In this category, we cover everything about lawnmowers, which includes, walk behind mowers, petrol mowers, electric lawnmowers, zero turn mowers, ride on mowers and more!
Today we are going to take a quick look at the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4. The Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4 is a very compact professional ride-on mower which I have owned and spent many hours on. I’m not a great fan of ride-on mowers due to the fact that some of them are not particularly manoeuvrable and you don’t get such a good finish as with the walk-behind lawnmower.
However, I have to say that the Etesia Hydro 80 is extremely manoeuvrable and exceptionally compact. It actually replaced to rear roller walk behind mowers that are used on a regular basis.
As I mentioned, the finish is not always as good with a ride-on mower. However, the Etesia Hydro 80 gives a very good finish. I added the rear roller, which is an extra feature that enables the lawn to have a striped finish.
You can see more about the Etesia Hydro 80 here, it’s a post that I wrote a couple of years ago.
Take A Look At The Video Below For More Information
Solid Framework
The Etesia Hydro 80 has a solid framework and yet is lightweight. One of the best advantages of the Etesia range of mowers is that they are designed to collect wet grass. Many of the competitor’s machines cannot compete with the Etesia range. Due to the fact that they don’t have the ability to collect grass as the Etesia’s do.
As you can see, we are looking at the cutter deck on the Etesia Hydro 80. It has a large flap at the side that is easy to open, the opening gives access to the blade and to the large grass chute. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Etesia is famous for its ability to cut wet grass. As you can see, the grass clippings take a very direct route into the 240 L collector.
If a blockage does occur, it’s very easy to unblock the machine as the door on the side can quickly and easily be opened. More often than not, I have found blockages are normally due to small twigs getting lodged in the chute. Which can often then cause a blockage as the grass wraps around the twig!
The large 32-inch single blade has bolt on lifters that create the air or a fan effect to push the grass up into the grass collector. The actual lifters are replaceable, as they obviously have quite a bit of wear and tear. The lifters are simply held on by a couple of bolts; they are very quick to replace.
Today we are looking at the McConnel Robocut RC40. A remote control power unit mainly designed for grass and brush clearance. However, there is a range of 20 different attachments ranging from a loading bucket to a stump grinder.
Having used radio remote machines, I can very much see the advantages of the McConnel Robocut range of power units. It also prevents the operator from walking on difficult terrain. The manufacturer claims that the output can be more than 25 times higher than manual cutting. I am not quite sure about that, although I can see that the output would be considerably higher.
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is primarily designed for tackling tough terrain where other machines cannot go. The centre of gravity and rubber tracks makes it ideal for rough terrain and banks. With the spiked tracks, the machine can climb up to 55°, which is quite something.
Diesel Engine
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is powered by a Yanmar 40-hp three-cylinder, stage V, diesel engine. The engine develops 40 hp (27.5 kW) at 3000 rpm.
The fuel tank capacity is just 21 L, which is not very large. Maybe the machine is exceptionally economical, I cannot imagine that 21 L of fuel lasting all day.
The radiator has a reversible fan, which is a novel way of clearing debris. I think all of us who have used mowing machinery know how quickly radiators can become clogged. It looks like a really effective way of keeping the radiator clear, providing it is dry.
Rubber Tracks
There are three types of rubber track, the standard track will climb up to 40°. The super rubber tracks will enable the machine to climb a 50° slope. And finally, the spiked rubber tracks will enable the machine to climb a slope up to 55°.
McConnel has fitted self-tensioning tracks, so there’s no need to pump up the tracks with a grease gun!
Remote Control
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is totally controlled by the remote control unit. Even starting the engine is carried out from the remote control.
I’m very impressed with how much control the remote gives the operator. Variable speeds, cutting height etc. can all be controlled from a remote. The remote carries a small rechargeable battery.
The remote control gives variable speed control, in first gear, the speed is 0 – 4 km/h. In second gear, the speed is 0 – 7 km/h. The speeds are achievable in both forward and reverse.
Flail Head Attachment
The flail head attachment is available in 1.3 m or 1.6 m. The rotor speed is 3300 rpm.
