Husqvarna CTH180 4.00 star(s) (1)

Husky Husqy
Model Year: 2003

If you're looking for a lawnmower with a catcher, these are as good as they get, in Oz anyway, in my opinion. They are a mower not a slasher, so don't let that grass get high otherwise problems with chute blocking and belt burning/breaking, and they are not cheap, they're a long belt. Though it is surprising how big a grass it'll get through if you go slow. You get the feel of their limits. Grass type also seems to play a role in catcher chute blocking up. Fairly easy to unblock chute anyway. Don't have to have catcher on either, comes with deflector and mulch plug. Some later models come with diff lock, something I'd definitely recommend as all power goes to wheel with least traction, a pain when mowing along the contours of my slopes, often shifting my weight to get traction. Wouldn't be an issue on the flat. Had a hydrogear transmission go, $250 for a 2nd hander, lucky that. The 18hp vtwin Kawasaki engine hasn't missed a beat. Blade belt is a bit susceptible to breaking if overloaded or if sticks find there way in. Good and easy turning circle. Blades seem to have a long life. I'm no mechanic but it seems easy to work on. No trouble to replace transmission. Deflector can be a pain to take on and off to clear chute. Right length bungee strap to hold deflector in place has made this much easier. 18hp has heaps of power, new ones are even gruntier! There's a lot of pullies, but only had one go so far. I've asked a lot of this mower and mistreated it and after 8 years I've no regrets.

Pros: Great catching ability in right conditions, engine, build, turning.
Cons: Blade belt, chute can block, no diff lock.