Diesel lawn mowers? Why none

[Welshbeef]

Diesels make great sense for say locomotives cement mixers but why not lawnmowers? Same revs all the time lots of torque needed.

Then the hassle of ignition system going wrong vs a compression engine which should last forever.
I don't think petrolmowers sound very nice and don't doubt a diesel mower would be barely better than a cement mixer noise wise.

So why not? It's the cheaper and more long term durability

[Welshbeef]

McSam said:

It's not really cheaper. They need buggerall torque, and the inherently heavier design of a diesel engine wouldn't really be good for something you've got to shove around your garden all afternoon!

I burn out electric motors... Long grass very wet smash through it full power. Used to do that with my old mans mountfield petrol he cursed me I ruined it so many times in the end he bought a Honda and no matter what length or wetness it just smashed through the engine didn't even strain just maintained revs a great machine but pricy.


I see your point re weight.
But to have the diesel cut the lawn at idle vs a petrol at rabbit full revs would be better all round.

[Welshbeef]

TheEnd said:

Battery start would make them heavy, hand start would be a real struggle.

How about a detachable battery??

Mpg on a mower is important I hated filling up jerry cans at the fuel pumps. As in less wasted time doing chores.

[Welshbeef]

Simpo Two said:

Power to weight ratio I expect. Plus a lawnmower needs rpm not torque.

I'm looking at possibly 24" cut.
As for rpm a gearing could provide that from a diesel. But yep adding weight cost complexity doesnt make much sense.