In this category, we cover everything about lawnmowers, which includes, walk behind mowers, petrol mowers, electric lawnmowers, zero turn mowers, ride on mowers and more!
Weibang Virtue 53 Pro Self-Propelled 4 Wheel Lawn Mower
Today my blog post title is John Deere JX90 or Weibang Virtue 53 Pro self-propelled 4-wheel lawnmower. I receive a terrific amount of web searches for the John Deere JX90 self-propelled wheeled mower. However, it appears that these walk-behind mowers are no longer being made by John Deere or under the John Deere badge. You can find out more here from an article that I recently read. John Deere is still very much in the turf care industry, but I’m not producing these smaller behind mowers any more.
Over the past seven years, I have been using Weibang mowers and so far, I have been very impressed with them. Most of the time, I have been using the Weibang Legacy 56 pro, which has proven to be an excellent machine. They actually now have the same machine available with a blade clutch which is a useful option for many users.
The Weibang Virtue 53 pro is a self-propelled four-wheel lawnmower is available for £1269, including VAT.
Weibang Mower
Prior to using the Weibang Legacy 56 pro, I had used Hayter Harrier 56 rear roller rotary mowers for many years. Sadly it appears that the Hayter Harrier range has not moved with the times and is not particularly effective. The biggest problem being with the Hayter Harriers was their ability to cut wet grass and collect at the same time. And a very poor drive system that could barely pull the machine along. The Weibang legacy Pro 56 is definitely far superior!
I would certainly recommend the Weibang Virtue pro three-speed lawnmower. One of the main things is that I consider is that these machines are well built and they come with a five-year domestic warranty and three-year commercial warranty. To me this is assurance that the company believes in their machines. One particular Weibang mower that I have been using has been regularly used for seven years with no problems.
Features
A well-built and strong commercial mower.
Five-year warranty for domestic use and a three-year warranty for commercial use.
53 cm (21 inch) cutting width.
Heavy duty pro three-speed gearbox.
Mow and collect or mulch.
70 L grass collection box.
Aluminium airflow mowing deck.
Antivibration system.
Kawasaki 4-stroke engine.
Aluminium Deck
The Weibang Virtue 53 pro features an aluminium mowing deck which is designed for maximum airflow for optimum grass collection and performance in various conditions. The cutting deck has anti-corrosion properties which ensure a long working life.
Pro Three Speed Gearbox
The Virtue 53 pro mower features a heavy-duty three-speed gearbox which is designed for long life. I have seen these gearboxes and they really do look like a well-engineered gearbox. Many similar machines of mower have a very cheap type of gearbox which is not always impressive. From what I have seen and from what I understand, these gearboxes are very well-engineered and designed for many years of trouble-free use.
Kawasaki Engine
The Weibang is powered by a quality Kawasaki FJ180V engine. The 179 cc single-cylinder engine develops 3.4 kW, which is just over 5 hp. It’s a straightforward recoil start engine. The fuel tank capacity is 1.7 L and the dry weight of the engine only is 17 kg.
I have owned several machines that have been powered by Kawasaki engines. These machines included ride-on lawnmowers and large walk behind machines. I have never had a problem so far with a Kawasaki engine. They are easy to start and appear to be very fuel efficient.
Antivibration System
The Weibang Virtue Pro is a quality machine that is fitted with a heavy-duty antivibration system. This helps to keep the vibration from the engine and the mower to a minimum to maximise operator comfort. Many cheaper machines will not have this feature.
Robust Build Quality
For a long life, it’s important to have a mower that has a robust build quality. The Weibang Virtue is fitted with a heavy-duty front bumper, aluminium side deck skirts, and steel in the deck liner. And heavy-duty aluminium wheels that provide excellent traction.
The weight of the machine is 56 kg.
Five Year Warranty
As I mentioned earlier in this post, many Weibang machines have a five-year warranty for domestic use and a three-year warranty for commercial use. To me, warranty is worth a lot as it guarantees that there are no hidden bills for at least five years. Just remember that you do have to have your mower serviced at a dealer annually to keep the warranty running.
To Conclude
As I have said many times before, I believe it works a lot cheaper to buy a quality product that will give you plenty of trouble-free mowing. There are cheaper products available; however, in general, you get what you pay for!
As I mentioned earlier, I have been using Weibang mowers for seven years and I have been very happy with the results.
One of our most popular searches is for the John Deere X165 ride on lawnmower, you can find out you more about it here. Maintaining a pristine lawn can be a joy, but it requires the right tools to make the job efficient and hassle-free. When it comes to ride-on lawnmowers, the John Deere X165 stands out as a reliable and high-performance machine. With its blend of power, precision, and durability, this lawnmower is designed to tackle large lawns with ease. In this blog post, we’ll explore the features and benefits of the John Deere X165, and why it’s a top choice for homeowners and professional landscapers alike.
The John Deere X165 is equipped with a powerful 22-horsepower V-twin engine, providing ample power to tackle tough grass and challenging terrains. This ride-on lawnmower offers excellent traction and maneuverability, making it suitable for large, uneven landscapes. With its hydrostatic transmission, the X165 allows for seamless speed and direction control, ensuring a smooth and effortless mowing experience.
John Deere X165 Ride-On Lawnmower
Superior Cutting Capabilities
One of the standout features of the John Deere X165 is its cutting system. It comes with a 48-inch Accel Deep mower deck, specifically designed to provide exceptional cut quality. The deep deck design ensures efficient grass flow and even dispersal of clippings, leaving behind a beautifully manicured lawn. Additionally, the mower deck can be easily adjusted to various cutting heights, allowing you to customize the length of your grass to perfection.
