Mowing .. - Page 3

danzvtil · 25-10-2018, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roddy1960

The Great Honda Debate ..

Never yet owned one ..but I've used a couple over the years . Engines especially seem pretty good but as stated through the thread they do have issues .

Found this interesting ..

http://www.mowersgalore.com.au/lawnm...a-lawn-mowers/ .

My old man was a VIP lawnie for 20 years, his machine choice was rover with Briggs motor, right before he retired, he got the Honda motor

he wishes he had done so 20yrs earlier.

.:4:. · 28-10-2018, 08:09 PM

I hit up my lawn yesterday. I havent mowed it since i did the nerve in my arm, but in that time the guy who rents my granny flat has done it a few times. So i gave him a hand. He typically uses his mower and snipper but his snipper had a cracked fuel line. So i gave mine a shot and same thing. I cut back the fuel and return lines and she was apples. I dont really like ryobi anything. I know the bloke at the local mower shop really doesn't like ryobi. But my 30cc 2 stroke snipper was gifted to me new and i tend to agree with the bad reviews. To heavy and cold starting procedure is a bit annoying. Once shes going it goes well though. I did cheat the cold start by spraying some wd40 into the carb first and its never started so easy. I did the edges so i didnt break out the victa, but i assume the 158cc briggs will still be as good as it has been in the past.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-10-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

DFB XR6, re Hondas sorry I can't agree.
More and more councils are buying them I notice over the years, Lawn Mowing Service guys are buying them.
My brother is a Honda motorcross devotee for 30 odd years on 5acres, obviously Johhny Deer ride on but Honda mowers.
My neighbours have sworn by them from years ago - I don't see any of them stopping unblocking the shute ever.
Quality product and damn reliable - I'm just a tight **** not to spend that much but I wish.
?

I got burnt by a Honda a few years ago. It was sold to me, at a considerable price premium I might add, as the best thing on earth but turned out to be a dog. Put me off them ever since. It's a bit like cars, sometimes you get a lemon and it puts you off the brand for ever.

That said, they are solidly built units and the engines are reliable. Heavy buggers though.

LG17 · 24-10-2018, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Hey PB, great lawn and cut.
Whilst on lawns what are peoples fav spring grass feed ?

I was a Victa owner for some 25yrs but I always admired Briggsy's and bought one as quoted earlier post.
I do love 4stroke simpleness.

DFB XR6, re Hondas sorry I can't agree.
More and more councils are buying them I notice over the years, Lawn Mowing Service guys are buying them.
My brother is a Honda motorcross devotee for 30 odd years on 5acres, obviously Johhny Deer ride on but Honda mowers.
My neighbours have sworn by them from years ago - I don't see any of them stopping unblocking the shute ever.
Quality product and damn reliable - I'm just a tight **** not to spend that much but I wish.

On another thing mowers, how does everyone like these full plastic rim/wheels ?

Spring grass feed?
Well the horses wander all over the place and **** where they want to . I just jump on the ride on and spread it. Easy, cheap and reliable.

BENT_8 · 25-10-2018, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Hey PB, great lawn and cut.
Whilst on lawns what are peoples fav spring grass feed ?

I was a Victa owner for some 25yrs but I always admired Briggsy's and bought one as quoted earlier post.
I do love 4stroke simpleness.

DFB XR6, re Hondas sorry I can't agree.
More and more councils are buying them I notice over the years, Lawn Mowing Service guys are buying them.
My brother is a Honda motorcross devotee for 30 odd years on 5acres, obviously Johhny Deer ride on but Honda mowers.
My neighbours have sworn by them from years ago - I don't see any of them stopping unblocking the shute ever.
Quality product and damn reliable - I'm just a tight **** not to spend that much but I wish.

On another thing mowers, how does everyone like these full plastic rim/wheels ?

