![]() |
|
Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated. |
|
The Bar For non Automotive Related Chat |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1351 | |||
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,892
|
Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1352 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
If you intend on getting a second battery, I have found the smallest AK10 is more than enough run time on a hedger, but I would advise at least the AK20 for the pole hedger, blower, chainsaw and line trimmer. Ideally, I would run the chainsaw on the AK30 as it really runs through the juice.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1353 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St Marys Tasmania
Posts: 3,556
|
Quote:
Also have to admit I'm surprised that two strokes at least with Victa aren't as long gone as I thought they were... Bloody awesome info once again ...It's brilliant .. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1354 | ||
B1 - J & D Services
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,632
|
Personally I would buy a Victa 2 stroke if they were made and I needed a new mower. However everytime I am at the tip, I come home with an old one and throw it in the pile in the corner. Just last week my decompressor went on my usual mower, I just switched the whole head in about five minutes flat and went back to it. I have enough sparess to last me and my son both our lifetimes easy!
__________________
Mr. Brett Johnstone. ![]() 2002 Ford Laser 2000 Ford Falcon Wagon Egas 1999 Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon 1998 Holden Suburban 2500 1995 Land Rover Discovery TDI 1994 XG XR6 Longreach 1983 Holden Rodeo 1975 Datsun 120Y wagon 1970 MG Midget 1967 Rover 2000TC Soon: Model T. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1355 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
I hear they are super strong but can be touchy.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1356 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St Marys Tasmania
Posts: 3,556
|
Quote:
Sorry I missed replying til now ... Great engine , the one I have anyway .. Bought it in 1994 and until a few years ago it was used regularly . It's probably only had a couple of spark plugs and I replaced the air filter once that I can remember .Bought it brand new for my fledgling mowing business .Also had a MTD 4 stroke brand new as well .. Both still run and neither have ever failed me . Used to start after two or three pulls . I ran it most recent time about two months ago and cut some long stuff easily but it's not a gutsy as a Victa I'd say .. It wasn't anything special Rover and has the nylon bush wheels and steel deck . Some models has the ball race wheels I believe .. That said the wheels aren't completely slogged out but the do have noticible wear .. Not a bad old mower .. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1357 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
With hot and humid weather, combined with a few heavy downpours, the Kikuyu has gone absolutely nuts over the last few days. You can almost see it growing.
Mower of choice today was my the terrific Mulchmaster. ![]() ![]() For whatever reason, these dedicated mulching mowers only have the two-blade oval disk. ![]() The rest of the Victa range sold as mulch and catch have a four-blade disk. ![]() Only thing I can think of is that the deck design of the Mulchmaster does not necessitate the fitment of a four blades. Either way, the cut quality is just fine. On another note, that hot and humid weather has been playing havoc with my Husqvarna 525BX blower. It starts just fine on a cold start but struggles on a hot start in hot weather, bogging down, choking and even stalling unless left to idle for several minutes. That is not ideal for a tool that is earning a living. The penny dropped today when it refused to start then flooded itself. I pulled the plug, cleared the combustion chamber and tried again, got a few quick fires but still would not run. This left me without a blower mid-way through a job...........I was NOT a pleased man by this stage! Hopefully no one was watching because I'm sure it would have been entertaining. ![]() ![]() ![]() So I don't know what I will do now. I don't think this is a tuning issue that could be remedied at the dealer. A machine that lets me down like this is as good as useless. I will either sell it to a backyard gardener, one that wont demand as much as a professional, or even video myself taking to it with a sledge axe before posting it to Husqvarna themselves. I'm a little disappointing to say the least, in both myself and Husqvarna. It's not often that I will choose a dud, I am usually very diligent with my research. I am also annoyed that this machine at $585 cost me $186 more than the Stihl I should have bought in the first place. You win some, you loose some. ![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
5 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1358 | |||
Living the Dream
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Traralgon, Victoria
Posts: 447
|
Quote:
I wonder if you can retrofit the disc carrier and 4 blade system over? ![]() |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1359 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: In Front of a Monitor
Posts: 1,640
|
What is the optimum height to cut a Kikuyu Lawn?
I have seen it mentioned on earlier posts. I have always cut mine high, as in the second highest setting. It gives the lawn a spongy type feel I guess, but I thought that this was always best for blocking weeds and water retention. I can see that with DFB FGXR6 you cut yours a lot lower. I am just wondering about the pros and cons and if I should lower mine down over a period of cuts.
__________________
2004 Mercury Silver Falcon XR6T - 5 Speed 2017 Platinum White Mustang GT - 6 Speed 2022 Blue Thai-Special for Daily Duties - Auto |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1360 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
On one hand, it is extremely resilient to drought and heavy foot traffic and also self repairs. On the other, it is aggressive in it's growth rate, becomes weedy if not kept in line and yellows over the winter. As a general guide, cutting lawns on a higher setting is beneficial for keeping weeds suppressed and slows the evaporation of soil moisture. The problem with Kikuyu is it's thick and aggressive growth rate makes pushing a mower over it difficult and works the engine harder. As a result, over time people tend to raise the deck to make cutting easier. The result is tall and spongy turf. For me, I prefer to keep Kikuyu as short as I can. I also find my fortnightly customers like to see that their lawn has been mowed. As a result, I tend to cut lower.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1361 | ||
#neuteredlyfe
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 10,528
|
I mowed one of the paddocks last week with the zero turn mower. It only gets mowed a couple of times a year so as you can appreciate, it is always very long when I mow it. It is also a typical paddock with some rough terrain. Keeping above in mind, I cut it on the highest setting.
