![]() |
|
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 |
![]() |
#1861 | |||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,528
|
Quote:
So when he offers to do the lawn for me i always say use my mower. He refuses. He has a poxy 14' sprinter chassis with a 148cc briggs on it. My mower is nothing flash, 18' victa chassis with a 158cc briggs. But, mine has been maintained. So when i get up my mate to maintenance his mower the standard response is why, as it still runs. I checked his oil and it didnt make the dipstick, did him the favour of putting in some sae30. My mower has reasonably fresh oil, reasonably new spark plug, air filter and blades. So starts 1st time everytime and is all good. My mates mower, well, that requires effort and swearwords to start, bogs down cutting dandelions and stalls out on grass left a week longer then the 'i should probably cut that' stage. The thing would be fine with a service and new blade. Service kits for briggsys you can get from bunnings which have plug, air filter and oil in them. My mates crappy mower is a straight blade, but pretty sure theyre cheap as too. I know swingbacks for my mower arent expensive. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1862 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
As for bar blades, they are purely down to reducing cost of manufacture. For example, a Victa blade arrangement will have a disk/carrier, 2 or 4 blades, along with mounting hardware like bolts, washers, bushings and nuts. A bar blade reduces that down to one long blade, a bolt and a washer. Less parts, less assembly time, less R&D to design these parts or provide them as spares. All so consumers can buy cheap, shiny new mower at Aldi, Big W or Bunning's. Pro Tip - It's better to buy a well-maintained secondhand mower from a reputable brand than it is to buy one of those "Sprinter" toys,
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1863 | |||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,528
|
Quote:
Feel free to call me stupid, but my understanding is the risk with a cheap straight blade mower, wang something hard enough and unlike swingbacks, it'll take the brunt and potentially bend the crankshaft of the mower. Anyhow, my prevous post wasnt about crap mowers, it was more towards periodic maintenance thats not expensive to keep thing running well. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1864 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
-As mentioned, cheaper to make -Better suited to mulching I wasn't having a go at your mower, the design of the Victa blade carriers is the best in the business and the overall chassis ideally designed for Australian lawns. A lot don't take that into consideration when choosing a mower, the blade arrangement is a key factor in how a mower efficiently cuts grass. With Sprinter mowers, they are aimed at a certain demographic. They are bought cheap and treated cheap. So, if the oil runs out and burns up the engine, then it's thrown away. Hence the tip reference. Same concept with cars like the Hyundai Excel, early Kia's and now those horrid little MG's.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1865 | |||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,528
|
Quote:
By no means is my victa vantage gods gift to lawn mowing, but ive maintained it. As i have said previously, took me a long time to work out the ez start thing, so you dont need to rip the guts out of it to start it. If you maintain stuff, it works better. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1866 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
More chainsaw action today, this time the little MSA 140C -
![]() ![]() This was a cleanup of a neighbor's garden, trimming and removing larger material that she can't deal with. This included removing the remains of two ancient fruiting grape vine. Access to make the cuts was limited, so the smaller MSA 140 was ideal for this job. I also used it to trim back a neglected Ligustrum hedge, the saw slicing through branches too thick for a hedge trimmer. For smaller jobs like this, the smaller, lighter and run-on-demand battery saw is brilliant.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
3 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1867 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1,601
|
Was she standing next to an overfull green waste bin?…..weirdo.
__________________
____________________ 2019 LDV G10 2009 Mitsubishi Express-GONE 2011 Honda Jazz ____________________ |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1868 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Had the Mulchmaster out today. The grass is starting to dry out a bit now, so using a mulching mower can save plenty of time..............until the belt snaps!
![]() Pushing a heavy, self-propelled mower is hard going without the drive assistance! ![]() Then, at the last job of the day and nearly finished mowing, I was attacked by a swarm of angry bees. Stung a dozen times, bees in my hair, in my ears........not fun, don't recommend it. ![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1869 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,852
|
Bees have got it in for you. Do you have trouble with horses being a bit aggressive as well?
