Roy Reviews

I have worked with garden, forestry, horticultural and agricultural machinery all my working life which amounts to almost 40 years of experience. I have a passion for garden machinery and equipment and I would like to share my experience in the pages on this website. I’m here to help you come to a decision on what machine or piece of equipment will work for your particular situation. You can find out more about me here.

Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 Petrol Lawn Scarifier-Special Offer

Roy Bretton Roy Reviews, Scarifiers

Today we are looking at the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier which is currently on special offer. The price of the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier is currently £469.95 including VAT. The current price offers a saving of £80.

A few weeks ago, we looked at the slightly cheaper Fieder FST212 petrol lawn scarifier. Today we are looking at more of a pro-type version of a similar machine.

The Fieder petrol scarifier is one of the most powerful homeowner scarifiers on the market today. A scarifier is a great way to remove moss and thatch build-up which enables your lawn to breathe again.

With a high-powered four-stroke overhead-valve engine, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier has plenty of power. And with a two-year warranty and good reviews, the Fieder scarifier is definitely worth a look.

You Can Purchase The Feider FST200 PRO 2-In-1 Petrol Lawn Scarifier Here

Features

One of the most powerful homeowner scarifiers on the market today.
A scarifier helps to create a perfect lawn.
Powerful four-stroke petrol engine.
Ball-bearing mounted wheels for long life.
Adjustable working depth.
Collector included.
Generous 40 cm working width.
Fold-down handles for storage and transport.
Excellent reviews.
Two-year warranty.

Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier

A scarifier is a great tool to own if you want your lawn to look good all year round. Unfortunately, many of us fail to ever scarify our lawns. What always amazes me is the amount of material that comes out of a lawn after it has been scarified.

I must admit that in my experience lawns vary a lot. Some of them are more prone to moss and thatch than other lawns. However, in my view, the process is well worth the effort if you want to have a good lawn. Owning a scarifier means that you can choose the best conditions to scarify your lawn.

Petrol Engine

The Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier certainly has plenty of power. The 212cc four-stroke air-cooled overhead valve engine develops 5 hp. This sort of power is normally found on commercial type scarifiers. The engine has a traditional recoil start system.

Height Adjustment

With an eight-stage adjustable working depth, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier has plenty of flexibility. Every lawn varies slightly, so it is important to have plenty of adjustments to match the conditions of the lawn. Adjustments to the height are made by a handlebar-mounted lever.

Collector

I am surprised that Fieder does not make the scarifier with a larger collector. The fabric collector is only 40 L which to my mind is not really large enough. It’s surprising how much moss and thatch comes out of the lawn when it is scarified. In many cases, it can be easier to rake up the moss and thatch, fortunately, moss and thatch are very lightweight. The other option is to collect with a large rotary mower on a high setting or lawn tractor. The latter is my preferred method, however, I appreciate that this is not possible for everyone.

Push Machine

At 34 kg, the Feider FST200 PRO 2-in-1 petrol lawn scarifier is reasonably lightweight to push. I must admit I would prefer a self-propelled model, however, in my experience it does seem that the majority of scarifiers are push models. The four wheels are all mounted on ball bearings which helps to make freewheeling easier.

To Conclude

If you like to see your lawn looking good, then owning a scarifier is a step in the right direction. Fieder is a French company that produces various budget machines for the garden. They continually appear to receive great reviews and offer a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

As I mentioned earlier in the post, there is a cheaper non-pro model available that is also worth a look. Once again, this machine also has good reviews.

If you are looking for a budget scarifier for your lawn, Fieder gives value for money. The two-year warranty is also another good plus point and of course the reviews.

Specification

Engine Make	Feider
Engine Capacity	212cc / Max. Operating Engine Speed 3400rpm
Engine Power	5.0hp / 4.0kW
Drive	Hand Propelled
Blades	18
Working Width	40cm
Working Height	-15 to +5mm (8 Positions)
Height Adjustment	Single Lever
Handles	Foldable with Soft Grip
Deck Material	Steel
Wheels	Double Ball-Bearing
Debris Collector	45 Litres
Lawn Size	Up to 2000m2
Weight	34kg
Warranty	2 Years

The Oleo-Mac MH175RK Front-Tine Tiller

Roy Bretton Rotavators Tillers And Cultivators, Roy Reviews

Today we are going to look at the Oleo-Mac MH175RK front-tine tiller. The Oleo-Mac front tine tiller is currently available for £395 including VAT.