Comfort and Convenience
Mowing a large lawn can be time-consuming, but the John Deere X165 is designed with user comfort and convenience in mind. The lawnmower features a comfortable high-back seat, providing excellent support during long hours of operation. The ergonomic placement of controls and pedals ensures effortless operation, reducing operator fatigue. The X165 also comes with convenient features like cup holders and storage compartments, allowing you to keep essentials within reach while you work.
Durability and Longevity
When investing in a ride-on lawnmower, durability is a key consideration. John Deere is renowned for its robust construction and reliable performance, and the X165 is no exception. Built with a sturdy frame and quality components, this lawnmower is designed to withstand regular use and harsh mowing conditions. The John Deere X165 can serve you for years with proper maintenance, making it a valuable long-term investment.
Versatility and Attachments
The versatility of the John Deere X165 goes beyond mowing. This lawnmower can be equipped with a range of optional attachments, expanding its functionality and allowing you to tackle various landscaping tasks. Whether you need to bag grass clippings, spread fertilizer, or clear debris, the X165 can be customized to suit your needs, making it a versatile tool for maintaining your outdoor space.
To Conclude
The John Deere X165 ride-on lawnmower combines power, precision, and durability to deliver outstanding performance on large lawns. With its robust cutting system, user-friendly design, and versatility, this lawnmower stands as a reliable and efficient choice for homeowners and professionals alike. Invest in the John Deere X165, and experience the joy of effortless lawn maintenance and a beautifully manicured yard.
..Recently I created a video entitled what type of Lawnmower 2023. My aim is to explain the various types of popular lawnmowers that are available. There are certainly quite a few different types. It’s important to have the right type of mower for the type and size of the lawn that you are cutting. I have seen far too many people struggle in the garden just due to the fact of using the wrong tools or machines. You can see all the different types of mowers in the video. I will put the various categories and types of mowers below the embedded video.
Cordless or battery lawnmowers are a great idea. Due to the fact that you have low maintenance and no trailing electric cable. However, care needs to be taken as often domestic battery mower’s do not have very long lasting batteries. There are some manufacturers that have a range of attachments for the battery tools, so the same battery fits all the tools. It’s always better to have a machine that is overpowered rather than underpowered. The commercial battery lawnmowers have come along way over the last couple of years. However, these machines are not cheap. So take care to make sure you have enough batteries or battery power to be able to cut your lawn in one go. There’s nothing worse than having to stop halfway through a job due to the fact of running out of fuel. In this case, battery power!
Hover mowers used to be very popular in the 70s and 80s, though they are not quite so popular now. Hover mowers are designed to work on a cushion of air. However, that’s not always quite the case, I have often found it easier to pull the mower rather than push it. In this way, the mower tends to float on a cushion of air. Hover mowers are great for doing banks and around trees and obstacles. Some hover mowers mulch and others have a collection box. Traditionally, a hover mower would mulch. There are electric hover mowers and petrol hover mowers, personally, I prefer the petrol models as there are no trailing leads or cables to deal with.
Bosch Rotak 34 R Electric Rotary Lawn mower
Electric Lawnmowers
Electric lawnmowers come in all different types, the majority of electric mowers are rotary mowers with a collection box. However, there are a few lightweight cylinder models available and hover-type mowers that mulch or collect the clippings. I’m not a great fan of electric mowers. However, they do potentially do the job and offer value for money. In general, electric mowers are designed for the smaller garden and will normally average around 12 to 14 inch cut. The plus points are that electric mowers offer value for money and are cheap to run. The downside is that you have a trailing cable and you need a nearby power source.
ATCO Quattro 19SH 4 in 1 Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
Four Wheeled Rotary Mowers
Four wheeled rotary mowers are powered by 4-stroke petrol engines. Most of these machines have a collection system or a mulching system and some of them both. They are available in push models and self-propelled models. I would definitely pay the extra money and go for the self-propelled models. We have a wide-ranging of these mowers on our website.
Petrol rear roller mowers are great for that perfect striped finish that really helps to finish off a lawn. They are not ideal for really long grass. However, they will cut grass that has been left for a few weeks. However, they are really designed for once-a-week or fortnight cutting. Rear roller mowers are powered by the rear roller by a four-stroke petrol engine. They come in various sizes, from around 15 inches to 22 inches. Most of the roller mowers are powered through the rear roller, although there are a few of the smaller models that you need to push. I would personally go for a mower that drives; it’s so much easier and much better for the operator. I appreciate that there is an extra cost, but I do believe that it is definitely worth the extra cost.
AL-KO R7-63.8 A Compact Ride On Lawn mower
Ride On Mowers
Ride on mowers are designed for the larger garden, although they offer a bit more manoeuvrability than lawn tractors due to a slightly smaller size. It’s important that you find the right ride-on lawnmower for your garden. If you have too many obstacles in your garden, sometimes you are better off with a decent walk-behind machine. In some cases, you can spend half the time manoeuvring your machine around obstacles. The majority of ride-on mowers collect the grass clippings, however, there are some models that are available for mulching.
ATCO GT43HR Side Discharge Lawn Tractor
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are for larger gardens and, in general, don’t offer quite so much manoeuvrability as the smaller ride-on mowers. I must admit over the years that, lawn tractors have improved and become more manoeuvrable. Lawn tractors generally have collectors or sweepers to collect the grass. Some models have a mulching option which is always useful as mulching helps to keep your grass greener in the summer. There are also some models that are purely mulching machines. Take care before you purchase to make sure you purchase the best machine that you can afford.
Stiga Multiclip 47 S Self Propelled Mulching Lawn mower
Mulching Mowers
Mulching mowers are great as there are no grass clippings to collect, which can be a huge timesaver. Some manufacturers offer dual functionality, so you have the option to collect or mulch the grass, this is quite a useful feature. Mulching mowers are available in walk behind versions, ride-on mowers and out-front mowers.
