Supaswift Big Bob Series
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I mow lawns commercially and have put about 30 years equivalent domestic mowing on my Big Bob AP. I replaced the petrol line and run 2 flat blades instead of 4. The throttle activated choke is good and it modulates under load well. I have been putting axle grease around the edge of the air filters because of bypass. The flat blades are good… Read more
because you can turn them over for a fresh edge. I am on my second set of (Bunnings) wheels and it still performs well.
Up To You, I Suppose – I bought this as a replacement for a Masport which finally died after more than a decade’s service. I have owned it for just over a month, paying more for it than I have for any other walk-behind mower. It is currently for sale in my local newspaper. Cheap. The manual indicates it does not have a choke and should be run at full throttle. It has… Read more
the cheapest, flimsiest plastic throttle control I have ever seen. The control is clearly sourced from a parts bin and has no choke position marked. Nope. The mower has a choke. Its position is impossible to gauge because of the cheap throttle control and the user never knows the actual throttle position because the gradations marked on the control bear no relationship to the real world. Would you be happy with that? It’s up to you, I suppose. No matter where the throttle is positioned the engine does not run properly. It has an odd, intermittent miss at every setting. The dealer denied the mower does this, told me to come back and they would spend ten minutes showing me how to use it then got very angry when I told them I intended to cut my losses and sell the thing. Come back and we’ll give you an intensive training course. On how to use the throttle. On a lawn mower. Would you be content with that? It’s up to you I suppose. The spark plug has been screwed in so hard it is impossible to remove using normal human agency (I gave up, afraid I was going to damage the engine). The dealer denies this. Without having attempted to remove it themselves. Would you be content with that? It’s up to you, I suppose. The blades are simple, fixed lengths of steel, sharpened only at the very ends. Mowing requires that the user move at the speed of a ruptured turtle or the result resembles a toddler’s attempt at giving someone a haircut. Would you be content with that? It’s up to you, I suppose. The side discharge, another parts-bin special, does not discharge to the side. It deposits the grass clippings downwards in great mounds near the cutting deck. This, combined with the fact that the engine is grossly underpowered for the task for which Supa Swift claims it has been designed, means it is basically impossible to mow long or heavy grass without repeatedly stopping the mower, raking away the grass clippings and raising or lowering the cutting deck. Does that sound acceptable to you? That’s up to you, I suppose. The mower is badly designed, ill-made and clearly bolted together out of a parts-bin. then sold for a premium price. You may be content with that. I will be glad to see the last of the damned thing.
Great engine, good cut, however – I am happy with the work it does and engine reliability and I use it about twice a week in a variety of terrain. It was purchased 11/21 and in 12/22 the height adjustment handle broke. To replace it I was disappointed I had to buy the whole rear axle for $99.00. Then I could not remove the wheels to fit the new axle. The wheels are not secured by… Read more
a nut. I was advised I could use a screwdriver to remove the wheels but sometimes the lock fitting might break but a new lock fitting only costs $2.50. I had no luck with a screwdriver and there was nothing on line to assist so I got the mower shop to fit the axle. Apparently, it was necessary to replace the bearings and I spent a further $66.00. That makes the height adjustment handle cost $165.00.
reasonably lightweight 21" cut quiet motor – surprisingly powerful mower plenty of torque at low rpm..for me its a much better mower than the overpriced Honda GXV 160 which it will now replace .. the big bob powers through tall tuff grass where the honda was as useful as a wet fart ..sometimes it's hard to go past aussie ingenuity. all this for $50 2ndhand Show details
Bad design / frame cracking at chassis – Frame fractured at bolt fixings to chassis Clearly evident of design flaw Hopping they can at least provide free part to rectify problem Why should I pay $100 for a design flaw Hopping on a part replacement from super swift Show details
"It works" (updated) – First Review (After 2 days of ownership). (Took six weeks to obtain via Mitchell Mowers; note - delays were expected, but delays got a little long). This exact same machine is also sold under the Parklander badge, slightly more cheaply (for Sydneysiders). My needs were: push-mower, side-eject, broad cut, powerful enough for thick grass. I… Read more
chose this because it is robust and simple (and relatively cheap); side-eject was essential for medical/injury avoidance issues. I also picked the brains of some repairmen "only thing that size with a robust frame". It does exactly what I bought it for - maintaining walkways on a nearby knoll as a self-appointed volunteer. It does munch through heavy grass without much fall-back on the governor. My single gripe is: it vibrates - too much. (See update below) Whether that's a feature of the Kohler motor (as against Loncin or Honda), I don't know. I actually removed the blades after day 1 and weighed them, to check if they were out of balance (not really; within a few grams). Compared to my Masport President (see separate review) - the Masport also vibrates but not worthy of comment. I shall be buying some sort of insulation for the handle and/or padded gloves. It came with fake-mag/fake-chrome wheel covers - ludicrous! But the wheels have genuine bearings - good! Starts easily; full revs not needed, even for grass overgrown to 50cm. Flat blades and wide cut makes for an oddly 'flat' result - hard to describe but noticeable. The side-eject guide is heavy-duty plastic; initially I thought this a bit poor, but after two days of use and a bit of battering, no, it's okay. Plastic is probably better than metal long-term. It does leave windrows - the OH&S people contributed to the design - but that would be safer and less likely to break windows at fifty paces. It's not set up for ease-of-clean at the underside of the chassis, where grass cakes up; but grass doesn't cake up enough to effect operation.
