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!
We are pleased to announce that we are now agents for the Belrobotics robotic mowers and the Belrobotics ball collector.
I first started selling robotic mowers for domestic gardens 12 years ago as I could see the benefits were massive. Many of us are very busy. The last thing we want to do is to spend time sitting on a lawnmower cutting grass. Although I know there are some people who actually find grass cutting very therapeutic! The fact is that a robotic lawnmower is totally automatic. A robotic mower can be controlled from your PC, tablet or smartphone. No more spending the whole weekend cutting the grass or trying to get it under control due to wet weather or being away. Your Belrobotics mower simply mows well you can relax or get on with other chores or hobbies around the home and garden.
We have a wide range of various mowers on our website including smaller robotic mowers for domestic gardens. However, it is a great pleasure to be able to supply the Belrobotics range of robotic mowers that cover large areas that would be traditionally cut with a ride-on tractor.
Today we are looking at a few of the many Black Friday offers on our walk behind mowers. Please note that it’s worth clicking on the “Buy Now” button as sometimes it takes time for the prices to update. By clicking on the “Buy Now” button it will show you the actual price without taking to the checkout.
You Can Check Out Our Black Friday Offers On Our Walk behind Mowers On The Video Below
So Let’s Take A Look At The First Model
Racing 4000T-A Self-Propelled Walk Behind Mower
Sale price: £169 complete with a two-year warranty
Feider Electric Start T4640ES 4-in-1 Self-Propelled Walk behind Mower
Sale Price £269
Feider T4640ES 4-in-1 Self-Propelled Petrol Walk Behind Mower with…
If you’re looking for a walk behind mower with multi-functions and a great price, the Feider Electric Start T4640ES 4-in-1 Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower could be your answer. The T4640 ES self-propelled mower offers mulching, collection, side discharge and rear discharge. It comes with 139cc four-stroke electric start petrol engine, so no starting cord to pull although there is a pull start in case of battery failure, always useful.
The Feider 5070-AC 4-in-1 Hi-Wheel Self-Propelled Lawnmower offers great value at £199.95, a current saving of £149.
The powerful 173 cc four-stroke engine offers plenty of power and efficiency with its overhead valve technology. The engines 1.5 L fuel tank enables a long runtime, which combined with fuel efficiency offers minimum downtime.
The 20 inch (50 cm) cutting width quickly makes a large lawn become small. The 4-in-1 cutting feature gives the option to collect, mulch, side discharge and rear discharge the grass clippings. I am all for mulching as it saves a lot of time in collecting the grass clippings. Obviously, for an effective mulch, the grass needs to be cut at least once a week to achieve a good mulch. Another plus point with mulching is that it helps to keep your grass green in dry weather.
Specification
Engine Make
Feider
Engine Capacity
173cc
Engine Power
4.3hp / 3.2kW @ 3000rpm
Engine Starting System
Recoil
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity
1.5 Litres
Drive
Self Propelled
Cutting Width
50cm
Cutting Heights
25-65mm (6 Positions)
Height Adjustment
Single Lever
Grass Collector
55 Litres – Fabric with Hard Top
Grassbag Full Indicator
Yes
Mulching
Yes
Side-Discharge
Yes
Cutting Deck
Steel
Deck Washout Port
Yes
Handles
Foldable with Soft Grip
Wheels
Front 190mm / Rear 270mm
Safety Features
Operator Presence Control
Lawn Size
Up to 1500m2
Weight
38kg
Warranty
2 Years
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Racing Petrol Lawnmower 1173 Cm³ 50.2 Cm – Self-Propelled
Racing Walk Behind Mower 173 cm³ 50.2 cm – self-propelled RAC5175SPM
The Racing Petrol lawnmower 173 cm³ 50.2 cm – self-propelled is a powerful four-wheeled mower. The mower is powered by a fuel-efficient overhead-valve four-stroke engine developing 173 cc which equals 4.8 hp.
The mower has the ability to collect or mulch the clippings, to me, mulching is a great idea as it saves time and keeps your grass greener in dry weather.
With a 51 cm cutting rates and seven different cutting heights, the mower becomes a very versatile machine to use in different conditions.
Cobra RM40SPCE 40cm Self Propelled ES Rear Roller Lawn mower
One of the most popular questions I get asked is; “how much does a rear roller petrol rotary mower cost?” When it comes to petrol rear roller rotary mowers there is a huge range to choose from. In this video and blog post, I want to explain to you some of the machines that are available and the prices.
I believe that petrol rear roller rotary mowers are probably one of the most practical mowers that you can buy. These mowers can give your lawn a great striped finish and at the same time, they will cope with grass that has been left uncut for a few weeks. The finish may not be quite as good as a traditional cylinder mower, however, the costs, maintenance and practicalities are much better.
Push Or Power Driven?
The majority of petrol rear roller is are roller driven, in other words, the roller drives the mower forward. On some of the smaller machines, push models are available. However, for just a few pounds more, there is normally a power-driven version that I would definitely go for. The extra money is well worth the cost, who wants to push a mower when it can drive itself!?
