Help Me Choose A Lawn Mower, Please!

subywagon on 22/09/2018 - 23:54

I need a new lawn mower for a fairly large property but can't get a ride on due to access and slopes. My current mower was a Sanli Powermulch which was only 135cc and struggled a bit. It was actually a pretty good mower considering it's a cheap Chinese model. It's only dying because I've neglected it pretty badly for 4 or 5 years.

Requirements are power, cutting size, durability and mulching capability. Budget: $500

I've narrowed it down and am trying to decide between four models from Bunnings:

Yardking Self-Propelled Push Button Start Lawn Mower $388 The cheapest out of the lot with fairly good specs,
* Powerful 173cc OHV 4-stroke engine
* Mulch or catch lawn mower
* Durable 20" pressed steel chassis
* Large 60L hard-top fabric catcher, but only a 12 month limited domestic warranty.

Ryobi 190cc Subaru 4 Stroke Lawn Mower $499 I obviously like the idea of buying a new Suby, but to be honest even with my user name I'm not a brand whore! My attraction with this model is the powerful 190cc motor with 11.2Nm of torque, 2 year warranty (My local Bunnings are excellent for own brand returns). Specs as follows:
* Powerful and trusted Subaru 190cc 4 stroke engine
* 11.2Nm (8.2 foot pound) of torque - huge torque to get through even the most dense of grass
* 460mm (18") Cutting path - 10 - 75mm cutting height *4 swing back blades for a superior cut and safety
* 2 year replacement warranty with nationwide service agents for any servicing needs after the standard warranty period

Victa Super Mulcher 18" Mulch Or Catch Lawn Mower The most expensive at $529, but I like the idea of the super mulcher which is supposed to create very fine cuttings.
* Patented mulching disc and blade technology fertilises your lawn with no need to catch
* Ready start - no prime, no choke, soft pull start - Don't care too much about these features, but guess it would be nice
* Powerful 8.5Nm torque - cut through thick grass easily *150cc Briggs and Stratton OHV 625EXi Series US built engine. I'm not sure about the warranty, I'm assuming 2 years being Victa but will check in store.

Victa 20" Thunder Self Propelled Mulch Or Catch $499 Last but not least, ok, maybe least as I'm not keen on the fabric catcher. The self propel function is attractive, but I don't mind a bit of a cardio workout with mowing tbh. specs as follows:
* 20" Wide Cut Chassis - Nice big cutting area Mulching Capable - yes want mulch!
* Displacement 150cc

Does anyone have any experience with these mowers? Particularly the Yardking and Ryobi? As I'm leaning heavily towards those two as I'm not too keen on the weaker displacement with the Victa's. The Yardking is a cheap Victa I believe.

TLDR Anyone have one of these mowers? Mainly Yardking or the Ryobi and can recommend?

Look forward to the abuse and hopefully helpful suggestions too :P

Poll Options

  • 0
    Yardking Self-Propelled Push Button Start Lawn Mower
  • 10
    Ryobi 190cc Subaru 4 Stroke Lawn Mower
  • 3
    Victa Super Mulcher 18" Mulch Or Catch Lawn Mower
  • 2
    Victa 20" Thunder Self Propelled Mulch Or Catch
Home & Garden Lawn Mower

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 00:09
    +5

    Pay a bit extra and get a Honda powered mower. In my experience they just keep going and never hesitate in the thicker grasses like cheaper mowers can.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/honda-21-530mm-push-mower-with-c…

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 00:17

      I considered that, but my cheap Sanli has lasted for 4 or 5 years with NO servicing. I've left it out in the rain and had to drain the carby and clean the rust out, then it ran fine again. It got water in it again due to the shed leaking with really bad storms we had and this time after taking it apart it started leaking fuel and running like crap again even after cleaning the carby out and I'm over repairing it.

      • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 00:22
        +2

        Basic servicing for a push lawn mower is simple and cheap. 15 minutes once a year.

        1. Run engine until warm
        2. Tilt the oil out
        3. Refill oil
        4. change spark plug
        5. Give filters a clean
        • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 02:36

          I'll give the Sanli a service and maybe sell it if I get it running well. It's too weak and small for the current property. I'll definitely look after the new mower though.

        • shaybisc on 23/09/2018 - 12:30

          Yes I was wondering how you can badly neglect a mower, unless you mean you never change the oil. I haven't even changed the spark plug on mine after 6 years and it still started second pull yesterday after being unused over winter.

    • rxjb on 23/09/2018 - 12:19

      ^^this. A honda will last more than 10 years. Get a second hand one off ebay or gumtree.

      i also find the other motors like briggs and stratten etc chew the fuel. the honda is quite thrifty too.

  • tomclancy on 23/09/2018 - 00:12
    +2

    Yardking weighs 43.4kg! Self-propelled only helps in a straight line, turning that behemoth is going to be awful. Plus you mentioned hills? It also has a fabric catcher which I personally hate.

    The Suby gets glowing reviews, by all accounts a star performer. I haven't used it myself by one of OzBargain's favourites.

    The Victa mowers you don't want due to low displacement anyway. So I think your winner is the Ryobi/Subaru then!

