What manual push mower?

[julianf]

I suspect a number of people here know about mowers...

Im after a manual push one. Our "lawn" is so small at the moment that its more trouble to get the power there than it would be to just manually mow it - which means it gets neglected.

Im just after a small push mower so i can keep on top of it. What would you suggest?

Thank you.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I would be looking for a Qualcast from the 1970's ish, excellent quality build and well worth servicing and sharpening to get a mower that would last a lifetime.

They are often cheap on the bay of evil, or throw an advert on facebook, still loads lying in sheds.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

These are the most basic, there are more up-to-date' on the same pattern, as alluded to by @cumbriasteve

Cylinder is operated by gears in the 'hub'. Doesn't get any more basic than this.

There are, as said, a few on the 'Bay of Evil https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Qualcast...d=112661321255&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

They're not that expensive new either, just remember the wider the cylinder, the fewer times you have to walk back & fore.......

 

[rtbcomp]

We had one in the 1950s that was just a cutter between two wheels, no roller or anything, perfect for small patches of grass.

Slim beat to the picture!

 

[julianf]

This one isnt a million miles from where i am, but does that level of rust look ok?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-...969848?hash=item5d78392678:g:-VsAAOSwl9RaCE6i

Im kind of wanting to use it, rather than spend a long time making it usable...

 

[cumbriasteve]

That rust is just surface patina, put an edge on the blade, some oil on the moving parts and you will be sorted

Don't bid until the last minute to prevent any snipe bidding.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

This one isnt a million miles from where i am, but does that level of rust look ok?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-...969848?hash=item5d78392678:g:-VsAAOSwl9RaCE6i

I'm kind of wanting to use it, rather than spend a long time making it usable...

As @cumbriasteve says....'patina' The main thing is there's enough blade left on that one to allow a 'proper' sharpening before you get down to the cylinder web.
The other possible weak point is the rear roller bearings - you often find that they're shot, but again simple enough to fix.

As for "making it usable", you've got until March/April until the grass starts to grow again....... A wire brush in a drill on the cylinder [and indeed all over] should let you see what you're faced with in terms of cutting edge - just be careful if you decide to 'sharpen' it yourself, it's more difficult than some think to get a good edge at the proper angle [ex greenkeeper speaking ]. Personally, I'd have the sole plate [bottom blade] off to check it too. If it's worn right down you'll not get a proper cut, but replacements are easy to get and iirc, cheap too.

No, actually, I'd strip the whole thing down for a Winter refurb, but that's just me.........

 

[wristpin]

As has been said, fleabay, gumtree, local auction , house / shed clearance .
This one is for sale but in Kent!!!!

 

[waddycall]

I’ve got one of these -
http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/lawn-mowers/64/964954003/

I really like it but I also have a two stroke flymo for times when I’ve let it go a bit too long!

 

[addjunkie]

These work well, dont require oil, and taste ok when retired

 

[julianf]

Don't bid until the last minute to prevent any snipe bidding.

I know its a contentious subject, but i've not bid on anything in years.
I instruct two computers somewhere in the states to do it on my behalf - they have a non-domestic link, and are more precise than any human could manage.

Some items they win for me, some items are desired by someone else more than me, but it certainly does not come down to who is quicker on the mouse! : )

 

[julianf]

If your bid is higher than mine, you will win the item - it makes no difference to me when you place the bid.
If my bid is higher than yours, i will win the item.

The only thing my setup does is remove your option to change your mind - i have no issue with that, nor an issue if someone else runs a snipe against mine. It just means whoever wants to pay more wins the auction.

If you find snipers problematic, just have a good think about what you want to spend before getting involved, as, again, all my setup does is keep you to your choice.

If you cant make your mind up how much you want to pay, that's hardly my fault, is it?

 

[voipio]

Have you considered a cordless mower?

https://www.mowdirect.co.uk/lawn-mowers/cordless-battery-powered-lawn-mowers

 

[Robbie260]

We have a danish hinge at home still going strong and I think it was second hand when I was a kid. I think they can still be bought brand new from Europe.

 

[fizzy]

I was surprised how good a hand cylinder mower is. Fantastic finish and easy enough if you keep on top of it. I think 80% of the people with powered mowers would be better off with one.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

My father was a bully and made me cut our three lawns (one quite large) every week with a push mower when I was a kid. Use to take all morning. Hated the thing and vowed never to use a push mower again. I left home at 16 and father promptly bought a power mower

 

[Migmac]

I hate those mowers, was forced to cut our grass with one when I was a kid.

 

[Johnseat]

I've always wanted one but my brother in law is a mechanic at a garden machinery shop and he talked me out of one as they are rubbish compared to a decent entry level electric mower by Hayter.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

My first mower, in mid 70's, was a battery operated Acto. Little more than electric motor and car battery on a petrol chassis. Worked great. I sold it during a snow storm to somebody who wanted just motor to build a childs go-kart.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

My first mower, in mid 70's, was a battery operated Acto. Little more than electric motor and car battery on a petrol chassis. Worked great. I sold it during a snow storm to somebody who wanted just motor to build a childs go-kart.

Presumably the roller was driven? Bet you wish you still had it today, be worth a bit.......