Rear Roller Petrol Rotary Mowers
You Can See More Mowers below Or Watch Our Video Or Both
Now we come onto the Cobra RM40SPC 40cm Self Propelled Rear Roller Lawn mower, which sells for £299.99. This is slightly different to a previous machine due to the fact that this lawnmower is self-propelled and has a slightly larger engine. For just an extra £30 you can have a petrol power-driven roller rotary lawnmower, I would definitely recommend a self-propelled mower.
The mower is powered by a 135cc four-stroke Cobra petrol engine. There are six different cutting heights and single-speed drive system. The mower comes with a two-year domestic use warranty. You can find out more about the Cobra RM40SPC 40cm Self Propelled Rear Roller Lawn mower here.
Mountfield S421 PD Self Propelled Petrol Four Wheel Lawn mower
The Mountfield S421 R PD 41cm self-propelled rear roller mower is ideal for the smaller garden where you require a striped finish. With the 41 cm cutting which and 123cc engine the mower quickly gets the job done. The Mountfield S421 is currently selling for £349.
To me one of the most important things is to make life easy in the garden, the Mountfield S421 R PD 41cm rotary mower has a powered roller that drives the machine forward. It makes life so much easier rather than having to push the machine, it’s easy just to push the lever and engage the roller, no effort required.
Mountfield has been making mowers for over 50 years, so they have a lot of experience in rotary machines. I still regularly see Mountfield’s from the 70s in constant use, that can’t be a bad advert for a Mountfield mower!
The mower comes with five years warranty, which is great as it gives so much peace of mind and keeps your expenses down. I guess that the only catch is that the mower has to be serviced at a dealer once a year. However, it’s always good to look after machinery if you want it to last.
The Masport Rotarola RRSP18 rear roller lawnmower offers a lot of mower for the price. I would say that it comes between the home user models and commercial models, in other words, a semiprofessional machine. The Masport Rotarola RRSP18 is currently selling for £729.
One of the great things is that the Masport rear roller lawnmower has a Honda engine. Honda engines are renowned for their reliability, I have had plenty of experience with Honda engines. It’s actually possible to leave a Honda engine untouched for a couple of years and for it to start up first time! I have a friend who would normally only buy a machine if it has a Honda engine fitted!
The engine is powered by a 160 cc Honda GVC4 stroke petrol engine. It has a 46 cm (18 inches) cutting width with cutting heights between 10 and 70 mm. The powered roller makes the mower very easy to use, no pushing, just simply engage the lever and you’re off.
The Masport petrol mower comes with a two-year warranty for domestic users or 90 days for commercial users.
The Masport RRSP-22H self-propelled rear roller petrol lawnmower is Masport’s largest machine in this category. Once again it offers excellent value for money and I would put it in the semiprofessional range. The machine sells for just £849 which is a great price for a mark of this capacity.
Powered by a Honda GCV Honda overhead valve four-stroke engine which has a capacity of 160cc.
The 54 cm (21 inch) width quickly covers the ground makes large lawns become smaller. The cutting deck is moulded from a single sheet of aluminium, which brings lightweight strength and no rusting. The cutter deck actually comes with a 15-year domestic use guarantee, so Masport obviously has confidence in their products.
The blades have a swinging action, the idea of this feature is if they hit a foreign object, it helps to cause minimal damage.
The Weibang Legacy 48VE Self-Propelled Rear Roller Lawn mower is a professional machine although many people purchase for domestic use. The machine currently sells at £1029 and comes with a three-year commercial warranty and a five-year domestic warranty. Weibang obviously have faith in their machines!
I have used the Weibang mowers and encountered very few issues. Something important for me is that the strong build system and heavy-duty drive systems will actually last. The only thing that some people may be against is the Weibangs are slightly heavier than other roller rotary’s due to their excellent build quality. Personally, I would sooner purchase a machine that is built well and is slightly heavier rather than something that’s delicate and not going to last so long.
The mower has a 48 cm (19 inch) cut, the cutting height varies from 13 to 67 mm, which is carried out with a lever in 11 different settings. The weight of the machine is 57 kg.
The Weibang Legacy 56 Pro 3 speed self-propelled rear roller petrol lawnmower is Weibang’s largest rear roller mower. With a 56 cm (22 inch) cut, the Weibang quickly covers the ground. At the time of writing this machine is selling for £1399. It comes with a five-year domestic warranty and three-year commercial warranty. To me, I always like the idea of a good warranty as it gives me confidence in the manufacturer and the fact that I have no costs in the first few years of operation, apart from wearing parts.
I have personally used the Weibang Legacy 56 Pro 3 speed self-propelled petrol rear roller mower many times. It has many great features; I like the fact that it is well built and made to last. I have used many other machines that do not have the strength of the Weibang, especially when they are being used commercially.
Powered by a Kawasaki engine, which is an excellent engine in my experience. I don’t like to admit it, but the Japanese engines do seem to be very reliable and economical and quiet.
Three Speed Gearbox
With the three-speed gearbox, the Weibang can cope with longish grass, to be fair, I normally always use a machine in top gear as it seems to be able to cope well. We have to remember that roller rotaries are designed to be used regularly to cut your lawn.
