You need the right outdoor power equipment to get the most out of your property, whether you are a new homeowner or a homeowner dedicated to making your yard the best in the neighborhood. At Carl’s Mower and Saw we’ve been serving contractors and homeowners since 1990 so we only carry the best, most durable power equipment our customers can use for years to come. Every homeowner with property should own a lawn mower, string trimmer and blower, so here are our outdoor power equipment recommendations to help you manage your spring lawn care without breaking your back— or the bank.
A Dependable Mower: the Honda HRX 217 VYA
The HRX series is Honda’s premium line of mowers that come with powerful GCV200 engines and dent and rust-free Nexite decks. These mowers are packed with features that make mowing more efficient and more comfortable, while delivering optimal results.
One of our favorites from the HRX series is the Honda HRX 217 VYA mower. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized properties, but it’s also a great tool for property owners that have acreage because it can maneuver into areas that riding mowers can’t reach. There are many features that make this mower worthy of ownership, but here are our top three favorites.
- The first reason to consider the HRX 217 VYA is that it comes with Honda’s Select Drive®. Many Honda mowers are self-propelled, but the Select Drive feature on this model allows the operator to control just how fast the mower goes so that it matches the speed of the operator. The control is built right into the handle via an ergonomic design making it easy for the user to adjust the speed as needed. The Select Drive feature makes this mowing more efficient and it helps take some of the workload off of the operator, making it easier to mow on hills and uneven landscape.
- The second premium feature we like about the HRX 217 VYA is the Roto-Stop®. When the operator starts the engine, the blades aren’t automatically on. The mower can warm up, the operator can clear the mowing area and then when they’re ready to mow, they can simply engage the blades with a click of a button and a pull of a handle. The Roto-Stop function allows operators to stop the blades to dump their bag of clippings, move objects or transition to different areas of the lawn without having to stop and restart the mower so frequently, which means there’s less wear and tear on the engine.
- The third feature we like about the Honda HRX 217 VYA is the 4-in-1 Versamow System™ with Clip Director®. Honda’s design allows the user to easily switch between mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf shredding. Not only does this system allow the operator to change functions, but it lets them do it incrementally to tailor them to the needs of the lawn. Versamow makes mowing much more efficient because it allows users to adjust accordingly without having to grab different equipment to tackle tall grass or piles of leaves. This system allows users to easily switch from bagging to mulching to shredding, depending on the length of the grass the material they’re mowing just by sliding the convenient clip director lever.
If you’re ready for a new mower, Honda mowers are durable, reliable and one of the best investments you can make. They’re easy to maintain and have few issues if they’re properly cared for. Use ethanol free gas, clean the air filter regularly and make sure you get the blades sharpened and the engine serviced at least once a year.
At Carl’s Mower, we have a full line of Honda mowers and an experienced staff that can help you choose the best mower for you and your property.
An Easy Weed Eater for Lawn Care: Stihl FS 56
Every homeowner needs a dependable string trimmer, AKA “weed eater” to trim around trees, shrubs, garden beds, walkways and more. We are big fans of Stihl power equipment, they produce durable, dependable equipment that can last for decades— if properly cared for.
If you’re in the market for a weed eater we recommend the Stihl FS 56R trimmer which is perfect for homeowners who have a ½ acre or less to maintain. With it’s Easy2Start™ technology, as the name suggests, this trimmer is easy to start. Four to five pumps on the primer, and a gentle pull on the rope will start this machine without flooding the engine. Note: If you’re not used to Easy2Start technology, and have a habit of ripping on the starter rope, this may not be the trimmer for you.
One of the most important things for operators to know, for optimal performance and longevity, is how to properly fuel this machine. It has a 2-cycle engine which means operators must mix HP Ultra oil with a gallon of ethanol free fuel, or fuel it with pre-mixed STIHL MotoMix which will extend the life of your trimmer.
Stihl’s FS 56 is a lightweight trimmer that comes with a shoulder strap, safety glasses and an adjustable handle. It’s built with anti-vibration technology for user comfort. One of the reasons we recommend this model is that the straight shaft design allows for better power transfer. The straight shaft design also makes it easier for operators to trim under low structures.
The gearbox of the Stihl FS 56 requires little to no maintenance and the FS 56 engine is powerful enough to run AutoCut, DuroCut or PolyCut line trimmer heads, giving operators plenty of options to trim a variety of vegetation, while using their preferred trimmer head. We go over how to care, maintain and change string trimmer heads, as well as how to prevent common issues in this video. For the ultimate in productivity check out the Stihl Kombi Series.
At Carl’s Mower we have a wide selection of Stihl string trimmers and brushcutters to handle every kind of job. Have questions? Let our experts help you select the best trimmer for your property!
The Leaf Blower for Just About Everyone: Stihl BG 86 C-E
The Stihl BG 86 C-E leaf blower is one of Stihl’s most popular professional-grade leaf blowers that most homeowners prefer. It’s powerful air velocity gets up to 190 mph and it weighs less than 10 lbs. Stihl’s ergonomic design gives operators the ability to use it with one or both hands for optimal comfort.
The BG 86 C-E comes with Stihl’s Easy2Start™ technology and has a semi-automatic choke lever to help prevent engine flooding. As noted, this blower requires four to five pumps on the primer, a set choke and a solid (but gentle) pull. Again, ripping the rope too hard will cause damage.
The 86 C-E comes with 2 nozzles: one round nozzle and one flat nozzle. The round nozzle gives the operator more volume to move dry material. The flat nozzle decreases the volume, but increases the velocity making it powerful enough to peel wet leaves from concrete. Switching between the two nozzles is as easy as a twist and pull.
An optimal feature of the BG 86 C-E is the stop switch which has two functions. The first is a kill switch which turns off the blower. The second function of the stop switch acts as a cruise control so the operator doesn’t need to hold the trigger for the entire duration of the job. Once the engine is warm, after hitting the kill switch, it’s easy to restart the machine. Operators like this blower because after it’s on, it’s easy to restart.
Like all Stihl 2-cycle machines, your Stihl BG 86 C-E must be fueled with Stihl HP Ultra and ethanol-free gasoline or MotoMix to protect its longevity. For optimal performance, ensure the air filter is clean before each run. Change the spark plug once a year and get the engine serviced once a year to protect your investment. With diligent care, the machine will last you for decades to come.
We go over everything you need to know about the BG 86 C-E in this video. Stop in and test drive our full line of Stihl Blowers and talk with our experts about the right leaf blower for you.
Carl’s Mower & Saw, Your Experts in Outdoor Power Equipment
When it comes to year-round lawn care, Carl’s Mower & Saw has you covered. From dethatchers to aerators, Honda Generators, Gravely Mowers, Stihl Kombi Systems, Husqvarna Automowers and much more. We service what we sell and we rent equipment, too.
Stop in and consult with one of our experts about the best lawn and landscaping equipment for your property.
Learn more online by visiting www.CarlsMower.com or give us a call 360-384-0799.