Speaking of lawns, the ground here has now dried so rapidly it’s fissuring heavily. I’d be curious to know the “structural” reason for it, whether to do with particle movement or changes to colloids. Tony Greig Memorial Pitch Report: |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1870 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,569
|
Quote:
__________________
2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1871 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
1- Range and stamina. I can't afford running a machine flat mid-way through a job. 2- The second reason is just a little bit silly. I LOVE engines, any and all engines. For some reason, I feel like I get more of a connection with an engine over an electric motor. Obviously, this not a measurable performance factor, but I like how each of my mowers has a character of its own. Some just purr away, some scream their head off, some need nursing in their advanced age, some just grunt through it. 3- Most, although not all, electric mowers on the market are geared towards the US market and struggle on Australian lawns unless you are mowing very regularly and only tipping the lawn.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
5 users like this post: |
![]() |
#1872 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,569
|
Quote:
__________________
2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1873 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
I'm guessing the constant torque of the electric motor would make cutting thick grass easy. Is this the one you have - https://www.ryobi.com.au/garden-tool...e=All+Products If you have a chance, would you mind sharing a pic of the rear discharge chute? I also like the look of the Victa battery electrics based on their petrol model chassis. These keep the virtues of the Victa chassis with modern battery electric power packs. https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...200w-skin.html ![]()
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1874 | ||
B1 - J & D Services
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,632
|
Yep, i think the Victa would be the way to.
__________________
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. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1875 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Masport do something similar, although the Victa chassis is better.
https://masport.com.au/category/outd...wer-equipment/
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1876 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,569
|
Quote:
__________________
2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1877 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,569
|
Quote:
__________________
2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1878 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
You will want to keep your mowing regular with that chute to prevent blockages.
How do you find the self-propel speed? Is it fixed or variable?
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1879 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,569
|
Don’t really have any issues with blockages.Speed is variable, slow, medium & fast.You can adjust to what you like.I don’t tend to use the self propelled function.Has a battery meter, overload function.Eco, setting(more for battery saving) smart function & power function.
__________________
2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1880 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Pt Lincoln far side South Oz
Posts: 5,764
|
__________________
Dont p i s s off older people. At our age the term Life in Prison is not a deterrent |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1881 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Frustrating Day!
I put my Rover lawn mower in for a pull rope repair and a check over the axle bushings 3 weeks ago. I got sent a text message the my "repair" was ready for collection on Friday last week. When I went in to collect it today I was told it was determined as "uneconomical" to repair. Cue confused expression on my face. Surely a piece of rope is not that expensive? It was explained that to properly replace the axle bushings that the engine had to be removed and it wasn't worth it considering the age of the machine. I asked had they at least replaced the cord, only to be told no. I was then charged $40 for an inspection fee. It took the guy far too long to go out back and retrieve my supposed worn-out machine. When he brought it back out, the cord actually HAD been replaced, but the front axle was hanging loose. I was rather ****.d off by this stage and just wanted to get out of there. Well, it turns out the hardware used to mount the front axle are NLA from Rover and are not made by the aftermarket, despite an extensive internet search. Because the Pro-Cut is different to the other Rover models, these parts are unique to this model. So now I have a fully functioning self-propelled lawn mower sitting completely useless because the front axle is not attached to the still fine deck. https://www.outdoorking.com/lawn-mow...ng-kit-a03516k ![]() The shop that attempted this repair has recently changed hands. Where previously, despite the grumpy husband and wife owners, they always did their best to get professional customer machines back online ASAP, this lot are in over their heads. The shop is a mess, and the outdoor display area is littered with shipping crates and old decommissioned machines. I probably should have gone back and asked for the mounting hardware that they decided to pillage from my mower, but I'm already feeling like an idiot for even paying them to have my mower for three weeks and returning it in worse condition than it was when I left it there. If you have one of these clips or know where to send me, I would be most grateful. Or perhaps I should go in there and burn the place to the ground!
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1882 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,852
|
There’s an old Dumbtree advert from Kew Mowers which is still up, might be worth phoning them? $10/kit
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kew-...kit/1084611612 |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1883 | ||
T3/Sprint8
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 16,340
|
This is what I don't like about gpoing EV garden tools depending what/which.