The Y-type flails Arthur cutting grass and light wood up to 30 mm in diameter. For heavier cutting, a hammer-type flail is provided, for cutting grass and wood up to 50 mm in diameter.
20 Different Attachments
The 20 different attachments include a flail, Rotary turf mower, a forest clearance head and a mulching head. On the forestry side of things, there is a stump grinder and chipper attachment.
Other attachments include a rake, bucket, snowblower, dozer blade, rotavator, trencher and forklift.
To Conclude
I have always liked the idea of a power unit that can take multiple attachments. The McConnel Robocut RC40 is certainly a very universal power unit. I’m not sure how effective the bucket or forklift attachment would be. However, the other attachments certainly give a huge amount of scope to make the machine truly universal.
Specification
Engine
MakeYANMAR, 3 cylinder, Stage VHorsepower40hp (27.5kw) @ 3000rpmTorque105NmFuelDieselFuel tank capacity21 litresWater-cooled radiator3 core havy dutySelf-cleaning (reversible fan)Standard manual and automaticTransmissionFine control hydrostaticMaximum noise levels80dB(A)
Hydraulics
Independent flailhead circuit
Closed circuit piston
Max 55l/min @ 280 Bar
Independent track drive circuit2 x closed circuit piston
Max 57 l/min @ 250 BarAux service
1 double acting auxillery service
Independent intercooler
StandardOil tank capacity
11 litres
Attachment lift capacity
550kg
Tracks
RubberStandard ~ max working angle 40°Rubber with spikes
Optional ~ max working angle 55°Self-tighteningStandardLength (axle to axle)1192mm
Remote Controls
Working range150mFrequency434Mhz (certified by CE legislation)BatteryInterchangeable, rechargeable, 2 with each unit, charge on machine
Proportional joysticksStandard
Potentiometer speed control
(0 – 100%)1st gear (low range)
Forward and back, 0 – 4km/h
2nd gear (low range)
Forward and back, 0 – 7km/h
Flailhead / Attachment
Oil flow59 l/minPressure350 BarRotor speed3300 rpmFront and rear flapsStandardFlailsY – Flails for cutting grass and light wood up to 30mm diameter
J (hammer) – Flails for cutting thick grass and wood up to 50mm diameter rotor width1.3m to 1.6mRoller diameter100mmCutting height range
(via roller adjustment)20mm – 85mm (5 positions)
Flailhead can be lifted to cut higher hydraulic lift-300mm to +400mmFloatation (angle)14° up and down (+/-)
I have recently been looking at the range of McConnel Robocut tracked radio remote mowers. Having used radio remote stump grinders, I can see the advantage of having a remote-controlled mower. Especially in situations where the area is rough or where there are slopes and banks to be mowed.
McConnel Robocut RC28
It looks like there are four models starting with the McConnel Robocut RC28, which is the smallest model. This model is designed for finer turf applications, it comes with a 1.1 m rotary cutting deck with mulching capabilities. The RC28 mower can work on gradients up to 55°. The remote controls offer full precision and proportional control. The GPS auto steer helps to maximise productivity and efficient working helping to keep the operator and machine working safely.
Full remote control of the mower, including deck functions.
GPS auto steer.
Low ground pressure creates minimal damage to the surface.
Even weight distribution.
Light and easy to transport
Vanguard Engine
The Robocut RC28 comes with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810 cc EFI petrol engine. The petrol engine develops 28 hp (21 kW). The great thing with the modern petrol EFI engines is that they are so much more efficient and reactive than the old carburettor type models.
With large rubber tracks, the Robocut RC28 has a very light footprint. The mower only weighs 480 kg, so the weight is distributed very evenly across the rubber tracks. Another great feature is that the rubber tracks are self-tensioning, so is no need to pump up the tracks with a grease gun anymore!
The mulching deck comprises of three blades which offer bidirectional cutting. The drive to the blades is through a direct shaft with an electric clutch. To my mind, shaft-driven machines are much more efficient than belts. In my experience, I have found that on many machines, belts regularly need tightening, which increases downtime.
The cutting height varies from 30 mm to 180 mm, so there is plenty of scope available for various cutting conditions. It’s always good to have the option to be able to cut at a high setting. Especially if the conditions are tough.
