The Great Big Lawnmower Thread

deezell · 04-08-2021 8:25am

Almost certainly the light switch, but actual lights on the engine cover were optional depending on which clone of this 92cn generic Global Garden products mower you have. Its around as a Castlegarden, Club Garden, Tecumseh, probably others. The switch is probably there regardless of whether it was fitted with a bonnet with a light. This manual might be of use to you.

GlobalGarden_Divers_Kundendiensthandbuch_92_Wsm92_EN_2006.pdf

Same mower as a Tecumseh

fryup · 04-08-2021 5:51pm

My walk behind (B&S engine) was coughing up blue smoke this morning

After lunch it wouldn't start up, it would fire up for for 5 seconds and die

any ideas??😐️

deezell · 04-08-2021 8:02pm

Blue smoke equals oil burning. Piston ring/seal gone, or valve guide excessively worn. Also possibly a head gasket fail next to an oil channel between cylinder and head.

You may have accidentally mixed oil/diesel into your petrol can also, all sorts if ways it happens.

Petrol leaking into the sump also, if the ca4b float valve is dirty or jammed, or the mower tilted over excessively can cause fuel/oil leakage and mixing.

fryup · 04-08-2021 9:57pm

yes the mower was tilted over excessively last week...clean out the carb then?

Daz_ · 06-08-2021 3:02pm

Hi . I know Agrieuro has been mentioned a few times here . I ordered a mower with them in July and haven’t had a good experience . It still hasn’t arrived and the customer support has been poor . Told me I had to chase it up with a shipping company in Germany/ not their problem .

I won’t be using them again .

Daz_ · 09-08-2021 3:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117720212#Comment_117720212

not sure if it makes a whole lot of difference to be honest, went to the Italian version first and then got directed to the UK one. their Customer support etc are all the one. 21 days since I ordered. They sent a bottle of oil with the machine (separately) which arrived last Friday. I was onto them again today to ask where was the mower and they told me I got it last week. an actual shambles.

deezell · 10-08-2021 9:11am

Agreed, other than trivial purchases from Amazon, buying from the UK is a cluster****. Also with the removal of the €30 customs exemption, every tiny packet is now subject to scrutiny. I'm surprised you weren't asked for VAT on the bottle of oil, unless it was dispatched from Italy.

ppn · 11-08-2021 12:40am

Looking for a used ride on around the 1000-1200 mark or thereabouts. Anyone know if the following are decent machines; Husqvarna TC138 or CT151 and Jonsered Supervac?

A lot of machines have the Kohler engine - is this good or best to go with B&S?

Any help appreciated.

Daz_ · 11-08-2021 9:34am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117731723#Comment_117731723

Double checked and it was the Italian site alright . All the order emails after that came in Italian which wasn’t helpful !

mower finally arrived yesterday so at least I have it now .

dachser logistics on the Irish leg , they were great to deal with .

Effects · 19-08-2021 12:14pm

Looking for some lawn mower advice. 6 year old machine, Briggs and Stratton engine.

Stopped working and repair guy just put compression tester on it, and said it's lost compression and is knackered. He hasn't looked into why it's lost compression.

Am I right to think I should be getter longer out of a lawn mower engine? It's self propelled, and had to get the gearbox/clutch for that repaired last year.

Do I just go out and get a new lawnmower, or look into repairing this one, or replacing the engine? I just get a feeling the repair guy doesn't want to look at it as he's always very busy.

Thinking of a Honda engined mower for the next, as B&S haven't lasted too long long the past two mowers I've had.

Is it also possible to get one that mulches and bags, so I can switch between options for different areas?

A lot of questions, so thanks for any help!

deezell · 19-08-2021 9:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117775527#Comment_117775527

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117735780#Comment_117735780

Jonsered and Husqvarna the same company. A 97cm mower used under 1200 will be somewhere between perfectly servicable and heading for trouble depending on the hours worked, terrain traversed and care it received. Inspect steering joints an front axle for play, deck and grass chute for corrosion, engine for starting, smoke, oil for colour and clarity. Look for cracks in major metal struts and supports, deck supports, front wheel kingpins, pedal and steering. And don't forget the seat and its subframe. Heavy use over rough ground will shake the guts out of any machine. Buying from a dealer will generally get you a short but useful warranty. Buying private might get you a gem, someone with a half acre of billiard table grass and a dry garage to store it in, but people seem to overestimate the value of well worn machines. A €500 mower could cost that again for certain major repairs if you can't diy them.