Cobra M40B 40cm Cut Push Petrol Lawn mower
Push Mowers
Push mowers are available as rotary mowers, electric mowers and cylinder mowers, the most popular being the electric models and the four-wheel petrol models. For most people, I would always recommend purchasing a mower that is self-propelled. However, in general, push mowers are designed for small gardens.
Cobra M40SPB 40cm Cut Self Propelled Petrol Lawn mower
Self-Propelled Lawnmowers
Self-propelled lawnmowers are normally petrol four-wheeled mowers, or at least they are categorised in this way on our website. Unless you have a very small garden, it is definitely worth paying extra money to have a mower that is self-propelled, it makes life a lot easier. It also doesn’t add a huge amount of money to the cost of the machine, especially if you are purchasing a budget mower.
Masport Olympic 500 Cylinder Mower
Petrol Cylinder Mowers
Petrol cylinder mowers are fantastic if you want that Bowling Green look on your lawn. However, for most people, a rear roller rotary mower is more practical than a cylinder mower. I don’t want to deliberately put you off a cylinder mower. As they really do give a fantastic finish, especially when they are set up correctly. If your lawn is flat and smooth and you really want a Bowling Green finish, then it’s definitely worth looking at a cylinder mower. With a cylinder mower, you need to cut your lawn regularly as a cylinder mower will not be able to cope with longer grass. The maintenance is also much higher on racial the mower. They have a very precision cutting action, so is important that the blades do not come out of alignment by hitting obstacles etc.
Bertolini BT401S Scythe Mower (Honda Engine)
Scythe Or Sickle Bar Mowers
Scythe or sickle bar mowers are great for cutting long grass or tough grass and scrub areas; you can even use a sickle bar mower to make hay. The sickle bar mower will not chop your grass like a rotary mower, so in most cases, you will have to clear up after using the mower. However, they can cut through brambles and small saplings, which is great if you are clearing an area.
Robotic mowers have been available for several years now, if you don’t like cutting grass or you’re very busy, they are definitely a good option to look at. Technology is improving all the time. The majority of robotic mowers have a perimeter wire which runs all around the garden and around flower beds and any other obstacles. If you have lots of obstacles, it may not be practical to use a robotic lawn mower.
It’s important to take time to carry out the setup process as this can be a real-time saver if it’s carried out correctly. In other words, if the installation is carried out properly, you will have minimal strimming and missed bits of grass to deal with! Most robotic mowers have their own base station and can be set up to come out at various times of the day. Due to their mulching feature, it pays to use the mower regularly to keep your lawn in tip-top condition. I have seen many robotic mowers used successfully in domestic and commercial gardens.
The only feature that robotic mowers do not offer at the moment is stripes. However, I am told that this may be something that will be available very soon.
Snapper ZTX105 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower
Zero Turn Mowers
Zero turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market. They can literally turn on a sixpence or at least within their own length. A zero-turn mower has two hydrostatic motors on the rear wheels and two caster wheels at the front. Each rear wheel can be individually controlled by a lever which gives you variable speeds in forward and reverse and also enables the machine to dodge round obstacles exceptionally easily. There are now some models that actually have a steering wheel rather than two levers. I haven’t used a zero-turn with a steering wheel. However, I am told that they work well. These machines are available in petrol, diesel and there are now some commercial battery models available.
Stiga Park 300 Front Cut Ride-On Mower
Out Front Mowers
Out front mowers are not quite as manoeuvrable as a zero turn mower. However, they are still very manoeuvrable when it comes to going around trees and various obstacles. The majority of out-front mowers have an articulated body, which enables the whole machine to turn easily. The majority of the out front mowers are mulching machines which I have been very impressed with. They certainly seem to be very popular at the moment and of course, with no grass to collect, they are very quick and efficient to use. These mowers are available in petrol and diesel; I’m not sure if there are any electric models available as yet.
To Conclude
As you can see, there are huge amounts of mowers available. It really is important to purchase the right machine for the job and make sure that the machine does what you want it to. There are many people with larger gardens who will have two or three different mowers. But the majority of people, we just use one lawnmower. My personal favourites for lawns are the rear roller rotary mowers, these mowers leave a good finish and are probably the most practical machines for the majority of lawns. If you have a large lawn or paddocks and orchards, then the zero-turn mowers and the out front mowers are brilliant, especially if you have a mulching deck.
As I always say to people, by the best machine that you can as it works out cheaper in the long run. I appreciate that we all have a budget to stick to. However, in my experience, it pays to buy a good machine will give you many years of service.
Flymo Glider Compact 330 AX Electric Hover Collect Lawnmower
Today we are going to look at budget electric hover mowers. Karl Dahlman first invented hover mowers in 1964. They were very popular in the 80s; people liked the principle and the ability to be able to cut banks with a hover mower. Flymo is the original brand of hover mowers, which is part of the Husqvarna group of companies.
The hover mower has a traditional single blade underneath the cutting deck. However, attached to the blade is a fan which blows air downwards, making the mower float on a cushion of air. The mower’s housing has a skirt-like cutting deck, which is similar to a hovercraft principle. Flymo’s claim is that they are easier to manoeuvre than a traditional wheeled rotary mower. And, of course, they have the added advantage of being able to cut banks fairly easily.
Although I’m not a fan of electric mowers, the Flymo range of hover mowers does offer value for money, minimum maintenance and ease of use. Petrol versions of hover mowers are available if you have large areas or you don’t want the bother of a trailing electric cable.
The Flymo 300 hover mower is designed for small to medium-sized gardens. It has a 30 cm width of cut and the ability to collect the grass clippings. If you cut your lawn regularly with the Flymo, it is not essential to use the collector as grass clippings are almost mulched.
