GardenKit

If its an I/C engine it will be an old side valve, so no cambelt. The valves are driven by the camshaft and followers. I reckon you have got a tight valve, so check the clearances in the first instance. If that is not the problem have a look at the valves after taking the head off.

I am a Mitox dealer, and to be honest its not bad stuff. BUT, it is not intended for pro users. It is only a domestic machine. And as such will carry only a 90 day warranty for pro users. The Kawasaki engine will be excellent, and carries a 3yr domestic warranty, but the rest is after all only Mitox. If you are a Pro user, buy Pro kit, it will be the cheapest.

Sorry to hear that Rich, but the game is not lost until it is over. A good, positive mental attitude is key to fighting it, so keep strong.

I really hope that does not mean what I fear it may.

I have never known a UK dealer to stock a 5w30 Briggs and Stratton oil as all Briggs engines in this climate use SAE30 monograde. Most Jap engines however need a multigrade 10w30 or 10w40.

We always clean them if they come in with the mower. But if they come in without the bag then we do not complain!

Not the best mower, but adequate. If it works OK it will be worth having at £45. Just the right size for your 300sq metres.

This is a weird year, service work has normally calmed down by this time, but these came in yesterday. And of course, the owners are all desperate to get them back!

My sincere apologies, I read you wrongly and retract my last comment.

confused:confused1: SDS, you have made a few enemies, but it may not be too late to make amends if you stop being a pratt. I do have empathy, but there are ways.....

Often caused by a 'sticky' cable not releasing, or sometimes a sticking bail bar.

Maybe I judt try to see the good in people, i am just too soft.

True, baiting is a bit extreme (if indeed he has) But reporting cases of infringement which have resulted in a direct impact on his business could be seen as fair. Maybe I am just being a bit pedantic, but it always seems that dealers are always being slated on this forum, and there are very few of us to put across our points of view.

The point i was trying to make is that its not fair to flame anyone just because they play by the rules and are supportive of those who set the rules. Whatever the rules are. Wether those rules are good rules, or not is another matter. In the case of the Stihl policy I can see it from both sides, but many on here only see it from their own perspective. It is hearing both sides of the argument that fuel a good debate, but why does it have turn so disrepectfull?

And as a sub dealer, having to buy from similar places to R&T, I am 20% off RRP and make very little profit. I mean VERY little. But many locals prefer to buy from me even though I am more expensive. It is not all about price luckily.

Come on guys, SDS is not a troll, and this forum is open to all points of view. He has tried to put across the viewpoint of ever so many regional dealers who obey the rules imposed on them from their suppliers, and are miffed when they see maverick dealers breaking those rules. He is supportive of Stihls policy, which as a Stihl dealer is commendable. Instead of flaming him, try to understand the situation from his perspective, whether it suits you or not. I think of it a bit like this. I used to use my mobile phone when driving, but when this was outlawed I stopped. I now get very annoyed when I see others driving along and merrily chatting on the phone. Why should they be exempt? And I feel like phoning the law and reporting them, but I am to placid to that, so just accept it. SDS is just a little more determined. Now 'flame' me too.

I think you will find that Mole Valley are now buying direct from Stihl, and that Radmore have lost a sizeable chunk of sales because of it. At least, that is what I hear from the trade reps that visit.

It depends on which carb Mike. The Walro WYL is common and has an adjusting screw in the centre of the barrel. The older ones had a little cap you could pry out, you can then adjust idle mix with a very small flat screwdriver. The later ones have a white nylon seal quite deep down in the centre hole. This can be removed by screwing a small self tapper into by only a couple of turns and pulling it out with pliers. Use the same small screwdriver to adust. There is no WOT mixture adjustment, they do not need it. I will try to find some pics when I have more time, but got to get working now.

Now, don't shoot me, I am just the messenger. This was the article in last weeks dealer magazine. STIHL CHANGE ONLINE POLICY Major shift in approach to web sales Robin Lennie, Managing Director of STIHL GB STIHL GB has announced a new e-commerce solution that will enable its Approved Dealers to serve customers via a high quality online platform. From April 2014, Approved Dealers can add online sales to their STIHL and VIKING offer. Many products will be available to order online for delivery to the customer’s place of work or home, while those which STIHL deems to require a detailed or personal handover such as chain saws and metal tool brush cutters will be available to ‘click and collect’. Announcing the development, Robin Lennie, Managing Director of STIHL GB said: “The new STIHL e-commerce concept will ensure all our customers – both valued Approved Dealers and end users, can enjoy the benefits of online sales, whilst critically retaining the high service standards expected of our brands.” STIHL continues to rely exclusively on the servicing dealer, but this latest change reflects the latest legal requirements within the EU as well as growing significance of the Internet for the power tool segment. The expanded online business will supplement the dealer’s local presence enabling customers to buy STIHL and VIKING at a time and place to best suit their needs. Ensuring that the high service standards of the STIHL Group are retained, Approved Dealers can sign-up for an official STIHL Online Partner Store – a customised online store with technical and marketing support provided by STIHL, or will be able to retail products online through their own websites using an approved ‘shop-in-shop’ formula. STIHL will work closely with its Approved STIHL and VIKING Dealer network to ensure that every dealership has the tools and support needed to take advantage of the opportunities this programme presents, providing guidelines for shop-in-shop concepts and access to specialist online marketing support. The STIHL GB team says it will work closely with its Approved Dealers over forthcoming months to ensure a positive and professional experience is maintained for every customer.

I might be off base here, but what I can pick up from the trade press is that this IS the rethink. It seems that Stihl is now encouraging On Line sales of everything except cutting equipment. I will see if I can post up the last press real ease.

Welcome to the forum Peter. Does the Stihl policy exist in Australia as well?

A good alternative to the Honda roller mower is the Kaaz, especially if you need a 48cm. The Honda of that size is not much cop. If you want a 17" roller mower then the JD R43RVE is worth a look, or the slightly cheaper R43VE. And, as you say, if you do not want a roller mower then the Stiga is well worth a look. Exceptionally good value for money.

aah, OK Hope it goes well for you mate.

'app', or 'op'?

I really would not use a cylinder mower for mowing customers lawns. They only cut well if properly ground and set. If they are just a little blunt they will just tear at the grass. They will not cut long grass or long weeds, they just push it over and it springs up behind the mower. They are expensive to maintain properly. Do yourself a favour and buy a good roller rotary if you want stripes, or a 4 wheel rotary if you don't.