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Go for Stihl Kombi system don't buy the km56 though poor quality drive shaft go for the km96. You can add attachments as needed and your business develops and as it splits its easy to transport.
The mower is trickier, generally the weight is a reflection of the quality of components, anything from Honda is first choice with Mountfield second. You get what you pay for ! And you will have no warranty for commercial use at the budget end of the market, stay away from the lesser known brands.
Hope that's of some help and good luck!@
Thank you so much Peter for the recommendations and advice. Really appreciated. I will look into your suggestions 🌝
Your'e welcome, one bit of further advice avoid buying online, build a relationship with a dealer. The issue buying from screwfix etc is that they insist that the mower is drained of fuel and oil if you return it.
Thanks Peter. Good advice 👍
As Peter says, Stihl Kombi Km94, we've got two that are 9 nine years old and one three years old and they all start within two or three pulls. Unbeatable in terms of value I think
The mower depends really on your budget and how much you will be using it. If your budget is very tight then I would recommend a screwfix Mountfield with a Honda engine, they are currently £400 I think. They are fairly light, the engine is good and it does the job. Wheels do tend to fall off at some point with heavy use and there is a lot of plastic on them however that is why they are so affordable. Also buying from screwfix means if you have any problems within 12 months just take it back
They are streets behind any commercial mower but it sounds like you are currently searching multiple avenues for your business not just mowing so spending £1500.00 on a commercial Honda may not be viable or sensible at the moment.
Hi Jake. Thanks so much for the advice and recommendations which I'll look into. Like you say, I likely won't be focusing solely on mowing but more actual garden maintenance and a bit of design. So I probably don't need a commercial grade mower as won't be doing a huge amount of mowing. Really appreciate your input 👍
I went for products recommended by this forum
Honda 537, Stihl multi tool 130, I can then buy attachments that are compatible with the electric engine also. It saves storage and honestly life changing. Also bought BG 87 HSA 80 or something like that hedge trimmer. I think I spent around around £4000 in total. I now also have the Stihl 540 scarifier and Husqvarna 325 tiller
Thanks for the recommendations which I'll look into 🙂
Congratulations on passing your RHS level exams Kirsty .
Are you using a car or van to run your business and transport your machinery ?
A car may restrict the size of mower you can carry and much harder to lift in and out of your vehicle
Honda Izy is a good investment and could last you many years but quite heavy to lift but great for transporting in a van .
One brand I have been using is a UK brand called Parker Brand I bought their smallest petrol mower Two seasons ago for a specific job which collects and mulches , it's not self propelled so no gearbox to go wrong or add weight , I can literally lift it above my head it's so light , very inexpensive , and parts are easy to order direct if needed , plus the company is based in the UK and incredibly approachable
Not had a single issue with the mower so far , It's not in daily use or tackles very overgrown lawns , I would not recommend it for this purpose but just including it as an option as it's light ,folds up neatly and very efficient for the price and reliable , the mulching facility is impressive without the need for seperate mulching plugs or chute bearing in mind I have used most brands of mowers over the years and it's not my only mower but It may be fit for your purpose occasional use until you need to upgrade but If you have the vehicle capacity and the budget go Honda Izy as they are amazing machines .
parker brand also do a larger self propelled mower and stock other petrol machinery .
The Stihl Kombi is very versatile as recommended and a good investment , Battery much nicer to use than petrol , The petrol ones I found need regular maintenance and running repairs sometimes when work is in progress as they age but even so have found them a great investment .
If your hedge trimming needs are occasional , light to medium use just check out GTech , I use these occasionally when I need to travel light to a specific location and find them superb and light in use ,super reliable and robust for the required task in hand but not for thick branches or hedge reductions unless it's privet and not laurel etc .
Hi John,
Thanks so much. The RHS courses were tough to get through due to one of the tutors leaving part way through etc, but pushed on and passed all 5 exams with flying colours.
Yes, I've been looking at the Honda izy and see they come highly recommended. I'm looking inparticular at the honda izy hrg 466 pk or sk. Can't decide if a push or self propelled model is best. Self propelled probably easier but more to go wrong. I've seen reasons for and against each from other people who use them professionally.
Did look at a Mountfield in screwfix with a honda engine that was suggested, but very mixed reviews saying it breaks easily. So think I'd rather invest in a honda. But I'll definitely take a look at Parker brand too 🙂
I have a kia sportage SUV car, so that's why I'd want something quite light.
Had a look at the stihl kombi and does look a good investment. Can't decide between battery or petrol though. I'd prefer battery I think but not sure if they're as powerful or how long the charge lasts per use?
Will most likely only be hedge trimming occasionally, so will take a look at gtech, alhough does the stihl kombi have the option of a hedge trimmer attachment?
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