OV9

Aka ftao @Jobbo



https://www.protoolreviews.com/honda-ex ... er-market/

Oh no I was just thinking how much I like my Izy over the weekend. I think I might splash out on one of those hydrostatic drive mowers now, since it’s the last opportunity. Will probably see me out.

And I bought one today:



The place I bought it are an authorised Honda dealer. They told me that it’s the US where Honda are stopping production - I don’t think any of the Honda mowers sold in the U.K. are US built. So they aren’t aware that things are stopping here but they did say they don’t necessarily get told.

Didn’t put me off buying. Even if the residual value won’t be bolstered by it being a last year of production top of the range model, I don’t care because I doubt I’ll ever have to buy another mower before I die. It’s lovely. They described it as being built as Honda wanted, then priced - not built to a budget. Obviously with an aluminium alloy deck it’s… heavier than my previous steel desk Izy despite being a similar size That is down to things like proper bearings on everything, an exquisite shaft drive rather than the Daf-like rubber belt, metal wheels etc. In use the weight means it ploughs on happily, and it has plenty of grip on the grass. The hydrostatic drive is great. Downsides: it doesn’t mulch, and while you can get a mulching plug and replacement blade to do so, the desk is designed to collect so isn’t really the right shape. The throttle lever is on the left hand side of the handle and can be moved by dense foliage or branches, pulling it to the ‘stop’ position. Overall though it’s lovely.

What size is it? Sounds like it’ll last for evah - I assume it was reassuringly expensive.

Those GXV engines get the landscapers frothing but I’ve only had bad luck with mine.

It’s an HRH 536 so 53cm wide. I don’t think they’re sold in any other size.

Reassuringly expensive, yes, but not if you average it out as a cost per year over expected lifespan.

Placeholder for @Jobbo

https://www.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk ... e-tractor/

I'd be looking to PCP that

Herd of goats? Eco alternative.

Mito can probably provide some breeding stock.

It was my automatic thought, @mik, but apparently the Honda ride-ons are made by the same company in Italy which makes Mountfields and others - they aren't as special as the walk-behinds.

Current favourite is an Al-ko (German brand, made in Austria and apparently the Volvo of lawn tractors) or a Husqvarna out-front. The collecting versions of the Husky are expensive though and seem quite complicated so I'm favouring the Al-ko.

Have you looked at Toro ??

Just had a look - I'm not going battery for the mower and Toro's tractors seem to be electric. Got to be petrol because spilling diesel is disgusting and I wouldn't want to carry a jerry can of diesel in the car anyway.

Probably something like this: https://www.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk ... n-tractor/
I'd like this - but you have to select one of the decks separately so it comes to about £9,500 and that's mad: https://www.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk ... awd-rider/

What about a Deere John?

Mito Man wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 3:42 pm What about a Deere John?

I've never been a fan of the colour scheme and they do seem to be expensive.

It's been a while since I looked at them but yeah you're right - all the "Lawn Tractors" are battery now.

The Zero Turn machines are petrol but are muchos monies and also, you'll look like a council worker...

Zero turn isn't the right type - we have a bit of a slope on the grass which is apparently not helpful and the grass is just a big patch of grass so we don't need the manoeuvrability. The Husky I linked above with out-front deck would be the ideal alternative if we had an orchard.

My parent’s Iseki is now 35 years old and other than the cutting deck rotting because dad stopped cleaning it at the end of the seasons has needed nothing outside of standard servicing.
It cuts a couple of acres and still drives like new.

Is there an enterprising young farm hand (oo-err) that could be paid for regular service (oo-err again)? Saves buying and maintaining another piece of machinery.

Jimexpl wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 6:39 pm My parent’s Iseki is now 35 years old and other than the cutting deck rotting because dad stopped cleaning it at the end of the seasons has needed nothing outside of standard servicing.
It cuts a couple of acres and still drives like new.

Yes Iseki and Kubota the Bentley of the lawn mowing/compact tractor world but they’re diesel which Jobbo doesn’t like and quite a bit more expensive new.

To be honest, that’s what I’d do DJ…