Hayter Harrier 56 Review

Hayter Harrier 56 Review
Hayter Harrier 56
Performance/Quality
94
Features
85
Durability
88
Value
77
Warranty/Support
89
Reader Rating1 Vote
88
What I Like
Sens-a-Speed™ automatic speed control.
Excellent materials and build quality.
The largest and most effective rear roller for a mower of its class.
Tough cast aluminium deck.
Single deck-height lever with 7 height adjustments.
What I Don't Like
Higher initial investment.
Must be serviced by authorised Hayter dealer to maintain warranty.
It does not have mulching or side chute options.
87
My Overall Rating

Summary

Hayter Harrier 56 ReviewThe Hayter Harrier 56 is the largest premium petrol mower offering within this range with a 56cm cutting width, a rear ribbed two-piece roller, a wide range of 7 cutting heights from 13mm to 60mm, and a large 70 litre grass collection bag.

The self-propelled Hayter Harrier 56 is designed for large lawns above 522m² and offers several different models and features to suit your lawn requirements including Vari-Pitch™, Blade Brake Clutch, Sens-a-Speed™ and Easy-Wash hose connector.

The Hayter Harrier 56 is the highest-level striping mower Hayter make for domestic use (3 models available), with a Pro version for commercial purposes. This series from Hayter make use of several different engines from both Hayter and Briggs & Stratton®. The Hayter’s Harrier 56 range is a durable and capable petrol mower, that is an excellent all-round lawn mower.

The Harrier 56 works well on all lawns; but is best suited to large areas where presentation is a must. This machine is as easy to move around as many smaller mowers, putting it in a class of its own.

Main Features

  • Weight: 51.6 kg (Auto-Drive with VS) / 53.8 kg (Auto-Drive with VS & BBC) / 51.6 kg (Auto-Drive with VS and Electric Start)
  • Product Dimensions: 58 cm (W) × 157 cm (L) × 104 cm (H)
  • Colour: Green
  • Blade Length: 56 cm
  • Coverage: Over 522m²
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Fuel Tank: 1.1L

There are three deck size options with the Harrier range of mowers, and they are identified by the model name shown below. You can also click on the link below, to see my full review of the smaller range of Harrier petrol mowers.

Hayter Harrier 41 – with 41 cm deck size

Hayter Harrier 48 – with 48 cm deck size

Hayter Harrier 56 – with 56 cm deck size

Engine

Hayter Harrier 56 Review EngineHayter use their 159cc OHV engines for the basic model and 190cc Briggs & Stratton engines for the advanced BBC and electric start models. Though, all of the above-mentioned engines do little in changing the weight of the machine.

All Harrier 56 engines have the same 1.1 litre fuel tank for regular 4-stroke unleaded fuel. They all use Hayter’s ReadyStart® technology – guaranteeing a first time start of the engine every time. ReadyStart® adjusts the engine’s settings based on the ambient temperature – so, no more guesswork with a manual choke.

The Harrier 56 also has the same options as the Harrier 48. You can get the basic model with Auto-drive, or upgrade to the Blade Brake Clutch (BBC), which protects the engine if the blade hits a solid object. You can upgrade further to the Briggs & Stratton® Electric Start model, and then there is also a Pro version of this mower designed for commercial use. Below, I have created a comparison table to clearly show the differences with the engines and the various features supplied with each of the different models.

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Electric Start – Briggs & Stratton’s® InStart® Video

The electric start model is noteworthy as it is supplied with Briggs & Stratton’s® InStart® starting technology. This system is electronic allowing for instant push button starting of the mower, eliminating the need to use the recoil pull start. What makes this system market leading is the lithium-ion battery technology used. The full charge time is just 1 hour and will provide 75 mower starts, plenty for a single mowing session. The other great feature is the ability to do a quick charge of the starter battery for just 10 minutes to get up to 20 starts, this is great if you forgot to charge the battery and just want to get going.

Remember, you also have the recoil start as a backup, if needed.

To learn more about the InStart® system with the Briggs & Stratton® 775iS Series™ engine, please see the video below.