The blade stop time is just three seconds, so in emergencies, the machine can be stopped very quickly.
Remote control
The remote controls offer a 150 m working range, which is a considerable distance. The remote control is powered by two rechargeable batteries. The GPS auto steer helps to maximise productivity.
To Conclude
The Robocut looks like it is a great mower for clearing long grass and looks equally at home cutting paddocks. Its ability to work on 55° slopes is also a great feature. It looks very at home working on banks or on a slope. It’s almost a go-anywhere mower. Something that I’ve always liked about radio remote machines is that you can keep out the way of the machine and the noise. You can find more info on the McConnel Robocut RC28 here
Specification
Engine
Make
Vanguard 810cc
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine
Horsepower
28hp (21kw)
Fuel
Petrol
Fuel tank capacity
2 x 10 litre, removable tanks
Drive
48V AC electric motor to final reduction
Maximum noise levels
98dB(A)
Speed
0-7 kph
ComplianceANSI B71.4 safety regulation
Mulching Deck
Cutting width1.1mCutting height30mm – 180mmProgrammable low height settingStandardBi-directional cuttingStandardUpdraft, mulching bladesStandardDrive typeDirect shaft drive with electric clutchBlade tip-speedVariable up to 5500m/minFast-stop rotorsStandard (3 second)
Tracks
Universal rubber standard ~ max working angle 55°Self-tightening spring washer Length (axle to axle)1000mm
Remote Controls
Working range150mFrequency434Mhz (certified by CE legislation)Battery2 x rechargeable batteriesProportional joysticksStandard
Recently I have been seeing a lot of publicity on the Mean Green electric mowers.
Stuart Rose recently posted on LinkedIn the following post.
“Sometimes you just can’t beat a satisfying couple of hours cutting grass and it is so much more pleasurable when you are operating a Mean Green electric mower with little noise, low HAV’s, no heat from an engine and zero emissions! Don’t just take our word for it, contact us now for a demonstration”
I find it amazing that an electric zero-turn mower has the capacity to run for eight hours without recharging, that’s quite something!
I have been using zero-turn mowers for almost 30 years, I really like their ease of use and their ability to manoeuvre around obstacles.
Zero-turn mowers are powered by two hydraulic motors that are attached to the rear wheels of the mower. The two hydraulic motors are powered by a hydraulic pump. Which in turn enables the operator to have instant forward and reverse control on each rear wheel and variable speed.
At the front of the zero-turn mower, there are two large caster wheels which help the mower to literally be able to turn around in its own length.
Traditionally, a zero-turn mower was controlled by two levers which gave individual control of the two rear wheels. So in other words, variable speed in forward and reverse on each wheel which enables excellent manoeuvrability.
Some manufacturers are now fitting a steering wheel to their zero-turn machines. I must admit I have never used a zero-turn with a steering wheel, it would be interesting to try one to see if they offer the same manoeuvrability.
The Mean Green Electric Mower has traditional lever steering which gives fantastic manoeuvrability. I look forward to seeing the mower in action at a later date. It does amaze me that these mowers can run for up to 8 hours on a single charge, it really is quite something!
Today we are looking at the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower. The Belrobotics BigMow is designed for larger lawns and playing fields. The robotic mower can be a massive time-saving device for those who do not want to spend time cutting the lawn. It’s certainly not a cheap mower at £19,140 including VAT, however, it can certainly be a great time-saving mower that leaves your lawn looking freshly manicured.
I appreciate that not everyone needs a mower of this capacity. The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower is designed to replace large tractor driven mowers. A robotic mower is considerably cheaper to run than a traditional tractor mower. I appreciate that there is an initial outlay to pay for, however, the equivalent tractor mower can cost many thousands of pounds.
Belrobotic’s BigMow can cut up to 24,000 m². Almost 6 acres of lawn!
8 x lower energy costs.
Exceptionally quiet, low noise pollution.
Warning in case of theft or malfunction.
GPS guidance system.
Never physically cut your lawn again.
The Belrobotics BigMow Robotic Lawn Mower
I have sold and used various robotic mowers now for several years now. The first robotic mower that I sold was back in 2008. I have seen the technology considerably improve over the years, making a robotic mower is a wise choice to mow your lawn. Especially if you are looking to free up time which many people are.
