I've had some really useful advice on this forum in advance of setting up a lawn care and maintenance company this year.
Many thanks to Luke and Robbie especially for giving their time to chat to me over the phone!
I am thinking of getting an Etesia Pro 46, not sure which model though.
Has anyone any views at all including the best place to get one (inc refurbished)?
I will be looking to start off on lawns possibly up to 500sqm but will take what I can get.
Q- is a self propelled mower a good idea or can these be pushed all day-I am quite fit but not quite as fast or strong as Usain Bolt?
Q-is the blade break worth having?
Q- do these normally come with a guarantee for commercial use?
Q-is there a better value mower on the market for me at this early stage ?
Q-Lastly I would think it's a good idea to get a backup mower if the main one breaks down. Do you think that's a good idea and if so what would you recommend?
Sorry for the number of questions but help with any would be great.
thanks
Nigel
Views: 110
Replies
Good choice with the 46s - ive got two, one self drive with a honda engine and one push with a briggs. Apart from the fact that they can go all day, are super efficient in wet conditions and hard wearing, they are very light to lift. Look for a good well looked after used 46 (i got both of mine from an ebay dealer). Most of the guys will prob recommend honda or kawasaki engines and if you can afford self drive, it is more efficient especially over the larger areas. If not, a good push PBTS/PHTS is still an excellent machine due to its collection ability and weight.
First question is roller or wheeled? That limits the choice.
Always, always have a back-up if mowing is a part of your business. Small things break, and you can guarantee it's at the busiest time. I have a main mower, 21" roller, plus it's predecessor that is getting close to gearbox failure. Fine for occasional use, and it's my home mower so it's run regularly, and it's been needed a few times over the years. Better to keep it as a spare whilst it's working, rather than hold on a few months until it's broken, if I had to buy a new one anyway.
I also keep an Etesia, about £100 from an ebay dealer in Aylesbury I'd go back to. Great for sites with poor access, or tiny lawns where the big one is a pain. Paid for itself many times over, but I need a roller for everyday use.
chose wisely. etesia good.. ihave 53kpro spend as needed, hayter-pro/silver46" ?
get a blade-break as saves fingers being chopped of if unblocking mower and engine stays on while emptying grass bag...
u shouldn't need a spare but i have lots 2nd hand mowers- horses for courses & always have a back up in case.
I chose the dealer first based on their location, knowledge, helpfulness, workshop and spares held, and chose the mower second based on their advice and what they sold. It's handy to know I can pop in locally and pick up spares or get a quick fix done should I need it.
Self propelled is the way to go, get a variable speed one if you can to speed up cutting times when conditions permit. Rollers cope better with borders than wheeled. I didn't bother with a blade brake but did get an electric start which makes life easier. Check the width of the mower will be ok for access down narrow passageways.
Thanks for that-does anyone know of a good dealer on say e.bay who is local-ish to Manchester or any other advice on this?
thanks
Nigel
May be prudent to check out a few local lawn mower repair outfits and see what the other local contractors use and get their views on how reliable equipment is and likely repair costs. This way they tend not to be tried in with a particular brand and should get some honest feed back
Hi Nigel
if your coming into this new it might be worth looking at the duo cut machines we do.
ther collection is actualy better than our standard pro46 range and you are able to go from mulching to collection in seconds.
the duo machines are fitted with a special design double profile blade which even with out the mulching bung inplace will double cut the grass before boxing it.
this would give you 2 good machines in one and allow you to keep free space in your van then for other equipment.
the pro46 range is extensive and if your wanting a little advise or just help getting your head around all our machine codes and what they mean, please feel free to give me a call or pm.
Thanks for the offer Neal.
Yes if I could talk over the choices with you it would clear things in my mind I think.
Nigel
Do most Etesia's not come with a mulch plug then?