Harrier 41 VS ES speed issue

[addbuyer]

Hi folks,

After a great deal of research I opted for the Hayter Harrier 41 as it's the only machine I could find (without paying really silly money) that has an electric start and variable speed. Another bonus is its British made.

Yesterday it had its first outing and I'm very pleased with it other than the variable speed setting. At its slowest setting its just too fast, there's nothing leisurely about cutting the grass with this machine. Put it on full speed and it's not far off a jog.

Hayter customer service were useless, I was told to contact the dealer. The dealer said they've had this complaint before but with the newer model machines, it can't be adjusted other than by the set speeds on the lever. Apparently, Hayter lean towards commercial/contractor machines, and this shows in their domestic models also which I can appreciate its slowest speed might be useful to a contractor but ive never seen anyone jogging behind a lawnmower.   

Anyone else experience this or better still know of any way of slowing it down slightly.

Thanks, Andy   

[Mick]

Hi Andy, and welcome to TGMF.

I personally think they cocked up when they designed these machines, believe it or not the first ones produced in this range were even faster. Hayter actually produced a speed reduction kit with different sized sprockets and chain to try and slow them down. Yours should already have this on if new. 

The Pro model was even worse, really fast and fixed speed. Everyone used to joke about how they should come with a free pair of running shoes.

Not sure if you are aware exactly how the variable speed works on these, but there's a rough sketch here which give you the basics. https://thegardenmachineryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=863.0

What I did for a couple of our customers was add a washer or two between the gearbox stay bracket and the gearbox to tip the gearbox back slightly.  I found that even on the slowest setting there was still room to pull the belt further into the front (Engine) pulley thus making it smaller and reducing the speed a bit. 

Although this is not a recognised fix from Hayter, I did this for two customers who had this issue and they were quite happy afterwards. Just be aware it might void your warranty.

[addbuyer]

Hi Mick, thanks for the detailed reply.

Seems like my pre-purchase research didn't pay off   
 
Yes, mine is a brand new machine so not sure what to do about the gearbox mod you have.
We need the electric start feature and (so I thought) the variable speed feature. Our last mower was a fixed speed self-propelled and a touch fast so I thought get an adjustable speed model.

I've been in contact with Hayter again and this is their reply:- The advertised ground speed of the Harrier 41 VS is between 2.1mph and 3.3mph. If you feel that the machine is faster than these speeds, then we would recommend contacting the dealer to arrange for the machine to be tested. If it is found that the speed is incorrect, then this can be investigated by the dealer and corrected as required, however if the machine is within these advertised speeds, unfortunately, there is no mechanical speed reduction available for the Harrier 41.

If it is set at 2.1 mph then 2.1 is a touch too fast Hayter, listen to your customers and rectify it.

Would you happen to know if the variable speed gearbox is an industry standard unit i.e. do the majority of manufacturers use a particular gearbox unit?
 
Thanks again
Andy   
   

[Gregs mowing]

Hello Andy.

Interesting to hear your findings of the speed of the harrier too quick. I've found that at my dealership also and no one can do much about it. I am sure Mick might know regarding the gearbox speed. Yes the gearboxes are used my many manufacturers but have custom shaft lengths.
Ultimate factor though is the engine speed. Quicker it goes quicker the gearbox shaft spins.

Did you not consider the Hawk? I have one and where I normally find the Hayter pros a bit quick on max speed the hawk on max is a nice speed so it will go even slower as it has infinite variable drive. Yes it's a cheaper mower but still designed and tested by the chaps at Hayter. But not bolted together in their factory in Spellbrook.

[addbuyer]

Update.

Upon a closer inspection of the speed adjuster control, I could see a bit of plastic looked out of place. There also seemed very little difference in drive speed between its slowest and fastest position. I downloaded a speed app on my phone which records the travel speed of an item passing in front of the phones camera and this confirmed the my suspicions that there was an issue as the slowest recording was 2.85mph and the fastest was 3.15.
I returned it back to the main dealers for their review and having installed a new speed lever (the original was mashed up) which actually works in notched increments, the mower is just fine now. It actually has a considerably noticeable variable speed difference and cutting the grass is back to a leisurely chore