Mowing ..

[LG17]

My old Toro Wheelhorse is powered by an 18hp Tecumseh. It's extremely old and I may not use it for a year, it's fitted with a bucket,but it always starts and runs.

[Interceptor]

Meanwhile, I continue to do well courtesy of the local tip shop.... picked up a MS260 minus clutch cover & bar, took it home, pulled the string...... and it started!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

After multiple teasers, I've been waiting for this video to drop on the Stihl 028. Interestingly, the story behind the saw is similar, that the owner wanted it running again for sentimental reasons.



In this case, it turned out to have a leaking crank seal and general old age on various components. I got lucky with mine, most replacement parts were for perished rubber parts, a new plug and filter. I also requested a new bar and chain, but mostly for cosmetics.

While it's much heavier, I can't help feeling my 028 AV Super runs stronger than my new MS 271. Some of that would be down to the 271 still running in, but I also find the 028 is better balanced. This makes sense when you take the overall construction into account.

The older saws, and the current pro level Stihl's, have a full metal case. The case is split in two and houses the crankshaft and connecting rod, as well as the oil tank, and sometimes the fuel tank. A cylinder and piston then bolt down to the case.

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Modern Stihl saws, at least the homeowner and landowner versions, are very different. The case of the saw is plastic and is basically a sled for the contained power unit. The sled includes the oil and fuel tanks, rather than being cast with the lower part of the engine. The engines themselves can be removed as a single assembly from the sled, rather than having to disassemble the whole saw.

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Which is better? I'm not sure to be honest. The full metal case would be more durable in professional use, but the plastic case seems to be a more logical layout and offers lighter weight.

This video shows a new MS 162 being torn down. In particular, the 21.50 mark shows how a modern consumer-grade Stihl has a standalone engine unit rather than the crankcase being integral to the chassis/fuel/oil tank of the saw.

[DFB FGXR6]

This morning, I sold off my Stihl KM56 RC-E Combi powerhead, along with the line trimmer, hedge trimmer and edger attachments.



I've had this for many years, bought mainly for the extended reach ability of the hedge trimmer attachment. The edger only got used once as I picked up an Atom Edger for cheap shortly after. The line trimmer was used for a while as my main trimmer, my first foray into straight-shaft trimming.

The main problem with this machine was the weight, even with the basic line trimmer attachment. In hedge trimmer mode, it took a lot of upper body strength to balance.............while standing stretched out on a ladder.........not nice! The line trimmer was poorly balanced, that metal sheath with the locking screw lever put too much weight in the middle of the shaft, so it never felt natural and again caused a lot of upper body strain. This is not unique to Stihl, all multi-tool units are like this.



I stopped using this machine when I bought a Husqvarna 522L, THE BEST lawn maintenance trimmer on the market, powerful enough but extremely light and with an anti-vibration handle. Prior to the 522L, I was getting pins and needles in my hands during and after using a line trimmer, but that stopped after getting the Husqvarna. I was also less fatigued in my shoulders after a day on the tools.



Hedge trimmers were also giving me the pins and needles, including my old Stihl HS 45 (which will be up for sale soon too, just have to refresh the fuel system) and the above-mentioned pole hedger. This stopped after going battery powered.





I kept the KM56 RC-E mainly as a backup line trimmer, but other than the occasional run on my own lawns, or lending it to my father, it was just sitting taking up space. While I sold it off cheap, I'm happy to have purged a rarely used tool. And..............I have some spare cash to buy something else....................

[DFB FGXR6]

I'm also planning to sell off the above-mentioned Stihl HS 45 hedge trimmer, it has sat unused since I got a battery powered HSA 56 in November 2018. Couldn't be happier about that because petrol powered hedge trimmers suck!

I'm also going to sell off my Bushranger 53AH6IMSP mower.







While I'll be sad to let it go, I haven't used it since getting the Victa Commercial. I'll miss the efficiency and smoothness of the Honda GXV-160, the 3-speed gearbox made it more versatile, and it was built like a tank! But it was a beast to manhandle, and the narrow discharge chute was its main limiting factor. While it was fine in most cases, on thick summer growth Kikuyu, it really struggled in terms of chute blockages. At the time though, it was the best available to me.

[Trendseeker]

The head on my Honda ums425 line trimmer broke a few weeks ago. It’s 13 years old and was also leaking a bit of oil, and while both things could be fixed, I decided to buy a new battery powered trimmer. Husqvarna currently have a deal on during spring where if you buy the item skin, charger and battery, they give you another battery the same size. I bought the 215iL with a charger and a 4AH battery. I’ve used it once and I’m happy with the way it performs.