The Flymo 300 hover mower is powered by a 1700 Watt motor, which equates to approximately 2.5 hp. The Flymo 300 is equipped with dual lever handles which makes easier when cutting around overhanging shops etc.
Flymo has made the hover mower extremely compact. The 20 L grass collector fits neatly onto the top of the mower. For storage, the Flymo can be mounted on a wall or folded down to take up minimum space.
Specifications
• Power: 1700 W
• Mower Type: Hover
• Cutting Width: 30cm
• Blade Type: Metal
• Cable Length: 10m
• Cable StorageYes
• Cutting Heights: 1-3 cm
• No. of Cutting Heights: 4
• Foldable Handles: Yes
• Grass Box Capacity: 20 litres
• Handle Control Switch Lever: Dual
• Height Adjustment: Spacers
• Made in the UK: Yes
• Product Weight: 8.3kg
• Sound pressure level at operators ear: 92 dB(A)
• Sound power level, guaranteed (LWA): 96 dB(A
Features And Benefits
• Floats on a cushion of air, making it highly manoeuvrable
• High-performance motor capable of cutting through thick, dense grass
• Durable metal blade
• Dual lever handles allow you to operate with either hand comfortably
• Flat folding handles allow the mower to hang up on the wall
• Equipped with cable storage hooks to quickly wind and unwind the cable
• Top-loading grass box, which makes it quick and easy to remove and empty
Flymo Glider Compact 330 AX Electric Hover Collect Lawnmower
Here we have a slightly larger Flymo with a 33 cm cutting width. The easy glide Flymo 330 floats on a cushion of air make it very easy to push and manoeuvre around obstacles. The Flymo 330 comes with a 20 L collection box which is mounted on top of the machine.
Powered by a 1700 Watt electric motor, which is equivalent to around 2 ½ hp. The Flymo should have plenty of power to cope with normal lawn conditions.
One of the questions that people often ask me is how can I have nice stripes on my lawn? It’s very easy to create stripes on your lawn; all you need is a mower with a rear roller. I normally recommend a roller rotary lawn mower rather than a cylinder mower. For most people, a roller rotary mower is more suitable and more universal.
The lawn that you can see in the photograph was cut with a Hayter Harrier 22 inch lawnmower. It leaves a good finish, however, I wouldn’t particularly recommend a Hayter Harrier lawnmower. I used to use Hayter Harriers all the time for lawn cutting. Unfortunately, they haven’t really kept up with the times and there are much better models available.
You can see a couple more lawns here that are striped up with a roller rotary mower. In the last two photographs, I used a Weibang Legacy 56 Pro 3 speed Self-Propelled Rear Roller Lawn mower. In my opinion, they are a much better rotary mower than the Hayter Harrier. I have been fairly faithful Hayter Harrier brand for many years, however, I just don’t find that they are up to the job now and there are much better alternatives.
Many British people really appreciate a traditional striped lawn. I have to say that I really think a striped lawn really enhances a garden. The garden can almost be quite untidy and yet if you have a nicely cut striped lawn, you don’t actually see the untidy bits of the garden!
We Have A Range Of Roller Mowers
You can use two types of lawnmowers to create a striped lawn. However, I do really recommend a roller rotary mower for most people’s needs. The other type of mower is the cylinder type of mower which do give a brilliant finish. However, they generally need a little bit more maintenance and they cannot cope so well if the grass has become a bit long. Cylinder mowers are often used on bowling greens and cricket pitches and golf courses. If they are set up right, they can give an absolutely brilliant finish. However, once again, I would say for 95% of people, are better off with a roller rotary lawnmower.
All the lawns in the photographs that I showed on the screen were mowed with a roller rotary mower. You can see the finish isn’t bad as none of the lawns are bowling green-type lawns.
Various Models Various Prices
There are various models of roller rotary bars on the market. I would recommend customers purchase the best quality machine they can afford. I always believe that it’s cheaper to buy a more expensive machine in the long run than it is to buy a cheap machine. However, I appreciate that we all have to work to a certain budget and that is not always possible to buy the best machine.
You see that we do have the Hayter Harrier 56 lawnmower on the website, however, unfortunately, I would not recommend purchasing one now. A few years ago, I would have definitely suggested purchasing one, but they have really not moved forward with the times; they have actually gone backwards! You can see the mower that I now use, it’s a Weibang Legacy 56 Pro 3 speed Self-Propelled Rear Roller Lawn mower. It is a larger rotary mower and a professional machine, it may be too large for your needs. However, it’s a well-engineered machine that could potentially give you many years of good service. They also come with a five-year domestic warranty and a three-year professional warranty. So, they obviously believe in their products.
We do have a range of roller rotary mowers at all different sorts of prices. Hyundai do several budget lawnmowers, I would not recommend them for contracting, but they do give a three-year warranty for domestic use. It comes down to the same old story, in most cases, you get what you pay for.
To conclude
If you want a mower that stripes, you either need a roller rotary or a cylinder mower. However, once again, I would recommend the roller rotary mower is great for most people. If you have any questions, I’m here to help; you can leave a comment in the YouTube comments area. I do try and respond to comments.
Today we are looking at the John Deere battery zero turn mower, known as the Z370R Electric ZTrak. Over the last 20 years or so, zero-turn mowers have become very popular due to their excellent manoeuvrability. I have owned several zero-turn mowers; you will not find a mower that is more manoeuvrable than a zero-turn machine.
I’m amazed at how quickly manufacturers have adapted to producing battery lawnmowers. The technology really is coming along quickly. I wouldn’t say that I’m a fan of battery power, however, the fact that the machinery is much quieter, can’t be a bad thing! I also believe it’s easier to transmit power by electricity rather than through gearboxes, hydrostatic drives and belts etc.
