Mowing ..

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've been using these No-Spill fuel cans for a couple of years now and would happily buy them again. Not the cheapest out there, but far more convenient to use with less wastage caused by spills and eliminates the need for a funnel or separate filling tube. Also, the possibility of contamination is eliminated due to the internal filter and the fact the lid never coming off unless refilling.

5-litre -
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B001PCR...erred_us_au_au

10-litre -
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000W72..._au&th=1&psc=1

20-litre -
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000W9J...erred_us_au_au



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I often do the eBay search for these, look at the price, look at the freight cost and go nahhh. But you know, fishing the funnel/spout out of the inside of the full can and getting fuel all over your hands kinda sucks.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I often do the eBay search for these, look at the price, look at the freight cost and go nahhh. But you know, fishing the funnel/spout out of the inside of the full can and getting fuel all over your hands kinda sucks.

The Amazon links should be more palatable price wise, then just think of the convenience going forward. I have them for both unleaded and 2-stroke mix, one for 50:1 and one for 25:1.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I often do the eBay search for these, look at the price, look at the freight cost and go nahhh. But you know, fishing the funnel/spout out of the inside of the full can and getting fuel all over your hands kinda sucks.

why are you fishing the funnel/spout out of the can/container??. that just sounds like a stupid idea sorry.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by mad2

why are you fishing the funnel/spout out of the can/container??. that just sounds like a stupid idea sorry.

I stopped using those terrible fuel tins with the integrated spout years ago. I had a fairly new one burst at the seem and dump the better part of 5 liters of 2-stroke fuel all over my tray. I also hate getting petrol on my hands, which always happens trying to fish the spout out of the tin.

[danzvtil]

I’m talking this type…
https://www.huntsmarine.com.au/produ...pter-jerry-can
Deyon, you may be able to show the image so everyone knows what I’m talking about.
External spouts/funnels get lost/broken/dirty if not inside the can.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I’m talking this type…
https://www.huntsmarine.com.au/produ...pter-jerry-can
Deyon, you may be able to show the image so everyone knows what I’m talking about.
External spouts/funnels get lost/broken/dirty if not inside the can.

Yeah, I don't like those either.......................



Mine had the external type........................





I also bought one of the Husqvarna versions which are supposed to be similar in concept to the No-Spill items, but it was total junk and ended up spilling more fuel that went in the tank, I threw it out.



With the No-Spill cans, the cap prevents dirt/grass/dust from entering the outlet, you also don't plunge the spout back into the can and potentially take contamination in with it.

[DFB FGXR6]

I've been really enjoying this channel of late. The videos are mostly long form and are a combination of AMSR and narrated. I especially love seeing the engines he works on going from super nasty to almost brand new.

https://www.youtube.com/@MachineryRestorer





I'd love to more of this, but being a clean freak is my limiting factor. More to the point, the getting everything filthy while getting something clean. In the above cases, having access to media blasting and high-pressure hot degreasing would make things much quicker and easier, although probably still messy.

[danzvtil]

Equipment update, not completely lawn related:
After 18 months of persevering with the LDV G10 van, spending $6k in repairs with no end in sight, I’ve traded it in on a brand new Toyota hiace.
I had reluctantly got finance approved for a $30k 7yo hiace, but was encouraged by one of my clients who has a Toyota fleet to speak to his fleet contact. A brand new one was $40 more per week for 4 years with guaranteed future value.
It was a no brainer.
Dealer had one that was a cancelled rental agency order, so pick it up tomorrow ��
Looking forward to focussing on work and not whether my ride is going to break again.

[Citroënbender]

I’m sorry the LDV didn’t work out for you. It seemed a good, pragmatic pick at first.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Equipment update, not completely lawn related:
After 18 months of persevering with the LDV G10 van, spending $6k in repairs with no end in sight, I’ve traded it in on a brand new Toyota hiace.
I had reluctantly got finance approved for a $30k 7yo hiace, but was encouraged by one of my clients who has a Toyota fleet to speak to his fleet contact. A brand new one was $40 more per week for 4 years with guaranteed future value.
It was a no brainer.
Dealer had one that was a cancelled rental agency order, so pick it up tomorrow ��
Looking forward to focussing on work and not whether my ride is going to break again.

Super keen to hear your thoughts on this going forward. I've considered vans briefly, but prefer the open tray, basically a self-propelled trailer. With only Toyota doing a low rider single cab now, I basically have no direct replacement for my current Ranger workhorse.

Do you have your vans fitted out or just use them as an open cargo space? One of my gardening colleagues has an ex-plumbers Mitsubishi Express with a racking/storage system fitted, which has worked out very well for her.

[swamp]

hi
Fuel economy ,cost ,access to tray [good work height ] , parts,, is why I Luv my early BT50 and Ranger
I still have my work ute Hi rider PJ 3.oltr TD
Had more than one for employees .
Now the son has a n early BT50

Cage or boxes for weather and or security
If its important HiRiders and 4x4 are way more comfortable bigger tyres longer travel suspension vs low ride 2wd
The low ride utes mostly have a smaller engine as well

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Super keen to hear your thoughts on this going forward. I've considered vans briefly, but prefer the open tray, basically a self-propelled trailer. With only Toyota doing a low rider single cab now, I basically have no direct replacement for my current Ranger workhorse.

Do you have your vans fitted out or just use them as an open cargo space? One of my gardening colleagues has an ex-plumbers Mitsubishi Express with a racking/storage system fitted, which has worked out very well for her.

As for layout of this van, I’m keeping an open mind. The LDV had a sliding door on each side, but the new one only has 1 on the kerbside. I could have ordered one with the extra door but wait time at the moment is 12months.I was holding a hand grenade with no pin, so waiting wasn’t an option.
What surprised me was how much STUFF came out of the old van, I’m resisting the urge to chuck it all back in, might spend some time over Christmas break to set it up again, be a bit more strategic.
For now it will be an open space with a small timber shelf against the cargo barrier with stacking boxes of irrigation fittings and tools etc.
I will have to make a cradle to stop the mower from rolling around.
Couple of observations:
Hiace is an impressive bit of kit, designed by people who know what they are doing.
The dealer was very professional, they knew their stuff inside out, the accessories were all available and installed within 3 days. So they don’t mess around.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

As for layout of this van, I’m keeping an open mind. The LDV had a sliding door on each side, but the new one only has 1 on the kerbside. I could have ordered one with the extra door but wait time at the moment is 12months.I was holding a hand grenade with no pin, so waiting wasn’t an option.
What surprised me was how much STUFF came out of the old van, I’m resisting the urge to chuck it all back in, might spend some time over Christmas break to set it up again, be a bit more strategic.
For now it will be an open space with a small timber shelf against the cargo barrier with stacking boxes of irrigation fittings and tools etc.
I will have to make a cradle to stop the mower from rolling around.
Couple of observations:
Hiace is an impressive bit of kit, designed by people who know what they are doing.
The dealer was very professional, they knew their stuff inside out, the accessories were all available and installed within 3 days. So they don’t mess around.

Congrats!

[Citroënbender]

Has it got a name yet?

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Has it got a name yet?

Now I have one, I’m noticing all the others on the road, mostly driven by turban wearers, so maybe Raj?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Now I have one, I’m noticing all the others on the road, mostly driven by turban wearers, so maybe Raj?

If Toyota still offered it, would you have considered the petrol V6?

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If Toyota still offered it, would you have considered the petrol V6?

No, thirst would be a consideration.
I was expecting the 2.8 diesel to be truck like, that’s been my experience with the same engine in a hilux, but in hiace it’s quite muted, the idle sounds like a petrol. The only diesel sound you get is the exhaust from behind you.
I’m interested in seeing how the DPF burns go.

[DFB FGXR6]

I know I harp on this, but I really don't like the V-Series engines Victa have started using in the last 18-months.



As you can see, Victa claims to have long running history in engine design. Thing is, the last time they designed an engine was way back in 1982 with the PowerTorque engine, which was pensioned off in the mid 2010's. Any other engine used on a Victa has been designed and manufactured by another company, be that Briggs & Stratton, Honda or Tecumseh. There was a short period in the early 2000's when they were fitting a Victa branded V40 engine, which was just a white-label Honda copy. Well, with the V-Series, they are doing it again.

These engines are branded by countless companies as their "own" engine. They are cheap and nasty junk, producing less torque from more cc's than an equivalent Briggs. With the bigger capacity, they would use more fuel too. I have seen these engines with piston slap and bore scoring with only a few hours on them.

So, lets compare a V200 and a Briggs 850 for sound.....................

V200 -



Briggs 850 -



The first thing you notice is how much louder the V200 is, way more muffler slap than the 850. But also listen to how harsh that V200 is, its seems to have a very tappety sound to it, like something is loose. And while the 190cc 850 is down on cc compared to the 200cc V-Series, it actually has more grunt. But Victa conveniently don't publish a torque figure for the V200, I wonder why?

I breaks my heart that Victa have chosen this path to go down.

[CFOUR]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I know I harp on this, but I really don't like the V-Series engines Victa have started using in the last 18-months.
[With the bigger capacity, they would use more fuel too. I have seen these engines with piston slap and bore scoring with only a few hours on them.
I breaks my heart that Victa have chosen this path to go down.

my V170 powered Victa fighter blows oil past the rings when it gets too hot (aluminium cylinder expanding id assume), less than 300 acres mowed and it already asking to be rebuilt/replaced. borescope shows normal wear.
I like everything else about my mower but would not recommend the V170 engine ( My v170 has plenty of grunt and doesn't use Excessive fuel FWIW). if it dies its getting replaced by something Honda powered.