There are 11 different cutting heights that range from 13 to 67 mm.
The only downside of this machine is that it is slightly heavier than its competitors. However, I would much sooner purchase a machine that has a strong build quality and have a bit more weight rather than something that’s going to break.
I have personal experience with this particular machine and I firmly recommend it to homeowners and commercial landscapers.
Today we are looking at the question, how much does a petrol rotary mower cost? This is a question that many people ask me. Obviously, lawnmowers come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging from basic home user machines to semiprofessional machines and then large professional machines.
You can see the video below for the various different types of petrol mowers available.
Four-Wheeled Rotary Mowers
Einhell GC-PM 46 Petrol Push Lawnmower
Four-wheeled rotary mowers are the cheapest range or starter range of petrol lawnmowers. Our very cheapest petrol lawnmower is the Einhell GC-PM 46 Petrol Push Lawnmower which is currently selling for £154.95
At the other end of the scale, we have the Weibang Virtue 53 Pro BBC Self-Propelled 4 Wheel Lawn mower that is selling for £1199. This is a professional machine that comes with five years warranty for domestic use and three years warranty for commercial use.
Cobra RM433SPBI 17″ Petrol Powered Lawnmower
Petrol Roller Rotary Mowers
Petrol Roller Rotary mowers are probably one of the most versatile mowers on the market. These machines are normally driven by the roller and create a beautiful striped finish to your lawn. There are push models and powered models, I would definitely recommend paying a little extra for a power-driven model as it makes life much easier.
Our cheapest petrol Roller Rotary mower is the Cobra RM40C 40cm Push Petrol Rear Roller Lawnmower which is selling at £269.99. For an extra £30 a self-propelled model is available, to me, this is £30 well spent.
Mountfield SP41 – Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower
Self-Propelled Lawnmowers
If you’re looking for a self-propelled lawnmower which is something I would definitely recommend. Our cheapest model starts at £188, which is the Mountfield SP41 – Self-Propelled Petrol Lawn Mower. Mountfield has been producing rotary mowers for over 50 years, this particular machine comes with two years warranty.
Hover mowers are not quite so popular as they were a few years ago, however, they still have their uses. I like the idea that they are great for cutting banks and useful for getting under low hanging branches and shrubs.
Our cheapest machine is the Cobra AirMow 51B Petrol Hover Mower, this is currently selling for £349.98. It comes with a powerful Briggs & Stratton overhead valve engine, complete with automatic choke. The hover mower comes with two years warranty.
Mulching lawnmowers are becoming more and more popular as customers can see the benefits of mulching. One of the great features about a mulching mower is the fact that there is no grass to collect and the mulch actually helps to keep your grass greener for longer, especially in dry weather.
Having no grass collector to empty it can be a real time saver. Some of the mulching mowers have the option to also collect, which isn’t a bad principle. I have used mulching mowers in the autumn when the leaves are falling and they still seem to be able to do a great job.
One of the most important things to remember with a mulching mower is the fact that you need to cut your grass regularly to receive the best results.
I always advise people to buy the best machine that they can afford. I know we all have a budget to go by, however, if you purchase a quality machine and look after it, it should give you many years of trouble-free service.
The Mountfield Princess 38 Electric 4-Wheel Roller Lawnmower is currently on special offer and selling for £159. At the time of writing, this is a £20 saving on the normal price. There is free delivery on this Mountfield mower, delivery times are normally around 2 to 4 working days.
In case you are new to the mower world, Mountfield has been making lawnmowers since 1962. I can remember some of the early roller rotary mowers from Mountfield in the 70s. Some of these machines are still being used today. I have a friend who is still using his Mountfield petrol rotary mower, which is around 45 years old. It still has the original Briggs & Stratton 3.5 hp engine, so this a good advert for Mountfield!
As some of you know, I prefer a machine with a petrol or diesel engine on. However, looking at the reviews and knowing about Mountfield mowers. The Mountfield Princess 38 Electric Lawnmower looks like a good buy for anyone looking for a quality electric roller mower.
Three in one cutting, cut and collect, rear discharge, mulch.
Foldable handles.
Rear roller for a perfect striped finish.
Large rear wheels for easy turning.
Solid topped grass collector to keep the dust to a minimum.
Lightweight collection box.
15 m of electric cable included.
Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
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The Mountfield 38 Electric 4-Wheel Roller Lawnmower is a quality electric mower with great reviews. With its modern brushless induction electric motor, this mower offers minimal maintenance and great features.
Electric Motor
The electric motor produces 1600 W of power, which equals just over 2.1 hp. To be precise 746 W equals 1 hp. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a great fan of electric mowers, however, there is literally no maintenance on the engine. And the running costs are extremely low. Plus, you have quiet power!
With a 38 cm (15 inch) cut width the Mountfield mower is perfect for lawns around 15 m², although I believe are of this size could tackle much more than 15 m² if required.
The cutting height is adjusted by a single lever with six different heights ranging from 25 mm to 75 mm.
