Mowing ..

[Citroënbender]

Looks straightforward - thanks.

[.:4:.]

So, i do my own grass. One job i dislike is edging. Yes i do have an edger. I procraste, any excuse is good enough.
So its only my driveway that need edging. But its pretty long.
But myself being the king of procrastination, i was struggling hard for an excuse.
Found one.
Just as i was going to do it, the bloke who does a crap job of my neighbors grass rocks up. I worked it out, its like a carwash, you pay for the basic, thats what you get.
So i asked the bloke if he has an edger. Silly question really, so cash in hand to do my driveway.
I paid for edging, this bloke took pride in his work or something. Edges done, whipper snipperd, blowered off. Very good job. Proper good job. Maybe its cash is king. I was only asking for the edging not the full service, not complaining though.

[FTE217]

why do I find edging the easy part ? and believe me I have a lot to get done.
The only thing I hate being downtime is when I have to re load new cord.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by FTE217

why do I find edging the easy part ? and believe me I have a lot to get done.
The only thing I hate being downtime is when I have to re load new cord.

An edger isn't a whipper snipper/line trimmer.

[FTE217]

Whipper does both though.
An edger is even easier.


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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

why do I find edging the easy part ? and believe me I have a lot to get done.
The only thing I hate being downtime is when I have to re load new cord.

You Sir need a self-propelled mower!

I hate the edging and can't wait to do the actual mowing, having a machine that pulls you along certainly changes the situation.

[FTE217]

Yep that new mower finally - me think sales over the Chrissy break is the go to time


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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yep that new mower finally - me think sales over the Chrissy break is the go to time


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Been a long time coming, go on, treat yourself!

[danzvtil]

So I bought mums Christmas present today, a masport president 1000 58v battery lawn mower. Positives are, it’s a normal metal mower chassis with the electric motor and battery in place of the petrol motor, and it’s not too heavy. Some of the other battery mowers are too bulky and plastiky looking like they were designed by Judge Dredd.
It has the ability to add another battery module later for more run time, if needed.
It’s a Christmas Day surprise, so a Boxing Day review will follow

[FTE217]

Happy days, look forward to your update after use


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[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yep that new mower finally - me think sales over the Chrissy break is the go to time


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Wait until the Boxing Day sales.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This is for the 190cc series but the smaller engines use the same system -

All done for $3.50 worth of cord; quite intuitive really. What was interesting/disappointing, was observing the starter assembly is riveted from above on the top shroud. The “factory” repair is likely to drill out three rivets and slap on a complete new assembly. You’d be done in less than five minutes.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

All done for $3.50 worth of cord; quite intuitive really. What was interesting/disappointing, was observing the starter assembly is riveted from above on the top shroud. The “factory” repair is likely to drill out three rivets and slap on a complete new assembly. You’d be done in less than five minutes.

Did you remove the whole tin flywheel cover or just pop the rivets to the pull start assembly.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

So I bought mums Christmas present today, a masport president 1000 58v battery lawn mower. Positives are, it’s a normal metal mower chassis with the electric motor and battery in place of the petrol motor, and it’s not too heavy. Some of the other battery mowers are too bulky and plastiky looking like they were designed by Judge Dredd.
It has the ability to add another battery module later for more run time, if needed.
It’s a Christmas Day surprise, so a Boxing Day review will follow

You know, if I got the new lawn mower for Christmas, I would be out mowing the lawn after lunch on Christmas day.

Good choice by the way, proven mower design with modern power plant.

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Did you remove the whole tin flywheel cover or just pop the rivets to the pull start assembly.

I removed the whole top cover, in order to clean underneath!

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Been a long time coming, go on, treat yourself!

Happy days done this morn my long awaited new Victa in beautiful Ford Blue !!!
Thanks to DFB and all his recommendations for it’s great help matey.
2 of the finest names Victa we all grew up with and the trusty 4stroker Briggsy that I love forever………
Battery power as much as it might suit some I know just like my ryobi blower it just doesn’t last enough as it’s power drains for my large yard till one day they get better but long live ICE 4strokers I know it won’t let me down and keep powering away with the glory being a easy walker !
Can’t wait to use it and not for like our pride and joys when new they look too good to use but has to be - in another week or so till the next cut is due.