It still has over 2 years of warranty left.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

my V170 powered Victa fighter blows oil past the rings when it gets too hot (aluminium cylinder expanding id assume), less than 300 acres mowed and it already asking to be rebuilt/replaced. borescope shows normal wear.
I like everything else about my mower but would not recommend the V170 engine ( My v170 has plenty of grunt and doesn't use Excessive fuel FWIW). if it dies its getting replaced by something Honda powered.

It still has over 2 years of warranty left.

I have just the solution for you...................

https://bwmachinery.com.au/product/v...74imRir3XutVq-

It's on special too!



Or...................drain the oil out of the V170 and proceed like this.................



Then buy one of these..................

https://www.hamptonmowerpower.com.au...GBhKPjEL5B8ySN
https://www.smallenginewarehouse.com...r-engine-5-0hp

[DFB FGXR6]

Despite a job ballooning from a simple trim with loppers to a major prune, I did have the great pleasure of using my 028AV Super this morning.................





So, what makes this saw "super", apart from it being such a sweet runner?

The 028AV started production in 1977 and featured a 43cc engine with a 42mm bore. In 1979, this was upgraded to a 3hp 47cc engine with a 44mm bore for the Wood Boss update. From 1983, the Super represented a 51.1cc engine with a 46mm bore and 3.2hp. From what I discovered, mine was made in 1986. The 028AV was manufactured until 1990 and replaced by the 026.

The modern equivalents today would be -

43cc 028AV - 42.6cc MS231
47cc 028AV - 45.6cc MS251
51cc 028AV - 51.2cc MS271 or 50.2cc MS261 (Pro saw with split case)

Had I have known that I'd inherit this 50cc 028AV Super, instead of the also 50cc MS271, I would have probably gone for the 66.8cc MS400-CM with the magnesium piston, the 72.2cc MS462-CM or the fuel injected 79.2cc MS500i. Way more than I need, but that's how I roll. Maybe on day.

[Citroënbender]

Speaking trees, residual ground contamination risk from using the triclopyr/picloram herbicides… You or RS might be the experts.

I’m going to have to nuke a bunch of leftover Sapium roots that are sprouting ferociously with no results using glyphosate, so thinking this is my next option - into drilled holes with diesel or kerosene as a carrier.

What’s the real (not necessarily warning label) level of risk that toxic levels of herbicide will remain in the soil after nine months? I’m concerned about killing the replacement planting.

P.S. Your ute is white and sticky in those photos.

[janddbone]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

As for layout of this van, I’m keeping an open mind. The LDV had a sliding door on each side, but the new one only has 1 on the kerbside. I could have ordered one with the extra door but wait time at the moment is 12months.I was holding a hand grenade with no pin, so waiting wasn’t an option.
What surprised me was how much STUFF came out of the old van, I’m resisting the urge to chuck it all back in, might spend some time over Christmas break to set it up again, be a bit more strategic.
For now it will be an open space with a small timber shelf against the cargo barrier with stacking boxes of irrigation fittings and tools etc.
I will have to make a cradle to stop the mower from rolling around.
Couple of observations:
Hiace is an impressive bit of kit, designed by people who know what they are doing.
The dealer was very professional, they knew their stuff inside out, the accessories were all available and installed within 3 days. So they don’t mess around.

The new Hiace is awesome. You just possibly purchased the last work vehicle you will ever need.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Speaking trees, residual ground contamination risk from using the triclopyr/picloram herbicides… You or RS might be the experts.

I’m going to have to nuke a bunch of leftover Sapium roots that are sprouting ferociously with no results using glyphosate, so thinking this is my next option - into drilled holes with diesel or kerosene as a carrier.

What’s the real (not necessarily warning label) level of risk that toxic levels of herbicide will remain in the soil after nine months? I’m concerned about killing the replacement planting.

P.S. Your ute is white and sticky in those photos.

Either of those poses a risk of residual chemical affecting your replacements. Have you tried drilling and using glyphosate? You could try adding a surfactant or ammonium sulfate

https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-s...%20is%20needed.

Adding ammonium sulfate (AMS) to the water in the spray tank before adding glyphosate will act as a water conditioner and improve weed control, regardless of whether or not a surfactant is needed.

My workhorse white and sticky? Well, it isn't now..........................

[Vekgib]

Originally Posted by janddbone

The new Hiace is awesome. You just possibly purchased the last work vehicle you will ever need.

