The lawn mower thread (ugh)

[xscorex]

I hate doing yard work, I hate the space my giant 20 year old k gro riding mower takes up in my garage. I especially hate jerking the crank cord on an engine that doesnt want to start. I hate it so much for the first time, last year I paid someone to cut my grass every week. With a hectic work schedule the $40 was worth paying to not use 2 hours of my precious saturday sweating to death covered inb bugs and grass clippings in the carolina heat. However, this year Im newly unemployed and my grass ( or weeds) are growing fast. I have an acre of hilly land and I'm thinking of selling the old k gro with the 42" cutting deck and buying a new or almost new self propelled push type mower. I think I can get $300 for the k gro so thats the price range. Id like it to have an electric start but seriously after doing research on yard equipment I'm more confused than when I started. Looks like most are made by two companies but are they made to the same specs? Which would you recommend? I need to get moving fast, Im thinking about home depot's toro. I'd like a honda but to get the same features looks like it will be alot more expensive. I want to hear you guy's opinions on lawn mowers

 

[rburke65]

I have a Honda self propelled, pull start. I only use it to cut the drainage ditch across the front of the property and my wife will use it to cut occasionily for the execise, but even with the infrequent use that thing starts ALL THE TIME. As most things, I'm glad I spent the money. My 2 cents.

 

[sammm]

I bought a Toro Super Recycler a few years back at a Toro dealer (diff. than you can get at HD). Great mower and starts on the first pull 99% of the time.

 

[HSpencer]

I think the best self propelled walk behind would be a Snapper. I am a Snapper fan, so, yes, I am very biased. But with a hilly acre, man I would have to ride. As far as a rider, I have been using Cub Cadet riders in the 36" cut deck. I have had three of them in 36 years. I am not talking about the ones from Tractor Supply or Lowes. I buy mine at a real Cub Cadet dealer, and no matter what anyone says, there is a difference!!.
I have tried a lot of walk behind mowers. I had apartment complexes for ten years, and wore out more lawn mowers than most people have. The Snappers always held up. I would NOT buy the Snapper Sears sells. If you go Snapper, buy it from a real Snapper dealer. There IS a difference.
To save money and have a good mower, stay away from the big box stores.

 

[HSpencer]

Another thing I forgot to add: I am also a Snapper fan because in about 2004, Snapper told Wal-Mart in so many words to stick it where the sun don't shine. Wally wanted Snapper to cheapen and sell in droves of millions of mowers. The CEO stood for quality mowers and told them to shove it. You can read that story on line by googling the article about WalMart and Snapper.

 

[A1an]

I am another Honda mower fan. Nothing but good experiences with those mowers. They are somewhat expensive new I have seen a lot of good deals on used Honda mowers.

 

[Kevro]

I also have decent sized hills in my yard, and I have a Toro with the Personal Pace RWD setup (from HD). It's an excellent system that goes whatever speed you want, without flipping levers all the time (looks like Snapper has something similar). I got it 7 years ago, and still starts on the first or second pull.

 

[GMCAMARO]

My hondas were expensive, I have owned 2, the problem was you can only buy Honda parts. Most places that are not honda dealers do not have replacements parts. Things like air cleaners and oil filters can only come from Honda dealers. That's why I sold both of mine. I am a maintenance freak and do it religiously and reliably, when the manual says do something, I do it. Which is great for Honda as there I was spending money for a part that I could not get cheaper, some place else.

 

[rwhite692]

I have a Honda self propelled, pull start. I only use it to cut the drainage ditch across the front of the property and my wife will use it to cut occasionily for the execise, but even with the infrequent use that thing starts ALL THE TIME. As most things, I'm glad I spent the money. My 2 cents.

^^^^ +1 for the Honda. I have one that is about 12 years old now, is never maintained, still starts on the first pull every time, and is still worth about half of what i paid for it.

In your price range of $300 you can buy a decent used one and still be miles ahead in value as compared to anything that you can buy for $300 new.

 

[BigRed390]

$300 puts you in used mower territory for a decent mower. Stay away from the big boxes. Go find dealers for Toro, Snapper, Honda, etc. They sell great quality mowers and usually work on what they sell. They may have a few leads as to owners looking to upgrade, etc. and some may even have trade ins on the floor. You have a whole acre of hilly hell to mow. Don't cheap out and buy a new POS for $299 from a box store. It will die and you will be mowerless and out $300.

My dad owned his own landscaping business for 10+ years. He used commercial grade snappers (push mowers) and Cub Cadets (riding/walk behinds) exclusively. He's been out of the business since the mid 90's and replaced his last commercial snapper two weeks ago (kept two after selling the business, and they both could still be used, just need a part or two.) Care to guess what he bought? Yep. A Snapper Pro, RWD self propelled, pull start. He laughed because they have cupholders now.

Barring this, hit CL and see what you can see. Last summer I got a 1972 Snapper with a 5 horse Briggs and Stratton (or breaks and scatters, depending on your viewpoint) that runs like a top. It is NOT self propelled, but it leaves a beautiful finish on my yard, is VERY easy to work on, and was tuned up and repainted before the previous owner sold it to me (retired ford mechanic, so he was used to things that burn oil ) It cost me a whole $90 and came with a grocery bag full of tomatos and some banana bread. Never know what you'll find!

BTW, good luck with your job search. Never any fun being out of work.

 

[digdug18]

Could you get away with not cutting the whole acre? I mean once every 2 weeks or something cutting the whole thing, and every week only cutting around your house.

I have a Honda self propelled push mower, model #HRR216VKA. It works great, I would prefer a walk behind with a kawasaki motor on it, but the honda works fine for now.

Why do you want to go from a 42" riding mower to a self propelled push mower? Its going to take you twice the amount of time to push the lawn versus riding, and if your mower works fine, why change it out? I could see if your having problems, but it doesn't sound like you are.

 

[Gary S]

I hate lawn mowing too. At least my yard isn't large enough that I end up spending all of my summer doing it.
I've been lucky. I've never owned a bad mower. I buy a cheap mower from Menards or similar place, run it to death in 15-20 years with limited maintenance, and replace the mower. Mine get 1 oil change a year, blade sharpening once every 5 years or so, and maybe the air filter cleaned and the spark plug replaced every 5-8 years. So far, I have been getting 15-20 years of troublefree service from the cheap mowers this way. My current mower is a cheap MTD that is 7 years old and so far has had yearly oil changes, blade sharpened once, and air filter cleaned once.
The little Briggs engine starts up first pull pretty much every time, even in the Spring after sitting for 6 months and no winter prep the Fall before.
The first time my mowers act up, they go to the junk yard and get replaced with another $300-350 mower. I just don't care enough about them to treat them better.
At $350 for a new mower and a 20 year lifespan, I figure spending more money on repairs and maintenance gets counterproductive very fast.

 

[Jeff]

Honda is the way to go. Mine has speed paddles on the handle for self-propelled control. It always starts with one easy pull. Much better on fuel than my old mowers (Cman, Toro). Well worth the money.

 

[neverenoughtools]

Remember, nothing runs like a Deere !

 

[Gary S]

Remember, nothing runs like a Deere !

John Deere lawn equipment isn't what it was years ago. A few years ago I worked for a company that purchased a new John Deere riding lawn mower. It had Kawasaki engine that was the worst small engine I've ever seen. It was almost impossible to start if the weather was below 80 degrees, and John Deere's maintenance crew could never make it better.
I'd never own any small engine made by Kawasaki or Honda

 

[xscorex]

thanks for the help guys, Im looking at used hondas on craigslist now. I want to trade the riding mower because its battery always goes dead and now the rear tire is flat, plus the deck is weird, like its not at the right height and scalps the yard alot and is big and takes up valuable motorcycle space in my garage. plus after I mow I have to come back with the weedeater to get all of the nooks and crannies and the weird hilly spots i couldnt get into because its too big, I feel like a nice self propelled would almost be easier, plus the kids will be grass cutting age in two more years so then its up to them, hahahahaha.

