Which lawnmower?

coopersim · 06-17-2021, 03:09 PM

Boring but necessary!

Can anyone recommend a mower that is suitable for nice stripes on a flat lawn but one that is also suitable for hills? Seems so far that a flymo xl500 for the hills and a hayter with a rear roller are recommended.

I’m trying to avoid multiple machines ideally.

isleaiw1 · 06-17-2021, 03:26 PM

why do you want stripes? I seem to recall that stripes come from cylinder mowers with a heavy roller at the back, but experience has told me that rotary mowers tend to cut better....

Hover mowers far and away the best for hills......

coopersim · 06-17-2021, 03:32 PM

Stripes look nice! Most mowers with roller appear to be rotary these days?

Watsey · 06-17-2021, 03:32 PM

My advice...stay away from Hayter models which have a rear roller - the motors aren't powerful enough to blow the cuttings over the roller and into the collection bag. The cutting unit becomes more like a blender than a mower, and needs frequent clearing.

I use a wheeled 80V electric unit with a horizontal blade (like a hovver) which mulches the grass as it cuts. Generally does a pretty good job (most of the grass does disappear among the roots of the grass, where it rots back into the soil) but it can leave some rows of cut grass if i've left it too long between cuts.

HighlandPete · 06-17-2021, 03:41 PM

I've been using a petrol Flymo for over 45-years. My current XL500 was purchased in 2004, best mowers for banks and all odd contours. Works on a rope if necessary.

coopersim · 06-17-2021, 03:41 PM

Is this electric or battery? I was avoiding both to be honest as like you mention I need a good amount of power.

Techno 9000 · 06-17-2021, 04:18 PM

Best for stripes would be a cylinder mower.

I picked up a petrol powered Qualcast 45S 17" model (complete with slash cut chrome exhaust tips*) secondhand for £30 back in 2002. Still going strong today.
Powered drive to the roller makes light work of the job.

* Not really, but the modding bug could strike at any time.

Pentland · 06-17-2021, 05:50 PM

Depends on the hills you’ve got.

I’ve had a petrol Atco rotary with powered rear roller for the last 20 years. Only part Ive bought for it was a new pull chord.

Looked at battery mowers recently and concluded, too expensive, not enough run time and replacement battery cost a fortune. Similar to cars really. Lol

D69GMB · 06-18-2021, 12:36 AM

Honda HRX 537hy. Have 2 of these for my gardening business, super reliable,loads of power and also can mulch cut and gives reasonable stripes.

flashollie · 06-18-2021, 01:28 AM

Stihl battery mower I have is excellent. I have a big garden and a lot of lawn. it's also on a hill. I can do the lot in 1 hour. it powers up the hills so I'm not pushing, all on one charge. Also has a mulcher option for chopping up the cuttings and spreads then to fertilize.
I have other Stihl products chain saw hedge trimmer so the battery is shared which makes it more cost effective so this may not work for you as the bigger battery is over 150 quid. they do domestic range which might be more suitable. it's great kit built to last.

Steve_M_Sport · 06-18-2021, 02:29 AM

Honda mower from their Core range with a rear roller. Avoid the cheap bottom of range Izy models. I

TodmordenLad · 06-18-2021, 02:43 AM

I've had a Hayter petrol for decades. Local parkie recommended it, reliable and satisfying to use.
Neighbour has a rechargeable robot thing. Asked her how she was getting on with it as I hadn't seen it for a while. Told me she was going to throw it away

coopersim · 06-18-2021, 03:08 PM

Many thanks for the replies and recommendations,
Hadn’t realised what a minefield mowing is!

Sennen · 06-19-2021, 03:43 AM

Get a Gardener, life is too short to mow grass or wash a car........... some people do enjoy it though

DaveA · 06-19-2021, 09:16 AM

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

isleaiw1 · 06-19-2021, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveA

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

If it was the same as a car thread we would have been suggesting ride on, with a trailer, maybe move house to get rid of the slope, minimum landscaping to achieve same, aftermarket blades and exhaust on ride on for better cutting performance and sound, and then probably waiting for the LCi for better looks....

TodmordenLad · 06-19-2021, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveA

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

If it was the same as a car thread we would have been suggesting ride on, with a trailer, maybe move house to get rid of the slope, minimum landscaping to achieve same, aftermarket blades and exhaust on ride on for better cutting performance and sound, and then probably waiting for the LCi for better looks....

Not to mention a pointless diesel vs petrol debate, Ian.

(Ok, I know, they don't make diesel lawnmowers

)

isleaiw1 · 06-19-2021, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

Not to mention a pointless diesel vs petrol debate, Ian.

(Ok, I know, they don't make diesel lawnmowers

)

Do they do a 6 pot? Better sound but might upset the handling....

JustChris · 06-19-2021, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveA

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

Hayter

DaveA · 06-19-2021, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

Quote:

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveA

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

If it was the same as a car thread we would have been suggesting ride on, with a trailer, maybe move house to get rid of the slope, minimum landscaping to achieve same, aftermarket blades and exhaust on ride on for better cutting performance and sound, and then probably waiting for the LCi for better looks....

Not to mention a pointless diesel vs petrol debate, Ian.

(Ok, I know, they don't make diesel lawnmowers

)

… and differences of opinion on colour and wheels…

DaveA · 06-19-2021, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustChris

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveA

These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice...

... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation...

Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars...

Oh...

Hayter

I'm hurt…

AlwynMike · 06-21-2021, 03:13 AM

My new lady has a Honda as part of her divorce settlement (!). Thank goodness she treats her car better than the mower. It's very old, weighs a ton. There is no paint left on the deck. The front of the deck is missing due to crash damage. The wheels occasionally go round. The height adjustment is seized - its probably never had a service. The blade is no longer the shape it should be. The crankcase has split after a fight with a recalcitrant tree stump, so the oil is a total loss system, now run on old car engine oil ��
It starts first pull, even with her weight - she is 7 stone max.
It pootles along at a very fast walking pace.
It cuts superbly, with stripes, thanks to the roller.
I see no reason to get a new one (lady or mower).

06-17-2021, 03:09 PM	#1
coopersim Captain 77 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 420d Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Glos. iTrader: (2)	Which lawnmower? Boring but necessary! Can anyone recommend a mower that is suitable for nice stripes on a flat lawn but one that is also suitable for hills? Seems so far that a flymo xl500 for the hills and a hayter with a rear roller are recommended. I’m trying to avoid multiple machines ideally.
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06-17-2021, 03:26 PM	#2
isleaiw1 Lieutenant General 8767 Rep 12,248 Posts Drives: iPace / Mini Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	why do you want stripes? I seem to recall that stripes come from cylinder mowers with a heavy roller at the back, but experience has told me that rotary mowers tend to cut better.... Hover mowers far and away the best for hills......
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06-17-2021, 03:32 PM	#3
coopersim Captain 77 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 420d Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Glos. iTrader: (2)	Stripes look nice! Most mowers with roller appear to be rotary these days?
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06-17-2021, 03:32 PM	#4
Watsey Major General 6407 Rep 8,495 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	My advice...stay away from Hayter models which have a rear roller - the motors aren't powerful enough to blow the cuttings over the roller and into the collection bag. The cutting unit becomes more like a blender than a mower, and needs frequent clearing. I use a wheeled 80V electric unit with a horizontal blade (like a hovver) which mulches the grass as it cuts. Generally does a pretty good job (most of the grass does disappear among the roots of the grass, where it rots back into the soil) but it can leave some rows of cut grass if i've left it too long between cuts. __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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06-17-2021, 03:41 PM	#5
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6659 Rep 15,858 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	I've been using a petrol Flymo for over 45-years. My current XL500 was purchased in 2004, best mowers for banks and all odd contours. Works on a rope if necessary.
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06-17-2021, 04:18 PM	#7
Techno 9000 Captain 518 Rep 944 Posts Drives: 435D Estoril Blue Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: East Sussex iTrader: (0)	Best for stripes would be a cylinder mower. I picked up a petrol powered Qualcast 45S 17" model (complete with slash cut chrome exhaust tips) secondhand for £30 back in 2002. Still going strong today. Powered drive to the roller makes light work of the job. Not really, but the modding bug could strike at any time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-17-2021, 05:50 PM	#8
Pentland Colonel 1724 Rep 2,069 Posts Drives: BMW M240i (G42) Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Depends on the hills you’ve got. I’ve had a petrol Atco rotary with powered rear roller for the last 20 years. Only part Ive bought for it was a new pull chord. Looked at battery mowers recently and concluded, too expensive, not enough run time and replacement battery cost a fortune. Similar to cars really. Lol Last edited by Pentland; 06-18-2021 at 04:59 AM..
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06-18-2021, 12:36 AM	#9
D69GMB Lieutenant Colonel 463 Rep 1,574 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Ayrshire iTrader: (0)	Honda HRX 537hy. Have 2 of these for my gardening business, super reliable,loads of power and also can mulch cut and gives reasonable stripes.
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06-18-2021, 01:28 AM	#10
flashollie Lieutenant 179 Rep 565 Posts Drives: F31 2017 335d black Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bristol UK iTrader: (0)	Stihl battery mower I have is excellent. I have a big garden and a lot of lawn. it's also on a hill. I can do the lot in 1 hour. it powers up the hills so I'm not pushing, all on one charge. Also has a mulcher option for chopping up the cuttings and spreads then to fertilize. I have other Stihl products chain saw hedge trimmer so the battery is shared which makes it more cost effective so this may not work for you as the bigger battery is over 150 quid. they do domestic range which might be more suitable. it's great kit built to last.
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06-18-2021, 02:29 AM	#11
Steve_M_Sport Lieutenant Colonel 614 Rep 1,799 Posts Drives: U06 230e Active Tourer Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Leicestershire iTrader: (0)	Honda mower from their Core range with a rear roller. Avoid the cheap bottom of range Izy models. I __________________ U06 230e Active Tourer \| Previous : 2019 F31 340i : 2017 F31 335D M-Sport
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06-18-2021, 02:43 AM	#12
TodmordenLad Brigadier General 2876 Rep 3,965 Posts Drives: Audi A4 Avant Join Date: May 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've had a Hayter petrol for decades. Local parkie recommended it, reliable and satisfying to use. Neighbour has a rechargeable robot thing. Asked her how she was getting on with it as I hadn't seen it for a while. Told me she was going to throw it away __________________ Owned: 440i GC LCI with MPPSK, F31 330D M Sport with MPPK, F11 530D SE, F11 520D SE, E61 530D M Sport, E36 325i plus many MB's, Audi's & Volvo's
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06-18-2021, 03:08 PM	#13
coopersim Captain 77 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 420d Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Glos. iTrader: (2)	Many thanks for the replies and recommendations, Hadn’t realised what a minefield mowing is!
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06-19-2021, 03:43 AM	#14
Sennen Colonel 1734 Rep 2,420 Posts Drives: UP, Alpine & Caterham Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	Get a Gardener, life is too short to mow grass or wash a car........... some people do enjoy it though
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06-19-2021, 09:16 AM	#15
DaveA Brigadier General 1874 Rep 3,432 Posts Drives: BMW M135i xDrive Join Date: May 2013 Location: Teesside iTrader: (0)	These types of threads are brilliant in their own way... existential, really... as typically you get twenty plus posters with 20 plus different sets of advice... ... and before the haters have a go at me, I am not having a go at anybody, just an observation... Good job nobody bothers to ask opinions on their cars... Oh... __________________ CAR HISTORY - Golf GTI 245 - F30 340i M Sport - F30 330d M Sport MPPK - F30 320d Sport - 997 Gen2 GT3 - 987 Cayman S - 986 Boxster S - Ibiza Cupra - Polo 16v - E30 M3 (Official GB import) - Integra 16v - Mk2 Polo S - Mk1 Golf C
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06-21-2021, 03:13 AM	#22
AlwynMike Lieutenant Colonel 337 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: F36 440i GC. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Flatlands iTrader: (1)	My new lady has a Honda as part of her divorce settlement (!). Thank goodness she treats her car better than the mower. It's very old, weighs a ton. There is no paint left on the deck. The front of the deck is missing due to crash damage. The wheels occasionally go round. The height adjustment is seized - its probably never had a service. The blade is no longer the shape it should be. The crankcase has split after a fight with a recalcitrant tree stump, so the oil is a total loss system, now run on old car engine oil �� It starts first pull, even with her weight - she is 7 stone max. It pootles along at a very fast walking pace. It cuts superbly, with stripes, thanks to the roller. I see no reason to get a new one (lady or mower).
	Appreciate 1 TodmordenLad2875.50 Quote