The Z370R electric ZTrak™ mower comes with a 42-inch deck is designed for the domestic market. I’m sure that zero-turn models will also be manufactured for the commercial market in the near future.
The John Deere battery zero turn mower is aimed at property owners who want to maintain their lawn easily with minimal maintenance. The battery mower it’s very simple to use, and has minimal maintenance and increased operator comfort due to low noise and minimal vibration.
A Wide-Ranging Of Mower Options
John Deere has a huge range of various types of mowers, from zero-turn mowers to walk-behind machines. It appears that customers are demanding more from their equipment, so John Deere wants to deliver what the customers want.
There is no need to remove the batteries when it comes to charging the John Deere battery zero turn mower. The batteries are charged by using an outdoor extension cable and a 110 V grounded outlet. This makes charging very easy as there is no need for an external charger.
The batteries enable the operator to mow up to 2 acres of grass. The sealed 3.2 kWH lithium-ion battery offers protection from the outdoor elements and allows the unit to run under damp conditions. The mower can be stored outside and washed down with confidence. The sealed battery keeps the battery protected from dust and debris.
The John Deere battery zero-turn mower battery carries a five-year/200-hour battery warranty for peace of mind. Apparently, if you want a 10-year warranty, that is available from John Deere dealers. Personally, I like to see a long warranty for peace of mind; batteries can be expensive.
More Features
The Z370R Electric ZTrak features a large LCD screen which is used for monitoring battery levels. There are three different modes, which allow the operator to adjust the settings based on preference and grass conditions.
There is even an app to monitor the charging of the Z370R Electric ZTrak. The app works through a Bluetooth connection.
To Conclude
As I mentioned earlier in the post, I’m not particularly a fan of battery machines and equipment. However, the great thing is that technology is improving almost daily. And there are benefits, like minimal servicing, no oil, no filters and belts and, of course, quieter mowing. You can find more information on the Z370R Electric ZTrak here.
Specification
Battery
One 58 V lithium-ion, 3.2 kilowatt-hour, sealed and meets IP66 rating
Charger
On board, 700 Watts, 120 V input
Forward speed
0-7 mph
0-11.3 km/h
Front caster tires
11×6-5
Drive tires
18×8.5-8
Seat back height
High back with armrests, 20 in.
51 cm
Width of cut
Accel Deep™ mower deck, 42 in.
107 cm
Mulching system
Optional MulchControl™ attachment
Warranty
3 year or 200 hour bumper-to bumper; 5 year or 200 hour battery* (*Terms limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)
Key Specs
Battery
One 58 V lithium-ion, 3.2 kilowatt-hour, sealed and meets IP66 rating
Charger
On board, 700 Watts, 120 V input
Transmission
Dual electric motor with 1-in (2.5-cm) axles
Drive train
Forward speed
0-7 mph
0-11.3 km/h
Reverse speed
0-3.5 mph
0-5.6 km/h
Speed and direction control
Twin levers
Control adjustment
3 height, 11 positions
Travel speed
Frame
Heavy-duty 2.5-in. x 2-in. (6-cm x 5-cm) front, and 1.5-in. x 2-in. (4-cm x 5-cm) side tubing
Primer/paint
E-coat/powder
Front caster tires
11×6-5
Front caster bearings
Sealed ball bearings
Drive tires
18×8.5-8
Hour meter
Yes
Service interval decal
Yes
Storage compartment
Standard covered
Cup holder
Yes
Maximum towing capacity
250 lb
113 kg
Chassis
Seat back height
High back with armrests, 20 in.
51 cm
Fore-aft adjustment
2.9 in.
7 cm
Seat suspension
Two springs
Seat
Type
Foot lift
Mower cut height
1.25-4.5 in.
3-11 cm
Cut height increments
0.25 in.
0.64 cm
Preset cut height
Yes
Lift system
Mower Deck
Width of cut
Accel Deep™ mower deck, 42 in.
107 cm
Type
Side discharge
Mower deck material
12 gauge
0.105 in.
2.7 mm
Mower drive system
Electric motors
Mower deck
Wheelbase
49.4 in.
1255 mm
Overall length
75.4 in.
1915 mm
Width without mower
43.3 in.
1100 mm
Width with mower
50.4 in.
1280 mm
Width with mower (deflector raised for storage)
46.5 in.
1180 mm
Height
43.3 in.
1100 mm
Weight
490 lb
222 kg
Dimensions
Rollover protective structure (ROPS)
No
Slope operating limit
13 degrees; 10 degrees with Material Collection System
Operator presence system
Yes
Park brake interlock
Yes
Operator video
Yes, online
Operation
Note 1
Mow 2 acres on a charge with confidence, 3.2 kilowatt-hour battery has up to 40 percent more capacity than competitor’s batteries
Note 2
Smart charger is built into the mower, charge anywhere with a standard 120-volt outlet and grounded extension cord
Note 3
Sealed battery meets IP66 rating, allowing you to wash the mower with a water hose
Warranty
3 year or 200 hour bumper-to bumper; 5 year or 200 hour battery* (*Terms limited to years or hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com or JohnDeere.ca/TUWarranty for details.)
I came across this premium air-conditioned cab for a Ferris ISX3300 zero-turn mower! I must admit I didn’t know that such a thing was available and it’s something that I have never seen before! The cab looks almost larger than the actual mower. I guess it’s a good idea, although it could be a bit restrictive when cutting under trees and overhanging branches etc.! It’s great for those hot days to keep out the way of dust and flies etc. It is also great for those colder damp days.
Having owned several Ferris zero-turn mowers, I very much appreciate the build quality and everything that is zero turn mower has to offer. I believe that zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market today. They also have a great capacity for cutting grass extremely efficiently. Zero-turn capabilities makes them ideal for manoeuvring around obstacles and trees etc.
