Recently I have been seeing a lot of publicity on the Mean Green electric mowers.
Stuart Rose recently posted on LinkedIn the following post.
“Sometimes you just can’t beat a satisfying couple of hours cutting grass and it is so much more pleasurable when you are operating a Mean Green electric mower with little noise, low HAV’s, no heat from an engine and zero emissions! Don’t just take our word for it, contact us now for a demonstration”
I find it amazing that an electric zero-turn mower has the capacity to run for eight hours without recharging, that’s quite something!
I have been using zero-turn mowers for almost 30 years, I really like their ease of use and their ability to manoeuvre around obstacles.
Zero-turn mowers are powered by two hydraulic motors that are attached to the rear wheels of the mower. The two hydraulic motors are powered by a hydraulic pump. Which in turn enables the operator to have instant forward and reverse control on each rear wheel and variable speed.
At the front of the zero-turn mower, there are two large caster wheels which help the mower to literally be able to turn around in its own length.
Traditionally, a zero-turn mower was controlled by two levers which gave individual control of the two rear wheels. So in other words, variable speed in forward and reverse on each wheel which enables excellent manoeuvrability.
Some manufacturers are now fitting a steering wheel to their zero-turn machines. I must admit I have never used a zero-turn with a steering wheel, it would be interesting to try one to see if they offer the same manoeuvrability.
The Mean Green Electric Mower has traditional lever steering which gives fantastic manoeuvrability. I look forward to seeing the mower in action at a later date. It does amaze me that these mowers can run for up to 8 hours on a single charge, it really is quite something!
Today, I would like to look at choosing the right type of hedge cutter. There are various types of hedge cutters and hedge trimmers on the market today. Some are budget machines for the low-use home user and others are designed more for contractors. Below I will explain the different types of hedge cutters that are available.
Petrol Hedge Cutters
A petrol hedge cutter is my preferred type of machine. I like the fact that they can be used anywhere without any limitations. No trailing cable or batteries to charge! All you need is a can of two-stroke petrol to keep going all day long.
Petrol hedge cutters generally have more power than the battery and electric models. On the more commercial models, the teeth can cut through much thicker wood rather than the smaller basic battery or electric models.
However, the downside is that petrol hedge cutters can be quite heavy on the user’s arms. Especially if the hedge cutter is being used for long periods. The electric and battery models tend to be much lighter.
Stiga SHT24AE 24v Cordless Hedgetrimmer c/w battery and charger
Battery Powered Cordless Hedge Cutters
Although I prefer petrol hedge cutters, I have to admit that battery power has come a long way over the last few years. I do know of several contractors that are now using battery equipment commercially.
The biggest advantage is the fact that battery hedge cutters are much lighter than petrol models. Also, general hedge trimming does not take a huge amount of power, so the batteries can last a considerable time without a single charge. They also have the added advantage of no trailing electric cable which can so often get in the way and easily be cut through.
If you do purchase a battery hedge cutter, I would make sure and purchase a backup battery. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through a job and not being able to finish. The majority of batteries charge fairly quickly, so in most cases, two batteries are enough.
If you’re thinking of buying other battery equipment for the garden, for example, a battery strimmer or chainsaw. It’s worth sticking with one manufacturer so that you can use the battery and charger on multiple equipment. Just remember that if you’re using something like a chainsaw, the batteries will drain quite quickly. As I mentioned earlier, hedge cutters do not take too much power. Stihl makes a number of battery items where the batteries are all compatible.
I have a battery screwdriver drill and a battery angle grinder, they both use the same battery. It appears that the drill battery lasts for ages, however, if I use the angle grinder the battery can be flat in 10 minutes. I’m using a fairly large five-amp battery, however, the grinder soon drains the battery!
Wolf Garten HSE55V-KIT 55cm Electric Hedge Trimmer
Electric Hedge Cutters
Electric hedge cutters are much less popular than they were a few years ago. This is due to battery power having become much more popular and efficient. Also, there are some decent budget petrol head cutters on the market.
The good thing with electric hedge cutters is that they are generally reasonably cheap. They are also used more for trimming rather than cutting thick woody stems.
