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Victa Mulchmaster 560 (MSV567)
- 18 reviews
- 19 likes
Recently purchased the Victa Mulchmaster SP560 which I think now replaces the SP550. This machine has a 22'' [560mm] self propelled cutting base powered by a 190 cc Briggs and Stratton 8.25 I/C engine. The engine has a cast iron sleeved bore and comes with an external oil filter so hopefully engine issues should be few and far between. Researched this mower extensively before purchase and many mowing contractors now rate these new Briggs motors equal to, or better than the equivalent GVX commercial Honda engines.
These are large and heavy ma...
Read morechines and I don't believe are suitable for the average suburban block, however, if you have a larger block and a ride on for some reason is not an option, this is the next best thing. The engine is unstoppable with the only draw back being a rather small 1.1l fuel tank which only gives me 1 1/2 hours run time under full throttle and working fairly hard. The handle height will be an issue for some as they cannot be adjusted and really suit a taller person. The blade carrier is set up for two blades only and is quite fiddly to fit if removed for blade change outs. Throttle and the variable speed drive control cables operate smoothly and so far the mower has started second pull every time. I noted that some have had issues with the self drive set up, however, hopefully the newer model has resolved some of these problems. Drive is through a variable speed belt to a all metal gearbox and axle - all of which appears to be pretty heavy duty. These are the weapons of choice for many councils and mowing contractors and the main reason why I decided to give one a go. The mower deck comes with a solid plastic side discharge chute as well as a mulching plug, however I tend to cut shorter when the wet season is on up here and find the mulching plug only works on the higher settings. I have no doubt there are better machines about if you are after a manicured finish but doubt there are any better if you have a large heavily grassed area to contend with. 5/2020 update. Six years on and still find this a great unit with one proviso - the gearbox. I'm on the third replacement and each box has been a different version to the last. The boxes are made for Victa by a French / US manufacturer - GT Transmissions. Think Victa [ now wholly owned by Briggs and Stratton ] are caught between a rock and a hard place as there are not a lot of alternative suppliers in the market. Each gearbox has been around the $200 mark . I'm not overly concerned now as the mower cops a fail old work out come summer - 3000 to 5000 square metres a week - and I can change them out in my sleep now. Rest of the mower is still in excellent condition and to be fair, I think all self propelled walk behind mowers suffer from the same ailment as gearboxes tend to be the weak link for all manufacturers - Hondas included. The Briggs and Stratton 8.50 engine is a very durable unit if the oil changes are kept up to it and the chassis itself shows no sign of wear. If I do decide on another mower I think the Toro 22298 or Honda 217would be the only other units I would consider. Further update 20/04/2021. Fourth gearbox has just failed. Briggs and Stratton should pull these from the market until they can source a suitable gearbox that is fit for purpose. Brilliant mower let down by continual gearbox failures. If Briggs and Stratton could source a durable transmission they would be on a winner. Until then these are best left on the shop floor.
Purchased in February 2011 for $850.
Questions & Answers
Give General Transmissions the flick and find another gearbox source. Steel used in axles is poor and what the engineer was thinking by drilling out the axle and using a roll pin to secure the axle in the transmission is anybody's guess. Weakens axle strength and won't handle any shock loading - which is inevitable with a lawn mower. Leave the heavy duty commercial side to Honda Toro and Kubota . They know what their doing.
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Details
| Category | Petrol Lawn Mowers |
|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $1,199.00 |
| Power Source | Petrol |
| Features | Foldable Handle, Mulching Capability, Quick-Start Motor, Self-Propelled and Side Discharge |
| Catcher Type | None |
| Cutting Deck Material | Aluminium Alloy |
| Cutting Width | 559 mm |
| Height of Cut | 18 mm to 76 mm |
| Number of Blades | 2 |
| Weight | 45 kg |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 2 year(s) |
| Engine / Motor | |
| Engine Name | Vanguard Series Premium Commercial |
| Brand | Vanguard |
| Engine Displacement | 161 cc |
- MPN: MSV567
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