The Italian engineered tiller is a machine that will make life easier in the garden or allotment. The tiller comes with heavy-duty steel blades and a powerful Emak overhead valve engine.

The reverse gear is a very useful feature that helps to make manoeuvring the tiller considerably easier.

With 21 top reviews, Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller is certainly worth looking at.

You Can Purchase The Oleo-Mac MH175RK Front Tine Tiller Here

Features

An Italian engineered tiller designed to make life easier in the garden.
Heavy-duty steel blades.
Powerful overhead valve petrol engine.
Reverse gear for ease of use.
Adjustable handles.
Transport wheel.
Adjustable tilling width.
Five-year warranty with terms and conditions.
Excellent reviews. If

Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller

As you know I am always looking for ways to make life easier in the garden. A garden tiller, which can also be referred to as a garden cultivator or rotavator can make light work of some of those heavier tasks in the garden.

There are different types of garden tillers, the Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller being the classic type that is more often used in the garden or allotment. These tillers are what we call rotor driven tillers, in other words, the rotors drive the machine forward and backwards.

The other type of tillers that are often referred to as rotavators has a set of driving wheels powered through a gearbox. The rotors are at the rear of the machine. These types of machines are more often used by landscape gardeners, horticulturalists, and contractors.

Four Stroke Petrol Engine

The petrol-driven Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller is powered by an Emak engine that develops 183cc. The overhead-valve engine technology helps to bring low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel consumption. The engine is started with a traditional recoil system.

Rotors And Transmission

One of the good features that many manufacturers now offer on garden tillers is a reverse gear. Traditionally a garden tiller would just have one single forward speed, which was fine until you are stuck in a corner! The reverse gear enables the tiller to be turned easily and to get out of corners with minimal effort.

The Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller gives a maximum 80 cm digging width. The machine width can be reduced by removing rotors if space is limited or you are using the tiller for row crop work.

There are 16 tough steel blades attached to the rotors that help to penetrate the soil. The depth skid controls the digging depth, so by lifting the skid up, the machine will go deeper. Or if you are just making a shallow seabed, put the skid down and the tiller will break up the soil to a shallow depth.

The transmission is powered through a V belt, which helps to prevent overload. A front transport wheel helps to easily facilitate movement from plot to plot.

Adjustable Handlebars

The handlebars are fully adjustable which is useful for operator comfort. Another feature is the fact that the handlebars can be offset so there is no need to walk on freshly tilled soil.

To Conclude

The Oleo-Mac MH175RK front tine tiller is a great tool to make life easier in the garden. With 21 reviews that average 4.9 out of five stars means that owners are satisfied with their tiller.

The five-year warranty is also definitely worth taking a look at. I always value warranty as it gives me confidence in purchasing. Just check out the terms and conditions as you will probably have to have your tiller serviced at a dealer annually. However, to my mind, that length of warranty gives me peace of mind.

Specification

Engine Make	Emak
Engine Model	K800H OHV
Engine Type	Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity	183cc
Engine Starting System	Recoil
Gears	1 Forward / 1 Reverse
Transmission	Belt Drive
Working Width	80cm / 60cm
No. of Tines	16
Crop Protection Discs	Yes
Handles	Height Adjustable / Laterally Adjustable
Depth Gauge	Yes
Transport Wheels	Yes – 1
Dimensions (HxWxL)	145cm x 80cm x 97cm
Weight	60kg
Warranty	5 Years

The Stiga Gyro- Battery Joystick Mower

Roy Bretton Lawnmowers, Roy Reviews

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.

Search EBay For Mowers — **Search eBay For Mowers**

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.

Stiga MPV 520W Multi-Purpose Mower-Special Offer

Roy Bretton Lawnmower Special Offers, Lawnmowers, Roy Reviews, Special Offers

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.

You Can Purchase The Stiga MPV 520W Multi-Purpose Mower Here

Features

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.

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.

