i've had a honda 4 stroke rotary for about 15 years. i just change the oil occasionally, very occasionally and the mower still starts easy first time, every time. probably didn't change the oil for about 5 years of residential use. changed it before using for around one year for business. much quieter in comparison to other rotaries, both 2 & 4 strokes. 19 inch buffalo i think the model is. the latest one's don't look as robust, like everything else. there are also self propelled models.

Hi Alison ...I am saving up for a Honda Buffalo but one of the big self propelled ones mind you I could be pushing up daisies before I get it, Iam so sick of the crappy ones that have been getting made over the past few years, but like everything you buy you get what you pay for Honda's dont come cheap.I have looked at so many of those $400 ones lately with their thin plastic wheels and fragile catchers I doubt if they would last many years and I am shocked at whats under the base nothing like the old mower where you can put four blades on now they have this one long blade..

Garden Len will probably advise you better as I have asked his help many a time, he knows what he is talking about. I have a flyer here about the Mower Place plenty of brands of mowers in it The Mower Place is giving a bonus $100 store voucher with every Honda while stocks last they start at $699 and are Australian built they all say easy to start, and I will admit the mowers of this Century are a lot easier to start I dont know if Honda have a key start though. I would have a good think about this mower and try and get a good one from a Mower shop not a store, forget about this nothing fancy, just get a good one that will last. Four strokes are easy to look after the petrol goes in one tank the oil in a separate one, these days the filter is made of paper so no more washing the sponge thingy out and putting a drop of oil on it, you just replace it after a while, when you are sick of brushing or blowing the dust off it, you should not have any trouble with a four stroke hopes this helps.....Cheers...MM.

g'day alison,

you mentioned embankment? just be careful 4 strokes aren't made for steep area mowing. if you have a steep bank maybe get a flymo for that specific area?

4 stroke for sure is the way to go honda (no experience with them) are gaining a very good rep' in this area, masport with a briggs & stratton might be next then rover (not sure what else is out there?) just be sure the b&s is manufactured in the US of A.

go for models with steel ball bearing wheels masport did have an adjustable set up very ideal (500mm model), for me i reckon a bag catcher outweighs the plastic models in function usability and very light so no added weight to the mower, just remmeber to rinse or hose them out after each use, almost indestructable. not sure about honda as i said above but the masport plastic catcher is very strong indeed if you go that way.

for most domsetic uses don't buy less than 3.5hp capacity 4 hp is even better. me i like heaps of grunt they last longer doing domestic work so i go for the 5hp IC models never wear them out if you learn to do the servicing right and run them in from new (read my page i think i have some hints there?).

so right up front don't buy from the discounters, go to a specialist shop the trick to find one where they are fully experienced but even then you are streets ahead when dealing with specialists as they only generally sell top of the range models, which the discounter models aren't.

pity snapper aren't available over here anymore they have 21" 5hp I/C self propelled model that was top of the range a very nice machine indeed great for the ladies to use.

the so called home grown product just isn't worth a look these days.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

Hi Alison - yes mine is smokey, noise, vibrates, has a piece of wire holding the switch thingy in place, sounds like exactly the same model. It doesn't always start for me, and probably because I do all the same things you do wrong - store the petrol for too long, make the mix to rich or too weak. BUT - I still love it and won't part with it!
A few hints - if you have flooded it, try turning the petrol switch off and pulling the cord a few times. Or go in side and have a cuppa and come back out.
Try setting the lever on the front in a lower position - mine now only starts for me if the start lever is in the full on position.
Have the filter cleaned or replaced and the spark plug cleaned.
These are tips from a completely non mechanical woman who has NEVER found a hand mower to beat the Victa 2 stroke - both for ease of starting and ease of manouvering. My last one lasted some 13 or 14 years, and this one is going strong too.

Trouble is they dont make them like that anynore...MM.

Well I did some more investigating and hit the mower shop Thursday afternoon. Came home with a Honda 4-stroke. They were very good about all my questions and set it all up. Wheeled it out this morning, one gentle pull and off I went. It was heaven, quiet, no vibrations, no dust storm!!! It's very light and I am very happy. Actually looking forward to doing the front grass tomorrow instead of regarding it as a chore, which it had become. So thanks to all, and no, I'm not about to start a mowing run!

Thats terrific Alison
It will make a difference as you say it will not be a chore anymore.
May you have many happy hours pushing it.....Cheers..MM.

Alison,

You won't be dissapointed with it. I have a Honda Buffalo, absolutely worth every cent of the $800 I paid for it.

Andrew.