The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower is designed to cut between 10,000 and 24,000 m². 24,000 m² is equal to 2.4 hectares or 5.93 acres which is a considerable amount of grass. Many customers are finding that a large robotic mower can literally free up at least one day per week in the growing season.
I find cutting grass quite therapeutic, however, there are times when a robotic mower can really be a great time saver. I know many people who dread cutting their lawn due to the time it takes, this is where the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower proves its worth. In case you’re not looking for quite such a large robotic mower we have a range of smaller robotic mowers available here.
The Benefits Of A Robotic Mower
A robotic mower can give many benefits, probably the largest benefit is the fact that the mower frees up time. And of course, it’s effortless. As I mentioned earlier, in many cases people can spend the whole day cutting their lawns.
All robotic mower’s mulch, so there is no grass to collect which is another time-saving benefit. Mulching also helps to keep your lawn green in dry weather. The mulch acts as a green manure which in turn acts as a fertiliser keeping your lawn greener for longer.
The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower can be operated from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It can locate the mower, see how much power is left in the battery and much more!
How Does Belrobotics BigMow Robotic Lawn Mower Work?
Robotic lawnmowers work in various zones, each zone will have its own perimeter wire. The perimeter wire literally goes all the way around the outside of the lawn and around flower borders etc. The perimeter wire is literally lightly tacked down on top of the lawn, there is no need to bury the cable. The grass will quickly grow over the cable, and it will not be visible.
The robotic mower works within the perimeter wire. It doesn’t cut in an up-and-down way, as you may expect. It takes more of a random way of ensuring that the whole area is completely cut.
The docking station means that the robotic mower will never run out of power. When the battery runs low, the mower will return to the docking station and recharge itself. It takes approximately 80 minutes for a full recharge.
You can literally pre-set the mower to cut the grass at your convenience. The machine also has rain sensors, so it can be sent back to the docking station if required.
It’s important to take time to do the installation correctly as the perimeter wire needs to be in the correct place. In this way, it can keep strimming and edging down to a minimum as it’s important to make the most of your investment.
With five floating cutting heads equipped with three blades on each cutting edge. The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower can adapt to different ground conditions. We all know that not every lawn is a bowling green. The 15 stainless steel blades ensure that the grass is constantly mulched.
The width of the robotic mower is 103 cm.
To Conclude
Although I like to use a lawn mower with a petrol or diesel engine, I can definitely see the advantages of a large robotic mower. They are great for freeing up time and you’re not limited to cutting the grass once a week. The mower can be set up to come out at your convenience. You should never have long grass again!
According to the manufacturers, a robotic mower uses eight times less energy than a traditional mower of that capacity. Another benefit is the fact that a robotic mower can free up time and save on labour bills when used commercially.
I’m a great fan of mulching as it’s a great time saver and it also helps to keep your lawn greener in dry weather.
Over the years I have sold quite a few robotic mowers, every year they become more popular as customers see the benefits. If you’d like more information on the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower please give me a call on (07971) 648879.
Specification
Battery Type
LIFePo4
Battery Power
Standard battery capacity: 19,2 Ah More powerful battery options: (Ah) 24
Battery Charge Time
Charging time: 80 min
Blade Motors
Number of heads: 5
Cutting Width
Mowing width: 1033 mm
Cutting Heights
Low cut – minimum: 20 mm High cut – maximum: 100 mm
This month (April 2022) Stiga is introducing a range of battery joystick mowers called the Stiga Gyro. I must admit it’s taken me a long time to come around to battery power. However, I believe that electronic technology is easier to implement them mechanical technology!
The Stiga Gyro is controlled by one single joystick which leaves the operator’s other hand free. This is something totally new and different to the mowing industry.
Zero-Turn Performance
The Stiga Gyro users zero-turn technology using electric motors rather than hydrostatic motors. I have always liked the principle of a zero-turn mower, I have owned several machines of this type. Zero-turn mowers are great for manoeuvrability as they can literally turn around on a sixpence! They are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market, the Stiga Gyro has exactly the same working principle, apart from its battery technology!