Rear Roller
Although the Mountfield Princess 38 Electric 4-Wheel Roller Lawnmower looks like a wheeled mower from the outside, it actually has a rear roller attached. The rear roller will give you that perfect striped finish that makes an English country garden.
Compact
Due to the compactness of this mower, it can get into most places. Folding handles and quick release clips allow for easy storage and transporting the mower.
Generous Grass Collector
With a 40 L grass collector, emptying times are kept to a minimum. There is also a grass box full indicator that takes the guesswork out of knowing when your collector is full.
The Mountfield Princess 38 Electric 4-Wheel Roller Lawnmower comes with 15 m of cable and includes a full two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Mountfield offers quality mowers at good prices, the Mountfield Princess 38 Electric 4-Wheel Roller Lawnmower is no exception. The only downside for me would be the trailing cable. However, with a modern brushless motor you can expect many years of service from your Mountfield mower.
The Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 is a small professional 32-inch cut ride on mower that has great wet grass collection capabilities and is highly manoeuvrable. Etesia is renowned for producing mowers that will cope with wet grass which will work efficiently in UK conditions. The Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 is available for £5450 plus VAT.
Etesia was founded in 1989 in France, so it’s a relatively new company, as far as mower manufacturers go. However, Etesia has grown very quickly and now has operations in more than 30 countries and five continents.
The reason I first purchased an Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 was the fact that we were cutting a lot of grass with roller rotary mowers. In fact, I was using three Hayter Harrier 56 roller rotary mowers. It wasn’t particularly the fact that I wanted a ride-on mower, it was more the fact that I needed a mower that would collect wet grass. This is something that Etesia machines do extremely well and the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 is no exception.
I was also looking for a compact and manoeuvrable machine that would be capable of working in tight spaces and go where a traditional roller rotary mower would go. The Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 does this extremely well.
Let’s take a closer look at the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3
Features
A highly compact machine that can replace your roller rotary mower.
Excellent wet grass collection.
Built-in grass box for quick emptying.
Compact.
Low maintenance.
Built for long life.
Hydrostatic transmission.
Optional roller.
Electronic blade engagement.
Kawasaki twin 4 stroke16 hp engine.
The two main reasons that I purchased the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 was the fact that; I needed a machine that was very compact and could go where a traditional walk-behind mower could go. And secondly, I needed a machine that would collect wet grass. Unfortunately, in the UK, the grass is more often wet than dry! I’m surprised that the majority of mower manufacturers have been so slow to overcome the wet grass problem. Thankfully Etesia has used common sense and is producing mowers that make a great job of grass collecting.
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Manoeuvrability
The Hydro 80 measures just 1.98 m x 0.82 m wide, which is very compact indeed. This enables the machine to pass through most gateways and get into the tightest of spaces. The turning circle is excellent for a machine of this type and with the hydrostatic transmission, the mower can quickly be turned around for efficient mowing.
Hydrostatic Drive
Most ride-on mowers are fitted with hydrostatic drive today, in fact, I would not recommend purchasing a machine with a gearbox, even though they are slightly cheaper. Hydrostatic drive enables you to have variable speed and instant forward and reverse in either direction. It is much easier and more user-friendly to use than a traditional gearbox machine.
A hydrostatic drive consists of an oil-driven motor that powers the rear wheels of the mower, the motor is powered by a small hydraulic pump. On this particular machine, there is a belt that drives the hydraulic pump from the Kawasaki engine. Hydrostatic drive really is the best and most efficient way to power your mower.
Engine
Etesia has powered the Hydro 80 with the excellent Kawasaki 16 hp four stroke twin engine. This engine gives plenty of power, for all types of conditions, there are many similar machines that have much smaller engines. I have had Kawasaki engines on several machines and I have found them to be very efficient fuel wise, reliable and easy to start.
Excellent Grass Collection
To me, grass collection is one of the most important features on any mower. So many machines have issues when it comes to wet grass, however, the Etesia copes exceptionally well with all types of conditions.
With its compact design, the grass is blown up a short tube directly into the compact grass collector. The 32-inch blade that has large lifters creates a massive flow of air which forces the grass into the collector. The only time that I normally had a blockage was if a small twig became lodged in the tube. However, Etesia made the cutting deck with a hinged door to make it extremely easy to clear any blockages. Simply unlatch the door on the cutting deck and any twigs or wet grass can quickly be removed.
Etesia Hydro 80 With Roller Attachment
Grass Collector
The compact grass collector that has a large capacity of 240 L which can be emptied from the operators seat by simply pulling a lever. There is no need to dismount from the machine. I see far too many ride-on mowers with collection bags that need to be emptied manually and require the operator to leave the seat. I would avoid this type of machine as to me the idea of having a ride on machines as you stay on the machine until you have finished the job!
Once the grass collector is full the alarm will sound that stops you overfilling the grass box and creating a blockage.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is fitted in a central position underneath the machine that allows the machine to pass through tight spaces. The 32-inch cutting deck has one single blade with bolt-on lifters that can be replaced, a very useful feature indeed. There are also a couple of shear bolts to protect the machine should the blade hit a hard object. If I used to regularly change these lifters when I was contracting as I wanted maximum collection performance. The lifters enable the grass to be blown efficiently into the collector.