Perfect near the Chrissy tree

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[Citroënbender]

Through the staff pricing at your local store? (Hope so.)

[FTE217]

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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Surely the manwell says oil capacity. I still have the books for old 500 series briggs powered victa and it states 0.6L, conveniently bunnings sells briggs branded sae30 oil in 600ml bottles. So drain and fill.
I did a quick google on your more flash 725 series 163cc briggs. So do your own reaserch to confirm, but apparently they take 440ml of sae 30 oil. Bunnings also sell briggs branded oil in 440ml bottles.
Maybe you missed a book. My mower came with 2. 1 for the chassis and 1 for the motor as there was like 3 motors for that chassis at the time. Victa 2 stroke, victa 4 stroke or the briggs 4 stroke. Its been 12 years and im yet to complain about the briggsy or the chassis, so i think i made a good choice.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Happy days done this morn my long awaited new Victa in beautiful Ford Blue !!!
Thanks to DFB and all his recommendations for it’s great help matey.
2 of the finest names Victa we all grew up with and the trusty 4stroker Briggsy that I love forever………
Battery power as much as it might suit some I know just like my ryobi blower it just doesn’t last enough as it’s power drains for my large yard till one day they get better but long live ICE 4strokers I know it won’t let me down and keep powering away with the glory being a easy walker !
Can’t wait to use it and not for like our pride and joys when new they look too good to use but has to be - in another week or so till the next cut is due.



Perfect near the Chrissy tree

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Excellent, well chosen!

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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Sorry I didn't see this post earlier, but the machine should have two users manuals, one for the mower itself and one for the engine.

This is the PDF version, page 9 has engine specifications including the oil capacity of 15oz / 440ml -

https://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocu...0aYrLl.79DteBc

If you overfill with oil, it will be harder to start, reduce power and potentially smoke.

As for oil type, the only engine I run on SAE30 is my old and worn Briggs & Stratton Sprint 375. For the rest, I use 10w/30 Penrite Semi-Syn oil. I find this to be nicer on the engine over a broader spread of temperatures.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/346381.html



If you already have SAE30 in the engine, I would run the engine in and then do an oil change in a month or two using the 10w/30. Do not take any notice of the "no oil changes" rubbish, I really don't understand that mentality.



Once the engine is run in, I can show you how to up the revs if you want it to sing a bit better, will also increase the self-propel speed.

Also, these new OHV Briggs engines don't have the oiled foam air cleaner, they are now a dry pleated paper cartridge.

A couple of part numbers for you when required -

Oil Capacity - 440ml

Air Filter - B&S 593260
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/...stratton-5000e

Spark Plug - Champion RC12YC or NGK BCPR5ES
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/130-191
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/...hampion-rc12yc

Blades - Victa CA90470, CA09393S or CA09319S
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=CA+09393S

I would love to hear your thoughts on the speed of the self propel on these mowers.

[FTE217]

Thanks 4 and DFB !
Yes it does have both manuals I must have missed the oil specs and qty but more assured from you haha
OK great knowing the other consumable part numbers great help.
They handed me the std SAE 30 so ok I’ll run it in then dump and fill with semi syn.
Look forward to the tips making it run better but after I’ve used it a couple of times.
Will give you an update how it feels and the self run after it’s maiden job.


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[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

So I bought mums Christmas present today, a masport president 1000 58v battery lawn mower. Positives are, it’s a normal metal mower chassis with the electric motor and battery in place of the petrol motor, and it’s not too heavy. Some of the other battery mowers are too bulky and plastiky looking like they were designed by Judge Dredd.
It has the ability to add another battery module later for more run time, if needed.
It’s a Christmas Day surprise, so a Boxing Day review will follow

I’m waiting to deliver the mower to my mums place, so I’ve been able to use it 3 times myself.
First impressions are, I don’t think it’s as much of a compromise as I thought it would be (runtime not withstanding). I knocked down a tall but whispy road verge which took 10mins with the mulch plug. Did good, didn’t slow down or struggle under load.
Then took it home and did my 90sqm kik front lawn which was covered in gum leaves from the hot weather with the catcher. Did good again, picks up nicely even though it’s only got 2 blades. Only used the first segment of the 5 segment battery gauge.
So observations:
It’s freakin light, after lugging the Honda around this thing weighs nothing, I could even lift it into my van without using the ramp.
The lack of noise. Every stick or stone you run over makes a hell of a racket on the chassis, because the sound isn’t drowned out by the motor noise.
The specs say 55min no load running time, I’ve told the old girl she would probably get half an hour run time out of it worst case. Time will tell.
Now….the other observation….. if I can get a couple of hours run time out of a battery mower, it will do 90% of my push mowing jobs, putting me closer to the tipping point.

