Introduction
Summary
Hayter have been producing quality lawn mowers for over 70 years here in the UK and are renowned for providing premium brand garden machinery that have the latest advancements in lawn mower technology. The Hayter Harrier 41 is a relatively new offering from Hayter that has been based on the success of the older model, but now includes some of the most advanced lawn mower technology.
I hear people say that once you own a Hayter you will never want to own another brand of lawn mower again. But are they worth the rather large price tag? Do you really get what you pay for with a Hayter? In this review we will take a look at all these features and functions, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision if this is the right mower for you and your lawn.
Main Features
- Weight: 33 kg (push), 37 kg (auto-drive), 38 kg (auto-drive with electric start)
- Product Dimensions: 48.5 cm (W) x 147 cm (L) x 104 cm (H)
- Colour: Green
- Blade Length: 41 cm (16 in)
- Lawn Coverage: small to medium lawns
- Material: Aluminium
- Fuel Tank: 0.8 L (28 imp fl. oz.)
Engine
The Hayter Harrier 41 use engines from one of the world’s largest supplier of mower engines, Briggs & Stratton. And the Harrier 41 push models use either the 140cc petrol engine or the 150cc block for the self-propelled model. Hayter also manufacture a Pro version of the Hayter Harrier 41 that has a Honda GCVX145 Auto Choke 145cc 4 stroke engine. The Pro version with the Honda engine is self-propelled with a fixed speed of 3 mph and is primarily designed for the commercial market. So the domestic home owner market is the Briggs and Stratton engine.
The engines all run on regular unleaded fuel. And there is a separate sump for engine oil, so there is no messing around trying to measure and mix up 2- stroke fuel.
There are four different configurations of the Hayter Harrier 41 mower that you can purchase, listed below –
- Hayter Harrier 41 – Push (374A)
- Hayter Harrier 41 – Auto-Drive with Variable Speed (375A)
- Hayter Harrier 41 – Auto-Drive with Variable Speed and Electric Start (376B)
- Hayter Harrier 41 Pro – Auto-Drive (379B)
Below is a handy table that clearly compares the difference and options available –
Hayter Harrier 41 Comparison Table
| Hayter Harrier 41 – Push (374A) | Hayter Harrier 41 – AD VS (375A) | Hayter Harrier 41 – AD VS ES (376B) | Hayter Harrier 41 Pro (379B) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
| Cut width | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| Cut height - minimum | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm | 13 mm |
| Cut height - maximum | 60 mm | 60 mm | 60 mm | 60 mm |
| Drive system | Push | Push, Autodrive, Variable speed | Push, Autodrive, Variable speed | Push, Autodrive, Single speed |
| Handle | One piece folding | One piece folding | Two piece folding | One piece folding |
| Engine start | Pull start | Pull start | Electric start | Pull start |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.8 litres | 0.8 litres | 0.8 litres | 0.9 litres |
| Speed min (mph) | N/A | 2.2 | 2.2 | N/A |
| Speed max (mhp) | N/A | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.0 |
| Working angle | 20 ° | 20 ° | 20 ° | 20 ° |
| Grass bag capacity | 60 litres | 60 litres | 60 litres | 60 litres |
| Warranty - homeowner | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 2 years |
| Warranty - commercial | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | 730 days |
| Engine model | Briggs & Stratton® 575EX Series™ | Briggs & Stratton® 625E Series™ | Briggs & Stratton® 575iS Series™ | Honda® GCVX145 |
| Engine CC | 140 | 150 | 150 | 145 |
| Rear roller (stripes) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions W x L x H | 485 mm x 1470 mm x 1040 mm | 485 mm x 1470 mm x 1040 mm | 485 mm x 1470 mm x 1040 mm | 485 mm x 1470 mm x 1040 mm |
| Net weight | 33 kg | 37 kg | 38 kg | 42 kg |
From the table above you can see that the higher-level model of the Hayter Harrier 41 includes InStart®, which is an electric starter that runs from a lithium-ion system. This extra complexity adds a few kilos to the weight and increases the cost of the machine over the basic model.
The electric start option has a battery that charges in around 1 hour and will provide an impressive 50 starts. Remember that the electric start model also has a recoil start option, should it be needed.
Hayter Harrier 41 Video
To give you a visual representation of the Hayter Harrier 41 Petrol Lawn mower please watch the video below:
Lawn Size
The Harrier 41, with its large engine, can get through a 261m² lawn with relative ease. Though this number will vary on the thickness of the grass and the grass cutting height that you select.
The Harrier 41 is the smallest brother of the Harrier range, and is by design the easiest to manoeuvre around the lawn. This is further enhanced by counter rotating two-piece rear roller that allows for tighter turns without damaging the turf.
Self-Propelled Drive
The basic push drive model at 33 kilos, can mean a lot of hard work, more so when the grass box is full, or the lawn is uneven.
The upgraded self-propelled models have a larger Briggs and Stratton 625E series engine that provide extra 10cc over the push model. The larger motor allows these models to travel under Auto-Drive allowing the driver to adjust the speed between 2.2mph and 3.4mph (to better match the operators walking speed and the areas of grass requiring a slower cut). There are two versions of Auto-Drive, the more advanced being the one with an electric starter.
Height Adjustment
The counterbalance single lever allows 7 height adjustment levels on the Harrier 41, starting at 13mm and going up to 60mm. A typical mowing height during the summer is between 13mm and 25mm — and between 19mm and 32mm in the spring and the autumn. Therefore, the Harrier 41 has you covered for all seasons.
Higher cutting height settings are useful when the lawn is out of control. Increasing the deck height allows you to shorten the grass to a reasonable height without jamming up the blade.
The single deck-height lever controls the height of the deck, across all four wheels. This lever is easy to reach, adjust and is located at the rear-left of the machine.
Vari-Pitch
The Harrier 41 range will also adjust the pitch of the blade whilst adjusting the height, to increase the lifting power of the blade, and perform a crisp cut, with Vari-Pitch. Vari-Pitch also improves the airflow to the grass bag, so that fewer clippings will be left behind or get stuck to the edge of the mower.
Deck
The Harrier 41 deck is a strong and lightweight cast-aluminium construction. So, this deck is not going to rust as will its steel counterparts. The aluminium deck will also ensure that the weight is kept to a minimum and you are going to find little in the way of propagating vibrations from the engine. Also, the cast-aluminium means that Hayter can use another of their innovative design features, Easy-Wash (see practicalities below).
Blade
As the name suggests, the Harrier 41 models use a 41-centimetre blade that goes all the way to the edge of the deck to ensure a close to edge cut.
The design of the deck, the positioning of the wheels and the great quality blade ensures that this mower cuts as close to the edge as possible, with much better results compared to other brands.
Replacement blades are readily available and will cost around £25 and can be easily replaced with basic tools and DIY skills. The blade has lifted wings to further improve the airflow through to the grass collection bag.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HAYTER Harrier 41 Blade (Genuine 201026) 16-Inch Blade for... | £30.94 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Roller (Stripes)
It is not just outstanding stipes this mower will achieve. The roller will also allow cutting the edge of your lawn without scalping as the roller will ensure the mower remains level over the edge.
There are two independent rollers. Split rollers make turning easier — allowing you to continue to make stripes around obstacles without it digging up the grass.
Corrugations reinforce the polymer roller, allowing for real weight to push the grass down to leave lasting stripes. The roller feature is available across the whole Harrier 41 range, and the results are outstanding.
Grass Box Capacity
The Harrier 41 range comes with a large, 60-litre grass collection bag — meaning that you can collect all the grass clippings from a well-maintained lawn on a single trip. The grass bag has collapsible mesh sides with a solid base.
Mesh boxes allow for better airflow when they become full and are easier to empty when the grass is compact and damp. A metal frame supports the shape of the mesh, and it is easy to attach and remove when you want to flatten the box for storage.
Hayter have strategically positioned two handles to make emptying of the bag easy and requiring little effort (not provided with majority of other brands).
Practicalities
Easy-Wash
The cleaning effect of Easy-Wash is similar to what you would see from a dishwasher and works really well, saves time and keeps your Hayter mower in pristine condition.
Maintenance
All petrol engines will require regular maintenance and a level of knowledge to service them. Spark plugs need changing, the engine oil levels need watching and topping up, and filters must stay clean and unobstructed. In order to preserve your warranty, you will need to have your Hayter mower annually serviced by an authorised Hayter service dealer.
You can refer to the Hayter handbook which has a detailed maintenance schedule of what needs to be done on a regular basis.
In addition, you can always check out my article – 10 Simple Steps to Maintaining Your Petrol Lawn Mower.
Storage
When it comes to the winter months, it is a good idea to drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug. It is even a good idea to use an engine preservative to make the mower easier to start after a few months — when you are ready to get back on to the lawn.
The handlebar also folds down as a single piece by pivoting forward. Thought the weight of the machine, will prevent you from lifting it on to a shelf, so you will need to ensure you have enough space in your shed or garage for storage.
Speed
On all the variable speed self-propelled models of the Harrier 41 (Auto-Drive with Variable Speed AND Auto-Drive with Variable Speed and Electric Start), the speed can be adjusted between 2.2mph and 3.4mph using a level mounted on the right hand side of the bars.
On the Hayter Harrier 41 Pro, the Honda engine allows only for a single speed of 3mph (this is the only commercial model).
Naturally the push model of the Hayter Harrier 41 is not self-propelled.
In summary, being able to control and adjust the speed of your petrol mower is going to end up with a far more satisfying result than a machine that is always pulling you along. The ground speed can be adjusted by operating the variable speed control lever that is within easy reach on the right side of the handlebars.
Only operate the lever with the engine running to prevent damage. Push forward to speed up and pull back to slow down.
Yet again, Hayter are including innovative features that make the job of cutting the lawn that much easier and enjoyable.
Safety Features
The Hayter Harrier 41 is equipped with an OPC (Operator Presence Control) lever that needs to be engaged before the mower is started, and to keep the engine running.
If the operator needs to stop the blade in a hurry — releasing the OPC lever on the handlebar will stop the engine and the blade in under 3 seconds. If the blade comes up against unusual resistance, the clutch mechanism will stop the blade from spinning.
The larger brothers of the Harrier 41 have an additional Crank-Safe BBC (Blade Brake Clutch) system, that stops the cutting blade but keeps the engine running.
Mulching
The Hayter Harrier 41 range has no mulching facility, this is common on mowers with rear rollers. Hayter have designed and built this mower to be exceptionally efficient and market leading in the collection of grass clippings and pristine lawn appearance, therefore mulching would not be appropriate for this mower.
Hayter Harrier 41 User Manual Download
Click Here to download the Hayter Harrier 41 User Manual.
What’s Included in the Box?
- Hayter Harrier 41 Lawn mower
- Fabric Grass Collection Bag and Frame
- Handlebar
- Split Polymer Lawn Roller
- Instruction Manual
Warranty
If you are a commercial operator, this warranty will only last for 90 days.
The exception to the above is with the Pro version of the Hayter Harrier 41, whereby the domestic homeowner warranty will be reduced to 2 years, but the commercial use warranty will be extended from 90 days to 730 days. This reinforces Hayter’s view that the Harrier 41 Pro is designed for commercial use, unlike the other models.
Pros and Cons
Should You Buy this Model?
The roller is going to be the big selling point for many prospective owners. And it is not common to find mowers in the smaller blade category, which have such a feature. Please note that the Harrier 48 and Harrier 56, bigger brothers of this mower, also have rollers, though these mowers are better suited for larger lawns.
You will not be disappointed with your investment in the Hayter Harrier 41, it is exceptionally well built and packed with innovative features that actually make mowing your lawn easier whilst achieving professional results. Yes, it is going to cost more than some other brands, but they do not have the pedigree and 70 years of experience that Hayter embed into their lawn mowers.
Conclusion
If you have a small to medium-sized lawn, and you want the traditional and professional striped lawn, then the Harrier 41 range is worth your consideration. The unleaded motor is more than large enough to get through tough patches. Briggs and Stratton engines have a good reputation, and many premium lawn mower companies use them in their machines.
Hayter’s Harrier 41 petrol mower range is a proficient machine, boasting a range of functions. As discussed above there are several iterations of the Harrier 41, but all models will finish off your lawn looking healthier with a professional finish.
There are many gardeners up and down the UK who will simply not accept anything less than Hayter lawn mower, and it is clear to see why as this range is highly recommended.
Where Should I Purchase This Hayter Harrier 41?
Mowers Online have been providing outstanding customer service since 2000 and will be happy to assist and provide pre or after sales advice. Delivery is fast and usually within 2-4 working days.
Mowers Online stock the full range of Hayter Harrier petrol mowers and have special offers from time-to-time, so be sure to check the price button below. Ordering through Mowers Online also means you will receive a free starter kit that includes a fuel can, funnel and 0.6 litres of 4 stroke engine oil.
Alternatives
Click below for a full review of the range of Hayter Harrier Petrol Lawn Mowers
Not sure about this Petrol Lawn Mower? Click here for more Petrol Lawn Mower reviews.
Hayter Harrier 41 FAQs
No, the Harrier 41 range of mowers has an intelligent system that recognises the temperature of the engine, and will automatically prime the engine for you.
What is the material of the deck on the Hayter Harrier 41?
Aluminium.
Does the Hayter Harrier 41 have a rear roller?
Yes, it has a two-piece ribbed rear roller for a striped lawn effect.
Is the Hayter Harrier 41 front or rear wheel drive?
The full range of the Harrier 41 is driver by the rear roller, the roller is ribbed to ensure good traction and manoeuvrability.
How often do I need to service my Hayter Harrier 41 in order to preserve the warranty?
Your mower must be serviced every 12 months by an authorised Hayter dealer in order to preserve your warranty.
Does the Hayter Harrier 41 include the BBC system?
No, only the bigger brothers the Harrier 48 and 56 have the Blade Brake Clutch system (BBC).
Does the Harrier 41 Auto-Drive always need to be engaged?
No, you have the option of pushing the mower, if needed.
Does the Hayter Harrier 41 have Sens-a-speed feature?
No, this feature is only provided with the larger Harrier 48 and 56 models.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
