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!
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.
Today we are looking at the McConnel Robocut RC40. A remote control power unit mainly designed for grass and brush clearance. However, there is a range of 20 different attachments ranging from a loading bucket to a stump grinder.
Having used radio remote machines, I can very much see the advantages of the McConnel Robocut range of power units. It also prevents the operator from walking on difficult terrain. The manufacturer claims that the output can be more than 25 times higher than manual cutting. I am not quite sure about that, although I can see that the output would be considerably higher.
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is primarily designed for tackling tough terrain where other machines cannot go. The centre of gravity and rubber tracks makes it ideal for rough terrain and banks. With the spiked tracks, the machine can climb up to 55°, which is quite something.
Diesel Engine
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is powered by a Yanmar 40-hp three-cylinder, stage V, diesel engine. The engine develops 40 hp (27.5 kW) at 3000 rpm.
The fuel tank capacity is just 21 L, which is not very large. Maybe the machine is exceptionally economical, I cannot imagine that 21 L of fuel lasting all day.
The radiator has a reversible fan, which is a novel way of clearing debris. I think all of us who have used mowing machinery know how quickly radiators can become clogged. It looks like a really effective way of keeping the radiator clear, providing it is dry.
Rubber Tracks
There are three types of rubber track, the standard track will climb up to 40°. The super rubber tracks will enable the machine to climb a 50° slope. And finally, the spiked rubber tracks will enable the machine to climb a slope up to 55°.
McConnel has fitted self-tensioning tracks, so there’s no need to pump up the tracks with a grease gun!
McConnel Robocut RC40 Remote Control
Remote Control
The McConnel Robocut RC40 is totally controlled by the remote control unit. Even starting the engine is carried out from the remote control.
I’m very impressed with how much control the remote gives the operator. Variable speeds, cutting height etc. can all be controlled from a remote. The remote carries a small rechargeable battery.
The remote control gives variable speed control, in first gear, the speed is 0 – 4 km/h. In second gear, the speed is 0 – 7 km/h. The speeds are achievable in both forward and reverse.
Flail Head Attachment
The flail head attachment is available in 1.3 m or 1.6 m. The rotor speed is 3300 rpm.
The Y-type flails Arthur cutting grass and light wood up to 30 mm in diameter. For heavier cutting, a hammer-type flail is provided, for cutting grass and wood up to 50 mm in diameter.
20 Different Attachments
The 20 different attachments include a flail, Rotary turf mower, a forest clearance head and a mulching head. On the forestry side of things, there is a stump grinder and chipper attachment.
Other attachments include a rake, bucket, snowblower, dozer blade, rotavator, trencher and forklift.
To Conclude
I have always liked the idea of a power unit that can take multiple attachments. The McConnel Robocut RC40 is certainly a very universal power unit. I’m not sure how effective the bucket or forklift attachment would be. However, the other attachments certainly give a huge amount of scope to make the machine truly universal.
Specification
Engine
MakeYANMAR, 3 cylinder, Stage VHorsepower40hp (27.5kw) @ 3000rpmTorque105NmFuelDieselFuel tank capacity21 litresWater-cooled radiator3 core havy dutySelf-cleaning (reversible fan)Standard manual and automaticTransmissionFine control hydrostaticMaximum noise levels80dB(A)
Hydraulics
Independent flailhead circuit
Closed circuit piston
Max 55l/min @ 280 Bar
Independent track drive circuit2 x closed circuit piston
Max 57 l/min @ 250 BarAux service
1 double acting auxillery service
Independent intercooler
StandardOil tank capacity
11 litres
Attachment lift capacity
550kg
Tracks
RubberStandard ~ max working angle 40°Rubber with spikes
Optional ~ max working angle 55°Self-tighteningStandardLength (axle to axle)1192mm
Remote Controls
Working range150mFrequency434Mhz (certified by CE legislation)BatteryInterchangeable, rechargeable, 2 with each unit, charge on machine
Proportional joysticksStandard
Potentiometer speed control
(0 – 100%)1st gear (low range)
Forward and back, 0 – 4km/h
2nd gear (low range)
Forward and back, 0 – 7km/h
Flailhead / Attachment
Oil flow59 l/minPressure350 BarRotor speed3300 rpmFront and rear flapsStandardFlailsY – Flails for cutting grass and light wood up to 30mm diameter
J (hammer) – Flails for cutting thick grass and wood up to 50mm diameter rotor width1.3m to 1.6mRoller diameter100mmCutting height range
(via roller adjustment)20mm – 85mm (5 positions)
Flailhead can be lifted to cut higher hydraulic lift-300mm to +400mmFloatation (angle)14° up and down (+/-)
I have recently been looking at the range of McConnel Robocut tracked radio remote mowers. Having used radio remote stump grinders, I can see the advantage of having a remote-controlled mower. Especially in situations where the area is rough or where there are slopes and banks to be mowed.