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 00:18

      Nice spot! I didn't even consider weight actually!

    • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 00:18
      +2

      The 18" deck in what seems like a large yard will soon do your head in. As my wife says when mowing the lawn - "size does matter, every inch counts TB"

      • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 00:23
        +1

        That's one of the drawbacks with the Suby, otherwise I would've just jumped at that. My wife says the same thing, but not when mowing the lawn…

  • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 07:29
    +1

    I got this one 12 months back hasn’t missed a beat
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/masport-486-3-n-1-catch-mulch-an…

    You can buy a servicing kit with everything you need for about $30 from Bunnings as well

    It’s not a beast in terms of weight and with a 19” deck gets the job done fairly quickly

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:01

      The Masport's looked pretty good but the engine displacement is a bit low for me. I need power as the grass gets long and thick pretty fast down here.

  • Melb69 on 23/09/2018 - 08:06
    +1

    @subywagon Have you considered out sourcing the mowing. At least you will get your weekends back. May cost you more in the long term, but you will never get the time back from moving the dam backyard.

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:03
      +1

      The thoughts crossed my mind but I get satisfied and enjoy doing it myself if all the tools work well. Plus I enjoy the exercise and like to save money.

      • Melb69 on 23/09/2018 - 12:13
        -1

        Yes true Ozbargainer. Happy to save money, but not time. Suspect it wouldn't be that cheap for someone to mow a hilly site anyway. If you have a nice neighbour borrow theirs if they don't mind. Now that's true OZb. Give him a 6pack in return.

  • WreckTangle on 23/09/2018 - 08:15
    +1

    That super mulcher one could be hendy. Do you not have to empty the catcher with it? My council doesn’t give me a green waste bin

    • stratbargain on 23/09/2018 - 09:33
      +1

      The mulchers are great. AS long as you don't let it grow too long. No need to empty anything it just drops the very fine clippings over the top.

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:05

      All the models I listed have a mulcher capability. They are great. I even use it when it fairly long. It leaves a bit of debris, but when I next mow it chops it up again. That super mulcher would be nice if it chops it really fine.

  • Cheeper on 23/09/2018 - 10:00
    +1

    You overlooked Masport … any reason?
    I have had one for over 15yrs on my 800sqmr block and only changed the oil once and tapped the dust out of the air filter a few times and nothing else. Starts first go, runs like the day I got it and nothing loose, falling off or broken.
    They come with a lifetime warranty on the catcher which can be handy. I did bust one and the exchange for a new one was painless.
    19" Masport @ Bunnings $498.
    Check out independent retailers mower shops also, a friend bought one cheaper than Bunnings when they had them for sale.
    Amazed that you got 4-5 yrs out of a Sanli!!

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:07
      +1

      I did look at Masport's and was Keen. I got suspicious when I couldn't see the engine displacement listed proudly. Eventually I found it and it was too low for my liking unfortunately. Otherwise I probably would have gone with one.

      I had a look at Beck's Home Hardware and online for the local mower shops, not cheaper than Bunnings unfortunately. Plus I'm planning on buying 4% discounted Bunnings gift cards at Coles then getting another 5% off hopefully with my Power pass. Also I don't really want to be hard sold to if I go to a mower shop.

    • Gracey on 23/09/2018 - 12:12

      What Masport do you have? I'm guessing its long been discontinued but maybe they still make something like it?

      EDIT: maybe a 486 or 490 look pretty good

      • Cheeper on 23/09/2018 - 12:34

        Not at home at the moment so cant say what model it is. It is a 4stroke 18" cut with no mulcher, 2 blades only.
        Regardless of the engine specs subywagon it has no problem handling long grass.

    • Slinky0111 on 23/09/2018 - 21:14

      I have this masport 486 at home and it is what I use on my 800m2 block. I will never go down in size on the cutting deck. Fatanstic mower, only need the gentlest of pulls to get it going.

      My old masport lasted 14 years and never skilled a beat. Never changed the oil just topped it up, 2 spark plugs in that time as well.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 10:19
    +1

    Any reason you are not considering battery powered like an AEG?

    I haven't had a go on these battery mowers but I am loving the idea based on battery vs petrol chainsaws.

    If the area is not too large, the hassle of getting hearing protection, filling up the tank, occasional maintainance and having empty the catcher with the blades still running… Non existent with a battery mower.

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:10

      I'd love to go battery to be honest. I hate mucking around with fuel. I had a corded mower years ago with a small property and it was nice and silent. The only problem is my property is too large and I'm planning on getting a much larger property in the near future. The grass grows fast and thick down here in Tassie.

      • Melb69 on 23/09/2018 - 12:15
        +2

        Don't think the electric ones have enough power to cut through a heavy grass and battery time may be an issue if large yard. A petrol version will still get you a better cut IMO

        • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 12:16

          My thoughts too. I look forward to electric mowers catching up though.