The downside is that you have a trailing cable to deal with. I have seen many people cut through the power cable. Make sure and purchase an extension power cable with protection.
Our electric hedge cutters start from just £34.95. The Racing 500EHT-1 Electric Hedgetrimmer certainly offers value for money and has good reviews. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Long-reach hedge cutters and trimmers have become very popular over the past 20 years. It’s amazing how awkward some hedges can be to cut, some of them can be considerably wide. This is where a long-reach hedge cutter is extremely useful. Not only for cutting the top but also using to trim the sides of the hedge.
Long reach hedge cutters are available in petrol, battery, and mains electric power. Once again, my preference is the petrol models, but the rechargeable battery models are becoming increasingly popular and better as time goes on.
Long reach hedge covers are great for tall and wide hedges. On many occasions you can work from the ground, providing the hedge isn’t too high. Just remember that long-reach hedge cutters are a bit heavier than traditional hedge cutters. In an ideal world, I would suggest having a long-reach hedge cutter and a traditional hedge cutter. However, I appreciate that we all have to work to a budget.
Combi Models
Many manufacturers offer a Combi-type system that can be used with various types of attachments. I use a Stihl Combi system that enables me to use a hedge cutter, strimmer, chainsaw and many more items if I require them. My Stihl Combi is a petrol model, however, Stihl now makes some good battery models with interchangeable accessories.
As always when buying machinery, I always suggest buying the best you can afford. In my experience buying a good product that is long-lasting works out cheaper than buying a cheap product!
As I mentioned, I do prefer the petrol models as they can be used anywhere. However, over the last few years, battery power has come a long way. As I suggested earlier in this post, it’s important to have at least one backup battery. It’s not much fun having to stop halfway through a job.
Fortunately, hedge cutters do not take too much power, especially if you are literally just trimming a hedge. So for most users, two batteries should be adequate for the average home user.
Today we are looking at the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower. The Belrobotics BigMow is designed for larger lawns and playing fields. The robotic mower can be a massive time-saving device for those who do not want to spend time cutting the lawn. It’s certainly not a cheap mower at £19,140 including VAT, however, it can certainly be a great time-saving mower that leaves your lawn looking freshly manicured.
I appreciate that not everyone needs a mower of this capacity. The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower is designed to replace large tractor driven mowers. A robotic mower is considerably cheaper to run than a traditional tractor mower. I appreciate that there is an initial outlay to pay for, however, the equivalent tractor mower can cost many thousands of pounds.
Belrobotic’s BigMow can cut up to 24,000 m². Almost 6 acres of lawn!
8 x lower energy costs.
Exceptionally quiet, low noise pollution.
Warning in case of theft or malfunction.
GPS guidance system.
Never physically cut your lawn again.
The Belrobotics BigMow Robotic Lawn Mower
I have sold and used various robotic mowers now for several years now. The first robotic mower that I sold was back in 2008. I have seen the technology considerably improve over the years, making a robotic mower is a wise choice to mow your lawn. Especially if you are looking to free up time which many people are.
The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower is designed to cut between 10,000 and 24,000 m². 24,000 m² is equal to 2.4 hectares or 5.93 acres which is a considerable amount of grass. Many customers are finding that a large robotic mower can literally free up at least one day per week in the growing season.
I find cutting grass quite therapeutic, however, there are times when a robotic mower can really be a great time saver. I know many people who dread cutting their lawn due to the time it takes, this is where the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower proves its worth. In case you’re not looking for quite such a large robotic mower we have a range of smaller robotic mowers available here.
The Benefits Of A Robotic Mower
A robotic mower can give many benefits, probably the largest benefit is the fact that the mower frees up time. And of course, it’s effortless. As I mentioned earlier, in many cases people can spend the whole day cutting their lawns.
All robotic mower’s mulch, so there is no grass to collect which is another time-saving benefit. Mulching also helps to keep your lawn green in dry weather. The mulch acts as a green manure which in turn acts as a fertiliser keeping your lawn greener for longer.
The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower can be operated from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It can locate the mower, see how much power is left in the battery and much more!
