MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: cruisindub on May 27, 2012, 09:03:40 PM
-
Hi swaggers,
Need to buy my first lawn mower. (Can't keep borrowing my brothers, he always wants it back everytime ;D)
So i have seen bunnings have lawn mowers from. 240$ to over 600$
So how much do I have to spend to get something decent and at a good price?
What makes a good lawn mower? What must I look out for?
Hopefully don't want to spend a huge amount. But don't want to buy a lemon.
Cheers.
-
What makes a good lawn mower?
Briggs & Stratton motor. I recently serviced a Rover mower with a Briggs & Stratton motor my Grandfather gave to my Father almost 30 years ago. I had neglected it and it was a bit sad however with some new oil, spark plug, blades, air filter and a carby clean it is running like a Swiss watch.
-
Briggs & Stratton motor. I recently serviced a Rover mower with a Briggs & Stratton motor my Grandfather gave to my Father almost 30 years ago. I had neglected it and it was a bit sad however with some new oil, blades, air filter and a carby clean it is running like a Swiss watch.
As above or if so inclined buy a Honda. Mine hasnt missed a beat.
Wayne
-
These days look at the quality and materials in the deck. A lot of them these days are thin pressed tin. When the paint gets damaged underneath (sticks, rocks etc) they rust pretty quickly and can also split. Stay away from lots of plastic bits also as they are hard to fix. Look for a alloy or quality steel deck, also a steel rear door (to the catcher) if posible. A briggs and straton motor is fine (so are Honda's and Kohlars etc) and easy to get parts for.
Keep it simple. Depending on your block (hills) you may want to consider a self propelled one also (more $$$).
Regards
Jas
-
I was going to buy this until I got the Rover going, 3 in 1 and Honda motor.
http://www.klika.com.au/husqvarna-lawn-mower-160cc-honda-4-stroke-7021p.html (http://www.klika.com.au/husqvarna-lawn-mower-160cc-honda-4-stroke-7021p.html)
(http://www.klika.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/u/husq_7021p_cm2_1.jpg)
-
where do you live
-
where do you live
Albany, south west WA.
Cheers.
-
http://www.klika.com.au/husqvarna-lawn-mower-160cc-honda-4-stroke-7021p.html (http://www.klika.com.au/husqvarna-lawn-mower-160cc-honda-4-stroke-7021p.html)
(http://www.klika.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/u/husq_7021p_cm2_1.jpg)
These have a thin pressed base. I have a Viking made by Stihl with the alloy deck. I think some model Huskies also have a cast base/deck.
-
These have a thin pressed base. I have a Viking made by Stihl with the alloy deck. I think some model Huskies also have a cast base/deck.
Just as well I got the Rover going and didn't buy it then :)
-
Just as well I got the Rover going and didn't buy it then :)
By the sound of the Rover mate you may be able to hand it down to your kids.
Regards
jas
-
Honda is all ill say, I was given my parents Honda mower that they bought new in 87 they upgraded to a new model 8yrs ago and I think I'll still have it in another 8yrs starts first pull every time.
I also have a Honda blower and Weedwhacker all 4stroke :cup: no more mixing fuel
Nick
-
My 3 choices would be.
1 Honda
2 Honda
3 Honda
I bought a Honda 5 HP self propelled 16 years ago to replace a ride on. It's slashed both the mountain properties I have owned in that time and still going, it is used as an ordinary mower as well every week in summer and I have only ever replaced the blades once and both rear wheels are bald from use. It is the best garden thing I ever bought yes it was expensive once.
-
Hi swaggers,
Need to buy my first lawn mower. (Can't keep borrowing my brothers, he always wants it back everytime ;D)
So i have seen bunnings have lawn mowers from. 240$ to over 600$
So how much do I have to spend to get something decent and at a good price?
What makes a good lawn mower? What must I look out for?
Hopefully don't want to spend a huge amount. But don't want to buy a lemon.
Cheers.
Honda, as others have said. Providing budget allows of course.
More importantly, steer clear of Bunnings type places and go to a proper mower shop. You might save 20-$50 at Bunnings, but a mower shop will sell it to you fully assembled and shop tested. Also alot less hassle if something does go wrong down the track and it needs to be sent back.
-
http://www.deere.com/en_AU/brochure/turf/homeowner/jx90_brochure.pdf (http://www.deere.com/en_AU/brochure/turf/homeowner/jx90_brochure.pdf)
15year Deck warranty.