2 November 2021 update. (Mitchell Mowers were damn good, actually. "Recommended"!!. I took it back to them and said, "It vibrates rather too much". It came back to me - delivered to my door - with a new engine and new base-plate [with two blades, not four].) I've now done two hours work with the new motor. It is a slightly better mower, but I've learned something: * it doesn't need higher revs, like a catcher-mower needs. A colleague (professional lawnmower man) had said, "you set it up with two flat blades, lowest possible revs, and just walk along behind meditating". Turned out he was absolutely right. First principles: * A 21"/75cm cutting diameter has the blades moving faster than the same revs in an 18" machine. * 'flat' blades only have to cut and push cut grass out the side-chute after a half-turn max; (whereas 'catcher' blades have to cut and lift/blow grass into a catcher after a three-quarter turn) * because the blades are moving faster at the tip, lower engine revs can be used. ** and it makes no discernible difference to the quality of the cut! ** a bit of high revs for really dense (60cm plus) grass, but for 15cm - not needed. But I'd still recommended padded or jack-hammer gloves anyway - overkill but avoiding white-finger disease. and my joke-gripe: I ran it for 2 hours, single tank; I ran out of juice before it did!
Tuesday, 21 May 2024 Weak point found: The height adjustment relies, ultimately, on a small circlip. Nobody much uses circlips anymore, and finding a replacement clip, and getting the damn thing on, was problematic. I succeed DIY eventually, but I suspect I'll have to bodgie a more conventional/reliable split-pin and washer arrangement long-term (like less heavy-duty mowers use with 30-year-reliability). Or it may require a professional modification. Mr SuperSwift, please note! - change this aspect of manufacture!
Summary recommendation: When buying, if at all possible handle/compare side-by-side each engine option at full and half revs (Loncin, Kohler and Honda). I suspect the much more expensive, smaller, less powerful, much higher quality Honda motor might be worth it long-term.
Seems sturdy – Was just given this by an old relative that doesn't use it anymore. It had sat idle for years...I cleaned it, replaced the sparkplug, checked the oil, and it started after a few pulls. At low revs it is very quiet (compared to my Rover) but at higher revs it is about the same. Sparkplug is a PITA to get access to though...buried up under the… Read more
pull starter and the lead doesn't clear the cowling so it is fiddly to get access...definitely need a long tube spanner! Side eject so not really ideal for urban yards...aimed more at acreages where clippings not important...she who must be obeyed doesn't want grass clipping walked into the house!
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Supaswift Big Bob with Kohler XTX Series Engine – EDIT: Have updated my review from 4 stars to 5 stars. This is because I have continued to flog this machine on overgrown lawns, and it has not yet let me down. I've done a few jobs with this utility mower where I had to mow thick grass after brushcutting the bulk off the top (the grass was "springy" at the base, neither my weedwakka blade nor… Read more
line head could cut it effectively, not to fault those tools, different jobs require different tools); Big Bob managed it (with the expected few stalls), even with the thach from the brushcutting still on top of the lawn (but having been dired for at least a day on each of these jobs). The new spark plug has done wonders for the machine.
I just bough this machine a few days ago for my mowing business. I bought it from Nowa Power Products in Bundaberg. I started it off by running it in first on a well maintained lawn, and then on some thick grass at the end of my street. It nearly stalled twice on the thick grass, but I recon it faired better than my old mower would have (and I cleared some wild blocks with that machine). I have since slashed some seriously overgrown and thick lawns with this machine
The motor states that it does not require oil changes, but I have my doubts about that. Personally, I'll be changing the oil regularly. Conveniently this machine still has a sump plug beneath the base plate to drain the oil (if you've got some sort of platform or hoist to service it from).
Its also worth noting that my father stands by the Big Bob series of mower. He bought himself one 20-30 years ago after he destroyed his old mower clearing the block he built his house on. It lasted him 8 years before he had to remotor it. Its worth noting that dads was only used on thick grass briefly during its life, as it was mostly used on his well maintained lawn.