 

Sens-a-Speed™

All Hayter Harrier 56 models offer the Sens-a-Speed™ system that automatically adapts to your walking pace from 0 to 2.9mph. This is a really nice feature that ensures that the mower never feels like it is running away from you and saves you having to manually adjust the speed. The Sens-a-Speed™ system is only found on the Hayter Harrier 56 models and NOT on the smaller brothers the Hayter Harrier 41 and 48 models.

Engine Summary

  • Hayter / Briggs & Stratton
  • 159cc / 190cc Engine
  • 2800rpm
  • Unleaded
  • Pull Recoil/Electric Start

There are four different configurations of the Hayter Harrier 56 mower that you can purchase, these are listed below –

  • Hayter Harrier 56 – Auto-Drive with Variable Speed (574A)
  • Hayter Harrier 56 – Auto-Drive with Variable Speed and Blade Brake Clutch (575A)
  • Hayter Harrier 56 – Auto-Drive with Variable Speed and Electric Start (576A)
  • Hayter Harrier 56 Pro – Auto-Drive (579B)

Below is a handy table that clearly compares the differences and options available –

Hayter Harrier 56 Comparison Table

Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS (574A)Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS & BBC (575A)Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS & ES (576B)Hayter Harrier 56 Pro Autodrive BBC (579A)
Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS (574A)Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS & BBC (575A)Hayter Harrier 56 Autodrive with VS & ES (576B)Hayter Harrier 56 Pro Autodrive BBC (579A)
Cut width560 mm560 mm560 mm560 mm
Cut height - minimum13 mm13 mm13 mm13 mm
Cut height - maximum60 mm60 mm60 mm60 mm
Drive systemPush, Autodrive, Variable speed, Sens-a-speedPush, Autodrive, Variable speed, Sens-a-speedPush, Autodrive, Variable speed, Sens-a-speedPush, Autodrive
Blade Brake ClutchNoYesNoYes
HandleOne piece foldingOne piece foldingOne piece foldingOne piece folding
Engine startPull startPull startPull start, Electric startPull start
Fuel tank capacity1.1 litre1.1 litre1.1 litre1.0 litre
Speed min (mph)N/AN/AN/AN/A
Speed max (mhp)2.92.92.93.0
Working angle20 °20 °20 °20 °
Grass bag capacity70 litres70 litres70 litres80 litres
Warranty - homeowner5 years5 years5 years2 years
Warranty - commercial90 days90 days90 days730 days
Engine modelHayter® 159cc OHVBriggs & Stratton® 850E Series™Briggs & Stratton® 775iS Series™Briggs & Stratton® 850E Series™ I/C
Engine CC159190190190
Rear roller (stripes)YesYesYesYes
Dimensions W x L x H585 mm x 1570 mm x 1035 mm 585 mm x 1570 mm x 1035 mm 585 mm x 1570 mm x 1035 mm 585 mm x 1570 mm x 1035 mm
Net weight51.6 kg53.8 kg51.6 kg58.5 kg
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Lawn Size

The Harrier 56 mowers are designed for lawns over 522m². And even though you could use it on much smaller gardens, if you have a smaller lawn you may find one of the smaller Harrier models more suitable. Hayter have included its innovative split two-piece roller on this mower that make turning the approx. 53kgs not only easier but prevents the lawn getting damage whilst turning.

Hayter mowers use their patent-pending Vari-Pitch™ blade technology — this works best on large overgrown and uneven lawns. Vari-Pitch™ optimises the airflow, on high cutting settings, to give your lawn a straight cut and preserve the airflow.

Please note that the Hayter Harrier is also available in smaller deck size for smaller gardens, for my full reviews click the links below –

Hayter Harrier 41 Review

Hayter Harrier 48 Review

Self-Propelled Drive

All four models of the Harrier 56 are self-propelled and can reach a top speed of 2.9mph (3mph for the Pro version). But unlike the smaller models, such as the Harrier 41 and 48, changing the speed of travel is simple. The Hayter Harrier 56 uses something called Sens-a-Speed™.