Traditional zero turn mowers are controlled by two levers. The two rear wheels are powered by a hydrostatic motor which in turn is connected to an oil pump. The levers enable the rear wheels of the mower to be controlled individually. So in turn, with the front caster wheels, the machine can spin round and literally go anywhere!
With electronic technology, the Stiga Gyro does away with all the levers and just has a simple joystick control. I believe that with electronic technology so much can be achieved to create smooth mowing.
Various Models
There are going to be several models arriving in April 2022, starting with the Gyro 500E. The Gyro 500E is the smallest machine with a 98 cm cutting deck.
The cutting height is adjustable from 25 to 105 mm. It’s always good when a manufacturer offers a wide cutting range. If your lawn becomes out of hand it can quickly be brought around into shape using a high cut.
The height adjuster has a lever adjustment and offers eight different height positions.
Mulching Capabilities
The Stiga Gyro can mulch or side discharge the grass clippings. I would always prefer to use the mulching feature; however, the side-discharge can be useful if your grass has become too long for mulching efficiently. To have an effective mulch you need to cut your lawn regularly.
Mulching is becoming more and more popular as people see the benefits that it brings. With mulching, there are no grass clippings to collect, which in turn saves a considerable amount of time. The other benefit is that the grass clippings act as a green manure fertiliser. This in turn helps to keep your lawn looking healthy and green even in dry weather.
To Conclude
I have always liked Stiga products, especially their out front articulated mowers, which also offer great manoeuvrability and mulching capabilities. These out front mowers are proving very popular with homeowners and contractors due to their manoeuvrability and reliability.
The Stiga Gyro is due out this month in April 2022, I will give you more information once the mowers are on the market and available.
As with many Stiga mowers, they come with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
Today we are looking at the Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower. The mower is currently on special offer at £4999 including VAT, which offers a £1000 saving.
The Stiga MPV 520W is slightly different to the traditional ride-on mower, having an out-front deck and rear-wheel steer. The out-front deck and rear steer offers great manoeuvrability and excellent visibility.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower is designed for substantial domestic lawns. It is a large 280 L collector that can be discharged from the operator seat.
The mower is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-twin cylinder engine.
A very efficient out front deck mower with great visibility.
Designed for large domestic lawns.
Powered by a V twin Briggs & Stratton engine.
Large 280 L grass collector.
Instant hydrostatic forward and reverse and variable speed via a foot pedal.
Rear-wheel steer for maximum manoeuvrability.
Steering ball enables you to drive with one hand.
Five-year warranty.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower
I have always liked the idea of a ride on mower with an out-front cutting deck. This is far better for mowing up to objects and around obstacles. The operator has a great view of the front deck due to the seating position. This enables the operator to cut close to edges and obstacles, which in turn minimises strimming and spending time on the finishing touches.
The rear-wheel steer helps to make the mower even more manoeuvrable.
Traditional ride on mowers generally has the cutting deck underslung between the front and rear wheels. It’s probably the cheapest way to create a ride-on mower, but it’s not the most practical for the operator. I have always preferred mowers with an out-front deck.
Cutting Deck
The out-front cutting deck has a 112 cm (approximately 3’6”) which is capable of cutting lawns up to 15,000 m². An out-front mower will always outperform a traditional mower with an underslung deck. This is mainly due to the manoeuvrability and having the ability to cut right up to obstacles, like flower beds and trees.
The cutting height is adjustable from 20 to 70 mm. It’s always good to have the option of various cutting heights. You never know with the British weather; a lawn can soon get out of hand. Using the high cut, you can quickly bring the lawn into shape again.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Hydrostatic transmission enables instant forward and reverse and at variable speeds. This is much easier than the traditional gearbox as the machine can be varied accordingly to the conditions.
A hydrostatic transmission is basically a hydraulic motor powered by an oil pump, which in turn gives variable speeds in forward and reverse. There is no clutch required, so it really does speed up the mowing process. Once you have used a hydrostatic mower, you will never go back to a gearbox type mower.
