Any of the machines in Efco’s line of aluminium deck ‘Allroad’ lawnmowers would do even the most dedicated gardener proud, because ‘Allroad’ lawnmowers are tough, powerful and user-friendly enough to make challenging cutting work straightforward. The inclusion of an advanced Honda engine in the AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium, however, marks it out as something pretty special even amongst its admirable cousins; i.e., a hardworking, self-propelled rotary mower which provides enough clout to tackle demanding commercial applications, yet which is user-friendly enough that enthusiastic amateur gardeners can also use it for maintaining larger domestic lawns.

The Honda engine in question is a brilliant 160cc GCV160 four-stroke number, featuring a compact combustion chamber and an overhead cam design to enhance fuel efficiency and guarantee high-torque performance. One of the most compact and lightweight engines in its class, the GCV160 also features automatic mechanical decompression and Honda’s Auto Choke system, which ensures that starting is always quick and hassle-free. In this respect the engine is a microcosm of the AR53-THX as a whole; superbly powerful, smooth-running, and surprisingly easy to operate and maintain.

Power doesn’t count for anything if it isn’t used effectively though, so this hardworking engine drives a self-propulsion system. The AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium thus provides a steady forward speed of 3.6km/h, which saves considerable time and effort when working on large or undulating lawns. Along with the AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium’s 51cm (20”) cutting width, this means that areas up to 2,400m² can be maintained with ease, while the inclusion of extra-large stabilising wheels and an adjustable three-position handlebar ensures that you’ll stay in complete control regardless of the conditions underfoot.

Grass cutting, meanwhile, is handled via a precision-engineered mulching blade. This differs from the rotary cutters used by other lawnmowers in that it produces significantly smaller clippings, which in turn boosts performance by maximising the collection capacity of the AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium’s 80 litre plastic and fabric grass catcher (which also features a built-in full-bag indicator to help you plan efficient clipping disposal, thus minimising stops during the working day).

However, the AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium also allows for collection-free mowing thanks to the inclusion of a mulching kit as standard. Easy to install (simply insert the mulching plug into the AR53-THX’s rear ejection chute), mulching works by retaining grass in the cutting chamber so that cuttings are reduced to miniscule particles. Once ejected onto the lawn surface these particles are practically invisible, so won’t leave an untidy finish, but also serve as a natural fertiliser by releasing valuable nutrients and moisture as they break down. Regular mulching can therefore boost the long-term health of your lawn, especially if conducting a rigorous mowing regime.

When combined with the precision offered by the AR53-THX Allroad Aluminium’s centralised five-position height of cut adjustment system (featuring settings between 28mm and 75mm), this versatility means that you will always enjoy an immaculate finish. And with the AR53-THX’s tough but lightweight aluminium deck providing fantastic protection against impact damage and corrosion for a longer service life, this market-leading lawnmower will provide many years of dependable grass cutting performance.