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How Does Belrobotics BigMow Robotic Lawn Mower Work?
Robotic lawnmowers work in various zones, each zone will have its own perimeter wire. The perimeter wire literally goes all the way around the outside of the lawn and around flower borders etc. The perimeter wire is literally lightly tacked down on top of the lawn, there is no need to bury the cable. The grass will quickly grow over the cable, and it will not be visible.
The robotic mower works within the perimeter wire. It doesn’t cut in an up-and-down way, as you may expect. It takes more of a random way of ensuring that the whole area is completely cut.
The docking station means that the robotic mower will never run out of power. When the battery runs low, the mower will return to the docking station and recharge itself. It takes approximately 80 minutes for a full recharge.
You can literally pre-set the mower to cut the grass at your convenience. The machine also has rain sensors, so it can be sent back to the docking station if required.
It’s important to take time to do the installation correctly as the perimeter wire needs to be in the correct place. In this way, it can keep strimming and edging down to a minimum as it’s important to make the most of your investment.
With five floating cutting heads equipped with three blades on each cutting edge. The Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower can adapt to different ground conditions. We all know that not every lawn is a bowling green. The 15 stainless steel blades ensure that the grass is constantly mulched.
The width of the robotic mower is 103 cm.
To Conclude
Although I like to use a lawn mower with a petrol or diesel engine, I can definitely see the advantages of a large robotic mower. They are great for freeing up time and you’re not limited to cutting the grass once a week. The mower can be set up to come out at your convenience. You should never have long grass again!
According to the manufacturers, a robotic mower uses eight times less energy than a traditional mower of that capacity. Another benefit is the fact that a robotic mower can free up time and save on labour bills when used commercially.
I’m a great fan of mulching as it’s a great time saver and it also helps to keep your lawn greener in dry weather.
Over the years I have sold quite a few robotic mowers, every year they become more popular as customers see the benefits. If you’d like more information on the Belrobotics BigMow robotic lawn mower please give me a call on (07971) 648879.
Specification
Battery Type
LIFePo4
Battery Power
Standard battery capacity: 19,2 Ah More powerful battery options: (Ah) 24
Battery Charge Time
Charging time: 80 min
Blade Motors
Number of heads: 5
Cutting Width
Mowing width: 1033 mm
Cutting Heights
Low cut – minimum: 20 mm High cut – maximum: 100 mm
Today we are looking at the popular Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower. The Feider FRT-7550M is currently on special offer at £1899 including VAT. It offers a saving of £500 and is available for delivery now.
Fieder is a French brand that manufactures domestic machines for the garden. They appear to have the ability to manufacture domestic garden machinery at excellent prices. The Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower is no exception to the rule. With 16 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars, the ride-on lawnmower is definitely worth looking at.
The 4-stroke engine gives plenty of power to the 76 cm cutting deck.
Powerful 15 hp overhead valve four-stroke petrol engine.
Three in one cutting deck-mulch, collect and rear discharge.
Five-speed gearbox.
170 L grass collector.
Great reviews.
Two-year warranty.
Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower
If you’re looking for a domestic ride-on lawnmower the Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower could be your answer. It is a very compact ride on mower that offers manoeuvrability, a large collection box and the ability to mulch the grass. It certainly offers value for money and plenty of power for the size of the mower.
Engine
With a 432cc overhead valve four-stroke petrol engine developing 15 hp, the mower has plenty of power to cope with the 76 cm cutting deck. The single-cylinder engine comes with an electric key start.
Cutting Deck
The 76 cm cutting deck which is approximately 30 inches gives the mower the ability to cut lawns up to 4000 m². The compact design of the mower helps to keep machine the highly manoeuvrable.
With a cutting range between 20 and 90 mm, the mower can cope with most varying lawn conditions. The height adjustment is controlled by a single lever adjustment.
Something that I am seeing more and more on lawnmowers is the ability to be able to collect grass and also have the option to mulch. I’m a great fan of mulching as it’s a time-saving way of mowing. It also helps to keep your grass greener for longer in dry periods, adding a very natural green manure to your lawn.
