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Replies

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  Dan Frazer Gardening March 28, 2010 at 9:09am

  I think Vikings are light and gaining a good reputation. Plus you can get a nice roller model. I don't think Honda are the lightest. Are you going to use a couple of planks of wood for a ramp? No need for lifting then.
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  Karen Holley March 28, 2010 at 9:46am

  Thanks Dan, I think the planks of wood is a good plan, I will take a look at Vikings models thanks
  
  Dan Frazer Gardening said:

  I think Vikings are light and gaining a good reputation. Plus you can get a nice roller model. I don't think Honda are the lightest. Are you going to use a couple of planks of wood for a ramp? No need for lifting then.
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  Richard@www.seasons-garden.co.uk March 28, 2010 at 9:50am

  Think you're likely to get a multitude of different opinions on which machine is best.
  How small is your van for starters? Check mower dimensions.
  How often will you use the mower?
  What's your budget?
  What size lawns do you cut? Determines cutting width
  Do you mow in the wet? If yes, then good pick up is essential.
  Do you require rear roller for stripes?
  
  Viking, Honda, Etesia, Hayter are arguably your best choices for regular commercial use.
  Buy from a reputable local dealer and haggle prices. Factor in servicing and check spares availability.
  I use Viking which are light and building up good reputation. They offer 12 month commercial warranty too which is very rare.
  Personally I'd make a set of ramps from scaffold boards - cut down if they won't fit in the van. Why risk putting your back out lifting it off the ground? Or you can get folding metal ramps for this for approx £100 all in.
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  GORDON March 28, 2010 at 12:53pm

  In addition to the advise given.
  If you require a larger and therefor often heavier mower then consider a mower with a blade brake. This enables the drive to be engaged without the blade rotating. With this you can safely use the drive only function to power the mower up the ramps. With the smaller/lighter mowers you should be able to push the mower up a ramp, remembering the longer the ramp the easier it will be to push. A bit obvious I know but it may save you cutting up a good plank only to realise the gradient is too steep.
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  Gary Orton March 28, 2010 at 1:30pm

  I have been really pleased with my Honda izy, its relatively light, never misses a beat, cuts well if you keep the blades sharp and I haven't spent a penny on it in nearly 5 years.
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  alan mcmillan March 28, 2010 at 8:35pm

  The viking is still quite heavy 33kg for the roller version..I went to collect one i ordered and it had engine problems..also had a lot of vibration..put me off it..you would like things to be perfect when your talking about that kind of money..around £600. I don't think there is a pro mower less than 33kgs..I have been looking for the perfect mower for me for a good while now..have got a stop gap mower to get going.
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  alan mcmillan March 28, 2010 at 8:37pm

  What one have you got Gary and how often do you use it?
  
  Gary Orton said:

  I have been really pleased with my Honda izy, its relatively light, never misses a beat, cuts well if you keep the blades sharp and I haven't spent a penny on it in nearly 5 years.
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  Classic Gardens March 28, 2010 at 9:51pm

  I would go for a hayter 48 and would buy a 2nd hand one for about £300
  
  There light,easy to use and the handles fold up.
  
  I cant comment on the vikings ive heard neither good or bad comments yet as like has been said they are a new machine.
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  Geoff Norfolk March 28, 2010 at 10:03pm

  If you're reasonably practical, which most gardeners etc are, you can easily replace all the wearable components in the gearbox for about £80....... at least thats what they cost for myKaaz which is virtually identical. You need to allow a couple of hours if you haven't done it before.
  Steve Kenyon The Garden Company said:

  honda i believe are ok if bought new , but be carefull on 2nd hand the gearboxes so i have been told are junk , and can be an expensive repair at £300
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  Geoff Norfolk March 28, 2010 at 10:05pm

  I've always been very satisfied with my Masport.... 18" wide, handles can be folded down very easily, rear roller and collects well in the wet. Very light to lift into a van as well.