There is an optional mulching kit for the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3, however, I much preferred to collect the grass as I didn’t feel the mulching kit was the best.
If you do not want to collect the grass, simply remove the panel at the base of the collector and the grass will fall onto the lawn.
The blade is engaged electronically by simply pressing a switch from the operator’s seat. Take care when engaging the electronic clutch, make sure that the machine is running on tick over. In this way, the clutch won’t snatch in and it will prolong the life of the clutch.
The cutting height varies from 44 to 122 mm, the adjustment is simply made by a lever next to the operator’s seat. I actually had a metal plate made up by an engineer that enabled me to have more adjustment. This was something that I found very useful, I’m not quite sure why Etesia didn’t do this themselves.
The cutting deck can easily be cleaned, simply attach a standard garden hose to the cleaning port, engage the cutting deck and within a few moments you will have a very clean cutting deck.
Etesia Hydro 80 With Roller Attachment
Optional Roller Attachment
I had an optional roller attachment fitted to my Etesia, this was made by an engineering company; not actually Etesia. I know that so many people like to see their lawn striped, the roller attachment made a good job of striping the lawn.
To Conclude
If you’re looking for a compact professional mower that will collect wet grass and work in tight spaces, in the Etesia Hydro 80 MKHP 3 is a great choice. This machine literally saved me hours of time when I was contracting, due to its efficient collection system and compactness. Etesia’s are not cheap, however, you have a quality machine that will last providing you take care of it.
Specification
Cutting Width: 80cm
Dimensions (L x W x H): 197 x 82 x 117 cm
Weight: 240kgs
Engine HP: 16HP
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Today we are looking at the Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower, a heavy-duty walk behind mower. Over the past few weeks, we have been looking at our range of zero-turn ride-on mowers. Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market today, they can literally turn in their own width.
Over the years, I have owned several Ferris mowers from walk-behind machines to ride-on machines. The two most significant factors that made me buy a Ferris mower was the excellent build quality and the zero-turn capabilities. I purchased my first Ferris walk behind mower back in 1992. I carried on using Ferris mowers up until recently when I stopped taking on grass cutting contracts.
The Zero Turn Advantage
As I mentioned earlier, zero-turn mowers really are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market today. They make grass cutting pleasurable and straightforward, obstacles can quickly be manoeuvred with ease. All zero turn mowers have two rear driving wheels that each have an individual hydrostatic motor attached. A hydrostatic motor gives you instant forward and reverse at variable speed through either a lever or foot pedal. There are a few machines like the Cub Cadet that have a steering wheel rather than levers or a foot pedal.
At the front of the machine, there are two heavy-duty caster wheels that turn 360°. On the Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower there are easy to operate the levers that give you instant forward and reverse and variable speed. There are no gears to change or a clutch to depress, the drive is fully hydrostatic.
Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market.
Effortless to walk behind.
Powerful twin cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine.
Built to last.
Easy-to-use controls.
Rear discharge or mulching capabilities.
Three-year domestic warranty or a two-year commercial warranty.
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The Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower has been upgraded from the original Ferris Zero Turn Hydro Walk. Ferris has added more features and made it even more user-friendly.
Many people do not like the idea of a walk behind mower; however, Ferris zero turn pedestrian mowers really do make mowing straightforward and effortless. The zero turn capabilities enables you not to have to use any physical effort whatsoever to manoeuvre the mower, simply walk and mow!
Engine
The Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower is powered by an 810 Briggs & Stratton Vanguard petrol engine. The V twin two cylinder petrol engine develops 26 hp and is electric start. I have had the same engine fitted on machines that I have used and owned, and I have no complaints about this particular engine.
The great thing is with Briggs & Stratton engines is that parts are readily available and there is an excellent dealer network. Over the many years that I have used Briggs & Stratton engines the issues that I have had have been absolutely minimal.
There are two cutting decks available, one being a 48 inch in the second a 52-inch deck. Personally, I would go for the larger size deck as it is slightly easier to cut around flower borders and obstacles with the large deck, due to the increased overhang.
The cutting deck offers rear discharge or mulching capabilities. I would definitely try and use the mulching feature as this really helps to keep your grass looking greener and healthier, especially in dry weather.
The cutting deck is made from heavy duty steel and has scuff guards and overlapped welded corners. All the cutting decks on the Ferris machines are extremely solid, you will struggle to find a stronger cutting deck on a rotary mower.
The cutting heights vary from 3.8 cm to 12 cm, height adjustment is adjustable from the rear of the machine. There are no levers to engage the blades just simply engage the clutch electronically.
There are three blades underneath the cutting deck that are offset to give plenty of overlap. The double-sided belts that drive the cutting deck have a spring pulley that keeps the belt tensioned at all times. Due to the tension feature there’s no need to adjust any of the belts, which helps keep maintenance to a minimum.
Cruise Control
Easy-To-Use Controls
The easy controls make the Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower a pleasure to use. There are levers on the handlebars that control the instant variable speed forward and reverse. There are 2 foot pedals that will put the machine into neutral.