The 170 L generous grass collector is great for when you have autumn leaves, or the lawn has become too long to mulch efficiently. Mulching works best when the grass is cut regularly, so cutting at least once a week is advised during the growing season. To my mind, I believe that it is much quicker to cut the grass regularly and mulch the grass, rather than having to collect grass clippings.
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Drive System
The one thing that lets the Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower down is the drive system. The majority of ride-on mowers today have what we call a hydrostatic drive system. This enables instant forward and reverse at a variable speed normally through a foot pedal.
In this case, Fieder has a traditional six-speed gearbox. Five forward gears and one reverse gear. A gearbox works fine, however, a hydrostatic drive is much more user-friendly and efficient than the traditional gearbox. If you have used a machine with a hydrostatic drive, you will never go back to using a gearbox driven machine.
I’m sure that Fieder has used a gearbox to keep the cost down, which I fully understand. It would be great if they offered a hydrostatic drive option, however, at the moment they do not.
To Conclude
The Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower certainly offers value for money and great manoeuvrability. I had a similar commercial machine several years ago that was considerably more expensive.
The only thing that really lets this ride on mower down is the fact that it doesn’t have hydrostatic transmission. As I mentioned earlier, it’s cheaper to put a gearbox in than hydrostatic transmission. Maybe later Fieder will offer a similar machine with hydrostatic transmission.
Personally, I would go for a machine with hydrostatic transmission. However, we all have a budget to work to and the Feider FRT-7550M ride-on lawnmower brings value for money with good reviews.
Today we are looking at something slightly different, the Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower. The Fieder self-propelled lawnmower is currently on special offer at £289.95 including VAT. This is a saving of £210 at the time of writing.
The Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower takes a slightly different concept from normal rotary mowers. The front caster wheel enables the mower to be turned effortlessly, due to the caster wheel situated at the front of the lawnmower. There is no need to lift the front of the mower up when you are turning.
The 4-in-1 lawnmower offers a diverse range of grass cutting for various conditions. The lawnmower has an excellent price tag and a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Efficient overhead-valve four-stroke petrol engine.
Six cutting heights.
Self-propelled.
4-in-1 cutting system, mulch, side and rear discharge and collect.
Fold-down handlebars for easy storage and transport.
Two-year warranty for peace of mind.
Feider 4-In-1 Zero-Turn Petrol Lawnmower
The Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower is referred to as a zero-turn mower. I wouldn’t quite call it a zero turn mower, but the concept certainly gives it plenty of manoeuvrability due to the caster wheel situated on the front of the mower. The caster wheel can be locked if you require the mower to go in a straight line.
The front caster wheel is great for manoeuvring around ornaments, flower borders and other obstacles in the garden. With the self-propelled drive and the front caster wheel, mowing around obstacles becomes much easier!
Traditional zero turn mowers have two hydraulic motors that power the two rear wheels. At the front of a zero-turn mower, there are two caster wheels. The hydraulic motors give the traditional zero-turn mower instant forward and reverse on each rear wheel. In turn, this gives excellent manoeuvrability, in fact, zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market.
Feider’s mowing concept on their Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower certainly helps to give excellent manoeuvrability. However, to refer to it as a zero turn mower is not 100% correct, although, I very much like the concept of this lawnmower.
A 4-In-1 Mower
I always like to have the ability to have a lawnmower that will mulch and can collect the grass clippings if necessary. The Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower offers mulching, side discharge, rear discharge, and an option to collect the grass clippings.
I’m a great fan of mulching grass as it saves a huge amount of time not having to empty the collector. It also helps to give the lawn a better colour throughout the summer and especially in dry weather. The mulching acts like a green manure, feeding the lawn as you are cutting it.
At the same time, it’s great to have an option to collect the grass clippings. Especially if your lawn has become long or there are a lot of autumn leaves to collect. The grass collector has a 50 L capacity. Mulching is most effective when the lawn is cut regularly, so ideally, at least once a week in the growing season.
Side discharge is also a useful option if you want the grass spread evenly across the lawn. And then there’s also the option to discharge the grass from the rear of the mower.
