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I need a self propelled lawnmower.

Hi there folks, 

Due to a back injury flaring up often, I have decided that it is time to buy a self-propelled lawnmower, rather than keep using my 27 year old push Rover one. I think it will probably make mowing lawn at front and back ( back sloped) easier for me.

I had a look at Screwefix and saw this,

https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttlmp300sp40-41cm-125cc-self-propelled-rotary-petrol-lawn-mower/500pt#product_additional_details_container

The price does look rock bottom and I am tempted, but been been to visit my local independent lawn mower retailer, who I have found very helpful in the past.

They have recommended either a Morrisson or Weibang that they sell for £390 and have advised me to stay clear of the Titan sold by Screwfix that they say will be very difficult to get spares for if something goes wrong, they state that they have customers coming in with Titans that they don't feel like touching, and even the Brigs and Statton engine seems to have a lesser spec.

Any advice gratefully appreciated about the Morrisson or Weibang, or other makes that you have regard for.

Many thanks.

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Comments

  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 6,707 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    We had a petrol mountfield for many years eventually it got to be more of a pain to start and keep going so we changed it for a mountfield battery self propelled mower which worked fine
  • Rdwill
    Rdwill Posts: 235 Forumite
    Third Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I swear by the Mountfield SP53H (The H stands for Honda engine, that's the one to go for.

    I think they are at screwfix for c£400, although there are cheaper reconditioned ones on ebay. The 170cc GCVx engine is the same engine that goes on more expensive Honda lawnmowers. 

    I'm on my 2nd one now, there's nothing wrong with the first one, it is still in reserve, but Mountfield upgraded the engine to this 170cc one, and I felt like wasting some money. :smiley: -)
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,346 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    With a bad back are you ok starting a petrol mower? If so then as mentioned above a Honda engine is the one to go for, my 20 year old Honda always started first time. Because of back problems, yes me too, I now have a Mountfield battery mower, it's not as good as the old Honda but at least I can use it.
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
  • twopenny
    twopenny Posts: 6,834 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Have you considered a Robot mower?
    I've seen a few working and they are an entertainment in their own right :)
    Big and complex areas and it's lovely to smell the freshly cut grass without the effort. They will even 'garage' themselves.

    I can rise and shine - just not at the same time!

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  • Thanks for replies, yes if possible one without the pull cord to start, are the parts readily available for the Mountfield and most lawnmower servicing places able to source parts and repair.

    Thanks again.
  • Kiran
    Kiran Posts: 1,530 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Thanks for replies, yes if possible one without the pull cord to start, are the parts readily available for the Mountfield and most lawnmower servicing places able to source parts and repair.

    Thanks again.
    Mountfield parts are readily available, but you will find a large number of the petrol mowers share the same engines. Loads of them have Briggs and Stratton for example. The brand you are buying from just provide the casing and handles etc.
    Some people don't exaggerate........... They just remember big!
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,271 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Now't wrong with B&S engines. What is a bigger problem is leaving fuel in the tank for a prolonged period. Modern petrol, particularly E10 gums up in the carburetor, blocking the jets. Have had to strip & clean the carbs on several engines of late after being left standing over winter.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • twopenny said:
    Have you considered a Robot mower?
    I've seen a few working and they are an entertainment in their own right :)
    Big and complex areas and it's lovely to smell the freshly cut grass without the effort. They will even 'garage' themselves.
    Thanks, not a route I want to go down at the moment, my partner got the loan of a robot vacuum to try it out, she loves watching it going around the room, I call it "her pet" 

    So many different lawnmowers to choose from. Just had another look at Screwfix, the Mountfield does get good and bad review on Screwfix, but most items will be like that I know.

    Did ring my nearest dealer that is not far away, seems he isn't really into the Mountfield, I mentioned the non pull cord start, and it seems he could get a Cobra on special order.

    I am in no hurry at the moment, as I just cut the grass last week ( and back pain has flared up again) hence the need to get something that will be easier on my aging body.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,271 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    anotherquestion said: I am in no hurry at the moment, as I just cut the grass last week ( and back pain has flared up again) hence the need to get something that will be easier on my aging body.
    Sis is in a similar position. Has the lawn cut with a self propelled mower* once a month or so during the growing season. Don't know how much he charges, but Sis reckons it is worth the cost.

    *) Round here, we call it (him) a gardener.

    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • danrv
    danrv Posts: 1,533 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    FreeBear said:
    Now't wrong with B&S engines. What is a bigger problem is leaving fuel in the tank for a prolonged period. Modern petrol, particularly E10 gums up in the carburetor, blocking the jets. Have had to strip & clean the carbs on several engines of late after being left standing over winter.
    Good point. Maybe better to use E5 instead. 
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