Truth. I'm currently using a 2024 Hiace and it's outstanding. I have to give it back soon and I don't want to.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by Vekgib

Truth. I'm currently using a 2024 Hiace and it's outstanding. I have to give it back soon and I don't want to.

I’m now familiarised with how it drives, and can appreciate the tuning of all the assists-LKA/AEB/BSM/REAR CROSS TRAFFIC/AUTO STOP. It’s never screaming at you like the Chinese cars I’ve experienced in the past, just chilled and comfortable to be in.
It’s now done 2 DPF burns, 300km apart, gee, you can really smell that thing heating up.
Tomorrow I’m taking a clients tandem cage trailer to the tip, I couldn’t do that before with a gearbox made of glass!

[Trendseeker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

That Corvette is actually one of the better battery mowers around as it uses a Aussie-spec alloy chassis, most on the market have either steel or plastic deck, bar blades and half catcher chutes. And yes, its a relatively new model.

I'm generally always going to say go for the petrol machine, but then I like small engines more than I like small electric motors. A couple of points to consider -

- The Mustang 850 has four blades instead of two, which will improve both catching and mulching performance. Two blades don't provide as much lift, so it compromises catching ability and doesn't permit efficient mulching.

- The 850 engine has a cast iron sleave, so it will easily match the chassis in terms of longevity.

- If you wanted to save some money, then they also do a Mustang 725, which uses the 163cc alloy-bore domestic engine. I have the one with the InStart option, its a nice light weight mower with great fuel economy.

https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...ng-725exi.html

image

- DO NOT consider the "Victa" engine, they are garbage. I've seen plenty of them with premature wear, they are nosier, less powerful.............junk.

- If you wanted to go a little bit more, then check out the Commercial 19. These use the same Mustang alloy chassis and 850 engine, but with better wheels, stronger handle mountings, bolted axle mountings, stronger height adjuster, larger catcher, steel wear strips on the chassis and steel catcher flap. It does weigh a bit more, but the machine would easily do 20+ years service. I have the 21-inch version and its been brilliant.

https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...19-850-ic.html

image

image

I still think battery mowers have a little while to go, they use more juice than other battery tools. I think if you went with one of the 850 series engines, you are going to have plenty of power and longevity up your sleeve.

I ended up buying the Mustang with the 850 engine. It was on special for $899 at GYC. My old mower still goes okay (as long as the snapped handle is held firmly in place by the tightener on the side, so I’m going to store the old one at my father’s place and use it to mow his lawn.

The old and the new:

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Trendseeker

I ended up buying the Mustang with the 850 engine. It was on special for $899 at GYC. My old mower still goes okay (as long as the snapped handle is held firmly in place by the tightener on the side, so I’m going to store the old one at my father’s place and use it to mow his lawn.

The old and the new:

image

This makes me so happy!

Nice to see two Mustang's side by side, they are the best 19-inch mower on the market! You are also in for quite a power boost there too, the old 190cc Quantum made 5.0hp, those 850's make about 6.5 hp, more if you tweak the governor to take it from 2800 to 3600 rpm, nothing will stop it then!

Does the old Quantum smoke? While they weren't all that modern compared to what other engines offered, those 190cc side-valves had plenty of torque.

What's wrong with the handle? You can still get parts for them, new or used.

[Trendseeker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This makes me so happy!

Nice to see two Mustang's side by side, they are the best 19-inch mower on the market! You are also in for quite a power boost there too, the old 190cc Quantum made 5.0hp, those 850's make about 6.5 hp, more if you tweak the governor to take it from 2800 to 3600 rpm, nothing will stop it then!

Does the old Quantum smoke? While they weren't all that modern compared to what other engines offered, those 190cc side-valves had plenty of torque.

What's wrong with the handle? You can still get parts for them, new or used.

The old Quantum only smokes momentarily on the initial startup as it fires up. After that there’s no smoke. The problem with the handle is that it snapped where the clamp holds it at the side on the right-hand side. If I undo the clamp to fold the handle the last few inches of the handle will fall off.



I found a couple of suppliers that sell replacement handles. They don’t stock them but can order it in. It was only about $46 and another $50 for delivery. As a temporary measure I’ve held the snapped end piece of the handle in place and then tightened the clamp and it stays in place. It hasn’t come apart but I take care not to put too much pressure on that side of the handle when mowing. I am going to order the new handle. It could do with a few other replacement parts like the wheel and hubcap to spruce it up.



Truth be told, I could have repaired it and got by without the new one, but I justified it by the convenience of not having to load it into the car when I go to mow dad’s lawn.

The old one is about 16 or 17 years old and still starts first time.

[swamp]

hi
How does the Honda Buffalo 195 pushy [or modern equiv] compare to the Victa models