Weibang legacy 48 pro

Anyone got one and using commercially? Some users say the non bbc collects better due to the lack of a friction disc? We're really considering as fed up with our Hayter 56 pro wet performance, and I mean damp not wet grass there's been an ongoing issue with grass build up on the roller in damp conditions resulting in the roller eventually jamming or clumps of grass drop off the roller at regular intervals making an unsightly mess. Hayter modified the blade not long after bringing the new 56 out but it's not improved matters and on contacting Hayter several times they just fobb us off so looking for a variable speed roller mower . Narrowed it down to the 48 weibang , be grateful for users experience.

Hi Peter. I have both the 48 pro and the 48 pro BBC. I much prefer the non BBC as it has the hi lift blade. Both mowers leave a 2nd to none finish. The BBC one is ok in rain but the non BBC one is the absolute business. Engine wise, the Kawasaki is bulletproof although being picky, it isnt as sweet a sound as a Honda but with ear defenders on, so be it. They are a heavy machine but you soon get used to it. I always use ramps on and off the van, even when using an Izy so the weight doesnt bother me. Problems? I've had a few cables go but it's only been now, probably 7 years on, that I've had a few issues. The BBC one has a loud gearbox so I fear it will be going in to get changed. The non BBC started running a little slow at the end of last year so I booked it in. They changed some of the running gear (£200 in total) and it is back to running perfect. Remember though, I've used them for 7 years as my only roller mowers. Servicing stuff is readily available from L and S Engineering, Brownhills so that's easy done. It's been a long time since I've used anything else so I can't compare them to a modern machine but I'd buy a 48Pro, non BBC again tomorrow should I have to.

I just remembered, Oak Garden Machinery delivered the first one to me even though I wasnt local. They used to let you demo one for a week or so, delivered.

Replies

Tim Bucknall July 11, 2023 at 9:11am

No experience with the Weibang, but I believe on the Stihl people have had problems with the variable speed. Hayter used to do a variable speed belt drive and it was always breaking. The only variable drive I would consider would be hydrostatic.
Tony @SM July 13, 2023 at 8:13pm

Hi Peter. I have both the 48 pro and the 48 pro BBC. I much prefer the non BBC as it has the hi lift blade. Both mowers leave a 2nd to none finish. The BBC one is ok in rain but the non BBC one is the absolute business. Engine wise, the Kawasaki is bulletproof although being picky, it isnt as sweet a sound as a Honda but with ear defenders on, so be it. They are a heavy machine but you soon get used to it. I always use ramps on and off the van, even when using an Izy so the weight doesnt bother me. Problems? I've had a few cables go but it's only been now, probably 7 years on, that I've had a few issues. The BBC one has a loud gearbox so I fear it will be going in to get changed. The non BBC started running a little slow at the end of last year so I booked it in. They changed some of the running gear (£200 in total) and it is back to running perfect. Remember though, I've used them for 7 years as my only roller mowers. Servicing stuff is readily available from L and S Engineering, Brownhills so that's easy done. It's been a long time since I've used anything else so I can't compare them to a modern machine but I'd buy a 48Pro, non BBC again tomorrow should I have to.

I just remembered, Oak Garden Machinery delivered the first one to me even though I wasnt local. They used to let you demo one for a week or so, delivered.
- Peter sellers > Tony @SM July 14, 2023 at 6:49am
  
  Tony, thanks, that's much appreciated. I'm trying to get a demo machine before deciding. Am I correct in thinking you can't fit the high lift blade to the BBC machine? If we went for the BBC mower would you say the wet performance is dramatically inferior to the non BBC or just slightly poorer? Just thinking the BBC one would help to run up loading ramps, our Hayter 56 pros are around 58 kg and have BBC and we drive them up ramps, not sure we would want to push a 65kg Weibang up ramps! Value your thoughts, thanks.
  - Tony @SM > Peter sellers August 2, 2023 at 8:23pm
    
    Hi Peter, apologies for late reply, only just seen this. I assumed you can't fit the hi lift blade simply because Weibang fitted a different one. I heard it may put a strain on the mower but it is definitely worth asking the question to a dealer as the blade makes all the difference. The difference in wet grass pick up is enough to have me reaching for the non BBC every time. I always just push the mowers up ramps, not a problem really but I do always dread the few gardens with the odd steps in! If you have doubts I would definitely recommend getting a demo first although at the price of pro mowers, I would recommend a demo whatever I was choosing. Good luck and let us know what you choose.
PRO

Adam Woods July 14, 2023 at 12:17pm

I've got no idea where you are Peter.... but Weibang are in WIncanton - when I was considering one a few years ago they offered me the chance of using one at their office/warehouse.
Neil Darby July 22, 2023 at 4:20pm

I have the Weibang 48 Pro BBC, it's a heavy machine, 65kg & I run it up ramps into the back of Trafic van. I did have issues with it initially, it kept running on & travelling into flower beds etc. My local dealer didn't wanto to know until I showed them video of it running up hill on it's own. They changed the gearbox on a nearly new machine! Not the first person to have this either but that was 4 years ago.

TBH I hardly use it nowadays if I can get away with it, I also have a Stihl 448vc which is so light I can pick up with one hand, it's so much easier to manovure as well. And I get the batteries charged by the client as well if I can. The only downside is no strips.