Hi all, and apologies to all who hate discussions about mowers... :-)
I finally got to demo a Viking 755RS this week, and bought one. The deciding factor was speed: it's so much faster than the Honda Pro-types, that it'll mean an extra job per day. That pays for a replacement if it falls apart within a year.
On jobs yesterday and today, the extra speed and larger box mean I'm cracking through lawns in about 25% less time, which is pretty impressive. Useless on an hourly rate, of course, as I'd lose money, but that's a whole different question.
I think it's significantly better built, and better at it's job, than the 21" Masport. The Hayter was out because of the lack of a BBC, let alone the reputation. That left a toss-up between this and the new Kubota version of the Honda pro, and I felt like a change as much as anything. The Viking is more manouverable, easier to get in and out of the van, and the handle folds easily. It has an easy-to-clean rigid box, good cable protection etc. On the downside, it has acres of plastic and does get dirty: I felt I needed to clean the demo before giving it back. I think it will look scruffy quite fast if not looked after, and the Kubota would be a more robust machine for staff, I'd imagine.
Prices from local dealers, inc. VAT, were coming in at £825 for the Masport, £1100 for the Hayter or Kubota, and just under £1000 for the Viking. Given the speed alone, it's worth trying one out IMO.
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I would also have the Viking
Love my 2nd hand 755 on its 3rd season and takes some hammer
I'm not overly keen on the plastic body but I've heard they are good mowers.
Hi Gary,
I'll let you know my wet-collection opinion tomorrow. It's peeing down here!
Peter, it's an alloy body, although it looks plastic as it's all the same colour. There are extra covers for the sides, the cables along the handles, that sort of thing. I'm actually really liking a plastic box rather than the mesh bags on the Hondas: a quick brush or hose clears it, where the mesh bags clog up badly and really need a pressure washer every couple of weeks to keep clear.
i think you will like the wet pick up after using a honda pro. i picked up a second hand 755 last year and it soon became the mower first out of the van with the honda only coming out if two mowers were needed. the honda just doesnt like wet grass, it is better built imo but the viking can cut when it cant, eg wet or rough long grass in a single pass and no mess
I'm pleased with the 755KS so far, done about a season and a half with only a minor issue due to crud building up in the wheel bearings. Cuts well in the wet, smoother finish than an etesia 51 and lighter, generally just easier to handle.
Really good mower! have been running mine for nearly 3 seasons now and Its no doubt the best mower I have had! It is a little on the heavy side but really good in the wet. The 'plastic' feel did put me off a little to start with but there was no need for any concern as it is a solid mower! The ability to tilt the handles save your hands when mowing close to a hedge also!
I have googled viking 755RS any found nothing apart from this thread and the 755 KS. I take it hasn't made it on to the viking website yet as it is too new ?
Not classed as pro machines but to me are a great all rounder if you need a roller mower
Paul have you brought the rs or ks
Stuart, I'm an ass. It's the 655RS, not 755. I must pay more attention....
Interesting comments. Just wondering how many of you guys have employees as the machines tend to get more of a hammering.
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