Victa Mustang (discontinued models)

COLD START problems – The throttle controls choke cable slips .. fix this and HONDA starts first time. Great Mower catcher and mulcher attachment work well. 10 years old now so parts are rare now Show details

Impossible to start ....but there is a work around solution!!!!! – I won't rehash other reviews...I find this mower to be powerful and good at cutting once you get it started, which can take half an hour. The difficulty starting was noted when the machine was still under warranty and was temporarily fixed by the service center only to return after another couple of months. There is a work around solution, a… Read more

product called "Start Ya [word removed]" which is a starting fluid. It actually operating theater anesthetic, seriously! It's available at Autobahn for $10 a spray can and will last for years. Once you get your technique down pat it cold starts the mower on the first pull.

Here's how to use it. Place the hand control lever on "run" not "choke". Fill the tank with petrol, open the fuel tap, remove the air filter cover, remove the air filter . Spray starting fluid into the black inlet hole in the center of the air cleaner for three seconds (no longer!). Replace the filter and replace the cover. Pull the stater cord and it should start immediately. For a video demonstration of the use of starter fluid get on to YouTube, the are a ton of videos.

The technique for accessing and removing the air filter cover plate and air filter is different for every brand, which is the hard part. I wish I knew of this technique twenty years earlier. It saved this mower from going in the bin.

Happy mowing!

Great mower - once you get started! – I chose this mower for the Honda engine, which purportedly stars first time every time. Since buying it I've found, like many other reviewers, that starting this mower can be hit and miss. A few months in, after performing the basic checks I was comfortable undertaking, I gave up and took it down to the crew down at Sanderson Engineering (Osborne… Read more

Park). The guys there are amazing at getting mowers, line trimmers etc back to peak performance. I can't recall exactly what they changed out (in addition to replacing the blades, oil, air filter, etc) but it's been running great since.

This mower can handle almost any length of grass, and some relatively rough terrain. The mulch plug works exactly as I'd hoped it would, and the hose attachment point makes it very easy to flush out any residual clippings (which usually accumulate if the lawn is damp).

Fuel consumption has been fine. I've tried to use only 98RON to keep it clean (as that's what I fill my car with). While there's probably little to no benefit in putting 98 in a mower, it doesn't use much fuel so there's also little to no cost difference either. I'd like to believe it's cleaner in there as a result, but who knows...

Go to a dealer – OWNED 1 YEAR so far no Problems. Purchased Jan 2015 These are good mowers however you'll be disappointed if you purchase one from bunnings for the following reasons - They don't advise you to fill your machine with engine oil prior to starting the mower. There are no visible stickers or anything on the mower. As these mowers are packaged… Read more

they don't have much oil in them so if you start them with out filling with oil you will ruin the machine. When I got a spare spark plug from my dealer told me they have no end to the grief that is caused by Bunnings not advising customers that the mower needs to be given oil prior to starting the machine.

- If you purchase this machine from Bunnings it will mean that you will need to put it together. This is fairly easy. However you must not turn these machines on their side to check the blade or the oil will flow to your air filter. If you need to replace the blades you should also empty the machine of oil first. When you purchase the machine the blades are not in position so prior to placing oil in the mower, you can place the blades in the correct position. But having said am not looking forward to having to replace these blades are not easy to change if you don't know what your doing

- If you purchase this machine from bunnings you don't get tips on how to run the machine from a professional dealer who knows what he is talking about.

- These machines have a choke so be careful when you start the machine that you return the idle position back to run not choke. If you don't you will place carbon all over your spark plugs and then the machine will not start. Additionally if you run the machine on choke for a long period for a long time the machine will back fire. TIP: If the machine is running rough, look at the gage to confirm you have it in run not choke

- If you need the machine repaired you will need to take the machine to a registered victa dealer. Bunnings do not do the repairs.

- These machines have a plastic top that staches easy so becareful

- The catcher on these machines are a little tricky to replace properly. If you don't put it in place properly it will fall out.

No problems – Ive had my Mustang for 12 years. It is Easy to operate Manoeuvring isn't really an issue.. Reliable, easy to start. What more can one ask of a push mower? Im very happy with mine. Show details

Great but heavy mower – Very happy with the purchase. Starts practically first time every time. My only negative is that it is extremely heavy. If you’re after a robust mower that’ll last forever then look no further. Show details

Trash – Definitely a man's mower ... heavy to push Used to cut 1200m2 block Catcher size not too bad Was lucky to last 18 months with only 5 uses Carby issues from day 1 Less then Happy with life of mower for price paid Show details

Quite disappointed – Bought from Bunnings 2016-17 for over $800. Started first go, but as time has gone on, VERY hard to start. Great once it starts though. But my biggest complaint .... it cuts the grass shorter when I pull it backwards than forwards. I end up with two levels if I alternate the direction :( so I am basically doubling up on my mowing unless I… Read more

constantly go forward, and that is not always feasible. I made enquires with Bunnings but the man there just looked at me like I was from outer space and said he never heard of this before. Also the handle clamps come undone after 15 minutes of mowing. My total mowing takes about 1 hour.

Big disappointment from day one – I bought my Mustang 3 and a half years ago. Always been so difficult - and exhausting - to start. And yes I do have it serviced. The most annoying thing is the plastic catcher keeps falling off. Any vibration or slight slope and it's falling off. For a half hour of mowing this could happen 7 or 8 times ... I am so fed up with it. I know it is put… Read more

on correctly. The cutting is okay and the engine seems powerful enough. I paid $800 for it and I don't think it is up to the price. Would I buy Victa again .. no way.

Razor replaced by Mustang – My old (16 years) Victa Razor with a 4 stroke Honda still starts first pull and has never missed a beat. Just change oil, spark plug and air filter once a year. If only was self propelled I would get another one. Catcher has never fallen off. Plug in hose fitting to wash underneath is very good.  Show details

Excellent Mower Always Starts – I am rough on my equipment. I don't mean to be buts thats just what happens. This has been an absolute trooper this mower. I have flogged it and it has never let me down. The only thing that ever happened - I broke the cable runner when I got it out of the ute one time but i just patched it up with a hose clap and it's been fine ever since. It… Read more

ALWAYS starts, every time, even when its been sitting for long periods. and just reliably churns away doing its thing. I would maybe prefer a better catcher, I never like the design of that but apart from that I have no complaints and think this is a good model..

Very Reliable Mower – This mower has been excellent so far. It never fails to start, usually first go and does a great job getting through the grass. You can go from a ridiculously high cut all the way down to tiny and it always does the job - even with very high grass. I appreciate the 4 stroke - no more stinky oil smells and it never blocks up the catcher chute. Its good and works well  Show details

Good machine – This push mower has done a lot of work for me already. About 120 mows so far. I use it for commercial mowing. Only issue I've had is the handle bar clips open up while mowing, otherwise it's a great machine, starts first go every time. I highly recommend this model for home use.  Show details

Works well. Does what it is supposed to do – Its reliable, easy to use and starts every time. It is easy to move around the yard. Adjusting the height is really simple to do. I have a bad back and this doesn't take much effort to push it around. Easy to fill the petrol and oil even for non-mechanical minded people.  Show details

Good and Reliable – I have had a very positive experience with this mower. The things I like the most are how easy it is to start, always just one pull. The height adjuster is very easy to access and change. Has a sturdy chassis. The Mulch mode is very good with no discernible clippings left behind. Catcher also works well. The only negatives I have is it is a… Read more

little heavy to push, even though the fuel tank has a big fill opening it's still tricky not to splash due the cap retainer. (plastic lead attached to cap). You also have to FIRMLY tighten the cap as it can come loose. Very happy with my purchase and would be happy to recommend it to others.

When a Honda is not a Honda – Honda make great engines but not on this mower. The GCV 160 seems to be a cheap end motor from Honda Corp. From day one this mower has been next to impossible to start. If you enjoying pulling a starter cord over and over again then purchase this mower. Out of interest, I also inspected the cylinder with a borescope recently and was shocked to… Read more

find vertical scoring on the cylinder wall. My mower is not that old and I change the oil very frequently and maintain it to a high standard. I would not buy one of these mowers again. My dad's old Victa is 30 + years old and still runs - I doubt this will.

Great MOA – Had the mower for a year now starts first Pull everytime ready time use good 2-stroke oil good fuel haven't had a problem yet I've had two strokes before old Masport one's been pretty good too can't fault it at this stage. One thing just turn the fuel tap off before you turn it off let the carb run dry and it will start easy that's what I found.  Show details

Better than previous honda – Had a few Honda mowers over the years and bought another one with the bag style catcher... it was hopeless.. traded it back in for this victory/ Honda combo.Much better but like a lot of owners here after a while it was hard to start. I found two issues...major problem is that the throttle cable slips forward and then the choke won't close. Second… Read more

problem was i had left fuel sit too long in the tank unused.

Readjusting cable is easy... just loosen clamp and pull cable back until you see it contact and start to move the choke tab at bottom of throttle/ choke mechanism.Otherwise it's been an ok mower....just keep an eye on throttle cable slippage.

You can never go wrong with a Victa – You can never go wrong with a Victa, starts every time, cuts thick tall grass, have had no issues what so ever. Sometimes it blows a little smoke when first start it but after that it goes away, not a deal breaker by any means. easy to clean with a hose and water which I do after every use.  Show details

It is helpful – The mowers' cutting results is ok. However, you need to be patient when the slope is very steep. It is not easy to keep the balance of the mower. When the grass is long, the mower could get very hot, and need to cool down for several times when the working area is large.  Show details

Victa Mustang with Honda Motor – Great mower much improved with the Honda motor.i had a previous model and the new Hondas are great. Benefits of these mowers - 19" cut - alloy deck - light and mo rust - cuts close to the edge - smooth running wheels, much better than cheap mowers - mulch ability If you have a larger lawn area you can't go wrong with this mowe  Show details

So far so good – Victa Mustang 190cc Briggs and Stratton 725EX series, (first photo red cover) So I got this early 2016, and so far it's been good. When I first started using it; it would start first go but when I turned it off it wouldn't start again. This happened about 4-5 times and I would need it to cool right down before I could start it again and remove the… Read more

spark plug clean it. I thought it's a dud and wasn't to impressed. But after those 4-5 times it's never happened again, it seems like it fixed its self and so far I'm happy with it. The catcher needs to be put on properly or it will fall off, but saying that it's only really ever falling off about 3-4 times because I didn't push it right in. (They still could off done a better job with it) as my pervious victa never done this. Anyway cuts nicely, starts 1st go 99% of the time, probably over kill for my lawn but hey it was purchased on points from work.

Very happy with this mower – Bought this mower just over 12 months ago from a Victa dealer. The mower was full of oil and fuelled ready to go - it was test run by the dealer to ensure there were no problems. It always starts first time and I have never had any problems with the catcher falling off. If the grass is wet when mowing with the mulch attachment clippings tend to… Read more

be left behind in rows. Because of this I use the catcher on wet grass and mulch when dry.

At this stage I see no reason why I wouldn't recommend this Victa to anyone in the market for a new mower.

How to Adjust the Choke on Honda Mustang – My MCA485 was hard to start from day 1. I removed the air filter - I then placed the hand throttle setting in the start position. Guess what - the choke flap was not fully closed!! (Look in the air intake - the choke disc should be FULLY closed). Cause was the black outer tube of the throttle cable had slipped under the clamp / saddle. I… Read more

slackened the throttle cable retaining saddle, slid the throttle cable until the choke flap was fully closed, then tightened the saddle screw. Refitted air filter. Now starts first time every time. (Later I put a blob of contact cement under the throttle cable saddle to prevent slippage - been perfect for 3+ years now!).

What a shame. Always been a reliable machine. Not anymore. Dont waste ur money – Absolutely Rubbish. I gave up my Honda for it as of a small chute problem but this is even worst, takes probably 25-35 Pulls and it's not even 1.5 yrs old, brand new condition. Called someone named [name removed], Top Guy in victa and he said take it to the nearest service shop to get it checked, and they recon i have tilted it the wrong way,… Read more

the oil gone everywhere, whereas the problem is with the acceleration mechanism.

Anyway they don't wanna know me anymore after filling their pockets with $780 which I gave them 1.5 yrs ago with 2 years manufacture warranty.

DONT WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON THIS BRAND. You will regret it till it dies.

VICTA has gone down Big Time.

It's a cheap one now.

Victa - another reliable brand that has gone to the dumps ? – I purchased this from Bunnings , Stafford, Brisbane in May 2014 for $749.00. This mower seemed solid and worked really well for the first 18 months. It started easily, and was quite powerful. It has a Honda engine on the Victa frame. Unfortunately the flimsy plastic casing for the air filter was damaged when I brushed up against some shrubs. It's… Read more

clips broke, and the casing needed to be replaced two months ago. Not long after, all power was lost from the motor. After taking it back to Bunnings, I was told that the carburetor needs to be repaired at my expense even though It has a two year warranty. I have bought Victa mowers for over 20 years and never had to get the carbie repaired, especially after 18 months. For me Victa mean't quality. I think that the design and materials used in this mower make it a suboptimal product, especially with the price tag. I will not be buying Victa ever again.

Poor lawn clipping catching an on-going issue – This promised to be a great mower. Large 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, no priming, large wheels etc. all of the mod cons. Starts easily every time, good to push, quiet operation but the bloody thing leaves clippings all over the lawn. On a damp morning you have Yowie feet after 5 minutes watering the garden. Changed the blades before 12 months without improvement. Very disappointed as this is a great mower in every other department.  Show details

STARTING PROBLEMS – Bought this mower in January 2014. Was great initially, but now a pain in the backside to get it running from a cold start. Once warm it starts easily. Good solid mower with plenty of power, and very economical to run. I wanted the Honda motor for its reputation of being reliable, but it has been a fizzer. I should be able to make a claim against Victa, just in case I need physio on my shoulder, after trying 20 times to start it.  Show details

Great mower – I bought this mower from bunnings mainly because of the Honda engine and Cast Alloy chassis. Previously owned a VICTA 2-stroke for 20 years without any major issues. I must say this VICTA Mustang is a lovely lawn mower. Started 1st go, catcher did not fall off (and my yard slopes with lots of bumps) and I found it easy to use. It also has a… Read more

hose port on the chassis where you attach your hose to clean the underside of the mower. Being 19inch I actually found I mowed my lawn quicker than before. I now look forward to mowing my lawn.

I would definitely recommend this mower.

Catcher dropping off – Recently bought the mustang from Village Mowers Ingleburn. Very happy with the sales and first service. But after a few months the catcher is dropping off the mower as you cut the lawn. The mower is back at Village Mowers where Victa says some modifications are required. Village have already this year had a customer back with the same problem, it's a pity Victa cannot design a mower where everyone's catcher stays on.

Great mower, Easy to start but catcher won't stay on! – I have had my Victa mustang for 2 months now. It's easy to start, easy to clean after use and cuts my lawn well. I have had trouble getting the catcher to stay on. I go a few meters and it works its way loose spilling the contents. As I read I can see this is a problem with this model. Hopefully a fix is in the works by victa.