Mowing ..

[genebaby]

No stress, thanks for the advice. Not overly interested in electric, I just have an Ego snipper and pruner.

I haven't looked too far into Victa again as they are the only company not listing the catcher size, that I can see.

I'll have to make an enquiry. The commercial one looks ok.

The 190cc is my minimum and with more power via the adjustment is even better.

The Honda I was looking at was the HTX series, just didn't care for the self propelled feature, would like to avoid it.

A 21" deck would be nice but 19" is not so bad.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

No stress, thanks for the advice. Not overly interested in electric, I just have an Ego snipper and pruner.

I haven't looked too far into Victa again as they are the only company not listing the catcher size, that I can see.

I'll have to make an enquiry. The commercial one looks ok.

The 190cc is my minimum and with more power via the adjustment is even better.

The Honda I was looking at was the HTX series, just didn't care for the self propelled feature, would like to avoid it.

A 21" deck would be nice but 19" is not so bad.

EGO have the best batteries on the market, their blowers are brilliant.

For Honda, the only ones I would recommend would be the HRU19 (GCV170) and the HRU196 (GXV160). These are full chute 19-inch cuts.

https://powerequipment.honda.com.au/...n/mowers/hru19
https://powerequipment.honda.com.au/.../mowers/hru196

I would avoid the HRX217, these have a plastic deck, bar blade, half chute and individual height adjustment on each wheel. These are American-focused machines.
https://powerequipment.honda.com.au/.../mowers/hrx217

I know a lot of contractors use them, but I don't like the HR216 either. Again, half chute.
https://powerequipment.honda.com.au/.../mowers/hru216


If you want to go to a bigger cut, have a look at the 21-inch Bushranger and Victa Commercial 21. Both expensive, but would last you a lifetime. I run the Bushranger with the GXV160 as my main mower at the moment.

The Victa has a single speed belt drive -
https://www.victa.com/au/en_au/produ...850-ic-sp.html

The Bushranger has a 3-speed shaft drive. Go the Honda GXV160 rather than Loncin -
https://bushrangerpe.com.au/browse-p...er-pu53ah6imsp

[genebaby]

Damn, I'd rather have the 19" and no self propeller, just not feeling it.

Didn't realise about the half chute thing.

The first commercial Victa is looking ok, just want to know catcher size. It's surely more than my current mower, I'm sure it's a tiny 42L or so. The HRX is 88L!!

Funny how the market here and in the US is so different.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

No stress, thanks for the advice. Not overly interested in electric, I just have an Ego snipper and pruner.

I haven't looked too far into Victa again as they are the only company not listing the catcher size, that I can see.

Victa Catcher Capacities -

Plastic - 42 liters
Fabric (commercial) - 55 liters

Masport Plastic Catcher - 42 Liters

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

Damn, I'd rather have the 19" and no self propeller, just not feeling it.

Didn't realise about the half chute thing.

The first commercial Victa is looking ok, just want to know catcher size. It's surely more than my current mower, I'm sure it's a tiny 42L or so. The HRX is 88L!!

Funny how the market here and in the US is so different.

See above re volumes.

Frankly, you don't want to be pushing a 21-inch mower!

[DFB FGXR6]

Check these 19-inch alloy Bushranger's too, they have a 60 liter bag -

Honda GXV160 -
https://bushrangerpe.com.au/browse-p...ower-pu48ah6im

Loncin -
https://bushrangerpe.com.au/browse-p...loy-base-mower

[Citroënbender]

Jumping back a few posts, here’s the underside of that woeful steel chassis President 3000 mower grass polisher with catcher fitted.

I can’t get over how it just spits junk out the right side where my Rover would slipstream it into the catcher. Did my usual rake the leaves, edgings into a windrow and went to swat it down with the mower - just blew it everywhere.

[Techno]

Originally Posted by roddy1960

Now for something a bit different

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeSGmiiPDmQ .. Ah , those were the days and who said you couldn't buy a brand new Mustang in this country before now eh ...

As a little tacker I can remember Dad's old wind up start mower with the ratchet and lever. We had that Victa for yonks and he ended up putting a chord on it when the starter failed . It'd rev it's ring off too and throw stones for miles . it was dark green ..

Just buy a john deer c400 mower then a baler

[Interceptor]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

See above re volumes.

Frankly, you don't want to be pushing a 21-inch mower!

I currently have both 19" push and 21" self propelled Hondas, and TBH I hate the 21" around my yard, the 19" is just soooo much lighter and easier to move around the yard.

[Peter B - CV8]

Hey CB - is the mower catcher blocked up with debris ie is there a grille on it that needs cleaning ?