    • tassieeagle on 23/09/2018 - 12:28

      I have the ryobi 36v battery lawn mower, best lawnmower I've ever owned. Quiet and cuts well. I'm in Tassie as well, but I'm using it on a suburban block with a fair amount of lawn. Sounds like your property is too big for cordless though, unless you have 2 batteries

      • [Deactivated] on 23/09/2018 - 12:47

        I don't intend to mow the entire property. That'll be asinine. Grass would grow faster. Haha. Just the manicured bits.

  • PJC on 23/09/2018 - 16:12
    +1

    I have and recommend the Ryobi 190cc. Anything more powerful has a seat.

  • shaybisc on 23/09/2018 - 18:39

    Do you have to mow kind of slow for the mulcher on mowers to work properly? I like to mow fast.

    • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 18:49

      No just normally. I think they have multiple or special blades that chop it up more finely.

      • shaybisc on 23/09/2018 - 19:22

        In that case I don't have a mulching mower, even that is how it was described. It has regular blades and the only thing mulching about it is a plastic thingo you can stick in the back instead of the catcher. It doesn't work very well so I don't use it.

        • subywagon on 23/09/2018 - 20:07

          You might have one, but the blades may be blunt.

          • shaybisc on 24/12/2018 - 19:33

            @subywagon: What did you end up getting and how is going?

            • subywagon on 24/12/2018 - 20:02
              +3

              @shaybisc: Hey nice timing, I just finished mowing the lawn. I went with the Ryobi 190cc Subaru from Bunnings.

              Ignore my username, there wasn't much bias in my choice. I looked at the entire range at Bunnings. I went with the Ryobi as it has many good reviews (though a friend told me he's seen terrible reviews), it has a very powerful 190cc motor with a massive 11.2Nm of torque. A large cutting 18" cutting path and a mulching option. Also a 2 year warranty, though I'd prefer 3 years but Bunnings has always been excellent with their warranty policy and I've never had any trouble returning items during the warranty period.

              I have a largish, awkward yard and the Ryobi handles it no problems.

              Only negatives I can think of is it has an aluminium deck that may get damaged from hitting rocks, concrete etc but I haven't had any issues and at least it won't rust! And also it's not self-propelled, but I don't mind as I like the exercise, though it is very light for considering it's size at 32kg. This may be due to the aluminium deck I suppose.

              Good luck!

              Edit: Also the mulching feature uses the plastic mulching dispersal plug, like your old one I assume. It does cut it up finely for me, but if you want a perfect clear lawn I'd use the catcher or make sure you cut it while it is still fairly short for finer mulching.

              • shaybisc on 25/12/2018 - 08:32

                @subywagon: Thanks for the advice. I don't really get the Ryobi/Subaru design. It's got the most power of any of the mowers but only a 46cm cut and no self propulsion. What's the power for- mowing metre high grass? It looks over-engined for its purpose. That engine should be powering a 56cm cut and self propulsion.

                • subywagon on 25/12/2018 - 11:51

                  @shaybisc: Yeah I was surprised with the lack of self-propulsion, they do have another model that is not sold in Bunnings that is self-propelled with a 190cc I believe, but I haven't seen one locally, but I don't mind as I said before as I like the exercise.

                  The 46cm cutting size also suits my yard, it is large compared to city yards, but I still have tight/awkward areas that I can only just fit the mower in.

                  I'm down in Tassie and the grass grows thick and fast so the power suits me well.

                  End of the day the mower you choose will have to suit your requirements, small yard with thin not fast thick growing grass you can probably look at something else. If you have a really large area where you almost need a ride on maybe look at a self-propelled.

                  Good luck!

              • shaybisc on 28/12/2018 - 10:26

                @subywagon: On the power of the Subaru, I was just trying to get the damn air filter off my old Rover Challenger OHV 880 and noticed the sticker on it. I've seen it 100 times before but didn't think of while this topic has been running. It says 8.85 ft/lbs torque which is more than the Ryobi/Subaru. You would need to know the revs that figure is produced at to get a really accurate comparison and I don't have it. I don't even know who makes the engine or how big it is. The manual is useless because it's a multi-model manual. It is a powerful engine- it has never stalled in long grass. It's the only good thing about the mower though- hopeless design.

                The mower I'm thinking of getting, a Toro, only has 6.75 foot pounds and a wider cut. Will that be underpowered? I will know after I've paid for it- DO'H!

  • StonedWizard on 25/12/2018 - 09:04
    +1

    I have the Ryobi and it's a brilliant mower, the Subaru engine in it is bullet proof.

    Honda mowers aren't as good as they used to be and some of the motors are crap, especially on their cheaper range.

    • PJC on 25/12/2018 - 09:43

      Mine starts first pull every time. I nearly bought a Parkfield with a Honda engine until I discovered you have to re-start it every time after releasing the handle to empty the catcher!

  • subywagon on 25/12/2018 - 11:59
    +1

    Also I bought from Bunnings because I can buy Coles egift cards at a 4% discount through my car insurance, I then bought Bunnings gift cards to purchase the mower with.

  • Watashi4649 on 22/12/2019 - 10:47

    Victa thunder is poorly designed and does not work as a lawn mower. Might be ok on rubbish grass… but definently not lawn.
    Don't buy.
    I have one.
    Sorry now.

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