Agreed, i managed one iof the biggest Jims franchises in NSW in the 90's and used the Buffalo self drive on anything up to 25 jobs per day and the only time i had these issues was if trying to do too much at once or in first cuts which had been neglected and ideally would have been left to a push version if not for the terrain.
When i bought my own franchise here in SA in the mid 2000's i used a Buffalo push and a Briggs Quattro as they came with the purchase and it was noticeably harder work.
Personally i wouldnt give tuppence for a Briggs and only used it as a backup but things may have improved since then.

burnz · 25-10-2018, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Agreed, i managed one iof the biggest Jims franchises in NSW in the 90's and used the Buffalo self drive on anything up to 25 jobs per day and the only time i had these issues was if trying to do too much at once or in first cuts which had been neglected and ideally would have been left to a push version if not for the terrain.
When i bought my own franchise here in SA in the mid 2000's i used a Buffalo push and a Briggs Quattro as they came with the purchase and it was noticeably harder work.
Personally i wouldnt give tuppence for a Briggs and only used it as a backup but things may have improved since then.

i'v had both briggs and Honda, the Honda hru series oiled it self to death..

so briggs for the lawn and Honda for the trimmer, that I cant fault either of then..

danzvtil · 24-10-2018, 08:55 PM

I had a victa with a Briggs motor for about 15years, the engine was smoky from day one but always started first pull. The wheel bearings are worn out and rickety from use as I have 4 lawns I mow regularly.
When time came to upgrade, I wanted a Honda and looked at some HRU something units for epic dollars but only had half a chute. Thru a contact at a bunnings I work at, they had a display mustang with the Honda engine with some parts missing they gave me $200 off with a list of spares I needed (worth $20 ��).
The Honda is plenty powerful and heaps more fuel efficient, plus has a big fuel tank. The other Honda advantage I find is the oil change is by tipping the unit to the side, no stuffing around propping it up on chairs to find the sump plug under the Briggs.

Junkyard-Dog · 24-10-2018, 09:06 PM

I will have to take a picture of the Victa Mustang that my gf's grandfather gave us to take care of our yard. It looks much like the one in the top post on this page.

**buggerlugs** · 25-10-2018, 09:33 AM

So, you like "push" these mowers, do you ??!!
Sounds like hard work....................

roddy1960 · 25-10-2018, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

So, you like "push" these mowers, do you ??!!
Sounds like hard work....................

image

Very , very nice gear there ..Toro have the runs on the board too.

roddy1960 · 27-10-2018, 12:21 PM

G'day guys ...I walked into Mitre 10 late yesterday afternoon to buy sanding disc's and rivets for a couple of home projects i'm doing and .......

walked out with them of course AND ..

1 x Makita 140 cc lawn mower for $369 and a Rockwell battery pack line trimmer for $129. ..Put the line trimmer battery on charge (lithium ion 18 V) last night and tried it this morning before rain arrived..did a trim along my back fence and was very happy with the result . Big jobs or heavy going will be reserved for my brushcutter (Jonsered TL33) of course but this little battery trimmer is light as buggery , has the flower guard an will be great for the quick trim jobs .

The Makita mower is the 140cc 4 stroke Briggs and Stratton , comes with a big capacity 60 litre catcher and mulching option . The book is comprehensive too . Very happy and will try it once the rain quits ..typical !!!!! hasn't rained for the past two weeks ...

Looked at the comparable Victa they had in stock too ..Nice mower but was $440 .

Obviously I didn't really need another mower but I'll give away the older MDT that I have to a nearby friend if she wants it . She was going to buy one just to potter around with now she's retired . Otherwise I'll sell it for a few bucks ..

Then , I'll have the Husky ride on , the Rover 2 stroke with Suzuki motor , the MTD side throw 4 stroke , Victa 2 stroke , the Jonsered Brush cutter , the Rockwell battery line trimmer , Jonsered HT21 hedge trimmer , Poulan 14" chainsaw , Farm Boss chainsaw and now these two mowing items.

....and a Cox ridey to one day restore and very elderly Echo trimmer also to get going again ..

Will post a photo or two of the new additions too ..

