honda HT3813

[jwmcd]

I saw an old thread posted by Rudi about this model mower purchased for his church. How did it work out long run? I looked at one today with about 250 hrs, but had a recently rebuilt engine?? It runs good and has not much wear under the deck so I think hrs. may be right. Would you buy another one Rudi ? Price is $450. Thanks, John

[Rudi]

John:

The trustees are still running the lawn tractor cutting the grass at church. Minor maintenance is all it has needed like change the oil, wash the deck, air in the tires ... So yeah, they are happy so I they would do it again provided the machine was much newer. Being an 86 that would make it what .. 26 years old? Buy or not to buy? that is going to have to be your call. Suffice to say it is one heck of a resilient unit.

[jwmcd]

Thanks Rudi, I tried it out yesterday and everything seems in excellent condition.

[outdoors4evr]

250 hours is really low. I don't understand why a machine would need to be rebuilt with that low number of hours on it. Honda's small engines have a reputation of running forever. Are you sure there isn't another zero missing on the hourmeter (2500)????
A typical homeowner's mower accumulates 50-100 hours of mowing time per year.

[jwmcd]

I had the same concern about hrs, but the condition of the deck, gauge wheels, steering, etc looks like it had very little use. I was told he got it with a cracked block and bought used block on ebay then put new pistons, etc in. The engine is a 2cyl in-line and water cooled. It was a very expensive machine when new so repairs will be expensive if needed. I am tempted to buy it, but still a little suspicious.

[Rudi]

John:

The only way to really know I guess is to give it a spin, see how it works, how it cuts etc. They really are a tough unit and it is a Honda. (I am surprised -- really surprised about my changing views on Honda equipment ). I am not advocating a purchase or anything ... but since we bought that Honda, I have gotten zero calls from Pastor or the trustees on that unit because of problems.

So, if there is that little time on the clock (be aware that these can be reset - when I had some work done by my dealer on my JD, the hour meter got reset. Good thing was I remembered how many hours were on it so now I simply add 100 to what is on the meter and I am accurate) - maybe the block went south within a few years say around the early 90's and it sat indoors for a while. If so then after the engine rebuild it may be virtually an almost new machine. Check the tins, the frame, tires and other important areas. Once you are satisfied that it is in good shape then it is probably worth the $450.00. One suggestion though is that I would be watching CraigsList, and most importantly your local Kijijji (if you have it) and local penny savers for parts 3813's or similar where parts are shared.

If you decide to get it, I think I still have the manual -- or have access to it.

[jwmcd]

Good advice Rudi. Thanks again. I will decide tonight and let you know.

[jwmcd]

I thought I posted this several days ago, but must have missed the button. >> I decided not to buy because of concerns over the motor rebuild. Local small engine shops I have used did not have any experience with that type engine. The rest of the machine looks to be very lightly used. Probably in storage for years. I may reconsider later if it stays on the market. Thanks for your input.>>John