I need to buy a new lawnmower. The current one I have is a battery one which has served me well but I want to get a petrol one now. I am a female in my early 60s so want one that is reliable - rotary.
I was considering an electric start but one or two of my male work colleagues say that the pull start ones are easy to start and pretty reliable. Is this correct? Any brands preferred over others?
xs1100,
Aug 29, 7:44am
masport always good and briggs and stratton been around for ever
-bookzone-,
Aug 29, 8:44am
How big is your section?
And how fit are you - no health problems that would preclude you from cranking up a four stroke engine?
pats3,
Aug 29, 8:55am
Not a big section and I'm reasonably fit. Walk the dog every day for an hour - lol - and I work full time. At the moment I can mow front and back lawns in about 20 minutes with the battery lawnmower.
So when you say four stroke engine - as opposed to what? two stroke ? Obviously the four stroke would be better. I just want something that is reliable and does a good job.
2sheddies,
Aug 29, 9:23am
Consider buying from a proper small engine shop rather than places like Bunnings etc. Your local mower shop will offer good backup service and it will likely be fueled, assembled, tuned, tested and ready to go, instead of being in several pieces inside a box.
Four strokes are far more common nowadays (seperate fuel and oil as opposed to 2 stroke pre mix) because they're cleaner and are a piece of cake to start and operate. A 2 stroke is better for a sloping section however. No burly arm muscles needed. And many now have the starter rope mounted on the handlebar to avoid having to bend over, so as to be easier on the back. Go for an alloy chassis rather than steel. Lighter and don't suffer rust problems. And as mentioned, Briggs & Stratton are the most common and good reliable motors.
jonners2013,
Aug 29, 9:29am
you can buy very reliable, well know brands from the big-box retail outlets like bunnings or mitre 10. A masport or victa from bunnings is no different from a masport from a small shop expect that it's probably cheaper from bunnings.
2sheddies,
Aug 29, 9:35am
Yeah. and when you need backup service and help they don't wanna know. and don't know what they're talking about. You soon learn to deal with the professionals, who stand behind and service what they sell even if there is a slight price premium, which there may not be.
gabbysnana,
Aug 29, 9:37am
I have the same problem i have a small electric mower, but its too tiny do do a good job of my lawn. However i dont have the strength for a pull start petrol mower, its at least 30 yrs since ive had a petrol mower, have they advanced in the starting department over the years.
-bookzone-,
Aug 29, 9:44am
If you're not wanting to spend a lot, these two mowers would fit the bill:
$420
Has the latest Briggs & Stratton engine, but with a steel body:
Both should be available from mower shops and places like 100% Appliances.
A steel body isn't that much different in weight to an alloy one, as you can see with the mowers above. Both weigh almost the same.
And unless you intend leaving your mower outside and not cleaning wet grass from underneath, a steel body one should last at least 6 years. It all depends on how well you look after your mower.
pats3,
Aug 29, 9:59am
Thank you everyone for your input. It is very much appreciated.
2sheddies - thanks for the tip on buying from a mower shop. I will definitely take that on board. I am on my own and if it is already assembled etc, that is a big bonus for me. Like the idea of better backup service as well.
-bookzone-,
Aug 29, 10:10am
With a new petrol mower, you need to change the oil after the first five hours use, but you should do it after 10 and 15 hours use, too, as that will get rid of most of the metal filings that are produced by a new engine being run in, which will, in turn, extend the life of the engine.
The manual will explain how to change the oil, but ask the shop to show you, as well.
2sheddies,
Oct 16, 10:46am
You're very welcome. The professional mower shops are now my preference, having had one or two dud experiences with box store things. They'll be able to help you make the right choice for your needs, and take care of servicing into the future so hopefully you'll be very happy and get many years of reliable use from it.
Best of luck mower shopping!
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