Mowing ..

[mad2]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I'm all for trees in both public and private areas but people need to careful in their selection. Otherwise it becomes a problem, ends up being removed and the whole process starts again.

same here

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

They plant deciduous trees as they are amongst the highest carbon syncing varieties. Pulling carbon from the atmosphere, turning it into leaves then dumping them once a year and starting again.

If they plant more suitable natives like Eucalyptus they're labelled as potential murderers because someones old uncle Bob used to call them dang things widow makers and warned the children never to stand under one.

It's a loose/ loose situation for the councils when it comes to trees, whatever side of the fence you sit on.

Can not blame the council on decisions they made some 50 years ago.
I can not speak to much as I have several large river redgums (widowmakers) at home.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Liquidambar styraciflua or Sweet Gum

Remember these? Well the resident Dragon Lady found something 'useful' to do with them.

Make Christmas Trees

[danzvtil]

The joys of small business ��, was planting at a clients house and holed a swimming pool solar system pipe, came back the next day and tried to fix it, got it 90% done then threw the toys out of the cot and called a plumber who fixed it in 15mins. Cost me 6 hours and $90 in plumbing supplies plus whatever the plumber ends up costing, but you live and learn.��
I

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

The joys of small business ��, was planting at a clients house and holed a swimming pool solar system pipe, came back the next day and tried to fix it, got it 90% done then threw the toys out of the cot and called a plumber who fixed it in 15mins. Cost me 6 hours and $90 in plumbing supplies plus whatever the plumber ends up costing, but you live and learn.��
I

Oh man, I know what that feels like and it sucks.

[DFB FGXR6]

Oops................







I have been running this Stihl BG 86 as a dedicated vac for years now. These Stihl blowers are able to be run as a blower or vac by switching over nozzles. It's a fiddly process that takes time, and time is money on the job. So it's been handy having a spare blower set up as a vac, being able to just grab and go when required.

The fan housing on this unit has been cracked for a while now, I guess today was it's last hurrah. I have removed the suction tube and collection bag and relegated the unit to the spare parts department. I'm going to set up my other BG 86 as a vac so now I'm faced with the task of finding a replacement blower.

The easy path would be another BG 86. However, I have had 3 of these BG 55 / 86 blowers now and I think I have had enough of Stihl. So I'm looking at the Husqvarna 525BX for a change in brand. Looking over the spec's, it appears the 525BX is lighter and more powerful but............. more expensive, $559 vs $399 for the Stihl.

https://www.husqvarna.com/au/product...specifications
https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...BG-86-C-E.aspx



At this point, I want to point out how frustrating it can be researching new tools. I have been doing this for years now, it's frustrating trying to compare machines between different manufactures as they all publish spec's differently, making it a long process sussing out which is the better product. I know why they do it but it just makes it hard for consumers trying to buy the best tool for the job.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Oops................

image

image

image

I have been running this Stihl BG 86 as a dedicated vac for years now. These Stihl blowers are able to be run as a blower or vac by switching over nozzles. It's a fiddly process that takes time, and time is money on the job. So it's been handy having a spare blower set up as a vac, being able to just grab and go when required.

The fan housing on this unit has been cracked for a while now, I guess today was it's last hurrah. I have removed the suction tube and collection bag and relegated the unit to the spare parts department. I'm going to set up my other BG 86 as a vac so now I'm faced with the task of finding a replacement blower.

The easy path would be another BG 86. However, I have had 3 of these BG 55 / 86 blowers now and I think I have had enough of Stihl. So I'm looking at the Husqvarna 525BX for a change in brand. Looking over the spec's, it appears the 525BX is lighter and more powerful but............. more expensive, $559 vs $399 for the Stihl.

https://www.husqvarna.com/au/product...specifications
https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...BG-86-C-E.aspx

image

At this point, I want to point out how frustrating it can be researching new tools. I have been doing this for years now, it's frustrating trying to compare machines between different manufactures as they all publish spec's differently, making it a long process sussing out which is the better product. I know why they do it but it just makes it hard for consumers trying to buy the best tool for the job.

I wonder if having the vac tube connected long term caused the extra stress on the housing, that and/or being stored in sunlight made it brittle.
At this stage, i dont think the huski blower would be a terrible choice based on prior huski experience.

[FTE217]

Well with winter in full force mowing is hibernating as we know.
The only thing I'll do is give the lawns a quick run over purely to pick up the leaves etc instead of raking it all up, laziness is bliss.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I wonder if having the vac tube connected long term caused the extra stress on the housing, that and/or being stored in sunlight made it brittle.
At this stage, i dont think the huski blower would be a terrible choice based on prior huski experience.

Most likely the cause.

