Lawn Mower - Any recommendations?

[PCM]

Hello,

I've had a brilliant Al-Ko petrol, self propelled, Honda engine, 3 speed lawnmower for about the last 20 years.

It's been brilliant. ( Apart from needing to replace the drive wheels, as they have plastic inserts that wear away. )

Just recently, it's been smoking, drinking petrol, smelling like an old moped, running on and lacking power.

I think it's destined for lawnmower heaven. 😞

Q. Has anyone got any recommendations for a good and worthy replacement at all?  (£250-£550)?

Regards,.

[Toyota Owner]

Which Honda engine is fitted to the mower?

It might just be a carb issue causing the issue, the Honda engines are normally bulletproof.

Hopefully its also got a NGK spark plug fitted & not a Champion.

[PCM]

Thank you. I'll have to tale a look. ( I think, it's a Honda 160? )

[Malc1]

Temporary replacement ( or permanent ) ……. rent out your grass to a hungry horse, donkey, goat whatever 👌

Malc 

[cdmaskell]

Maybe time to go for rechargeable?  My Honda lawnmower is 20yrs old.  If it completely packed up I would go Battery.  But no signs yet. Try an economical repair first.

[Spottedlaurel]

I replaced our petrol Honda earlier this year with a rechargeable Stihl (the engine ran fine on the old one but the chassis rotted away).

All-in it cost about £580, not the cheapest option but it seems like a decent bit of kit and doesn't need charging-up too often. Battery is quite sizeable and can be used for other tools in the Stihl range (I'm not sure if it's a universal type).

[PCM]

We have about 2/3 acre of lawn... quite a lot.

But I am appreciating all the comments! 

[Malc1]

Then a ride-on mower …….. if the terrain is  gentle enough ! 

Malc 

[DavidCM]

If your lawn is of "regular"shape,consider a robotic mower.I'got 3/4 acre,but irregular shape with lots of obstructions so went for a sit on mower this time.It saves a 4 mile walk and job done in just over half the time.

[Malc1]

Back to basics then, buy a scythe and enjoy the exercise 😄

Malc 

[GMB]

We had a Cub Cadet with a Kawasaki 750cc V twin engine in it  ( Cost new 4500€ in 2004 ) and Hydrostatic drive. It was the fastest mower in town and is bulletproof. I gave it to a friend when we left France. It is now 20 years old and still runs like new.  With a side eject system it would cut anything from grass to brush to Garrigue type terrain.  My wife used to try and mow rocks with it but it survived.

[steve2006]

I have a Mountfield sit on mower which I’m happy to drive down on and cut your grass……….arrr Hertfordshire, no worries I should be there around mid November. 😀

[PCM]

Thank you for all the thoughts and feedback.

I found what looked like a nice Al-Ko on eBay. Sent the seller a simple but pertinent question. No reply = no sale.

Now I'm thinking a new Honda Izy. Still a Honda engine and very good reviews, with a mulching blade as well.

That's probably what I'll go with ...

 

[GMB]

We currently have a Honda izy. Works fine. A bit hard to push in longer grass. Can get water/ condensation in the carb when stored for winter in a cold shed. But no real problems, all normal stuff, and all minor issues were easily resolved by a clean up and new petrol.  First start in spring takes a few pulls and sometimes warm the plug up first. But I would recommend them - Honda tough and reliable.

First service after 3 yrs use plus a sharpen and balance £95.