[.:4:.]

Im a bit sus of the check and add no oil change thing too. Its a 4 stroke, so not a sacrificial oil system. The only things i know that dont take pre mix are still 2 stroke. So oil injected 2 stroke motorcycles and oil injected 2 stroke outboard motors. So separate tanks but mix at the carb. Still sacrificial though.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I’m waiting to deliver the mower to my mums place, so I’ve been able to use it 3 times myself.
First impressions are, I don’t think it’s as much of a compromise as I thought it would be (runtime not withstanding). I knocked down a tall but whispy road verge which took 10mins with the mulch plug. Did good, didn’t slow down or struggle under load.
Then took it home and did my 90sqm kik front lawn which was covered in gum leaves from the hot weather with the catcher. Did good again, picks up nicely even though it’s only got 2 blades. Only used the first segment of the 5 segment battery gauge.
So observations:
It’s freakin light, after lugging the Honda around this thing weighs nothing, I could even lift it into my van without using the ramp.
The lack of noise. Every stick or stone you run over makes a hell of a racket on the chassis, because the sound isn’t drowned out by the motor noise.
The specs say 55min no load running time, I’ve told the old girl she would probably get half an hour run time out of it worst case. Time will tell.
Now….the other observation….. if I can get a couple of hours run time out of a battery mower, it will do 90% of my push mowing jobs, putting me closer to the tipping point.

You will have it worn out before she gets it at this rate of own use. Mate has a Ryobi battery job,he reckons take battery time with a grain (or2) of salt

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I’m waiting to deliver the mower to my mums place, so I’ve been able to use it 3 times myself.
First impressions are, I don’t think it’s as much of a compromise as I thought it would be (runtime not withstanding). I knocked down a tall but whispy road verge which took 10mins with the mulch plug. Did good, didn’t slow down or struggle under load.
Then took it home and did my 90sqm kik front lawn which was covered in gum leaves from the hot weather with the catcher. Did good again, picks up nicely even though it’s only got 2 blades. Only used the first segment of the 5 segment battery gauge.
So observations:
It’s freakin light, after lugging the Honda around this thing weighs nothing, I could even lift it into my van without using the ramp.
The lack of noise. Every stick or stone you run over makes a hell of a racket on the chassis, because the sound isn’t drowned out by the motor noise.
The specs say 55min no load running time, I’ve told the old girl she would probably get half an hour run time out of it worst case. Time will tell.
Now….the other observation….. if I can get a couple of hours run time out of a battery mower, it will do 90% of my push mowing jobs, putting me closer to the tipping point.

Great feedback!

I reckon these electric motors would be brilliant on thick Kikuyu, the instant torque would in theory not bog down like a petrol engine.

Interesting comments regarding the weight, here are some figures to put things into context.

Masport President 1000ST 58V 18-inch steel deck - 27.1kg

Masport President 1000ST B&S 140cc 18-inch steel deck - 25.6kg

Masport President 2000ST B&S 161cc DOV 18-inch steel deck - 26.8kg

Honda HRU19 GCV170 166cc 19-inch alloy deck - 33kg

Honda HRU216 GXV160 163cc 19-inch alloy deck - 39kg

The difference between the electric and petrol powered Masport's is minimal, but the difference up to those heavy Honda's would be pronounced. Also note the added weight going from the OHC GCV170 to the iron-bore OHV GXV160.

[Citroënbender]

The only thing better on kikuyu would be glyphosate. I know it’s a hardy “grass” but what an invasive thing it becomes… Absolute hell when it gets into sewer or stormwater pipes.

Good real-world review of the mower and weight comparisons.

