Lawn mowers in Thailand

[BAYBOY]

Came to Thailand first time in 1997. Put down the lawn and needed a lawnmower. Found a Masport ( a New Zealand Brand powered by a B & S engine) being a Kiwi pleased as punch. Used it for 6 years, for mower parts (wheels) got them from NZ. Found the B & S agent in Bangkok for engine parts. Never a problem.Left Thailand for 4 years returned got the mower out and started in 3 minutes. About 2 years later the engine fell over and rang the agent in Bangkok who said they were no longer doing B&S products, as they were now made in China or Mexico and were not as good as the USA ones that they had stocked in the past.

Looking around over the last 6 years I have seen different mowers with B&S engines attached. Always was told the engines were from China.

The engine is important but so to is a strong body. My mower has to work for long stretches every week 5/ 6 hours and I have found the wheels, handles blades etc give more worry than the engine. Have looked about and agree to get a Honda mower ( engine and body from Honda ) would be perfect. But I can't find one locally.

Any way after much looking any where I could, I settled on an ASAGATE mower from Thai Wasadu, Cost 9900 b with a Chinese copy Honda 6 hp.Also at the time they offered a 2 year warranty. Used it for 3 months and rather pleased. Then Oil started to come out through the air filter. Knowing nothing about engines took it to a local mechanic who said that some engine parts were missing. Back to the store who fixed it, home again and 1 month later back again, mower sent to Bangkok for fixing, home again, lasted one month back again for repair. When we went to collect it I had decided that it was useless and I wanted my money back. The manager was not happy... paper war with Bangkok etc. So they replaced the mower for the same model and it has been going strong for the last 5 months, always a first time start, I could not be happier with it. Often think with mass production it is all down to luck with what you buy.

I have read that 10% of all the USA'S imports from China go into Walmart Stores. Imagine their returns and complaints Department!!!!

CHEERS

BAYBOY.

[Kenny202]

Well I bought my mower today. Small shop but only one I could find in my area sells Honda. Well, actually its a Fujikawa body (imported from Japan) with a Honda GXV160 engine. I was a bit shocked at first when I saw the engine was made by Honda / Jailing China but apparently all Honda GX engines been made there since 2005.

The small Thai shop, as usual treated us like criminals. What is wrong with these people? You're eyed with suspicion the moment you walk in the door and just about want you to promise to buy the item before they will go to the trouble of showing you it. Refused any discount, fair enough. When I agreed to buy they suggested their workman escort us to the ATM to get the money! I nearly told them to frack off at that point. Don't accept credit cards. We came out feeling somewhat soiled. You can see how fast these smaller shops here are going to go down the gurgler once the bigger guys get their act together. Normally my policy buy everything at Global / Home Pro for peace of mind re warranty etc but from what I hear they only direct you back to the manufacturer anyway. Anyway, rather happy with my purchase at 18000 THB even though took a punt buying from people I didn't like. Good size 17" deck, nice simple robust controls. Does sound a bit noisier than I remember my Honda back home

Edited June 19, 2015 by Kenny202

[weegee]

"Does sound a bit noisier than I remember my Honda back home"

Dont worry....it's the muffler and exhaust system....Back home as you say, has a ruling of noise and pollution control....here they havent.

Look on a sticker on the motor somewhere, it will say, cannot be sold in ....blah blah blah....

It's the same engine but not up to regulations in your home country.

Have fun....I been mowing most of the day in the hot sun...and boy this JD tastes good.

[cooked]

"Writing as a professional landscape gardener" - I love saying that - buy a Honda. I tried buying cheap rubbish in the past with the intention of buying a new one when I had a problem but this will never happen at a convenient time.

Briggs and Scrapem used to be ok but I stopped buying machines equipped with these motors long ago.

[weegee]

"Writing as a professional landscape gardener" - I love saying that - buy a Honda. I tried buying cheap rubbish in the past with the intention of buying a new one when I had a problem but this will never happen at a convenient time.

