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  Graham Wright March 5, 2017 at 9:49am

  Hi David. We would need to know what budget you have in mind.
  Also if you want a roller or not.
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    David > Graham Wright March 5, 2017 at 10:05am

    I'm thinking of up to £800 at the moment which hopefully gives some scope. No roller required as customers don't seem to want the stripes.
• PRO

  Gary RK March 5, 2017 at 9:53am

  David, have you also taken a look through LJN using the search function for independent (re)views on various makes and types of mowers ? Click the Orange Magnifying glass, top right of main forum screen for the Search button.

  With such a large membership and so many machines in use there is a wealth of useful threads which will help.
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    David > Gary RK March 5, 2017 at 10:06am

    Thanks for that, I either missed it or hasn't come up with my search. Will have a look.
• PRO

  Andrew Watts March 5, 2017 at 12:15pm

  Anything with a honda or kawasaki engine over a B&S.

  The Honda Kaas / Lawnflite etc are ver solid, but around £1000. Ditto a toro 22293. We've had the Kaas and Toro for the last 3 years with no probs. The Weibangs are getting good write-ups, but again, I think you'll need £1000 for a 53 with a good engine.

  Viking good for wet pickup would probably be in budget.
• PRO

  Andrew Watts March 5, 2017 at 12:36pm

  Having said avoid B&S, I would say true if spending £800+. However, we've had a Gardencare LM56sp 3 in 1 in our fleet, great cheap machine, sub £400, leaves a good finish, lightweight (relative), and does a basic mulch when you need. We use our machines hard every day, though have many of them, but the gardencare is a favourite of the guys and is out most days.

  I think in some ways £800 budget is a grey area, 21"+ full commercials are more money £1000+. I'd spend more and have long term, or less, say £400 and expect to change in 2-3 years time.
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    David > Andrew Watts March 5, 2017 at 1:03pm

    Thanks, that has given me something to go on, will have a look at your suggestions. I've got a gardencare LM46 which I've had for 3 years and has been quite good to start with, just need a wider cut and good pick up on wet grass. Maybe I should consider spending just a little more.
• PRO

  Andrew Watts March 5, 2017 at 1:18pm

  For a one man operation, the machines tend to be less abused. You having the LM46 for 3 years being a good example. We go through cheaper machines in 18-24 months. Not generally the engine, all the ancillaries - cables, handles, controls, wheels etc take the abuse.

  I can't say the Toro or Etesia we have give a better finish than the LM56. They are just tougher and the Etesia is better in the wet. Why not spend less and be careful with it?

  Good wet pickup is generally Viking or Etesia, or now Weibang as well
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    David > Andrew Watts March 5, 2017 at 1:28pm

    Good point, well worth considering as I'm probably over the top with cleaning and servicing my machinery after spending so much on everything. Plus your suggestion has the bigger grass box and it won't be used every day. Thanks for your help!
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  Jack Chapman March 5, 2017 at 1:47pm

  I've got a couple of Hayter Harrier 48 Pros. ~£900 new. Mad they don't want stripes - I couldn't use anything without a roller.