The cutting deck is 46 cm which is approximately 16 inches. There are six cutting heights that vary from 25 to 75 mm. It’s always good to have a high cut on a lawnmower in case your lawn becomes long. Putting the mower on the highest cut can quickly bring your lawn back into shape.
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Four Stroke Petrol Engine
The four-stroke 141cc overhead valve engine offers economy and quiet running. The engine has a straightforward recoil starting system. And a fuel tank capacity of 0.8 L.
To Conclude
The Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower offers a totally different concept from the average lawnmower. I really like the idea of the front caster wheel as I believe that mowing around obstacles has just become much easier with this concept. The locking caster wheel is a good idea for mowing in a straight line.
I believe that the Feider 4-in-1 Zero-Turn petrol lawnmower offers value for money and very good manoeuvrability. With a two-year warranty and the special price of £280.95, it’s definitely worth looking at.
Specification
Engine Make
Feider
Engine Capacity
141cc
Engine Starting System
Recoil
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity
0.8 Litres
Drive
Self Propelled – Disengageable
Cutting Width
46cm
Cutting Heights
25-75mm (6 Positions)
Height Adjustment
Rear Axle – Central / Front Wheel – Single Point
Grass Collector
50 Litres
Grassbag Full Indicator
Yes
Mulching
Yes
Side-Discharge
Yes
Cutting Deck
Sheet-Steel with Powder-Coated Paint Finish
Deck Washout Port
Yes
Handles
Foldable / 3-Stage Height Adjustable with Soft Grip
Today we are looking at the Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller which is currently on special offer. The Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller is currently available for £319.95 which offers a saving of £130.
The Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller is a smallish cultivator that is narrow enough to be used for hoeing between vegetables and shrubs etc.
The tiller is fitted with a clean-running overhead valve engine for maximum efficiency.
A tilling depth of up to 25 cm can be achieved depending on soil conditions. The Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller comes with a peace of mind two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
A great garden tiller with great reviews and value for money.
Efficient overhead valve engine.
36 cm working width.
25 cm working depth.
Transport wheel for manoeuvrability.
Great reviews.
Two-year warranty for peace of mind.
Racing 139PTIL63-C Petrol Tiller
The Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller is an ideal workhorse if you have a vegetable plot or allotment. It’s small enough to get between plants for hoeing and large enough to dig a vegetable plot. Petrol tillers take the hard work out of digging and soil preparation for planting.
There are two types of tiller or rotavator, the Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller is a classic type. This type of tiller is generally used by keen gardeners and allotment holders. The tines drive the tiller forward’s. A skid at the rear of the machine determines the depth. The higher the skid is set, the deeper the machine will dig. Obviously, with hard ground, you will have to make several passes to make the required depth.
The other type of machine is the wheel-driven type rotavator. These types of machines are normally used by professionals and contractors, although there are some smaller budgets machines available for keen gardeners. These types of rotavators are generally easier to use since the wheels drive the machine forward and reverse. In many cases, the rotavator can have several forward gears to give the operator more control depending on the conditions and the job at hand.
Petrol Engine
I always prefer petrol or diesel power over electricity, there are no restrictions with cables and generally, they are more powerful than electric machines. The four-stroke 139cc air-cooled overhead valve engine gives the tiller plenty of power for the average gardener. The engine has a traditional recoil start for simplicity and ease of starting.
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Digging Rotors
With a digging width of 36 cm, the Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller will soon cover the ground. In most cases, it doesn’t take very long to till the ground with a powered tiller. There are multiple blades that rotate in the soil that help to break and dig the soil. There is a rotor guard that helps to break up the soil and at the same time protect the operator from flying debris.
Many manufacturers now fit a reverse gear to the rotors which helps to manoeuvre the tiller in tight spaces. Unfortunately, the Racing 139PTIL63-C petrol tiller does not have this feature. Fortunately, at just under 33 kg the tiller is not too heavy, you can see more tillers that come with a reverse gear here.
More Features
The handlebars can be adjusted for operator comfort. The machine comes with a transport wheel and depth skid. For ease of operation, the transport wheel is used to move the machine from plot to plot. The weight of the machine is 32.7 kg.