Premium AC Cab For Ferris ISX3300 — Fits Ferris Model ISX3300 (Vanguard® BIG BLOCK™ EFI ETC with Oil Guard) with 60″ (5902064), 61″ (5901881), or 72″ (5901872) Side Discharge Mower Decks (2020+)https://t.co/zQrhAZNnoapic.twitter.com/5l745rRznx
The cab weight is just 252 lbs, I actually thought it may weigh a bit more than that! I think the photograph makes the cab look bigger than it really is. The cab width is 80 x 50”. Apparently, it takes 4 to 6 hours to install the cab. The windshield and the door windows are made from polycarbonate.
You can see the features below of the premium air-conditioned cab for a Ferris ISX3300 zero-turn mower. It also comes with some optional features, which include a wiper kit, console kit, light kit and side view mirrors. I would think that you need side-view mirrors if you have a cab.
I came across a handy jack stand for large rotary mowers on LinkedIn. It’s available from Ferris mowers in the UK and the US. I think we have all had the issue of trying to jack up a large zero-turn rotary deck securely. I used to balance my walk behind dual drive zero turn on a couple of oil drums! They are not the most secure objects, but it enabled me to clean the deck and remove the blades for sharpening etc.. This was fine for my Ferris 48-inch dual drive but not possible with the Ferris IS 5000 that I owned. The Ferris Jack Kit looks like a much better and safer option.
Although it’s made for Ferris mowers, I guess that it can be used for other similar types of rotary mowers. It certainly seems like a straightforward way and safe way to get to your mower deck.
Ferris Jack Kit
Ferris Jack Kit
The cost of the handy jack stand for large rotary mowers is around £145, and it comes with a one-year warranty.
If you’re looking for a smaller jack for domestic ride-on mowers, then the Rocwood ride-on mower lift may be an option. It’s very compact and lightweight and has a lift capacity of 400 kg. If you want to make maintenance easier, then the lightweight jack is a great option. It gives easy access to the mower deck and general servicing duties. It can even be used to change a wheel.
The telescopic adjustment handle allows you to adjust the mower’s height very easily. The jack is manufactured from resistant steel, which can lift up to 400 kg. it’s ideal for cleaning the deck, blade replacement and for removing the blades for sharpening. The lightweight mower lift has a simple design, which is easy to use and easy to store when not in use.
The Cost
The cost of the mower lift jack is £66.99, which I believe gives value for money and helps to make those awkward jobs so much easier and safer. It has a rating of 4.4 out of five stars on Amazon.
In this video and blog post, I want to carry out a review of the Etesia Hydro 80 compact ride-on lawnmower. I used to own an Etesia Hydro 80, which I used for my contracting business. It’s a great machine, very compact and ideal for going where other ride on mowers won’t go.
Prior to owning the Etesia Hydro 80, I was using a very similar machine known as the Etesia Bahia. When I purchased the Etesia Bahia, the Hydro 80 was not available. However, the Hydro 80 is just a slightly heavier-duty compact ride-on mower than the Etesia Bahia.
If you’re using your mower for contracting, I would definitely recommend the Hydro 80 over the Etesia Bahia, as it has a slightly stronger build quality. We will go through everything and I will show some slides that will help to explain everything more clearly.
Watch A Video Review Of The Etesia Hydro 80 Below
The Cost
The price of the Hydro 80 is £5850 plus VAT, and the price of the Etesia Bahia is £5150 plus VAT. These are list prices, so I am sure that there is room for negotiation if you purchase from an Etesia dealer. I believe that the extra cost of the Hydro 80 is approximately £700 and well worth it.
There are various different models available. If you are contracting, I would go for the Kawasaki 16-hp twin-cylinder 4-stroke engine. This is the largest engine option; it’s always better to have more power than not enough!
The Reason For Purchasing The Etesia Hydro 80
The reason I purchased the Etesia Hydro 80 was that originally I was using two roller rotary mowers with a 22-inch cut. I didn’t particularly want a ride on mower, due to the manoeuvrability issue. However, I did need a machine that could cope with wet and damp grass. The problem I had was that the rotary mowers that I was using were hopeless at collecting wet and damp grass.
As many of you will know, when you are contracting, you can’t choose when to cut grass. Very often, I was cutting in less than ideal conditions. Sometimes it could be from the rain from the previous night or just a very heavy dew.
Etesia Mower
Highly Manoeuvrable
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t particularly want a ride-on mower, due to the manoeuvrability issues. However, the Etesia is about as manoeuvrable as you get for the size of the machine. Etesia’s are famous for their ability to collect wet grass.
The Etesia Hydro 80 has a 32-inch (80 cm) cutting deck with a grass chute that goes straight into the collector at the rear. The collector has a capacity of 240 L, which is very good considering the size of the mower. The Etesia could achieve a better work rate with one man in a day than two walk-behind machines using two men! So, the Hydro 80 was certainly a very good investment for me.
Paddock Mower
In this photograph, you can see the Hydro 80 cutting slightly rougher grass, more the type of grass that you would find in an orchard or paddock. Although the Hydro 80 will cope with this type of grass, I purchased my machine for lawn cutting. If you are regularly cutting more paddock and orchard-type areas, it’s probably worth looking at some of the other Etesia models which are available.
Anti-Scalp Rollers
The Hydro 80 has anti-scalp rollers fitted to the deck, which help to prevent scalping damage to the lawn. I also had some adjustable caster wheels, which were fitted to the side of my deck. It looks like Etesia has probably done away with the caster wheels. I’m guessing that the anti-scalp rollers do the job adequately.
Electric Clutch
The Hydro 80 is fitted with an electric blade clutch which is operated from the dashboard. The blade clutch has a blade brake fitted for safety purposes. I always engaged and disengaged my cutter deck on tick-over as this helps to prolong the life of the electric clutch. For example, if the clutch were on a car, you wouldn’t engage the clutch at full revs!