[DFB FGXR6]

And so, look what I found...........................my lawnmower unicorn, a Rover ProCut 560 with the Briggs 850 engine!











I went looking for a viable self-propelled lawn mower back in 2014 to replace the abysmal John Deere JS48. For a contractor, the unquestioned wisdom suggested that I should have been buying a Honda HRU-216. However, after prior bad experiences with Honda's, not to mention the narrow discharge chute of the HRU-216, I had no intentions of blindly following the crowd.

After extensive research, I was led to an unlikely candidate, the Rover ProCut series. These were 20-inch and 22-inch alloy base mowers, both offered with or without self-propel. By 2014, Rover had ditched Briggs and Stratton in favor of the 196cc "Rover" engine, or the 173cc Kohler Courage XT8. I didn't want either engine, but the Kohler got the nod as the lesser of two evils.



I never liked that Kohler engine. From day one, it seemed to consume more oil than a Briggs, not in a smokey way but it always dropped between oil changes. It has always been harder to pull over, there is a feeling of no inertia. It also lacked the stamina of the 190cc Briggs in really thick grass. I will say, I have belted the crap out of this engine for more than 10 years now, I even changed the position of the governor spring to allow a much higher rev ceiling. To be frank, I was not concerned about blowing this engine up, if it did, I'd then fit the "correct" engine.



That Rover has made me a power of income over the last decade, I've basically ran it into the ground. I did try to find replacement for this machine, but no self-propel mower on the market today has a full width discharge chute. Rover's genius was putting the gearbox on top of the deck, not within the rear chute. As such, I've sunk money into maintaining this unit as much as possible. Only recently, I replaced all of the wheels and rear drive pawls.

I mention all this because I had only just missed the chance to buy a ProCut with the Briggs 850 brand new back then. Rover had always used the OHV Briggs engines on these mowers, prior to the 190cc 850-series, they were also using the older Intek 65 engines. I guess Chinese made engines (including the Kohler) increased the profit margin.









So, to find the unicorn ProCut with the Briggs 850 has me extremely excited! And from the photos, it looks to be in great condition. Look, I need another mower like a hole in the head, but I just couldn't let this one go by, I'll be driving to pick it up next week. And as for my old Rover, it may end up being a parts bin.

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

For those of us here who grounds maintenance for a living, what steps, if any, do you take to prevent the spread of weeds, especially bindi's, goats head burr, etc?

I'm curious because a friend who normally mows her lawns herself has a contractor come in usually once a year over the christmas break when shes away, but did it again this year mid year because she was busy. and *every* time it happens, she has an outbreak of those bloody weeds!

So.... I've just recieved an email from an unnamed "defence force" in the middle east regarding a possible training video on how to conduct a scorched earth campaign.

The timeline that led up to this?
Thursday night: Parked on the nature strip between the raised garden bed in my front yard & the kerb, wonder why my Landcruisers tyres were suddenly literally carpeted with what ended up being at least 3 different varieties of prickles.

WTF.... move car back onto the bitumen, decide to investigate further in daylight light.

Friday afternoon: Investigated, it appears that approximately 10 feet of the nature strip between the kerb & the garden bed from the boundary line on one side to the driveway on the opposite side is one giant mass of burrs & prickles, curious because my back yard & behind the garden bed where I normally park one of my cars is 100% prickle free....

Oh yeah.... neighbours on BOTH sides use the SAME mowing contractor, who because of the compact nature of the street I'm in regularly parks their ute & equipment trailer on the nature strip.... exactly where the prickle problem is....

Saturday: The not so happy little pyromaniac in me was unleashed, and now the nature strip has been burnt back that severely that Gaza looks like the garden of eden......

Monday is going to be interesting, phonecalls are going to be made with assurances that if they park on the nature strip again, it wont only be my grass getting burnt.

NOT happy jan....

[Citroënbender]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Look, I need another mower like a hole in the head, but I just couldn't let this one go by, I'll be driving to pick it up next week.

Is that a “mowed trip” instead of a road trip?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Is that a “mowed trip” instead of a road trip?

Yep!

[DFB FGXR6]

Dove into my collection of brochures that I have accumulated over the last 25 years and found a bunch on Rover ProCut.

