Allett Kensington 20B Unboxing and Review

[@Thom_Singer]

Lovely to see a man so excited by his new lawnmower!

[@keithclark1863]

You cannot beat a cylinder type mower. The cut and finish are just superb. Thanks mate. kmdc from Oz

[@ProperDIY]

I totally agree with you

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

That display of British emotion certainly deserves a like

[@valborchardt3596]

Oh gosh Stuart, that is brilliant, what a lovely mower…..you’ll definitely enjoy cutting your lawn now, thanks for sharing…..you please be safe and take care….much love from South Africa

[@Bazman77]

Excellent video. I’m getting my Allett 20” Kensington in a few day. With the Honda engine. I’m so excited. Some great tips in your video. Love it

[@markh7756]

I suggest you build a wooden compost bin to dispose of the cuttings, garden waste and green waste from the kitchen. I made mine from gravel boards with corner posts or you could repurpose a few pallets.

[@ProperDIY]

This is definitely something I will be doing soon

[@thumperman8490]

For my money, it is best to try to leave the cuttings on the lawn if you can, as too much goodness will be removed with each cut, set the mower to cut a very fine cut (2-3mm), and leave the cuttings to go back between the grass blades as a top dressing, this puts the nitrogen back in the soil. Agreed, the cuttings get on your shoes and comes into the house, but just change your shoes to outside ones.

[@carllamb6711]

Great video my mate I can see by the look on ya face how much you are excited and can't wait to play with ya new toy... As an ex Greenkeeper for nearly 15 years my mower has to be a Ransomes auto Certes … as you can imagine my lawns are like bowling greens and well manicured obviously not at this time of year, did my first cut two days ago and today they are starting to look good again with out all the worm casts lol looking forward to seeing you lawn progress 👍👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one Carl! The Ransomes Auto Certes is a vintage machine.

[@carllamb6711]

@@ProperDIY one of the best mate 👍

[@peter.g6618]

Hi. Beautiful machine. I've been a Gardener for 30 years and theres nothing like a proper mower than the plastic types you get these days. Enjoy! Great vids. 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you - we think the same!

[@j308s7]

This is a plastic type.The Buckingham isn't.

[@Stu1982]

Proper job mate. I’ll be watching every Tuesday now, enjoy the new machine mate. It’s worth all the money mate.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you Stuart - it is nice!

[@mantrafiscus]

I've been using a 36 inch Allett mower for 17 seasons now. It's a bit of a beast but makes a great job of the grass cutting.

[@ProperDIY]

36 inch - nice!

[@samrix5793]

@@ProperDIY that's what she said

[@stephenwilliamson6118]

A great piece of kit. I bought the exact same model from Allett and can’t wait to use it, although I’m terrified of getting it dirty. She has been in my garage over winter with WD all over it. Can’t wait to see the next video. Stay safe 👍🏻

[@ProperDIY]

I'm not the only one then!

[@ALLETTMOWERSUK]

Great video! Enjoy your new mower! Look forward to seeing how the scarifier improves your lawn!

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! Will do!

[@tessaboulton8031]

The spring tine rake is amazing, it will become invaluable. It will lift as much thatch as the de-thatcher. . but without the aeration.

[@EM-fh2tx]

As I'm watching your unboxing, with some amusement, I can also see my Automower, cheerfully trundling around in the rain! I know which I prefer!!

[@ProperDIY]

So do I

[@dmokrchat2908]

Very helpful. Mine just arrived and I flooded the engine with oil as it was covered in messages saying it did not contain any....it clearly did. Hopefully will start tomorrow after I drain it!

[@ProperDIY]

Oh. They are supposed to be empty

[@dmokrchat2908]

@@ProperDIY Emptied the carb and air filter of oil and now all running

[@chrisdowning7543]

Yes quite!! It took me a long time to be convinced also. Yes they so 2 stroke or 4. My lawnmower guy convinced me in the end. He did say the old common name petrel very much damage and shortens the life of machinery in a massive way. I know when I last got 4 stroke for 5 litres it was over £20!!!

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

That big ole tree on the other side of the fence is probably the greatest challenge to a beautiful lawn. Nice piece of kit, Briggs & Stratton market leaders.

[@ProperDIY]

It sure is!

[@IgnatiusZaaijman]

British racing green! Lovely mower, looks like a proper piece of kit that will last years.