McConnel Robocut RC28
It looks like there are four models starting with the McConnel Robocut RC28, which is the smallest model. This model is designed for finer turf applications, it comes with a 1.1 m rotary cutting deck with mulching capabilities. The RC28 mower can work on gradients up to 55°. The remote controls offer full precision and proportional control. The GPS auto steer helps to maximise productivity and efficient working helping to keep the operator and machine working safely.
Full remote control of the mower, including deck functions.
GPS auto steer.
Low ground pressure creates minimal damage to the surface.
Even weight distribution.
Light and easy to transport
Vanguard Engine
The Robocut RC28 comes with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810 cc EFI petrol engine. The petrol engine develops 28 hp (21 kW). The great thing with the modern petrol EFI engines is that they are so much more efficient and reactive than the old carburettor type models.
With large rubber tracks, the Robocut RC28 has a very light footprint. The mower only weighs 480 kg, so the weight is distributed very evenly across the rubber tracks. Another great feature is that the rubber tracks are self-tensioning, so is no need to pump up the tracks with a grease gun anymore!
The mulching deck comprises of three blades which offer bidirectional cutting. The drive to the blades is through a direct shaft with an electric clutch. To my mind, shaft-driven machines are much more efficient than belts. In my experience, I have found that on many machines, belts regularly need tightening, which increases downtime.
The cutting height varies from 30 mm to 180 mm, so there is plenty of scope available for various cutting conditions. It’s always good to have the option to be able to cut at a high setting. Especially if the conditions are tough.
The blade stop time is just three seconds, so in emergencies, the machine can be stopped very quickly.
Search eBay For Robotic Mowers
Remote control
The remote controls offer a 150 m working range, which is a considerable distance. The remote control is powered by two rechargeable batteries. The GPS auto steer helps to maximise productivity.
To Conclude
The Robocut looks like it is a great mower for clearing long grass and looks equally at home cutting paddocks. Its ability to work on 55° slopes is also a great feature. It looks very at home working on banks or on a slope. It’s almost a go-anywhere mower. Something that I’ve always liked about radio remote machines is that you can keep out the way of the machine and the noise. You can find more info on the McConnel Robocut RC28 here
Specification
Engine
Make
Vanguard 810cc
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine
Horsepower
28hp (21kw)
Fuel
Petrol
Fuel tank capacity
2 x 10 litre, removable tanks
Drive
48V AC electric motor to final reduction
Maximum noise levels
98dB(A)
Speed
0-7 kph
ComplianceANSI B71.4 safety regulation
Mulching Deck
Cutting width1.1mCutting height30mm – 180mmProgrammable low height settingStandardBi-directional cuttingStandardUpdraft, mulching bladesStandardDrive typeDirect shaft drive with electric clutchBlade tip-speedVariable up to 5500m/minFast-stop rotorsStandard (3 second)
Tracks
Universal rubber standard ~ max working angle 55°Self-tightening spring washer Length (axle to axle)1000mm
Remote Controls
Working range150mFrequency434Mhz (certified by CE legislation)Battery2 x rechargeable batteriesProportional joysticksStandard
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 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!
Search eBay For Robotic Lawn Mowers
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
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.
Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T 107cm Zero Turn Twin Ride-on Mower
Here we are looking at the Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower. Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market. Recently we looked at our cheapest zero-turn ride-on mower, the Snapper ZTX110 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower. Both these zero-turn mowers are on offer at the price of £3349. However, there is a larger £450 saving on the Toro zero turn mower.
As I mentioned before in previous posts, zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market. Over the years, I have owned several zero-turn mowers, from walk-behind machines to ride-on machines. I really like having the ability to be able to cut around obstacles, trees and shrubs quickly and efficiently. A zero-turn machine can outperform a lawn tractor, in my view, several times over. Many zero-turn mowers are fitted with mulching decks, so there is no grass to collect. Combined with excellent manoeuvrability and no grass to collect, zero-turn mowers really do give excellent work rates.
How Does A Zero-Turn Mower Work?
A zero-turn lawnmower consists of two rear driving wheels and two heavy-duty caster wheels on the front of the mower. The two large driving wheels are powered by an independent hydrostatic motor which gives instant forward and reverse and variable speed to each rear wheel. This enables the zero-turn machine to be literally turned on a sixpence; in other words, it can turn within its own radius.