No excuses for long grass now . The most expensive rivots and sandpaper I've ever bought though ..Cheers

roddy1960 · 27-10-2018, 02:15 PM

The Makita mower and Rockwell trimmer

GEDC0032 by Rodney McGiveron, on Flickr ....

GEDC0039 by Rodney McGiveron, on Flickr

The mower is the low end model but the hand grip is soft feel , the throttle seems really smooth to use and the height adjustment is the good old fashioned single point one . I hate four wheel adjustment . Will fill it up with fluids this arvo and 'test mow' ..Oh yes , the wheels are ball race ones , not nylon , zero wheel wobble..already tested that . Was told Makita make a few different models but overall quality of build on the base one indicates they'll last pretty well.. We'll see I suppose ..

roddy1960 · 27-10-2018, 03:51 PM

Just to add this if I may . Before yesterday I've never owned anything Makita , not because I didn't like it , but because I thought it was overkill for the sort of stuff I do and couldn't justify the extra cost over cheaper brands .

Yesterday I bought the petrol lawn mower PLM4623 NP model .. Very happy with it but as it's raining I had a look for more Makita mowing stuff . I found this by an Aussie crowd on YT ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-hzJX-sWyM .. and this more comprehensive one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOcpGbZesN0 on other stuff from Makita if it's your bag .

Debate on petrol v electric/battery will rage on but this was interesting .

Not sure if I'd ever totally commit to this but good to check out anyway ..

I'm thinking the 18 V batteries are about $125 each when needing replacement , I know the drill ones are as we have Makita drills at work and an extra couple of batteries arrived at about that cost each not too long ago . We switched from DeWalt to Makita too .

**FTE217** · 25-10-2018, 01:34 PM

Rallye and others on the lawn feed Q. - thanks for your inputs, good to see some green keepers, take my off to youse, I just like being a player and some greens are marvelous the work you guys do.
A mix of this a mix is not me though - I asked purely on the base's to see what anyone does.
I have been using Shelleys No17 for yonks, ( my grass's are mostly the sir walter type buffalo) it may not be to many here's approval maybe BUT I find it works great ! just before Spring I buy my 20k bag and spread it around, I do some minor weeding here or there of the obvious large one that have turned up but by the time the grass has been invigorated it over grows the small weeds and my grass is lush as especially having had 2-3wks of rain here in Sydney.

Bent8, yer even though I have a Briggsy and rate it as long as you don't try to grab too much at first cut they are not a problem but I'll really consider a Honda next upgrade for me.

buggerlugs, if I have acreage ofcourse I would go ride on who wouldn't, my suburbia patch is 1250sq's incl house ofcourse and have split level areas - a push mower is the only go, besides I love being out there doing the job for I can't hear the Mrs's for starters and good excercise

383hq · 28-10-2018, 12:25 AM

Was interested in replacing my smoking 4 banger mower with an electric jigger
the go seems to be the 56 volt jobbies.
Once replacement battery prices were worked out at $3-$400, and I realised I could buy an entire mower for the price of a replacement battery, the interest in electrical jiggers reduced greatly

thanks for the heads up on the makita, might go check it out. its cheaper than a large EGO battery...

pottery beige · 28-10-2018, 01:28 AM

man dont do battery mower

hth

roddy1960 · 28-10-2018, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 383hq

Was interested in replacing my smoking 4 banger mower with an electric jigger
the go seems to be the 56 volt jobbies.
Once replacement battery prices were worked out at $3-$400, and I realised I could buy an entire mower for the price of a replacement battery, the interest in electrical jiggers reduced greatly

thanks for the heads up on the makita, might go check it out. its cheaper than a large EGO battery...

Only going on what the costs were for the 3Ah 18 volt Makita batteries though . The 4 Ah are probably more expensive and they'd be specific to Makita equipment .

I suppose the whole idea is that same batteries for a variety of equipment , a bit like combo power tools on a bigger scale . In the second clip link I posted it looks like Makita uses a new type of brushless motor too . Would be expensive to get into I expect but horses for courses it might make sense for some people .

Had a quick look on EBAY , have no idea whether any of these via this method would be okay for these brushless powered mowing tools but I know when one of our crew picked up two extra 18 v batteries a couple of months ago for our new drills and impact driver they were about $125 each .That's what he said anyway . Bunnings Warehouse I think it was . I think they're the 4 ah 18 v but they can be bought in 3,5, and 6 too .I believe the non genuine cheap 'suitable for Makita' versions are risky and might not be a great idea .

No rain today so I'll fire up my brand new Makita petrol mower for the first time . No worries with battery power there ..Cheers ,,

Fed · 28-10-2018, 11:23 AM

I still can't wipe the smile off my face after 12 Months.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-15...mower_p3381313

roddy1960 · 28-10-2018, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fed

I still can't wipe the smile off my face after 12 Months.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-15...mower_p3381313

Cool...Didn't even know Ozito did mowers til recently either. Their power tools aren't too bad either ..

**thefargo** · 28-10-2018, 04:32 PM

Masport mower here. Does a good job, seems tough enough. John Deere ride on for the bigger areas and Deutscher slasher mower for the hard stuff and stuff on sloping ground.

CoupeKing · 28-10-2018, 10:07 PM

Got a petrol mower from Aldi about 8-10 years ago that has a Briggs engine. Nothing has been touched in it...oil, spark plug or blades and starts first pull 90% of the time. I think it's governed because it pretty quiet compared to my neighbours mowers.

Mind you I don't have a massive area to cut, nor does it get over-used, but one thing is for sure, long wet grass/weeds clogs up in it because the extraction port is a small hole about the size of a large orange.

As of now I generally cut the grass every 2 weeks when it's dry and very rarely get more than one catcher full. Having talked it up, next time I go to start it it will probably blow up in my face and cause 3 house fires.

Until recently I was using a cordless Ryobi whipper snipper for about 6-7 years then something decided to go to sleep in the trigger mechanism, so I decided on a Ozito from Bunnings - $125.00 with a 5 year warranty. Only used it twice, so far it's alright. Not as balanced as the Ryobi and it spits-out a little more grass towards the operator but it's lighter and the battery life is far superior.

I would not recommend my set-up to anyone that plans to tidy up an area any larger than a small yard.

.:4:. · 28-10-2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoupeKing

Got a petrol mower from Aldi about 8-10 years ago that has a Briggs engine. Nothing has been touched in it...oil, spark plug or blades and starts first pull 90% of the time. I think it's governed because it pretty quiet compared to my neighbours mowers.

Mind you I don't have a massive area to cut, nor does it get over-used, but one thing is for sure, long wet grass/weeds clogs up in it because the extraction port is a small hole about the size of a large orange.

As of now I generally cut the grass every 2 weeks when it's dry and very rarely get more than one catcher full. Having talked it up, next time I go to start it it will probably blow up in my face and cause 3 house fires.

Until recently I was using a cordless Ryobi whipper snipper for about 6-7 years then something decided to go to sleep in the trigger mechanism, so I decided on a Ozito from Bunnings - $125.00 with a 5 year warranty. Only used it twice, so far it's alright. Not as balanced as the Ryobi and it spits-out a little more grass towards the operator but it's lighter and the battery life is far superior.

I would not recommend my set-up to anyone that plans to tidy up an area any larger than a small yard.

From years of experience with battery drills, often its a case of removing the trigger mechanism and taking the cover off and giving it a solid spray with contact cleaner. Its never going to be quite the same but something is always better then nothing. My angle towards battery power is you have to use it to maintain the batteries. If i go battery anything for me its makita. Reason being i have 3 5 amp makita batteries for my drill and 1 3amp that i use on the daily at work so they dont ever sit and are always charged like lithium ions like. So keeping batteries conditioned is important.