Makes mowing a breeze! – For larger lawns, the BigBob with the Honda GXV160 engine is superb. Do install 2 sets of blades to make cutting easier and faster (1 pair flat and one pair 'low lift' to assist discharge). No catcher means you just keep going and the clippings mulch into the turf. The trick with utility mowers (side discharge) is to cut the grass a little higher… Read more
and more often so you are not trying to cut down more than 3-5cm at a time. That way there is no trail of clippings and you get great results. The large ball bearing wheels and light weight deck make mowing a stroll in the park. It even works well on damp grass subject to the above operating style. I can do my 1/2 acre lot plus street front in 40 minutes.
Strong, reliable mower – When looking for a new mower a couple of years ago, specialist shop recommended the SupaSwift Big Bob for my size garden (1/2 acre). The area is also known for a lot of exposed limestone which damages blades. So I bought one with a fairly wide deck (21" cut) and Kohler XT series 7.75 torque motor (173cc). Well, what a fantastic motor. Starts first… Read more
pull EVERY time. It's powerful to charge through long and wet grass. The only negative issue is that I bought one with a deck too wide; I have some very uneven ground which requires going over the same patch 2 or 3 times in different directions as the wide deck bridges low spots. This was my fault and not a reflection of the mower. In every other respect it really performs as promised. Highly recommend, but make sure you get the right size deck for your patch.
JUST RESTORING BIG BOB – Picked up BIG BOB with other mowers on EBAY it has a BRIGGS STRATTON MOTOR..I cleaned carby maneto and adjusted changed plug.....took a while but final started let it run for awhile it struggled rattles etc final came good now running nice and smooth ..has 2 flat blades can take 8 blades it has a green base and red brown colured… Read more · 1
motor...has a sticker saying width 5 on it the rest is missing on front super swift on side plate saying made by Jetfast Industries would anybody know how old this mower is?..chappo
Big Bob is definetly up to the Big Job! – Purchased the latest Big Bob from Geelong Mowers and am absolutely wrapped in it! I have gotten the Honda powered model, this is the GXV160. It has the black Honda cover not the traditional red one. Machine is great, I put it straight to use all weekend, cutting everything from knee high paddock (did go a bit slower), manicured lawn backyard, and… Read more
some rough stuff around my trees. The GXV160 is very quiet, and I was blown away by how much mowing I got done for the very small amount of fuel I had to put in it. The front skirt of the mower deck sits higher than the blades and this did catch me of guard a couple of times, but I was quick to adjust my mowing style to suit. I like how when I mow up against my fence line, it gets nice and close the the fence with the cut, and doesn't leave a huge strip like some mowers. Also there is very minimal things hanging of the handles to get caught on things like my previous mower. The quality of the mower absolutely blew me away also. The handles are extremely solid, having reinforcing in them, and the overall mower body is finished to an incredibly high standard.
If you are in the market for a Utility Mower, the Big Bob will surely not disappoint you!
Bloody awesome old mower – I have an old Supaswift lawnmower I picked up on Ebay for $26...not sure how old but pretty old....It goes like a trooper...handle broke about 3 years ago as it had previously been welded back on...Just got it out of the shed put another handle on it, cleaned up the jets and carby and off she goes again....starts first pull...I got on to this site… Read more
as I was looking for a new push mower...read come of the Supaswift reviews and thought "stuff it" I'll get this old thing out again....not gonna bother with getting another one now...If they still make em as well as they did back then, they are excellent mowers
Find out how Supaswift Big Bob Series compares to other Petrol Lawn Mowers
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Money Making Machine – I have used the Big Bob commercially since 2008 and it is easily the best, most versatile lawn mower I have used. It's a basic side discharge unit, so there is no catcher. The frame feels a little flimsy though but this machine makes up for it by powering through tall weeds. I have used more expensive machines, some twice the cost, but they don't… Read more
match the Big Bob. I use it for slashing tall grass and for regular cuts of rough lawns and it does a very good job of it.
Blades and disc may give problems – I bought the latest model Superswift Big Bob earlier this year. It came with disc and blades that were "upgraded" from the previous model to a lighter weight system with the bolts securing the blades to the disc protruding downwards where they whizz around at 2000 or more rpm looking for rocks and branches hidden in the grass. A few days… Read more
afterwards the bolt hit something, cracked the boss and sheared the disc off the drive shaft. The drive shaft fortunately did not bend. (great engine)
No answers from the dealer or distributor but an online after-market parts supplier responded immediately to my enquiry and the problem was sorted quickly. I fitted the disc and blades that were on the previous model (heavier and with nothing protruding to snag on hidden rocks) for less than a $100.
