What new lawn mower?

[Ross365]

For the last 30 years, I've been running a 17" (petrol) Suffolk Punch, but it's started to be troublesome (I've been getting by with a small electric Flymo ) and I'm too old to want to mess with it. I've been wondering about getting a replacement, but not sure what to consider. Ideally, I'd go Li-ion, but if we set a budget of say £250, not too sure what that buys. I wonder if I might be better off buying a second-hand petrol mower from a reputable dealer who is nearby (he sold me the Punch).

Anyone had any recent experience down this path?

 

[Smallfry]

Any battery model that really will last and do a good job, by that I mean powerful enough, will cost way more than that.

You have been using a cylinder mower so I guess your lawn is quite good and reasonably level, so do you want a push along or a powerdrive ? Powerdrive being more expensive.

I would buy a Honda rotary petrol every time, either new or used. Unless you particularly want a cylinder mower. All the traditional good makes, Mountfield, Hayter, Atco, Qualcast, Webb, etc, are now all badge engineered chinesium, and not worth a toss IMO.

If you want a cylinder mower, an old Ransomes Certes or similar.

 

[gaz1]

id stick with petrol if you have a good size garden

electric is slow whilst petrol is quicker battery is forget on a good length garden

i bought a used briggs and stratton garden mower and im glad i did so as it saves me time mowing the lawn and for the cost of new parts its better in the long run

if your getting older then a push start is worth it but if you can pull that string then go for it

 

[Ross365]

I've just spent another couple of hours on the Suffolk; it ran for about 5 seconds and then refuses to do anything. I've got a spare carb for it (which I think I ultrasonic'd) so will put that on tonight, but after 30 years of trouble-free service, it has just become hard to figure. Totally stripped down the engine a while ago, re-set the valve clearances, and the piston/cylinder and all bearings all seemed to be in really good condition, but cannot get it to go reliably.

I could live without the cylinder, but have enough area to want a driven machine. A good, used B&S or Honda sounds sensible

 

[Craig-SM]

I have an Ego battery mower and can’t praise it enough. Unfortunately it’s out of your price range unless you look for second hand ones.
They have more than enough power to compete with Petrol without any of the hassle. My lawns total 75sqm and a 5ah battery gives me 4 cuts before it needs recharging. The mower is propelled but I never use but imagine I’d loose a cut from the battery if I did use it. Since getting the mower I have further invested in the Ego blower and Strimmer, again all have competed or exceeded their petrol alternatives. The other benefit is little wasted time with them so lawns are completed much quicker too.

I had been looking at Stihl mowers previously to getting the Ego and their battery mowers were good too but need to remember they have two battery platforms.

 

[Smallfry]

I've just spent another couple of hours on the Suffolk; it ran for about 5 seconds and then refuses to do anything. I've got a spare carb for it (which I think I ultrasonic'd) so will put that on tonight, but after 30 years of trouble-free service, it has just become hard to figure. Totally stripped down the engine a while ago, re-set the valve clearances, and the piston/cylinder and all bearings all seemed to be in really good condition, but cannot get it to go reliably.

I could live without the cylinder, but have enough area to want a driven machine. A good, used B&S or Honda sounds sensible

Have you got the old iron 98cc ( I think) Suffolk engine, or a Bliggs &Stlatton ? Depend how old it is. If it is B&S, then good luck with that !

Normally because of water or dirt in the fuel causing a blockage. Try a new spark plug NGK. NOT Champion. Electronic ignitions can give trouble too. Normal symptoms for either, is that it will start, run for a while, then stop. No chance of restarting until it has cooled off for a hour. Then same again

 

[Erie Fred]

New Lawnmower ?
"Glyphosphate".......

 

[Old Dog]

Buy one of the robot mowers and sit back and watch it work, they work very well on a flat lawn.

 

[Wildefalcon]

Is it fresh petrol? Buy Esso premium, less ethanol.

 

[Ross365]

Have you got the old iron 98cc ( I think) Suffolk engine, or a Bliggs &Stlatton ? Depend how old it is. If it is B&S, then good luck with that !

Normally because of water or dirt in the fuel causing a blockage. Try a new spark plug NGK. NOT Champion. Electronic ignitions can give trouble too. Normal symptoms for either, is that it will start, run for a while, then stop. No chance of restarting until it has cooled off for a hour. Then same again

It's the old 98cc iron engine. It has been using Champions but I'll try and NGK. Paind £150 for it 30 years ago and it ran perfectly until recently, then just stopped and I've put so much time in to it that I'm fed up now .

 

[mechman]

It's the old 98cc iron engine. It has been using Champions but I'll try and NGK. Paind £150 for it 30 years ago and it ran perfectly until recently, then just stopped and I've put so much time in to it that I'm fed up now .

Champions,

 

[Migmac]

I’ll second the Ego gear. Good machines and getting better

 

[dave h 2]

Champions,

Now replaced by NGK

 

[frank horton]

my Honda power drive rotary walk behind is now 40 years old and still starts 2'nd pull.....it'll outlast me....
tiny bit smokey on start up but that soon disapears.....
Dont go for a New Honda at the mo.....there's a recall, not sure of the prob....best if u can find one that has a build plate that says made in JAPAN on the engine....
Plus there's prob an elec start model in the line up if u wanna go new....
Have an even older Honda engine on a home made push strimmer.....eng condition as above.....

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Not sure of your location but if anywhere near Kendal I can do you a deal on a new ego one.

 

[Morris]

You called?

 

[Jasper42]

We got a makita 36volt this year, our grass is not that big but the 2 18 volt batteries will last 3 cuts. Bit heavy for the wife but she likes the ease of use. But really comes down to if you already have makita battlers.

Link

 

[Smallfry]

It's the old 98cc iron engine. It has been using Champions but I'll try and NGK. Paind £150 for it 30 years ago and it ran perfectly until recently, then just stopped and I've put so much time in to it that I'm fed up now .

Normally problems with them are dirt or water in the fuel, float sinking, and probably still has points and condenser, unless someone has converted it, which will be hard to get now.
They were great little engines, like a little sewing machine.
Dad bought a Suffolk Punch in 1966. Still got the bill somewhere, cost about two and a half weeks pay ISTR. I had it until about ten years ago.

 

[waddycall]

Probably not up to the job for the OP but I’ve had one of these for about 5 years and would definitely recommend it to anyone with a smallish lawn. No cables, charging, trips to petrol station, starting issues. It cuts nicely too

Husqvarna 64 HiCut / NovoCut Push Cylinder Lawnmower - 16"

The Husqvarna push mower Model 64 has a unique feature; its cutting height is adjustable up to 55 mm. It is designed to be easy to use even in tall grass. Perfect for lawns that are not cut frequently. Or smaller area's which do not require a lawnmower wi

www.hughiewillett.co.uk

 

[reb78]

I have the largest one on here - https://www.parkerbrand.co.uk/garde...ories.level0][0]=Garden /// Lawnmowers&is_v=1

my mowers get a battering. This has stood up well but the grass exit is plastic and has broken on mine - thats because I go over some rough stuff with it. If you just mow grass it will do the job perfectly. They are obvs Chinese made but for the money very good