Those do look like genuine Honda GXV160 engines. All GXV160 types from type GXV160UH2 onward seem to be made only in China anyway, and I expect that after a bit of practice, Honda can make quality engines anywhere it needs to.
I can't tell much about those bases. That style of single height-lever base usually wears out fairly quickly in commercial service. This is mainly because of a combination of two design weaknesses. First, there is a severe forward load on the left front axle caused by the longitudinal height adjustment bar. Second, there is a constant up and down movement of the axle against the aluminium base caused by flexing of the spring-clip supports used to attach the front axle to the base. Hence the genuine Honda base of that design is no great shakes in terms of durability, but I can't tell without seeing one whether the Chonda version is better or worse.
Wow Grumpy, Thanks for your incite I can see the points of what your taking about, I'm Wondering about the grade of Aluminium they are using and If it is simply going to wear through in no time flat.
Also, I found a video of something close, Except this one has a genuine Clone-da on it.
Kori, the problem with the usual single-lever height adjustment can't be overcome by using better aluminium. One solution that would work, is to use the same mounting mechanism on the front axle that is currently used on the back one: bolted-together axle pivots that have substantial bearing areas, and no vertical movement of the axle relative to the mower base. Just look at the back axle of a Honda, and imagine having an identical one on the front.
I don't think the guy in the video is achieving a whole lot there. If I were crazy enough to remove the back flap from my HRU195, I think it would mow that grass with a higher forward speed than he was achieving. Of course having only a 19" cutting width and no self-propulsion helps quite a bit.
Ah! I see what you mean now, I am Kind of Unknowing in the area of 4 wheel Height adjusters, As few American Mowers have them...
Not many American mowers have Axles for that matter, as the wheels are simply screwed to the flimsy edges of the base and picot around the bolts that are holing them in.
I agree 100%, What that guy was doing was Idiotic at best, Showing off that a lawn mower can simply whack down large volumes and cough them out a tied-open Back flap, is a rather poor test of the mower, Because Just cutting is only part of the story, If I were going to Demo a mower to sell I would show It Cutting High grass, Low grass, Mulching and Catching Not Just Ramming through a thicket with the back open...
Kori
Last edited by K-balm; 26/01/1310:25 PM. Reason: Add Detail
