Petrol Lawnmower Recommendations Please

capslock janitor on 13/10/2024 - 16:38
Last edited 13/10/2024 - 22:05 by 1 other user

Am bummed I didn't get to mow the yards this weekend :( please help

Using Bunnings as reference:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/victa-18-classic-cut-mulch-or-ca…
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-173cc-21-petrol-lawn-mowe…
Those are the two I was looking at.

According to these tips.
dual vs quad blade vs. swing-back
Hard catcher vs soft catcher
What else?

We have a typical-sized suburban 70s built backyard and front lawn.

Would prefer a cut-catch-mulch model.

It's replacing a withered pre-owned Victa Mustang GCV160

Home & Garden Lawn Mower

Comments

  • MS Paint on 13/10/2024 - 16:43
    -2

    Bunnings
    Used VICTA

    Username doesn't check out.

  • JIMB0 on 13/10/2024 - 17:50
    -2

    It's a pity you can't get 2 stroke mowers new anymore.

  • Loot N Plunder on 13/10/2024 - 17:50
    +1

    18 inch Vs 21 inch
    why not go the 20 inch that bunnings are price matching aldi? and save yourself some money? that's the ozbargain way
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/871324
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/cheetah-lawn-mower-4-stroke-20-i…

    • capslock janitor on 13/10/2024 - 18:22

      thanks but it's only 1/bar blade? not swing-back

      • donga100 on 13/10/2024 - 23:32
        +1

        If you are just mowing your own yard I don't see why that is much of an issue. Main benefit of swing back blades is that they can handle hitting rocks and other solid objects without breaking the blade. You should be pretty familiar with where any objects like this are in your yard or just keep it free of rocks/bricks etc. It's more beneficial for contractors who mow numerous yards full of unknown hazards.

        Edit: One other benefit is they maintain momentum easier when hitting thick patches of grass. Again, this is more of a benefit to contractors mowing thick overgrown yards with time constraints.

  • altomic on 13/10/2024 - 18:56
    +2

    have you given the old Victa a thorough rebuild? clean the carby, new filter, new spark plug, clean out the fuel tank, sharpen the blades.

    • capslock janitor on 13/10/2024 - 19:03
      +1

      dont have the capacity right now to research and do all that. could do it in the far future. and shroud thing on top is buggered.
      just need a reliable new working mower asap

      • Daniel Plainview on 17/10/2024 - 13:10
        +2

        Keep it simple - and I say this as someone who lives rural and has a very similar mower to yuor existing one. Rather than complicating things with a new mower, take the old one to your local repair place.

        The GCV160 Honda engine is a good unit, I'm guessing you've likely not done the basic preventative maintenance (cleaning/changing airfilter, not leaving fuel in carb after use, not allowing fuel to sit in tank over long idle periods, changing sparkplug, oil change etc). For $100-150 am sure it could be made to work well, blades are likely blunt too.

        Shroud thing? The plastic shroud (which is for cosmetic purposes only) or you mean the recoil pull start? Likely just needs the spring retensioned but even if replaced is only $30 or so.

        IMHO you have a good mower, replacement quality now is ~$600+, I'd pop $150 down - look at it as maintenance costs from the past you neglected. Use what you know works & are familiar with. Sometimes the devil you know is better.

  • sumyungguy on 13/10/2024 - 19:02

    I'd buy the brands chosen by lawnmowing professionals

  • Transient on 13/10/2024 - 19:18
    +2

    I much prefer a hard catcher than a soft one, unless you don't mind the dust and have no rocks in the yard or don't use a catcher.

    • capslock janitor on 13/10/2024 - 22:03

      why no dust n rocks? is that regarding the hard or soft catcher

      • Transient on 13/10/2024 - 22:21
        +2

        I bought the Victa with the soft catcher. A lot of dust gets through the mesh if the ground is dry and dusty. Also if the mower kicks up a rock, some people complain that the rocks tear a hole in the mesh. If you are interested in the Dewalt, see it in store to see how strong the mesh catcher is. The Victa one was pretty weak and the mesh stopped grass clippings but not dust getting through.

        I went back to Bunnings after one mow and they let me swap it for the hard catcher version and I paid the increase in price. I just wanted the hard catcher but the hard catcher did not fit the soft catcher mower so had to buy the whole hard catcher mower.

  • aussieprepper on 13/10/2024 - 19:30
    +2

    What about something like this? World famous Honda GCV170 on a Victa chassis.
    https://www.mygyc.com.au/collections/clearance-sale/products…

    • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 12:39

      does it have foldable handle for compact storage ? thanks

      • donga100 on 14/10/2024 - 16:45
        +1

        It does.

    • PeterSnoot on 14/10/2024 - 18:56

      I’ve got a Honda mower with this same engine and it has been going for years. Yes, you need to maintain it but in return you get a reliable mower that will last.

