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Replies

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  Chris Auld January 13, 2012 at 7:23am

  the general consenus is that the newer ones are of a poorer build quality than the older models. I think they now use cheaper parts to keep production costs down, therefore resulting in less reliable machines. I think Adam Pilgrim uses them, he would probably know more.
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  Alasdair @ TheGardenService Ltd January 13, 2012 at 9:02am

  Hi Gavin

  I always have a 48 pro, I have run one of the silver ones for two years and am about to replace it with another new one. I cant seem to find a better 19" machine. It has limitations like all machines (they are a little slow) and aint great in the wet but what can you do? Until I can find another 19" machine with a bit of weight that provides great stripe, I will continue to run these machines - any recommendations welcome!!

  Genarally I use 21 " Honda HRH Pro's - The best machines by far in my opinion (the build quality of the true Hondas is superior to the rebranded Sarps, Lawnflites etc)

  19" Hayter harrier pro's

  Etesias, push 18" for rough areas

  Rover 22" for rough areas
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  Adam Pilgrim January 13, 2012 at 9:48am

  Hi Gavin, mowers split everyone like chalk and cheese!

  Chris Auld is right, I do use Hayters - indeed I have 2 19" Harrier 48's and a 22" Harrier 56 (among other Hayter products) - at least one of these is used everyday, as many of my lawns require a striped effect.

  HOWEVER, all mine are the older type models, before they changed to 'half' width discharge into the grass bag, the plastic gearbox and all the plastic underneath.

  I have used a newer model with the half width discharge (a 2006 model) - the cut quality is STILL very good, but the collection wasn't as good - the grass box is also smaller than the old machine.

  Then again it may be unfair to judge as this was a standard machine whereas all mine have had slight tweaks to improve them a little - they are all I have used whilst I have been in business, so I know what I need from a machine.

  If they have made the drive slower on the new models, then I personally would find this annoying as some of my lawns are quite large and any extra time spent cutting could upset my schedule.....

  If you are cutting fine lawns on a regular (weekly) basis, then you may well find that your 48 PRO works fine as it is.
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  steve loftus January 13, 2012 at 1:19pm

  be aware of a magnesium type alloy bracket that supports the gearbox/pulleys  at rear of machine,these can fracture if machine is dropped out of a van etc,its amazingly only a £6 part,but a pain to fit,symtoms of a cracked bracket are poor drive,asthe bracket moves instead of putting tension on the belt. try the masport mowers,cheaper and just as good as the 48
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk January 13, 2012 at 2:10pm

  mine is fine nearly 2 yrs old. i bought it last summer secondhand (1 yr old)

  ask graeme (BGS) for the tech changes / yr      as i thought this one ( i Have )  was all sorted again .  ie it was the previous one that had problems.
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  Select Gardens January 13, 2012 at 3:42pm

  The new silver ones (couple of years old now) are much improved, we use 56 pro and just about to buy another 2. Hondas are Sllllooooooowwww
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  gavin yerrell January 13, 2012 at 5:08pm

  thanks for the reply chris,ive always had the older hayters both 48 and 56 models,both reliable,know what you mean about the cost cutting on the parts,the new one does have a less solid look about it,will test it this weekend,lets hope its not too snail like on the drive !
   
  Chris Auld said:

  the general consenus is that the newer ones are of a poorer build quality than the older models. I think they now use cheaper parts to keep production costs down, therefore resulting in less reliable machines. I think Adam Pilgrim uses them, he would probably know more.
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  gavin yerrell January 13, 2012 at 5:11pm

  nice one steve,ill be sure to look out for those faults,better not drop it then! :o)
   
  steve loftus said:

  be aware of a magnesium type alloy bracket that supports the gearbox/pulleys  at rear of machine,these can fracture if machine is dropped out of a van etc,its amazingly only a £6 part,but a pain to fit,symtoms of a cracked bracket are poor drive,asthe bracket moves instead of putting tension on the belt. try the masport mowers,cheaper and just as good as the 48
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  gavin yerrell January 13, 2012 at 5:11pm

  
  
  Select Gardens said:

  The new silver ones (couple of years old now) are much improved, we use 56 pro and just about to buy another 2. Hondas are Sllllooooooowwww
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  gavin yerrell January 13, 2012 at 5:14pm

  ok,thats made me feel a bit better! never had hondas always hayter,and theyve always been reliable,will test it this weekend.
   
  gavin yerrell said:

  
  
  Select Gardens said:

  The new silver ones (couple of years old now) are much improved, we use 56 pro and just about to buy another 2. Hondas are Sllllooooooowwww