Cheers!!
-
Nothing wrong with the old Victa. Been going for years. Not a big brand name, but OK.
-
Oh, okay, you mean the mechanical kind. We have plenty of lawn mowers here at Lake Gregory, and we do not even put saddles on them very often.... ;D
Tjupurula
-
Is this the mower you want to pay for or do you want to use it as well . As a contractor l use Honda . Currently my main mower is a 3 speed 21in cut mulch/catcher . a very handy bit of kit .This will last me 2 years then it will start to give me strife . ln that time it will have 20 or more sets of blades , handle bars , wheels , oil , air cleaners & possibly do in a week what you might do in a year .
Buy quality once . lf it goes paired shaped you can sell it back to the mower shop that can best service to for you . My gear costs $1500 a go , but it goes when it has to & thats all l want . OR get a pro to cut your lawn & go camping instead :cheers:
-
A victa 2 stroke is the simplest and you can service it yourself. If it stops working for some reason you can get it going yourself with new parts for less than the cost of a service call.
Just walk into bunnings and get an aircleaner, spark plug, pull start, carb needle and a top crankcase seal for like $25.00 and you have the lot to have it back to new.
Watch the frame on anything with a generic engine (briggs and stratton or victa) thats cheap as sometimes they are crap.
-
I have a 4 stroke Rover.
It has a briggs and stratton engine I do believe.
Its has a catcher but can also mulch.
I went 4 stroke because I hate 2 stroke lawn mowers. Me and 2 strokes never get along.
I also went with the mulcher because I cant be bothered to empty the catcher, and to be honest when it is in mulcher mode and I mow the grass regularly you really dont see the cuttings.
Very easy to start and a very sturdy deck.
We have had it a little over 2 years now (I think) and it still runs and cuts great...
Bill and Morag
-
Another vote for Honda. I've got one of these.
http://www.lawnmowers.com.au/Domestic_Lawn_Mowers/HRU19M1 (http://www.lawnmowers.com.au/Domestic_Lawn_Mowers/HRU19M1)
Honda with Aluminium deck and the mulching capacity - Expensive but absolutely Brillant :cup:
-
Another vote for Honda.
Yes they are more expensive, but will last you forever and be a pleasure to use. I have two large blocks to mow and I was lucky enough to find a second hand, but near new commercial Honda mower for the same price I would have paid for a mid-spec Bunnings mower. Gets a regular work out, but hasn't missed a beat.
-
You should ask the wife witch one she prefers ;D
-
We have a Victa with a Honda engine - chosen because of the width of the grass discharge into the catcher. Our previous mower (with a Briggs & Stratton engine) had a small discharge area which clogged up regularly if the grass was long or damp.
-
I've got a Victa 300, with a Briggs & Stratton 3.75hp motor. I bought it 12 years ago, so it has done somehere around 400 lawns (I love my lawn). It recently needed a diaphram replaced in the carby and has a hole in the deck now that will be terminal in the next two years. I've changed the oil twice, not therough neglect but just because the oil was perfect every time I checked it, as golden as it went in. I've also changed the blades twice, have a new set waiting. For less than $500, this has given me grand service. However, 3.75HP has never felt enough, I'd get a 5HP next time. I'd also like a Honda if possible, they are the best around.
-
Victa 4 stroke job for me.
You should ask the wife witch one she prefers ;D
The 'wife witch'... I like your style Gibbo. Sub-conscious mis spelling...? I think not ;D ;D
LJ
-
Got a Honda 19" bought new 1988 still going like a dream
-
We hired mowers from a mower shop for a while when the old one died. The guys in the hire shop wouldn't use anything but Honda, because it copes with mistreatment and just keeps on going.
So we bought a Honda and it hasn't had any problems.
-
Is this the mower you want to pay for or do you want to use it as well . As a contractor l use Honda . Currently my main mower is a 3 speed 21in cut mulch/catcher . a very handy bit of kit .This will last me 2 years then it will start to give me strife . ln that time it will have 20 or more sets of blades , handle bars , wheels , oil , air cleaners & possibly do in a week what you might do in a year .
Buy quality once . lf it goes paired shaped you can sell it back to the mower shop that can best service to for you . My gear costs $1500 a go , but it goes when it has to & thats all l want . OR get a pro to cut your lawn & go camping instead :cheers:
Yep.
2 years out of the honda self prop.
The motors still go great, but the rest of it starts to fall apart after 5000 or so lawns.