V-Twin Engine
The powerful V-twin Briggs & Stratton 4-stroke 627cc engine develops 21 hp. The overhead-valve engine gives excellent fuel consumption. The cast-iron engine cylinder sleeves and forged crankshaft help to give the engine long life and durability. The engine comes with electric key start.
Large Collector
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower comes with a large rear grass collector which can be operated from the operator’s seat. The collector has a large 280 L capacity.
To Conclude
Having used grass machinery all my life, I have always preferred machines with out front cutting decks. The efficiency and ease of use are so much better and easier.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower offers great manoeuvrability with the out-front deck and rear-wheel steer. I am surprised that the mower doesn’t come with an option to mulch as mulching is a useful feature.
If you have a large lawn the Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower is definitely worth a look. I appreciate that it’s not cheap, however, if you look after the machine give many good years of service. The mower comes with a five-year warranty so Stiga obviously believes in their product. To me, a five-year warranty gives peace of mind and confidence to purchase.
Here we are looking at the Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower. Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market. Recently we looked at our cheapest zero-turn ride-on mower, the Snapper ZTX110 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower. Both these zero-turn mowers are on offer at the price of £3349. However, there is a larger £450 saving on the Toro zero turn mower.
As I mentioned before in previous posts, zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market. Over the years, I have owned several zero-turn mowers, from walk-behind machines to ride-on machines. I really like having the ability to be able to cut around obstacles, trees and shrubs quickly and efficiently. A zero-turn machine can outperform a lawn tractor, in my view, several times over. Many zero-turn mowers are fitted with mulching decks, so there is no grass to collect. Combined with excellent manoeuvrability and no grass to collect, zero-turn mowers really do give excellent work rates.
How Does A Zero-Turn Mower Work?
A zero-turn lawnmower consists of two rear driving wheels and two heavy-duty caster wheels on the front of the mower. The two large driving wheels are powered by an independent hydrostatic motor which gives instant forward and reverse and variable speed to each rear wheel. This enables the zero-turn machine to be literally turned on a sixpence; in other words, it can turn within its own radius.
The problem with tractor mowers is that they have the deck underneath the machine, between the front and rear wheels. This is okay if you are collecting grass; however, they are much more restricted in manoeuvrability against a zero-turn machine.
Toro Zero-turn mowers are becoming much more popular due to manufacturers making cheaper machines. The Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower is a good example of a machine that manufactures commercial machinery but also makes machinery for the domestic market.
The Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower is powered by a Toro 708cc overhead valve four-stroke petrol engine. The engine is actually made by the Italian manufacturer Loncin; I am seeing more and more machines powered by Loncin engines. Personally, I would prefer if the machine was fitted with a Kohler, Honda, Kawasaki or Briggs & Stratton engine. Over the years I have owned all these engines and I know that they are quality engines.
Hydrostatic Drive
The hydrostatic drive combined with the zero-turn capabilities makes the Toro zero-turn mower an exceptionally manoeuvrable machine. The hydrostatic drive consists of a hydraulic motor that is powered by a small oil pump from the engine. Zero turn mowers have two independent hydrostatic motors that enable the mower to have superb manoeuvrability.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is 107 cm which is approximately 3’6” which makes the machine small enough to mow within tight spaces. This combined with the zero-turn capabilities makes for a great output and efficient cutting.
The cutting height ranges from 38 mm to 114 mm, this gives a good range of cutting heights. I always like the idea of having a high cut on a machine, it’s very useful for cutting long grass or if your lawn is left for a few weeks. In this way, the lawn can be brought back into shape gradually and efficiently.
The cutting deck is constructed of a heavy-duty 10 gauge steel. One of the first things that I look at on mower is the cutter deck, it is of great importance that cutter deck is constructed well. Rotary mowers can take quite a battering, with the twin blades turning at high speed and the odd obstacle being thrown around in the cutter deck!
Smart Speed And Tow Hitch
The Toro Time Cutter offers something slightly different on their zero-turn mower. Although the mower is hydrostatic, Toro also gives you smart speed. This gives more control over the machine when cutting and towing. There are three different speeds for every condition within the hydrostatic transmission. This does not mean there are three set speeds. Hydrostatic transmission gives you instant variable speed, however, Toro’s smart speed helps to give you more control for every scenario.