The PTO switch allows the operator to stop the mower blades by simply putting the machine into neutral, while the engine continues to run.
Transmission Guards
Transmission Belt
There is one transmission belt that drives the oil pump, in turn, drives the hydrostatic motors underneath the Ferris FW35 Zero Turn Mower. I used to make a habit of changing the transmission belt annually. If the transmission belt breaks when you are using the machine, the machine becomes very difficult to move. There are dump valves that enable you to push the machine. However, at 383 kg, you will find this machine challenging to load onto a trailer with no transmission belt!
I would like to see a twin pulley with twin transmission belts as a backup, just in case of belt failure.
To Conclude
I have always liked the range of Ferris mowers, due to their strength and their zero-turn capabilities. Grass cutting becomes effortless walking behind a zero-turn machine. I view the Ferris range of mowers for almost 30 years, and they have no complaints, I can only recommend them.
Ferris offers a peace of mind, two-year commercial warranty and three-year domestic warranty.
Today we are going upmarket and looking at and most expensive zero turn mower, the Cub Cadet Z7-183 Pro Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower. This professional zero turn mower is currently selling for £18,359.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at some of our wide range of zero-turn mowers. A zero-turn mower offers more manoeuvrability than any other mower on the market today.
Recently we looked at the smaller and cheaper Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower. Today we are looking at a machine for the professional or for the very keen gardener.
The Zero Turn Advantage
Over the years I have owned several zero turn mowers, from walk-behind to ride-on machines. Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market, due to their unique drive system.
A zero-turn machine consists of two rear driving wheels that have an individual hydrostatic motor on each rear wheel. A hydrostatic motor offers instant variable speed in forward and reverse. On the majority of zero-turn machines, each rear wheel is controlled by a lever each side of the operator seat. However, Cub Cadet offers something quite unique, rather than controlling the machine with two hydraulic levers, the machine has a steering wheel.
I have never used a zero turn machine with a steering wheel, but I do like the principal. I’m guessing that this eradicates any turf damage due to the steering mechanism keeping the rear driving wheels in perfect time. With the traditional zero turn mower, care needs to be taken when turning to protect the turf. It’s very easy to swing around quickly and damage the turf if proper care is not taken. However, after an hour or so on a zero turn mower, you will quickly adjust to the zero turn principle and advantage.
In some cases, I have seen a zero turn mower speed up the cutting process by 300%, against a traditional lawn tractor. This obviously depends on what type of lawn you are cutting and the number of obstacles that each garden has.
Let me give you an example, I had a contract where I was cutting 2 ½ acres of grass approximately and it took me 50 minutes with a zero turn machine. To do the same garden with a traditional ride-on tractor and collector took me three hours. Admittedly the ride on tractor was collecting the grass and the zero turn was mulching, which is a huge time saver. However, the big-time saver is the zero turn principle and the ability to weave in and out of trees, around low hanging branches and around obstacles.
The Cub Cadet Z7-183 Pro Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower has been given the thumbs up from over 100 professional landscapers. Trials took place over 16 weeks, the Cub Cadet wwas tested thoroughly by professional gardeners and landscapers, they were impressed!
Heavy-Duty Cutting Deck
One of the first things I look at on a mower is the strength of the cutting deck. The Cub Cadet has a triple 7 gauge steel cutting deck. In other words, the cutting deck is constructed of three layers of steel, giving the deck ultimate strength.
There are three blades underneath the cutting deck which are offset and overlap each other, making for a perfect cut.
The cutting deck has electronic blade engagement of a pushbutton control, no levers or clutch to depress. Take care when engaging an electric clutch, make sure the engine is running on tick over. There is no need to let the clutch snap-in as this will shorten the life of the clutch.
There are 17 different cutting positions ranging from 26 to 127 mm, a height to suit every situation. It’s always useful to have a cutting deck that offers a high cut as long grass and overgrown areas can be brought back into control, with ease.
The cutting deck offers mulching and side discharge, I would definitely take advantage of the mulching feature. Mulching keeps your grass looking green and healthy all year round, especially in dry weather. There are no grass clippings to collect which speeds up the cutting process considerably.
The width of the cutting deck is 183 cm, which is a massive 72 inch or 6-foot cut. With a cutting deck of this size, the cub cadet is capable of cutting in excess of 80,000 m².
Engine
The Cub Cadet Z7-183 Pro Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower is powered by a 999cc Kawasaki engine which develops 31 hp. The FX1000V V-Twin overhead valve engine is a well-proven engine. I’ve personally owned machines that are powered by Kawasaki, I have actually had no problems at all with Kawasaki engines. They are quiet, economical, easy to start and efficient.
There are two fuel tanks on the Cub Cadet Z7-183 Pro Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower, which each have a capacity of 23 L.
To Conclude
If you are a professional or someone with a large garden, then the Cub Cadet Z7-183 Pro Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower could be for you. The majority of machines that I have owned have been professional as I believe it is cheaper in the long run to have a decent machine that will give many years of service.
The cub cadet comes with a three-year domestic warranty and one-year commercial warranty.
