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Honda GCV 170

I'm in the market for a new mower. I have a £600 budget. Probably using for about 2 hours a day on average. I've looked into, and dismissed, battery mowers. I was on the verge of buying an Alko 527 vsh with the tried and tested Honda gcv160 engine. Then I saw a Mountfield SP555v which has the new Honda gcv170 engine. Now I'm in a dilemma. Don't know what reputation Mountfields have but this is their top of the range model. Anyone have a view on whether it's worth going for the more modern engine, or are other things more important? 

 

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  • PRO

    The thing that would sway it for me is the basket, the Alko with plastic basket should be the better bagger when wet due to greater air flow vs a fabric bag but the Mountfield does look like quite a good wee mower for price.

  • Thanks Dave. Good point. I think Mountfield must be replacing the gcv190 with the gcv170 you can get the sp555v with either engine at the moment. Decent pick up is paramount.. I wonder whether the dual blade in the Mountfield actually collects 20% more grass (as claimed by the manufacturer).

  • PRO

    I have the Stiga twinclip which is 95% the same as the mountfield. It has the GC 190 engine. And it is an excellent bagger. I dont think the 0.5hp is really going to matter much as my kaaz mower is an even better collector and has a less powerful engine.

    • was looking at the stiga myself seth but put me off the warranty as reading in guidelines saying if used commercially 90 day warranty. how long have you had yours for?

      • PRO

        The pro versions have a 1 year warranty. I've had mine since October 2017 and other than me breaking one of the handle adjusters (a £5 part) its been 100% faultless drive is still super strong and fast and the wheels have plenty of life left in them and the bag is still completly fine and holding up.

         

        • thanks seth, i have ended up to the point im running on all back up mowers now. cobras with rear rollers which are descent mowers for the money but drive cables never see a year out and although a descent mower rather have something to see me out a tad longer. cheers for reply

          • PRO

            This is the exact model I use

            https://www.stigalawnmowers.co.uk/products/lawnmowers/petrol-lawnmo...

            Stiga Twinclip 55 SV H 53cm Self-Propelled Lawnmower Stiga Lawnmowers
            Stiga Twinclip 55 SV H 53cm self-propelled lawnmower with 190cc Honda GCV190 OHC Autochoke engine, galvanised steel chassis and Twinclip cutting syst…
            • Thanks for this.. Any idea what is the "5% difference between this model and the £200 cheaper Mountfield? 

              • PRO

                This is an actual pro machine.

                4x warranty length. Aluminium and rubber wheels. Far far better A/V (8 hour rated IIRC). Better cables. Fill indicator in bag. Front handle has a rubberised under side so its nice to hold. Metal handle release instead of plastic. The ergonomics of the opc/drive is more comfortable. All little things that add up to it being a nice to use machine. It also seems to be faster than the mountfield (I know someone with one which is how I can compare the two) but that isnt stated anywhere.

                 

                • Thanks for taking the time to reply. Now I can see why they are more expensive!

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