Which one fits my needs?

[Gjohnson]

I know any of the ones I am looking at will be fine, but I just can't make up my mind. The funny thing (not really funny) is that I don't have any grass to mow yet, but it's coming. Katrina knock me for a loop!

I have narrowed it down to the 18/44 FasTrak(Honda) $4550 best price
19/42 Mini Z (Kawasaki) $4700
20/52 FasTrak (Honda) $5100
These are out the door pricing.

I will have about 1 acre + a little to mow when I get my lawn going. What would be the best deal and why? This is strictly for my personal residence.
Thanks a bunch,
GJ

[mowerconsultant]

The 20/52.. larger deck, more hp, more trim side on the deck....
Quicker to get done,more time to spend doing other things....
All are great choices, just depends on your budget and storage and being able to get the larger deck in everywhere you need to mow.

Pj

[CottonPatch]

I am the distributor rep for South LA and your area. Spend some time with Brian McGehee and his dad Robert at McGehee Outdoor. They are great and honest people that will put you in the mower you need. Let me know how it turns out.
Thanks
Rusty

[Gjohnson]

What about the FasTrak 52" with the 18HP Honda. Will this be underpowered for the normal grass cutting?
Thanks

[mowerconsultant]

What about the FasTrak 52" with the 18HP Honda. Will this be underpowered for the normal grass cutting?
Thanks

No it will not be underpowered, it is a excellent combination on that mower.

Pj

[Gjohnson]

According to the specs in the brochure, the 18 and the 20 HP have the same amount of torque and the same Cubic Inches, but the CC's differ, 477cc for the 18 and 535cc for the 20, that I don't understand. Anyway torque is what moves mass and that is equal on both engines,37.5 ft lbs @ 2500 rpm., is that correct? If so I see why that combo could be a sleeper!
I may have to consider this combo.
Thanks

[mowerconsultant]

Here are the specs on the two engines right from Honda's website.

Horsepower 20
Engine Type Air-cooled 4-Stroke OHV 90 degrees V-Twin; Vertical Shaft
Bore x Stroke 3.0 x 2.6 in (77 x 66 mm)
Displacement 37.5 cu in (614 CC)
Compression Ratio 8.3:1
Maximum Power Output 20 HP / 3,600 rpm 14.9 (kW)
Recommended Maximum Power Output 17.9 HP / 3,600 rpm (13.3 kW)
Maximum Torque 32.5 lbf ft (44.1 Nm) / 2,500 rpm
Ignition System Transistorized Magneto
Starting System Electric or Electric/Recoil
ACG Output 12V-3A or 12V-20A
Decompression Centrifugal
Aircleaner Heavy Duty Dual Element
Oil Capacity 2.3 U.S. Qts (2.2 liters) w/oil filter replacement
Fuel Consumption 0.51 lb/HPh (230 g / HPh, 313 g/kWh)
Dimensions (LxWxH) 18.1 x 18 x 17 in (459 x 457 x 431 mm)
Dry Weight 94.8 lbs (43 kg)

Horsepower 18
Engine Type Air-cooled 4-Stroke OHV 90 degrees V-Twin; Verticall Shaft
Bore x Stroke 3.0 x 2.6 in (77 x 66 mm)
Displacement 37.5 cu in (614 CC)
Compression Ratio 8.3:1
Maximum Power Output 18 HP / 3,600 rpm 13.4 (kW)
Recommended Maximum Power Output 16.2 HP / 3,600 rpm (12.1 kW)
Maximum Torque 31.7 lbf ft (43.1 Nm) / 2,500 rpm
Ignition System Transistorized Magneto
Starting System Electric or Electric/Recoil
ACG Output 12V-3A or 12V-20A
Decompression Centrifugal
Aircleaner Heavy Duty Dual Element
Oil Capacity 2.3 U.S. Qts (2.2 liters) w/oil filter replacement
Fuel Consumption 0.51 lb/HPh (230 g / HPh, 313 g/kWh)
Dimensions (LxWxH) 18.1 x 18 x 17 in (459 x 457 x 431 mm)
Dry Weight 94.8 lbs (42 kg)

[Gjohnson]

So, the 18 is just a detuned 20, probably through cam change or carb. change or fuel injection, whatever the case may be.
Thanks mowerconsultant. I may have to spring for the 20 anyway!

[Gjohnson]

As you will see in my other post,"Mini Z followed me home", I decided on the Mini Z 19/42 for the reasons stated in that post.
Thanks