This one is not dated, but it would be circa mid-2000's. I actually forgot they used Honda engines for a while there, in this case the OHC GCV160 and GSV190. The GCV160 only had 4.0hp, the big bore GSV190 produced 5.0hp. The Briggs engines were the 190cc Intek OHV series, which are different to the newer 850-series engines, the intake/exhaust layout mirroring the 190cc flat head engines. They also offered a remote air filter, missing from the later engines.













Again no dates are printed on this brochure, I'd say it would have been very late 2000's/early 2010's as both the old Intek and new 850-series engines are referenced, although I suspect old images were used here and that in fact all were powered by the newer engines. By now, the Honda's were gone, the crappy "Rover" engine taking its place. The beginning of the end..................









This one is from the 2015 Rover catalog. Briggs and Stratton out, Kohler and "Rover" engines in.



A few years after this, Rover came out with a new line of ProCut models, named ProCut 750, 760 or 960. These has a completely different deck with a similar gearbox design and location. They also included a blade clutch to stop the blades spinning while emptying the catcher, like Honda use on the pro models.

https://www.rover.com.au/pub/media/w...L_SP_SMALL.pdf





I remember asking about them at the dealer and was told Rover stopped using the old alloy chassis because apparently "the molding was worn out". Bull crap, they just started using a cheaper chassis produced in China. If the deck molds were worn out, why are SuperSwift and Bushranger still using the old Rover decks?

https://supaswift.com.au/products/lawnmowers
https://bushrangerpe.com.au/products/lawn-mowers

Actually, SuperSwift use the old ProCut 50 chassis and powered by the Honda GXV-160. I just wish they made it in self-propel, I'd be walking across broken glass to buy one!

https://supaswift.com.au/products/la...-20-push-mower

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

After waiting and missing out on stock, I put a deposit down and ordered the mower I was after, Masport Contractor AL S19! Picked her up today, ready for next season.

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Now that we are into Spring, how is the Masport treating you?

[Citroënbender]

Can the Bushfanger be retrofitted with the Rover drive mechanism? That might be an interesting “Built, not bought” prospect.

Also I had to squint hard at the catalogue images - first glance it looked like Russell Coight was repping their mowers.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Can the Bushfanger be retrofitted with the Rover drive mechanism? That might be an interesting “Built, not bought” prospect.

Also I had to squint hard at the catalogue images - first glance it looked like Russell Coight was repping their mowers.

The Bushranger's gearbox is powered by a driveshaft rather than a belt, so there is driveshaft tunnel on the deck that wouldn't allow space for the Rovers above-deck gearbox. Also, the Bushrangers gearbox is boxed into the left of the discharge chute, so you wouldn't solve the problem of a half chute.





Similar with the Victa Commercial.

[John 13]

"Dove into my collection of brochures that I have accumulated over the last 25 years and found a bunch on Rover ProCut." By DFB FGXR6 from the Rover brochure.

Great look back into history, just a few notable things for me, the use of Honda engines as an alternative, the larger wheels with metal hubs, a full cutter disc (could use either 2 or 4 blades) and probably proper all metal ball bearings. Incidentally , some years ago I made a bearing re-packer for their bearings, could pressurise with a grease gun.

[Tonz]

the old metal catcher/shroud ? on my Still brush cutter collapsed due to non care and lack of cleaning
So being the cheapskate I can be and refusing to pay the stupid fee the locals wanted I drop onto Fleabay and find this.

for $16 I had nothing to loose and tried it out this morning, very impressed. Being a hard plastic its going to take a lot of beating and nothing to rust .

[DFB FGXR6]

Went on a "mowed trip" this morning to pickup the Rover from Cobram-Barooga. The photos from the sale listing didn't do it justice, it looks brand new!

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=2658







Krohler vs Briggs, note the lack of a snorkel on the Briggs. Happily, no engine brake bale on the Briggs either!





Even though it was very clean and tidy, I gave it a wash and applied some sealant to the deck, followed by some Megs Hyper Dressing on the plastics. I also changed the oil, replaced the air filter and spark plug, lubricated the drive chain with oil and applied graphite to the drive cogs. And naturally, adjusted the governor to a healthy 3600 rpm.

Apart from needing a set of drive pawls, which I have in stock, she's basically brand new! So happy!

[Trendseeker]

That’s an impressive mural on the silos. Good pickup on the mower.

[genebaby]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Now that we are into Spring, how is the Masport treating you?

Hey, I did use it a few weeks ago to finally get an early start on the growth but today I used it again.

It's a beast, the best mower I've had. Great power, great cutting, it's reducing my mowing time and doing a great job at the same time.

Very happy with it.

Getting used to and liking the clickable sections of the throttle. Easy to put it in idle, turn off etc.

