Mowing .. - Page 65

galaxy xr8 · 13-09-2023, 07:11 PM

What about the battery operated Millwaukee and Makita's , any review's on them ?.

genebaby · 13-09-2023, 08:29 PM

Yes, it seems Bushranger is more of a thing out in the literal bush!! Well, the regional areas, so parts and service would be tougher here in the big city!!

The only ones in the Commercial/Contractor range I'm considering are the base 19" models without the selp propell function. That's just more weight to turn around corners and something else to break, as you mentioned. I don't want that on any brand.

I was going to say talk to me again when I'm older, but with the weight of these things they are only good going straight on flat grass. I've got lots of twists and turns and sections that would need an AWD style self propelled mower more than likely!

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebaby

Yes, it seems Bushranger is more of a thing out in the literal bush!! Well, the regional areas, so parts and service would be tougher here in the big city!!

The only ones in the Commercial/Contractor range I'm considering are the base 19" models without the selp propell function. That's just more weight to turn around corners and something else to break, as you mentioned. I don't want that on any brand.

I was going to say talk to me again when I'm older, but with the weight of these things they are only good going straight on flat grass. I've got lots of twists and turns and sections that would need an AWD style self propelled mower more than likely!

I'm not sure if you were joking, but Toro do make AWD mowers..............
https://www.torocatalogue.com.au/pro...l-drive-mower/

Your other option would be to just go for the residential Mustang 850, the same basic chassis and engine as the Commercial 19, and $300 cheaper too.

https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...stang-850.html

genebaby · 13-09-2023, 08:54 PM

I was joking in that it would need to have both more height clearance, but still be able to cut the lawn, not just more wheels moving. Nevermind that, just a bit of fun.

A shot today had the Mustang, but I gotta have the bigger catcher. They had one of the 21" Commercial ones too, that self propel. Just not the smaller one.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebaby

I was joking in that it would need to have both more height clearance, but still be able to cut the lawn, not just more wheels moving. Nevermind that, just a bit of fun.

A shot today had the Mustang, but I gotta have the bigger catcher. They had one of the 21" Commercial ones too, that self propel. Just not the smaller one.

All good, all in good fun.

I would just ask them to order the Commercial 19, you get the engine and catcher you want and won't be left wondering. Should only take a 3 - 5 days for it to come in.

genebaby · 13-09-2023, 09:00 PM

I was going to buy today but ordering made me think more now that I was off the 21" models that forced self propulsion on you.

The 19" Masport possibly has it over the Victa.

Bigger bag, washport (something I'd like to have this time around) and adjustable handle angle.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebaby

I was going to buy today but ordering made me think more now that I was off the 21" models that forced self propulsion on you.

The 19" Masport possibly has it over the Victa.

Bigger bag, washport (something I'd like to have this time around) and adjustable handle angle.

Would you believe they did offer a non-self propel 21-inch commercial, they dropped it last spring for some reason.

I thought they came with the wash port................

genebaby · 13-09-2023, 09:21 PM

The Mustang lists a wash port in the specs, but the Commercial 19" doesn't. No pics on that side, but your pic shows a wash port it seems. Though it screams "digitally added" in, it's probably really there.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-09-2023, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebaby

The Mustang lists a wash port in the specs, but the Commercial 19" doesn't. No pics on that side, but your pic shows a wash port it seems. Though it screams "digitally added" in, it's probably really there.

At this point, can I make light of how bad the Victa website it, and its been bad for a long time. Incorrect or outdated product images, a search function that doesn't work properly.................

Anyway, every 19-inch alloy deck Victa I have had has featured the wash port. And despite being a clean freak, I've never used it once.

genebaby · 13-09-2023, 09:28 PM

I would believe that. They are not doing themselves a service.

I would like to think that I would give the wash port a go!

**janddbone** · 14-09-2023, 05:56 PM

Bushranger Superswift Big Bob products are still pretty good. Interesting to hear they are using the old Rover deck in some. I will pay more attention next time I am in there.

One of my 'new' favs is a Honda powered 18" Little Bob. Beautiful machine to use.

**DFB FGXR6** · 14-09-2023, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janddbone

Bushranger Superswift Big Bob products are still pretty good. Interesting to hear they are using the old Rover deck in some. I will pay more attention next time I am in there.

One of my 'new' favs is a Honda powered 18" Little Bob. Beautiful machine to use.

With SupaSwift, the blue chassis is the 18-inch steel Rover base, the silver alloy chassis looks to be the old Pro-Cut in 20-inch form. I'd be on the phone to order one straight away if it had self-propel!

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-products/lawnmowers

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-prod...-18-push-mower

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-prod...-20-push-mower

Bushranger base for comparison -

https://bushrangerpe.com.au/browse-p...wer-bush46tb6m

Rover for comparison -

It's funny, a dealer told me Rover stopped making these steel and alloy chassis because there was "wear in the tooling", said to me with a tongue in cheek. Clearly, the tooling is good enough to continue making mowers under the SupaSwift and Bushranger brands. From what I can gather, Rover (MTD) decided to drop these for Chinese cloned crap instead. How to kill a brand in short order 101.

Interceptor · 14-09-2023, 07:54 PM

For those of you who maintain your own gear, who would I best off speaking to for 2 new 8" wheels for a Victa Mustang?

**DFB FGXR6** · 14-09-2023, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interceptor

For those of you who maintain your own gear, who would I best off speaking to for 2 new 8" wheels for a Victa Mustang?

If you are referring to modern Mustang's, then those wheels are called "Aztec". There are actually a couple of versions, one has a finned back, one has 5 triangular slots, all of mine have had the slotted type. Both seem to have the same part number?

Part Number - CH87336A

https://www.mowerstore.com.au/index....roduct_id=1169
https://sesdirect.co.nz/products/ch8...8in-aztec-push
https://mowercentre.com.au/product/g...ch86334a-copy/
https://www.allmowerspares.com.au/vi...6a-87336a.html

Hub Cap -

https://www.allmowerspares.com.au/ge...-ch86275a.html

**DFB FGXR6** · 17-09-2023, 04:13 PM

Some Bushranger content for those following along..........

The only thing that counts against Bushranger alloy bases is the half chute, even on the non-self-propelled models. I also find the steps between height settings too large.

**DFB FGXR6** · 17-09-2023, 05:09 PM

If I could design the "perfect" mower, at least for someone who uses these for a living, I would have the following -

Deck - 21-inch alloy deck for durability and work time efficiency. The best I have used has been the Rover Pro-Cut base, a full width chute for excellent catching, with the ability to change the angle of the ride height to suit mulching if desired.

Drive System - as I have mentioned in the past, you don't really want to be pushing a big 21-inch machine around all day, fine if you are young, but not pleasant for hours on end. Again, the Rover system mounted the gearbox on top of the deck, keeping it cleaner and maintaining the full width chute. The only drawback being the single speed, so I would want that changed to allow speed adjustment. The drive engagement lever would also mimic the Rover design.

Engine - I'm torn here, because I really love the Honda GXV-160 for the smoothness, durability and fuel economy. But it doesn't quite have the reserve of torque provided by the 190cc Briggs 850-series. In fact, I would go one step above that and spec the larger 223cc 1000-series version of that Briggs engine. More is better, right? Fuel consumption would be higher, but I wouldn't be left wondering. Ideally, I would also like a high mount air filter as well. And the Briggs OE fuel gauge, fuel filter and oil filter would be nice too.

https://www.briggsandstratton.com/au...ex-series.html

Catcher -Dacron fabric catcher, these offer larger volume with superior ventilation, while also being easier to empty. I would also have a steel catcher flap.

Cutting System - Blade disk with four swing-back blades for superior catching performance and crankshaft safety. Again, the Rover and Bushranger design is the best I have used, the main/central bolt is then supported by three other smaller bolts, making it easier to get the disk correctly aligned.

Height Adjustment - Single level adjustment, with small increments between detents to better adjust to each lawn/job. Rover and Victa are king here, allowing you to scalp down to 10mm right up to tipping at 70mm.

Wheels - plastic wheels suit me fine, the steel wheels with rubber "tyres" have worn quite quickly on my Bushranger, I have even "popped" them off the rim a few times.

Ancillaries - Axles should be bolted in place, not suspended with clips, ala Rover and Bushranger.

Steel wear strips on each side of the deck to avoid wearing down the chassis.

The pull rope should be handle mounted.

No engine brake/dead man's handle, I'm a grown up and don't need such a nuisance device, no more clamping! No blade clutch ala Honda, less maintenance issues.

Throttle and speed adjustments in the same arrangement as the Bushranger.

Handles should be solidly mounted to the deck and have a soft touch material on the hand grips.

And lastly, a drink bottle holder! Don't launch, my old Victa Razor had one and it was brilliant for summer mowing jobs.

Basically, this "perfect" machine would be a combination or Rover and Bushranger, with a Briggs engine. I guess such a machine doesn't exist being it would cost too much. If this theoretical mower existed, I would happily pay up to and beyond $3000 for such a machine.

danzvtil · 17-09-2023, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If I could design the "perfect" mower, at least for someone who uses these for a living, I would have the following -

Deck - 21-inch alloy deck for durability and work time efficiency. The best I have used has been the Rover Pro-Cut base, a full width chute for excellent catching, with the ability to change the angle of the ride height to suit mulching if desired.

image

Drive System - as I have mentioned in the past, you don't really want to be pushing a big 21-inch machine around all day, fine if you are young, but not pleasant for hours on end. Again, the Rover system mounted the gearbox on top of the deck, keeping it cleaner and maintaining the full width chute. The only drawback being the single speed, so I would want that changed to allow speed adjustment. The drive engagement lever would also mimic the Rover design.

image

Engine - I'm torn here, because I really love the Honda GXV-160 for the smoothness, durability and fuel economy. But it doesn't quite have the reserve of torque provided by the 190cc Briggs 850-series. In fact, I would go one step above that and spec the larger 223cc 1000-series version of that Briggs engine. More is better, right? Fuel consumption would be higher, but I wouldn't be left wondering. Ideally, I would also like a high mount air filter as well. And the Briggs OE fuel gauge, fuel filter and oil filter would be nice too.

https://www.briggsandstratton.com/au...ex-series.html

image

image

image

Catcher -Dacron fabric catcher, these offer larger volume with superior ventilation, while also being easier to empty. I would also have a steel catcher flap.

image

image

Cutting System - Blade disk with four swing-back blades for superior catching performance and crankshaft safety. Again, the Rover and Bushranger design is the best I have used, the main/central bolt is then supported by three other smaller bolts, making it easier to get the disk correctly aligned.

image

image

Height Adjustment - Single level adjustment, with small increments between detents to better adjust to each lawn/job. Rover and Victa are king here, allowing you to scalp down to 10mm right up to tipping at 70mm.

Wheels - plastic wheels suit me fine, the steel wheels with rubber "tyres" have worn quite quickly on my Bushranger, I have even "popped" them off the rim a few times.

image

Ancillaries - Axles should be bolted in place, not suspended with clips, ala Rover and Bushranger.

image

image

Steel wear strips on each side of the deck to avoid wearing down the chassis.

The pull rope should be handle mounted.

image

No engine brake/dead man's handle, I'm a grown up and don't need such a nuisance device, no more clamping! No blade clutch ala Honda, less maintenance issues.

image

Throttle and speed adjustments in the same arrangement as the Bushranger.

image

Handles should be solidly mounted to the deck and have a soft touch material on the hand grips.

And lastly, a drink bottle holder! Don't launch, my old Victa Razor had one and it was brilliant for summer mowing jobs.

image

Basically, this "perfect" machine would be a combination or Rover and Bushranger, with a Briggs engine. I guess such a machine doesn't exist being it would cost too much. If this theoretical mower existed, I would happily pay up to and beyond $3000 for such a machine.

image

All of those things except petrol engine. It should be battery powered with no performance deficit, and a 6 hr run time on single charge. I will throw away all my petrol and 2 stroke equipment if that appeared.

genebaby · 18-09-2023, 12:05 PM

Presenting..........The New Mower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**DFB FGXR6** · 18-09-2023, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genebaby

Presenting..........The New Mower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

image

I see that's the One-Man-Power model.

genebaby · 18-09-2023, 04:23 PM

I have not even tried to use it, but I noticed it was looking at me for those days I didn't have a mower. I had better get my butt into gear!

