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  Geoff Norfolk February 24, 2014 at 10:04pm

  Problem with a question like that is everyone thinks theirs is the best mower lol!! Unfortunately, the drive to the rear roller seems to be the main weakness in so many mowers........ why do they have to make such a simple thing so complicated...... the Honda/Kaaz gearbox being a prime example. funnily enough, I've had an 18" Masport for at least 12 years and it just goes on and on...... the drive is a simple pulley which lifts to tension the belt...... I've only replaced the belt once and that was only because I felt I ought to! Unfortunately, the newer Masports have been redesigned and perhaps they've "upgraded" the drive system.
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  David Benson February 24, 2014 at 10:33pm

  i think the lawnflite handles fold down with a quick release on them also it has shaft drive to the roller
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  Paul McNulty February 24, 2014 at 10:53pm

  The Honda, Kaaz, Lawnflite variants do fold. You change the four bolts for two spin-off bolts, and just detatch the top part of the handle. 30 seconds, and being reasonably careful I've not had cable issues in many years. I've lost many bolts, though, so carry a couple of spares!

  The rollers are a nightmare. The drive is fine so long as you push it to speed before engaging drive, but the rollers fill with wet mud and grit and you can't grease them. Either learn to strip them and service regularly, or just budget for an annual replacement.

  I'm going to Hayter when my current Kaaz breaks, as my repairer prefers them and keeps all the parts. He reckons they are comparable in costs,and I'd always keep a back-up mower whatever I run. For me, being able to walk in and get a simple repair while I wait is the most important thing, as dropping the machine in, going home and picking the spare up, it's half a day lost.

  I'd avoid Viking, they do seem to have problems, and parts availability issues. I think they are domestic machines that are being sold as pro, but not developed yet.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk February 25, 2014 at 1:36am

  Viking MB655VR i bought same/similar 2nd hand for lighter domestic lawns, but i'd advise a hayter if doing 65 lawns . pro46/silver-roller?

  etesia has No rollers :(

  i have all 3 .
• PRO

  Luke brooks February 25, 2014 at 6:50am

  Viking is rumoured to be bringing out a new 8 series but parts are always an issue finding and purchasing for a reasonable rate
  My lawnflite has had 3 drive systems so not buying another, made the mistake of speeding it up
  The older Hondas have always done me well and fold down
  I like yourself need a 21 inch pro roller for the country houses and hotels, and honda is a viable option for me cos everyone has spares, john deer rollers are expensive to put right and many mates regret buying them
  As per usual on here it's what ur dealer can maintain quickly and affordably
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  Paul McNulty February 25, 2014 at 8:47am

  Speeding the Honda-types up shouldn't be a problem, as they come with a slow running-in setting when new. My old dealer told me how to do it, and my spare Kaaz with the nearly-gone clutch had about 4 heavy seasons on it.

  The key is to get it to speed before engaging drive, otherwise it rounds the clutch and then it starts to fail. Make this a habit, and get the staff to do the same, and the clutch does last.

  The rollers are the thing that I've never found a solution to, other than stripping them down and re-packing with grease. Once it's packed with gritty mud, the inevitable happens and the bearings wear, then the shaft grinds in to the rollers and it's all new parts needed. I've looked at stripping it down myself, but it's beyond my skills.
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  Stephen Hildick February 25, 2014 at 7:18pm

  
  
  Geoff Norfolk said:

  Problem with a question like that is everyone thinks theirs is the best mower lol!! Unfortunately, the drive to the rear roller seems to be the main weakness in so many mowers........ why do they have to make such a simple thing so complicated...... the Honda/Kaaz gearbox being a prime example. funnily enough, I've had an 18" Masport for at least 12 years and it just goes on and on...... the drive is a simple pulley which lifts to tension the belt...... I've only replaced the belt once and that was only because I felt I ought to! Unfortunately, the newer Masports have been redesigned and perhaps they've "upgraded" the drive system.
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    Dylan > Stephen Hildick November 18, 2018 at 9:55am

    I had a kubota which was was basically a rebadged Honda.

     

     We had the same issue  with failed bearings on the drive etc.

    i sent the gearbox off to a guy in Manchester who services the box and  stripped all bearings out and replaced with copper bushes which he made himself.

    copper bushes won’t seize with mud and water
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  Stephen Hildick February 25, 2014 at 7:23pm

  Thank you for the advice. It seems to me the older mowers are better than the new ones, that seems to apply to most things! I think I'll either stick with Masport or go back to Hayter. Stephen Hildick.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk February 25, 2014 at 8:06pm

  my first decent mower 2nd hand 10yrs old ,but very tidy,was a green Hayter 46 roller, used for 4 yrs ,then serviced it and then sold it.

  2 yrs ago bought the pro -silver . i think they are very good mowers and dont break ever.
  
  Stephen Hildick said:

  Thank you for the advice. It seems to me the older mowers are better than the new ones, that seems to apply to most things! I think I'll either stick with Masport or go back to Hayter. Stephen Hildick.