Incl the battery and charger int he price ya mugs, some do some don't. Its false advertising those advertising their you beaut price but wait, here's the battery/charger price you need to buy as well And FFS talk about battery price rort. I wonder what their margins are. I don't expect to pay pittance but come on. DFB as you know I needed to replace my long extension Ryobi brush cutter. Yes I finally got the Ryobi again https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-on...-only_p0098556 Feels heavier when dealing at fully extended that is most of its use, whilst there I was checking out the nice lightweight alloy Makita extended one and the kicker is the batteries/chargers damn it. I know would have been a better product to buy and use, having the RyobiOne+ blower and like 3/4batteries it just forced my hand going the Ryobi cutter again BUT it sucks. Its gutless really imo and wish I cut the hole in my pocket going the Makita and the expensive battery upgrade but I knew also SWMBO would have coranary no matter saying its my chrissy present. Petrol is king for power still for me in the big picture. Got a ryobi petrol blower. Hindsight since the post, I think I'll post up in our street chat group and see if anyone is keen to buy the ryobi blower and hedge cutter One+ soft stuff, f them right off through Jan hopefully and get Makitas or EGO gear for eg........ The mower buy talked about is coming up so deciding which will help me decide some.
__________________
Tickfords T3/TS50 '02 Sprint8 manual Sept 24 '16 Daily Macan GTS "Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Abraham Lincoln" Last edited by FTE217; 05-12-2022 at 05:18 PM. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1884 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
How do I buy stuff from Gumtree, never used the platform before?
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1885 | ||
Kicking back
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,528
|
The main disadvantage towards brushless battery garding equipment is simple. As a domestic, its all good. Batteries charged off you trot.
Not the same in a comercial setting. Yes if you have charged batteries, thats fine, but unless you have a bunch of spare batteries to do x amount of lawns every day, ehat do you do? Ask the client to let you in for a cuppa whilst you wait for your batteries to charge? The 4 stroke mower runs dry, no issue, get your mate jerry and its good to go again. Same with 2 stroke stuff. Worst case tail between your legs and head to the servo for fuel. But even still, thats way faster then the wait for batteries to charge. To be fair, even if you work commercial and have a stack of batteries, enough to do the daily, you will still need to charge them on your off time. Thats not an issue for domestic duties as, well, who does the lawn/garden more then once a week? |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1886 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
Are you going petrol again on your mower?
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1887 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,852
|
It’s highly weird to me that nobody has developed a “fits all” modular battery system. And we are staring at an effective global mandate for phone charging ports but there’s no DIN type standard for tool batteries. It’s the Wild West, and unnecessarily so.
Re buying off Gumtree, if they have the part surely someone can grab it and send up if they won’t. But seeing it’s a mower shop I’d think they could invoice, you pay over the phone or by direct deposit and they post? Still the same proprietors as 2015 and their few bad reviews are the usual combination of fruitcakes and fakes. (Compare with the review history here! https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qaB9nFCj6tgf9bQ7 ![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1888 | |||
T3/Sprint8
![]() Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 16,340
|
Quote:
Yes mate leaning more towards benzina. As mentioned by 4, battery makes sense for those small courtyards and the 700sq home I’m on 1200, split levels - sure a battery one could would cut the mustard but my ol briggsy 4stroke kills it just that the base is shot now and wheels at their last legs. Your earlier recommended victas look the go and I’ll poop into the 2 good mower shops nearby and suss anything on special offering cash. Even though my daughter works part time at Bunnings getting a fair discount i just prefer dealing with people who know their product. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Tickfords T3/TS50 '02 Sprint8 manual Sept 24 '16 Daily Macan GTS "Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Abraham Lincoln" |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#1889 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,878
|
Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#1890 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,178
|
Quote:
Bunning's are slowly but surely dumping petrol lawn mowers, only carrying 6 Victa's, and only two of them are worth buying - Power Mulcher 18-inch cut with 163cc Briggs - https://www.bunnings.com.au/victa-po...mower_p0080735 Easy Walker 19-inch cut Self Prop with 163cc Briggs- https://www.bunnings.com.au/victa-ea...mower_p0080736 Victa have updated their model line up since I last narrowed down the selection, so these are my latest recommendations - Corvette 300 675 EXi 18-inch cut with 163cc Briggs - (Note - They also do a 300 625 EXi with less power, I'd go for the 675) https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...vette-300.html Corvette 400 19-inch cut with 163cc Briggs - https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...vette-400.html Mustang 725 EXi 19-inch alloy cut with 163cc Briggs - https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...ng-725exi.html Mustang 850 19-inch alloy cut with 190cc Briggs - https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...stang-850.html The alloy base Mustangs are similar in weight to the steel options and will last much longer. Mustang 850 also has a cast iron bore in comparison to the 163cc engines. Also, please promise me you won't look at the Chinese "Victa" engines (V140, V150, V170). I was actually looking at those engines today and you can certainly see where they are pulling cost out of them. No prizes for guessing which of the above I would choose.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |