Hayter Harrier 56 VS Petrol Lawn Mower

Hayter Harrier 56 VS petrol rear-roller lawn mower

The Hayter Harrier 56 VS is a premium self-propelled petrol lawn mower for large, predominantly flat formal lawns where efficient coverage, reliable grass collection and broad lawn stripes are priorities.

Its 56cm aluminium cutter deck is the widest in Hayter’s domestic pedestrian petrol range. This allows the mower to cover more ground with each pass and makes it particularly effective on large, open lawns of up to approximately 1,000m².

A two-piece 53cm ribbed rear roller bends the grass in alternating directions to create broad light-and-dark stripes. Hayter’s Sens-a-Speed™ drive responds to the pressure applied to the drive lever, allowing the operator to vary the mower’s forward speed from approximately 1.0–2.9mph.

Hayter Harrier 56 VS at a glance

• Manufacturer: Hayter
• Model: Harrier 56 VS
• Product code: CODE574B
• Best suited to: large, predominantly flat formal lawns
• Recommended lawn area: up to approximately 1,000m²
• Cutting width: 56cm / 22in
• Engine: Hayter 1P65FC OHV petrol engine
• Engine capacity: 159cc
• Rated engine output: approximately 2.6kW
• Drive: Sens-a-Speed variable self-propelled drive
• Forward-speed range: approximately 1.0–2.9mph
• Cutter deck: aluminium
• Rear roller: two-piece ribbed polymer roller
• Rear-roller width: approximately 53cm / 21in
• Cutting heights: seven positions from 13–60mm
• Grass collector: 70 litres
• Cutting method: grass collection
• Starting system: recoil start
• Product weight: approximately 52kg
• Blade Brake Clutch: no
• Electric start: no

 

Is the Hayter Harrier 56 VS right for you?

Choose the Harrier 56 VS if:

• You have a large, relatively open formal lawn
• Your mowing area is up to approximately 1,000m²
• You want to reduce the number of passes required when mowing
• You want broad, clearly defined lawn stripes
• You prefer self-propelled drive with an adjustable walking pace
• You normally collect your grass clippings
• You have suitable access and storage for a wide, approximately 52kg mower
• You value authorised-dealer preparation and ongoing workshop support

 

Consider another mower if:

• Your garden has narrow gates, tight passages or many obstacles
• Your lawn is steep, rough or sharply undulating
• You need a lightweight mower that is regularly lifted into a vehicle
• You want to mulch or side discharge the grass
• You require push-button electric starting
• You want to stop the cutting blade while leaving the engine running
• You require a commercial mower for intensive professional contracting

 

Why Masseys recommends the Hayter Harrier 56 VS

Masseys recommends the Harrier 56 VS to customers whose lawns are large enough to benefit from a 56cm cutting width and who place a high value on a traditional striped finish.

The wide cutter deck is the main reason to choose this model. It reduces the number of mowing passes required across open grass, while the 53cm rear roller produces a noticeably broader stripe than the smaller Harrier 41 and Harrier 48 models.

Sens-a-Speed also makes the mower easier to control than a fixed-speed machine. The operator can reduce pressure on the drive lever to slow down around borders and garden features, then increase the pressure and forward pace across longer, unobstructed runs.

The Harrier 56 VS is not automatically the best choice for every large garden. Where the lawn contains narrow passages or several tight obstacles, Masseys would normally recommend the more compact Hayter Harrier 48 VS.

Where the lawn is divided by paths or the collector must be emptied frequently, the Hayter Harrier 56 BBC VS may be more convenient because its Blade Brake Clutch allows the cutting blade to be stopped while the engine remains running.

Sens-a-Speed variable self-propelled drive

The Sens-a-Speed system drives the mower forward while the operator controls its direction. Its approximate forward-speed range is 1.0–2.9mph.

The drive responds progressively to the pressure applied to the control lever:

• Light pressure: slower movement for corners, borders, obstacles and heavier grass
• Increased pressure: faster movement across open, regularly maintained sections

This allows the mowing pace to change naturally without selecting a fixed gear or stopping to adjust a separate speed control.

The powered drive reduces the physical effort required to move the approximately 52kg mower. It is still best suited to predominantly flat formal lawns and should not be treated as a specialist mower for steep slopes or difficult terrain.

56cm aluminium cutter deck

The 56cm / 22in aluminium cutter deck is designed for productive mowing across large lawns. Its width allows more grass to be cut in each pass, reducing mowing time compared with a narrower pedestrian machine.

Aluminium provides strong, rigid and corrosion-resistant construction. The deck also incorporates Hayter’s Trim Side profile, allowing the mower to cut close to walls, raised beds and lawn edges.

The mower’s overall width is approximately 585mm. Check gates, passages, storage space and transport arrangements before purchasing.

Two-piece rear roller for broad lawn stripes

The Harrier 56 VS uses a two-piece ribbed rear roller approximately 53cm wide. As the mower travels in alternating directions, the roller bends the grass and creates contrasting light-and-dark stripes.

The split design allows each side of the roller to rotate independently while turning. This improves manoeuvrability at the end of a mowing pass and helps reduce scuffing or marking of the turf.

The visibility of the stripes will also depend on grass type, cutting height, lawn condition, mowing direction and how regularly the grass is maintained.

159cc Hayter petrol engine

The Harrier 56 VS CODE574B is powered by a 159cc Hayter 1P65FC single-cylinder four-stroke OHV petrol engine with a rated output of approximately 2.6kW.

The engine uses recoil starting and powers both the rotary cutting blade and the self-propelled rear-roller drive.

The fuel tank holds approximately one litre, and the engine-oil capacity is approximately 0.55 litres. Fresh fuel, the correct oil and regular servicing are essential for dependable operation.

Always follow the supplied operator handbook for starting, refuelling, maintenance, transportation and seasonal storage.

Seven cutting heights from 13–60mm

A single counterbalanced lever adjusts the mower through seven cutting-height positions between approximately 13mm and 60mm.

Lower settings are intended for level, regularly maintained formal lawns in suitable growing conditions. Higher settings are useful during dry weather, periods of rapid growth or when the grass has been allowed to become longer.

Avoid removing an excessive proportion of the grass blade in one pass. When the lawn is long, begin with a higher setting and reduce the height gradually during later mowing sessions.

Vari-Pitch cutting and 70-litre collection

The Harrier 56 VS is designed primarily for grass collection. Its large 70-litre fabric collector complements the wide cutter deck and reduces the number of emptying stops required across a substantial lawn.

Hayter’s Vari-Pitch system adjusts the forward pitch of the cutter deck as the cutting height changes. This helps increase airflow and maintain grass-collection performance in longer or more demanding conditions.

Actual collection performance will depend on grass length, moisture, cutting height, blade condition and forward speed. Damp or overgrown grass may require a higher initial cutting setting and a slower mowing pace.

Keep the collector fabric clean and unobstructed. Dried clippings and dust can restrict airflow and reduce collection performance.

This mower does not include mulching, side-discharge or rear-discharge functions.

Easy-Wash connection and folding handlebars

An Easy-Wash hose connection allows a garden hose to be attached to assist with removing grass residue from the underside of the cutter deck.

Follow the cleaning procedure in the Hayter operator handbook. Never inspect, clean or reach beneath the cutter deck while the engine is running.

The handlebar folds to reduce the mower’s storage footprint. Without the grass collector fitted, the folded dimensions are approximately 980 × 585 × 480mm.

Important limitations to consider

• The mower weighs approximately 52kg
• It is best suited to large, predominantly flat formal lawns
• It does not have a Blade Brake Clutch
• It does not have electric start
• It is a collection mower rather than a mulching mower
• Its 56cm width is less manoeuvrable in confined gardens
• It is a premium domestic mower rather than a commercial Harrier Pro
• Regular engine, drive and blade servicing remains necessary

 

Compare Hayter Harrier lawn mowers

Browse the complete Hayter lawn mower range, compare all Hayter petrol lawn mowers, or view other petrol lawn mowers available from Masseys.

Hayter Harrier 56 VS CODE574B technical specifications

Warranty, setup and aftersales support

Hayter currently provides a five-year residential warranty and lifetime crankshaft warranty on the Harrier 56 VS, subject to registration, annual servicing and the applicable warranty terms.

Masseys can assemble the mower and add the correct engine oil and fuel before collection or qualifying local delivery. Confirm the current setup charge or promotional offer when ordering.

Ongoing support is available through the Masseys garden-machinery workshop. Learn more about lawn mower servicing and garden machinery repairs.

Masseys also supplies Aspen alkylate petrol and other mower oils and fuel products for suitable four-stroke garden machinery.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hayter Harrier 56 VS self-propelled?

Yes. It uses Hayter’s Sens-a-Speed variable drive, providing an approximate forward-speed range of 1.0–2.9mph.

What size lawn is the Harrier 56 VS suitable for?

Hayter recommends it for large formal lawns up to approximately 1,000m². Practical suitability also depends on access width, lawn layout, slopes, obstacles and storage space.

Does the Harrier 56 VS create lawn stripes?

Yes. Its two-piece 53cm ribbed rear roller bends the grass in alternating directions to create broad light-and-dark stripes.

Does it have a Blade Brake Clutch?

No. Releasing the operator-presence control stops the engine and cutting blade. Choose the Harrier 56 BBC VS if you need to stop the blade while leaving the engine running.

Does the mower mulch grass?

No. The Harrier 56 VS is designed for grass collection and does not include mulching or side-discharge functions.

How heavy is the mower?

The CODE574B mower weighs approximately 52kg. The self-propelled drive reduces effort during mowing, but the weight should be considered when transporting or lifting it.

What is the difference between the Harrier 56 VS and Harrier 48 VS?

The Harrier 56 VS has a wider cutting deck and rear roller, making it more productive on large open lawns and producing broader stripes. The Harrier 48 VS is lighter, easier to store and more manoeuvrable in gardens with tighter features.

Is the Harrier 56 VS suitable for slopes?

It is best suited to large, predominantly flat formal lawns. Sens-a-Speed can help control the mowing pace on gentle changes in level, but the mower is not designed for steep or unstable slopes.

Can Masseys assemble and service the mower?

Yes. Masseys offers machine assembly and setup and operates an in-house workshop for servicing, repairs and warranty support.

Product advice reviewed by the Masseys Garden Machinery Team. Specifications last checked July 2026. Product specifications, promotions and warranty terms should be confirmed against the documentation supplied with the mower at the time of purchase.