The lost compression might be severe wear, (did you check oil levels over the 6 years?), broken piston rings, burnt valves, but if it's bad enough that suddenly it won't start it might only be a head gasket. These can fail and reduce compression so severely that restarting is not possible. It's very simple to pop off the head to confirm, all the work is usually in sourcing the correct gasket. A 6 year old machine would be worth an engine fix provided it wasn't catastrophically worn/damaged from misuse or neglect.

Effects · 20-08-2021 12:23pm

It's my father that uses it 95% of the time. He just doesn't believe/understand in maintenance. Previous mower seized twice from not putting oil in it, but I was able to fix that issue myself. So might be similar issue that caused the problem with this one.

Is there a best time of the year to buy a mower? As in, at the end of the season, there's better deals?

I might go for a Honda, and then try fix this one over the winter myself.

deezell · 20-08-2021 1:42pm

He'll knacker an expensive Honda just as quickly! Go for something with power to spare, a large 2 cylinder engine, that will be only 'ticking over' when in use. Like this, http://www.adverts.ie/23618991

or this Honda.

http://www.adverts.ie/24649410

Effects · 20-08-2021 2:22pm

That Honda does look good. I had looked at a ride on lawnmower before this last mower was bought. But he went ahead and got this one after being asked not to. Even though it was me who was paying for it!

deezell · 20-08-2021 11:06pm

That's child abuse, sort of. Report him to.... the SPCL(awnmowers)

Max JD · 27-08-2021 1:42pm

Hi all, newbie here. Does anyone know an Irish retailer of the Oregon Brushcutter Mulching blade - I’ve seen them on Amazon but there’s a 2 month delay apparently. Not mad about buying from us anyhow. Has anyone any experience of these? Looking to attack some blackberry patches that someone has let get out of hand

tombrown · 27-08-2021 8:20pm

For the second time this summer the drive belt has gone on my Castelgarden TC102 Hydro (see pic). I changed it March 2020 and it lasted until March this year, then it split, and 2 days ago it split again. Prior to March 2020 (since about 2006), I personally had never changed it, though it is possible it was changed at times when I used to take it into the shop for servicing. The one I replaced in March 2020 was very very worn and stretched - it looked like it had been on for years.

I have replaced it now, but I want to get opinions as to what might be causing this.

I have checked all the pulley wheels & guides and there doesn't appear to be anything in them that might be causing a split. So I have two theories:

I just got unlucky and a stick or stone has got caught up each time & caused the damage
The replacement belts I use are of poor quality.

On 2., I really like the place I get my parts from - they are online, very reliable with fast delivery, fairly priced and, in the past have sent replacement parts at no extra cost when I ordered the wrong item. I don't want to name them here, as I don't think it would be fair.

Anyway - opinions welcome. Thanks :)

tombrown · 30-08-2021 12:01pm

Apologies for the bump - but any feedback/opinions on the above (apart from criticism of my sandals and lily white feet :))

Max JD · 02-09-2021 6:50pm

Hi Tombrown last time this happened to me it was the pulley on the chassis either side of the transmission on my JD Lr135 a Castelgarden clone - they can’t be seen unless you put the mower standing up on 2x boards or blocks about 2-3inches thick . I’ve also switched to Kevlar belts which so far is showing no wear after 4yrs.

deezell · 04-09-2021 7:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117812697#Comment_117812697

I'd go with 2. The belts you are using are not suitable for clutched use. It is the blade drive belt we're looking at? Is it a manual or electric clutch? A kevlar or wrapped belt will have less 'stiction' when engaged, it will slip momentarily as it transfers the engine torque to the deck. I've used really cheap (<€15) standard V belts on a TC102 manual deck engage in the past, they tended to 'snatch' as they were engaged, so I would run them in when new with a slow engage of the manual clutch. They did tend to fail in a couple of years, exactly like yours in the pic, and often when a small stick would poke in. Like you, the original worn belt was fully intact, just too worn for proper grip. I'd pop it back on till I grabbed another cheapo belt in a generic belt and bearing place in Bluebell.

tombrown · 08-09-2021 7:24am

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have looked at all the pulleys & they seem to be running freely. Also this is the main drive belt (for driving the wheels) not the blade drive belt; the latter was fitted by the local shop & has no signs of wear.