Specification
Engine Make
Kawasaki
Engine Model
FX1000V V-Twin OHV
Engine Type
Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity
999cc
Engine Power
31hp
Engine Cylinders
Twin
Engine Starting System
Electric Key Start
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity
46 Litres (2 x 23 Litres)
Transmission
Dual Hydrostatic Drive – Foot-Pedal Operated
Drive
Rear Wheel
Speed
12mph (Max.) – 7500m2/h
Cutting Width
183cm
Cutting Heights
26-127mm (17 Positions)
Height Adjustment
Lever
Blade Engagement (PTO)
Electronic – Push Button
Turning Circle
Zero Turn
Blades
Triple
Grass Collector
N/A
Mulching
Yes
Side-Discharge
Yes
Headlights
No
Cup Holder
Yes
Seat
High-Back / Adjustable with Arm-Rests & Suspension
The Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower is slightly different from the previous zero terms we have looked at. The Cub Cadet uses a steering wheel rather than two individual levers, something that I haven’t used, but it sounds like a great idea.
At the time of writing the Cub Cadet is available for £5499. For your information, Cub Cadet has been making mowers since 1961, so they have plenty of experience.
The Zero Turn Advantage
Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market, walk-behind mowers and ride-on mowers are available. I have used and owned both types for many years.
Zero-turn mowers are powered by two individual hydrostatic motors which give individual control over the two rear wheels. The hydrostatic motors give variable speed and instant forward and reverse on each rear wheel without the need for a clutch or gearbox. The majority of zero-turn mowers have levers control the rear wheels. However, the Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower has a steering wheel which is quite unique and a great idea.
Two large cast wheels at the front of the machine turn 360°, this allows the machine to literally be turned in its own radius. Zero-turn mowers offer the best manoeuvrability on the market, hence their popularity.
Zero-turn mowers can really speed up your grass cutting especially if you are comparing them with a traditional ride-on tractor. They are a pleasure to use around obstacles such as trees and shrubs and low hanging branches. The machine can literally weave in and out of obstacles. The traditional ride-on tractor would take many more manoeuvres to carry out the same job.
Depending what your terrain is like and the number of obstacles you have in your garden, I have seen an increase of 300% in some cases. I have literally carried out this test myself. Obviously, it depends on the type of garden your mowing and the number of objects and obstacles in the garden.
Synchro steer technology, steering wheel controls rather than traditional levers.
Zero turn manoeuvrability.
Zero terms on the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market today.
Twin hydrostatic motors for optimum control and manoeuvrability.
Powerful efficient Kawasaki V Twin overhead valve engine with cast iron cylinders.
EFI technology for optimum fuel efficiency.
I have personally used the Kawasaki engines.
Full pressure lubrication which increases the life of the engine.
Electric start.
Anti-scalp wheels for optimum performance on uneven surfaces.
Floating deck for consistent cut.
Electric clutch for blade engagement.
Wide range of cutting heights.
Smart jet wash system for a clean cutting deck.
Low centre of gravity for cutting on gentle slopes.
Adjustable comfortable seat.
Three-year peace of mind warranty.
Search eBay For Zero Turn Mowers
The Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower is fairly unique due to the fact that rather than being steered by levers, the mower as a steering wheel. Although I’ve never used a zero turn mower with a steering wheel, really like the idea as I believe this can help to minimise turf damage when turning. Traditionally, zero turn mower takes a few hours to get used to the principle of turning and making sure that you do not damage the turf. With a steering wheel or synchro steer as Cub Cadet call this feature, this almost eradicates any damage to turf when turning.
Traditionally, zero-turn mowers are steered and controlled by two levers. However, the Cub Cadet uses a steering wheel and a foot pedal that enables you to vary the speed in forward and reverse.
Cutting Deck
As with all zero-turn mowers, the cutting deck is positioned at the front of the mower, which helps to give optimum performance. This makes the machine perfect for trimming around obstacles and mowing close to edges.
The 127 cm (4’6”) cutting deck is capable of cutting up to 20,000 m² of lawn, this is mainly due to the zero-turn capabilities that speed up the grass cutting process. The cutting deck has an electronic clutch that engages the blades, simply flick a switch and you are ready to go. Take care to engage the cutter deck at low revs as this way clutch will not snatch in and it will preserve the electronic clutches life.
There are three cutting blades underneath the cutting deck which each overlap, producing a very good cut. Two blades are towards the rear of the deck and one blade is positioned at the front of the cutting deck.
There are eight different cutting heights ranging from 38 to 100 mm. The deck cutting height can be adjusted from the operator’s seat, this is spring assisted for ease of use. The anti-scalp wheels mean that scalping is kept to a minimum on uneven ground.
The side discharge cutting deck enables you to either discharge the grass clippings or as an optional collector and mulcher.
The Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower is capable of cutting around 11 ½ thousand square metres per hour, depending on conditions and obstacles.
Engine
I’m pleased that Cub Cadet has fitted a decent engine to their zero-turn mower. The machine is powered by a Kawasaki FR series 4 stroke overhead valve engine. The Kawasaki engine develops 16.1 hp from the 726cc engine.