[DFB FGXR6]

Some people really shouldn't own a chainsaw...............



An MS 291 is a $1200 saw! How could you buy something so big and powerful, then not run bar oil in the machine, then wonder why the bar and chain are blunt or overly loose?

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

An MS 291 is a $1200 saw! How could you buy something so big and powerful, then not run bar oil in the machine, then wonder why the bar and chain are blunt or overly loose?

You've dealt with the public before...... right?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

You've dealt with the public before...... right?

Ha ha, yeah.

[DFB FGXR6]

New (old) Rover earning its keep!



Despite upping the revs for more performance, I'm finding I only need half throttle with this engine as it just grunts through thicker growth which would have had the Kohler spluttering.

[onemanempire]

Hey guys.
Been meaning to ask this for a while, but kept forgetting.

I have a cordless Makita whipper snipper with a single line feed.
Meaning: there is only one hole in the head of the trimmer.

What is the best, or toughest line (string, chord) besides piano wire that lasts more than a nano second when coming into contact with cement?

When doing the edging it is now mandatory to have a screwdriver and pliers in my sky rocket to tease more line out of the thing. **** es me off no end.

Thanks guys,


One Man

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by onemanempire

Hey guys.
Been meaning to ask this for a while, but kept forgetting.

I have a cordless Makita whipper snipper with a single line feed.
Meaning: there is only one hole in the head of the trimmer.

What is the best, or toughest line (string, chord) besides piano wire that lasts more than a nano second when coming into contact with cement?

When doing the edging it is now mandatory to have a screwdriver and pliers in my sky rocket to tease more line out of the thing. **** es me off no end.

Thanks guys,


One Man

From my trimmer thread -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11502173

Trimmer Line

I’ve tried them all, from basic to fancy, OEM to aftermarket, dual or single core, hard or soft, round or shaped. However, the best on the market is Diamond Edge, which is available in various gauges. Most entry level machines will use 2.0, mid-range 2.4 and heavier duty machines using 2.7 and above. Not all shops will stock Diamond Edge, I’ve been buying it online.

https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/...diamond%20edge

Some spools will allow you to fit a larger gauge line, but its more hassle than its worth, so stick with the recommended size for your machine. Again, ask me how I know this.

Over time, you may find a large spool of line becoming brittle, the remedy for this is to soak it in a bucket of water. I burn through enough line to never need to do this.

Contrary to what you might think, the ultra hard lines are actually more fragile, they seem to snap and chip much faster. The diamond edge has a more flexible quality, so it doesn't shatter and break off as quickly. You can get this stuff from a mower shop, if they don't have it, you can order it from a variety of online stores. It's available in the large spool or the retail friendly donut, just make sure you order the correct gauge.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=diamo...client=gws-wiz

[Vekgib]

Thanks for this info. I need to buy new line for my Honda UMK425, so I'll give this a go.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Vekgib

Thanks for this info. I need to buy new line for my Honda UMK425, so I'll give this a go.

The Diamond Edge stuff will still wear, I mean, how can it not. The difference being that it doesn't break down as quickly as the crap sold in Bunnings, which makes sense because the faster it wears out, the faster you will be back in store buying more.

[Interceptor]

WTF is with people bringing their gear in to get worked on.... with FULL catchers????

[swamp]

hi
Try these

Stihl brushcutter 4mix/4stroke 110 or 130 great power [current FS-111]
Stihl multi tool 2mix /2 stroke 95 good power and light for a combi [ current FS-94ce]

*** BEAWARE stihl 4 mix is a marketing term referring to 4mix =2stroke mix fuel and oil used in a 4 stroke motor

I used these every day for years
Pro Tip ..... if the engine has a sump it does not last /SEVERELY SHORT LIFE when operated on its side . EG honda brushcutters


I see now the aussie Stihl distribution franchise is now giving up to the greenies .
Similar to other Stihl equipment ,in Aust we only stock alot of fast moving product and delete all the high performance stuff.
Beaware that most product of high performance is still available either in Switzerland /Germany just not in Aust.
Pressure cleaners were the best unit model chassis but without the optional largest engines /pumps . The aust branch killed them off .

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

WTF is with people bringing their gear in to get worked on.... with FULL catchers????

Seriously?

Actually, I lent a co-worker a lawn mower to get her by while hers was in the shop. When it was returned, I found that the catcher was full. Evidently, her son used it, but didn't bother to empty the catcher when he was done. I guess logic doesn't come naturally to everyone.