  • Bignudge on 13/10/2024 - 19:44
    +2

    I would 100% recommend a 2nd handed Honda Self Propelled lawn mower off marketplace. They go for about $550 or so…and instead of having to push the mower, it'll pull you along. It has a manual choke too, one light pull and it'll start right up. Parts are cheap as chips too; carby, spark plug, air filter, oil, blades, wheels, etc can all be found on eBay.

    If you buy say one of those Garden Line or yellow Sanli mowers… good luck getting parts for them lol.

  • dtc on 13/10/2024 - 21:59
    +10

    Guess I have to be the one to say it, but why not a battery mower? I have a 1/4 acre block, just mowed it today. Battery is so easy to start, lighter, safer (it will turn off if you fall over or something and let go). Quieter and all the rest. Charge on solar and it’s ‘free’.

    I use a petrol at my in laws. It is better for really overgrown grass or if you need to run it for a few hours I guess. Otherwise the performance is basically the same. Apart from being noisier and heavier and the smell of fuel.

    Just get a Victa or Masport or Honda. For a standard suburban block they will all do the job just as good as each other. Get a Camry rather than a Prado for your requirements

    • capslock janitor on 13/10/2024 - 23:14
      -1

      thanks! this might sound silly.. i am sentimental to the noise of it and fuel smell, as you have pointed out.
      the grunt. and the tactility of a rope pull cord start/recoil starter.
      similar reason why i sought for a lever handbrake on our new car.

      after this new petrol mower is done, i'd probably skip the cordless batt mower and move onto a Robot mower in future

      • dtc on 13/10/2024 - 23:55
        +5

        Once you get used to pushbutton starts then the tactility feelings around that cord quickly diminishes!

      • Loopholio on 14/10/2024 - 08:00

        I agree with you @capslock janitor. I do miss all those features of petrol mowers. My basic battery mower gets the job done, but it's like I'm playing a mowing simulator.

        • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 12:45
          +1

          ye batty ones looks n seem like a toy.. if i had to own 1 petrol power tool- mowers first come to mind as it will get the most use.

      • Euphemistic on 14/10/2024 - 09:01
        +3

        The grunt of a petrol mower i understand, bjt the rest, thats a joke. The tactility of the mower is all in the pushing. The noise? Battery mowers arent silent, just different. The smell? You realise thats bad for you? And the smell of the cut grass is much better without the fumes.

        I'll never have petrol powered garden equipment at home again. Battery is so much better

        • Loopholio on 14/10/2024 - 14:04
          -2

          You don't get it and that's fine. Some people enjoy the sound smell and feel of the world around them. I can't explain it and google sure as shirt wasn't any help. I'm sure there is a word that sums it up, but I can't find it.

          And no, it's not synesthesia.

          • Euphemistic on 14/10/2024 - 17:45

            @Loopholio: I think inunserstand the basis of 'enjoying the sounds and smells' but at some point that has been learned, and can be unlearned.

            Think about the practicality of needing hearing protection and getting a lungful of fumes, then try to focus on other parts of the task. You can train yourself.

            As for 'the sentimentality' of the noise, any new mower will likely sound different anyway.

  • boomramada on 13/10/2024 - 22:03

    Second-hand Honda from market place.

  • donga100 on 14/10/2024 - 00:04
    +1

    How long/thick do you let your grass grow between mows? A mower with a wider deck will save time and effort but only if the engine can handle mowing the full width. Toro mowers are popular with professionals because they have wide decks that allow you to mow a regularly cut lawn very quickly but they aren't that great on thick overgrown lawns. My picks would be:

    Cheap and decent power but with suspect quality:
    Aldi 20 inch 173cc engine for $299 (5yr warranty)
    I chose this over the Bunnings Cheetah because they offer 5yr warranty compared to only 1yr on the Cheetah and you will likely need it for either of them.

    Mid-range but reliable:
    Victa 18 inch with 163cc engine
    I chose this over your Dewalt option because it is a much more established mower brand and the Dewalt gets some bad reviews for things that would absolutely annoy me.

    Best option:
    Used Honda 196 or 216 from Marketplace for $400-500. They are extremely reliable, start first pull, easily fixed/serviced and pack a good amount of power.

    • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 14:08

      thanks we mow the grass every 2-4 weeks.

      Mid-range but reliable:
      Victa 18 inch with 163cc engine(bunnings.com.au)

      i could be wrong, that Power Mulcher you linked has one-side Offset wheels kiinda bother me a bit.
      https://youtu.be/QBTVNrnFE4A?t=26

      I chose this over your Dewalt option because it is a much more established mower brand and the Dewalt gets some bad reviews for things that would absolutely annoy me.

      which bad review points annoy you ?