I have had several machines that are powered by Kawasaki engines, they really are excellent engines that offer great economy and performance.
To Conclude
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a great fan of the zero turn mower, these machines offer absolutely amazing manoeuvrability and performance. I would always try and mulch grass as much as possible, so it’s good to take advantage of the optional mulching accessory.
The Cub Cadet XZ2-127 Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower comes with a three-year peace of mind warranty.
Specification
Engine Make
Kawasaki
Engine Model
FR-Series V-Twin OHV
Engine Type
Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity
726cc
Engine Power
16.1hp / 12.0kW @ 2400rpm
Engine Cylinders
Twin
Engine Starting System
Electric Key Start
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity
10.5 Litres
Transmission
Twin Hydrostatic – Foot-Pedal Operated with Cruise Control
The Stiga ZT3107T Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower is currently selling for £3859 which at the time of writing offers a £200 saving. This is a slightly more heavy-duty machine than the previous Toro we looking at.
The Zero Turn Advantage
I have owned several zero turn mowers from walk behind the machines to ride-on machines. A zero-turn mower is the most manoeuvrable machines on the market, you will not find anything more manoeuvrable. Hence why I have owned several of these machines.
A zero-turn mower consists of two rear driving wheels that are powered by an independent hydrostatic motor. The majority of zero-turn mowers are controlled by two levers each side of the operator’s seat. There are a few machines that have a steering wheel, however, I have not used a zero-turn mower with a steering wheel.
A zero-turn mower has two heavy-duty caster wheels at the front of the machine which turn 360°. This allows the machine to be turned in its own length, due to the independent control of the rear wheels.
The hydrostatic motor enables the two rear wheels to be controlled independently in forward and reverse and variable speed. Combined with the heavy-duty caster wheels this really does give excellent manoeuvrability, machines can actually turn around in its own length.
In my experience, a zero turn mower can produce amazing results compared with the traditional lawn tractor. There are two main reasons for this, the zero turn mower is far more manoeuvrable than a traditional lawn tractor. Secondly, most zero terms have the ability to mulch so there is no grass to collect.
I have seen rates increase by 300% using a zero-turn machine. Now, obviously this depends on what type of lawn you have, if you have many obstacles a zero turn mower will speed up your lawn cutting hugely. As it is capable of weaving around obstacles and overhanging branches. Whereas a traditional lawn tractor would be making many manoeuvres in a similar situation.
Zero turns are the most manoeuvrable mowers on the market.
Perfect for areas with obstacles and low hanging branches.
Optional mulching feature.
Powered by a Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine.
Electronic blade engagement.
Anti-scalp feature on cutting deck.
Comfortable adjustable seat.
Optional tow hitch available.
Three-year peace of mind warranty.
Search eBay For Zero Turn Mowers
As I mentioned earlier in this post, Swedish designed Stiga ZT3107T Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower offers unrivalled manoeuvrability to cut around obstacles! Stiga are famous for their out-front mowers which are becoming more and more popular, due to their manoeuvrability and mulching capabilities. Having said this a zero turn mower is the ultimate manoeuvrable mower.
Engine
Stiga have powered their machine with a popular Briggs & Stratton Intek 7200 4 stroke 656cc 2 cylinder engine. The engine develops 13.5 hp with its V twin-cylinder arrangement and overhead valves. Over the years I have had many machines that have been powered by Briggs and Stratton engines. These engines are well proven and over time, I have had minimal trouble with Briggs & Stratton engines. Another large plus point is the fact that Briggs & Stratton parts are readily available and sensibly priced.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck size is 107 cm, which is approximately 3’6”, which makes the machine very compact indeed. There are no levers to engage the cutting deck, simply engage the electronic clutch and you are ready to mow. Just take care to engage the electronic clutch at low revs. In this way, the blades won’t snatch in and this will prolong your electronic clutch life.
There are three blades underneath the cutter deck and a side discharge chute. I would firmly recommend the optional mulching attachment as mulching is a great option. Mulching helps to keep your lawn green in dry periods and also acts as a green fertiliser.
The cutting heights vary from 38 to 114 mm, it’s always useful to have plenty of adjustment on the cutting deck. Especially if your lawn has become long due to poor weather or being away etc.
Optional Accessories
Stiga offers a tow bar which helps to really make your zero turn into a workhorse. The optional towbar can be used for trailers, sweepers, aerators and sprayers and more. As I mentioned earlier I firmly recommend the mulching attachment.
To Conclude
I would recommend the Stiga ZT3107T Zero-Turn Ride-On Mower. Stiga have a lot of experience in building mowers, plus I am biased towards zero turn mowers, but in a good way!
Different manufacturers make different claims about the performance of zero-turn mowers. I know from experience that a zero turn mower can really speed up your mowing time. In some cases, I have seen a 300% increase in performance compared with a traditional ride-on tractor. However, this does depend on the number of obstacles you have to negotiate. A mulching kit to me is a must, I’m surprised the manufacturers don’t make this a standard feature, to be fair.
Stiga obviously has confidence in their product as they offer a three-year warranty, which to me brings great peace of mind.
