The Great Big Lawnmower Thread

Dr Galen · 29-07-2009 7:28pm

As you can see, this is now the Great Big Lawmower Thread.

This is one of the most popular recurring questions, so makes sense (in my head anyway) to try and create a bit of a library of all the previous questions and answers on the topic.

Will help keep the first forum page clear of multiple threads. From now on, any new threads will get added to this superthread. Maybe we'll run this as a trial and if all goes smoothly, then it can stay this way.

Comments etc as always are welcomed!

CJhaughey · 29-07-2009 7:53pm

Mystik Monkey wrote: »

As you can see, this is now the Great Big Lawmower Thread.

This is one of the most popular recurring questions, so makes sense (in my head anyway) to try and create a bit of a library of all the previous questions and answers on the topic.

Will help keep the first forum page clear of multiple threads. From now on, any new threads will get added to this superthread. Maybe we'll run this as a trial and if all goes smoothly, then it can stay this way.

Comments etc as always are welcomed!

This is a disaster of a thread, why don't you break it up into sections?
Rideon, push, powered etc?
Far too much of a mash up to get any reasonable info out of IMO.

stackerman · 31-07-2009 9:13pm

Have a look at fuzon zero turn mowers, I bought one a few years back and hand on heart its class. Spins around trees in seconds and does a great job, no probs yet. Got 42" mulcher for €3000 from UK shipped to the door. I actually enjoy cutting the lawn now

Prenderb · 04-08-2009 5:03pm

I bought a Homelite petrol mower 2 weeks back from a big-chain home and garden store.

It does a grand cut, but - I tried removing the HT lead from the sparkplug to clean the deck and store it into the shed (the instructions say to do this, before anyone says anything!), but the lead was so well-connected to the sparkplug that when the rubber boot came off, it left the connector behind it on the sparkplug with the bare wire separated (if that makes any sense) from the connector on the other side.

Said big-chain have a repair policy, (i.e. no credit note, replacement or refund) but I'm fairly confident this will happen again next time I clean the mower or if I ever need a new spark. Beware of this all you who are in the market!

Mailman · 04-08-2009 6:23pm

that's a one minute repair which you can do your self.

Prenderb · 04-08-2009 9:28pm

Mailman wrote: »

that's a one minute repair which you can do your self.

I was just trying to find out how on the google machine! Can you help me? Is it a simple job? I know it's easy in principle - I was going to head to the motor factors tomorrow and see could they do me a new HT boot somehow. Have you an easier fix? Thanks!

Mailman · 04-08-2009 9:43pm

The boot is only there to stop it shorting.
The metal ring that goes over the top of the spark plug has a spike on the other end. That spike goes through the high tension cable to the metal wire core under the insulation plastic. Once metal touches metal you've got a connection to the sparkplug. Ignition on a lawnmower is extremely simple.
you could even strip back the wire once the boot is removed and loop it round the top of the spark plug and clamp it under the screw top on the spark plug.

If you want to do it properly generic replacement boot caps and clamps are only a euro or two.
I've been lifted out of it by the sparkplug on various lawnmowers to know they don't much of a connection for a spark to be created.

Prenderb · 04-08-2009 10:31pm

I figured it was fairly easy to fix, I just couldn't see how I'd do it with the connector I had and the tools I don't have! I'll check in the motor factors up the road tomorrow for a generic HT boot and connector. At least I won't have to strip back the wire!

The mower doesn't have a ring to go over the plug, the connector that came off it is more like a cup at the plug side, with another section squeezed to attach it to the HT lead.

Prenderb · 05-08-2009 7:53pm

Prenderb 1, lawnmower 0.

I managed to get the boot back onto the lead (thanks to washing up liquid) then reconnect the connector onto it - having widened it first using a tool from work - and slide the boot back down over it. The lead now goes on and off the plug like it should.

No new parts needed, only a bit of a think and some detergent.

Kildrought · 06-08-2009 10:17pm

I just bought one of those Homelite mowers as well...this is my 2nd petrol mower so I'm reasonable familar with them (or at least thought I was!). My old machine was a briggs & stratton engine & I'm kind of sorry I didn't go for that again.

I used the Homelite for the first time this evening, it was struggling w. the grass on the highest setting, even though I left off the collector; engine sounds a bit 'rattley' and then it started smoking (white smoke) after 3 lengths of the garden (and it's not that big a garden).

I let it cool down, checked oil etc., all was well so started it up again - same story...

Not sure what to do now? Any advice?