 

[1931S/X]

i picked a 33" walk behind troy bilt from the trash, while i was checking it out the lady came out and asked if i could give her 40 bucks. she said it needed a tune up or something. i gave it a pull too make sure it wasnt seized, all controls moved freely. i felt stupid paying 40 bucks for trash, but she gave me a sob story so i brought it home, hit the starter and it just spun, didnt engage. i figure ok the starter needs to be cleaned up maybe rebuilt. i pulled the pull start once and it started right up. i mowed half my lawn with the gas that was in it. i used it 2 years then needed to rebuild the carb, and it needs a battery. they may not have the best reputation, but its an awsome mower. i liek it so much i was thinking of spending some good money and upgrading the motor. its a wierd mower looks like they took the rotor assembly off of a snow blower and mounted a ride on mower deck and made a cover for the belts.

 

[what have i done]

I would list your old rider on craigslist as a barter free in exchange for 1 year lawn mowing. that will get you through this year and by next year you will be back on your feet and go back to paying $40.

I would never want to mow an acre with a push mower...

Find someone who want a free rider and would be willing to mow your lawn for a year..win win

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I got tired of my tin-can throwaway MTD so I restored this two years ago:

1968 Cub Cadet 125. 12hp cast iron Kohler. The tractor alone is 630 pounds of steel! Good to go for another forty years. I've also got a full set of winter tires (ags, weights, tri-ribs for the front), two snowthrowers, a front blade and a tiller. Nice to be able to use it for all jobs all year round.

 

[jam0o0]

i mowed an acre with a self propelled walk behind for years when i was in school. it worked great to keep me out of trouble. it took all saterday to do it and by the end of the day i was too tired to do anything else.

that mower was great though. it was a honda that got put in storage for 3 years. not winterized or anything. we changed the gas in it and it started 3rd pull. i'm pretty sure the oil has never been changed and it's 20+ years old and doesn't smoke. it sits now that dad doesn't want to waste the time on his saterdays, when $35 gets the entire front and back yards, edges, weeds taken care of.

 

[buening]

John Deere lawn equipment isn't what it was years ago. A few years ago I worked for a company that purchased a new John Deere riding lawn mower. It had Kawasaki engine that was the worst small engine I've ever seen. It was almost impossible to start if the weather was below 80 degrees, and John Deere's maintenance crew could never make it better.
I'd never own any small engine made by Kawasaki or Honda

I believe John Deere now outsources their small garden tractors to MTD.

 

[Rixter58]

John Deere lawn equipment isn't what it was years ago. A few years ago I worked for a company that purchased a new John Deere riding lawn mower. It had Kawasaki engine that was the worst small engine I've ever seen. It was almost impossible to start if the weather was below 80 degrees, and John Deere's maintenance crew could never make it better.
I'd never own any small engine made by Kawasaki or Honda

You reference the trouble with Kawasaki...but honda? I'm sure you have your reasons, but I've got to say....you are one af a VERY few people I've ever heard complaining about Honda small engines. Care to elaborate?

 

[rwhite692]

I got tired of my tin-can throwaway MTD so I restored this two years ago:

1968 Cub Cadet 125. 12hp cast iron Kohler. The tractor alone is 630 pounds of steel! Good to go for another forty years. I've also got a full set of winter tires (ags, weights, tri-ribs for the front), two snowthrowers, a front blade and a tiller. Nice to be able to use it for all jobs all year round.

That is real nice! but the OP indicated he is looking for a self propelled walk-behind mower.

 

[oldtractors]

I believe John Deere now outsources their small garden tractors to MTD.

Nope. Deere builds their homeowner models themselves, in Tennessee. The "better" tractors are made in Wisconsin.