[FTE217]

Hondas always heavy buggas - quality I love them but over priced.
My bro swears by his - long lasting but Victa had that long before they came in the game at competitive price points.
The other talking 4strokes - having had Victa 2strokers for years and years I was always wishing for a 4stroke Briggsy and when I finally took the plunge I love them and the ol talk of Toyota reliability I consider Briggsy like that as mentioned long before Honda.


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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Hondas always heavy buggas - quality I love them but over priced.
My bro swears by his - long lasting but Victa had that long before they came in the game at competitive price points.
The other talking 4strokes - having had Victa 2strokers for years and years I was always wishing for a 4stroke Briggsy and when I finally took the plunge I love them and the ol talk of Toyota reliability I consider Briggsy like that as mentioned long before Honda.


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There was a period from the mid 80's to the early 90's were Briggs & Stratton engines were trash. Hard to start and considerable manufacturing variation. There was a reason why B&S specified single weight oil in their engines; to cater for varied tolerances.



It's during those years where Honda made a lot friends, their OHV and OHC engines were better made, easier to start, used less fuel and generally lasted longer than Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh.





From the mid 90's, B&S eventually made changes to improve their engines, narrowing the gap to Honda. On the Sprint 148cc and 158cc Quattro side valves, the change to a priming, non-adjustable carburetor and a top mount starter improved the user experience. The 190cc Quantum's also had improved carburetors.





The Inteck and later 850-Series OHV engines are where the big inroads were made, where those iron sleeved 190cc big blocks started to become more widely fitted.







From the mid 2000's, the old side valve motors in 148, 158 and 190cc capacity were shifted to production in China. The US made versions were cheap and cheerful, the Chinese made ones were cheap and nasty. Generally, Chinese made side valves had plastic engine covers, plastic air filter housings and thinner, ribbed engine blocks.





While all that was happening, the US made engines centered around the excellent above mentioned 850 series and DOV series. These were iron sleeved engines, offering strong performance, quieter operation and superior fuel economy over the side valves.





The side valve motors were phased out in the mid 2010's, replaced with a new line of OHV small block engines. These are available in 127cc (don't, just don't), 140cc, 150cc and 163cc. These engines made improvements in fuel economy and finally ditched the old pulsa-jet carburetor for a proper float type carburetor. Also, compared to the old tin fuel can on the 148/158 engines, these new models finally had a fuel tank that was easy to refill.









Honda engines in the mower world are always the benchmark for smoothness, quietness, fuel economy and ease of starting. However, the gap is not as wide as it once was, and I have never had a Briggs and Stratton let me down. I think of it like this, Honda are like a Holden Commodore, the image leader, more aspirational. Briggs & Stratton are like Ford, always the underdog, but always a solid performer.

[.:4:.]

So i live in a battle axe. Thats all good, next door is too. So no fence between our driveways. There is one fence on the right side of my driveway (left if you are looking from the street). Thats all fine. That side of the grass on the side of my driveway grows a lot faster. Reason being, on the other side of said fence my neighbors have gardens that they tend to. No thats not an issue to me.
So my place grass wise is looking pretty good. So no need for attention. That side of my driveway was still ok, not needing to be done, didnt look bad yet, but was higher then the rest. So i ran it over with the whipper snipper. Most annoying part was the fact i had to put fuel in it. The rest was straight forward.
Anyhow. With whipper snippers, what is peoples personal preference? Bent shaft or straight shaft? Clutch or no clutch?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

So i live in a battle axe. Thats all good, next door is too. So no fence between our driveways. There is one fence on the right side of my driveway (left if you are looking from the street). Thats all fine. That side of the grass on the side of my driveway grows a lot faster. Reason being, on the other side of said fence my neighbors have gardens that they tend to. No thats not an issue to me.
So my place grass wise is looking pretty good. So no need for attention. That side of my driveway was still ok, not needing to be done, didnt look bad yet, but was higher then the rest. So i ran it over with the whipper snipper. Most annoying part was the fact i had to put fuel in it. The rest was straight forward.
Anyhow. With whipper snippers, what is peoples personal preference? Bent shaft or straight shaft? Clutch or no clutch?

Straight, no clutch, battery.