Sabantien · 02-11-2018, 09:18 PM

I bought my first ever lawn mower not too long ago. Previous houses I had flatmates with lawnmowers, then I spent probably 15+ years in flats, so never had a lawn.

Have never heard of Yard Force, but it looked to have the same motor as the more expensive mowers, my woman liked the colour, and sure, i'd like a bigger deck, but I don't have much of a lawn here, and it's nice and flat, so a little 4 stroke was pretty much ideal.

I think a battery powered job would have been the better option, but they were pricey, and I wasn't sure how good they are. I have to think no worse than what I got, which does the job, but this also cost far less.

roddy1960 · 02-11-2018, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabantien

I bought my first ever lawn mower not too long ago. Previous houses I had flatmates with lawnmowers, then I spent probably 15+ years in flats, so never had a lawn.

image

Have never heard of Yard Force, but it looked to have the same motor as the more expensive mowers, my woman liked the colour, and sure, i'd like a bigger deck, but I don't have much of a lawn here, and it's nice and flat, so a little 4 stroke was pretty much ideal.

I think a battery powered job would have been the better option, but they were pricey, and I wasn't sure how good they are. I have to think no worse than what I got, which does the job, but this also cost far less.

Looks pretty good ..actually is a nice colour and she's got the black wheels too. ..

Here's a Yard Force battery mower review if ever you consider getting one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSgHVe56o1M ..Not too bad either.. Prices wise the battery mowers are becoming somewhat comparable now depending on brand so for growing numbers they might be worth considering ..I know with other garden care items the battery equipment could be also worth considering . My one and only such item is a line trimmer . Will not go remotely close to doing the work my Jonsered brushcutter does but it's already great for snipping around the fence and little bushes and plants . Runs one 18 volt battery and up to 45 minutes of run time..plenty for my uses .

LG17 · 04-11-2018, 09:43 AM

The Ferris does look the part. They seem to be very well built.
The salesman tried to talk me into one when I bought my Husky.
The price was staggering in comparison.

roddy1960 · 04-11-2018, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LG17

The Ferris does look the part. They seem to be very well built.
The salesman tried to talk me into one when I bought my Husky.
The price was staggering in comparison.

Agreed on that ..The cheapest one looks like about 6-7 K . That's more than double of my Husqvarna ..Cost me $2900 about 7 years ago .

Like most manufacturers though Ferris would build mowers for either commercial or domestic uses so hence big differences in pricing .

One of the Husqvarna pro/semi pro mowers is this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4IluuLHzk

No doubt they're superseded by now .. Nice mower though. Vanguard is a great engine . seen them in operation more than once .

There is also a 23 Hp twin cylinder Kawasaki powered Z 248 now too and they go for about $6500 or so and this one also twin cylinder Kawasaki powered 560 .. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhp9cN8Ss6k ..

Nice stuff if you have the need and dosh for one ..

roddy1960 · 04-11-2018, 02:47 PM

For the manicured lawn crowd ..What about these

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFNbzRS9nY0 ..

Allett and Atco do similar stuff I think .

The Atco look more old school going by this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da1KAHwJdpU

The world will stop turning before my "lawn" will ever require one of these ..

mjrstar · 04-11-2018, 02:50 PM

I have a 26hp v-twin b+s powered husqvarna with the 48 inch fabricated deck. Heaps of grunt and quick mowing although I reckon the cutting finish with the 3 bladed deck is not quite as nice as the smaller 2 blade deck.

Maybe down to the blade length and therefore blade speed. Something to think about. Doesn't worry me as I'm mowing pretty much paddock not a manicured lawn.

NTF6 · 11-11-2018, 05:30 PM

I hate mowing!!

Ghiaman · 11-11-2018, 07:36 PM

MCPA or Kamba M should do the job.
You can get a 1 litre Amgrow from Bunnings with MCPA & Dicamba in it quite cheap. 10ml per litre. I usually go 15ml just to make sure.
Works well on any broad leaf stuff.
Obviously there is better stuff out there but you start paying big dollars for that.

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