Toro also gives you a tow hitch for your machine, an excellent and useful bonus for using your zero-turn mower as a workhorse in the garden or estate.
Optional Accessories
The Toro Time Cutter offers several accessories that help to make your machine extremely versatile and practical. These include an hour meter, which tells you how many hours your machine has carried out, which is exceptionally useful for service intervals. It’s fascinating to know how many hours you sit on your machine per week or per year etc.
A recycling kit, more commonly known as a mulching kit, is available for your Toro. This is something that I would recommend; I’m a great fan of mulching. Mulching acts as a green fertiliser to keep your lawn green in dry periods.
An optional twin collection system is available; my guess is that this may be slightly cumbersome and probably quite expensive. I would definitely opt for the mulching feature.
To Conclude
Toro makes a huge range of professional and domestic products for horticulture, I prefer to have a branded product, although there are some decent unbranded products too. Care needs to be taken, though before you purchase such products.
I know that Toro makes good products, but one thing I would prefer is a more popular engine, something like a Briggs & Stratton engine or a Kohler engine, as I mentioned earlier on in this post. However, from what I have heard from the experts, the Loncin engine is becoming quite a popular alternative.
Remember that if you are buying a zero-turn lawnmower, you have the most manoeuvrable machine on the market. If you fit the mulching accessory you truly have a really efficient ride-on mower.
Just remember that this is not a commercial mower, the machine is aimed for the domestic market. Toro gives a three-year warranty for domestic users and one month for commercial users.
Specification
Engine: 708cc Twin Cylinder Toro
Engine Spec: OHV, Full Pressure Lubrication with Spin-On Oil Filter, Cast Iron Cylinder Liner, Dual Element Air Cleaner
Fuel Tank: 2.5 gal (11.3 L)
Transmission: Dual Hydrostatic
Cutting Width: 107cm, 2-blade cutting system
Height of Cut: 38-114 mm
Steering Controls: Dual Wrap Around Levers
Machine size: L: 182.4cm, H: 105.4cm, W: 136.7cm
Tyres: Ribbed, (F) 28 cm x 10 cm, (R) 46 cm x 19 cm
Tool Box
Optional Hour Meter
Washout Port
Anti-Scalp Wheels
Extra high back seat
Arm rests
Cup Holder
Weight: 254 kg
Warranty: Homeowner 3-Year Limited/Commercial 30 days
Today we are looking at the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower. This is a budget ride on mower that is currently available for £1499.95 including VAT.
The Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is one of the most compact ride on mowers on the market. It easily fits through a standard 30-inch garden gate with room to spare. The cutting deck size is just 61 cm which makes it fractionally over 2 feet in size.
With 37 positive reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower must be worth a look. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
The Racing 62PR can go where other ride on mowers cannot go.
Five-speed transmission including one reverse gear.
Efficient four-stroke overhead valve engine.
Electric start.
Excellent reviews.
Two years warranty.
Racing 62PR Compact Ride On Mower
Many of us like the idea of having a ride on mower to cut our lawn. However, many ride on mowers can be very cumbersome and not always as practical as you might think in a garden.
I believe that one of the best features of the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is its size. With a 61 cm cutting deck which is just slightly over 2 feet, it certainly is a very compact ride on mower for the smaller garden.
When I was cutting grass commercially, I used a similar type of ride on mower that was slightly larger. The great thing was that it almost enabled me to go where other ride on mowers cannot go. It also replaced two walk-behind mowers and two men as the output was so good!
Overhead Valve Engine
With a petrol four-stroke engine overhead valve engine the 196cc engine develops 6.5 hp. It comes with electric key start and an engine from Racing themselves. Although the engine is not particularly large, it should be enough to power this budget compact ride on lawnmower.
Cutting Deck
With a 61 cm (approximately just over 24 inches) cutting deck, this is probably the narrowest ride on mower on the market. As I mentioned, earlier in my post, ride on mowers can be cumbersome, however, a ride on mower of this size can almost go where a walk behind mower can go.
The robust 61 cm strong steel cutter deck has five different cutting heights ranging from 30 to 70 cm. The cutting height is adjusted by a single lever. Blade engagement is manual rather than electronic.
