Demonic69 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Morning all We're in the process of buying and moving house. The new place has a fair sized garden, plus the possibility of some extra land in the future. With my dodgy knees (and my love of things with which to tinker) I'm considering a 2nd hand ride on. There's no way we could afford new as we've so much work to do to the house already. I've seen a few around £550, all running, some MTDs, Westwoods Toros etc. I'd also like, if possible, for it to be able to help with picking up fruit that's dropped from the trees. The Westwood V-Twin seemed like it had a brush type collector that could work. Any advice on brands/models to look out for or avoid? Anything to consider when buying? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wb123 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 I bought a used champion for £500 that has been cracking. Supposedly mulch capable, at some point over winter I will try and find some mulching blades for it and see how it does. I have never ever used a ride on with grass collection that works unless the grass is very dry indeed and only having a minor trim. I ended up removing the collector from mine and using a leaf blower instead. I tend to cut once a month rather than weekly though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 my ride on is 20 years old..and going fine keep it clean hose the cutting deck out everytime you use it keep the blade sharp USE A "HIGH-LIFT BLADE"...(IT WILL CREATE THE SUCK TO LIFT THE GRASS AND BLOW IT INTO THE COLLECTOR) for £500 you should get a decent mower with a garuntee..(2nd hand trade in) READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK as it will proberly need levelling using the adjustment screws check the tyre pressures ..as this is part of the levelling of the mower lubricate it as per the handbook read the hand book again.. dont cut the grass too short....and if your blade/blades are blunt it will tear the grass and it will have a brown tinge to it... they are brilliant machines...and a lot of fun...but must be looked after Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 I have a Wheel Horse (later taken over by Toro) dating to 1977 with a Kohler engine, and still running well, but some parts are now getting difficult to obtain. Good machines (American), and change hands on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 I have a Stiga mower and my neighbour a Stiga ride on. They are Italian. Very well made and have a very solid feel to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic69 Posted September 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 3 minutes ago, JohnfromUK said: I have a Wheel Horse (later taken over by Toro) dating to 1977 with a Kohler engine, and still running well, but some parts are now getting difficult to obtain. Good machines (American), and change hands on eBay. Hi John Are those the sit-on type? More like a mobility scooter? 1 hour ago, Wb123 said: I bought a used champion for £500 that has been cracking. Supposedly mulch capable, at some point over winter I will try and find some mulching blades for it and see how it does. I have never ever used a ride on with grass collection that works unless the grass is very dry indeed and only having a minor trim. I ended up removing the collector from mine and using a leaf blower instead. I tend to cut once a month rather than weekly though. Cheers WB, I'd not thought about using a blower, I'll investigate! 1 hour ago, ditchman said: my ride on is 20 years old..and going fine keep it clean hose the cutting deck out everytime you use it keep the blade sharp USE A "HIGH-LIFT BLADE"...(IT WILL CREATE THE SUCK TO LIFT THE GRASS AND BLOW IT INTO THE COLLECTOR) for £500 you should get a decent mower with a garuntee..(2nd hand trade in) READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK as it will proberly need levelling using the adjustment screws check the tyre pressures ..as this is part of the levelling of the mower lubricate it as per the handbook read the hand book again.. dont cut the grass too short....and if your blade/blades are blunt it will tear the grass and it will have a brown tinge to it... they are brilliant machines...and a lot of fun...but must be looked after Thanks for that Ditchy. I think I'm looking forward to the mower more than she's looking forward to the house 1 minute ago, AVB said: I have a Stiga mower and my neighbour a Stiga ride on. They are Italian. Very well made and have a very solid feel to them. They seem a really good price even new! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 24 minutes ago, Demonic69 said: Hi John Are those the sit-on type? More like a mobility scooter? No - more like a mini Tractor - mine looks a bit like this (pic from internet) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic69 Posted September 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 1 minute ago, JohnfromUK said: No - more like a mini Tractor - mine looks a bit like this (pic from internet) Yep, that's the kind of beast I want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Just now, Demonic69 said: Yep, that's the kind of beast I want They come up on eBay quite a lot. Mine came from a skip(!) about 10 years ago. Sometimes they go cheap in local auctions. A few things to be aware of; Parts are a bit tricky (mine is over 40 years old). You can get blades (set of 3 on mine), belts etc., but less common parts are harder. Kohler engine parts are OK, but genuine ones are sometimes expensive. I have used 'pattern' Chinese parts (fuel pump, points set) that have been OK. Engine is electric start (only) and so a battery is needed. I suspect things like starter may be hard to get and/or expensive if it fails. Like most American things, it uses a lot of petrol, but there are very few diesel alternatives, and those there are are very expensive. The cutting deck takes off quite easily and cutting decks are prone to corroding through. I have a spare I bought from eBay. There are two types, side discharge and rear discharge, mine being a rear type. There are a variety of other attachments made, (snow plough etc) but don't seem to be around much in the UK where mowers seem the only common attachments. It would happily pull a small trailer or sweeper. Tyres are very expensive for what they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 I have a Kubota with a 4ft mulching deck and it handles the 3 aces of mowing I have to do with ease and has done for the last 10yrs. Take note of what Mr Ditchman has posted and you will not go far wrong. DO NOT buy one of those cheapy Chinese heaps of rubbish. My neighbour purchased one and it spends more time back at the supplier than it does cutting grass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic69 Posted September 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 6 minutes ago, Walker570 said: I have a Kubota with a 4ft mulching deck and it handles the 3 aces of mowing I have to do with ease and has done for the last 10yrs. Take note of what Mr Ditchman has posted and you will not go far wrong. DO NOT buy one of those cheapy Chinese heaps of rubbish. My neighbour purchased one and it spends more time back at the supplier than it does cutting grass. What are the cheapy Chinese ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 if you get a Hayter...younger than mine you wont go far wrong........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Just make the fence good and buy a couple of lambs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demonic69 Posted September 22, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 33 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: Just make the fence good and buy a couple of lambs! With the pooch and the lambs (and the kids?) I'd end up with more ***** to pick up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McSpredder Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 6 hours ago, ditchman said: if you get a Hayter...younger than mine you wont go far wrong........ There was more than a grain of truth in their advertising slogan from many decades ago: "Sooner or later, you'll buy a Hayter" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 6 hours ago, Demonic69 said: What are the cheapy Chinese ones? Do not know the make but I will have a look tomorrow. Yellow in colour. I did advise not a good idea but ignored. Stiga, Kubota, Hayter good makes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuffy Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Have a look on YouTube . Taryl fixes all . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strimmer_13 Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Stiga own Mountfield, you won't go far wrong with any suggestions above. All Ill add is what's been said, keep the deck higher, mulching properly is only supposed to take off less than a 1/4 of the grasses total height, and if youve got a fair bit to do, sod fuel costs, get the biggest deck you can afford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jega Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Sorted....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 and it will be a pleasure to service.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 Just now, ditchman said: and it will be a pleasure to service.. It will only need an annual service! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rovercoupe Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 They never made it to the uk but I would love a roof palomino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 AKA a small Willys jeep copy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 1 hour ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: It will only need an annual service! dearo dear........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted September 22, 2020 Report Share Posted September 22, 2020 2 minutes ago, ditchman said: dearo dear........ Deer as well as sheep, you've got it bad Mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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