Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

As far as I know this skidpad(?) was not part of the original Honda HS35 but apparently the owner put it there.

What could the purpose be behind this?

You think this will also help wear to be less on rubber paddles? I do not have to clear snow from unpaved surfaces but if it helps lower wear I might think of doing the same.

Thanks for the reply.

It would definitely lower the wear but you will lose all of the "assist" in moving forward that occurs when the auger paddles touch the pavement.  You will have to push through everything on your own.  Maybe not an issue for a couple of inches of snow, but I think it would become a PITA for any kind of significant accumulation.  I don't think it would be worth it to me.

I agree it was probably for grass or gravel or something like that.

However, maybe the owner was just an idiot and saw them on his neighbors 2 stage? :)

That is just wrong.  How can anyone butcher up that beautiful machine?  That's a classic design, you won't find anything as complex and sturdy built today.

aa335 wrote:

But look at the belt cover,  how shiny and new-looking it is. :)

blumonster wrote:
Well, at least it doesn't have Vtech or powered by Mugen stickers.  Or one of those hideous rear spoilers.

Uh oh, I went and lowered my Honda mower. Wait-a-minute...you CAN do that!

But maybe the fart can is too much.

samdog wrote:
That's nothing.  You should see what I've done to my Toro mower.

I left out the grass catcher, cross drilled the wheels to save weight. 

Changed solid rubber tires to nitrogen filled pneumatic tires.  I have no idea what this does, but all the race guys do it.  100% nitrogen is very expensive, but 70% nitrogen is free.

Added Japanese character stickers for mods were not really installed.  Felt like 10 hp stronger.

Added ram air intake 1/2 inch above the grass, took out the air filters because it kept getting clogged.

Added carbon fiber veneer to the handles.  Felt noticeable improvement to stiffness.  Carbon just looks faster.

Took out the self propel and belt to reduce drag and weight.  It goes as fast as I can push. 4.3mph is too pedestrian.

Thinned out the aluminum deck to 1/16" thick.

Got a lightweight flywheel for the motor.  It doesn't idle very well, but throttle respose is very quick

Ice chill the fuel tank.  Dense fuel makes more power.


End result:  Shaved 30 seconds off my lawn mowing task.    The lawn looks really bad, uneven cut with stragglers everywhere.

aa335 wrote:

samdog wrote:

You can do that? LMAO I was thinking of lifting the snow blower...

I have not messed with the height on my simple Craftsman push mower yet.2 years and not even sharpened the blades.Weeds sprouting in the yard are telling me I need to sharpen the blades.But how?With what?I am new to all these machines.Is there an easy way to do it?

This lawn mower has already a bad fart can.You should see it when I tip the mower on the hilly parts of the yard. It gets all smoky. Today I got Supertech HD30 oil for its first ever oil change.Next in line is sharpening the blades, if I can.