Briggs and Scrapem used to be ok but I stopped buying machines equipped with these motors long ago.

Have to agree a little with you on that...a genuine B&S is ok....but unfortunately they are mostly out of China now. The metals used in construction are not up to scratch...

The chinese copy of the B&S, 2 cylinder (V type Vanguard I think) are crap as there is a head bolt in the wrong place and you will keep blowing the head gaskets....

Thats what i know.....

[weegee]

In a couple of months...about August. MY WIFE will be importing any possible part you can think of for Mowers....

She has arranged with big companies to supply everything from Mower parts to Hydraulics for the machines.....so stay tuned....

[PattayaClub]

Well I bought my mower today. Small shop but only one I could find in my area sells Honda. Well, actually its a Fujikawa body (imported from Japan) with a Honda GXV160 engine. I was a bit shocked at first when I saw the engine was made by Honda / Jailing China but apparently all Honda GX engines been made there since 2005.

The small Thai shop, as usual treated us like criminals. What is wrong with these people? You're eyed with suspicion the moment you walk in the door and just about want you to promise to buy the item before they will go to the trouble of showing you it. Refused any discount, fair enough. When I agreed to buy they suggested their workman escort us to the ATM to get the money! I nearly told them to frack off at that point. Don't accept credit cards. We came out feeling somewhat soiled. You can see how fast these smaller shops here are going to go down the gurgler once the bigger guys get their act together. Normally my policy buy everything at Global / Home Pro for peace of mind re warranty etc but from what I hear they only direct you back to the manufacturer anyway. Anyway, rather happy with my purchase at 18000 THB even though took a punt buying from people I didn't like. Good size 17" deck, nice simple robust controls. Does sound a bit noisier than I remember my Honda back home

Wow! Why do you give your money to people like these? I had a little trouble at a small shop, told them to F-off and went to another. Nobody in my area has the full 100% Honda HRJ216-K2. You MUST order it from any Honda or most Kubota dealers. It cost 23,000, but is 100% Honda, has a 21" deck, rear bagger (big bag) and self propelled (three speed). It cuts through the toughest stuff and never bogs down.

[PattayaClub]

In a couple of months...about August. MY WIFE will be importing any possible part you can think of for Mowers....

She has arranged with big companies to supply everything from Mower parts to Hydraulics for the machines.....so stay tuned....

I'll take a 10-pack of blades for the HRJ216 . . .

[Kenny202]

Well I bought my mower today. Small shop but only one I could find in my area sells Honda. Well, actually its a Fujikawa body (imported from Japan) with a Honda GXV160 engine. I was a bit shocked at first when I saw the engine was made by Honda / Jailing China but apparently all Honda GX engines been made there since 2005.

The small Thai shop, as usual treated us like criminals. What is wrong with these people? You're eyed with suspicion the moment you walk in the door and just about want you to promise to buy the item before they will go to the trouble of showing you it. Refused any discount, fair enough. When I agreed to buy they suggested their workman escort us to the ATM to get the money! I nearly told them to frack off at that point. Don't accept credit cards. We came out feeling somewhat soiled. You can see how fast these smaller shops here are going to go down the gurgler once the bigger guys get their act together. Normally my policy buy everything at Global / Home Pro for peace of mind re warranty etc but from what I hear they only direct you back to the manufacturer anyway. Anyway, rather happy with my purchase at 18000 THB even though took a punt buying from people I didn't like. Good size 17" deck, nice simple robust controls. Does sound a bit noisier than I remember my Honda back home

Wow! Why do you give your money to people like these? I had a little trouble at a small shop, told them to F-off and went to another. Nobody in my area has the full 100% Honda HRJ216-K2. You MUST order it from any Honda or most Kubota dealers. It cost 23,000, but is 100% Honda, has a 21" deck, rear bagger (big bag) and self propelled (three speed). It cuts through the toughest stuff and never bogs down.

Is Ur mower / engine made in China? Honda seem to have no real presence in Thailand

[PattayaClub]

Well I bought my mower today. Small shop but only one I could find in my area sells Honda. Well, actually its a Fujikawa body (imported from Japan) with a Honda GXV160 engine. I was a bit shocked at first when I saw the engine was made by Honda / Jailing China but apparently all Honda GX engines been made there since 2005.

The small Thai shop, as usual treated us like criminals. What is wrong with these people? You're eyed with suspicion the moment you walk in the door and just about want you to promise to buy the item before they will go to the trouble of showing you it. Refused any discount, fair enough. When I agreed to buy they suggested their workman escort us to the ATM to get the money! I nearly told them to frack off at that point. Don't accept credit cards. We came out feeling somewhat soiled. You can see how fast these smaller shops here are going to go down the gurgler once the bigger guys get their act together. Normally my policy buy everything at Global / Home Pro for peace of mind re warranty etc but from what I hear they only direct you back to the manufacturer anyway. Anyway, rather happy with my purchase at 18000 THB even though took a punt buying from people I didn't like. Good size 17" deck, nice simple robust controls. Does sound a bit noisier than I remember my Honda back home

Wow! Why do you give your money to people like these? I had a little trouble at a small shop, told them to F-off and went to another. Nobody in my area has the full 100% Honda HRJ216-K2. You MUST order it from any Honda or most Kubota dealers. It cost 23,000, but is 100% Honda, has a 21" deck, rear bagger (big bag) and self propelled (three speed). It cuts through the toughest stuff and never bogs down.

Is Ur mower / engine made in China? Honda seem to have no real presence in Thailand

The HRJ216 is manufactured by Honda Power Products, which has a factory in Thailand. But as to the whole mower, only a certain amount of assembly has to be done to qualify as "manufactured in . . .." I do not know where the engine was manufactured. There is no country shown on any of the visible embossing on the engine. There is a stickeron the side of the engine with some Chinese writing on it, and the owner's manual was printed in China.

About 7 years ago, I wanted one of those tiny rototillers but could not find one in Thailand. I had a friend pick me up a Honda branded one from Home Depot in the US and bring it to me in his luggage. Imagine my surprise when we opened the box and were putting it together and I spied the "Made in Thailand" sticker! It has been a great machine.

One needs to beware of alot of Chinese made products. Many of the knock-offs are beautiful on the outside and junk inside. I have heard story after story of broken engine shafts, etc. But there are also a lot of very fine products manufactured in China. Makita, Bosch, Siemens and many others have factories there. Their products must undergo rigorous quality control. I can't tell any difference in the quality of my Makita tools even though some were manufactured in Japan, the UK, the US and, yes, China. Even most of the the famous, formerly made in the US, Craftsman tools are now manufactured in China.

I wouldn't let "Made in China" put me off. It depends on what it is. I have an Makita MLT100 10" table saw, made in China. It is a great saw. Well engineered and perfectly manufactured. I also have a 12" MKT table saw manufactured in China. It is a piece of crap which I will sell cheap if anybody wants it.

[weegee]

In a couple of months...about August. MY WIFE will be importing any possible part you can think of for Mowers....

She has arranged with big companies to supply everything from Mower parts to Hydraulics for the machines.....so stay tuned....

As stated in another topic late yesterday about problems here.....This will not be coming into fruition....

We have decided not to try to get involved with all the hidden costs and problems with this country.....

Sorry fellas....

[kamalabob2]

Last week I viewed several genuine Honda HRJ216 at the same Honda Power Products dealer in Buriram province that maintains my Honda backpack UMR435 L22 brush cutter or my Father in Law's Honda UMK435T brush cutter. I've been told that Mr. Pairach Saetang is often at that Buriram Builders Merchants Store to help train lawn mower repair staff. I've never had any problem obtaining a genuine Honda part for any Honda Power products in Buriram. The Honda Brush Cutter I viewed last night at the Buriram Home pro was actually made by Berala. All things considered I'd prefer to have genuine Honda Power products that were completely assembled in a Honda Manufacturing Plant. Both of the Honda brush cutters I bought are made in the Honda assembly plant in Thailand, yet the Honda self propelled lawn mower I see on sale in Isaan in manufactured in the PRC.

[chaiyapoon]

Against some comments on here i bought a ASGATEC mower after a lot of looking around.We have a 3 rai fruit orchard only recently planted up with a great variety of tropical fruit trees, but the grass grows a hell of a lot quicker than the trees.We already had a Asgatec strimmer which we have had for quite a time and at 65cc has plenty of power if a bit heavier than some was a bargain at under 3000b new but is just too slow on 3 rai

.

Ideally would have liked a ride on which I have used extensively in the UK, but at the prices here decided against it. Before the rideon I had a Harry 5hp with a big deck so wanted something similar here.After checking at three or four of the big sheds here noticed Mega Home were selling a 6.5hp Asgatec for 9900b on offer and on purchasing was given their 850 watt hedgetrimmer for free which wasn't even mentioned in the sale but was given to us on collection.

The machine was set up by the store staff and loaded into our pickup and we were off.Once home tried it out at once and it started first pull and pretty much has every time since.However, no more than 20 meters were cut before a front wheel fell off.On inspection and checking other wheels I soon spotted this wheel wasn't fitted with a lock nut as all the others were. So didn't take long to fix that from my bits and pieces jar.

We've had it for 4 months now and its been used 3 or 4 times a week on very rough land and it has performed very well better than expected really. Its very low revving and thats something I must check out as it feels like it has a lot more to give though it manages tall thick grass with ease.Single lever height adjustment has been very handy.Grass collection when used works well.

IMHO don't write off AGASTEC.

[Tahnil]

A word of advice on walk behind mowers. Unless your lawn is very small you do not want a push mower. A self-propelled mower will make the job that much more enjoyable. It's probably safe to say that people who buy non-self-propelled mowers don't know any better. It's that big of a difference.

On the other hand, some self-propelled mowers sold in Thailand are either cumbersome or look like toys. It's a relatively new thing in this country that few people are experienced to be demanding consumers.

I have a stock of lightly used or new Bestline BM 4400 self-propelled lawn mowers. They were imported by Asgatec and sold at Home Pro and such. So parts are easily obtained from Asgatec on the outskirt of Bangkok (Bangna-Trad KM 16). The construction is straightforward and simple to maintain and really nothing should go wrong so soon. These are absolutely fantastic machines: ergonomic, light, agile, strong and efficient. I put one through the paces before buying six more because they weren't going to be imported anymore, only the push type.

The Bestline BM 4400 is a single speed rear wheel drive (belt driven) mower. Rear wheel drive is important if you use the grass clippings attachment as it puts the weight on the rear driven wheels. The short wheel base (distance between front and rear wheels) allows it to work over uneven grounds without scalping. Recommended for mowing in the orchard not just proper lawn. If the weed grass is very, very thick, you can still cut it by setting the mower at the highest cutting height and pulling backward rather than going forward! The height is one lever adjustable (you don't have to adjust each wheel separately).

The powerful 173cc engine starts on the first pull. But proper storage is advised if you will be gone a year. This involves simply running the mower until empty. If there is no gas left it can't gum up your carburetor even after several years of non-use.

Remember, it should be unusual for a good small engine these days to not start literally on the first pull. Make sure the fuel valve and the choke are open before pulling and there is gas in the tank! Once the engine warms up in less than a minute you can gradually close the choke, a cabled lever right by the grip which also acts as the throttle setting.

Change your oil every 50 hours with straight 40 weight motor oil. (It's 30 in colder climes but in Thailand 40 is sold.) Also clean your air filter as necessary according to your mowing environment, i.e., more frequently in the dry season when the dust gets kicked up. Be sure to properly seat the air filter in its box for a tight seal. Mower trouble should be a rarity.

Every so often you'll want to sharpen the blade. Shut the fuel valve and lay the mower on its side (air filter side up or you'll get engine oil on it). Use 17 mm socket to loosen the blade bolt counter clockwise. You can use 4 inch grinder with a finer metal grinding disc (I recommend Makita brand metal discs). The important thing is to hit the cutting edges in a glancing fashion and never let the blade heat up or you'll soften the edge and it won't stay sharp. The principle is similar to wet grinding which is keeping the metal cool. Don't overdo it or you'll wear the blade small prematurely. Also keep the same angle as original when shallower angles only serve to weaken and wear the blade out sooner.

If you are in the area or can drive to Pattaya (Huay Yai) you are invited to try it. I think you'll find it better than anything else in the same price range. I am selling five of the seven, between 18,000 and 20,000 THB. Mowing should be effortless and enjoyable!

[BAYBOY]

A month ago I popped into one of the 2 hardware shops I buy from. Talking with the owner about mowers and brush cutters and she gave me the latest brochures from Honda.

A couple were of the water pumps used all over Thailand, the pump housing is Honda red. Two of the brochures were of Honda water pumps painted a cream/beige colour. These she said were made in China, and about 1000 baht cheaper than the red coloured ones which are made in Thailand, but both red and cream still Honda!!!!!!

BAYBOY

[Thian]

At Nakhon Inn road between Kanchana Phisek and Ratchaprueck in BKK is a very big Makita office (headquarter?) and they have a huge tarp outside with a print of a Makita wire mower for 2000 baht. I guess they will also have the Makita mowers on wheels.

http://www.makitathailand.com/media/2015_General%20catalogue_resize2.pdf

They have the makita mowers on battery as well but not cheap i guess since TIT.

Edited January 15, 2016 by Thian

[In the jungle]

Of the mowers readily available in Thailand I have no doubt that the Honda HRJ216 K2 is the best there is. It is in a different quality league to anything else I have seen here.

I have only two criticisms of the HRJ216:

1. It is a heavy beast at 48 kgs. You don't really notice this if your mowing consists of long straight runs but you will if you are constantly weaving around bushes and plant pots.

2. The blades are very high quality. I am still using the original blades after more than two years. But in Thailand they are hideously expensive at THB 1900 a pair c/w fixing bolts. I get my blades from Australia where they are one sixth of the Thai price at THB 3000 for a box of ten pairs c/w fixing bolts. My wife's niece hand carries them from Oz so we are not paying freight or tax.

[In the jungle]

We also have a Honda H3011HSA ride on mower (we have more than one property).

It has a hydrostatic transmission and a 30 inch cutting deck. It is relatively simple as ride on mowers go, very well made and the transmission is reputedly bullet proof.

It took me five years searching on and off to find one worth buying.

It cuts a given area of lawn in roughly half the time the HRJ216 takes but uses about double the fuel. The HRJ216 gives a better quality cut on a lawn that is not flat.

The H3011 now uses four swing back blades. I designed the system and it uses HRJ216 blades. I did this so that I would not be locked into buying new ride on blades from the States or Europe.

[In the jungle]

If the Honda HRJ216 is too expensive I can recommend Patco mowers which are made in Thailand.

We have one of these too (mower #3 of 4!)

The Patco mower to go for is the one with the aluminium deck. It uses the Honda GXV160.

The Patco is a push mower and quite a bit lighter than the HRJ216. 19 inch deck. I think we paid THB 15,000 for ours about four or five years ago. In that time it has had only one component failure which was the throttle mechanism on the bars. A fairly cheap replacement.

Edited January 17, 2016 by In the jungle

[kamalabob2]

I picked up some streamer line for my Makita UR3000 grass streamer in Buriram on Friday and noted an OPEN DAY was scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday for Troy Bilt Ride on lawn Mowers | Honda HRJ216K2 self propelled lawn mowers | two stroke back pack Briggs & Stratton brush cutters and four stroke Honda brush cutters. Seemed like a serious expat doing a test drive on the made in the USA Troy Bilt Pony ride on lawn mower. No riders were on the Troy Bilt TB2654 with a 26HP engine and 54" cutting deck. I've had previous lawn mower repairs done at this shop and it might be worthwhile for name brand lawn mowers.

[Slugs11]

Hi, regarding the Troy Blit TB2654 with a 26HP engine and 54" cutting deck, did you notice the price for this mower ???. I am looking to buy a good ride on mower, for approx 3 rai of grass. I have never heard of Troy, only brands like Kubota and John Deere, which I have not been able to find in Thailand. Would be interested if anyone has comments regarding the Troy model. Thanks.

[Gary A]

Our house sits on two rai. My wife cuts what grass there is. It's mostly weeds. She wants nothing to do with a regular lawn mower. She has been cutting the weeds and grass with a 4 stroke Honda weed whacker for about 8 years now. That Honda has been bullet proof. Even the Thais have not been able to destroy it. A friend of mine has been through four 2 stroke cheap ones over the years.

ADDED - I'm no longer allowed to use the little Honda because I cut good stuff, her herbs. They looked like weeds to me. Over the years she has gone through probably four blades. My job is to keep the blade sharpened.

Edited January 23, 2016 by Gary A

[billd766]

Our house sits on two rai. My wife cuts what grass there is. It's mostly weeds. She wants nothing to do with a regular lawn mower. She has been cutting the weeds and grass with a 4 stroke Honda weed whacker for about 8 years now. That Honda has been bullet proof. Even the Thais have not been able to destroy it. A friend of mine has been through four 2 stroke cheap ones over the years.

ADDED - I'm no longer allowed to use the little Honda because I cut good stuff, her herbs. They looked like weeds to me. Over the years she has gone through probably four blades. My job is to keep the blade sharpened.

I can empathise with you as we have about 2 rai to cut as well in about 5 separate places, none of which are smooth. Most of them have rocks and stones of various shapes and sizes, one is what is left of the pineapple plot and has 5 trees in it, another is the pomelo area full of trees. One of the front areas isn't too bad but the other has 4 or 5 trees in various places. Both front areas have slopes and it is difficult to get and keep my footing on/

I use a Honda 4 stroke weed whacker with a 16 inch blade and a different head with about 2mm square nylon to cut the edges with and when I have finished doing my lot I start on my neighbours plot which is about the same size but less tress, rocks and stones.

I usually spend an hour or so 5 or 6 early mornings a seek and it takes me 4 to 6 weeks to cut both, and then I start all over again. I am 71 and the only man in the 2 houses though sometimes my neighbour will hire a couple of guys to do her side.

The only good thing I have to say about the drought is that the damn grass isn't growing so I have time to catch up on other work.

Have a great weekend.

[eddiev]

I looked at a few ride on mowers before buying a new John Deere x300 from Chin Kasert Tractors in Chomburi . They have maybe 15 used mowers in stock and plenty of spare parts too.The owner speaks english,phone 038443686 ,038750472.

[weegee]

Our house sits on two rai. My wife cuts what grass there is. It's mostly weeds. She wants nothing to do with a regular lawn mower. She has been cutting the weeds and grass with a 4 stroke Honda weed whacker for about 8 years now. That Honda has been bullet proof. Even the Thais have not been able to destroy it. A friend of mine has been through four 2 stroke cheap ones over the years.

ADDED - I'm no longer allowed to use the little Honda because I cut good stuff, her herbs. They looked like weeds to me. Over the years she has gone through probably four blades. My job is to keep the blade sharpened.

I can empathise with you as we have about 2 rai to cut as well in about 5 separate places, none of which are smooth. Most of them have rocks and stones of various shapes and sizes, one is what is left of the pineapple plot and has 5 trees in it, another is the pomelo area full of trees. One of the front areas isn't too bad but the other has 4 or 5 trees in various places. Both front areas have slopes and it is difficult to get and keep my footing on/

I use a Honda 4 stroke weed whacker with a 16 inch blade and a different head with about 2mm square nylon to cut the edges with and when I have finished doing my lot I start on my neighbours plot which is about the same size but less tress, rocks and stones.

I usually spend an hour or so 5 or 6 early mornings a seek and it takes me 4 to 6 weeks to cut both, and then I start all over again. I am 71 and the only man in the 2 houses though sometimes my neighbour will hire a couple of guys to do her side.

The only good thing I have to say about the drought is that the damn grass isn't growing so I have time to catch up on other work.

Have a great weekend.

If you are finding the Whipper too heavy as you get older in the bones....Get a pair of wheels made up to rest the head of the snipper on....what a God send that is.

As soon as i did mine, everyone borrowed it and it'd never been returned....lol. I will have to make another i suppose.

[billd766]

Our house sits on two rai. My wife cuts what grass there is. It's mostly weeds. She wants nothing to do with a regular lawn mower. She has been cutting the weeds and grass with a 4 stroke Honda weed whacker for about 8 years now. That Honda has been bullet proof. Even the Thais have not been able to destroy it. A friend of mine has been through four 2 stroke cheap ones over the years.

ADDED - I'm no longer allowed to use the little Honda because I cut good stuff, her herbs. They looked like weeds to me. Over the years she has gone through probably four blades. My job is to keep the blade sharpened.

I can empathise with you as we have about 2 rai to cut as well in about 5 separate places, none of which are smooth. Most of them have rocks and stones of various shapes and sizes, one is what is left of the pineapple plot and has 5 trees in it, another is the pomelo area full of trees. One of the front areas isn't too bad but the other has 4 or 5 trees in various places. Both front areas have slopes and it is difficult to get and keep my footing on/

I use a Honda 4 stroke weed whacker with a 16 inch blade and a different head with about 2mm square nylon to cut the edges with and when I have finished doing my lot I start on my neighbours plot which is about the same size but less tress, rocks and stones.

I usually spend an hour or so 5 or 6 early mornings a seek and it takes me 4 to 6 weeks to cut both, and then I start all over again. I am 71 and the only man in the 2 houses though sometimes my neighbour will hire a couple of guys to do her side.

The only good thing I have to say about the drought is that the damn grass isn't growing so I have time to catch up on other work.

Have a great weekend.

If you are finding the Whipper too heavy as you get older in the bones....Get a pair of wheels made up to rest the head of the snipper on....what a God send that is.

As soon as i did mine, everyone borrowed it and it'd never been returned....lol. I will have to make another i suppose.

At the moment I can use it well but I only do about an hour or so 5 or 6 days a week and it is good exercise for me. I think that when it gets too hard I will try to get a Thai guy in and he can do the whole lot, both mine and my neighbours in 4 to 5 days.

It will OK on the middle bits but the edges are mostly rocks of different sizes and I don't think that the wheels will be any good on the slopes.

Ideally I would like a hover mower with a grass catcher but it would need good strong metal where the blades spin to stop all the stones from flying up. I don't think that there is a powerful enough electric one available, running the power cable is easy in blue water pipe, so it would probably have to be a 4 stroke petrol one.

Flymo don't sell in Thailand and shipping costs from the UK would be a bit expensive let alone the cost of spares.

[kamalabob2]

The Troy Bilt TB2654 Ride On Lawn Mower with a 26HP engine and 54" cutting deck was priced just North of 200,000 baht in Buriram Thailand. It was a larger that I would need at my current Buriram home or garden. Troy Bilt is a reputable brand and I know the John Deere Ride On lawn mowers are made by MTD. http://www.basco.com/Our%20Brands/Partnerships/

[BSJ]

I would like a flail mower on the back of the Kubota to get close under the trees in the orchard. Regular ride-ons are to light weight.

Especially after pruning to smash all the cut branches.