That machine owes me nothing, it worked a HARD life. A shame though as it was still running strong.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Well with winter in full force mowing is hibernating as we know.
The only thing I'll do is give the lawns a quick run over purely to pick up the leaves etc instead of raking it all up, laziness is bliss.

I wouldn't call it lazy, rather more efficient use of time. Work smarter not harder.

[DFB FGXR6]

Went out and bought the new blower this morning before I started, put to work immediately.







I ended up getting a small discount, every bit counts right? The first thing I noticed using this machine was how Husqvarna have a better anti-vibration system. The Stihl is great is this regard but this is a step beyond. The engine doesn't seem to rev as hard as the Stihl but I don't believe it wants for power. With the fan tip attached (as pictured) it also seems to have more better sense of finesse when trying to get corners clean. That last point is hard to explain, I guess there is a certain technique to using a blower so as to not be just chasing debris around, but rather controlling the flow of air so as to be quick and efficient. The Husqvarna seems a tad better at this.

After using the same basic blower design for the last 19 odd years, moving on to a different brand and model is going to take some time to adjust. I know the BG series Stihl basically inside out so I guess there is going to be some learning to be done on how to maintain them and adjust to their differences. For example, I kept thumping down to turn the thing off, like I always have, when the kill switch is mounted on the top of the handle.

Anyway, fun and games.

[DFB FGXR6]

Rocking my other Mustang today.



And washing my other Mustang today.

[Interceptor]

Hi Guys
I've only got to page 14 so far but I've noticed discussion suggesting higher cutting height is better.... So I thought I'd ask
I've just moved to a place where the lawn is suffering from 3 years of neglect by the previous tenants (only mowed when the council ordered them to) and so far I've been watering regularly and fertilising, mowing every 2-3 weeks when the grass starts looking untidy, blade height set to 50mm when the mower is on concrete and the mulching plug is left in.

Any suggestions?

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Rocking my other Mustang today.

image

And washing my other Mustang today.

image

How’s the new blower?

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

Hi Guys
I've only got to page 14 so far but I've noticed discussion suggesting higher cutting height is better.... So I thought I'd ask
I've just moved to a place where the lawn is suffering from 3 years of neglect by the previous tenants (only mowed when the council ordered them to) and so far I've been watering regularly and fertilising, mowing every 2-3 weeks when the grass starts looking untidy, blade height set to 50mm when the mower is on concrete and the mulching plug is left in.

Any suggestions?

Keep doing what you are doing, but I’d use the catcher and remove the clippings, it will look neater quicker. What part of the country are you? If it’s kik or couch, it prob won’t get moving properly until spring.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

How’s the new blower?

It's going well, still adjusting to it though. Seems to use a touch more fuel than the Stihl.

[DaveD]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Anyone have any idea why my mower is cutting like this. Leaving a strip about 2"- 50mm wide.

Mower is the 2 month old EGO 47cm self propelled on it's lowest setting, with really spongy lawn.


image

image

Did you ever get to the bottom of why this was happening?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by DaveD

Did you ever get to the bottom of why this was happening?

Not really, as I mentioned parts of the lawn, front and back, are very spongy. After lifting it up 1 notch which seems to be better.

I also used to mow 'north to south' on the back lawn, but now mow east to west.
That way when The Dragon Lady looks out the back windows she looks across the cuts and cant see any lines that way

[danzvtil]

It’s nice to be back at work after 7 days locked down, my baller place missed a visit and it’s been stormy, hells bells, branches and crap everywhere. I had to hire a ladder to get on top of the garage to cut up an epic cypress branch, how it didn’t collapse is beyond me.
At the mower shop for a new chain for the huski, the bloke tells me it needs a new bar as the old one is wearing out, I didn’t know that was a thing, but I am pretty rough with it.

[Pis-ton broke]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

At the mower shop for a new chain for the huski, the bloke tells me it needs a new bar as the old one is wearing out, I didn’t know that was a thing, but I am pretty rough with it.

was the old chain worn out?
the bars are servicable , how old is it? i've used the same bar on my huski for many years. lets take a look at it.

[Citroënbender]

Thats what I was thinking, unless it’s hardened and can’t be dressed.

[Pis-ton broke]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Thats what I was thinking, unless it’s hardened and can’t be dressed.

they last for years.
i want to see the bar and the chain, i smell a rat. (shop owner)?

[thefargo]

I thought you could flip the bar, ie have it 'upside down'. that helps extend the life, as the chain only runs in one direction? Or was someone messing with me?

[Pis-ton broke]

Originally Posted by thefargo

I thought you could flip the bar, ie have it 'upside down'. that helps extend the life, as the chain only runs in one direction? Or was someone messing with me?

yes , that is what you do. and you can dress the bar to on both sides. (with a file).

