QuestionDear Ben,
I work for a non profit and a volunteer has offered to purchase a self propelled brush mower. I recently got burned on a generator that the engine didn't last 13 months. Thus, I am faced with making a choice weighing these three factors; 1.Many different hands will be running the machine. I need hardy long lasting equipment. 2.Power isn't necessarily important. Bang for the buck kind of thing. 3. Here is what I have locally available: Giant Vac Brush Mower -(9-HP B&S GM2509SB, 13-HP Honda GM2513H, 15-HP Kawasaki V-Twin GM2525KAWV), Billy Goat Outback (13-HP B&S Intek IC BC2402IC, 13 HP Honda GXV BC 2404H), DR Field and Brush Mower (11.5 HP B&S I/C, 13HP B&S Intek OHV-Plus). And if that isn't too much to ask, what are your thoughts between hydrostatic vs transaxles?
AnswerTray
My thoughts are this and in this order.
The DR Field brush mower is a good machine but costly unless you are doing a big field with weeds and brush this is the best choice with the 13 hp. This machine is not for everyone.
DR Field and Brush Mower (11.5 HP B&S I/C, 13HP B&S Intek OHV-Plus)
The billy goat is a good all around machine I would use the Honda engine much quieter and will last longer and most people can start it.
Billy Goat Outback (13-HP B&S Intek IC BC2402IC, 13 HP Honda GXV BC 2404H)
The next one is more of a commercial machine made to be abused and run longer it does 2 thing's at the same time cuts and sweeps. Most people can operate this but it is a machine that will need a lot of maintenance.
Giant Vac Brush Mower -(9-HP B&S GM2509SB, 13-HP Honda GM2513H, 15-HP Kawasaki V-Twin GM2525KAWV),
All the machines need to maintained all the time,for them to last. I have a craftsman yard tractor I had for 11 years and it still runs like new because I change the oil,plugs and filters every season, no matter what condition the oil is in. For around $15.00 to $25.00 a year thats is cheap compare to getting the engine rebuilt or buying a new one.