To Conclude
I am always looking for ways in the garden to make life simple. A tiller, garden cultivator or rotavator is a machine that does exactly this. They are great for spring seedbeds and great for digging and mixing compost in the soil.
The Racing petrol tiller has some very good reviews, so customers are obviously happy with their purchase. The two-year warranty is also great for peace of mind and means the manufacturers believe in their machine.
The only downside is that the tiller does not have a reverse gear which helps to make manoeuvring easier. As I mentioned earlier, under 33 kg is not too heavy to drag around. However, we do have more tillers with reverse gears here.
Today we are looking at the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier which is currently on special offer. The price of the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier is currently £469.95 including VAT. The current price offers a saving of £80.
A few weeks ago, we looked at the slightly cheaper Fieder FST212 petrol lawn scarifier. Today we are looking at more of a pro-type version of a similar machine.
The Fieder petrol scarifier is one of the most powerful homeowner scarifiers on the market today. A scarifier is a great way to remove moss and thatch build-up which enables your lawn to breathe again.
With a high-powered four-stroke overhead-valve engine, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier has plenty of power. And with a two-year warranty and good reviews, the Fieder scarifier is definitely worth a look.
One of the most powerful homeowner scarifiers on the market today.
A scarifier helps to create a perfect lawn.
Powerful four-stroke petrol engine.
Ball-bearing mounted wheels for long life.
Adjustable working depth.
Collector included.
Generous 40 cm working width.
Fold-down handles for storage and transport.
Excellent reviews.
Two-year warranty.
Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier
A scarifier is a great tool to own if you want your lawn to look good all year round. Unfortunately, many of us fail to ever scarify our lawns. What always amazes me is the amount of material that comes out of a lawn after it has been scarified.
I must admit that in my experience lawns vary a lot. Some of them are more prone to moss and thatch than other lawns. However, in my view, the process is well worth the effort if you want to have a good lawn. Owning a scarifier means that you can choose the best conditions to scarify your lawn.
Petrol Engine
The Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier certainly has plenty of power. The 212cc four-stroke air-cooled overhead valve engine develops 5 hp. This sort of power is normally found on commercial type scarifiers. The engine has a traditional recoil start system.
Height Adjustment
With an eight-stage adjustable working depth, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier has plenty of flexibility. Every lawn varies slightly, so it is important to have plenty of adjustments to match the conditions of the lawn. Adjustments to the height are made by a handlebar-mounted lever.
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Collector
I am surprised that Fieder does not make the scarifier with a larger collector. The fabric collector is only 40 L which to my mind is not really large enough. It’s surprising how much moss and thatch comes out of the lawn when it is scarified. In many cases, it can be easier to rake up the moss and thatch, fortunately, moss and thatch are very lightweight. The other option is to collect with a large rotary mower on a high setting or lawn tractor. The latter is my preferred method, however, I appreciate that this is not possible for everyone.
Push Machine
At 34 kg, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier is reasonably lightweight to push. I must admit I would prefer a self-propelled model, however, in my experience it does seem that the majority of scarifiers are push models. The four wheels are all mounted on ball bearings which helps to make freewheeling easier.
To Conclude
If you like to see your lawn looking good, then owning a scarifier is a step in the right direction. Fieder is a French company that produces various budget machines for the garden. They continually appear to receive great reviews and offer a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
As I mentioned earlier in the post, there is a cheaper non-pro model available that is also worth a look. Once again, this machine also has good reviews.
If you are looking for a budget scarifier for your lawn, Fieder gives value for money. The two-year warranty is also another good plus point and of course the reviews.
Oleo-Mac MH175RK Front-Tine Tiller with Reverse Drive
Today we are going to look at the Oleo-Mac MH175RK front-tine tiller. The Oleo-Mac front tine tiller is currently available for £395 including VAT.
The Italian engineered tiller is a machine that will make life easier in the garden or allotment. The tiller comes with heavy-duty steel blades and a powerful Emak overhead valve engine.
The reverse gear is a very useful feature that helps to make manoeuvring the tiller considerably easier.