[383hq]

If the bar lube stops working, you will wear out a bar pretty quickly. Lot of metal to metal contact/wear.

Do you regularly check the bar lube is functioning? Its as important as correct mixture....

Typically if they are not worn, they'll dress them true
(you'll find this hard to believe, but people can get saws stuck in trees with Tonnes of force pressing on the bar.

A good gauge for many bars are the traditional toledo 12" steel rule.
(300mm will work too)
Thickness of the rule is perfect for cleaning out/checking the groove on the bar.

Like many things, the problem nowadays the labour costs more then puchasing a no name chainsaw....

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Pis-ton broke

was the old chain worn out?
the bars are servicable , how old is it? i've used the same bar on my huski for many years. lets take a look at it.

Yeah, the old chain was munted, this unit is 3yo, this is the 4th chain. He did rotate the bar for me while the chain was off.

[slowsnake]

Originally Posted by 383hq

If the bar lube stops working, you will wear out a bar pretty quickly. Lot of metal to metal contact/wear.

Do you regularly check the bar lube is functioning? Its as important as correct mixture....

Typically if they are not worn, they'll dress them true
(you'll find this hard to believe, but people can get saws stuck in trees with Tonnes of force pressing on the bar.

A good gauge for many bars are the traditional toledo 12" steel rule.
(300mm will work too)
Thickness of the rule is perfect for cleaning out/checking the groove on the bar.

Like many things, the problem nowadays the labour costs more then puchasing a no name chainsaw....

"Oh, I like chinese".....that was a song, not like Chinese for the quality and hardening and tempering their metal products!....bars can be flipped but it is the lube oil that cuts and cools, sounds like, some folk are heavy on there gear, quick way to loose money and time, and time is money!


Cheers WB

[.:4:.]

Im not typically one to laugh at anothers missfortunes, but the week and a half long saga made me laugh. So the 1 place thats that overgrown that has had mustilple complaints to the council sold. So 4 foot grass, 10 foot weeds etc. So every day or 2 someones been around to attempt to attack the jungle. Im assuming its a ride on of some description as its an electric start and loud. Up untill today it wouldnt start for longer then maybe 20 seconds before backfiring, stalling then refusing to start. So today it started, warmed up for a few minutes then got into it. 30 seconds in, then a loud metalic bang. Not mechanical, a hit something solid bang and it stalled. So hearing some clanging about so im guessing the operator was checking the deck or something, then at the top of his lungs i hear 'are you effing serious'. Ive been guilty of letting my yard go a little bit, but not over a decade of neglect, and deffinately nothing the good old victa cannot tackle.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Im not typically one to laugh at anothers missfortunes, but the week and a half long saga made me laugh. So the 1 place thats that overgrown that has had mustilple complaints to the council sold. So 4 foot grass, 10 foot weeds etc. So every day or 2 someones been around to attempt to attack the jungle. Im assuming its a ride on of some description as its an electric start and loud. Up untill today it wouldnt start for longer then maybe 20 seconds before backfiring, stalling then refusing to start. So today it started, warmed up for a few minutes then got into it. 30 seconds in, then a loud metalic bang. Not mechanical, a hit something solid bang and it stalled. So hearing some clanging about so im guessing the operator was checking the deck or something, then at the top of his lungs i hear 'are you effing serious'. Ive been guilty of letting my yard go a little bit, but not over a decade of neglect, and deffinately nothing the good old victa cannot tackle.

Poor bu**er. Reminds me of when I first purchase my land, didn't have anywhere to store a mower there or buy one for it. With the grass getting upto 4ft high, got in the trusty Mitsi L300 and towed around a couple of heavy lengths of hardwood to flatten out the growth even drove the heavier motorhome over it a few times. Worked for a while until I could keep stuff there and maintain it properly.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Im not typically one to laugh at anothers missfortunes, but the week and a half long saga made me laugh. So the 1 place thats that overgrown that has had mustilple complaints to the council sold. So 4 foot grass, 10 foot weeds etc. So every day or 2 someones been around to attempt to attack the jungle. Im assuming its a ride on of some description as its an electric start and loud. Up untill today it wouldnt start for longer then maybe 20 seconds before backfiring, stalling then refusing to start. So today it started, warmed up for a few minutes then got into it. 30 seconds in, then a loud metalic bang. Not mechanical, a hit something solid bang and it stalled. So hearing some clanging about so im guessing the operator was checking the deck or something, then at the top of his lungs i hear 'are you effing serious'. Ive been guilty of letting my yard go a little bit, but not over a decade of neglect, and deffinately nothing the good old victa cannot tackle.

I had a bit of a laugh at that!

The smart thing to do would have been to smash it down with a line trimmer or brush cutter first, inspecting for debris, then running over it with a mower.