For Daf Price, owner of Dafscape, investing in the Etesia Hydro 80 ride-on mower has transformed his business.
Serving a variety of clients along the scenic St David’s coast, Daf has seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and versatility thanks to this compact machine.
“I look after mansions, campsites, small gardens, large gardens, and everything in between,” says Daf. “Most of my work is grass cutting and hedge trimming, and I work from January through to mid-November. The majority of the gardens I look after are cut once every two weeks, in all sorts of weather conditions. Some of the gardens can range from formal and tidy to overgrown jungles!”
Before acquiring the Hydro 80, Daf relied on pedestrian mowers, a method that was both time-consuming and labour-intensive. The Hydro 80, with its 80cm cutting width and hydrostatic drive, has been a revelation. “Since buying the Hydro 80, it has completely changed my business. I’ve been able to go out and work in all conditions, and still do a cracking job. It has made life a lot easier,” he explains.
Equipped with a 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, the Hydro 80 is built for performance. Its powerful motor allows Daf to mow through dense, overgrown grass without clogging, something that was a significant challenge with his previous equipment. “It is great for cutting long overgrown grass,” Daf adds, emphasising the machine’s reliability and consistency, even in tough conditions.
One of the biggest benefits Daf has noticed is the time-saving aspect of the Hydro 80. “Since purchasing this machine, it has probably cut my time in half when mowing the gardens, which means it frees up more time. I can see my family more and get other work done.
Saving time for me is everything. It has completely transformed my business, and it makes working a joy. I’ve also noticed a lot less stress on the body because there is less walking and less pushing.”
The Hydro 80’s compact dimensions (197 x 82 x 117 cm) and light weight (240 kg) make it exceptionally manoeuvrable, even in tight spaces. “It is such a compact mower; it can get through small gateways, and you can get into gardens which you wouldn’t think you would get a ride-on in. It fits in the trailer really well, and I can easily transport it between jobs.”
Daf’s work often takes him to picturesque but challenging locations where weather can be unpredictable. The Hydro 80’s ability to perform in all weather conditions has been a critical factor in maintaining his business’s momentum. “Every day this mower surprises me. Last year I was losing quite a lot of days due to bad weather, but now I go out on this – even in the soaking rain. It blows my mind every time I use it. Considering the way the weather has been, with very wet summers and wet winters, I couldn’t keep losing work, so I needed to invest in some kit that would help me get the job done and keep the customers happy. That is exactly what the Hydro 80 has done.”
Beyond its performance, Daf appreciates its simplicity and ease of maintenance. “For me, one of the best features about this mower is how simple it is. It is easy to clean, easy to work on and it is very good on fuel.”
The mower’s grass collection system is another standout feature. The Hydro 80 has a 240-litre grass box, which fills efficiently regardless of the weather, and can be easily emptied with just one lever. “It picks up grass really well, wet or dry. It fills the box no matter what, and it has an easy lever to empty it all.”
Daf also values the proactive support he receives from Etesia. “Etesia is a very proactive company – they get back to me fast, and we have a nice working relationship together.”
The Etesia Hydro 80 has not only transformed Daf Price’s business but has also enhanced his quality of life by freeing up time to spend with his family and reducing physical strain.
With its combination of power, efficiency, and ease of use, the Hydro 80 is an invaluable tool for any lawn care professional looking to elevate their services.