The high end Rovers now run their own built motor. They've gone away from the B&S.
The B&S motors would usually do about 16 months before needing major work.
If you do go for something with a Honda motor, make sure the motor is genuine.
Rod
.
-
Have a 12 year old Honda. Still runs perfectly and no rust in the base. Never been washed below, give it the occasional brush.
The usual story: If it doesnt start in 2 pulls, either:
Ive put the wrong fuel in (2 stroke mixed in - doesnt like that at all)
The plug is cactus (happens very rarely)
The air filter needs cleaning - sorry, wrong, the air filter is full of dust & cr&p (thats about the only issue I have with it, newer ones have a better filter)
I think it cost just over $500 when new. Money well spent, it should last me another 10 years I reckon.
-
Old school Briggs and Stratton where the best, 4 stroke, I have one still going from 1988
The new ones are hopeless
I have 2 Honda mowers, they never stop, but there only as good as the deck there attached too
I have 6 Honda engines running around our property now, I've had one pump which was under flood water for 3 weeks, new filters and oil, fresh feul, bit of cleaning, started first pull
-
I have 2 Honda mowers, they never stop, but there only as good as the deck there attached too
Agree completely,
Our prevous mower was a Honda Engined Victa commando. The deck lasted somewhere between 8 and 10 years. Thats when we brought the full Honda Deal.
-
Honda
-
i have a victa pro mulch ....has the Honda 5hp motor and hasn't had an issue since i bought it in 1999. i even have it serviced every couple of years....
-
Go the Honda , mine is 18 years old , still goes first pull .If stitting for a while drain stale fuel and with new fuel first pull always a goer .it is worth spending the extra money on them.
Cheers Homerj
-
Get something with 4 blades.
I have a 12 year old victa with a B & S. THe motor still kicks over first go, even after more poor....really poor levels of servicing. But in only has two blades..........can you swap them to 4 blades.........
-
Nothing wrong with the old Victa. Been going for years. Not a big brand name, but OK.
I just got my pop's old victa out of his shed yesterday - its 30 years old and hasn't been started since he died 3 years ago. Started 1st go. surprised me given how old the fuel is, just sitting in the tank all that time.
-
Thanks swaggers.
(As always) really helpful advice and information. Some great help, not only on engines, but equally importnant points such as the deck quality,discharge size and even blade info.
Even had a super generous offer from a swagger offering me his old mower. Lots of thanks.
So, a couple more questions.
2 or 5 bladed mower? Or doesn't matter?
Also how often should I mow the lawn.?
( I seeded it myself, so I'm quite proud of it) I have the greenest lawn in the street. The fertilizer I put on was awesome.!
Cheers.
-
I think most mulching mowers, like my Honda, have only a two blade single bar set up.
Mow whenever SHMBO complains, or you cant find the dog in the yard!!
:cheers:
-
So, a couple more questions.
2 or 5 bladed mower? Or doesn't matter?
They come in 5 blades now? They sound like razors...
Also how often should I mow the lawn.?
I use the scientific approach of 'length'. If it looks long I cut it. ;D
LJ
-
Steer clear of pressed steel body and go for cast. Will last longer than the motor.
-
Also how often should SHE mow the lawn.?
Cheers.
There you go all fixed :D
-
Honda, as others have said. Providing budget allows of course.
More importantly, steer clear of Bunnings type places and go to a proper mower shop. You might save 20-$50 at Bunnings, but a mower shop will sell it to you fully assembled and shop tested. Also alot less hassle if something does go wrong down the track and it needs to be sent back.
Understand where you are coming from and depends on what you can afford - Honda is better than B&S, but either are miles better than any non-branded Chinese motor - wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.
As far as Bunnings is concerned, they have the advantage of a first month replacement warranty on top of the standard manufacturers 2 year repair warranty - this applies to most power garden and tool shop items and is a Bunnings initiative regardless of the manufacturer. They are also open all weekend so if something does go wrong, you can drop it off at any time. As for building the machine, only a few bolts for the handle, clip the catcher together and fill with oil - not that difficult.
Paul
-
Another ex contractor (Jims Mowing) here backing the Honda self propelled mulch/catch. Starts first time every time and I've still got one for home use and can do my lawn in 5 minutes..