Prenderb · 06-08-2009 10:29pm

Hmm...I would think that maybe the oil level is too high? I hope I'm not being patronising, but double check that the oil level is at or just below the max mark...Another possibility might be water in the petrol? Just some thoughts off the top of my head.

Mailman · 06-08-2009 10:35pm

It's not water in the petrol water in the petrol stops your engine.
white smoke is oil being burnt off after you turned the mower on it's side or else you elected a new Pope.

Kildrought · 07-08-2009 11:21am

Nope, didn't tip it on the side - it's brand new out of box.

Must be a new pope so....

bmaxi · 07-08-2009 11:30am

Burning oil produces a bluish white smoke.White smoke is usually associated with water either in the fuel or as condensation in the combustion chamber. Where was the smoke coming from, i.e. from the exhaust, the engine body the underbody? Was the grass very long and wet, could it have been clogging the underbody and causing the engine to overheat?
I see now from your earlier post it is brand new , just pack up the box and bring it back.

Mailman · 07-08-2009 11:42am

On new lawnmowers they used to paint the exhaust the same colour as the rest of the body. the paint on the exhaust would burn away producing smoke. I haven't seen a painted exhaust in decades.

Kildrought · 07-08-2009 1:57pm

Thanks for the replies.

There's no paint on the exhaust that I can see - just the metal

Smoke was coming from around the exhaust area, but not out of the exhaust (if you see what I mean).

Grass was/is longish alright, yesterday was very sunny so don't imagine it was wet, but my old mower wouldn't have had a problem on the highest setting.

I might try again on the already cut section of grass - just to see if that was causing the problem.

Cardboard box was put out with the recycling collection yesterday!

gaz wac · 07-08-2009 1:59pm

Just because you dont have the box, dosent mean you cant bring it back !!
actually, places like PowerCity, you can dump the box before you can take it home, they still have to accept it.

bmaxi · 07-08-2009 2:26pm

Kildrought wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

There's no paint on the exhaust that I can see - just the metal

Smoke was coming from around the exhaust area, but not out of the exhaust (if you see what I mean).

Grass was/is longish alright, yesterday was very sunny so don't imagine it was wet, but my old mower wouldn't have had a problem on the highest setting.

I might try again on the already cut section of grass - just to see if that was causing the problem.

Cardboard box was put out with the recycling collection yesterday!

If smoke was not coming from the exhaust then it can't have been burning oil or fuel contaminated with water. More likely a damp or condensation problem or overheating. One dry day, after the deluge of rain over the past while, is not going to make much difference to the grass.
If I had to guess I'd say it is overheating because it is having to cope with wet grass clogging the underbody. The steam is caused by water thrown up on to the engine. New engines can usually do with a light workout before being used for heavy work.

Kildrought · 08-08-2009 8:25pm

I think I'm going to bring the dratted thing back. Had a run at the grass again today and the stupid mower cut out after 15 mins (no white smoke this time).

I can't restart it now at all - the pull cord thing is just jammed - waited for it to cool down etc., and still no joy - it's back in the shed & is going back to shop tomorrow...

Prenderb · 08-08-2009 8:47pm

sounds like it might (might!) have run out of oil....

Kildrought · 09-08-2009 11:54am

Prenderb wrote: »

sounds like it might (might!) have run out of oil....

it's brand new out of box and was filled with 1/2 litre of oil before I used it; can't imagine it'd use burn up oil like that. In any event according to the oil dip stick it's just below the max mark.

bmaxi · 09-08-2009 1:00pm

Kildrought wrote: »

I think I'm going to bring the dratted thing back. Had a run at the grass again today and the stupid mower cut out after 15 mins (no white smoke this time).

I can't restart it now at all - the pull cord thing is just jammed - waited for it to cool down etc., and still no joy - it's back in the shed & is going back to shop tomorrow...

Yes taking it back is the easiest option and some of these stores have a limited timeframe to get your money back.
I'll assume you are holding the flywheel brake off and that the brake cable is operating properly.
It is unlikely the engine has seized but one way to check is to take out the spark plug, (make sure you take it out, don't just remove the cap), and try to rotate the blade. If it moves then the engine is not seized.
Sometimes the actual pullcord mechanism can get jammed, it is relatively simple to repair this but the return to store option is definitely best.

Fairdues · 09-08-2009 1:06pm

A friend of mine got somebody in to cut his very large garden and paid the same for 5 years as he would have paid for the ride on. Factor in that he had no hassle, no repairs etc, it's worth thinking about.