[Citroënbender]

It looks to be clean enough at the catcher venting; not surgically clean but not blocked. The catcher fills readily, but even from empty it’s poor at picking up leaves etc.

[genebaby]

Oh yes, size adds weight so sticking with 19" isn't a bad thing.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

I currently have both 19" push and 21" self propelled Hondas, and TBH I hate the 21" around my yard, the 19" is just soooo much lighter and easier to move around the yard.

Originally Posted by genebaby

Oh yes, size adds weight so sticking with 19" isn't a bad thing.

19-inch is the sweet spot.

I know you want a large catcher, just be aware that larger catchers get real heavy when you approach full. A lot of that is hidden on a self propelled mower, perhaps that's why most push mowers sit around 40 - 50 liters.

I know I sound like a Victa fan-boy, and I am but only after trying them all, their standard catcher is the best of the plastic catchers for ergonomics. They use that on both 18 and 19-inch machines, obviously a 19-inch will fill that quicker.

If you are happy to pony up the cash, I think the Victa Commercial 19 would be the sweet spot for you, combination of the big engine (with an iron bore for longevity) and bigger 55-liter fabric catcher. The commercial model also brings reinforced handles compared to the Mustang chassis its based on, a metal rather than plastic catcher flap and wear strips on each side.

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



They used to offer these Commercial models with the Honda and the pointless Briggs DOV engines. The Briggs 850 is better than both, and I say that as a big fan of the Honda GXV160.

The DOV was/is pointless because it brought nothing to the table. At 161cc it was too small to have torque, which I found it bogged down with little to no load. The clever DOV valve train was actually noisier than a tradition OHV design, with more rocker clatter. It sort of sat in the middle of nowhere, the 161cc made it smaller than the domestic engine, and was completely outpaced by the 190cc 850-series. It's only saving grace was the cast iron bore and relative economy. Briggs renamed it Vanguard in an attempt to have it compete with the Honda GXV160, but it went nowhere. For some reason, they still make this engine.

[genebaby]

That Bushranger, a brand I've never heard of, with that Lincon engine that I've also never heard of, has nothing but great reviews.

No stocks of the Commercial 850 in town. It seems line ball with the Masport contractor, and the Bushranger is similar but the engine is very different.

[galaxy xr8]

What about the battery operated Millwaukee and Makita's , any review's on them ?.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

That Bushranger, a brand I've never heard of, with that Lincon engine that I've also never heard of, has nothing but great reviews.

No stocks of the Commercial 850 in town. It seems line ball with the Masport contractor, and the Bushranger is similar but the engine is very different.

So Bushranger (and Super Swift) use the old Rover steel chassis, at least the 18-inch cut models. Mine, and the alloy models I linked earlier have been sold under a few different local brands over the years and are extremely well built.

Loncin is just another brand name slapped onto a generic Honda-clone engine, and I wouldn't be surprised if they share components with the garbage Kohler mower engines too. I don't recommend them, but at least the commercial grade ones do come with a cast iron bore. The only thing I would worry about would be parts supply compared to the availability of B&S and Honda spares. I find the mufflers undersized, so they are very noisy engines. Note how they also don't publish power/torque numbers either, just 196cc. Overall, they look, sound and act cheaply.

Most of the Masport Contractor range is garbage. I had one contractor comment on how he had multiple failures on the chassis and drive system on the larger 21-inch models. The only one I would look at would be the 19-inch alloy base.

https://masport.com.au/outdoor-garde...or-al-s19-3-n1

Dealers don't really stock much of the Victa Commercial range, two of them I have had to order them in specially. I do this because I know what I want and generally WONT be sold whatever they have on the floor. I hate being left wondering. So, I would consider placing an order if it's what you want rather than compromise on a crappy engine.

[genebaby]

Yes, it seems Bushranger is more of a thing out in the literal bush!! Well, the regional areas, so parts and service would be tougher here in the big city!!

The only ones in the Commercial/Contractor range I'm considering are the base 19" models without the selp propell function. That's just more weight to turn around corners and something else to break, as you mentioned. I don't want that on any brand.

I was going to say talk to me again when I'm older, but with the weight of these things they are only good going straight on flat grass. I've got lots of twists and turns and sections that would need an AWD style self propelled mower more than likely!

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

Yes, it seems Bushranger is more of a thing out in the literal bush!! Well, the regional areas, so parts and service would be tougher here in the big city!!

The only ones in the Commercial/Contractor range I'm considering are the base 19" models without the selp propell function. That's just more weight to turn around corners and something else to break, as you mentioned. I don't want that on any brand.

I was going to say talk to me again when I'm older, but with the weight of these things they are only good going straight on flat grass. I've got lots of twists and turns and sections that would need an AWD style self propelled mower more than likely!