The problem with tractor mowers is that they have the deck underneath the machine, between the front and rear wheels. This is okay if you are collecting grass; however, they are much more restricted in manoeuvrability against a zero-turn machine.
Toro Zero-turn mowers are becoming much more popular due to manufacturers making cheaper machines. The Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower is a good example of a machine that manufactures commercial machinery but also makes machinery for the domestic market.
The Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower is powered by a Toro 708cc overhead valve four-stroke petrol engine. The engine is actually made by the Italian manufacturer Loncin; I am seeing more and more machines powered by Loncin engines. Personally, I would prefer if the machine was fitted with a Kohler, Honda, Kawasaki or Briggs & Stratton engine. Over the years I have owned all these engines and I know that they are quality engines.
Hydrostatic Drive
The hydrostatic drive combined with the zero-turn capabilities makes the Toro zero-turn mower an exceptionally manoeuvrable machine. The hydrostatic drive consists of a hydraulic motor that is powered by a small oil pump from the engine. Zero turn mowers have two independent hydrostatic motors that enable the mower to have superb manoeuvrability.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is 107 cm which is approximately 3’6” which makes the machine small enough to mow within tight spaces. This combined with the zero-turn capabilities makes for a great output and efficient cutting.
The cutting height ranges from 38 mm to 114 mm, this gives a good range of cutting heights. I always like the idea of having a high cut on a machine, it’s very useful for cutting long grass or if your lawn is left for a few weeks. In this way, the lawn can be brought back into shape gradually and efficiently.
The cutting deck is constructed of a heavy-duty 10 gauge steel. One of the first things that I look at on mower is the cutter deck, it is of great importance that cutter deck is constructed well. Rotary mowers can take quite a battering, with the twin blades turning at high speed and the odd obstacle being thrown around in the cutter deck!
Smart Speed And Tow Hitch
The Toro Time Cutter offers something slightly different on their zero-turn mower. Although the mower is hydrostatic, Toro also gives you smart speed. This gives more control over the machine when cutting and towing. There are three different speeds for every condition within the hydrostatic transmission. This does not mean there are three set speeds. Hydrostatic transmission gives you instant variable speed, however, Toro’s smart speed helps to give you more control for every scenario.
Toro also gives you a tow hitch for your machine, an excellent and useful bonus for using your zero-turn mower as a workhorse in the garden or estate.
Optional Accessories
The Toro Time Cutter offers several accessories that help to make your machine extremely versatile and practical. These include an hour meter, which tells you how many hours your machine has carried out, which is exceptionally useful for service intervals. It’s fascinating to know how many hours you sit on your machine per week or per year etc.
A recycling kit, more commonly known as a mulching kit, is available for your Toro. This is something that I would recommend; I’m a great fan of mulching. Mulching acts as a green fertiliser to keep your lawn green in dry periods.
An optional twin collection system is available; my guess is that this may be slightly cumbersome and probably quite expensive. I would definitely opt for the mulching feature.
To Conclude
Toro makes a huge range of professional and domestic products for horticulture, I prefer to have a branded product, although there are some decent unbranded products too. Care needs to be taken, though before you purchase such products.
I know that Toro makes good products, but one thing I would prefer is a more popular engine, something like a Briggs & Stratton engine or a Kohler engine, as I mentioned earlier on in this post. However, from what I have heard from the experts, the Loncin engine is becoming quite a popular alternative.
Remember that if you are buying a zero-turn lawnmower, you have the most manoeuvrable machine on the market. If you fit the mulching accessory you truly have a really efficient ride-on mower.
Just remember that this is not a commercial mower, the machine is aimed for the domestic market. Toro gives a three-year warranty for domestic users and one month for commercial users.
Specification
Engine: 708cc Twin Cylinder Toro
Engine Spec: OHV, Full Pressure Lubrication with Spin-On Oil Filter, Cast Iron Cylinder Liner, Dual Element Air Cleaner
Fuel Tank: 2.5 gal (11.3 L)
Transmission: Dual Hydrostatic
Cutting Width: 107cm, 2-blade cutting system
Height of Cut: 38-114 mm
Steering Controls: Dual Wrap Around Levers
Machine size: L: 182.4cm, H: 105.4cm, W: 136.7cm
Tyres: Ribbed, (F) 28 cm x 10 cm, (R) 46 cm x 19 cm
Tool Box
Optional Hour Meter
Washout Port
Anti-Scalp Wheels
Extra high back seat
Arm rests
Cup Holder
Weight: 254 kg
Warranty: Homeowner 3-Year Limited/Commercial 30 days
