James Duke explains that the decision to upgrade came from a growing need to handle larger sites more efficiently, “Some of the grounds we look after can be quite large in size. We also care for small residential gardens and commercial sites. Beforehand, we were using pedestrian mowers on the bigger areas, and it was hard work – it took a long time. So, we started looking for a ride-on.”
After exploring various brands, it was Etesia’s Hydro 80 that stood out – particularly following a demonstration arranged after meeting the team at GroundsFest last year.
“We were highly impressed with what they had to say,” Duke recalls. “Ian from Etesia came down, dropped off some mowers for us to try out on site, and we were blown away. We tried the Hydro 80 and as soon as we did, we ordered one.”
Since making the switch, the difference has been remarkable.
“Compared to using pedestrian mowers, the Hydro 80 is just so much quicker,” he says. “It’s freeing up so much more time for us – we’re finishing jobs earlier or fitting more in. I’d say we’re getting the jobs done in about half the time, which is fantastic.”
The Etesia Hydro 80 is packed with features that make it ideal for both large areas and tricky, confined spaces. With an 80cm cutting width and a tight turning circle, it’s easily manoeuvrable and can pass through small gateways or between parked cars with ease.
“The size is incredible – we can get it through tight spaces, around buildings, and even in between cars,” duke explains. “And because it’s so compact, it fits straight into the back of our van at the end of the day.”
The Hydro 80 is powered by a 15hp twin-cylinder Kawasaki engine, delivering reliable performance across varying conditions. Its hydrostatic drive makes operation smooth and user-friendly, and James and his team noticed the ease of use immediately.
“From the get-go, we found the mower so easy to use. The controls are simple, and the machine feels great to operate – it’s a joy, an absolute pleasure.”
One of the key benefits of the Hydro 80 is its ability to cut and collect both long and short grass without clogging, even in wet conditions – a huge improvement for Duke and his team, who previously battled with constant blockages.
“The collection is fantastic – especially in the wet,” he says. “With our old pedestrian mowers, they were always clogging up and we had to stop to clear out underneath the deck. We don’t have that hassle anymore. It’s saving us so much time.”
The Hydro 80’s 240-litre grassbox can be emptied from the driving seat and features a buzzer to indicate when it’s full.
“The grass box is huge – we can just keep going and going,” says Duke. “With the pedestrian mowers, we were stopping every five minutes. Now we can mow huge areas before we need to empty. And when we do, it’s so easy – just lift the handle and tip the grass out from the comfort of the seat.”
The versatility of the Hydro 80 has also impressed Duke. “It collects, it mulches, it side discharges – it ticks all the boxes for what we need. We’ve used the mulch plug and it leaves a great finish. It just does everything we ask of it. We haven’t found a single issue with it. It’s solid, dependable, and just brilliant to use.”
Reflecting on the buying process, Duke also praised the support and communication from the Etesia team. “They were absolutely brilliant to work with from the start. They talked us through everything, gave us the chance to try out the mowers, and let us see how good they really are.”
Etesia will be at GroundsFest 2025 on 9 -10 September at Stoneleigh Park, in Warwickshire.