Sens-a-Speed™ is an automatic system that adjusts the speed of the mower to your rate of walking. If you stop walking, the mower stops. And when you set off, the mower will speed up with you, up to 2.9mph.

In this way, Sens-a-Speed™ is far safer, meaning if you stop or leave the machine to empty the grass bag, the machine will stop moving till you get back.

Height Adjustment

There are 7 height levels on the Harrier 56, starting from 13mm and rising to 60mm. The position of the lever is conveniently located high on the left rear of the machine, limiting the amount of bending you need to perform to reach it. The number and range of height adjustments compares highly favourably to other brands of high-end mowers, and ensures you can achieve the exact finish you require.

Some mowers I have tested have been disappointing in respect of how difficult the height adjustment can be, particularly on heavier mowers such as this model. I am pleased to say that there are no such problems with the Hayter Harriers, as you would expect this from a company that has been manufacturing lawn mowers for over 70 years.

Vari-Pitch™ also helps the operator navigate and cut areas of long grass, without the need to make height adjustments to the lever.

Deck, Cutting Diameter and Features

Deck

Hayter Harrier 56 Review DeckHayter’s aluminium decks are both strong, lightweight, and resilient to corrosion. Plastic decks can crack and degrade under exposure to UV radiation from the Sun. Steel rusts, and in using aluminium Hayter can use their Easy-Wash technology to simplify the deck and blade cleaning process.

The total deck width is 58.5 centimetres and with Hayter’s Trim Side feature means that this mower will cut as close to the edge as possible. The positioning of both the front wheels and the rear roller ensures the blade is able to cut to the outer edge of the mower’s deck to reach the edge of the border fence or wall.

Blade

The full range of Harrier 56 has 56-centimetre steel lifting blades, which increases airflow and gives the lawn a better cut. Each side of the deck is a little over 1 centimetre wider than the width of the blade. This means that you can pass close to flower beds and pathways, and still cut most of the grass.

The blade is of excellent quality and should only be replaced with a genuine Hayter blade. Replacement blades are reasonably priced and readily available.

Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Roller (Stripes)

The Harrier 56 petrol mower is fitted with an integrated ribbed roller for making visible and lasting stripes on your lawn. These are dual rollers, to make turning of the mower easier, and will prevent scuffing of the lawn. The roller is the widest rear roller to feature on this class of mower, meaning you get more done for every step you take.

I have tested many petrol mowers over the years that have rollers and claim to stripe your lawn. In order to achieve defined lawn stripes that last, you require a good quality roller and a mower that has a weight that will actually make an impression on the lawn. A lightweight electric mower with a roller will NOT achieve long lasting stripes and will provide no levelling benefit. The high quality of the roller and the approx. 53kg weight (depending on the model) on the Hayter Harrier 56 means that you will be able to achieve that long lasting traditional British striped lawn whilst also levelling small, raised bumps etc. over time. You will be the envy of your neighbours for sure.

It is not just outstanding stipes this mower will achieve. The rear powered roller will also allow cutting to the edge of your lawn without scalping, as the roller will ensure the mower remains level over the edge (not the case with 4 wheeled mowers).

Grass Box Capacity

A 70-litre grass box comes with the full range of the Harrier 56, it is about as large as you would want on a domestic lawn mower before having to use a ride-on mower. The grass box has a metal support frame, which is easy to remove and install. The lid and base of the box are solid plastic, while the sides are good quality mesh fabric.

This hybrid grass box of mesh, metal, and plastic means that you have something rigid for collecting the grass, but flexible enough to fold down for compact storage. Hayter has also made the bag so that you can lift it through the handlebar, for convenience.

Two very well-placed handles on the grass collection bag make emptying quick and easy.

There is no grass box full level indicator on this collection box.

Please note that the grass collection box on the Pro version (579A) is 10 litres larger, compared to the 3 domestic models, at 80 litres.

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Practicalities

Easy-Wash

Easy-Wash is Hayter’s solution to clean the blade and the underside of the deck, with safety and ease. A regular hose attachment plugs into a connector on the deck. Water then flows through to base whilst the blade is spinning, which jets off clumps of grass and dirt. This works similar to a dishwasher.

Keeping the underside of the deck clean means the performance and the cut quality will be maintained over time.

Maintenance

A 4-stroke engine needs a little more caring for than a 2-stroke engine. It is important to deplete the fuel in the tank and the carburettor before putting a mower into long-term storage. It is recommended that Hayter owners should change the oil and the spark plug on the mower after winter storage.

Being a 4-stroke, it is important to check and maintain a good level of engine oil in the machine. Hayter recommends that you bring their mowers to an authorised dealer for maintenance once a year.

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

Both the handlebar and the grass box fold up for when you are putting the Harrier 56 away. Hayter also makes a winter storage cover for the mower to keep it dry, clean, and ready to use when the warm seasons return.

At over 50 kilos, you are going to struggle to lift the Harrier 56, even with a friend. So, if you are considering this model, be sure you have enough floor space in your shed or garage to store it.

Speed

Hayter Harrier 56 HandlesFor comfort and precision, the Harrier 56 uses Sens-a-Speed™, as automatic throttle control. But with the BBC model, you can disengage the blade shaft from the engine. And with the BBC, you can still use self-propulsion to drive the machine over pathways to other areas of your lawn.

The speed range is 0 to 2.9mph on the domestic range and a single speed of 3mph for the Pro commercial (579A) Harrier.

The Sens-a-Speed™ on the domestic range is a feature that once you have experienced, you will never want to be without. Some fixed single speed mowers often feel they are running away from you. This is fine for commercial purposes as you want to get the job done as quickly as possible, but not so good for home use.

Safety Features

To start the mower, the operator first needs to engage the Operator Presence Control level and then pull on the recoil cord. The electric starting model comes with an ignition key to allow the operator to crank the engine at the push of a button.

The top-end model, the Harrier 56 BBC (575A), allows the user to drive the mower around with the blade motionless, for extra safety and to prevent damage to the blade whilst moving the mower to another location.

There is also a clutch lock on the handlebar, which needs releasing before the operator can engage the blade motor and begin cutting the grass.

Mulching

The Harrier 56 does not have a mulching blade or plug, but the lifting blade does cut the grass into small clippings. There is also the option of removing the grass box and using the rear lid to redirect the clippings behind the rear roller.

Mowers with rear rollers are not designed to mulch and are not targeted towards those that want to mulch the grass cuttings. Owners of the Hayter Harrier range want a beautiful, pristine and cuttings free lawn, and that is exactly what this mower achieves perfectly well.

Hayter Harrier 56 User Manual Download

Click Here to download the Hayter Harrier 56 User Manual.

Hayter Harrier 56 Warranty

What’s Included in the Box?

  • Hayter Harrier 56 Lawn mower
  • Fabric Grass Collection Bag and Frame
  • Battery and Charger for the Electric Start model only
  • Split Polymer Lawn Roller
  • Instruction Manual
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Warranty

Hayter mowers comes with a lifetime warranty on the cutter deck and crankshaft. Hayter also provides a 5-year warranty on material and any factory issues for domestic users. Though this does not cover the engine on the commercial Harrier 56 Pro model from Briggs & Stratton – the warranty reduces to 2-years for domestic use, but extends to 730 days for commercial use.

This 5-year warranty does not apply to those that use the Hayter domestic models for commercial purpose. Commercial users receive a 90-day warranty on the Harrier 56 domestic range. And in both cases, the warranties are valid only if the operator takes their machines to an authorised Hayter service dealer for its 12-month service.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Sens-a-Speed™ automatic speed control.
  • Excellent materials and build quality.
  • The largest and most effective rear roller for a mower of its class.
  • Tough cast aluminium deck.
  • Large 70-litre grass bag.
  • An electric start model is available.
  • Single deck-height lever with 7 height adjustments.
  • Easy-Wash, for simple and safe cleaning of the blade and deck’s underside.
  • Premium brand with excellent support and warranty.
  • Designed and produced in Great Britain.
Cons
  • Higher initial investment.
  • Must be serviced by authorised Hayter dealer to maintain warranty.
  • It does not have mulching or side chute options.

 

Should You Buy this Model?

Hayter Harrier 56 ReviewThe Hayter Harrier 56 range of petrol mowers is the largest domestic mower that you would want to use before moving on to a ride-on machine. Clever innovations, such as automatic acceleration, are going to take all the weight off your hands and ensuring the task of mowing your lawn is as easy, trouble free and enjoyable as possible.

This petrol mower will not disappoint. It has features that will assist in the mowing process rather than gimmicks you will never use.

As you will see from the price tag, this is a premium British mower that utilises Hayter’s 70 years’ experience to include advanced features and build quality in the whole Harrier range.

The Hayter Harrier range comes highly recommended if you meet the requirements that this mower was designed for. Remember there are 3 different sized models available and within each size you have further range of models to choose from to suit your requirements. Please see my table within each review to clearly see the differences.

Conclusion

The Hayter Harrier 56 is very much a petrol machine that is going to be perfect for larger lawns. Being power-driven takes much of the hassle and effort away. Remember, this is a the largest Harrier available and is by its nature a heavy machine. The huge 70-litre grass collection box is going to be heavy when filled with damp grass, so you may need to empty it more often if you are elderly or frail. (the two handles on the box will help)

The Hayter Harrier does indeed get fantastic cut and long lasting stiped results that you simply will not get with the majority of other brands of lawn mower. Yes, it comes at a price. But, you not only get what you pay for with Hayter petrol mowers, but you also get to buy British that is built on quality and heritage.

Where Should I Purchase This Hayter Harrier 56?

Mowers-Online

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.

 

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Alternatives

Click below for a full review of the range of Hayter Harrier Petrol Lawn Mowers

Hayter Spirit 41 Review

Hayter Harrier 41 Review

Hayter Harrier 48 Review

Not sure about this Petrol Lawn Mower? Click here for more Petrol Lawn Mower reviews.


Hayter Harrier 56 FAQs

Do all models of the Hayter Harrier 56 comes with the Sens-a-Speed™ function?

No, the Pro version (579A) does not have this function, the other three models do.

What is the size of the grass collection box on the Hayter Harrier 56?

70 litres (80 litres on the Pro version designed for commercial use).

What is the cutting width of the Hayter Harrier 56?

56cm

Does the Hayter Harrier 56 electric start model need a battery?

Yes, it comes with a battery and a separate charger.

Does the Hayter Harrier 56 have a steel deck?

No, the deck is a since piece aluminium deck for durability and corrosion resistance.

Does the grass collection box have a grass full indicator?

No.

Do all models of the Hayter Harrier 56 have an integrated wash port?

Yes, the whole range of Hayter mowers have the integrated wash port included.

How does the Sens-a-Speed™ on the Hayter Harrier 56 work?

The system automatically adapts the mower's speed to your walking pace. Therefore there is no speed control lever on this mower.

How many models are available in the Hayter Harrier 56 range?

There are 4 models available - 3 are designed for homeowners and 1 for commercial use.

What is the width of the stripe produced by the Hayter Harrier 56?

53cm

Lawnmower Product Expert, Reviewer and Author at EasyLawnMowing.co.uk | 01284 615144 | info@easylawnmowing.co.uk | Website | + posts

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.

5 thoughts on “Hayter Harrier 56 Review”

  1. Seems the Harrier 56 575A comes with a BBC which enables you to leave the engine running whilst emptying the grass box (better for the engine etc), however the Electric version (576B) doesn’t ? Why might that be? Surely the engine would benefit from the same capability and the difference is simply the addition of a lithium battery for starting.

    1. Hi Paul

      Thanks for the message.

      Good question, I would guess that Hayter believe that you would not mind stopping and starting with the electric start model as opposed to the recoil.

      Thanks
      Mark

    2. I agree. It would be nice to have the electric start (Harrier 56 575B) without losing the ability to drive it to another area of the garden with the blade disengaged as you can with version 575A. So BBC plus electric start would be my ideal but it’s not available.

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