Optional Roller
Many people, including myself, like a traditional striped lawn finish. Many of the walk-behind roller rotaries leave a really good striped finish to your lawn. I had an optional roller fitted to my Hydro 80 mower, which was fitted underneath the rear of the mower. It was simply lowered by moving a lever behind the operator’s seat. For me, it was a great option as people appreciate that striped finish on their lawns.
Built-In Grass Collector
The Etesia Hydro 80 is fitted with a 240 L grass collector, which can be operated from the driver’s seat. I believe on my walk behind rotary mowers, they had a collector capacity of around 70 L. So the Etesia collector is roughly 3 ½ times larger.
One of the many things I like about the Hydro 80 is the fact that I can empty the grass collector from the operator’s seat. The collector is emptied by moving a lever on the right-hand side of the machine. This is fairly effortless as it has a small manual sprung ram to make emptying the collector easier. I believe that there are some models that are electrically emptied, there certainly are on the Etesia Bahia.
There are some manufacturers that have two or three bags for collectors that have to be manually emptied. To me, this defeats the object of having a ride-on mower, as once you are seated, you do not want to keep getting on and off the mower. I certainly wouldn’t recommend purchasing a ride-on mower with that type of collector. Thankfully, with the Etesia Hydro 80, everything can be carried out from the operator’s seat.
Etesia Hydro 80
Efficient Go Anywhere Mower
In this photograph with can see the compactness of the mower. It measures 1.98 m x 0.82 m wide, so it really is very compact. At this size, it makes the mower very easy to transport. I had a small trailer to transport my Hydro 80; it worked absolutely fine for me. Obviously, the Etesia can be transported in a van or truck.
The Hydro 80 has an excellent turning circle which makes it highly manoeuvrable; it’s almost as manoeuvrable as a walk-behind machine. The mower also leaves a great finish on any lawn.
The cutting deck overhangs the mower body fractionally; however, with a great seating position, which gives a good view which enables you to mow up to walls and obstacles.
Comfortable Seating Position
Despite the compactness of the Etesia ride-on, you can see in the photograph or video that the operator has plenty of legroom. I’m 6 feet tall, and I certainly never felt cramped up on the machine. There is a small amount of adjustment in the seat to maximise operator comfort.
Cutter Deck Hatch (Easy Access)
On the cutter deck, there is a large hinged door or hatch that gives easy access to the blade and the grass chute. The 32-inch blade is attached by one main bolt and then has two shear bolts to protect the blade. This is a great idea, so in theory, if you hit a foreign object, it shares the bolts rather than causing damage to the machine. The shear bolts can easily be replaced and access is gained through the hatch door.
Blade Lifters
There is one 32-inch blade on the Etesia Hydro 80. On each end of the blade, there are some large lifters that create a fan action within the deck. After a period of time, the lifters will wear. However, these are easily replaced by simply bolting a new set of lifters onto the blade.
It’s important to keep the lifters in good condition as it makes for efficient grass collection. The collection system relies on blade lifters to blow the grass into the collector. It’s also important to keep the collector clean; a power washer, airline or stiff brush can be used to keep the collector clear and keep the air flowing through efficiently.
Conveniently Laid Out Controls
All the controls on the Hydro 80 are within comfortable reach of the operator. On the left-hand side, we have the height adjustment lever; behind that is the handbrake. And then, to the rear of the mower is the fuel tank with the fuel gauge on top of the fuel cap.
On the right-hand side of the machine, there is the lever for emptying the collection box. The throttle is also placed on the right-hand side of the machine. On my machine, the cutter deck engagements which was also placed there. I believe that it may now be on the dashboard.
There’s also a built-in shock absorber to give the operator more comfort. The built-in headlights come as standard if you feel like cutting in the dark!
Cutting Deck Cleaner
On the top of the cutting deck, there is an attachment that allows a garden hose to be connected. Although a very simple feature, it’s great for keeping your mower deck clean along with the grass chute.
Simply attach a hose to the deck, turn on the tap, engaged the cutter deck, and after a few minutes, your cutting deck will be clean.
Inside The Hydro 80
Inside The Etesia Hydro 80
In the above photograph, you can see that the covers have been removed from the mower. This enables the user to be able to reach the necessary components for maintenance etc. Being a compact machine, there’s not a huge amount of space to work on the machine. However, I always managed to be able to replace belts etc. and carry out regular maintenance. Incidentally, the drive belts are spring tensioned, so there is no maintenance required. I didn’t need to replace the belts very often.
It’s very easy to get to the oil dipstick and oil filler cap, and the battery has easy access. The covers are very easily removed by a few various screw-type fittings.
Hydrostatic Drive (Automatic Transmission)
The Etesia Hydro 80 is powered by a hydrostatic drive system. One of the advantages of the Hydro 80 is the fact that it has a higher specification hydrostatic drive than the Etesia Bahia.
The majority of ride-on mowers today have a hydrostatic drive system. I would not recommend purchasing a mower with a traditional gearbox and clutch, as hydrostatic mowers are so much easier and more efficient to use.
The principle of a hydrostatic mower is very simple. There is an oil pump that powers a hydraulic motor on the rear wheels. The great thing is that it gives you instant forward and reverse at variable speeds; there is no need to use a clutch or change gears!
Driving the Hydro 80 is very easy; there are two large foot pedals; one pedal is for driving forward, the other for going in reverse. It really makes mowing easy! There is no need for a foot brake as the forward and reverse pedals also act as brakes.
One of the many advantages of a hydrostatic drive is the fact that you can just vary the speed so easily. Especially if you are cutting longer grass, you can adjust the speed of the machine depending on the thickness of the grass.