Specification

Engine Make	Briggs and Stratton
Engine Model	Vanguard™ 21 V-Twin OHV
Engine Type	Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity	627cc
Engine Power	15.6hp / 11.66kW @ 2600rpm (21hp Gross)
Engine Cylinders	Twin
Engine Starting System	Electric Key Start
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity	24 Litres
Air Cleaner System	Dual Element
Transmission	Hydrostatic – Foot-Pedal Operated
Drive	Front Wheel
Speed	8km/h (Max.)
Cutting Width	112cm
Cutting Heights	20-70mm
Height Adjustment	Lever
Blade Engagement (PTO)	Manual
Mulching	No
Side-Discharge	No
Grass Collector	280 Litres
Headlights	No
Steering Wheel	with Steering Ball
Tow Bar	No
Wheels – Front	TBC
Wheels – Rear	TBC
Lawn Size	Up to 15,000m2
Warranty	5 Years

Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower

Roy Bretton Lawnmower Special Offers, Lawnmowers, Roy Reviews, Special Offers

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.

Purchase The Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower Here

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.

Let’s take a look at the Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower

Features

Zero-turn mowers are the most manoeuvrable machines on the market.
Obstacles are no longer an issue with the zero-turn mower.
Powerful V twin 708cc petrol engine.
10 gauge steel deck.
Good cutting height range.
Anti-scalp deck
Toolbox.
Optional hour meter.
Cutting deck washout ports.
Three-year domestic warranty.

First of all the Toro TimeCutter ZS4200T Zero Turn Mower comes ready to mow, the mower comes fully assembled and is ready for work.

Engine

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

Feider FMTB80 Petrol Front Tine Tiller – Special Offer

Roy Bretton Rotavators, Roy Reviews

Today we are looking at the Feider FMTB80 petrol front tine tiller which is currently on special offer. The price at the time of writing is £499.95 including VAT which offers a saving of £150.

We are at that time of year when it’s time to get the vegetable garden, allotment and flower borders cultivated. A garden tiller can save a terrific amount of time and take the hard work out of digging and raking.

The Feider FMTB80 petrol front tine tiller comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind. A premium delivery service is available if you prefer your garden tiller to be assembled and ready for work.

The powerful 7 hp petrol tiller will make light work of cultivating your garden or allotment.

Purchase The Feider FMTB80 Petrol Front Tine Tiller Here

Features

A large great value for money garden tiller.
Powerful 7 hp four stroke overhead valve petrol engine.
24 robust steel tines.
Adjustable working depth.
Reverse gear for ease of use.
Transport wheel.
Detachable transmission for easier routine maintenance.
Takes the hard work out of digging and raking.
Two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Feider FMTB80 Petrol Front Tine Tiller

As you know I am always looking for ways to make life in the garden easier. A tiller is not something that you use every day, however, it’s a great asset to make life in the garden easier, especially at this time of year.

A garden tiller is great for making a fine seedbed for spring planting. Garden tillers are also great for autumn digging and incorporating compost or manure. The tines can help to break down compost and mix the compost within the soil. Which in turn helps to improve the soil, hugely, in most cases.

There are two types of rotavator, the tine driven type like the Feider FMTB80 petrol tiller. The other type which are generally used by contractors and are more expensive machines are the wheel-driven type. These tillers have a gearbox to the wheels and are generally much easier to use. If money was no object, I would always recommend a wheeled driven type rotavator. However, a budget rotor driven tiller can still save huge amounts of time and effort in the garden and is well worth having. I started with this type of machine when I first started my contracting business 40 years ago.

More Garden Tillers And Rotavator’s Here

Petrol Engine

The Feider FMTB80 petrol front tine tiller is powered by a four-stroke overhead valve engine. The 212cc engine develops 7 hp which is plenty of power for a tiller of this size. The engine is started by a traditional recoil start mechanism.

Gearbox

Many garden tillers do not have a gearbox, they just have one speed forward. More and more manufacturers appear to be adding a reverse gear which makes the Feider FMTB80 petrol front tine tiller much easier to use.

I remember my first garden tiller which was a Merry Tiller, something that’s not produced anymore, unfortunately! The tiller had just one forward speed which meant that I had to drag it backwards when I came to a corner or a narrow space. A reverse gear certainly helps to make a garden tiller much easier to use.

Rotors

The Feider FMTB80 petrol tiller has a considerably large tilling width at 79 cm (just over 31 inches) so you can quickly cover the ground. There may be some instances where this will be too wide, fortunately, you can take a set of rotors off to narrow up the tiller.

