Honda GCV160 vs Kawasaki FJ180V

[Mat]

Hey all,

So I'm up for buying a new mower, budget of $800.

After days of research its come down to a Proscape WB486HK with the Kawasaki FJ180V 6HP engine and the Honda 19D1 with the Honda GCV160 engine.

Sure the Kawasaki has the extra grunt, but being an average home mower is this necessary? The Proscape frame looks a little better in quality than the Honda, bigger catcher, front nudge bar, raise/lower system feels nicer.

The Honda 19D1 comes with mulching plug... is this a compelling reason to get the Honda? The Honda only has a 4.5Hp engine though.

Anyone used both and can offer comments on build quality, reliability and durability on both?

[Steve]

G'day Mat,

I can't comment on the Proscape mowers, I've never used one, nor heard much about them one way or the other.

Can't go wrong with Honda though.

I would be asking how long you may intend to own a lawn and to look after it yourself? If you reckon it's going to be for a long period of time, I would definitely consider looking at spending a few extra dollars above what you have budgeted for, and go for a better grade engine and chassis. It's definitely worth it in the long run, and if you keep your eyes open they do come on special sometimes.

Both the GSV190 (6HP) on the HRU197, and the GXV160 (5.5HP) on the HRU196 are both proven reliable, long lasting and trusted choices. The main difference between them is the engine, the GSV is a newer model with more HP and weighs 1KG less from what I remember.

As for the mulching plug, they're a good idea, and you may use it, or you may not, it really isn't a deciding factor in choice of purchase, the more important factor would be to choose a 4 blade system.

Hope that helps.

[Temora140]

Hi Mat,

It really depends on whether you are going to mow really thick wet grass or just normal dry grass. The Proscape will cut the wet thick grass where the Honda clogs up otherwise both are really good mowers. Or you can buy a Rover with a Honda engine on it which is another good mower. They all have a 4 blade system and are quality built mowers. It will all come down to price then, up to you Mat

Cheers David

[lenny]

Mat you will only find the self propelled version of the honda will clug up with wet grass, as it has a small chute at the back of the mower, cutting dry grass is fine.

I'm a big fan of the honda mower, bit more expensive but worth it in the long run.

[redeye]

Proscape!Kawasaki engines are the bees knees - honda engines are chinese these days. Proscapes are Aussie made, and are being used by contractors

[ian]

also note the kawasaki engine is a commercial grade engine whereas the gcv 160 is the honda residential grade engine and is nowhere near as good as either the gxv 160 on the 196/216 mowers or the gsv 190 which is used on the 197/217 mowers both these have cast iron sleeves which makes them much longerv lasting engines personally for a residential lawn i would probably go for the proscape