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Depending obviously on the size of the lawns that you are intending to cut, with that budget, I would be looking for a used but well looked after older model Hayter Harrier 48 or 56, or a Honda equivalent like the Honda HR194/216.
I KNOW there are people on here that condemn Hayter's and hate them to the ends of the earth, however I use them for 90% of my mowing work - and yes, I was cutting in the rain with them last Tuesday and they still worked! Admittedly once they changed the design onto half width grass discharge, they are not so good - but thats another story.
Good ones can be found within your budget, in fact I sold a low hours, good condition, domestically used Harrier 56 last year for just £300. I would have kept it but I had two at the time and didn't need them both.
My advice would be to have a look around on Ebay, Gumtree etc or pop into your local mower shop and see if they have any part exchange machines to clear.
Thanks Adam, i'll have a look around, i'm a big fan of honda mowers and engines on the whole so will see what i can find.
Maybe bid up to 400 for this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-lawn-mower-HRH-sarp-/110840155456?p... and then go for a used etesia for a wheeled mower, like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ETESIA-PRO-51K-SELF-PROPELLED-21-COMMERCI...
You should get those for under 900 and they should be superb machines to use.
Thanks Dan, the Honda is collection only, I did look at that one but i'm in Cornwall. The Etesia looks promising though. I no it's probably junk but i'm looking at this one
http://www.gardenlines.co.uk/lawn-mowers/petrol-rear-roller/mccullo...
Would it do the job on some small to medium lawns?, or is it a waste of money?.
I'm afraid they are junk.
You really do get what you pay for.
If you want stripes a Honda pro is by far the best, i know they are outwith your budget but surely it's false economy to buy cheaper. Pay more and you will get many years of use, buy a Mcculloch and it may only last a season and you'll be in the same position next year.
Michael Bates said:
I think what has been said about buying second hand is sound advice.
But buying second hand and parting with your money without a thorough inspection and testing is to say the least very risky. When I first started using ebay someone said to me “only pay/buy what you can afford to lose” and in my opinion they were spot on.
I originate from North Cornwall and fully understand the problems with regard to collection but I have noted that items that come up for sale achieve a lower price due I suspect to the distances that can be involved with collection.
I know time is against you as the season is on its way but I would set up an ebay alert for say a 50 mile radius and keep your fingers crossed that a Hayter or Honda is listed.
Generally speaking I think you will find that Hayters have more of a chance to have been previously used only for domestic work as they were a firm favorate with the old school of people who took pride in their lawns.
Happy hunting .
Hmmm really good advice, thanks. I have a little honda Izy at the moment and although it copes with the amount of lawns I do it is getting old and as I have mentioned I would really like to produce a striped effect on the lawns. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and spend 6-£800 pounds on a new honda roller mower?. I have a couple of questions regarding roller mowers.
- are they terrible on anything but dry grass?
- can you still mow on rougher grass without the grass box?
- how tough are the rollers when moving them around on hard surfaces?
Certainly not terrible on anything but dry grass.
I use mine on rougher grass with and without grass box.
Rollers are tough.
I have a couple of these.
http://www.mowers-online.co.uk/Lawn-Care---Garden-Care/Lawnmowers/P...
Older one now in 4th season and it does get alot of work.
Worth going for the pro as they have tougher decks, handles etc. You should be able to get one second hand within your budget, just be beware of the Honda copies, lawnflite etc, they may look similar but believe me they are not as I found out to my cost.
Good luck.
Michael Bates said:
agree!
Gary Hedges said:
I use the Kaaz version of the Honda. All the important bits are the same, engine and drivetrain, but the body is better. Handles are not as good, but apart from one that was replaced under warranty perfectly useable. They are about £300 less than the Honda, so about the price of a used Honda in decent condition. The Honda Pro is just a parcel of Honda parts assembled in France, there's no reason not to go for the same engine/drive combo from another proven manufacturer.
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