I tried to find someone with the Masport Contrator in stock but it was not easy, unless I lived in NZ.

I rang Masport and the problem became evident. It hasn't been released here yet! The lady said it should be available in October.

I looked at the lawn, wishing I had given it a mow before I took the old mower away.

I was thinking of bringing the mower back and forth, but realised I can just as easily find something to use in the meantime and move it on when I get the new one.

Enter the Ryobi!

Very near new, the guy can't pull start anything anymore after surgery so he's gone electric.

This thing does start easy, first pull every time, but it is not as solid as the Masport, or any other mower I've had. The catcher system is terrible, very difficult to put on.

It did get the job done, so I'll be nice to it so it lives until I don't need it anymore.

danzvtil · 20-09-2023, 08:39 PM

Getting sick of clipping jap box spheres with hand shears. Bought this instead.
Review to follow.
https://www.stanfordmowers.com.au/?attachment_id=6348

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-09-2023, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Getting sick of clipping jap box spheres with hand shears. Bought this instead.
Review to follow.
https://www.stanfordmowers.com.au/?attachment_id=6348

I have the Stihl version and it works very well for what you have in mind. I also like it for clipping low shrubs into shape or dead heading something like Dianthus Carnations.

Side note regarding clipped spheres. I once had a lady come into the nursery and told me she wanted some big balls. I mean, it took all my self-control to not snigger at that. For the record, she wanted two clipped Buxus sempervirens.

Citroënbender · 20-09-2023, 09:06 PM

That anecdote got a good snigger out of me.

Shame you had just sold out of Innuendus Sempevirens “Foxpaw” that very morning and she was stuck with Buxus.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-09-2023, 09:35 PM

The Victa Super 24, Super 600 or MasterCut 600.

Victa made these for decades, basically an alloy base slasher mower that delivered a 600mm / 24-inch cut. They had no self-propel and the blades were belt driven. These things were typically fitted with the 2-stroke engine for stamina, but they also used Honda and Briggs engines at various points too.

In the end, Victa was fitting the useless DOV Vanguard, which I think would have been pretty underpowered. Once the 2-stroke engine was discontinued in the late 2010's, the MasterCut 600 disappeared with it.

I want one by the way!

John 13 · 24-09-2023, 09:54 PM

Re. The Victa Super 24, Super 600 or Mastercut 600.

If I could attach photographs etc I would show you mine. An ex hire co. machine likely made in house here in Perth. Somewhat similar in design to the Victa with a Kubota GS 300 engine set up for the blades to turn anti clockwise.

Tonz · 30-10-2023, 08:36 PM

poor old shed will fly away with that load gone

Citroënbender · 30-10-2023, 08:38 PM

There would be no complaints here.

Saves dismantling them.

Tomorrow we edge, mow, do a tip run of mixed waste (ute tray) plus balance of green waste (trailer), dismantle and stack the shed panels.

Citroënbender · 04-12-2023, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Tomorrow we edge, mow, do a tip run of mixed waste (ute tray) plus balance of green waste (trailer), dismantle and stack the shed panels.

This job got stretched out a good bit. Finally all done, and it also looks like the estate has sold at full price.

Shed panels will be in central Tasmania Wednesday morning.

Interceptor · 20-11-2023, 12:04 PM

Whats got me buggered atm is how the **** people can try telling me that being a parts interpreter is so easy, yet in the past fortnight I've had 5 machines dumped in my lap that were non runners, and the fault has been traced directly to an incorrect spark plug!

I'm not complaining though, so far I've on-sold 3 of them for a combined profit of $400, I'm keeping the chainsaw (MS280) and I'm about to put the Honda mower on marketplace for $300!

LG17 · 20-11-2023, 01:12 PM

After the 30mm of rain we got in the storm last week some green bits started showing through in all the paddocks.The back paddock where the horse usually lives is particularly green and looking quite smooth. I haven't mowed it since about April or May as it was just a desert. What I had done was spread the horse manure with the mower and boy has that made a difference. Neighbour's paddocks are still brown and patchy so I know what I have been doing has paid off. All I need now is some follow up rain to really change the place. I mowed over the weekend and the place is starting to look a treat again.