There are six rotors which comprise of four tines on each rotor, which totals 24 tines. The maximum rpm of the rotors is 320, the rotor speed can be varied on the throttle according to the conditions you are working in.

Find Stump Grinders On EBay — **Find Garden Tillers On eBay**

Transport wheel and skid

A front transport wheel helps to make it easy to move the machine around the garden. There is a rear skid that controls the depth of the machine. If you want to go deep, lift the skid up to allow the machine to go deep. Or if you are creating a fine shallow seedbed, put the skid down so that it keeps the depth shallow.

Folding And Adjustable Handles

The Feider FMTB80 front tine tiller has adjustable handles making it more comfortable to operate. The handles can be adjusted so that you can still work up against a wall. Another useful feature is the fact that the handles can be folded up for storage or for transporting the tiller.

To Conclude

Fieder products appear to continually receive good reviews and offer excellent value for money. The Feider FMTB80 petrol front tine tiller certainly offers a lot for the money. With a 7 hp engine, it should be able to cope with almost any task in the garden or allotment.

The great thing is that the Fieder garden tiller comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

The machine is delivered to your door and will need some assembling. If you would like the machine already assembled there is a premium service that is available at the checkout.

Specification

Engine Make	Feider
Engine Type	Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity	212cc
Engine Power	7hp / 5.2kW
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity	3.6 Litres
Oil Tank Capacity	1.6 Litres
Gears	1 Forward / 1 Reverse
Working Width	79cm
Working Depth	-100mm to -160mm
No. of Tines	24
R.P.M. of Rotors	320rpm
Handles	Vertically and Laterally Adjustable
Wheel Type	Retractable – Front Mounted
Sound Level	98dB(A)
Weight	57kg
Warranty	2 Years

Racing 62PR Compact Ride On Mower

Roy Bretton Lawnmowers, Roy Reviews

Today we are looking at the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower. This is a budget ride on mower that is currently available for £1499.95 including VAT.

The Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is one of the most compact ride on mowers on the market. It easily fits through a standard 30-inch garden gate with room to spare. The cutting deck size is just 61 cm which makes it fractionally over 2 feet in size.

With 37 positive reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower must be worth a look. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.

You Can Purchase The Racing 62PR Compact Ride On Mower Here

Features

An extremely compact ride on mower.
Highly manoeuvrable.
Fits through a standard garden gate.
The Racing 62PR can go where other ride on mowers cannot go.
Five-speed transmission including one reverse gear.
Efficient four-stroke overhead valve engine.
Electric start.
Excellent reviews.
Two years warranty.

Racing 62PR Compact Ride On Mower

Many of us like the idea of having a ride on mower to cut our lawn. However, many ride on mowers can be very cumbersome and not always as practical as you might think in a garden.

I believe that one of the best features of the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is its size. With a 61 cm cutting deck which is just slightly over 2 feet, it certainly is a very compact ride on mower for the smaller garden.

When I was cutting grass commercially, I used a similar type of ride on mower that was slightly larger. The great thing was that it almost enabled me to go where other ride on mowers cannot go. It also replaced two walk-behind mowers and two men as the output was so good!

Overhead Valve Engine

With a petrol four-stroke engine overhead valve engine the 196cc engine develops 6.5 hp. It comes with electric key start and an engine from Racing themselves. Although the engine is not particularly large, it should be enough to power this budget compact ride on lawnmower.

Cutting Deck

With a 61 cm (approximately just over 24 inches) cutting deck, this is probably the narrowest ride on mower on the market. As I mentioned, earlier in my post, ride on mowers can be cumbersome, however, a ride on mower of this size can almost go where a walk behind mower can go.

The robust 61 cm strong steel cutter deck has five different cutting heights ranging from 30 to 70 cm. The cutting height is adjusted by a single lever. Blade engagement is manual rather than electronic.

Large Grass Collector

One of the plus points with the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower is that it has a large collector which holds 150 L of grass. The collector can be operated from the driver’s seat. I see many ride on mowers that have collection bags that must be emptied manually. This is time-consuming and totally unnecessary. If I’m using a ride on mower, I do not want to have to keep getting on and off the machine.

Gearbox

The Racing ride on mower has a five-speed gearbox, four forward gears and one reverse gear. This is fine for a budget mower; however, many machines have hydrostatic transmission which is almost like an automatic car.

I always recommend that when a customer purchases a ride on mower they go for a hydrostatic machine. Hydrostatic mowers have an oil pump and an oil-driven motor which enables variable speed and instant forward and reverse without having to use a clutch. Once you have used a hydrostatic machine you will not want to go back to a gearbox.

To Conclude

Having owned several commercial compact ride on mowers I know very much about the manoeuvrability that they offer. Many ride on mowers can be rather cumbersome, however, a ride on mower this size can almost go where a walk-behind machine can go.

The only thing that really lets this machine down is the fact that it has a gearbox rather than hydrostatic transmission. It may be worth looking at the Mountfield 827H compact ride on with hydrostatic transmission.

The great thing is that the Racing 62PR compact ride on mower has good reviews and customers are satisfied with the purchase. It also comes with a two-year warranty, another good plus point. We must remember that this is a budget machine.

Specification

Engine Make	Racing
Engine Type	Petrol 4-stroke
Engine Capacity	196cc
Engine Power	6.5hp / 4.8kW @ 3600rpm
Engine Cylinders	Single
Engine Starting System	Electric Key Start
Transmission	Manual – 4 Forward / 1 Reverse
Drive	Rear Wheel
Speed	Forward: 1.5-4.6km/h – Reverse: 2.3km/h
Cutting Width	61cm
Cutting Heights	30-70mm (5 Positions)
Height Adjustment	Lever
Blade Engagement (PTO)	Manual
Blades	Single
Grass Collector	150 Litres
Mulching	No
Rear Deflector	Yes
Side-Discharge	No
Headlights	No
Wheels – Front	250mm
Wheels – Rear	325mm
Weight	136kg
Lawn Size	Up to 2000m2
Warranty	2 Years

Racing 4000T Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower -16”/40cm Cut

Roy Bretton Lawnmower Special Offers, Roy Reviews, Special Offers

Racing 4000T-A Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Today we are looking at the Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut. The racing 4000T is a budget lawnmower designed for the home user. It’s currently on special offer at £269.95 including VAT. It offers an £80 saving on the original price.

It’s a great price for a self-propelled petrol mower. The Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut is equipped with an efficient overhead valve engine. It also comes with a two-year warranty, for peace of mind.

There are 61 customer reviews that average 4.9 out of 5-star reviews, so it looks like customers are delighted with their purchase. It certainly offers value for money.

There is a cheaper push model available, but to be fair, for a small extra cost, I always advise customers to go for the self-propelled models. It makes life much easier!

You Can Purchase The Racing 4000T Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower -16”/40cm Cut Here

Features

A terrific amount of mower for the price.
Great reviews.
Two-year warranty.
Rear-wheel drive.
Overhead valve efficient engine.
Multiple cutting heights.
Self-propelled for ease of use.
Compact working width.
Steel deck for durability.
Folding handlebars for transport and space-saving.

The Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut

If you are looking for a budget petrol lawnmower, the Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut is worth looking at. It offers great value for money and with 61 top reviews and a two-year warranty, it must be worth a look. The 16-inch cut is not really small and not massive, but it does offer great manoeuvrability. The Racing petrol lawn mower is recommended for lawns up to 400 m².

Petrol Engine

The Racing four stroke overhead valve 99cc petrol engine produces 2.4 hp of power. The engine starting system is a traditional recoil start. The fuel tank has a capacity of 1.2 L which should be more than enough fuel to cut the average size lawn.

I must admit I would have expected a slightly larger engine on a mower of this size. However, we are looking at a budget machine and generally, modern overhead-valve engines produce very smooth power.

You Can Find More Lawnmowers Here

Cutting Deck

The 16-inch cutting deck is ideal for smaller lawns of around 400 m². I guess that a 16-inch cutting deck is a fairly average size of a mower. The great thing is with a mower of this size is that it enables you to get where larger machines cannot go.

The 40 cm cutting deck is made from hard-wearing steel. This gives robustness and longevity.

The cutting deck has a single lever adjustment for ease of use. The cutting heights vary from 25 to 70 mm.

The grass collector has a 45 L capacity. The collector is made from fabric which allows the air to flow through the box and collect the grass. It’s important to keep grass boxes clean so that the air can flow through efficiently. When the grass box becomes clogged, the grass collecting efficiency will drop down dramatically.

The best way to clean a grass box is either with a power washer. Or to let the grass box dry out and then brush the grass box with a stiff hand brush. I have found that both ways work quite well.

Self-Propelled Mower

The Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut is self-propelled for ease of use. The rear wheels drive the machine forward, simple handlebar controls engage the drive clutch.

Unfortunately, there are a few mowers that have front-wheel drive, these are terrible to use. Since when you turn the mower you lift the front wheels off the ground, so the mower immediately stops driving! Thankfully, the Racing 4000T has rear-wheel drive which is far superior.

To Conclude

The Racing 4000T self-propelled petrol lawnmower – 16”/40 cm cut certainly offers value for money. And judging by the reviews, people really like this budget lawnmower. The three-plus points for me are the price, the reviews, and the two-year warranty.

As I mentioned this is a budget domestic mower, so you can’t expect everything. I would have liked to have seen a slightly larger engine for a mower of this size. However, for that price, you cannot have everything!

Specification

Engine Make	Racing
Engine Capacity	99cc
Engine Power	2.4hp / 1.8kW
Engine Starting System	Recoil
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity	1.2 Litres
Drive	Self Propelled
Cutting Width	40cm
Cutting Heights	25-70mm
Height Adjustment	Single Lever
Grass Collector	45 Litres
Mulching	No
Side-Discharge	No
Cutting Deck	Steel
Handles	Foldable
Wheels	Front 150mm / Rear 200mm
Safety Features	Operator Presence Control
Lawn Size	Up to 400m2
Weight	24kg
Warranty	2 Year

as you

The Budget MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Roy Bretton Lawnmower Special Offers, Roy Reviews, Special Offers

Today we are looking at the budget MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower. The MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower is currently on special offer. The current price at the time of writing is £249.95 including VAT, which currently offers a £100 saving.

The budget MowMaster has been designed for British lawns. It offers excellent value for money and has excellent reviews and a two-year peace of mind warranty.

I guess the biggest feature is that it offers 3-in-1 mowing. This means the mower can collect the clippings, mulch the grass or rear discharge the grass clippings.

You Can Purchase The Budget MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

Features

A petrol mower that offers excellent value for money.
3 in 1 mowing-collecting, mulching and rear discharge.
Designed for cutting British lawns.
Five cutting heights.
Self-propelled for effort-free mowing.
Ideal cutting width for small to mid-size gardens.
Grass collector full indicator which lets you know when your collector is full.
Fuel-efficient overhead valve petrol engine.
Deck wash port for easy cleaning.
Comfortable handlebar grip with quick-release levers.
Excellent reviews.
Two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower

The MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower is a mower that is designed for domestic use. In other words, the lawnmower drives itself, something that I recommend for ease of use. It offers excellent value for money and at the time of writing comes with an extremely low price tag. It also comes with two years warranty which gives the buyer confidence. I like the idea of a good warranty.

Petrol Engine

The self-propelled petrol mower is powered by a four-stroke 123cc petrol engine. The fuel tank has a capacity of 0.8 L. The engine is started with a traditional recoil start mechanism.

I have always preferred the idea of petrol mowers over electric mowers as they can be used anywhere. There is no need to be restricted by a power source or a trailing electric cable. I appreciate that battery technology is improving all the time, however, petrol or diesel power is still my preferred form of power for mowing.

We Have Many More Different Types Of Mowers Available Here

Cutting Deck

The cutting width is 43 cm which equals approximately 17 inches. The recommended maximum lawn size for this lawnmower is 600 m². Of course, the machine will cut more if required, it will just take you longer!

The cutting deck is adjusted by a single lever which offers five different positions ranging from 25 mm to 70 mm. It’s always good to have a high cut in case your lawn gets out of hand. By using the high cut, you can quickly get your lawn back in shape without too much of a struggle.

The cutting deck is supported by four wheels, the rear wheels being slightly larger than the front wheels. With a strong steel cutting deck, the mower offers rugged durability against knocks.

Another useful feature is that the cutting deck has a wash port on top of the deck. Simply attach a garden hose to the deck and start the machine and the deck will be quickly cleaned. Take care to do this in a place where you can clear up easily as it is surprising how much old grass comes away from a cutting deck.

Three in One Cutting Deck

One of the best features about the MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower is the fact that it has a 3 in 1 cutting deck. This means that it has the ability to collect the grass clippings, or it can discharge them out the rear of the mower. Or, my personal favourite is to mulch the grass clippings.

Mulching can be a very time-saving idea due to the fact that you don’t have to stop and empty the grass clippings. It also has the benefit of helping to keep your lawn green and healthy in dry weather. In other words, it acts as a natural fertiliser.

The best way to use a mulching mower is to make sure and cut your grass regularly. You can’t expect your grass to be 6 inches long and have a good mulch. However, if you cut your grass on a regular basis mulching can be extremely effective and keep your grass looking good all year round.

Grass Collector

The grass collector has a capacity of 40 L, I would have probably expected a 50 L grass box on a mower of this size. However, the fact that it can mulch means that you probably won’t be using the grass box that often.

The grass box also has an indicator to show you when the box is full. This takes the guesswork out of knowing when to empty the grass collector and avoids any blockages.

To Conclude

The budget MowMaster 43PD-SSEK 3-in-1 self-propelled petrol lawnmower offers value for money. The mower is designed for domestic use. It has excellent reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5 which is a great plus point.

I believe the best feature is the fact that the mower has is the ability to mulch or collect. I have always liked the idea of mulching, not only because it saves time because it helps to keep your lawn looking good in dry weather.

Would I buy it? The answer is yes, if I was looking for a domestic mower, as I like the price, I like the reviews and it has the ability to mulch! Plus I like the two-year warranty which offers peace of mind.

Specification

Engine Make	MowMaster
Engine Model	T375 OHV
Engine Capacity	123cc
Engine Starting System	Recoil
Engine Fuel Tank Capacity	0.8 Litres
Drive	Self Propelled
Cutting Width	43cm
Cutting Heights	25-70mm (5 Positions)
Height Adjustment	Single Lever
Grass Collector	40 Litres – Fabric with Hard Top
Grassbag Full Indicator	Yes
Mulching	Yes
Side-Discharge	No
Cutting Deck	Steel
Deck Washout Port	Yes
Handles	Soft Grip with Quick-Release Levers
Wheels	Front 127mm / Rear 175mm
Safety Features	Operator Presence Control
Lawn Size	Up to 600m2
Weight	27kg
Warranty	2 Years

The Predator 38 RX EFI Radio Remote Stump Grinder – 20 Months In

Roy Bretton Roy Reviews, Tree Stump Grinders

Review Of Predator 38 RX EFI Radio Remote Stump Grinder

In this video and blog post, you can see my review of the Predator 38 RX EFI radio remote stump grinder – 20 months in. So far, the Predator 38 RX has clocked up 850 hours. I carried out an earlier review of the stump grinder at about 150 hours. You can see the earlier review here.

This is my third Predator stump grinder, the first one being a Predator 28 radio remote diesel machine. This one was a bit more troublesome; you can see an earlier video review that I carried out here. The second machine was a Predator 38 radio remote machine, which was a carburettor petrol model. And then finally my present Predator 38 RX which I am reviewing here.

The Predator 38 RX EFI Radio Remote Stump Grinder

I am pleased to say that my present Predator 38 RX EFI has been trouble-free. Starting at the front of the machine, I am still on the original cutting wheel. Obviously, there is a bit of wear and tear, but it still works fine. I do sheer the odd cutter bolt now and then, however, that’s hardly surprising when you think what pressure the cutter head is under! Also, grinding below ground level, unfortunately, we never know what’s underneath the ground.

New Cutter Head Bearings At 650 Hours

I had to have the cutter head bearings replaced at around 650 hours. On my diesel Predator 28, the bearings lasted around 850 hours, which was considerably more. I actually thought the bearings would go before on the diesel model due to the extra vibration. However, where we are grinding underground we can pick all sorts of things up. I’m aware that there have been situations where wire and string have become wrapped around the bearings, which can potentially cause unnecessary wear.

Bearings are not cheap, I also had to have a replacement shaft which added to the cost. I took it back to the main dealer to have the work carried out which cost around £1800 including VAT. Definitely, an expense that I could have done without!

**New Cutter Head Bearings At 650 Hours**

Cutter Head Drive Belts

I have found that the main drive belts from the cutter head to the main bearing average around 300 hours. There are three individual drive belts to the cutter head. I always replace all three belts at one time, to replace individual belts would be a false economy.

It’s important to keep the belts regularly tensioned. Normally after fitting a new set of belts, I check the tension after about 10 hours of use. It’s important to keep the belts tensioned correctly to give the belts longevity. It takes me around 20 to 30 minutes to tension the belts. To replace a new set of belts to the cutter head takes about 90 minutes, approximately.

The Predator 38 RX machine is fitted with Kevlar belts, my old Predator 28 machine was fitted with traditional drive belts. I have to say there is a huge difference between the Kevlar belts and the traditional belts. With the traditional belts I was continually having to re-tension them, however, I find the Kevlar belts, literally, a thousand times better.

Engine Drive Belts

The three drive belts from the engine to the main drive shaft are still the original belts after 850 hours. That’s pretty good going considering the amount of strain that they are under. On my Predator 28 diesel machine, the first set of drive belts went after 17 hours of use! Fortunately, the next set of drive belts lasted approximately 500 hours, thankfully, considerably longer!

I would say to replace the engine drive belts is approximately a 90-minute job. It’s a relatively straightforward task, like everything, it’s always easier when you have done it before.

Kohler EFI Engine

One of the best improvements to the Predator 38 is the new Kohler EFI engine. The previous petrol model that I was using had basically the same engine, but a carburettor model.

The difference between the two models is amazing. I don’t want to undermine the carburettor version, however, the EFI engine is so much better.

The engine responsiveness is huge over the carburettor engine. It almost seemed like the carburettor engine had to think about giving you extra fuel, whereas the EFI engine is just instant! The fuel consumption is also greatly improved, especially if the machine is being used all day. With the EFI engine, for a continuous day’s work, the machine uses around 45 to 50 L per day (10 to 11 gallons). The carburettor engine would probably use around 35% more.

Throttle Cable Assembly

For some reason on the Predator 38 stump grinders, the throttle cable never seems to run freely. I appreciate that my machine is exposed to a lot of weather when I’m travelling. However, it is kept undercover. I regularly oil the throttle cable and yet it never seems to run freely.

The first throttle cable assembly broke after about 10 months of use. It was replaced free of charge under the warranty.

Paintwork

On all the Predator stump grinders that I have owned, I have never found the paintwork to be brilliant. When the machine is first delivered it looks nice and bright and shiny. However, that shine and paintwork soon wears off.

I must admit I carry my stump grinder on an open trailer, so it is exposed to all the weather on the road. The road salt really wrecks the paintwork quickly. I guess if you were transporting the machine in a van, or a covered trailer would make a considerable difference.

I don’t know much about paint finishes, but it appears there is just one coat of paint applied. No undercoat or primer, it appears. That would be one thing that would be worth spending a bit extra on. If there was such an option available.

To Conclude

So probably one of the main questions that people ask is, would I buy another one? The answer is, definitely yes!

I think one of the best things about the Predator 38 RX EFI stump grinder is the fact that the tracks narrow down to 26 inches (66 cm). This is ideal for going through most garden gates.

I remember having a radio remote Carlton 4012 machine on dual wheels. I was forever having to take a set of wheels to get through gateways. This required a socket set, blocks of wood and a huge amount of time. I can narrow in the Predator tracks in around one or two seconds at the move of a paddle switch.

When I first saw the cutter head on the Predator several years ago, I thought it looked too simple to be effective. However, I’m very satisfied with the performance and like the quick and simple way of replacing the cutting teeth. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to change a set of Predator cutting teeth.

There are six cutting teeth on the Predator cutting head. However, only two of the teeth are for cutting, the other four teeth are for clearance purposes only. This means that only two cutting teeth are replaced at the same time. When a clearance tooth becomes worn that can be replaced with a used cutting tooth. All the cutting teeth are identical, but the teeth are just positioned slightly differently on the cutting wheel.

Warranty

Predator now has a good number of dealerships around the country to keep your machine running smoothly. I believe that this has helped the brand greatly. It is always important to have a good dealer backup in case of an emergency. The Predator stump grinder comes with a two-year warranty. The Kohler engine has three years warranty.

Please feel free to comment if you have any questions or thoughts on the YouTube comments section.