In the first in a series of machinery and equipment reviews in collaboration with Machinery Nation, we take a look at the Etesia Attila AK 98X and how it tackles tough, overgrown terrain with power, precision, and surprising efficiency.

We’ve all done it – that one job you keep putting off because it’s a really big one.

There’s no straightforward solution – it seems time-consuming or other stuff just gets in the way. 

So, what do you get if you buy a field and then don’t maintain it for five years?

As you can imagine, you get a proper mess.

You get old bracken, you get rushes, you get saplings, and you get thick, mangled grass.

You need the right machine to do the job: the Etesia Attila AK 98X, four-wheel drive, Kawasaki engine-driven rough cut mower.

The Traditional Options

Now, you might be thinking, ‘Why would you not use your big tractor with front linkage and a front topper?’

‘Why would you not use a remote-control mower?’ After all, you wouldn’t be risking yourself amongst all the potential hazards.

Well, you need a machine that’s not too heavy, so it doesn’t get stuck in muddy, wet grass. You also need something where you can be right on top of it – making decisions in real time, seeing exactly where you are, and clearing away excess vegetation.

The Ideal Machine

The Etesia Attila AK 98X is not your average ride-on mower. It’s designed to handle dense vegetation, heavy overgrowth, thick brambles, saplings, and overgrown bush.

It’s powered by a throaty 726cc Kawasaki V-twin engine, producing 24 horsepower and 17.8 kW.

With a twin-cylinder engine, it delivers plenty of low-end torque, meaning it’s able to deal with the tougher stuff. It also has a 14-litre fuel tank, so you’re able to use it for hours.

With a wide cutting deck spanning nearly a metre (98cm, to be exact), you’ll cover ground fast – up to nearly one hectare per hour. The cutting deck is made from 2mm steel and has cutting heights from 120mm, all the way down to 50mm, enabling it to tackle a wide variety of different tasks.

With a hydrostatic transmission, it offers precise speed control up to 10 km/h, and this isn’t just from the foot pedal – you can use the hand hydrostatic lever too.

Designed to take a beating

Adding the four-wheel drive capabilities and diff-lock control gives you optimal performance in virtually any terrain and allows the AK 98X to work on slopes of up to 30%.

Built on a rugged steel chassis and designed to take a beating, the AK 98X is made for the kind of work most machines won’t even attempt.

Weighing just 310kg, it’s light enough to travel across wetter ground without causing excessive compaction or doing too much damage to your precious turf.

The AK 98X is the largest and most comprehensive mower in the Attila range, but Etesia also offers other options, including the AK 88, AK 95, and AK 98 – providing smaller engines and two-wheel drive models.

The Expert’s View

James from Machinery Nation has been testing it out, and he has positive feedback about the speed and comfort: “The nice thing about this, compared to any other machine like this I’ve used, is I’ve got legroom – I’ve got legroom to spare.”

And there’s more: 

“Nice, easy, intuitive controls. Adjustable steering column. I like it. I like it.”

James tested it in a variety of terrain and was honest about its weaknesses after getting stuck in the boggy, marshy part of his field:

“What’s the old saying? ‘A good man knows his limitations?’ So I’m not sure what that makes me – I’ve found the soft spot.”

After pulling the Atilla free, James ploughed on.

“What a little machine. Now, its limitation is obviously the underslung deck in softer ground – because you sink and you belly out.”

“But on harder ground, it just seems to buff on.”

“Well, even in soft ground… imagine driving through [certain difficult terrain] with anything – you’re going to belly out.”

The Verdict

“The only thing I think I can find fault with – and it’s the same with all machines of these types – is the seat is a little uncomfortable on your bottom. If they could integrate a nice cushioned seat, like on a modern zero-turn mower, it would transform the experience.”

One of James’ favourite features of the AK 98X is the superb cutting deck, which handled everything he threw at it. 

He was also impressed with the steering system, stating that Etesia have managed to maintain a fantastic turning circle.

Despite using a Kawasaki V-twin, James noted that it hasn’t consumed anywhere near as much fuel as he expected it to.

“Yes, the low deck holds it back in terms of ground clearance, but that’s the design of the machine. If you made it any different, then obviously it’s not going to be able to do the same job. The low centre of gravity, the low cutting capability… it is robust.”

“It is a strong machine all the way around.”

“Etesia is known for building high-quality commercial machines, and they haven’t disappointed here.”

“It’s a big tick in the box from me.”