Replacement for Countax

Hi Everyone

I'm looking at changing my ride on and would welcome any advice on the following. I currently have a C800 Countax with a 48 inch mulching deck and a grass collector. The two largest lawns are about half the size of a football pitch(maybe slightly larger) both take about an hour including strimming.
Most of the other lawns i do take about 30 to 45 mins and i have (potentially) alot more lawns in this bracket where maneuverability is important and the Countax wont fit!
The Countax isnt the most durable of machines it is however quick and the grass collection and the ability to isolate it from the cutting is probably its best feature. Any new machine needs to be able to mulch and collect (not at the same time although the countax will!)I also need to be able to trailer it about

So far i have looked at the Iseki SXG216 (40 inch cut) and the Etesia hydro 80 (36inch cut) My only concern with the Etesia is that it will be too slow on the larger lawns with its small cutting width . They both look quality pieces of kit I intend to demo both.Any thoughts?

Going back through the archives someone mentioned a Snapper in a very positive light does anyone have any thought on these or anything else i haven't considered. Any advice on finance/ leasing would also be appreciated

Thanks in advance

Ross

Replies

Kieran Ray May 23, 2013 at 8:25pm

Have you looked at any of the kubota range? g18,19,21 all 49or52" theres always a few second hand ones kicking about on ebay and the likes.

g18

g21 high lift

There is also a Etesia with a 124cm deck.
Ross Stuart Mckinlay May 23, 2013 at 8:39pm

Hi

Yes i have the Etesia is well out of my price range and the secondhand ones look knackered! i wouldn't have the time or ability to sort them out. The kubota is a thought, the ones i have seen in my price range seem to have done about 4-500 hrs im not sure what there serviceable life is. Thanks kieran
Kieran Ray May 23, 2013 at 9:22pm

I wouldn't be put off by a 2000 hour machine, most of the kubota engines go for an eternity! I think our big ride on has almost 3000 hours on it and its still going strong.
Ross Stuart Mckinlay May 24, 2013 at 8:20am

Thanks Duncan

I hope to look at an Iseki and a Kubota today i have eliminated the Etesia as its not a 36 inch cut as i first thought but a 30inch cut !
How does the Iseki cope with wet/damp grass?

Duncan said:

Another option, baby Kubota.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIESEL-KUBOTA-GR1600-MK2-WITH-42-GRASS-CO...

(twice as much steel in the Iseki though)
Andrew Knight May 26, 2013 at 8:25am

I use a Countax C800 and a 2050a every week at clients sites, grass leaf collector and rollers gives a nice finish, however at the last big site I worked at we bought an Iseki SXG19 amazingly fast, solid grass box with hydraulic tip, cuts in the wet or dry. Depends what finish the client requires I guess. you can adjust the buzzer on the bag full for wet grass or dry leaves
Lawnman May 27, 2013 at 10:13am

Cracking video I want one !
forum/topics/replacement-for-countax#2074886Comment606045">

Iseki 216. But I'm biased. :-) I'm cutting campsites and very big gardens and I've only put about £40 of diesel in it since I bought it two months ago! Thought the fuel gauge was broken.

New vid. on youtube,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgBqPOgLnNQ

Not cheap though, but built like a tank, every bit as heavy duty as the larger machines.