Hayter lawnmower or other recommendations?

[Sup9]

Hi all, I'm looking for a lawnmower, looking to spend 300 and currently looking at the Hayter Osprey 46 4wheel. A friend recommended Hayter but I can only get the lower range from this brand at 300, and it is a new model for 2017 so not sure about this particular one. Is there other recommended lawn mowers at similar price?

my garden is about 250+100 back and front and sloped so I'd require a auto drive model.

 

[Burnerman]

I'm a Honda man myself, but the Hayter is a good enough make - so long as it is Briggs powered (some have engines from the orient). A Honda equivalent will be twice the price - or more.
Steel decks need painting to keep them wholesome, preferably from new.
Does your lawn have a steep slope?
John

 

[Sup9]

I'm a Honda man myself, but the Hayter is a good enough make - so long as it is Briggs powered (some have engines from the orient). A Honda equivalent will be twice the price - or more.
Steel decks need painting to keep them wholesome, preferably from new.
Does your lawn have a steep slope?
John

the new osprey 46 is Briggs powered but has a plastic decking. yes my rear garden is quite sloped, the slope is about 1.3m height difference.

 

[Burnerman]

Ok, with these wet sump / no oil pump engines keep the oil level well topped up if using them on a slope.....splash lubrication and all that.
I think this machine should be a good buy!
John

 

[Nige F]

Not sure about the plastic deck ? Apparently has an "easy wash" feature and another site said steel deck. Also the autodrive is one speed, not variable ? So there's 2 areas to question the dealer on.

 

[Burnerman]

The easy wash is usually just a hose pipe connection stuck on the deck....usually works to a degree!
At that price I think the self propulsion would be a single speed axle - the weak point of any machine really.
John

 

[mwatsonxx]

As it's near the end of the mowing season you should be able to get a good deal, dealers don't want their stock hanging around till next year.

 

[Sup9]

Not sure about the plastic deck ? Apparently has an "easy wash" feature and another site said steel deck. Also the autodrive is one speed, not variable ? So there's 2 areas to question the dealer on.

I might mixed it up with other mowers but will double check if it's plastic decking, but tbh I didn't mind as I think it's a lot easier to maintain and should be cheaper to replace if broken?

The easy wash is usually just a hose pipe connection stuck on the deck....usually works to a degree!
At that price I think the self propulsion would be a single speed axle - the weak point of any machine really.
John

Didn't pay attention to the single speed auto drive, but I assume it will help in my case for the sloped garden? or am I better off saving the 50-60 quid and go for the push version?

 

[Sup9]

As it's near the end of the mowing season you should be able to get a good deal, dealers don't want their stock hanging around till next year.

Thanks, I actually been sniping for a few weeks but the Hayter seems rarely comes in a deal, should I wait a bit more or also looking at other brands?

 

[Burnerman]

A plastic decked machine is likely to last forever and naturally won't rust at all.
I'd definitely go for self propelled.....after all, there's no need to use it if you're cutting in a small space.
There are literally hundreds of machines to choose from out there and many buy from outlets such as B&Q. Have you considered Viking, an offshoot of Stihl?
John

 

[Sup9]

A plastic decked machine is likely to last forever and naturally won't rust at all.
I'd definitely go for self propelled.....after all, there's no need to use it if you're cutting in a small space.
There are literally hundreds of machines to choose from out there and many buy from outlets such as B&Q. Have you considered Viking, an offshoot of Stihl?
John

Hi John, thanks a lot for your reply. Think I'll still go for an auto drive model even it;s single speed.
This is my first time buying a mower so not very familiar with all the brands so I try to limit the options and go with recommendations backed up with first hand experiences. Is the Viking also a good alternative brand? I'll have a look at there range and see if there's a good one on offer. After all, as mentioned previously, it is approaching the end of the mowing season so I expect a good deal too

 

[Burnerman]

Sure, Viking products are available through Stihl dealers and have a huge support network.....try that with B&Q products
All the machines I've seen have been Briggs powered and have been well made.
Good luck with your choice!
John

 

[Sup9]

Sure, Viking products are available through Stihl dealers and have a huge support network.....try that with B&Q products
All the machines I've seen have been Briggs powered and have been well made.
Good luck with your choice!
John

okay thanks John, that sounds promising. Will look into Viking's range too.

 

[Sup9]

Sure, Viking products are available through Stihl dealers and have a huge support network.....try that with B&Q products
All the machines I've seen have been Briggs powered and have been well made.
Good luck with your choice!
John

Hi John, after bit of research I'm looking at the Hayter Osprey 46 and Viking MB 443 T, link below:
https://www.hayter.co.uk/range/osprey-46-push
http://www.vikingmowers.co.uk/VIKIN...to-medium-sized-lawns/22208-722/MB-443-T.aspx

they are similarly priced but I'm leaning towards the Hayter because the 3-in-1 function (includes mulching but no mention on Viking's page) and the wash function, otherwise these two are quite the same, but the Hayter is steel deck and Viking is plastic. Any advise before I pull the trigger? Both are not on special offer but the grass in my garden has gone crazy so I will have to buy one and get the garden done...

 

[Burnerman]

Wellllll I'm afraid it would be the Viking for me....self propelled, plastic deck etc. The wash function isn't so important with a plastic deck and if you want to mulch, leave the grass box off.
Both machines will be easy to start and be reliable.
Your choice!
John