The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: Bert on May 02, 2012, 05:35:49 pm

Title: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: Bert on May 02, 2012, 05:35:49 pm
O.K I need a new lawn mower.
 It must be easy to start ( I'm a short weedy runt  ;D )
 It must have self drive ( ground not very level )
 It must be able to mulch
 It must have the widest cut possible, and a good cut (if that makes sense) as it is for the grounds of a hotel.
Can't have a ride on, as it wont fit through any of the gates and there are lots of trees and flower beds in the way.
Money no object because it's not my money, but I will be the one using it most the time.
Any ideas? 
 
 
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: doganjo on May 02, 2012, 06:13:27 pm
Whatever you get don't get a Mountfield.  I have had nothing but trouble with my ride on mower since I bought it brand new just over a year ago.  If I'd thought about it soon enough I could have told Screwfix to take it back, but I didn't so I'm stuck with it.  Even the garden centre felt sorry for me last time and didn't charge a pick up fee.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: Bionic on May 02, 2012, 06:14:41 pm
OH has just bought a Honda. It has all of the features that you mentioned below and it must be easy to start as I could do it. .

I think it cost £1,000 so just as well that money is no object, but it does have a 7 year warranty.  Honda must be confident in their mowers if they are going to give that sort of warranty.

We have literally only just bought it (last week) so haven't even had the chance to use it yet as its been raining most of the time.
Sally
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: darkbrowneggs on May 03, 2012, 10:50:14 am
Next door had a Honda mower and abused it dreadfully for years and years and it still went.  I asked them what make it was got one and have used Honda ever since.  They are not cheap, but work well, and seem to be good starters.  Mine will even mow when the grass is wettish.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: chrismahon on May 03, 2012, 11:33:48 am
If money is no problem a Honda, or any with a Honda engine. If budget is tight any 18" cut with a 4 HP Briggs and Stratton engine -we've had our cheapie 12 years. Just service it properly, particularly the first oil change and keep the blade sharp and you should have no problems.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: MikeM on May 03, 2012, 11:56:39 am
you can't go wrong with a hayter. we used em when I was at horti college and if they can survive us they can survie anything (ours has even survived mrs M over filling it with oil becuase I said "have you checked the oil"  ::)). That said, honda are also rock solid.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: Bert on May 03, 2012, 05:50:08 pm
Thanks everybody, I think it will probably be another Honda.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: smudger on May 04, 2012, 09:40:58 am
Don't think you wil ever regret a Honda. However, husband did buy another make which allowed you to cut wet grass. Will find out what it is and repost.

Edit - its Rover, an Australian brand.
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: Mel on May 06, 2012, 10:32:27 pm
I have just purchased a vintage Hayter harrier off of the ebay for only £40.00,I think that is a bargain,self propelled and goes anywhere,it really chomps away at everything ;D I had considered a new one,but when I saw all plastic and such,I thought I would buy something ancient and made to last!
Title: Re: Lawn Mower Advice
Post by: simba on May 07, 2012, 11:19:08 am
i use for my contracts big honda  mowers they are about £1400 but are brill strong reliable variable speed and large grass boxes i would sugest not going for roller rears as they are tricky to turn in tight space and tend to tear the ground the hondas have a rubber strip on the back that gives the stripe effect also they can mulch if you want