand.
Bar oil is cheaper than quality two stroke oil so I'd stick the with the right tool for the job on that one.

Bit of a change for me after a body breakdown in the middle of last year, off the tools now and have taken on a role in biosecurity. Should have done it ages ago, pay, training and benefits are better, no more pre dawn starts, largely out of the weather, modern vehicles (the rickety old machinery was what did me in) and the heaviest thing I have to lift is my lunch box
Looking forward to going to work each day which has had a positive effect on my personal life too.

Can relate to that. Got a new job in October. Now enjoying going to work. It makes such a difference. Hope all continues well for you

[Interceptor]

*sighs* had a bloke complain about the price I've put on a Honda HRU196, $350, but freshly serviced with new oil, genuine spark plug, air filter & blades as well as new bearings in the blade brake assembly, it even has the snorkel on it.

He sends me a message later on that he's bought a new mower, an 18" Masport Boxer with an Al-Ko engine and he bought it because at $449 new, he couldnt see the value in a used honda....

Strangely, when I sent him a screenshot of the new pricing on the Honda, he stopped responding.

People.....

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

*sighs* had a bloke complain about the price I've put on a Honda HRU196, $350, but freshly serviced with new oil, genuine spark plug, air filter & blades as well as new bearings in the blade brake assembly, it even has the snorkel on it.

He sends me a message later on that he's bought a new mower, an 18" Masport Boxer with an Al-Ko engine and he bought it because at $449 new, he couldnt see the value in a used honda....

Strangely, when I sent him a screenshot of the new pricing on the Honda, he stopped responding.

People.....

Those service items alone would be at least $100, not including at least an hour's labor to install them, say $90 p/h. So, let's say $200 just to list the thing for sale, assuming you didn't pay for the machine to begin with. In other words, the additional $150 is to make the whole thing worth your time, otherwise what's the point?

As for the Masport Boxer vs Honda HRU-196...................

Engine: OHV 139cc AL-KO Honda knock-off / OHV 163cc Honda GXV160
Torque: 7.5 Nm / 9.6 Nm
Cylinder: Aluminum / Cast iron sleeve
Air Filter: Pleated paper panel / Pleated paper with metal cartridge + snorkel
Chassis: 18-inch steel / 19-inch alloy
Catcher: 46.5-liter / 54-liter
New MSRP: $449 / $1199

So yeah, they are obviously direct competitors..........................



It always amazes me how ignorant some people are when it comes to what other people charge. To that sort of person, they make out as if everyone is ripping them off. And yet, just watch how defense they get if someone questioned their worth or hourly rate.

Kinda like the sort that try to barter me down on what I charge for mowing or gardening. I was once told that $60 an hour was outrageous and what I do wasn't rocket science. So why couldn't he do the work instead of me? Just because I was charging $60 an hour, doesn't mean that full $60 goes into my pocket.

Or the type that takes the time to interrupt me from mowing at a clients place to ask if I could do their lawn too, followed by what do I charge. Somehow, I'm expected to quote on a job I have no idea the size or condition without even seeing it. Quite often the response to my questioning is "oh, it's only a small patch". Which from my experience indicates that the lawn is considerably bigger than that, or the grass is knee high, usually both. Anyway, I give them a starting price, which is almost always followed by "oh, but the last guy did it for half that". Well, why are you even bothering to ask me, just get him to do it, "Oh, he can't (read - won't) do it anymore. And when you do agree on a price, you then turn up to said knee high grass, which will be that high again before they call you again. So, you take a bath every single time you arrive at their property.

Moral of the story, don't even entertain walk ups, I just say I'm too busy. Why would I bother burning time and energy on jobs where I effectively pay THEM to do their lawns.

[swamp]

hi
How u approach mowing hourly rates
All overheads/ input costs have gone sky high ,, machine purchase , vehicle purchase ,,
infrastructure,,

2 trailers , 1x ute , 4 commercial mowers
Medium overhaul for a Walker is 10,ooo--15000$ very expensive .
Similar for a large Toro ZTR
Diesels are extremely overpriced in Aust although still a good option .
Commercial petrol are average at best
Do a 1x machine overhaul every year

Briggs Australia is very very expensive and have no idea about diesels and carry no stock
Other mower suppliers are the same
2--4 x cost for parts vs overseas kubota 1500 full engine kit including dressed cyl head VS Aust 1500 bare cylinder head


Even with all this 100$ hour is all u get . It just covers costs on commercials
On a domestic 60$ minimum small job ,commonly 75$ I cant do a job that does not pay ...
Fully equipped w/shop with hoists etc

I sold up