 

[e-tek]

I hate lawn mowing too. At least my yard isn't large enough that I end up spending all of my summer doing it.
I've been lucky. I've never owned a bad mower. I buy a cheap mower from Menards or similar place, run it to death in 15-20 years with limited maintenance, and replace the mower. Mine get 1 oil change a year, blade sharpening once every 5 years or so, and maybe the air filter cleaned and the spark plug replaced every 5-8 years. So far, I have been getting 15-20 years of troublefree service from the cheap mowers this way. My current mower is a cheap MTD that is 7 years old and so far has had yearly oil changes, blade sharpened once, and air filter cleaned once.
The little Briggs engine starts up first pull pretty much every time, even in the Spring after sitting for 6 months and no winter prep the Fall before.
The first time my mowers act up, they go to the junk yard and get replaced with another $300-350 mower. I just don't care enough about them to treat them better.
At $350 for a new mower and a 20 year lifespan, I figure spending more money on repairs and maintenance gets counterproductive very fast.

We've had cclose to the EXACT SAME experiences.... I just don't beleive people tha say they don't decent value out of a cheaper "big box" mower. I think that occurs when people buy UNDER-POWERED mowers for their needs. I bought a Murray with a 6.5HP Briggs Motor 9 years ago. Oil changes - HAHAHAHA! Spark Plug? What's that? I sharpen/balance the blade and beat the hell out of it. I do my yard, the neighbours yard and most of the alley behind us - about 6 hours a week all summer and i never complains. I bet it goes for 20 years.

 

[Gary S]

you are one af a VERY few people I've ever heard complaining about Honda small engines. Care to elaborate?

With Honda, you pay more for the name and get less. I've never had a problem with a much cheaper Briggs or Tecumseh engine, so why pay more. I prefer engines build in the US just like I prefer tools made in the US.
My experience has been that a cheap MTD mower with a Briggs engine will outlast a Honda and cost less money. About 30 years ago, I bought a new MTD mower. My neighbor across the fence bought a new Honda. The Honda died after about 15 years while my Briggs ran another 5 or 6 years. And, mine was less than 1/2 the price.

 

[Az Scooter]

Tecumseh engines are beyond garbage. I would not own one. They are loud, cheap, and unreliable, from my experience.

 

[Gary S]

Tecumseh engines are beyond garbage. I would not own one. They are loud, cheap, and unreliable, from my experience.

I love the Tecumseh engine on my snowblower. It has worked perfectly for 13 winters. It starts at any temperature, even -40 with just a tap of the starter, and it has moved more snow than most of you have ever seen.

 

[green.bubbly]

That is real nice! but the OP indicated he is looking for a self propelled walk-behind mower.

Well, he could walk behind this one as well.

 

[Printer Mike]

Still use my 1993 Honda mulching push mower. I think it still has the original spark plug.

 

[Cuda]

For what you are looking for, (starts easy) and for what you want to pay, I would suggest trying to find a good used Honda. I just don't think you can beat them for starting easy. And quiet. The ones I have seen you can carry on a conversation with someone while standing right next to it.

 

[foolishpride]

John Deere lawn equipment isn't what it was years ago. A few years ago I worked for a company that purchased a new John Deere riding lawn mower. It had Kawasaki engine that was the worst small engine I've ever seen. It was almost impossible to start if the weather was below 80 degrees, and John Deere's maintenance crew could never make it better.
I'd never own any small engine made by Kawasaki or Honda

I have a John Deere 185 lawn tractor that I bought 22 years ago when I bought my house. It still runs as good as the day it was new. Doesn't use any oil. I've replaced the spark plug once, changed the transmission fluid once, and oil & filter changes every year. And it has the 17 HP Kawasaki engine in it.

 

[Mr.N]

Toro

Briggs and Stratton are not good for side hills, I've burnt up a few motors.


I like the Toro, but we don't see too many cut'n days in Minnesota.

 

[sonnyboy]

With a hilly acre, I would think you would want a rider. You can pick up some of the old John Deere 110/112 and 200 series garden tractors pretty cheap, they are built like tanks, and spare parts are readily available from dealers. Just make sure you get one with a Kohler engine. The older Techumseh's are decent too, just a little trickier to tune.

Also, be very careful when comparing HP values. There was a class action lawsuit in recent years over inflated HP values in small engines. That being said, I would put my 1968 JD 110 with a stock 8HP Kohler up against most anything made in the last 15 years with double the rated horsepower.

 

[VHF]

$300 should get you a new self-propelled TroyBuilt with a Honda engine. As others have said, unless you've got a bad shoulder or elbow you don't need electric start with the Honda. After 11 years mine still starts on the first pull.

Note that not all TroyBuilt's have Honda engines and I wouldn't recommend one otherwise.

A couple years ago Sears also had a walk-behind mower with a Honda engine, but last summer when my coworker was shopping all they had was low-end flathead B&S engines.

Going down to a 21" cut vs. the 42" you have now won't save mowing time, but sounds like it will improve reliability and get you some garage space back.

 

[ZeroSignal]

After researching mowers all winter long I'm going with a Honda HRX mower. Wife doesn't understand $700 for a mower though. Lol

 

[nate379]

Am I the only one thinking that it's nuts to cut an acre with a push mower?

Ok fine once or twice cause you "have" to, but to do it all summer? By the time you got done you'd just about need to start back on the other end.

 

[MScott]

Am I the only one thinking that it's nuts to cut an acre with a push mower?

Ok fine once or twice cause you "have" to, but to do it all summer? By the time you got done you'd just about need to start back on the other end.

Especially in the heat and humidity of North Carolina in the summer. Talk about torture. If he needs more room in the garage, get a shed.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I believe John Deere now outsources their small garden tractors to MTD.

Wrong.

With Honda, you pay more for the name and get less. I've never had a problem with a much cheaper Briggs or Tecumseh engine, so why pay more. I prefer engines build in the US just like I prefer tools made in the US.
My experience has been that a cheap MTD mower with a Briggs engine will outlast a Honda and cost less money. About 30 years ago, I bought a new MTD mower. My neighbor across the fence bought a new Honda. The Honda died after about 15 years while my Briggs ran another 5 or 6 years. And, mine was less than 1/2 the price.

You're talking old Breaks and Scatters engines, they were fine. The new ones are absolute garbage.

Weedeater with briggs engine...first one spit out the crankcase gasket in under a year. You know the cups on top of a cough syrup bottle? That's how much oil it holds. According to briggs, it was a "minor leak" The thing holds 1/8 cup of oil. There is no such thing as a minor leak!! they wouldn't fix it. I just ran it until it shelled, then they replaced it. The replacement has a small leak now.

Husqvarna push mower with 6.5 briggs. Smoked like a ******** chimney since new. Took it back to the sears repair center 3 times within 6 month of having it. 3 times, briggs said it was a-ok. The third time, I brought oil and gas with me, filled it up, started it, and it fogged out the entire strip mall to the point you could hardly see the building 30' away. That, according to Briggs, is acceptable for a small engine. I asked the sears repair manager wtf, and all he could say was he couldn't do anything about it. I just ran it until it shelled without adding oil, and had them replace it. Replacement was better, still smoked a wee bit off and on.

Generator...10hp Briggs, ran 3 days, barfed out the crankcase gasket, filled the generator with oil, made it some weird phase/voltage. Lights in the house were about 3x as bright as they should have been. Replacement ran for 5 days with no issue, hasn't been used since.

2" transfer pumps, both of them shelled the Briggs engines in less than a year.

Poulan rototiller, Briggs surged and backfired out of the box. Couldn't figure out how to adjust the f'ing carb, called Briggs and was told it was non-adjustable. They were factory tuned so they never required adjustment. Crock of ****, had it 2 hours, and returned that pile. I swore off Briggs engines at that point.

**** new Breaks & Scatters engines. I started buying Honda, not a lick of a problem.

Cub Cadet tiller with Honda, purrs like a kitten, no matter how hard you work it.

Pressure washer, honda runs great.

Honda grain auger engines that sat outside year round, in North Dakota winters, never a lick of trouble.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I picked up an ancient Honda on the side of the road. It starts first pull, even after a long winter.

I bought a Troy built rider at Lowes last year, to replace my 85 Agway. It does my 1 1/2 acres just fine. I mowed it all with a push job for years, but I always hated it. Took about three to four hours if I pushed myself hard. Now I am done in an hour and a half max, and the hardest part is getting myself out there to turn the key.

If you think you hate your rider, what makes you think you will like a push job ?