Am I a Luddite ?

[Nige F]

My love/hate relationship with Hayter mowers has seen me get my third one in as many years. All 41's (16"?) self propelled with roller. First one was B+S engine with fuel tank under the carb + a primer bulb. Cold start fine, hot start needed up to 10 pulls- operator presence handle made it stop while emptying bag. Second one would only run with choke half on despite dismantling and cleaning the carb (B+S engine with fuel tank above carb) There was a bang and the drive jockey pulley fell out. Still works OK as a push mower.2 pulls hot or cold. Latest one has a Tecumseh engine, no operator handle, it just keeps running until I stop it. Starts one pull hot or cold, pulls itself along fine. Total cost c.£150 (£50 a year) Gave one to my son who can manage 10 pulls (goes to the gym ) The jockey less one went to daughter in law to push on flat lawn. Now should I buy a brand new one next year ?- I expect to be able to follow behind one for 20 years.

 

[Burnerman]

For sure, not as good as they used to be mate.....I look after a couple of Briggs powered Hayters and there are some dramatic design faults - such as running a front axle directly through aluminium and crap vario pulley transmissions. These machines have no throttle controls either - just constant speed.
Still can't beat the Hondas (at a price!)
John

 

[cwhaley]

I use my dad's old Atco from the very early 1960s. It takes anywhere between 5 and 25 pulls to get it started, the choke always has to be out but I love it!

I've had a bit of experience with more modern stuff but I genuinely believe in getting a second had Atco and keeping that going - plus there's money in them! Mine is 56 years old now and still keeps putting stripes on the lawn.

 

[blightymam]

What's this newfangled engine stuff?!
I have a qualcast push mower, not sure how old it is as got it on ebay for £1. It looked pretty tired but I love it, it never seems to go wrong!