      • donga100 on 14/10/2024 - 16:49

        which bad review points annoy you ?

        Catcher doesn't fill, front digs into ground, doesn't start easily.

  • geekcohen on 14/10/2024 - 05:43

    As an owner of the Victa you have looked it, I am happy with mine and had no issues for the last 2 years. I would suggest that. I upgraded from a 2 Stroke Victa that I got 2nd hand and its great. I've done the blades one since I bought it and I mow about 500 sqm every fortnight.

    • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 14:27

      can you tell me whether that classic cut model has symmetrical wheels or offset on one side ? thanks

      and it seems a few years ago it had a Briggs&stratton engine, now they changed engine to Victa V144 Series 4-stroke Engine.
      https://youtu.be/vsNQYwySRN0?t=49
      which one do you have?

      • geekcohen on 14/10/2024 - 14:28
        +1

        I've got the Briggs & Stratton motor and they are Symmetrical Wheels.

        • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 21:35

          Just me or I noticed many these mowers handle are slightly Tilt to one side, like the poles dont run fully straight to the chassis? .

          must be by design or something

  • joshash on 14/10/2024 - 07:54

    Any mid range Victa dude. If lashing out get the latest Victa Mustang….epic looking mower

  • jam scone on 14/10/2024 - 07:57

    After 2.5 years perseverance with my ozito 36v steel deck I had to give it the flick. I need to reno/scalp my lawn and my battery mower has no chance. Just lacks the power for serious cutting, almost back to dirt.

    I went with this model https://www.mitre10.com.au/masport-166cc-elite-lawn-mower-18… has 4 blades, better for clean cutting imo and enough power for my needs.

    Another make I was considering was yard force (lower tier) and g-force (higher tier) from the same company - Australian based. Yard force is stocked at mitre 10. Imo U really need to feel the mower in person, to see if it's solid well built. Had my eye on this model https://www.melbournesmowercentre.com.au/lawnmowers/g-force-… but was a 1.5hr drive away so just got the Masport from mitre 10. Nice specs on this 196cc mower though.

    • capslock janitor on 14/10/2024 - 14:39

      thanks for sharing
      the yardforces at mitre10 are enticing. though, bunnings returns are hard to beat for satisfaction assurance

    • capslock janitor on 15/10/2024 - 13:12

      Imo U really need to feel the mower in person, to see if it's solid well built.

      ok i will be shortlisting a few to check and buy in store.

      • jam scone on 17/10/2024 - 17:06
        +1

        Great, yeah I don't mind spending a bit cause a well made mower will last 10+ years. Be interested to learn about the g-force mower if it makes your list. There's virtually no info online besides the g-force site.

        I just finished my 3rd mow with my Masport/Loncin mower. The engine is good, they provide engines to several big mower brands.

  • nubzy on 14/10/2024 - 08:50
    +1

    Get a second hand Honda HRU series off Gumtree. I got a HRU196 for $200, it was over 20 years old and still runs like a dream.

    • mshanann on 14/10/2024 - 11:10
      +1

      I'd go the second-hand Honda route too off FB marketplace.

      The honda's should pretty much start first pull.

      Get them to start it and let it run for a couple of minutes (maybe take some clean fuel along).

      Double check under the deck that there is no major damage or rust, and that the blades are not seized on and can be removed and replaced.

      Replace the cutting blades and you should be good to go provided the mower ran without problem.

  • ronlee on 14/10/2024 - 08:59
    +1

    Have had a Masport for 20 years , starts 1st or 2nd pull, I was going to buy a new one 2 years ago but got a mobile lawn mower person to do a service. He said keep the old one, much better quality with a alloy base against a steel base. Service was about $90 with new blades.

    https://www.allmowersmobile.com.au/

  • loadofrubbish on 14/10/2024 - 09:12

    get a 18 inch old used rover lawnmower. the ones with alloy base and 4 blades. they last for ever and best cut and finish. parts are easy to buy and readily available.

  • 2esc on 14/10/2024 - 17:21
    +1

    Im not ready for a EV car yet (Rural, Range etc) but a electric mover is great everyone in the family can use it and we haveca 2000m2 block.

  • shaybisc on 15/10/2024 - 08:19
    +1

    Depends on whether you want to go wide cut, self-propelled heavy as f#ck or narrower cut lighter push it yourself.

  • noideaa on 16/10/2024 - 23:17

    Consider buying Honda at mower place for long term ease of mind.

    Honda is the Corolla of the mower world. I have HRU19 that withstood period of abuse, chews anything and at one point didn’t get it serviced for 2 years out of laziness yet will always run at one pull.

    Will never look elsewhere when it comes to mowers.

    • sumyungguy on 16/10/2024 - 23:36

      My HR214 was made in the 80's, still chugging along

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