An Italian engineered tiller designed to make life easier in the garden.
Heavy-duty steel blades.
Powerful overhead valve petrol engine.
Reverse gear for ease of use.
Adjustable handles.
Transport wheel.
Adjustable tilling width.
Five-year warranty with terms and conditions.
Excellent reviews. If
Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller
As you know I am always looking for ways to make life easier in the garden. A garden tiller, which can also be referred to as a garden cultivator or rotavator can make light work of some of those heavier tasks in the garden.
There are different types of garden tillers, the Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller being the classic type that is more often used in the garden or allotment. These tillers are what we call rotor driven tillers, in other words, the rotors drive the machine forward and backwards.
The other type of tillers that are often referred to as rotavators has a set of driving wheels powered through a gearbox. The rotors are at the rear of the machine. These types of machines are more often used by landscape gardeners, horticulturalists, and contractors.
Four Stroke Petrol Engine
The petrol-driven Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller is powered by an Emak engine that develops 183cc. The overhead-valve engine technology helps to bring low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel consumption. The engine is started with a traditional recoil system.
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Rotors And Transmission
One of the good features that many manufacturers now offer on garden tillers is a reverse gear. Traditionally a garden tiller would just have one single forward speed, which was fine until you are stuck in a corner! The reverse gear enables the tiller to be turned easily and to get out of corners with minimal effort.
The Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller gives a maximum 80 cm digging width. The machine width can be reduced by removing rotors if space is limited or you are using the tiller for row crop work.
There are 16 tough steel blades attached to the rotors that help to penetrate the soil. The depth skid controls the digging depth, so by lifting the skid up, the machine will go deeper. Or if you are just making a shallow seabed, put the skid down and the tiller will break up the soil to a shallow depth.
The transmission is powered through a V belt, which helps to prevent overload. A front transport wheel helps to easily facilitate movement from plot to plot.
Adjustable Handlebars
The handlebars are fully adjustable which is useful for operator comfort. Another feature is the fact that the handlebars can be offset so there is no need to walk on freshly tilled soil.
To Conclude
The Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller is a great tool to make life easier in the garden. With 21 reviews that average 4.9 out of five stars means that owners are satisfied with their tiller.
The five-year warranty is also definitely worth taking a look at. I always value warranty as it gives me confidence in purchasing. Just check out the terms and conditions as you will probably have to have your tiller serviced at a dealer annually. However, to my mind, that length of warranty gives me peace of mind.
This month (April 2022) Stiga is introducing a range of battery joystick mowers called the Stiga Gyro. I must admit it’s taken me a long time to come around to battery power. However, I believe that electronic technology is easier to implement them mechanical technology!
The Stiga Gyro is controlled by one single joystick which leaves the operator’s other hand free. This is something totally new and different to the mowing industry.
Zero-Turn Performance
The Stiga Gyro users zero-turn technology using electric motors rather than hydrostatic motors. I have always liked the principle of a zero-turn mower, I have owned several machines of this type. Zero-turn mowers are great for manoeuvrability as they can literally turn around on a sixpence! They are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market, the Stiga Gyro has exactly the same working principle, apart from its battery technology!
Traditional zero turn mowers are controlled by two levers. The two rear wheels are powered by a hydrostatic motor which in turn is connected to an oil pump. The levers enable the rear wheels of the mower to be controlled individually. So in turn, with the front caster wheels, the machine can spin round and literally go anywhere!
With electronic technology, the Stiga Gyro does away with all the levers and just has a simple joystick control. I believe that with electronic technology so much can be achieved to create smooth mowing.
Various Models
There are going to be several models arriving in April 2022, starting with the Gyro 500E. The Gyro 500E is the smallest machine with a 98 cm cutting deck.
The cutting height is adjustable from 25 to 105 mm. It’s always good when a manufacturer offers a wide cutting range. If your lawn becomes out of hand it can quickly be brought around into shape using a high cut.
The height adjuster has a lever adjustment and offers eight different height positions.