Weeks later and still no more problems. Great machine – easy start – few stalls in long grass.
The dealer rang me back weeks after I contacted him, to say he had replacement parts – (another set of the original blades). When I tried to explain the problem he laughed and hung up on me in mid sentence. The distributor (Allpower) was pretty relaxed about it as well. They didn't answer my initial online enquiry and politely refused compensation or replacement after I rang and sent photos.
The disc and blade system that came with the Big Bob may be OK on a less powerful machine or where there are no hidden snags – I have used them before on a light duty Rover Mower with a 350 B and S engine.
Also - the blades that came with the mower were a bit short and the ones I fitted are longer and give the full 21" cut – noticeably better. Easy start - fairly robust - seldom stalls in long grass The disc and blades are too frail for this machine - you might want to upgrade them if you are mowing long grass.
Chassis is cheap and nasty – Years ago we had a little bob lawnmower which seemed to go for ever. Years later when we needed to buy a new mower we decided on a big bob, thinking it would be like the little bob we had. We have had it for about 4 years now, but probably after 2 years the frame started to fall to bits. Every time we mow the lawn lately part of the frame snaps.… Read more
It has been welded everywhere, one welder said it was real cheap steel, which was useless and definitely inferior. Next thing is to see if we can pickup a frame to take the motor. The place where we bought the mower does not deal with them anymore, seems like cutting costs has really ruined what once were good mowers, avoid The engine The chassis is made from cheap junk
I wouldn't touch a Super Swift mower ever again! Bought a brand new Super Bob slasher, was trouble… Read more (+1 reply)
Excellent – After three years of mowing my acre Big Bob hasn't missed a beat. I just changed the blades today - well overdue - they were each at least 1 cm shorter so i have been making work for myself - only cutting 19 cm. Big Bob is so easy to start and light on for maintainance. Little bit fragile on some items. Bent the throttle cable and broke the throttle handle.
Best mower I have ever purchased – I purchased my Big Bob in 1992 from Rex at Wauchope mowers NSW. It is now 20 years young and it is still the best mower I have ever owned. I am up to my second set of wheels, second grass exhaust cover, and numerous blades as it has tamed a few bush blocks and only just had the rope pull thingy replaced. That's it and to be honest it may only have… Read more
been serviced every second year. Admittedly it is looking tired but so does the owner.
When it does finally die (it or me) I would not even hesitate to purchase the latest model. Reliable every time and light weight. Maybe some soft padding on the handles for some comfort.
Just what's needed for the job, but chassie not robust enough – Honda motor one of the best smooth and quite, but chassie is not robust enough, lower handles crack and brake at first rear mount point on chassie, weak wheel axles bend easy poor quailty wheels, we run 4 mowers and all are the same disappointed for the money, need to improve. GYC and Allpower have been very helpful and has repaired under warranty
Part of the family.! Still with us well after 30 years of loyal service – My ol'man bought our Big Bob around 1980. Originally marketed under the Vulcan label in Australia. Green body, black handles with a white 4 horse powerhead. She's had a new pull starter, fuel tank, cylinder head, cutter disk and the odd wheel replaced over the years. Pushed that ol'girl up and down Dads bush block from the age of 12. She was given… Read more
to me upon leavin home. Can't bring myself to toss the ol'girl and it is my intention to restore her to her former glory. Hope i can find the parts i need! Irreplacable is how i'd describe her. Cant buy that kinda quality these days... Tough and dependable with a gauranteed smooth cut everytime, wet or dry, grass or scrub. Sticky throttle cable. Sticky height adjustment. (age related)
Unstoppable – I bought my Big Bob in 1995 and used it commercially ever since. I couldn't estimate how many thousands of hours it has done, with a lot of it being hard work and big areas. In 2003 I had to put a new motor on it and bought a $300 cheap Briggs & Stratton unit. It refuses to die. The third set of wheels is worn out, the cable broke & it sits on… Read more
full revs. I turn it off by pulling the spark plug lead off. It was a bit wobbly but still cut neatly. I looked at it the other day and thought I need a newie and then it fell off the truck (3rd time maybe)and bent a wheel axle. Trying to bend it back snapped it. So I will probably not bother to weld it up. The cheque book is coming out and I'll buy my second one in 16 years. Metal frame, wide cut, light weight and simple to use, no self propelled so less to wear out, very durable The original motor only went for 8 years of extreme work, a bit pricey for such a simple setup
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I was hoping not to add to this review but 2 years later the frame rails have snapped both sides… Read more (+1 reply)