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Replies

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  Dan Frazer Gardening January 14, 2012 at 3:05pm

  I have a used 53 that needed a few parts in the control system but it's great since being checked over. It's a big solid heavy machine, maybe not the best if you do gardens under 100m2 all the time. You can't realistically lift it but this forces you to devise methods of using ramps if needed and saves you straining your back as a result. I don't have a season of use to give an idea what it's like in practice, but I know the viking to be quite plasticky in comparison.

  I would suggest the viking if you need something lighter and only plan to keep it 2-3 years, or the etesia if you want a machine potentially for the next ten. Be prepared to pay £1000-1200 for a decent used one.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt January 14, 2012 at 6:25pm

  I bought a pro 53 last year and have been so impressed I plan to buy 2 more etesias this year.
  Build quality is excellent, drive is solid, easily controlled as Paul says with one hand therefore effortless for a large machine.  Mulching is superb even in wet; mulching blade obviously chops finer for better results. Would recommend forking out for new if you can afford, will last years unless you'd plan on trading in.
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  warburton-mcdonald January 15, 2012 at 3:32pm

  Thanks for the replys,can't really justify £2500 on a mower that will only be used on maybe 1/3 of jobs but will try a used one.

  Our main mower is a Honda HRH/QX best roller mower IMO.
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  Gary Hedges January 15, 2012 at 4:25pm

  Agree with you, great mowers.
  
  warburton-mcdonald said:

  Thanks for the replys,can't really justify £2500 on a mower that will only be used on maybe 1/3 of jobs but will try a used one.

  Our main mower is a Honda HRH/QX best roller mower IMO.
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  warburton-mcdonald January 15, 2012 at 6:25pm

  Hi Jez

  The mower will be used on blocks of rented flats so a striped finish is not so important .
  
  Jez @ Hedges and Lawns said:

  I had a pro 53 demo last year.  Whilst the machine was impressive and well built i just couldn't see how it would fit in to our business. 

  It was too heavy and not maneuverable enough to use instead of the smaller four wheeler honda hrx on those lawns where access is a problem lawns and the finish was not good enough to replace the honda hrd roller mower on the majority of lawns. At the other extreme although it could be used as a ride on replacement the finish was not as good and it was not as quick or efficient as the zero turn walker, but then it is still a few thousand cheeper than that. 

  Nevertheless there were some jobs, larger areas not really suited to a ride on and not demanding a perfect finish, more extensive landscape than lawns, where it would have been ideal and better then any alternatives but these only account for a handful of our business, however if you have a lot of these type of jobs then it would definately be ideal and worth considering.
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  warburton-mcdonald January 26, 2012 at 6:59pm

  Does anybody have or know of a used pro 53 for sale?.

  Thanks Tony
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk January 26, 2012 at 7:11pm

  i have pro k1K       it was great for commercials a year ago ,  took no time to mow  with or without box on.

  solid , great kawasaki engine , and good on fuel (very),  grass box got full too :)

  i paid £330 second hand , but was a bargain i know.