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Mulching Capabilities
The Stiga Gyro can mulch or side discharge the grass clippings. I would always prefer to use the mulching feature; however, the side-discharge can be useful if your grass has become too long for mulching efficiently. To have an effective mulch you need to cut your lawn regularly.
Mulching is becoming more and more popular as people see the benefits that it brings. With mulching, there are no grass clippings to collect, which in turn saves a considerable amount of time. The other benefit is that the grass clippings act as a green manure fertiliser. This in turn helps to keep your lawn looking healthy and green even in dry weather.
To Conclude
I have always liked Stiga products, especially their out front articulated mowers, which also offer great manoeuvrability and mulching capabilities. These out front mowers are proving very popular with homeowners and contractors due to their manoeuvrability and reliability.
The Stiga Gyro is due out this month in April 2022, I will give you more information once the mowers are on the market and available.
As with many Stiga mowers, they come with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
Today we are looking at the Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower. The mower is currently on special offer at £4999 including VAT, which offers a £1000 saving.
The Stiga MPV 520W is slightly different to the traditional ride-on mower, having an out-front deck and rear-wheel steer. The out-front deck and rear steer offers great manoeuvrability and excellent visibility.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower is designed for substantial domestic lawns. It is a large 280 L collector that can be discharged from the operator seat.
The mower is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-twin cylinder engine.
A very efficient out front deck mower with great visibility.
Designed for large domestic lawns.
Powered by a V twin Briggs & Stratton engine.
Large 280 L grass collector.
Instant hydrostatic forward and reverse and variable speed via a foot pedal.
Rear-wheel steer for maximum manoeuvrability.
Steering ball enables you to drive with one hand.
Five-year warranty.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower
I have always liked the idea of a ride on mower with an out-front cutting deck. This is far better for mowing up to objects and around obstacles. The operator has a great view of the front deck due to the seating position. This enables the operator to cut close to edges and obstacles, which in turn minimises strimming and spending time on the finishing touches.
The rear-wheel steer helps to make the mower even more manoeuvrable.
Traditional ride on mowers generally has the cutting deck underslung between the front and rear wheels. It’s probably the cheapest way to create a ride-on mower, but it’s not the most practical for the operator. I have always preferred mowers with an out-front deck.
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Cutting Deck
The out-front cutting deck has a 112 cm (approximately 3’6”) which is capable of cutting lawns up to 15,000 m². An out-front mower will always outperform a traditional mower with an underslung deck. This is mainly due to the manoeuvrability and having the ability to cut right up to obstacles, like flower beds and trees.
The cutting height is adjustable from 20 to 70 mm. It’s always good to have the option of various cutting heights. You never know with the British weather; a lawn can soon get out of hand. Using the high cut, you can quickly bring the lawn into shape again.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Hydrostatic transmission enables instant forward and reverse and at variable speeds. This is much easier than the traditional gearbox as the machine can be varied accordingly to the conditions.
A hydrostatic transmission is basically a hydraulic motor powered by an oil pump, which in turn gives variable speeds in forward and reverse. There is no clutch required, so it really does speed up the mowing process. Once you have used a hydrostatic mower, you will never go back to a gearbox type mower.
V-Twin Engine
The powerful V-twin Briggs & Stratton 4-stroke 627cc engine develops 21 hp. The overhead-valve engine gives excellent fuel consumption. The cast-iron engine cylinder sleeves and forged crankshaft help to give the engine long life and durability. The engine comes with electric key start.
Large Collector
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower comes with a large rear grass collector which can be operated from the operator’s seat. The collector has a large 280 L capacity.
To Conclude
Having used grass machinery all my life, I have always preferred machines with out front cutting decks. The efficiency and ease of use are so much better and easier.
The Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower offers great manoeuvrability with the out-front deck and rear-wheel steer. I am surprised that the mower doesn’t come with an option to mulch as mulching is a useful feature.
If you have a large lawn the Stiga MPV 520W multi-purpose mower is definitely worth a look. I appreciate that it’s not cheap, however, if you look after the machine give many good years of service. The mower comes with a five-year warranty so Stiga obviously believes in their product. To me, a five-year warranty gives peace of mind and confidence to purchase.