A couple of extra points to consider. What kinda grass you got and what weather do you experience? If you've got 2 inch thick Buffalo that grows 3 feet a week in summer and is always damp from dew or rain (Sydney northern suburbs anyone?), and you can only get out to mow it once a month, spend $1500 on a decent mower with a powerful motor coz you won't get through it with anything else. If you've got wispy nothing and you're mowing dust, you won't need as much power as you won't be using it much, but get something with good air filters. If you've got a big block, any slope or thick grass, get self propelled-you'll notice the difference. Just remember one of the reasons they are self propelled is 'coz they're heavy, something else to remember if you have to drag it up stairs or anything.
Whatever you get just remember to service it regularly, they're pretty easy. Change the oil, blow out the air filter (clean the oiled foam outer if its got one) and change the blades.
BTW, 4 stroke all the way for a mower, 2 stroke for whipper, blower etc.
-
I think most mulching mowers, like my Honda, have only a two blade single bar set up.
My mulching mower is a 4 blade, and you should mow in a certain direction to mulch properly to maximise the shape of the body...so the instructions say...not that I read instructions
-
Understand where you are coming from and depends on what you can afford - Honda is better than B&S, but either are miles better than any non-branded Chinese motor - wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.
As far as Bunnings is concerned, they have the advantage of a first month replacement warranty on top of the standard manufacturers 2 year repair warranty - this applies to most power garden and tool shop items and is a Bunnings initiative regardless of the manufacturer. They are also open all weekend so if something does go wrong, you can drop it off at any time.
So if in the 1st month the item is found to be faulty do Bunnings need to send the faulty item away to the manufacture for a decision on replacement, or do they make a decision and replace the item right there and then at the returns counter?
-
So if in the 1st month the item is found to be faulty do Bunnings need to send the faulty item away to the manufacture for a decision on replacement, or do they make a decision and replace the item right there and then at the returns counter?
Assuming that the product does not show signs of misuse, then they swap it straight away and they send it back to the manufacturer for a credit - however, if the product has been misused, eg, too much oil in a mower, or a DIY tool used by a tradie, then either the warranty is voided, or the other 2 options are to send it to an authorised repairer for consideration, or leave it at the store for the rep to assess on their next visit, usually every 2 weeks. (this policy only came into effect a few months ago).
Paul
-
Ha Ha now we're getting picky.
I did live at a place in Greenbank once and the grass was super fine couch, setting 1 on the Honda burnt it and setting 2 didn't touch it so I got (and still have) an old Victa utility because it had a finer height adjustment.
I now only use the Victa if I have topdressed or seeded because it's blades are thin and flat and can be sharpened like a knife to cut brand new grass, and there's no suction to lift the top dressing cos the Honda's suction is so good it even pulls wet grass right into the back of the catcher.
-
Another Honda voter here.
Mulching mowers are the best thing since sliced grass :)
-
Another Honda voter here.
Mulching mowers are the best thing since sliced grass :)
Yep. In the last 5 years of owning the Honda mulching mower, Ive probably only used the catcher once or twice.
-
After great swagging advice, I bought a basic 'all power' brand lawnmower with a kohler engine 150cc.
After using this, over my brother old rusty mower,I learnt a few tips.
4 blade over 2.
large wheels.
mulching capacity.
Self propelled
Quality deck.
Large cutting area, 18-19"
Power start
Large high sided fuel filler
Quality catcher
high powered engine.(preferably Honda!)
fine cutting blades.
fine height adjustment.
I learnt that after buying my new one, Somme good choices, some not so.
Has large wheels, good catcher, four blade mulch, high large filler fuel, 18".
Wish I had got a larger engine, its always quite damp down south here, number of times the mower struggled with wet grass, I was knackered after 3 hours pushing a heavy mower, the fuel filler is easy, mulch function works good, power start would ease frustration whb it doesn't start first pull.
Oh yeah
Stopped mowing when ran out of fuel,dent finish the last front corner of house. Got pissed of when it wouldn't start after I proudly tried to show the wife our new purchase after she finished work last night. Cheekily the wife innocentty asked if it had fuel. I slunk away not commenting anymore. Didn't spend a huge amount.
Oh yeah, like general consensus of CTs, don't dismiss quality built second hand ones, over cheaper new ones around same price.could have bought everything above second hand, for a little less than my cheaper new one. I bought new, wish I had bought the quality second hand one.
