What lawnmower d'ya reckon?

[ynot slow]

Have a self propelled mower,although self propel not working,but has 21" cutting width,bloody good,has honda motor.

Whan working with MAF years ago,we used mowers to trim plots for research,had victa 2 strokes due to paddock grass and uneven surfaces,they were ok,the 4 strokes were good,but typical govt dept,once they bought industrial mowers they lasted well,much longer than standard domestic mowers,but about 40% expensive at the time.

[TimeOut]

Daughter bought a cheapie from mitre 10, thought there was oil in it
The next time I was down (after it had done quite a few hours work) I decided to give it an oil change, about 50ml came out
The good old B&S is still going three years on

[SMOKEU]

Don't buy a second hand mower, they're more trouble then they're worth. I've had about 5 B&S engines, and every one of them has given me trouble. Everything from the starter mechanism falling apart, to the throttle spring breaking. They never seem to go for more than a few months without something breaking. Get a Honda engine on your next mower.

[banditrider]

[youtube]BWmozLhuuXo[/youtube]

[lb99]

I just got a cheapo victa from mitre 10 mega, 500 bucks. motor a 4 stroke honda copy, cast iron bore, only a steel body though apparently powdercoated so we'll see how it goes.
last one was a 5hp morrison, alloy body, mulch function, ball bearing wheels. cost 900 from memory. was supposed to last 20yrs, it was rooted by age 8....I am over B&S mower motors, honda are so much better.

[Max Preload]

Don't buy a second hand mower, they're more trouble then they're worth. I've had about 5 B&S engines, and every one of them has given me trouble. Everything from the starter mechanism falling apart, to the throttle spring breaking. They never seem to go for more than a few months without something breaking. Get a Honda engine on your next mower.

There's one common factor in your experiences. You.

I shall post a photograph of my B&S powered mower tomorrow. If I remember.

[SVboy]

I suggest a Lawnmaster rotary with Briggs&Stratton motor{the baseline model}. Why? 1/aaloy body, bb wheels, steel quadrant height control and the ONLY mower still made in nz!! Plastic catcher is ok, not brilliant. Masports nor Morrison are made in nz any more. The basic B&S is an ok motor ONLY if you change the oil every 4-5 hours of use and service the air filter. If you want to spend more-get a model with a B&S industrial motor as these have a cast iron bore and better air cleaner.

[SMOKEU]

There's one common factor in your experiences. You.

I shall post a photograph of my B&S powered mower tomorrow. If I remember.

The other common factor is that they're all made by the same company.

[Winston001]

Lots of good advice guys, thankyou. I'm not looking for a second-hand mower although there is a self-driven Honda on TM locally. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living...-327597059.htm Seems a bit dear for 10 years old.

I really like reel mowers and have an old 600mm Masport which hasn't been used for a couple of years. The trouble is you need simple large lawns whereas most of the lawn I have is small pieces, curved edges, with plants. A lot of effort is required simply turning the thing around and avoiding shrubs etc.

I also think going to a dealer is wise because he has to be interested in supporting the sale, as compared with Mitre 10, Warehouse etc. Off to the Stihl shop.

[T.W.R]

MTD Yard machine, B & S 18hp boxer twin with 42in cut sounds the shizz with 8in long headers dumping into a rotted out muffler

Seriously though don't skimp on size, big lawn = big motor, most lawn mower motors are designed for short run periods not prolonged running

[Max Preload]

The other common factor is that they're all made by the same company.

That has a good reputation, for good reason. How's yours?

[davebullet]

I bought a new Victa 2 stroke, alloy body, mulching attachment etc brand new in 2002. Given me no trouble. Seems to have lots of grunt.
Might be worth a look

I second this.

I have a victa "mustang" 2 stroke - circa 1992 from memory. Alloy body and low height motor (so it fits under bushes quite easily).

Loads of torque. It goes where 4 strokes fear to tread.

It has a certain knack to it to get it to start... but once you get into the rhythym (and always run the carb dry after using the mower so you don't risk plug fowling next time you start with any oil / fuel separation issues) - she starts every time.

[spookytooth]

i use and recomend roundup .Spray the lawn twice a year "Done"

[far queue]

Here you go - it's available locally to you, and it's even got handlebars

[cs363]

I second this.

I have a victa "mustang" 2 stroke - circa 1992 from memory. Alloy body and low height motor (so it fits under bushes quite easily).

Loads of torque. It goes where 4 strokes fear to tread.

It has a certain knack to it to get it to start... but once you get into the rhythym (and always run the carb dry after using the mower so you don't risk plug fowling next time you start with any oil / fuel separation issues) - she starts every time.

And I'll third it - bought a new Victa Mustang 4 stroke about 18 months ago, it's a mulch or catch model with alloy body/19" cut. Bit pricey (around $800) but the price is long forgotten, as it starts first pop everythime and makes short work of the lawns, even if I've left them way too long...