For those that cut the grass what do you use...?

[alkemyst]

And yet someone here, who actually is a pro, and owns one that is used on smaller lawns, IS mentioning the valve cover It wasn't an expensive fix, except that anything which puts a crew out of commission, is expensive.

The twin blade models give a great cut, but are a pain to sharpen. (Which matters to me, because these things get sharpened weekly, not yearly). The single-blade one gets much better if you swap out for the 'ordinary' blade from the twin-blade set, which has better lift.

We've also got two of the commercial lawnboys that have the guard on them - it doubles as a lift point. They give a very good cut, and weigh about 1400lbs.

I find it funny as a pro you are claiming a single 21" mower put a crew out of commission.

This is a great blurb: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=104009 there are other threads on that site by pros that normally swear against residential stuff.

Since you didn't know, you can easily replace the stamped steel valve cover with a cast one for $18 with the gasket. Most bring up this rare possibility of damage, but it's usually cut-down by other professionals.

The lawnboy's brushguard looks like it leaves the valve cover almost as vulnerable. The deck will protect against most things since the engine is set back.

I did a lot of research on this and could have easily bought the HRC at $1200. Even the sales people at the lawnmower shop said they'd rather own the one I ended up with.

 

[Bartman39]

Hey Alky you trying to highjack my thread...?

Since you didn't know, you can easily replace the stamped steel valve cover with a cast one for $18 with the gasket. Most bring up this rare possibility of damage, but it's usually cut-down by other professionals.

Just my opinion but would rather have the stamped steel valve cover it just dents and can be hammered out while the cast piece does what most cast alum does and that is breaks into several pieces and besides that you end up with a hole which mean oil everywhere...?

 

[alkemyst]

Yeah...this thread was just going against everything a forum that's pro-only says about this unit. There are a few pros out there that cry on the site that anything 'residential' labelled must be a POS...

The cast piece being broken would probably have other things broken as well at that point ...when I got mine I inquired about the cast cover, the people there (it's a real lawnmower shop) said it'd be a waste. They also mentioned that most pros there were also getting the non-HRC units.

That sold me on it. I too agree the whole stamped steel cover being a danger point is less likely than damaging the lawnmower controls or having it fall off the truck bending the handle.

 

[3chordcharlie]

I find it funny as a pro you are claiming a single 21" mower put a crew out of commission.

This is a great blurb: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=104009 there are other threads on that site by pros that normally swear against residential stuff.

Since you didn't know, you can easily replace the stamped steel valve cover with a cast one for $18 with the gasket. Most bring up this rare possibility of damage, but it's usually cut-down by other professionals.

The lawnboy's brushguard looks like it leaves the valve cover almost as vulnerable. The deck will protect against most things since the engine is set back.

I did a lot of research on this and could have easily bought the HRC at $1200. Even the sales people at the lawnmower shop said they'd rather own the one I ended up with.

? I have nothing bad to say about those Hondas. It still goes to work every day after two full seasons, which is more than I can say for any other residential machine we've ever bought.

But I *have* replaced that valve cover due to damage caused when a strap broke on a trailer. The same damage would not have happened to the lawnboys with the guard in front. I picked up the machine and the mechanic went straight to the valve cover - which means he has seen that damage often enough to expect it.

I know you love to create an argument where there isn't one; the trouble is, if we're going to argue about this, you are simply wrong!

Most days, at most times, being down one push-mower would not cause our crews any trouble; it's not there to be useless though, at some sites, all the push-mowers are in use. There's a reason that bulky, heavy-as-hell commercial machines exist - commercial operators put their machines through hell! I would say it's one of the reasons honda motors have become so common - they are spectacular.

 

[skyking]

OK, first cutting done with the YT 3000 21hp 46" Craftsman. I was pleasantly surprised with the even cut. Most 46" two blade decks are not great.
The hand controlled hydrostatic drive is just what I wanted, and worked perfectly. There were reports of problems on hilly terrain, but the few uphill passes I made were without incident. Sound level and vibration were acceptable. The seat is quite good.
Caveats: Be sure to move the key from start back two clicks, to the Mow in Reverse position. If you try reversing while mowing without doing that, it kills the ignition.
I will adapt my old grass catcher onto it next.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Grass, not your ass.

I've used this on your wife many times. A simple thank you would suffice.

Stop. Now. Let's keep this on-topic.

Zenmervolt - AnandTech Moderator