Fairdues · 09-08-2009 1:07pm

His garden is over an acre.

niceirishfella · 09-08-2009 1:25pm

Fair comment, but I like mowing my lawns. Infact, I look forward to it.

gaz wac · 11-08-2009 5:13pm

Hi lads,

Have decided to buy either the Bosch Rotak 40 (inch) or the 36 ( inch). Here is a link to the two models side by side..

http://www.gardenerslife.ie/Product_1222_Bosch-Rotary-Mower-Rotak-36.html

The only difference is the motor watt, Rotak 36 = 1400 watt where as the 40 = 1700 how importaint is this ? Also what difference will it make between a 36" or 40" blade ?

( i have a medium sized garden)

Thanks

niceirishfella · 11-08-2009 7:52pm

4 inches!

gaz wac · 12-08-2009 8:52am

niceirishfella wrote: »

4 inches!

ha ha i knew someone would come back with that one...phft 4 inches is nothing to me

Ernest · 15-08-2009 5:55pm

It strikes me that most of the prices for petrol lawnmowers being mentioned on this thread are way too expensive. It seems many contributors think its worth being ripped off in return for buying particular brands, like the guy who swears by Bosch even though his Bosch drill actually blew up!!
It should be possible to get a perfectly good petrol mower for about €150 in places like Atlantic,Woodies, Homebase or B&Q. I bought one last year for about €140 with pull-string start, lever choke and its excellent. Self-propelled might cost more but at the moment Lidl are offering a fairly high-spec one with a Briggs & Strattonfor 4-stroke engine for €240.

Mailman · 15-08-2009 6:05pm

There is no comparison between a 500 euro mower and a 150 euro mower although it is possible to pay 500 euro for mower than is not much better than a 150 euro mower if you don't know what you are looking for.

Petrol lawnmowers are not like electrical DIY equipment which are essentially just electrical motors in plastic covers( a bit unfair to quality electrical tools).
a 500 euro mower should last 15 to 20 years if looked after. €150 mowers will be rickety within 5 years and you'll never have the same comfort with the cheaper device.

jamesd · 17-08-2009 4:34pm

My own lawnmower's gearbox has given up so I am in the market for a new mower.
Lawn: 3/4 acre and no slopes, I have a budget of €2.5 to €3K for a new mower and I will just mulch it so no gathering.

What would people recommend? I was looking at a john deere x140 for €2800 in galway shop

Mailman · 17-08-2009 4:48pm

Snapper 33" Rider with Kohler engine and shift-on-go transmission.
Will be considerably cheaper than that and will last a lifetime.
No gearbox to go wrong. Recoil start in case the battery goes flat and heavy gauge steel used throughout.

jamesd · 17-08-2009 5:29pm

Have never heard of a snapper mower? Looked at the site there - do you have one?

niceirishfella · 17-08-2009 5:41pm

Snapper are American Built, good quality machine, used professionally quite a bit by landscapers.
buying right now will put you in a great postion to do a whopper of a deal. If I was buying right now, I'd demand -
- 2 years warranty.
- Serious Cash Discount.
- Delivery.
- Full of Fuel.
- First service FOC.

No new stuff is selling this year and the deals are there to be done.

Mailman · 17-08-2009 5:41pm

My father does and he used to sell them amongst other brands including John Deere. Snappers are near indestructible.
I know of examples over 25 years old which are still in use with no sign of them being retired.

rustynutz · 18-08-2009 11:53pm

Mailman wrote: »

My father does and he used to sell them amongst other brands including John Deere. Snappers are near indestructible.
I know of examples over 25 years old which are still in use with no sign of them being retired.

Would your father recommend John Deere in his experience?are they worth the extra they cost to buy?

Mailman · 19-08-2009 10:25am

rustynutz wrote: »

Would your father recommend John Deere in his experience?are they worth the extra they cost to buy?

They're a good machine but especially expensive here in Ireland and parts aren't cheap.
If the objective is to get the lawn cut then the Snapper is the right tool for the job.
If the objective is to show off to the neighbours you can't really get a better machine than the John Deere. They have a bigger wow factor than anything else on the market.

thekooman · 19-08-2009 1:55pm

jamesd wrote: »

My own lawnmower's gearbox has given up so I am in the market for a new mower.
Lawn: 3/4 acre and no slopes, I have a budget of €2.5 to €3K for a new mower and I will just mulch it so no gathering.