Strong Tubular Frame
The Etesia has a strong tubular framework, which is a common sight on Etesia ride-on mowers. There are obviously more structures beneath the mainframe to carry the engine and transmission etc.
Another one of the benefits of the Hydro 80 over the Etesia Bahia, is the fact that it has an upgraded front axle. On the Hydro 80, the front axle is more of a casting. Whereas the Bahia, it’s built from tubular steel.
I didn’t see any wear and tear on the front axle of my Hydro 80. However, I did see somewhere on the Etesia Bahia after a considerable amount of hours of work. Another plus point for purchasing the Hydro 80 is if you are using the mower for contracting.
Mulching
I purchased my Etesia Hydro 80 for lawns and collecting the grass, so I wasn’t really interested in mulching the clippings. However, my machine did come with a mulching plug, I did test it out, just for curiosity purposes. I wasn’t overly impressed, however, I knew that I would not be mulching the grass.
Things may have changed now, as mulching has come a long way over the last few years. I believe Etesia has a slightly different mulching system from the system that I tried.
Mowing Tall Grass With The Etesia Hydro 80
Cutting Long Grass
The Hydro 80 is a very capable machine, and it is capable of cutting longer grass. Personally, I think it’s much more at home cutting lawns; however, if the grass is dry, it will cut grass several inches high without too much difficulty. If you are looking to regularly cut long grass, then I would think more about purchasing a different machine. Etesia has a range of brush cutter machines for various grass-cutting tasks.
If you are cutting long grass and you do not want to collect the grass. The collector has a removable floor which allows the grass to be blown up the grass chute and then fall out behind the mower. The other option is to attach the deflector, which bypasses the grass chute.
Although I wouldn’t recommend the Hydro 80 for continually cutting long grass. It does leave quite a good finish, even in one pass and with long grass!
Various Accessories And Attachments
I didn’t purchase any attachments for my Etesia. However, there are some useful attachments available to get the most out of your mower. I will explain more below.
Snow Blade
An optional snow is available, it’s probably not something that I would use in this part of the UK. I am not quite sure how much pushing power the Etesia would have. In the photograph, it looks like it’s managing okay.
Scarifier
Once again, the scarifier is not a product that I have used. However, I am all for utilising the power of the Etesia! The scarifier looks like it could be a very useful accessory. It certainly looks much easier than hand raking. There are adjustments on the front wheels of the scarifier, so it can be adjusted according to the conditions of your lawn.
Scarifying lawns is something that is often neglected, so potentially a scarifier could be a great investment for the Hydro 80 or Etesia Bahia.
Spreader
The spreader looks like a very useful attachment, especially for various fertilisers for your lawn. It can also be used for grass seed or salt in the wintertime. This would require the optional towbar option.
Sweeper Attachment
Another useful attachment is the sweeper attachment; not quite sure where it gets power from. But it is certainly another way of utilising the Etesia.
Trailer Attachment
A trailer is always a great option for a ride-on mower, as there are so many uses for a trailer in the garden. The trailer has a 500 kg (half a ton) capacity, which is plenty for most gardens. Once again, you will need the towbar attachment to be able to utilise the trailer.
To Conclude
The Etesia Hydro 80 is a great compact ride-on mower to replace your existing roller rotary mowers. I would definitely recommend the roller accessory that I had fitted to give that perfect striped finish. If you are contracting or even if you have a large garden, for the extra £700 approximately. The Hydro 80 offers excellent value for money and strength over the Etesia Bahia. I don’t want to undermine the Bahia, as it is a great machine. However, I do feel that the Hydro 80 is definitely worth the extra cost.
I would also recommend purchasing the Kawasaki 16-hp twin four-stroke petrol engine. I have had Kawasaki engines on several machines and never had a problem with their engines.
It’s always better to have a machine that is overpowered rather than underpowered. The 16 hp Kawasaki engines certainly gave me power to spare.
Today we are going to take a quick look at the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4. The Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP4 is a very compact professional ride-on mower which I have owned and spent many hours on. I’m not a great fan of ride-on mowers due to the fact that some of them are not particularly manoeuvrable and you don’t get such a good finish as with the walk-behind lawnmower.
However, I have to say that the Etesia Hydro 80 is extremely manoeuvrable and exceptionally compact. It actually replaced to rear roller walk behind mowers that are used on a regular basis.
As I mentioned, the finish is not always as good with a ride-on mower. However, the Etesia Hydro 80 gives a very good finish. I added the rear roller, which is an extra feature that enables the lawn to have a striped finish.
You can see more about the Etesia Hydro 80 here, it’s a post that I wrote a couple of years ago.
Etesia Mower
Take A Look At The Video Below For More Information
Solid Framework
The Etesia Hydro 80 has a solid framework and yet is lightweight. One of the best advantages of the Etesia range of mowers is that they are designed to collect wet grass. Many of the competitor’s machines cannot compete with the Etesia range. Due to the fact that they don’t have the ability to collect grass as the Etesia’s do.
Etesia Hydro 80 Cutting Deck
As you can see, we are looking at the cutter deck on the Etesia Hydro 80. It has a large flap at the side that is easy to open, the opening gives access to the blade and to the large grass chute. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Etesia is famous for its ability to cut wet grass. As you can see, the grass clippings take a very direct route into the 240 L collector.
If a blockage does occur, it’s very easy to unblock the machine as the door on the side can quickly and easily be opened. More often than not, I have found blockages are normally due to small twigs getting lodged in the chute. Which can often then cause a blockage as the grass wraps around the twig!
The large 32-inch single blade has bolt on lifters that create the air or a fan effect to push the grass up into the grass collector. The actual lifters are replaceable, as they obviously have quite a bit of wear and tear. The lifters are simply held on by a couple of bolts; they are very quick to replace.
