The grey one is definitely a throw out as the integrity of the handle bar to the chassis has been severely compromised.

I can't get my head around how Victa moved the fastening point from the side of the chassis to the top surface as the force applied by ones hands at the top of the handlebars is directly forced onto a flat surface that will inherit metal fatigue and induce rust which causes it to fail, also using just one bolt creates a single pivot point which makes it worse.

This has been clearly demonstrated over the last 10 years and still they build these things the same way. I can only come to the assumption that it is deliberate planned obsolescence so that you buy another mower in about 8 years time.

Honestly I wouldn't touch any of the current Victa's as they are made out of substandard materials and outdated engineering.

Cheers,
BB.

I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.