Petrol Hover Mowers

Hi allI cut a lot of lawns. But up until the later part of this year I only had one with steep banks that could not be accommodated by a 4 stroke lawnmower. I have been strimming this one for a few years.Now all of a sudden {the latest today) I have 4. In truth they don't or wont take long to strim but I am wondering if I should now consider purchasing a 2 stroke petrol hover mower.I have never owned or used a hover mower of any sort. So given the following information what size/power and manufacture would you recommend or would you recommend to keep on strimming.! x all banks £20 private strimming 1 hour1 x all banks £15 private strimming 30 mins1 x all banks £50 commercial (new today) expect 2 hours strimming1 x all banks £25 private strimming 1 hoursI may well get another with mostly banks, quoted £25 but wont know for a while as it is a pub being revamped.All jobs every 2 weeksI use a Honda bent shaft strimmer as I have better control to give a lawn type quality cut but I find the vibration quite bad even with protective gloves, so vibration is also a considerationI expect a good finish, less vibration can be achieved with the big cow handle brush cutters, it is just that i have never used them much.Any info/advice appreciatedThanks.

Replies

Lawncare-4u.co.uk September 11, 2009 at 1:09am

stihl back -pack strimmer is for banks , you can add combi-tools too like hedge trimmer/ pole pruner and scrub-cutter.

its effortless , i do a big bank for 1hr in london - i do it all none stop now with this - easy & unbelievable.

im not tired while doing it either.

fr130 t - stihl- a wise investment trust me.............elec start is i feel way too much though !
Graeme @ BGS September 11, 2009 at 6:42am

Just one point to consider - looking into applying a growth regulator treatment - handy as this will really slow down the growth (particularly vertical). Ideal for banks and when you have a fixed price contract for N number of visits per year.
Mark September 11, 2009 at 7:18am

I use a Honda powered Flymo (4 stroke), It's been a good reliable tool for the last couple of years. It does banks no problem....however they need to be fairly short otherwise it is hard work, it's heavy to lug about compared to a strimmer, vibration is not an issue though & it mulches the grass better than a strimmer can too. Boots with good chunky tread are a must on grass banks though.

So expect it to give you a bit of a work out, I'm happy I've got one as between that a strimmer and a rear roller Honda 536 I can mow most stuff.
Graeme @ BGS September 11, 2009 at 10:09pm

Scotts do one I think it is call short cut but PRIMO MAXX is the best one.

A few years ago a rather upmarket and well to do chap wanted his banks (he liked to give the impression this was his moat!!) strimmed for a fixed price (a very good fixed price for the year). After we agreed on the price etc. he informed me the last company struggled to keep them under control and were strimming weekly and took them hours (I am sure he was laughing as he walked away.

Solution growth regulator applied (max up the dose during peak growing season) and strim monthly - in and out job and the old chap couldn't work out why :-) Happy days