Independent LawnMowing Contractors Of Australia Forum
Page 2 of 23 FirstFirst 1234567891011121314151617181920212223 LastLast
Results 16 to 30 of 344

Thread: Honda Power Equipment

  1. #16
    Very Helpful Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    melb.sth. east
    Posts
    4,908

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    I'm sure Honda will listen to all our concerns and recommendations they have a reputation for consulting and listening to the professional lawnmowing contractors before changing the design of their lawnmowers then going ahead and designing a mower the way they want which appears to ignore everything the contractors say
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  2. #17
    Senior Member Chris B's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    1,373

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    Quote Originally Posted by fairdinkum View Post
    We I have one suggestion for honda. The black covers over the cloth catchers are great in dry dusty conditions. However, now that we are experiencing a "grass wave" in Sydney, it is very restrictive of air flow with the amount of moisture the grass is holding. So the other day I took out my knife and cut some large flaps along the top, sides and back of the black dust cover. This allowed significantly more air flow ensuring that the catcher gets packed full in all but the most extreme of cases. So my suggestion to honda would be that the dust cover is made to be removable. Maybe fixed by either heavy duty press studs or a zipper or something like that. Those of you who complain about the small chute are kind of missing the point to some degree. The smaller chute actually means that the air is forced through at higher pressure that the larger chutes as long as the airflow is not restricted somewhere.
    this is what I have found as well. the air flow can only be as fast as it is exiting the catcher and its wont take much wet grass to block up all those little holes... they could make the discharge chute a bit more streamlined though... the corner on the left is where the grass can slowly start to build up layer upon layer until it starts to block the whole chute...

    either make a convertible catcher or make a 'wet catcher' with more breathable fabric and no dust cover then they can make more money selling them... win win

    I use an aftermarket catcher for wet and the original for dry

  3. #18
    Very Helpful Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    melb.sth. east
    Posts
    4,908

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    i think it's interesting that they can design and build a lawnmower for Australian conditions that appears to use the same chassis design as the South African one
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  4. #19
    Senior Member GardenGuy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    North Shore, Sydney.
    Posts
    397

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    It would be nice if Honda would have a contractor supply program to consolidate and grow their position in the commercial user market. Owing to the current price point, they are experiencing market fragmentation almost as significant as some current political parties.

    The start of such a program should be special prices for bona fide contractors, perhaps by direct sales only or by a rebate after purchase. How about it, Honda?

    The consumer buyers need more assistance and selling effort, and far more service and support effort, than experienced contractors do. We practically look after ourselves! We buy, use, perform timely machine maintenance and only need to go to the shop for spares and consumable or for a warranty issue or maybe specialised repairs in the later years of the machine's life. Per capita, we cost less to service per unit of machinery purchased and it should be recognised. We also consumer more machinery per capita during our business life than a consumer would. Contractors are a very profitable market segment.

    Consumers see contractors using machines, even if they don't use contractors. A quote attributed to one of the great men of the automotive industry was "Win on race day, sales on Monday". That positive impression that the professionals use quality machinery is beneficial for Honda and doubtless leads to consumer purchases. Consider how the sales of "Global" brand knives have improved since being seen incessantly on a popular cooking show. Yes, Honda, you receive endorsement and marketing from we contractors.

    Honda, please recognise these economic benefits we provide you in reduced cost per sale and enhanced brand visibility. Reward us. We already reward you.

    Will I say this on your FB page? No. This kind of commercial discussion really should occur in a shuttered place. Even this place is too public.

    Cheers - GardenGuy.
    My Garden Guy - www.mygardenguy.com.au. Visit us at Facebook too! Visit our Blog for seasonal updates and hints about what your garden needs now.
    Servicing Sydney's North Shore from Chatswood to Cowan. Lawn mowing, gardening services, clean-ups and more.

    If you need lawn mowing and garden services, you need an ILMCOA member. Check the directory for someone local to you.

  5. #20
    Member Mick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,835

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    I just want a 3 speed SP, 21" deep mulch and SD (big SD chute) decked mower.
    Something like this, http://powerequipment.honda.com/lawn...dels/hrs216sda but with 3 speed. No engine break, blade break ok. Commercial engine on it with snorkel air intake and larger aluminium wheels with replaceable wide rubber tread. Oh, beef up the handles as well. Option for different types of blades for SD or mulch.
    And I want if for no more than $750 max.

    Oh, and seeing whats available in other countries, how about a bit more choice here!
    Almost forgot, how about stop ripping us off! $1500 for residential grade mower is complete BS!
    Look at the prices in the USA. $1250 for a hydro drive mower....http://powerequipment.honda.com/lawn-mowers

  6. #21
    Member Matt1972's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Albion Park NSW
    Posts
    239

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    It would be a good idea for Dylan to read the threads related to Honda mowers and their issues as well as those threads dedicated to us contractors looking for alternatives. I'm put off by the idea of buying another honda mower after seeing some of the problems fellow lawnies in my area are having. One of their 216M2's is getting a gearbox replaced for the 2nd time as well as 2 gear selector cables breaking. I'm still using the HRU216, but it's made up from parts of 2 mowers. The engine and chassis from a 6 year old mower, handles from the last one I bought, an after market gearbox and after market wheels (rubber ones that last a lot longer than the plastic crap they came with). At the moment I'm leaning towards a rover or the HRX Arfa recently imported, but both of those give me some concerns. Let's see what Dylan has to say to the comments so far and I hope we get honest feedback from him.

  7. #22
    Member of forum SM MOWING's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Southern Shire
    Posts
    315

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    Hi Honda and welcome!

    Thought i would simply sum it up
    1. Full open rear shute! (ie top mounted gearbox like a rover)
    2. Technology that is currently being used in the US and other markets on our equipment!
    3. Safety plate for the rear of the the catcher
    4. Forget the engine brake....blade brake all the way
    5. Contractor prices - Under $1000 for contractors for both new SP mowers and spare parts!!!! 5-600 for a new gearbox =ripoff!
    Independent and i know it

  8. #23
    Senior Member sterlo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    South East Melbourne
    Posts
    613

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    I read posts bagging out the honda every day, i dont get it. I use one of their newer models every day. Clean bag, sharp blades (well fluted), up the revs = no problems. I have no beef with the blade brake...mind u i use a push model so cant comment on the sp's. in my humble opinion "if u dont like them, dont buy them. They might be heavy, but the cut anything i ask them to and hasnt ever (touch wood) let me down. Just my 2c worth anyway.

    Sterlo
    I spend most of my money on beer and horses, I just waste the rest....


    http://www.sterlinggardenservices.com/

  9. #24
    Senior Member head1956's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Hunter valley nsw
    Posts
    198

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    I like the Rover and I've had 2 of them I've never tried a Honda, would have to be sp because thats what I'm used to and apart from the small delivery shute the only other problem I can find is the price Can buy 2 Rovers for the price of a Honda (with change) so that is what stops me trying a Honda. Would still like to try a Honda to compare though.

  10. #25
    Senior Member imoww's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Southern highlands NSW
    Posts
    3,321

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    IS it possible to swap the Honda's deck with a Rover deck?
    Everything looks good with a haircut.... ɐuıɥɔ ɯoɹɟ pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ ʎnq ı ǝɯıʇ ʇsɐl ǝɥʇ sʇɐɥʇ

  11. #26
    Senior Member PaulG's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    4,991

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    No. Way to many differences. Shaft drive vs belt drive for one.

  12. #27
    Very Helpful Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    melb.sth. east
    Posts
    4,908

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    if i had a rover with a dud engine and a spare honda i might try it the engines should just bolt straight onto the deck but not sure how the drive would go the proscapes are belt drive and come with options for B&S,Kawa and Honda
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  13. #28
    Senior Member RSM-Gazza's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    2,114

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    Mr Honda and Dylan welcome to the forum/site.
    I'm running 3 honda engined Commercial Victa lawn mowers. Mainly because I was not hearing good reports on the slightly narrower honda chute blocking. But the Victa is poor in the grass catcher mounting method.

    Feedback.
    Ok a small but annoying concern re the Honda GVX160 on my two Victa 530 Turfmasters.
    The Honda exhaust outlet is a straight out forward exhaust almost flush with the exhaust body. It needs a very small, say 10- 15 degree upturned piped deflector, which can be home made.

    As when there are dried leaves on the lawn surface in front of mower the exhaust can blow them around and can hinder the mower picking them up. Particularly on a quality lawn low cut lawn.
    With the prolonger hot summer condition experienced and trees dropping leaves in heat stress survival mode it can be annoying. Along with during Autumn and early winter with mega leaves on the lawns.
    Cheers Garry

  14. #29
    Junior Member Honda_Official_PR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
    Posts
    38

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    Hi Paul, sorry it's taken me a few days to get back to you. I will take your issue about the angles of the 216 blades with our engineer, and get back to you with any results as soon as possible.

    Thank for your patience,

    Dylan
    Honda - The Power of Dreams
    powerequipment.honda.com.au

  15. #30
    Junior Member Honda_Official_PR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
    Posts
    38

    Default Re: Honda Power Equipment

    Quote Originally Posted by bb1 View Post
    My first question for Dylan is what are Honda doing to help us contractors make the new model 196's work in wet conditions, with half the chute blocked it is shocking when there is the slightest bit of moisture, are Honda offering a retrofit to fix it.
    Hi bb1, thanks for asking! Late last year Honda introduced the Big Bag Kit, which can be fitted onto all 19" models (except Mulch & Catch models). It retails at $80 and can be fitted by your local authorised Honda dealer in only half an hour. It has a larger tang and a 10% larger catching bag, and is designed to make life easier. For more information click here

    The up-take of the Big Bag Kit has been very impressive over the past few months - of course, most of the country has been pretty dry conditions over the summer so the conditions could've been better! The Big Bag Kit has also been nominated for 2012 Product Of The Year in Power Equipment Australasia magazine, so I would encourage you to drop by your local dealer and give it a try.

    Cheers,
    Dylan
    Honda - The Power of Dreams
    powerequipment.honda.com.au

Page 2 of 23 FirstFirst 1234567891011121314151617181920212223 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •