Hello all you lawn mower collectors.
I have a Honda HRH536QX and HRB425C push roller mower. I have just had to replace the gearbox on my pro roller mower and it has put me off using it as much (my wallet is considerably lighter now). I became lazy and would use it on most of the lawns i cut even if they were very small or rough bumpy stuff. Apart from the gearbox and weight issues it is the puppies nuts.
The last few weeks i have been using my push 17" HRB425C (not self propelled) for most of my jobs and i feel liberated. It is harder work on my bigger lawns but easier on the medium and small ones. It never lets me down even though it is 13 years old - no blade brake or drive mechanism to go wrong and it only weighs 30kg. I can lift it into the fourtrak and leave my trailer at home!
So big lawnmowers aren't the be all and end all of the mowing world. It may have taken me a bit longer to do the jobs but i have lowered petrol consumption and diesel for my vehicle as i don't need the trailer. It is so liberating not having to pull that bloody thing around every day.
I am getting some more mowers too! A Viking MB4 RTP is ordered and i have purchased another HRB425C (self propelled this time) locally very cheaply. Both are light enough to be lifted in to my van. I nearly bought a HRG536SD as well but some one thought they would pay over the odds for it.
You can never have enough mowers.
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Replies
I know what you mean...... I've got a 14 year old Masport which I now prefer over the big Kaaz. So much easier to handle. It takes a bit longer on the bigger lawns but easier to control, particularly when you're running along the edge of the lawn. I think smaller mowers are actually quicker on small lawns as they're so easy to turn. The drive system is so simple,I can also lift it straight into the van without a ramp and like you, leave the trailer at home. Confess to removing the OPC lever/system though as its a major headache with it in place...... I'm sure I'll be rebuked but sure others will have done this.
I think a lot of it is what you're used to, hence me worrying about my next change back to Hayters after about 12 years as that's what the new repairer wants to work on.
How old was the gearbox? I now break the Honda-types due to rear rollers failing combined with general wear, and haven't had a gearbox/clutch failure since I learned the exact speed to engage drive when pushing it up to speed.
I also couldn't live without the little Etesia. For the odd smaller garden, or the ones with access only through the house, it's perfect. £100 off a local ebay bloke who buys them in bulk and refurbs/services the best ones. £70 for a grass box (he's not that generous, lol), and you have an Etesia for the price of some rubbish from B&Q.
id did a half acre with my hrc216 5 weeks ago and havnt touched it since. pbe46 is just easier to move, easier to lift and empty and live with in general. i often try to avoid using the drive on the honda as i dont want to be faced with the parts bill you have just paid out!
I love the eteisa 46's for the same reasons, and although I love the speed that comes with my 21" snapper mower, I really treasure the extra dustbin, and space for a few bags of compost in the van when the 46's are in!
Gearbox was 4 years old. The price of the thing is robbery. From now one its only coming out when really needed. I probably wont get another HRH536QX when mine expires - but with only a little use that could be a long time.
I suppose 4 years use isn't that bad if its had a hard life.....if you divide the cost by the number hours use, you'll probably find its not that bad. As I've said before, replacing the worn gearbox components is not that difficult and will cost a fraction of the dealer prices.... nice job for when there's snow on the ground! Maybe the site could have a section where members can detail how these jobs are done with photo attachments?..... A motorbike forum I go on does this and it can be very handy.
Stuart @ Eco Garden Maintenance said: