Hi,
I'm on an acre of kikuyu with slopes, hot and wet climate plus tricky areas - no one mower will cut it here, but I feel I need a decent sized SP mower. I'm currently trying a few options but unsure if any will workout.
I know there's a lot of different SP options for 21-22" walk behinds on the market (new and recent used models) - ignoring the junk stuff, what do folks feel is the most robust and quality unit/s?
Initially I'd have thought the 3-speed Honda HRU216 drives as they're what the vast majority of contractors use - however I've seen comments on here saying they're to be avoided.
Toro's Personal Pace system seems to have mixed feedback on it but is seen a weak with plastics in several key spots. I've used, its ok. You can find their proper commercial stuff but dunno how they stack up.
Rover has a chain system in their top of the line SP models - but being they're MTD and have the nerve to put a $150 Loncin engine on their $1200 mower I'd rather avoid.
The Masport Commercials are meant to be horrible and have all kinds of issues.
I've read bad things about the drives in the 22" Victa Mulchmasters - apparently a lot of plastic in them and early failures.
I'm unsure if there's a good model out there that uses a belt drive? I had read that on the right one they can be good as not a lot to go wrong and replacing a belt is generally quick and easy.
The one that does have me a little curious is the Honda HRX217's - that have a hydrostatic drive on them. This from reading is a lot more robust that the shaft driven 3 speed - you have to wear the GCV motor instead of the GXV but personally I've used both and find them good enough if you treat them well.
Any others I'm missing or should consider or have the above completely wrong? Are SP walk behinds just as much of a PITA as a basic rideon or should I just bite the bullet and try and track down a Deutscher SP slasher or similar?
Seems a real mine field with all the choices very much tainted.
Cheers,
Nick