I'm not sure if you were joking, but Toro do make AWD mowers..............
https://www.torocatalogue.com.au/pro...l-drive-mower/

Your other option would be to just go for the residential Mustang 850, the same basic chassis and engine as the Commercial 19, and $300 cheaper too.

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

[genebaby]

I was joking in that it would need to have both more height clearance, but still be able to cut the lawn, not just more wheels moving. Nevermind that, just a bit of fun.

A shot today had the Mustang, but I gotta have the bigger catcher. They had one of the 21" Commercial ones too, that self propel. Just not the smaller one.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

I was joking in that it would need to have both more height clearance, but still be able to cut the lawn, not just more wheels moving. Nevermind that, just a bit of fun.

A shot today had the Mustang, but I gotta have the bigger catcher. They had one of the 21" Commercial ones too, that self propel. Just not the smaller one.

All good, all in good fun.

I would just ask them to order the Commercial 19, you get the engine and catcher you want and won't be left wondering. Should only take a 3 - 5 days for it to come in.

[genebaby]

I was going to buy today but ordering made me think more now that I was off the 21" models that forced self propulsion on you.

The 19" Masport possibly has it over the Victa.

Bigger bag, washport (something I'd like to have this time around) and adjustable handle angle.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

I was going to buy today but ordering made me think more now that I was off the 21" models that forced self propulsion on you.

The 19" Masport possibly has it over the Victa.

Bigger bag, washport (something I'd like to have this time around) and adjustable handle angle.

Would you believe they did offer a non-self propel 21-inch commercial, they dropped it last spring for some reason.

I thought they came with the wash port................

[genebaby]

The Mustang lists a wash port in the specs, but the Commercial 19" doesn't. No pics on that side, but your pic shows a wash port it seems. Though it screams "digitally added" in, it's probably really there.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by genebaby

The Mustang lists a wash port in the specs, but the Commercial 19" doesn't. No pics on that side, but your pic shows a wash port it seems. Though it screams "digitally added" in, it's probably really there.

At this point, can I make light of how bad the Victa website it, and its been bad for a long time. Incorrect or outdated product images, a search function that doesn't work properly.................

Anyway, every 19-inch alloy deck Victa I have had has featured the wash port. And despite being a clean freak, I've never used it once.

[genebaby]

I would believe that. They are not doing themselves a service.

I would like to think that I would give the wash port a go!

[janddbone]

Bushranger Superswift Big Bob products are still pretty good. Interesting to hear they are using the old Rover deck in some. I will pay more attention next time I am in there.

One of my 'new' favs is a Honda powered 18" Little Bob. Beautiful machine to use.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by janddbone

Bushranger Superswift Big Bob products are still pretty good. Interesting to hear they are using the old Rover deck in some. I will pay more attention next time I am in there.

One of my 'new' favs is a Honda powered 18" Little Bob. Beautiful machine to use.

With SupaSwift, the blue chassis is the 18-inch steel Rover base, the silver alloy chassis looks to be the old Pro-Cut in 20-inch form. I'd be on the phone to order one straight away if it had self-propel!

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-products/lawnmowers

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-prod...-18-push-mower

https://supaswift.com.au/browse-prod...-20-push-mower






Bushranger base for comparison -

https://bushrangerpe.com.au/browse-p...wer-bush46tb6m





Rover for comparison -



It's funny, a dealer told me Rover stopped making these steel and alloy chassis because there was "wear in the tooling", said to me with a tongue in cheek. Clearly, the tooling is good enough to continue making mowers under the SupaSwift and Bushranger brands. From what I can gather, Rover (MTD) decided to drop these for Chinese cloned crap instead. How to kill a brand in short order 101.

[Interceptor]

For those of you who maintain your own gear, who would I best off speaking to for 2 new 8" wheels for a Victa Mustang?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

For those of you who maintain your own gear, who would I best off speaking to for 2 new 8" wheels for a Victa Mustang?

If you are referring to modern Mustang's, then those wheels are called "Aztec". There are actually a couple of versions, one has a finned back, one has 5 triangular slots, all of mine have had the slotted type. Both seem to have the same part number?

Part Number - CH87336A

https://www.mowerstore.com.au/index....roduct_id=1169
https://sesdirect.co.nz/products/ch8...8in-aztec-push
https://mowercentre.com.au/product/g...ch86334a-copy/
https://www.allmowerspares.com.au/vi...6a-87336a.html

Hub Cap -

https://www.allmowerspares.com.au/ge...-ch86275a.html

[DFB FGXR6]

Some Bushranger content for those following along..........






The only thing that counts against Bushranger alloy bases is the half chute, even on the non-self-propelled models. I also find the steps between height settings too large.