[@ejones0310]

Very nice looking lawn. We don’t see too many “reel” type lawn mowers in the states. Most of ours are rotary. I personally have a Honda 21” that I love. I bought it four years ago to replace the previous 30 year old Honda that finally needed a carburetor rebuild. My yard has a few too many bumps for a reel type mower.

[@themowerman]

WOW a fantastic mower.. allett have just sent me a Kensington 20k to do a repair video.. they are a great mower.. happy mowing

[@trevorpeauk3931]

I met Roy Allen some years ago. No surprise that the latest mower is of high quality design and performance. Good choice Stuart.

[@trevorpeauk3931]

Roy Allett - bloody predictive text………

[@ProperDIY]

Oh really. Yes it's nice

[@martinsylvester1823]

Great mower, good video as always. Best thing I ever did on my lawn (similar size) was aerate, treat with mo bactor and at the end of the year top dress. My lawn has never looked so good. I also use briggs and stratton fuel save, stops petrol going stale and keeps carb jets clean also use it on my small boat outboard engine it really does work and stops carbs gumming up. Also before you turn mower off, shut fuel off first and let it run until it stops for lack of fuel, this also helps carbs from gumming up, otherwise fuel just sits in the carbs.

[@ProperDIY]

Good tips here for sure.

[@thumperman8490]

You are correct, it is good to run the carbs dry, as when the unit goes hot and cold in the shed , condensation occurs and so a small amount of water will build up in the carb and cause starting issues.

[@LND8110]

I’ll be watching the progress of the lawn with interest. Recently bought a Suffolk punch (previous to Allet) off eBay, came with scarifier too. Not the same as a brand new Kensington mind you but will enjoy none the less.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Essentially the same but the Kensington does have some better made parts.

[@timstinson1]

Briggs and Stratton also do Fuel Fit which you add to your Jerry can, keeps the fuel good for months. It’s the Ethanol that absorbs water and now the UK has gone from 5% to 10% ethanol it’s only gonna get worse. Nice mower there! 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Yes now with 10% I do need to sort out what to use

[@colinholroyd3096]

I use Aspen 4 fuel in my mountfield, it keeps fresh for up to 3 years , has no ethanol in it.

[@muppetrowlf1473]

I use Aspen 4 in my Hayters. Brilliant fuel.

[@thumperman8490]

Ideally, it should have an electric start for all the oldies with bad backs. Looks a nice machine ...love the scarfiyer feature...two in one. Saves space.

[@ProperDIY]

It is very easy to start

[@andymartin86]

I loved your channel before but even more so now you have a proper mower! I have the Liberty 43 version of yours and its a good machine. One tip - your grassbox should be level at the bottom not pointing upwards as it is, the hanging bar should sit on the front lip of the box.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one. You are right. I've just had a look and although it should be level and on the front lip it's very easy to clip on too far back like I had it. Thanks - learnt something every day!

[@SteveMonk1956]

Nice mower, had a chuckle at the end with cleaning it, I thought I was the only one who talked to their machines.😂

[@ProperDIY]

See - I'm not the only one!

[@Hagar2670]

@@ProperDIY I talk to mine! Maybe not quite so endearingly though. Often a good mix of profanities! Lawn mower envy!

[@ProperDIY]

@@Hagar2670 It depends how it behaves. My last one that fell apart got a lot of abuse from me I can show on KZbin

[@bscott77]

That’s lovely! I have an atco royale 36” mower that’s just not used now as I’ve bought a ride on tractor. You could not remove the front roller on it so it was as you explained a bit useless if the grass was even slightly long.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I remember my dad removing the front plastic rollers and just keeping the outside ones with a tube between to keep them apart for exactly that reason. That was maybe 45 years ago now!

[@stephanmurphy909]

Best luck it reminds me of the old style original lawnmowers wit the original blade set up rather than the new ones that have the single blade good to see it

[@peterlofstrand]

Grass clippings are perfect for putting in a compost, use it as a soil improvement, or as we do, putting them around bushes of various kinds (berry, flowering, etc.), it gives them nutrition, stops weeds growing around them and keep the moisture in the ground so they grow like crazy. It's way to valuable for the garden than just throwing it away. Cool mower though, don't see that type here in Sweden much.

[@roger4880]

Yes great but the excess Nitrogen you place in the beds needs countering with other types of material. You can't just chuck grass clippings in the beds and hope for the best. NPK not N on it's own. Grass clippings can also have weed seeds, you are better off properly composting it first.

[@jimlepeu]

I’ve got an old Atco Balmoral 17s. It’s about 20 years old and does a beautiful job. It looks a lot like your new one, maybe they are related lol. The cassette for the reel is very useful. The rollers help to keep your lawn level.

[@ProperDIY]

Atco became Atco-Qualcast which was then bought by Bosch. In 2011, Allett bought the all the rights and it all came back to the UK. So essentially the Kensington is a updated version of the Balmoral.

[@jimlepeu]

@@ProperDIY ✔️✔️✔️👏👏👍🤠

[@mogilvie1962]

great helpful videos, really informative, thanks... just wondering why you went for petrol model and not battery??

[@jwatkins123]

Any chance of a lawnmower maintenance video Stuart? Post-mow cleaning etc?

[@pincombe]

Congrats on the new mower she looks like a beast :-)

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@andyjackson2269]

Great Video Stu, I recently treated myself to a Hayter Spirit 41..another top mower👍

[@barryroberts6470]

A very nice piece of kit, and plenty of grass clippings there for the Compost Bin as well. Stay Safe, Barry (the Wirral)

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Barry!

[@DazDaz105]

Nice mower. It costs more than my first car did. But then my first car couldn’t cut grass. Hope you keep it clean Stuart 😁

[@ivanhowlett4907]

Then again you can’t go to the supermarket on a lawn mower lol.

[@ProperDIY]

I'm going to try!

[@Figure11_Home_and_Garden]

As a professional gardener I'm almost as green as the mower with envy. I would be tempted to use an aspen type fuel rather than petrol, doesn't go off anywhere near as quick although is eye-watering expensive.

[@ProperDIY]

I do need to look into what type to use for sure

[@AnthonyHitmanFiore]

I only use Aspen in my mowers, rest of my gear is battery.

[@David.M.]

Very nice mower, but not common in America for residential use. Most times I see a rotary blade it is used to mow the green on a golf course. All mowers I have had use a single blade. But this will make a nice cut. Glad to see a Brit almost in tears over his new toy!

[@jeta1f35]

A proper big boy's toy, total self-indulgence ... enjoy !!! Brings to mind my 20" Greens mower powered by a Villiers 1E two-stroke.

[@garvielloken3929]

Another entertaining video! Seems you know your way around lawn mowers. Can you reccomend any in a lower price bracket?

[@leoncomar2038]

Use dumpy bags or like one of the previous comments said build a compost bin. Allett say not to fill the grassbox up to full because it can alter the HoC. Lovely lawnmower, can't wait till i get my back lawn flat so i can get one.

[@ProperDIY]

Good point

[@AnthonyHitmanFiore]

I can see a lawn lute and drag mat being a DIY project soon 😃 will be handy for leveling and overseeding etc.

[@ProperDIY]

How did you know that?

[@AnthonyHitmanFiore]

@@ProperDIY it's what I would do

[@WeSmiths]

Alternative to black bags - try Ikea blue bags at 50p a pop - reusable and easy to carry.

[@ProperDIY]

True - with a bigger opening

[@paddyboy6155]

“Groundsman of the month” = brilliant !

[@ProperDIY]

I don't know where that came from!

[@barrywall3333]

Great video, probably the happiest I've seen you Stuart! lol

[@ProperDIY]

Yes I'm sure it is!

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Stuart, I currently have no use for a mower, but would live o e like yours, being a Kiwi I would also refer to yours as a reel mower, happy lawm mowing, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks Les!

[@iheggis86]

Do you use premium unleaded or the e10 stuff in 4 stroke engines?

[@mattheww6167]

Nice video. If you don't use too much fuel over a season it might be worth using Aspen fuel which is very long life so won't go stale over the winter and doesn't contain ethanol currently in E10 fuel which isn't friendly to rubber parts and carburettors

[@ProperDIY]

I know I should use Aspen - just try to get my head around the price of it

[@MrBerry67]

Just about to order one from the Australian distributor of Allett - still in two minds as to whether to go petrol or battery - Liberty or Kensington- my lawn is smaller than yours

[@ProperDIY]

Thats a good question and one I cannot answer as I've never used a battery mower I'm afraid. I would however recommend Allett in general.

[@tomrecane6366]

Doesn’t the grass catcher get in the way?

[@brassroot166]

Great video as usual Stuart. Great lawn mower, looks really good. But it costs £1,699.00; I can't see the missus being happy me spending that much on a mower. 😬

[@ProperDIY]

Yes it's a quality product made in the UK and isn't cheap

[@brassroot166]

@@ProperDIY indeed. Cold comfort to those of us who haven't got a halfpenny to scratch our arse with.😳

[@timlay4504]

I got my self a Flymo 1200R Robotic lawnmower couple of years ago - no cuttings and no mowing (for me !!) ..but no lines

[@dantadman141]

A petrol lawn mower is on the list for this year also - they really are a ‘cut’ above

[@ProperDIY]

You are quite right

[@noelmcloughlin6923]

Did you buy this mower Or we’re you given it by the manufacturer

[@ProperDIY]

I bought it

[@twincamtim]

Nothing like a new toy! 😎

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Phwoaaar!! Looks lovely. Ride behind roller next? Always fancied doing up an old classic green and gold Atco myself. Bit of and engineering AND gardening project. Just my thing: just rebuilt an old two stroke tiller and a chainsaw. Both free, both now whizzing away.

[@ProperDIY]

Now thats an idea!

[@madgebishop5409]

if i had a bigger lawn id love a petrol mower, cant beat the smell of petrol and grass clippings!

[@ProperDIY]

Exactly!

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Wooo.vnice. So are we goin to see a billard table flat wimbeldon centre court lawn by summer? Ur a lucky duck. Iv wanted a cylinder mower for ever

[@ProperDIY]

Not that soon I think having just walked across it!

[@olson.pamela]

it is fun for me to see what my neighbors across the ocean use. This mower is very different than any of my mowers. US mowers have one blade that whips around, What's up with that? The only time i ever saw a mower with blades like yours is my grandfathers push mower circa 1940s. (tho my mowers also have the Briggs and Stratton engine)

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

Most mowers in the UK also only have the one spinning blade This is just a fancy mower

[@ProperDIY]

No so common in the US but lots being imported every year. I'm sure every US golf course will be using this type for their greens

[@AndrewKenmare]

Lovely machine and enjoyed the video as usual. Saved yourself a bit of time as well....but you'll be spending that polishing it 😃 😀 😄 😁

[@ProperDIY]

You are right there!

[@charlescp1558]

Yes, fuel does go off, don’t ask me why I know. Also, try to keep away from E-anything petrol.

[@richardwhittle2302]

Good video Stuart 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@gonzo8548]

Id love something like this even a qualcast etc

[@vjary8142]

An interesting upload, then took a look at the costs of Alletts machines. A long term investment me thinks.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes for sure

[@thumperman8490]

From a design perspective, it would be useful if the plastic auxwheels could be fitted on to the side of the mower without removing the roller, after all, they are a temp fit.

[@harveychuckles3780]

I found this fascinating, and I don't even have a garden.

[@thumperman8490]

Is that a 36inch Allett you're toting, or are you really please to see me?

[@rafflesnh]

The cardboard box looked a bit worse for wear. Was that some oil/fuel contamination I could see? Would have had me a bit worried before opening. ps. Shame those mowers can't do any mulching to return nutrients to the soil and enrich your lawn.

[@ProperDIY]

No it was rain water where I had left it out over night and the blue tarpaulin had a hole in it!

[@stu22uk]

You've a great channel and I subscribed a while back. I've looking forward to the gardening series but over the last two videos I notice a significant increase in advertising breaks. In this 17min vid there were ads at the start, three times throughout and at the end. For me that's excessive, I don't know if it's intentional or not but it will cause me to unsubscribe if it's to be a regular feature. Really hoping not.

[@ProperDIY]

The placement of adverts is up to KZbin and the longer the video the more ads. It would be nice not to have to have any adverts but thats how we all survive to bring these videos to the public as it's a full time job.

[@stu22uk]

@@ProperDIY thanks for the prompt reply. Your point is clear. It's excessive advertising I'm referencing, 1 minute into the vid after the titles barely finished, just after the first lot before the video - in case you weren't aware. Mid roll ads are not a requirement, the creator has control over this. You never used to have them. Of course it's your call. Tis a pity but it's just too much for me. Good luck.

[@paulnewman2115]

Lovely mower

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@colinbleach9390]

Nice video ....keep them coming

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! Will do!

[@chrisdowning7543]

Looks good without being rude but you really should of very first off used Aspin. Look it up it’s the only thing to use to feed your mower and all of your other petrol driven garden equipment.

[@ProperDIY]

I should really - just need to get my head around the £5-6 per litre cost

[@davesmart8414]

A ride on would have been nice

[@emdotdee]

Now you need to make a special cleaning/storage station for it so it has its own little home 😀 Also a compressor/air line so you can blow all the grass out.

[@ProperDIY]

That would be nice - maybe a future project

[@stunimbus1543]

An OHV Briggs & Stratton engine! Whatever next?

[@Gogofam123]

Nice ride man 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks ✌

[@dougsaunders8109]

No idea what an Allett mower is like. I really like my 5 series, Allett must be good…. 😁

[@ProperDIY]

Ye sit is

[@TheClembo]

Why not build compost bin with a palette or two as you're getting more into gardening and cut down on those black bags. ATB

[@ProperDIY]

Thats coming

[@martynbuzzing3327]

It's a Qualcast really. Just been rebranded. Worked on loads of them.

[@martynbuzzing3327]

@@stevea3200 if you say so....

[@ProperDIY]

Atco became Atco-Qualcast which was then bought by Bosch. Allett bought the rights back in 2011 that included the Balmoral that is now the Kensington (with some updates). It always has been a premium machine.

[@martynbuzzing3327]

@@ProperDIY The only thing I found went wrong is if the reel picked up a stone, it could jamb the reel and shatter the nylon drive cog. They look a lot smarter than the older Qualcast and, as you say with more goodies.

[@wagstaffphilip]

You must get a cutting cartridge with 10 or 12 blades for a superior finish.

[@magill4046]

What a beauty 👌

[@ProperDIY]

Yep!

[@murdomackay7438]

Mower envy

[@ruhel1a1]

I see a new video where Stuart builds a mini ramp that goes into the workshop for easier access in and out with the lawn mower 😂😂

[@ProperDIY]

I need to do that for sure

[@ruhel1a1]

@@ProperDIY do one please, then I can learn off you because I need one for my outhouse!

[@glynprice3815]

Nice.

[@Skandoro]

Loved this video and well timed too! I'll also be getting my cylinder mower (one of 4! 😂) out this weekend after hitting the lawn with the scarifier two weeks ago. Lawn has recovered and is ready for my 50cm wide (50 year old) Atco beast to lay some stripes. It's not box-fresh like yours, but it still cuts perfectly well for the age considering it's at least 20 years older than me! Self-propelled with a quality cut, it chugs away without skipping a beat every year. British mowers are great 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@stevehewson8903]

I'd have thought with a large lawn you'd have wanted a sit-on mower....👍

[@ProperDIY]

Keeps me fit!

[@trevorclarke5203]

great video Stuart ! however being a horticultural mechanic for some years WHY did you pick something with a Briggs & Stratton engine they are woeful always breaking down ( the downside of my life) Honda all the way!! apologies if i've hurt anyone's feelings ,not intended just a rant really.

[@roger4880]

Allett make this model with a Honda engine but don't sell it to us in the UK. They sell it in the US. How backwards is that. US engine in the UK, Japanese engine in the US. The older 20K with the Kawasaki is the best one if you can find it second hand.

[@garvielloken3929]

Oooooh! Look at Mr. Fancy Pants and his new toy

[@ProperDIY]

I know

[@somewhereelse3813]

Brilliant

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@attlee1945]

Can’t believe just watched a video on a lawnmower and don’t even have a garden. Great video though.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@mikebolt9753]

Nice video

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@andycooper4485]

I want one - but I don't have a lawn :(

[@ProperDIY]

Oh

[@tayred81]

Really nice colour scheme, especially the "British racing green". My Sweden Klippo is Red. Not that sexy looking beast you got

[@martincook3201]

I'd rather have an xr3i than a 3 series :)

[@mjslug]

Bit disappointed to see you go down the petrol route. I made the move to a robot for our acre and it’s life changing in terms of lawn quality and ease of use. Not to mention that it’s way more sustainable.

[@geoffreycoan]

Wow, serious bit of kit Stuart. New tag-line for the channel: "garden tool pornography"? For that kind of money (£1,699) I’d have been tempted to get an automatic lawn cutter, solar powered and work like a Roomba, they make continual micro cuts to keep the lawn looking perfectly clipped. I’ve seen them in use and they work very well. But then I see lawn mowing as a chore not a pleasurable walk.

[@anthonyb8208]

Unfortunately my lawn isn't worth a great mower like that. At $3,500+ Aud for mower and a scarifier cartridge it's too much. I'll just have to stick to the Honda push mower.

[@S4NJMAK]

You should do a collaboration video with "Garden Lawncare Guy" which is another channel I subscribe to. JustSayin 😊

[@ProperDIY]

I watch him as well - we'll see

[@mp3bbb]

Think I'd be looking for a small sit-on for a lawn your size.

[@ProperDIY]

thanks