Large Grass Collector
One of the plus points with the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is that it has a large collector which holds 150 L of grass. The collector can be operated from the driver’s seat. I see many ride on mowers that have collection bags that must be emptied manually. This is time-consuming and totally unnecessary. If I’m using a ride on mower, I do not want to have to keep getting on and off the machine.
Gearbox
The Racing ride on mower has a five-speed gearbox, four forward gears and one reverse gear. This is fine for a budget mower; however, many machines have hydrostatic transmission which is almost like an automatic car.
I always recommend that when a customer purchases a ride on mower they go for a hydrostatic machine. Hydrostatic mowers have an oil pump and an oil-driven motor which enables variable speed and instant forward and reverse without having to use a clutch. Once you have used a hydrostatic machine you will not want to go back to a gearbox.
To Conclude
Having owned several commercial compact ride on mowers I know very much about the manoeuvrability that they offer. Many ride on mowers can be rather cumbersome, however, a ride on mower this size can almost go where a walk-behind machine can go.
The only thing that really lets this machine down is the fact that it has a gearbox rather than hydrostatic transmission. It may be worth looking at the Mountfield 827H compact ride on with hydrostatic transmission.
The great thing is that the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower has good reviews and customers are satisfied with the purchase. It also comes with a two-year warranty, another good plus point. We must remember that this is a budget machine.
One of the questions that I am often asked is how much money do I spend on a lawnmower? Another popular question is there are just so many mowers out there, I don’t know which machine to purchase.
I understand why people are confused as we almost have 8000 different products relating to garden equipment on our website! Admittedly, these products are not all lawnmowers, but the products are certainly related to the garden and landscaping equipment.
Last year I created a lawnmower buying guide, which included the various types of lawnmowers available. You can see the lawnmower buying guide here.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of budget equipment available for the garden, not all this equipment is good quality. I appreciate that everyone has a budget to stick to. My motto has always been to purchase the best that you can afford. If you can afford to buy a quality machine it should give you many years of good service. Have a look at the bullet points below before you purchase.
Are you purchasing the right type of mower? (See buying guide)
What is the weight of the machine?
Does the engine have good reviews?
Good Quality Garden Machinery Pays Off
Around 40 years ago when I first started out in landscaping, I worked for a customer who had his own equipment. All I had to do was to cut two areas of grass in the garden. One area was a fine lawn which was cut with us on the mower and the perimeter area was cut with a Ford compact tractor.
The customer purchased a fine quality Ransomes cylinder mower complete with a roller seat, for the lawn area. For the perimeter area of the garden which was probably around 2 acres, a Ford 1200 four-wheel-drive compact tractor was purchased brand-new. A new rotary mower was purchased for the compact tractor, the rotary mower was attached to the three-point linkage at the rear of the tractor.
40 Years On
40 years on the same machines are being used to cut the same lawn and perimeter area! Although a considerable investment was made in the first place to purchase these machines. Looking at the prices today, the machinery is still probably worth the same price as what it was purchased for.
Check Out The Reviews And Warranty
I appreciate that we aren’t all in a position to invest money into garden machinery, even though it may be cheaper in the long run. There are some good budget machines available that do offer value for money. I always advise customers to look at the reviews and to see how much warranty the manufacturer is willing to give a machine.
Last year I purchased a Weibang Legacy 56 Pro rear roller lawnmower. The machine comes with three years commercial warranty and five years domestic warranty. Even their smaller lower-priced domestic machines come with five year’s warranty. To me, this gives me huge confidence in purchasing a machine.
To Conclude
It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to use quality machinery in the garden. I believe that in the example given above, the owner had the pleasure of using top-quality machines that are still in use today. The cost over a period of 40 years is minimal.
As I mentioned earlier in the post, check out reviews and check for good warranties. Unfortunately, I see far too much machinery that is not looked after properly. If you look after your garden machinery, providing you have purchased a good product and keep it serviced, it should give you many years of service.
They could have gone down the other route and purchased cheap machinery. However, I can guarantee that the machinery would not have lasted and overall, it would have cost considerably more money! And probably caused a lot of frustration in the meantime!