What would people recommend? I was looking at a john deere x140 for €2800 in galway shop

hi james,
we got a L135 John deere from Murphys John deere in headford last year and its grand for the straight going lawn. we have some slopes in the lawn as well and its handles ok. not sure on the price of them now. you can also get a mulcher which is shoved down the shoot for an extra 50 euro but im sure they would throw it in to break the deal.
the beauty about buying from a dealer is that if something goes wrong you can get it fixed, maintained and parts easily.

briano101 · 19-08-2009 2:08pm

Hi guys,

I have an old 6 blade cylinder lawnmower. The blades are a little blunt and could do with a sharpening. Can i do this myself with a grinder or such or must i take it to a service repair agent? I have heard that it is risky to do it by myself as it is quite a speciailised task but then others say i should go ahead . I'd appreciate any advice.

regards
Briano

niceirishfella · 21-08-2009 5:35pm

don't do it with an angle grinder, but do it with a grinding stone machine.

fryup · 22-08-2009 6:12pm

my ride-on is playing up lately, it keeps slipping out of gear and difficult to engage.

Anyone any idea whats going on?? is it something i could fix myself??

niceirishfella · 22-08-2009 7:45pm

fryup wrote: »

my ride-on is playing up lately, it keeps slipping out of gear and difficult to engage.

Anyone any idea whats going on?? is it something i could fix myself??

excessively loose drive belt?

Kashkai · 23-08-2009 10:09am

Despite whats been said on here about mowers not selling and that there are deals to be done, I've tried 5 ride on mower sales agents in the north Kildare region and they all wanted top dollar for their machines (Castlegarden, John Deere, Stiga, Jonsered etc) and would not budge on the asking price. And when I asked for a discount coupled with extended warranty and maybe 1st service free, they basically just walked away. Is north Kildare the last outpost of the Celtic Tiger?

niceirishfella · 23-08-2009 1:46pm

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

Is north Kildare the last outpost of the Celtic Tiger?

seems so, I personally know lots of deal to be had. Seems you're not in the know thats all but then I have been wheeling and dealing in gardencare equip a few years on and off and know a few contacts. If you think I'm bul****ting you fair enough but there's a whole world out there outsdie Kildare you know!

jamesd · 23-08-2009 6:59pm

Dealer in ballinasloe offered an extra year warrenty with ride on to me over the phone last week and i didnt even get around to asking for it haha, I am after buying a Jonsered Lr 13, did a cut yday with it ans seems a nice mower.

dingding · 23-08-2009 11:33pm

Use an Automower myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgUxh44jGbs

Find it gives a great quality cut and it leaves the cut grass on the lawn.

Just need to change the blades a couple of times a year and away it goes.

Just had it put a line of bricks around the edge of the fence so it cuts the whole garden.

Got it a lot cheaper in Northern Ireland.

Manuel · 24-08-2009 12:13pm

I was looking at a Castelgarden 15.5 hp Hydro 40" twin cut down from 3,400 to 2,700 (end of season). I'd still be looking to get it for closer to 2K with 12-18 mths warranty. Do you think that's reasonable?

And I know this has been raised before, but there's a 14.5 hp manual machine in the same sale for 2,200. I have a flat site (half-acre) so I wonder should I save myself the 500 Euro and get the manual? Personal choice of course, but any advice welcome ... it's still a big purchase in the times we're in.

As it's a popular make, does anybody have any comparable quotes to hand from around the country?

Thanks.

niceirishfella · 24-08-2009 2:20pm

Manuel wrote: »

there's a 14.5 hp manual machine in the same sale for 2,200

you can buy a 13.5hp Hydro Castelgarden for €1900, it's all the mower you need for your site. Thats what i'd buy, as a matter of fact, its the one I have and its faultless.

Mailman · 24-08-2009 10:37pm

13.5hp is adequate for a 40" TwinCut. They were originally sold with 12hp engine way back when.
Only go for a more expensive engine if it is a better class of engine.
Back in the day the choice was 12hp single cylinder side valve or V-twin cylinder OHV Vanguard and there was no comparission in engines. A 15.5hp single cylinder b&s is not a huge improvement over a 13.5hp single cylinger b&s engine.
Hydro is much handier to use than a 5 speed transmission but it will almost certainly be the component on the mower that'll end up causing you to scrap it as they just aren't as reliable as conventional transmissions. If you look after the machine that will be 10 or 15 years down the line so it's easy to justify the hydro over that time period.

rustynutz · 25-08-2009 9:29pm

dingding wrote: »

Use an Automower myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgUxh44jGbs

Find it gives a great quality cut and it leaves the cut grass on the lawn.

Just need to change the blades a couple of times a year and away it goes.

Just had it put a line of bricks around the edge of the fence so it cuts the whole garden.

Got it a lot cheaper in Northern Ireland.

Do you mind me asking what dealer you used up north?Lookin for a bargain meself