So I think the belts I use are probably poor quality. Can you recommend a good online supplier of tevlar belts that I can use?

Anyway, I have a new belt fitted which should at least see me through this season (plus I have a spare), so, if I can get a tevlar belt, I'll fit it when I service the machine next year

deezell · 08-09-2021 8:05am

Sorry for the mixup. If it is the transmission drive belt, and it is a Hydrostatic drive, then such a belt runs at a steady rate, no electric or jockey wheel clutch impact. What could be causing the damage is misaligned/damaged tensioner pulleys, or the belt may have been installed wrong side of a guide pin (designed to keep the belt from jumping a pulley due to backslap with sudden deceleration). Low tension due to a mis sized belt would cause slippage up at the engine pulley, which could prematurely wear the belt. Otherwise, a decent quality V belt of the correct size should last. Hydro drives are very easy on belts, all the sudden chucks and forces are absorbed by the transmission, so something is chewing the edge or inner surface of your belt. Max JD blames the guide pulleys flanking the main transmission pulley, though he doesn't say what was amiss, (pulley seized/loose/bent/ damaged? wrong path around a retention pin?) You'll have to get under and have a closer look at the belt path. You don't want to chew an expensive Kevlar belt, which I wouldn't deem necessary for a hydro drive.

tombrown · 09-09-2021 7:13am

Thanks

I have been under it a number of times & am sure the belt is correctly routed around the pulleys & guides, and all the pulleys seem fine. I'll inspect again and see if I can see the issue

11-09-2021 1:56pm

Hi folks

Harry Petrol Lawnmower. Spluttering engine. Engine labouring quite a bit.

Is this a clue?: The engine starts up easily and runs normally for about 20 seconds, then it starts losing power.

I've tried (I think) all the usual suspects, bar changing the spark plug. On that point, can an old spark plug cause an engine to lose power when running?

Any ideas?

fryup · 12-09-2021 11:06am

dirty carburettor maybe

12-09-2021 4:53pm

Thanks Fryup. I’ll follow that up.

westsidestory · 13-09-2021 1:42am

Is the Stiga 55 SVH worth paying €995 v a Weibang wb537slc @ €689?

https://www.doyles.ie/products/stiga-twinclip-55-svh-honda-gcv190-twinclip-55svh-twinclip-55svh.html

V

https://www.fingalgardenmachinery.ie/shop?store-page=Weibang-Selfdrive-Variable-Speed-Mower-WB537SLCV-3IN1-p288888046&utm_campaign=Shopping%2bCampaign&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=&utm_content=3205686xCjwKCAjwyvaJBhBpEiwA8d38vHurAZtnvESTOOhzQmzEnMZYnyC31f5nmYP4xy91iJBC0gf4d1XLlhoCtjAQAvD_BwE

deezell · 13-09-2021 7:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117883139#Comment_117883139

Yes. Superior engine, Aluminium deck, pro quality transmission, solid wheels, robust height adjustment mechanism and premium push handle and controls all add up to a product that will last 20 years with little issue. Its how Stiga used to make their mowers when they were an independent Swedish company. Latterly they became indistinguishable from their Castelgarden parent, GGC, now rebranded as Stiga Group.

This Weibang more closely matches the Stiga for build.

https://www.fingalgardenmachinery.ie/shop?store-page=Weibang-Selfdrive-Pro-Variable-Speed-Mower-WB537SCV-3IN1-p359690869

Stock of either is the issue I think, just getting close to one to have a feel of it. Shanlys are a good dealer in Newcastle Dublin with both brands.

https://shanleymowers.net/products/lawnmowers/weibang-professional-lawnmowers/

If you have a grand to spend on a mower, consider also the Honda HRG536 VLE variant with electric start, well priced at €855 below, but out of stock, or the VYE variant with roto stop Blade Brake Clutch, €800. Shops with stock probably a lot more.

https://www.irishgrassmachinery.ie/honda-izy-hrg466pke-3.html

https://www.irishgrassmachinery.ie/honda-izy-hrg466pke-2.html

fryup · 14-09-2021 5:00pm

the blades on my ride on won't engage? the belt seems fine but won't tighten when lever set to on?

bamayang · 14-09-2021 5:50pm

Has the hook on the end of the wire disconnected from the tensioner pulley? If you don’t feel pressure on the lever as you engage blades, then that would indicate it.

Max JD · 15-09-2021 2:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117861744#Comment_117861744

Hi Lads, The issue was a seized pulley on side of the transmission, it had cracked & disintegrated leaving sharp edges - it was about 12yrs old so had exceeded its serviceable life. I reckon that when it partially collapsed it took a chunk out of the belt. I changed the pulley - renewed the belt obvs & its running fine since ie c.5yrs. Dont know if this is a common occurrence. I changed the deck belt to kevlar at the same time & it looks a good as new - for what thats worth.

soundman45 · 15-09-2021 8:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117883139#Comment_117883139

Depends on what area and use its getting, I have a weibang wb537scv and can only heap praise on it, It's build quality is hugely impressive but its a heavy piece of kit too, I cut grass in August that had not been cut all year and it took it down no problem, and if your cutting longer grass the side shoot is invaluable .

westsidestory · 16-09-2021 12:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117883230#Comment_117883230

Thanks for the advice Deezell and Soundman 45, bought the Stiga 55 SVH and is a nice sturdy machine. Will get 5 - 10 hours cutting per week during the season so was willing to pay the extra for the more durable features.

This is a fantastic thread with super advice given, special mention for Deezell. 👌

NIMAN · 21-09-2021 9:21pm

A pet hate of my mower is the weight and the fact that when I have to start cutting the grass in say March, the soil is still soft and I end up leaving tracks that then harden up and I end up having to stick to these then for every cut until the autumn, otherwise the mower is bouncing up and down on them.

Why can't heavy mowers come with wider, softer wheels?

fryup · 22-09-2021 9:48am

are mulcher ride on mowers up to much? ...do they leave a mess behind how frequently would i need to use them? i usually cut every fortnight would that be too much of a gap, would the grass be too long?

i'm interested in one like this??

MaxPower89 · 22-09-2021 12:50pm

Any recomendations for 2nd hand push mowers? I'm thinking a Honda as we use one in work that is years old and runs like a dream. Mainly it is for mowing paths through longish grass so needs to have a bit of grunt, not something lightweight. Don't think I can afford a new mower. Any advice?

Jim_Hodge · 22-09-2021 3:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117922680#Comment_117922680

Personally I think trying to mulch grass only cut once every two weeks would be a pointless exercise.

deezell · 22-09-2021 4:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117924509#Comment_117924509

Unless you had this zero turn, the you could mow once a year, mulching it into powder!

Screenshot_20210922-164249_Video Player.jpg

Watch the video. Savage.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fhcDs2BjWt-sMZnZuGi2KANVdOsRbmom/view?usp=drivesdk

deezell · 22-09-2021 4:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117923446#Comment_117923446

A good used Honda about the same price as a new generic mower of the same size. Start with how much you want to spend, how wide of a cut minimum. €200? €400?, 16" 21"?

€400 will buy a decent quality new 16-18"€200 a good used large 21".

MaxPower89 · 23-09-2021 10:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117924907#Comment_117924907

Thanks. Think I'd need the 21", its a fairly large area. When I said push mower I meant walk behind, it would need to be self drive. Think my budget could be around the €500 mark.

Is donedeal the best place to look? I can hold off until spring, would that be a better time to buy with people buying new mowers? Weibang seems to be mentioned quite a bit here and the prices seem a lot lower than the Hondas.

blackbox · 23-09-2021 9:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117879692#Comment_117879692

Yes, it sounds like it is running too rich. Check the air filter isn't blocked before you go at the carb.

deezell · 23-09-2021 10:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117927824#Comment_117927824

Seems to be a few sales on at the moment. Should be a few decent 21" machines out there around your budget. You might need to trawl the sites or Donedeal, and phone for best price, some places don't put sale prices up on the net. Heres one that did, 21" varispeed Harry brand, €499, https://www.donedeal.ie/gardenequipment-for-sale/harry-21-variable-speed-selfdrive-lawnmower/27650715

which is a generic or pattern mower, also know as Hercules, here for €399.

https://www.ecpratt.ie/shop/lawn-and-garden-equipment/lawn-mowers/herkules-21-self-propelled-lawn-mower/

musgravedk · 27-09-2021 10:49am

Hi All, looking for some advice , iam considering buying an Alko solo t20 ride on just wondering has anyone bought one of these any what has the experience been like, just a bit concerned about getting parts and back up once bought. I would i be better go with Husqvarna TC238TX

Power22 · 02-10-2021 8:51pm

What would be the best new ride on mower I could get for a budget of 4000 to 4500. Have just under a half an acre between front and back garden.

Back garden is fairly rough and grass there is more like a field than a lawn.

Thanks

anronmor · 04-10-2021 10:33am

Hi folks,

Considering buying a hustler mower 48" + for our house, we have 2 medium lawns and a long driveway with some semi rough areas / edges of fields that need to be tamed

Is mulching practical for Irish conditions?

Will the mower tolerate longer grass or if we miss a week or 2?

Will the hustler coope with slightly uneven ground?

Thanks

Ronan

04-10-2021 10:29pm

Didn't know whether to put this here or bargain alerts but thought it might be useful for someone who like me has a tiny garden. I had my eye on a small push mower on amazon and randomly placed it in my shopping basket a few weeks ago, went to clear it out and discovered it was reduced by 45% so just picked it up at a bargain 44euro. Its a Bosch cylinder mower and the reviews while a bit of a mixed bag are generally the difference between those who have been able to adjust the blades and those who probably don't know how.

Anyway, (amazon.co.uk) (Bosch-Manual-Garden-Lawn-Mower/dp/B004JMTY2K) it's a daily deal so only available at that price til tomorrow. (cant place links)

deezell · 05-10-2021 7:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117968847#Comment_117968847

Stihl 6112 ZL is all the mower you could want, super powerful and robust, 110cm cut. Also check out 5112 coming in at about €4k.

deezell · 05-10-2021 8:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117973585#Comment_117973585

I'd say yes to all those questions, the ability to mulch 2 week neglected rough ground will be a function of power and cut height, but I'd imagine even the entry level residential versions of these machines could cope with 2 weeks. Cut at high, then lower and redo, the grass will be powdered after a second run. Have a look at this video to see what commercial ZT mowers can cut, 3-4 feet high on places.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fhcDs2BjWt-sMZnZuGi2KANVdOsRbmom/view?usp=drivesdk

anronmor · 05-10-2021 8:46pm

Thanks dezell, that's impressive

coillsaille · 13-10-2021 11:32am

I'm been a fan of this thread for quite a while and especially the knowledgeable info from posters such as Deezell.

I'm hoping to be in a position to move up from a push mower to a ride-on/lawn tractor before next spring and looking for advice as to what would best suit our needs.

We have several lawns which would be about half acre in total, some of them have small but steepish sloping banks. We also have an area which is a wildflower meadow which requires mowing twice a year. Part of the garden is at a lower level which is accessed via a steepish gravel path. So we'd need something that can get back up that slope after mowing the lower garden.

I'd like something with the option of mulching on the lawns but collecting the cuttings on the wildflower meadow, as the experts say collecting is essential to encourage various species of wildflowers.

We cut our own firewood and this involves moving quantities of cut timber around the yard so something that can tow a small trailer of logs without much effort would be ideal

Any recommendations as to what machine would suit would be appreciated. Plenty of space in the sheds so size is not an issue. I'm prepared to spend up to €5k but if something that ticks all the boxes was available for less I'd be much happier. Thanks in advance.

The Great Big Lawnmower Thread

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