Petrol lawn mower power and cut question

[Welshbeef]

Well here is the situation we have a roller compact 4000 which is a 16" cut and an electrical mower.
We have a 150 foot rear garden and 40 foot front garden.

I have had this mower for 6 years now and have lived in this house for 3 years - however I have burnt out the motor twice once 1.5 years after moving here and again tonight.... Annoying as just bought a new flymo extension lead.
Last time I changed the motor what a pain in the bum took most of the morning very fiddly and I'd hoped it would last 4-5 years again...sadly not I guess the garden size means it's on full power for long periods of time.

Anyway a new motor non oem is c£25-30 delivered plus a mornings work maybe less after the learning curve - but I did burr off a number of screws so may have a mare taking it apart again.

So I just glanced online eBay and found brand new petrol mowers BMC make (never heard of it my old man only bought Honda mowers).
They sell 16" 3.5 HP delivered for £80
18" 4.5 HP for £130 delivered
And the big 20" 5.5 HP for £210 delivered weight nearly 40kg
All are non power assisted


My old man Had a 24" I think that was a beast and 5.5 HP it chugged along no matter how thick the grass got just smashed through it. Heavy though again not power assisted.



So question is would I be daft in trying for another motor given the price differences ive illustrated. Also all my neighbours have petrol mowers and have asked previously how I manage with an electric.
Next question would be which one to get? Normally I'd say 20" biggest and 5.5hp. The extra 4" per cut will reduce cutting time but I do find it very therapeutic cutting the lawn though I'd not want a 9" laughing stock trimmer.

Would the best one for price and size power be the 18"? Do I need anything any bigger?? I'm not sure.
Anyone got guidelines garden size to mower size. Or any other news about this brand.

[Welshbeef]

Anyone?

[Fleckers]

sorry got bored after line 2

astro turf or get a sheep

[pilchardthecat]

I got tired of putting new belts in the Flymo at £10 a pop every 3 months. Bought a 30 year old Suffolk Punch for £5 on ebay.

2 hours of tinkering and it's been running nicely all summer. They don't make 'em like they used to.

[HenryRoyce]

I bought a rebuilt second hand ATCO mower off Ebay three years ago for about £120. It looks as good as new an always starts first pull of the string. Something similar might be the way to go. I loathe electric mowers with a passion, so it is petrol all the way for me.

[pacman1]

Don't think electric mowers will ever be up to the areas you are trying mow. I'd say petrol is the way, and this is PH, after all.

Maybe get something second hand from these guys?

http://berkshirelawnmowers.co.uk/

[Shaolin]

150 foot of cable to mess about with? Honda Izy and you'll never have to ask again.

[Thom987]

Buy cheap, pay twice!

[CaptainSlow]

With that size garden I'd be going petrol. I switched over a few years ago and will never go back to messing around with extension cables.

For the money you are talking of spending I'd go for one of these..

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detai...

I briefly had one earlier in the year and was quite impressed, plus it is self propelled.

[Welshbeef]

Another question do you service your petrol mowers ever year or just top up oil as required bash the air filter cls ran or Hoover it and wore brush the spark plug to get rid of any build up.

Or do you properly maintain it? I'm just thinking it will last 5 years maybe more great but would servicing it make it last that much more??? In not so sure.
They are air cooled so no issue there apart from ensuring it's clear of grass build up. Sharpen the blade every year and use super unleaded...

Actually can they run on unleaded or do you have to add additives?.

[CaptainSlow]

I don't service mine, had it for five years now. I do have a new plug to put in it so will do that and the oil when i get a chance and also have a go at sharpening the blades.

eta

a new blade for mine is £12.50, I'll probably just buy a new one.

Edited by CaptainSlow on Friday 16th September 11:19

[E55 Max]

Hmmm Petrol NON POWER ASSISTED = Certainly not theraputic, but perhaps a good workout!

[anonymous-user]

CaptainSlow said:

With that size garden I'd be going petrol. I switched over a few years ago and will never go back to messing around with extension cables.

For the money you are talking of spending I'd go for one of these..

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detai...

I briefly had one earlier in the year and was quite impressed, plus it is self propelled.

Is that a ' plastic' deck?

[CaptainSlow]

Yeah, not too bad though....for the money

[anonymous-user]

Can't argue with that, for the money it looks great.

Mike

[_gez_]

E55 Max said:

Hmmm Petrol NON POWER ASSISTED = Certainly not theraputic, but perhaps a good workout!

Yes, buy a power assisted one. You'll be glad you did as this mower will probably outlast you!!!

[tractorguy]

You can try your local tool hire place (a local one not a major chain) and see if you can pick up an ex-hire mower, its getting towards the end of the season and these places buy new mowers every year to hire out. I picked up my 21" Rover for £150 doing this and its still going strong.

[markbigears]

I'd be looking for a decent second hand one, you should get a decent one for £100-£150. Forget a push one with a garden that size, self propelled all the way.