Cheers
(Sorry for waffling)
-
Steer clear of pressed steel body and go for cast. Will last longer than the motor.
agree - i have an old rover cast deck and when the original motor died 9 years ago i put a new briggs and straton motor on it and still runs like a dream - i think ? - as my 12 year old daughter has taken over the mowing chores as i need to sit back and watch her whilst having a beer
-
I've got a Flymo with cast deck & B&S motor that is 14 years old this year. Cost me around $600 back then & is still going strong. Gets serviced at Tax time & Christmas. Good oil, sharp blades & I always let it warm up before giving it the berries.
Cheers, Mike.
-
As far as Bunnings is concerned, they have the advantage of a first month replacement warranty on top of the standard manufacturers 2 year repair warranty - this applies to most power garden and tool shop items and is a Bunnings initiative regardless of the manufacturer.
The biggest problem with Bunnings type places is when something does go wrong, they have to send it off to a repairer or back to the manufacturer. Which usally means a loooong wait. 99% of mower power/outdoor shops do all repairs in house, so If you have a problem it can get sorted then and there if minor or at least a 1/4 of the time Bunnings could.
They are also open all weekend so if something does go wrong, you can drop it off at any time. As for building the machine, only a few bolts for the handle, clip the catcher together and fill with oil - not that difficult.
Not difficult at all, just becomes a pain after its all assembled and filled full of fluids you discover it won't start and you have to return it. At least at a proper shop it's been assembled and started before its left the shop.
Sorry if I sound anti Bunnings, but as a tradie I've found the little extra you pay in the begining can save allot of time, money and grief down the track.
-
the little extra you pay in the beginning can save allot of time, money and grief down the track.
Agreed, I paid $600 dollars for a Masport with 6 HP B&S motor, cast body. It was fully assembled and came with a free service at 6 months. About 10 years old now and starts first time every time.
Two stroke carbies tend to clog up with carbon after a few years and progressively get harder to start, can't beat a good quality 4 stroke. 2 stroke motors are typically cheaper and invariably go hand in hand with the pressed steel deck.
-
Hi,
about 15 years ago my old mower died and I couldn't afford a good quality new one.
I knew one neighbour had a very old one, and another neighbour had an old victa that he used to cart off to mow the grass at his shack every so often.
I priced a new Greens professional mower (about $600 at the time) and put the idea of sharing the mower in thirds to the other neighbours.
Our sharing works well, but it may not do so for others.
I do the servicing every year, neighbour A pays for all the parts, and neighbour B stores the mower in his shed.
We each clean and refuel the mower after use.
Recently neighbour B sold his house, the real estate agent explained to a prospective purchaser that the mower in the shed went with the property, but as a one third share.
It was the mower sharing idea that clinched the house sale.
cheers
-
John Deer,
Can drink and drive not get busted.....
-
Question for all the Honda owners. I see the new Honda mowers stop the motor and blades if you take your hand off the handle. I can understand stopping the blades but the motor? Looks like you have to buy the top of the line HRU196M1 to not have the motor stop. Thoughts...
-
Question for all the Honda owners. I see the new Honda mowers stop the motor and blades if you take your hand off the handle. I can understand stopping the blades but the motor? Looks like you have to buy the top of the line HRU196M1 to not have the motor stop. Thoughts...
Cable ties.
Rod
.
-
Nice idea
How do you start it if you need to be holding the handle to make the engine run?
-
I haven't seen the Honda's with the motor stop handle. Blade stop yes but not motor.
Then again, I haven't been in a Honda shop in nearly 2 years.
It's like buying a car and dealer servicing. I buy the mower from the dealer but have a very good small engine bloke who does all the servicing and supplies the consumables. And not at ridicules prices.
Another couple of months and I will be at the dealers for a new mower. The current one is close to cactus.
Has anyone used the new self propelled 22" Rover? Looks the goods and not a B&S motor.
Half the price of the Honda. So if I get 12 months out of it I will be ahead.
The Rovers always did a better cut than the Hondas
Rod
.
-
I'm selling this little gem of a mower.
$1,000 or any offer.
1994 Murray, about 550 HP, massive 4 foot cutting deck. Does use a little bit of oil from time to time, but does a mow job that would put a horn on a jellyfish.
Oh, and there is never any mossies or flys around when you mow either.
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Picture035.jpg)
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Picture036.jpg)
-
So how do you know where you've cut?
-
I invented crop circles. :D
-
lm in could you send a clearer pic the lens seem a bit foggy , or is it trying to cover a defect of some type >:D
With the 550HP cun it wheel stand off the standing mark ??? :cheers: