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Equipment and More - OakNut Takes a Lot of Photos

37K views 84 replies 28 participants last post by  Crazy 4 grass  
#1 ·
OakNut's wife: "You take way too many photos!"

OakNut: :D :D :D

I figured I'd start sharing some and rather than starting multiple threads, I'll try to post most of them here.

Here are a few pics I took today of my "daily use" equipment on the job...

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21" Toro Super Recycler
36" Ferris dual hydro walk behind
Stihl FS90R trimmer
Echo PB-770T backpack blower

As you can see, "brand loyalty" is a concept lost on me. :D
 
#4 ·
Why do you use two handles on the stihl?
My parents lived near a nuclear reactor - I was born with three arms.

;)

I put the forward one on for use when using the hedge trimmer attachment. It makes a world of difference and since it's not in the way and weighs next to nothing, I just leave it on.

I think you're the first person to actually notice and ask!
 
#11 ·
How well does the FS90R perform with the articulating hedge trimmer attachment? I'm using a HL100 for 95% of my hedge trimming. Any hands-on experience with the HL100 for a comparison?
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I've never used another Stihl so I don't know how they compare.
This is season #3 for this one and I've never felt it was lacking in power.

I love the articulating trimmer. Buying one that isn't adjustable is a total waste of money as far as I'm concerned - like buying a car that only goes straight ahead.
 
#12 ·
We have a couple different ones. The other that I typically carry on the truck everyday is an older Echo HC-234. That one's used mostly for trimming/shaping low hedges that need to be cut straight up & down along all sides. It does a better job [for that] than the HL100. I'm more prone to cut those hedges at an angle with the bigger hedge trimmer. Probably just a "personal problem" though.
Posted via Mobile Device
 
#14 ·
I like my Toro SR4 so much I bought another one...

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I think the old one is a little jealous of his shiny new friend, but in time I'm sure they will get along just fine.

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Added an hour meter to the new one just to satisfy my curiosity about how many hours will be put on it...

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#20 ·
how well do the toro 21s hold up for you? Im looking for a new 21" mower. Trying to decide if i should go with a commercial 21 or just get another consumer one.
Well, unlike some people, what I think is good for ME may not be what is best for YOU. ;)

I'm a solo operator, so no worries about someone else abusing it.
I have roughly 50 clients with about half being biweeklies.
I use the mower to mow LAWNS, not rocky hillsides, or ditches, or fields.
I've never been hard on ANYTHING my whole life - I take care of my "stuff".

When I started, I wanted a commercial 21", but the price tag was prohibitive, so I asked my dealer what he could suggest in the $500 range, and this was one he mentioned, so I bought one. (March 2001)

I used it exclusively all last season as my main mower. (because it was my only mower, aside from a beater that I had as a backup)

Overall, it's holding up just fine.

The only two "complaints" (mechanically) I have about it are the following:

(a) The Personal Pace self propel requires you to sort of "roll forward" just a few inches at the end of a run before pulling it backwards. If you stop abruptly and pull back, the wheels SOMETIMES "lock up" and you find yourself "dragging" it. Just a SLIGHT push forward again and it will roll back again just fine.
You just get used to working with it and it isn't really an "issue", but I thought it fair to mention. It certainly isn't something that causes me grief, or I wouldn't have purchased another one.

(b) The wheels.
A lot of people comment that the "plastic wheels" are a weak point when comparing to the steel wheels of a commercial mower. I don't debate that fact, but the construction of the wheel itself isn't really an issue, it's the fact that the TREAD wears down too fast. I can't see "wearing out" a wheel on one of these before the tread wears down to nothing and splits open. The TREAD is the weak point.
I just replaced the rear wheels on my first SR4 last month for the first time. I should look into getting some for the front to keep on hand as well because they are totally smooth now. Note that I DO "turn around" on pavement when it's an option, so that surely causes wear.

Aside from the rear wheels, the only other thing I replaced on SR4 #1 since I purchased it in March 2011 is the trailing shield (the flap on the back) when it wore out. It appears that the new ones have a better one, so I'll have to see if it lasts longer.

Since I'm rambling, I'll mention my thought on it in use.

It mulches very well and that is my primary concern, as I only bag when necessary.

It does NOT bag tall/wet grass well - at all. The opening in the rear clogs fast. Note that a maintained lawn is not a problem to cut and bag whatsoever, but when conditions are not ideal, bagging can be a hassle.

It's SO easy to operate. Personal Pace has me spoiled.
I was considering a commercial unit this season, but couldn't get past the added weight and the fact that I wouldn't be able to zip it back and forth (one-handed) under shrubs/trees and in tight spaces the way I can with this mower. No speed controls, no nothing - just walk as fast or slow as you want and vary that speed whenever you choose.

The "upright storage" position of the handle is worth the price of admission alone. OMG, why don't ALL mowers have handles that fold like this?

I haven't written off a commercial 21" mower and I'm not looking to debate the pros/cons of such a machine because I KNOW that a commercial mower will outlast any "homeowner" mower. I just decided that I'd rather have a mower that's easier to use than one that lasts five times longer but is more difficult to operate day in and day out.
This mower is working well for what I need it to do. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Hope that helps.
 
#22 ·
Hey OakNut do you find it difficult to switch the gearbox attachment on the trimmer?
No and yes.

Two screws loosened by a quick twist and the trimmer head pulls right off.
The articulating hedge trimmer attachment I have slips right on and two quick twists and it's secure and ready for use. 30 seconds.

The edger attachment is too snug. I have to fight with it to get it on there. Note that I've only used that attachment three times, so it MAY get easier, but in comparison to the hedge trimmer, it's a pain.

Those are the only two attachments I have for it.

The articulating hedge trimmer attachment was some of the best money I've spent. Love it.
 
#23 ·
FWIW, I hated my toro until I found a high lift blade ( at ace hardware) for it. Was like a new mower and packs the bags full. It would only fill the bag half full with the toro atomic blade on it.
Yeah, I don't use the bag much at all, but "half full" sounds about right.

Is/was yours a Super Recycler, or a Recycler?

Do you have a model number for the high-lift blade you speak of?
 
#24 ·
How well does the FS90R perform with the articulating hedge trimmer attachment? I'm using a HL100 for 95% of my hedge trimming. Any hands-on experience with the HL100 for a comparison?
Posted via Mobile Device
we have used the Echo version for about 5-6 years--works very well--the workers prefer them to the non-articulating on tall and large hedges--though it is really heavy and weighs you down over time--the loop handle at the middle looks like a great idea-though we move all our handles 4-5 inches away from the recommended markes even on the weedeaters--makes a world of difference-
 
#25 ·
MOWERBOY-

i hate the toro self propulsion system, i think they are GARBAGE!!!! I now use a Honda HRX, and would never look anywhere else. GO HONDA, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!
 
#26 ·
MOWERBOY-

i hate the toro self propulsion system, i think they are GARBAGE!!!! I now use a Honda HRX, and would never look anywhere else. GO HONDA, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!
That was helpful.

Why do you hate it?
Why is it GARBAGE?
Why do you use a Honda HRX?

"HRX is kinda' vague. Which one?
There are different "HRX" models (different controls)

I looked at the Hondas, but couldn't convince myself that a more complicated drive system was a better option for my needs. What did I miss?