Best lawn mower,,,Is it Victa ?

[zillah]

Dear All
I just want to buy a lawn mower for the home use. Which one is the popular and for a heavy use ?

To my limit knowledge, Vicat is one of the best lawn mower,,,could you please confirm ?
But I do not which Vicat's model is the best ?
Thanks

[Buggermedumplings]

I've got the 4-stroke Victa Tornado with mulcher (About $500), its great, starts first time, every time, plenty of power, Briggs & Stratton motor, you can't go wrong.

[malb]

Hi, I have been at the wrong end of a mower for more years than I can remember. I have come to a conclusion that there isn't a best, it's a case of horses for coarses.

Two stroke motors are typically low torque high speed devices. Generally quite OK for prepared areas which are cut regularly as they can be effective at moderate revs so not too noisy. Heavier cuts require higher speeds so more noise. Also have to add oil to the fuel, not too much of a hassle if you use a tin of fuel is a short time, but can be a problem if you use it slowly and have some fuel evaporation from the container or fuel tank as this leads to oil rich mixture, smoke and fouled plugs.

Four stroke motors are typically higher torque at lower revs. Generally fairly good at most things, but they need servicing (oil change etc) every fifty hours of operation to keep in tip top condition.

Steel bases are pressed out of fairly thin sheet steel (2mm max) and the steel can be fairly thin in areas where the steel is drawn fairly deeply, as the sheet is stretched more and becomes thinner in these areas. Impossible to keep paint layer applied to the cutting and exit areas for long, so eventually rust will get into the metal and weaken it. Have had two Victas with steel bases break the base before they were 8 years old.

Alloy bases won't rust out as such but the do develop cracking over time, and probably would not have the impact resistance of steel, if used in areas where there is a chance of picking up/mowing over rock, broken brick, sticks bigger than 15mm or so on a regular basis.

Have seen one Asian unit at a big department store with what I am sure was a moulded plastic base, which I would avoid like the plague, as I'm sure that it would crack within a couple of years of moderately heavy use.

Ball bearing wheels are usefull as the plastic bushes in non BB wheels wear over a few years and make the machine harder to push and give wobbly wheels.

Check that anything you are considering has an unobstructed exit path unless it is a pure mulcher. Its very easy to clog the exit with damp or longer than normal grass if there are restrictions in the exit.

Make sure that the mower and motor are reputable brands with good spares/service availablity. Ideally, you would like to have three spare parts sources within the area you frequently travel to ensure that bits are available when you need them. For example, Toro make good stuff, but for years had only 5 agents in the greater Melbourne area. The are also selling through Bunnings now, but will Bunnings stock parts for them or service them? Doubt it.

[zillah]

Thanks Guys for this feedback.

malb

Since you have been using more than lawn mowers for years, which one (Brand and model) would advise me to buy.

What would be the most suitable place to buy ?

Thanks

[dazzler]

Hi Zilla

Yep, a two stroke victa is probably the best bit. bit like buying a Holden or a Ford. Fairly reliable and robust and can be fixed with a "bit a fencing wire and a pair of pliers". So to speak

When I was an apprentice mechanic the council I worked for used victas. We could get one, steam clean it, strip it and refit new rings, carby kit and pull starter all within about an hour and a half, taking into account coffee breaks, toilet breaks, union brakes, union picnic hour, break breaks etc ....So an overhaul after about 5 years might be less than 150 bucks and you have a new mower.

Whatever you get, be wary of cheap cobbled up machines with no pedigree as parts can be hard to get down the track.

[zillah]

Yep, a two stroke victa is probably the best bit.

Thanks dazzler for that.

Do you recommend any model number , which might have features more than others ?

[Ashwood]

At the higher end, Honda & Stihl are arguably the best mowers, but not everyone wants to spend that kind of dough.

Victa & Masport do good mowers for good value for money. Re Victa model, do you want mulching function (chops the grass very finely and distributes back to the lawn), steel or alum chassis, size of chassis, 2 or 4 stroke??

Perhaps with a indicative budget figure, others may be able to advise better. Or visit a mower store or the Victa website to see what they have.

[dazzler]

Thanks dazzler for that.

Do you recommend any model number , which might have features more than others ?

No sorry. But, if you dont need a catcher then there is one that I have seen at the big hardware place that has big wheels at the back (about twice as big as normal) and has a very wide cut for about $390.

[Doughboy]

I second the victa tornado. Costs about $500, I have the four stroke and it is a gem. Starts first go everytime and I would not change it for anything.

I also have a Rover Lawn King ride on 17 horse, hydro drive and I love it too.

[Glued]

Honda and be done with it! I am on my second one, the first one was pinched!

[weisyboy]

there is verry little diferance from one to the other as they all use brigs and straton motors and the blabes mount streight onto this so the only peice they realy make is the mounting frame.

exept ofcorse hondas and gmc they use there own motors

[MICKYG]

Zillah

Have used Victa 2 stroke here, two mowers for 37 years of mowing. Will buy a new one next season. Never had to do much work on either mower, change blades each season.

Regards Mike.

Ps I have heard that 2 stroke mowers are going to be phased out because of the pollution.

[zillah]

What would the feedback be about " masport " lawn mower ?

Thanks

[weisyboy]

mastport are great we have 2 for work. never fail.

get one witha choke not a primer.

[mirz]

Dear All
I just want to buy a lawn mower for the home use. Which one is the popular and for a heavy use ?

To my limit knowledge, Vicat is one of the best lawn mower,,,could you please confirm ?
But I do not which Vicat's model is the best ?
Thanks

i bought a Victa for $193 couple of months ago, with B&S 4 stroke engine. i am very happy with it. doing its job very well. have a small area, so not much fussed about spending too much on lawn mower.

but mostly people say Honda is the best, but its expensive too.