I keep the lawns around the house in reasonably good condition. The problem is I must have bent one the blades (the mower has three) it has left ruts in the lawn when I nowed around the house yesterday. . |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1362 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1,601
|
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
____________________ 2019 LDV G10 2009 Mitsubishi Express-GONE 2011 Honda Jazz ____________________ |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1363 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
Disconnected the vac attachment on my BG 86 and reconnected the blower tube and used that all day. Ran like a champion. I have ordered a replacement fan housing for my damaged BG 86 and will put that back into commission while I decide what to do with the 525 BX. I nearly just went in and bought a brand new BG 86 today, I was that annoyed. Glad I didn't because for under $30 I can get the broken machine running again. This is what needs replacing, the engine is otherwise a good runner. ![]() As I said, I am extremely disappointed with the Husqvarna and I really hope those who have gone on to buy one on my recommendation are not having the same issues.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1364 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Did my usual mowing run today, using the Bushranger to plow through rampant Kikuyu. The majority of my clients are on fortnightly service so using a mulcher on this sort of growth is not efficient.
Returning home at the end of the day, and onto my own and neighbors lawns. Here, I can use the Mulchmaster to save me some time and effort. As you can see, when the lawn is taller, the mulching will leave some residual grass clippings. ![]() ![]() A quick blast over with the (Stihl ![]() ![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1365 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 575
|
Hedge trimmer advice needed: a few months ago I repaired an Ozito hedge trimmer. It had been working intermittently; one of the lead-in wires inside the body had broken and I shortened both wires and that got it working. I cut the hedge without a problem. (Citroenbender's advice on the possible fault was spot-on).
Yesterday I decided to cut the hedge again. Used the Ozito for maybe 5 minutes (not constant) and then it stopped; I could hear a buzzing noise and then saw some smoke. I guess it decided to live up to the tag "Not intended for trade or high frequency use". (Hadn't done any trade use and probably hadn't done a lot of work in the previous owner's hands.) I haven't opened it up but I guess it's stuffed. I have a Black & Decker GT250. It could be 30 years old. Still works but doesn't cut well. Is it worth cleaning the blades (by scraping them)? If I undo the 6 bolts holding the blade/s together will the blade/s pull out of the body so that I can clean them more easily or will I also have to open the plastic body to get the blades out? Will blades need sharpening as well as cleaning? Can they be sharpened? Thanks for any suggestions.............. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1366 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
https://blog.stihl.com.au/how-to-sha...rimmer-blades/
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1367 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quick blade change for the Bushranger today......................and an excuse to play with my toys!
These Bushrangers use a Honda blade and blade disk with a large central bolt and three smaller locating bolts. ![]() ![]() Needed the Makita impact for the big bolt - ![]() ![]() ![]() Ready for another day - ![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
6 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1369 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
You can also have a shop do it for you, although they will use a dremel or die grinder. That is obviously quicker but will reduce the working life of the blade set. Replacement blades also out-price the unit value so you basically scrap the machine. A flat file and some patience is all you need.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1370 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 292
|
Question for the experts & pros here - about thatch in buffalo lawn.
Scenario: Newish lawn - about two years old; typically mowed between 50mm & 60mm height but has developed a lot of thatch now. There is at least 30mm of thatch. Missed giving it a No 1 cut last spring - too much of rain and was always wet. Question: Do I wait till spring to give it a short haircut or start trying it now in steps? Location is Western Sydney / Parramatta area. It is becoming harder to push the mower. Regards, George V |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1372 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
Confirming with a colleague, you can de-thatch at this time of the year provided you don't attempt to do it in 38+ deg heat. Ideally, it's best done in winter but as long as you keep the water up to it and check the forecast prior, you should be fine.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
4 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1373 | |||
RS The Faster Fords
![]() Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Westralia
Posts: 1,691
|
Quote:
Set the vertimower up on concrete with the tines just touching the ground and do a test strip of lawn before you get stuck in, less is more in this case. I wouldn't do it at this time of year unless the lawn is in really good health, mild weather is forecast or you've got access to plenty of water. Aeration is a better long term solution for thatch, punch some holes and get some air in the soil, this will stimulate soil bacteria that'll help break down the thatch and feed the lawn at the same time.
__________________
Escort RS2000 Restored factory a/c and alloys. TD Cortina Unrestored 35 000km 6cyl manual. Mk1 GT Cortina Project. FG XR50 Daily. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
5 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1374 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 292
|
Quote:
I am not game to have a go with a vertimower yet; plan is to keep going with rotary mower in steps, may be twice a week as long as the lawn can take it & weather is suitable. Thank you all for all the advice, Mowed lawn today at two steps lower than previous cut - reduced from 60mm to 50mm with a week growth added in between. Too much of clippings, two full bins and still plenty of it left over. Kind regards, George V |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
3 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1375 | |||
Budget Racer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,420
|
Quote:
My new 525BX blower has given me some trouble starting hot as we have discussed, but nothing as bad as you describe. All next week is going to be hot and humid ![]() So a good test to see if my blower is going to play up the same, I will let you know how it goes..
__________________
12.1@112Mph 285rwkw on n2o Cleveland Power |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1376 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1377 | ||
Budget Racer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,420
|
Agreed new tools, especially expensive ones, should just work!
__________________
12.1@112Mph 285rwkw on n2o Cleveland Power |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
3 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1378 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
3 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1379 | ||
Former BTIKD
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sunny Downtown Wagga Wagga. NSW.
Posts: 53,197
|
How old is it?
__________________
Dying at your job is natures way of saying that you're in the wrong line of work.
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1380 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,182
|
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |