IT’S the mean machine with a razor-sharp cutting edge.
Honda’s 1000cc Mean Mower is now officially the fastest lawnmower in the world, averaging 116.57mph and ripping up the previous record by almost 30mph.
The IDIADA proving ground in Tarragona, Spain, was the venue for successful attempt, verified by a Guinness World Recored adjudicator.
The 109bhp mower was driven by Piers Ward who also eclipsed the previous record of 87.83mph on the 2000km North Straight.
The speed was measured through a 100-metre speed trap, overseen by official timers, and the mower had to record the same run, in both directions, within an hour – with the average speed taken of these two runs.
Importantly, it needed to cut grass and also actually look like a lawnmower.
Mean Mower was designed and built in the UK by Honda’s British Touring Car Championship partner Team Dynamics who re-engineered an HF2620 Lawn Tractor from the ground-up, adding a fabricated chassis, a 1,000cc engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm and bespoke suspension.
The cutter deck was custom-made in fibre-glass to reduce weight while the grass bag provided a home for the fuel tank, oil cooler and a secondary water cooling radiator.
Honda says the mower can cut grass at around 15mph, more than double the flat-out speed of the original HF2620 from which it is derived.
Based on feedback from Honda Yuasa Racing drivers, three times BTCC champion Matt Neal and 2012 champion Gordon Shedden, the mower features a custom-made paddle shift six-speed gear system.
There’s also a custom-made Cobra sports seat, a Scorpion exhaust system and a steering rack taken from a Morris Minor.
The result is a lawn mower set up and geared to achieve a top speed in excess of 130mph, weighing just 140kg and capable of a 0-60mph time of just four seconds.
