Mowing ..

[Citroënbender]

The only thing better on kikuyu would be glyphosate. I know it’s a hardy “grass” but what an invasive thing it becomes… Absolute hell when it gets into sewer or stormwater pipes.

Good real-world review of the mower and weight comparisons.

[FTE217]

Happy days, look forward to your update after use


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[FTE217]

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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Surely the manwell says oil capacity. I still have the books for old 500 series briggs powered victa and it states 0.6L, conveniently bunnings sells briggs branded sae30 oil in 600ml bottles. So drain and fill.
I did a quick google on your more flash 725 series 163cc briggs. So do your own reaserch to confirm, but apparently they take 440ml of sae 30 oil. Bunnings also sell briggs branded oil in 440ml bottles.
Maybe you missed a book. My mower came with 2. 1 for the chassis and 1 for the motor as there was like 3 motors for that chassis at the time. Victa 2 stroke, victa 4 stroke or the briggs 4 stroke. Its been 12 years and im yet to complain about the briggsy or the chassis, so i think i made a good choice.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Happy days done this morn my long awaited new Victa in beautiful Ford Blue !!!
Thanks to DFB and all his recommendations for it’s great help matey.
2 of the finest names Victa we all grew up with and the trusty 4stroker Briggsy that I love forever………
Battery power as much as it might suit some I know just like my ryobi blower it just doesn’t last enough as it’s power drains for my large yard till one day they get better but long live ICE 4strokers I know it won’t let me down and keep powering away with the glory being a easy walker !
Can’t wait to use it and not for like our pride and joys when new they look too good to use but has to be - in another week or so till the next cut is due.



Perfect near the Chrissy tree

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Excellent, well chosen!

Originally Posted by FTE217

Yes CB used the daughters staff discount nice to save a little bit…..
Not impressed by the user manual provided and downloaded the Victa pdf re the engine oil.
No worries got the right oil 1L bottle but no where says how much to fill - dip stick max line is so low but be nice to know the actual fill qty like in our car engines.
What happens if you over fill the dip stick line for eg ? Smokes a bit like a car does and or fouls the plug I guess till excess oil burns off.


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Sorry I didn't see this post earlier, but the machine should have two users manuals, one for the mower itself and one for the engine.

This is the PDF version, page 9 has engine specifications including the oil capacity of 15oz / 440ml -

https://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocu...0aYrLl.79DteBc

If you overfill with oil, it will be harder to start, reduce power and potentially smoke.

As for oil type, the only engine I run on SAE30 is my old and worn Briggs & Stratton Sprint 375. For the rest, I use 10w/30 Penrite Semi-Syn oil. I find this to be nicer on the engine over a broader spread of temperatures.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/346381.html



If you already have SAE30 in the engine, I would run the engine in and then do an oil change in a month or two using the 10w/30. Do not take any notice of the "no oil changes" rubbish, I really don't understand that mentality.



Once the engine is run in, I can show you how to up the revs if you want it to sing a bit better, will also increase the self-propel speed.

Also, these new OHV Briggs engines don't have the oiled foam air cleaner, they are now a dry pleated paper cartridge.

A couple of part numbers for you when required -

Oil Capacity - 440ml

Air Filter - B&S 593260
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/...stratton-5000e

Spark Plug - Champion RC12YC or NGK BCPR5ES
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/130-191
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/...hampion-rc12yc

Blades - Victa CA90470, CA09393S or CA09319S
https://www.greenacresmowers.com.au/?rf=kw&kw=CA+09393S

I would love to hear your thoughts on the speed of the self propel on these mowers.

[FTE217]

Thanks 4 and DFB !
Yes it does have both manuals I must have missed the oil specs and qty but more assured from you haha
OK great knowing the other consumable part numbers great help.
They handed me the std SAE 30 so ok I’ll run it in then dump and fill with semi syn.
Look forward to the tips making it run better but after I’ve used it a couple of times.
Will give you an update how it feels and the self run after it’s maiden job.


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[.:4:.]

Im a bit sus of the check and add no oil change thing too. Its a 4 stroke, so not a sacrificial oil system. The only things i know that dont take pre mix are still 2 stroke. So oil injected 2 stroke motorcycles and oil injected 2 stroke outboard motors. So separate tanks but mix at the carb. Still sacrificial though.

[FTE217]

Hondas always heavy buggas - quality I love them but over priced.
My bro swears by his - long lasting but Victa had that long before they came in the game at competitive price points.
The other talking 4strokes - having had Victa 2strokers for years and years I was always wishing for a 4stroke Briggsy and when I finally took the plunge I love them and the ol talk of Toyota reliability I consider Briggsy like that as mentioned long before Honda.


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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Hondas always heavy buggas - quality I love them but over priced.
My bro swears by his - long lasting but Victa had that long before they came in the game at competitive price points.
The other talking 4strokes - having had Victa 2strokers for years and years I was always wishing for a 4stroke Briggsy and when I finally took the plunge I love them and the ol talk of Toyota reliability I consider Briggsy like that as mentioned long before Honda.


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There was a period from the mid 80's to the early 90's were Briggs & Stratton engines were trash. Hard to start and considerable manufacturing variation. There was a reason why B&S specified single weight oil in their engines; to cater for varied tolerances.



It's during those years where Honda made a lot friends, their OHV and OHC engines were better made, easier to start, used less fuel and generally lasted longer than Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh.





From the mid 90's, B&S eventually made changes to improve their engines, narrowing the gap to Honda. On the Sprint 148cc and 158cc Quattro side valves, the change to a priming, non-adjustable carburetor and a top mount starter improved the user experience. The 190cc Quantum's also had improved carburetors.





The Inteck and later 850-Series OHV engines are where the big inroads were made, where those iron sleeved 190cc big blocks started to become more widely fitted.







From the mid 2000's, the old side valve motors in 148, 158 and 190cc capacity were shifted to production in China. The US made versions were cheap and cheerful, the Chinese made ones were cheap and nasty. Generally, Chinese made side valves had plastic engine covers, plastic air filter housings and thinner, ribbed engine blocks.





While all that was happening, the US made engines centered around the excellent above mentioned 850 series and DOV series. These were iron sleeved engines, offering strong performance, quieter operation and superior fuel economy over the side valves.





The side valve motors were phased out in the mid 2010's, replaced with a new line of OHV small block engines. These are available in 127cc (don't, just don't), 140cc, 150cc and 163cc. These engines made improvements in fuel economy and finally ditched the old pulsa-jet carburetor for a proper float type carburetor. Also, compared to the old tin fuel can on the 148/158 engines, these new models finally had a fuel tank that was easy to refill.









Honda engines in the mower world are always the benchmark for smoothness, quietness, fuel economy and ease of starting. However, the gap is not as wide as it once was, and I have never had a Briggs and Stratton let me down. I think of it like this, Honda are like a Holden Commodore, the image leader, more aspirational. Briggs & Stratton are like Ford, always the underdog, but always a solid performer.

[.:4:.]

So i live in a battle axe. Thats all good, next door is too. So no fence between our driveways. There is one fence on the right side of my driveway (left if you are looking from the street). Thats all fine. That side of the grass on the side of my driveway grows a lot faster. Reason being, on the other side of said fence my neighbors have gardens that they tend to. No thats not an issue to me.
So my place grass wise is looking pretty good. So no need for attention. That side of my driveway was still ok, not needing to be done, didnt look bad yet, but was higher then the rest. So i ran it over with the whipper snipper. Most annoying part was the fact i had to put fuel in it. The rest was straight forward.
Anyhow. With whipper snippers, what is peoples personal preference? Bent shaft or straight shaft? Clutch or no clutch?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

So i live in a battle axe. Thats all good, next door is too. So no fence between our driveways. There is one fence on the right side of my driveway (left if you are looking from the street). Thats all fine. That side of the grass on the side of my driveway grows a lot faster. Reason being, on the other side of said fence my neighbors have gardens that they tend to. No thats not an issue to me.
So my place grass wise is looking pretty good. So no need for attention. That side of my driveway was still ok, not needing to be done, didnt look bad yet, but was higher then the rest. So i ran it over with the whipper snipper. Most annoying part was the fact i had to put fuel in it. The rest was straight forward.
Anyhow. With whipper snippers, what is peoples personal preference? Bent shaft or straight shaft? Clutch or no clutch?

Straight, no clutch, battery.

[Citroënbender]

Mine identifies as a landmine detector.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Mine identifies as a landmine detector.

Didnt ask about radar on whipper snippers...

[FTE217]

My whipper is the Stihl bent shaft petrol.
Rippa unit works great plenty power but when the day comes I’ll go straight shaft next.

Curved shaft models are lighter weight and best suited for smaller yards and more intricate work. Straight shaft models work better for larger yards, and for reaching under decks and around obstacles


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[hayseed]

Straight Shaft Honda For Me..!

[Tonz]

straight shaft for me keeps me further away from joe blake, exciting when just his head comes flying at you though

[whitelion65]

I have a straight-shaft Husqvarna brush-cutter. Great for the big stuff.
I had the old man’s bent-shaft Honda for a while…..so much better (ergonomics) for edging.
Knew a bloke years ago who had maintenance contract at a few cemeteries. He told me bent shaft was the go for edges……if anyone would know, someone doing that job would.

[DFB FGXR6]

My first line trimmer, given to me as a birthday present at age 13 was a bent shaft Ryobi Weed Wasp, yet another gift that got my business started.

These were very common machines back in the day, Big W would have sold millions of them over the years. The engine was pretty large at 31cc, but were only a half-crank engine so they were incredibly harsh and vibey. I rarely used it at full throttle, when you did they used to absolutely scream!





The three-stage choke was interesting, as was the layout of the engine, with the spark plug pointing down and the fuel tank resting on top of the engine. Fuel mix on these was 25:1.



I ran this unit for a number of years, until one day it started to make a very alarming buzz, I retired it to the skip promptly.

The Ryobi's replacement was a Stihl FS45, this time gifted to me by my wonderful Grandmother, who played a huge part in my life.



These machines have a full crank engine, 27.2cc in capacity and much more refined than the Ryobi. I loved this trimmer, and I made a lot of money from it over the years. What finally killed it was a broken/sheared driveshaft. I was all set to have it repaired, but the cost of replacing the flexible drive shaft was not worth it when compared to the price of a brand-new machine. I simply bought another FS45. I ran the second FS45 for a long time.

It's around this time I was starting to suffer from chronic pain. The bent shaft FS45 was a great unit, but it had me stooped over and contributed to and compounded my pain.

For some reason, I started using my KM56 Kombi with the straight shaft trimmer attachment for edges. This setup was longer overall and allowed me to be more natural in holding and angling the trimmer head.





However, the weight of tools started to become a very big factor on how I used tools and the impact they had on my body. I say that because the KM56 with a straight shaft trimmer attached was a heavy thing to use all day long, weighing in at 5.5kg and poorly balanced to boot. I was getting very sore shoulders and neck. In comparison, a FS45 is only 4.1 kg. That might not sound like a big difference, but as I said, using them all day long, the additional weight contributes to fatigue.

Up until this point, I was very much a Stihl boy. I had Stihl trimmers, blowers, hedgers, chainsaws. Looking at a replacement straight shaft trimmer, the lightest unit they offered was the FS55 at 4.4 kg. So, I did the unthinkable and started looking at Husqvarna's................

https://www.husqvarna.com/au/grass-trimmers/522l/







The Husqvarna 522L is at the entry to their professional line and is powered by a 22.5cc engine. Crucially though, the 4.2 kg weight makes it the lightest of all the units I was considering. The next model up, the 525 LST, offers a more powerful 25.4cc engine, but ups the weight to 4.7 kg. The full crank 22.5 cc engine is more than powerful enough for maintaining edges, the anti-vibration system is a very worthwhile inclusion. I have found the 522L to very nimble and ergonomic to use, it's been even more reliable than the Stihl's too. Like all of my small two-strokes, I run this unit on Stihl HP Ultra synthetic oil at 50:1.

It took me a while to adapt from a curved shaft trimmer to the straight shaft, but I wouldn't go back now. I would also 100% buy another 522L, the best straight shaft trimmer on the market!

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My first line trimmer, given to me as a birthday present at age 13 was a bent shaft Ryobi Weed Wasp, yet another gift that got my business started.

These were very common machines back in the day, Big W would have sold millions of them over the years. The engine was pretty large at 31cc, but were only a half-crank engine so they were incredibly harsh and vibey. I rarely used it at full throttle, when you did they used to absolutely scream!

image

image

The three-stage choke was interesting, as was the layout of the engine, with the spark plug pointing down and the fuel tank resting on top of the engine. Fuel mix on these was 25:1.

image

I ran this unit for a number of years, until one day it started to make a very alarming buzz, I retired it to the skip promptly.

The Ryobi's replacement was a Stihl FS45, this time gifted to me by my wonderful Grandmother, who played a huge part in my life.

image

These machines have a full crank engine, 27.2cc in capacity and much more refined than the Ryobi. I loved this trimmer, and I made a lot of money from it over the years. What finally killed it was a broken/sheared driveshaft. I was all set to have it repaired, but the cost of replacing the flexible drive shaft was not worth it when compared to the price of a brand-new machine. I simply bought another FS45. I ran the second FS45 for a long time.

It's around this time I was starting to suffer from chronic pain. The bent shaft FS45 was a great unit, but it had me stooped over and contributed to and compounded my pain.

For some reason, I started using my KM56 Kombi with the straight shaft trimmer attachment for edges. This setup was longer overall and allowed me to be more natural in holding and angling the trimmer head.

image

image

However, the weight of tools started to become a very big factor on how I used tools and the impact they had on my body. I say that because the KM56 with a straight shaft trimmer attached was a heavy thing to use all day long, weighing in at 5.5kg and poorly balanced to boot. I was getting very sore shoulders and neck. In comparison, a FS45 is only 4.1 kg. That might not sound like a big difference, but as I said, using them all day long, the additional weight contributes to fatigue.

Up until this point, I was very much a Stihl boy. I had Stihl trimmers, blowers, hedgers, chainsaws. Looking at a replacement straight shaft trimmer, the lightest unit they offered was the FS55 at 4.4 kg. So, I did the unthinkable and started looking at Husqvarna's................

https://www.husqvarna.com/au/grass-trimmers/522l/

image

image

image

The Husqvarna 522L is at the entry to their professional line and is powered by a 22.5cc engine. Crucially though, the 4.2 kg weight makes it the lightest of all the units I was considering. The next model up, the 525 LST, offers a more powerful 25.4cc engine, but ups the weight to 4.7 kg. The full crank 22.5 cc engine is more than powerful enough for maintaining edges, the anti-vibration system is a very worthwhile inclusion. I have found the 522L to very nimble and ergonomic to use, it's been even more reliable than the Stihl's too. Like all of my small two-strokes, I run this unit on Stihl HP Ultra synthetic oil at 50:1.

It took me a while to adapt from a curved shaft trimmer to the straight shaft, but I wouldn't go back now. I would also 100% buy another 522L, the best straight shaft trimmer on the market!

When I bought an FS45 for home use I asked the Stihl dealer how often he had to replace drive cables.He said if I buy one and break a drive It will be the first for him

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

When I bought an FS45 for home use I asked the Stihl dealer how often he had to replace drive cables.He said if I buy one and break a drive It will be the first for him

Yeah, I was pretty dumbfounded by it at the time, happened mid job so pretty frustrating. The cutting head literally just dropped off the end of the shaft.

To be fair on the machine, I had been using it more than what a homeowner would, for several years. The issue wouldn't put me off another, in fact I did just that.

[anobserver]

Husqvarna 124c, now discontinued, that replaced an even older Stihl.



Been a great product, lasted well as used sparingly.

[janddbone]

They both have their applications. I own both.

[danzvtil]

Straight shaft husqvarna. Better at reaching under bushes etc, and when paddock slashing side to side motion covers more ground. Curved shaft used to hurt my back trying to do vertical lawn edges.
Incidentally my 322L has been stellar over this wet overgrown spring and summer, hours and hours of screaming away at max revs, I’ve refuelled and maybe done a spark plug, nothing else.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Straight shaft husqvarna. Better at reaching under bushes etc, and when paddock slashing side to side motion covers more ground. Curved shaft used to hurt my back trying to do vertical lawn edges.
Incidentally my 322L has been stellar over this wet overgrown spring and summer, hours and hours of screaming away at max revs, I’ve refuelled and maybe done a spark plug, nothing else.

Glad to hear you are liking the Husqvarna, I know you found the straight shaft a challenge to begin with. Do you have the 322 or 522?

I don't think I have done anything to mine other than refueling. I have inspected the air filter a couple of times and added grease to the gearbox, apart from that it's been a killer machine.

What I like about the pro level Husqvarna's is the anti-vibration system.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Glad to hear you are liking the Husqvarna, I know you found the straight shaft a challenge to begin with. Do you have the 322 or 522?

I don't think I have done anything to mine other than refueling. I have inspected the air filter a couple of times and added grease to the gearbox, apart from that it's been a killer machine.

What I like about the pro level Husqvarna's is the anti-vibration system.

Mines 322L, not a current model apparently. I did suffer from stubbornness when I got it, my brain wouldn’t learn a new tool for a couple of months. All good now.
I can sometimes hear the gearbox spool up, so might be time for grease.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Mines 322L, not a current model apparently. I did suffer from stubbornness when I got it, my brain wouldn’t learn a new tool for a couple of months. All good now.
I can sometimes hear the gearbox spool up, so might be time for grease.

I wondered that as I couldn't see on their website. Looking it up, the only difference is 0.05kw power in favor of the 522 and a different handlebar. Both share the same anti-vibe, engine size and powerhead.

If you are looking for a good grease for the gearbox, Stihl sell a tube that actually screws into the thread of the lubricating port, allowing you to squeeze and deliver the grease without mess. It also fits the Husqvarna's. I do this once or twice a year.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...lubricant.aspx

[Tonz]

sounds like my grandfathers axe that (supposedly) came from Captain Cooks Endeavour, well its had 4 new handles and 3 new heads but it did come from his ship.

Restore but dont repaint, clean up and clear paint it to protect the patina but please dont repaint.

[LG17]

I have that fear every time I mow the back of the dam.
It's quite steep and even steeper into the water.

[Citroënbender]

Is it just me, or are older ride-on mowers getting a bit cheaper the last few months?

Unrelated to mowing, but equally tending to catastrophe: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1306619112 Any comments on relative value of this?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Unrelated to mowing, but equally tending to catastrophe: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1306619112 Any comments on relative value of this?

Considering a dedicated pole saw from Echo starts at $1679 and a power head not including attachments is $799, I guess $350 is pretty good price, especially considering the newness of the machine. Unlike a lot of the big brands, Echo are made in Japan rather than China.