Choosing a lawnmower is driving me crazy

[Xkylescorex]

I had an old push husqvarna with a honda engine which was the best lawnmower I ever had. Then a neighbor gave me a troybilt self propelled with a briggs that wasnt that old but the carb was finicky. I figured since I had 2 I would put them both for sale and upgrade to a nicer husqvarna self propelled. Now Im going crazy reading reviews. My budget was originally $300. I saw a black max with a hinda engine at sams club for $300 but the reviews were all over the place. Cheap plastic wheels that break seem to be the problem. Then I upped my budget to 350 which gets me a husqvarna lc221 with a honda engine and rear wheel drive. Reviews are good but I see problems with the wheel adjusters. Now Im wondering should I shell out $400 for honda model with the same engine . The general consensus is that Honda is the best of the best. Thick steel deck etc etc. What do you guys think? Im maxing out at $400 though. Is it worth it?

 

[ctimrun]

That extra $50 is well worth it. I reluctantly spent the extra on my honda mower and over the last 10 years I have had it I have not had one problem (with some preventive maintenance). I would pay $50 extra twice if I could save mower headaches over 10 years. Yard work is enough of a pain without mower issues.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I know a few people with this Honda. I'm thinking about replacing my Toro personal pace with this Honda b/c I hate the Toro so much.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-i...d-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216K9VKA/203709643

 

[Paco Pena]

I would avoid anything self propelled if I wanted reliability. If you have a massive yard then thats not really an option.

Paco

 

[red61cj5]

I know a few people with this Honda. I'm thinking about replacing my Toro personal pace with this Honda b/c I hate the Toro so much.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-i...d-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216K9VKA/203709643

I have a toro pushmower with a Honda motor, that thing is tough as nails, Ive hit rocks hard enough to stop motor, rip out motor mount bolt holes. Just rotated the powerhead, drilled new holes, and went on. This year, maybe year 5, I got it out of the shed, same gas I left in it in October, choked it, 1 pull and it started right up. think I got it at lowes.

 

[Xkylescorex]

I have a toro pushmower with a Honda motor, that thing is tough as nails, Ive hit rocks hard enough to stop motor, rip out motor mount bolt holes. Just rotated the powerhead, drilled new holes, and went on. This year, maybe year 5, I got it out of the shed, same gas I left in it in October, choked it, 1 pull and it started right up. think I got it at lowes.

This is the honda I was looking at as well

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-i...3017k6&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6147012-_-11210757&cj=true

 

[Dadillac]

Xkylescorex

I also have a Husqvarna mower with the Honda engine. Mine is front drive which I have determined not to my liking after 4 years of ownership. But that Honda engine starts on the first pull all the time. Maybe the second on the first use of the season. So I decided that I needed a new mower. Had to have the Honda GVC160 engine and rear drive. So I got the 21" one from HD. Only I upgraded to the electric start model which is $100 more at $499. Same mower though. Have used it three times so far and it is terrific. Runs just as well as the Husqvarna (same engine) but does a better job of mulching. The Honda has a better blade system. If you get the Honda you will not be sorry

Don

 

[Bluedodge]

Bought my MTD rear bagger for $135 in the early 00's. Ten years old and runs fine.
Second spark plug and third blade now.
Can't imagine throwing down $400 for a walk behind mower.

 

[tldavis]

I work at the Honda factory where the mowers are made, so my opinion is biased, but there's a reason Honda is recommended so often. A lot is put into the design, manufacture, and testing of all our mowers. The HRR VKA at $400 is a great buy and all you really need for your home (dependant on lot size, of course).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21...d-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216K9VKA/203709643

 

[Scott H in Wheaton]

The last 3 mowers I had were recycled off the curb, fixed up and used for a few more years. Maybe $25 each.

 

[vavet]

I bought my Honda self propelled mower in 2007. I used to curse it for not having a choke or primer....until I figured out I was trying to start it wrong. Don't need it yank it like crazy. Smooth, slow pulls on the rope gets it started.
I would've bought a Honda riding mower last year if they'd made them.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

How much will you need to use it? We used to put 20 hours a week on a mower when my sons and I did lawns together. We wore out a Snapper that was great, then bought an Ariens self propelled with a 6.75 B & S & caster front wheels and have had really good luck with it. But we put almost as much time on it in a week or 2 as some people put on their mowers in 1 full season. If you need to run it for more than a couple hours a week, spend the money and go more commercial. I agree, Hondas are supposed to be top of the line, but there are other good ones too. If you don't have to put too much time on it each week, quality may be less important, but a commercial type walk behind will outlast all the cheaper ones.

 

[billspit]

Honda used to make riding mowers but dropped them.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I know a few people with this Honda. I'm thinking about replacing my Toro personal pace with this Honda b/c I hate the Toro so much.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-i...d-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216K9VKA/203709643

Exact same one I bought about 3 months ago. First I bought a Troy-Bilt and it flat wouldnt start easily - screw that, I returned it.

Went to Home Cheapo and bought this mower and thought I got another dog. Problem was I went on a vacation and waited too long so I took it to my local repair shop. They said I had a bad carb from the facotry and replaced it under warranty. Since then? Starts on the first or second pull EVERY time. Works great, I love it.

 

[3rdgen]

I bought a Honda on Saturday and I have to say it cuts really nice compared to my old cub cadet. Its not self propelled but rolls really easy with the bearings in the wheels compared to the old one.

 

[CJM8515]

Honda, well worth the cash. Buy the aluminum deck one.

 

[DanielC99]

Not really much to offer the OP. But I have a story some might find amusing. Back in the early 70's I was in college. I came home from class one early fine spring day and I saw my dad's Eager One lawnmower just about where he left it the last time he used it months ago. Might have been a foot or two from where it was left. Out in the weather, not covered up. From what I remember the Eager One was guaranteed to start first pull every time. I think there were probably some caveats to that guarantee. Like not leaving the mower exposed to the weather for months and probably using fresh gas when trying to start it the first time in a new season, even though we did not have ethanol to deal with back then.
Upon further inspection I noticed an axe close by. And deep gouges in the cylinder fins. And the carburetor chopped off laying to the side.
I asked dad what happened. He said the damn thing wouldn't start.
The man never acted upon us in anger, he was a fine father, but if an inanimate object messed with him he had no patience. He actually taught me a great deal about stepping back and sizing up a situation that day before acting.

 

[all4bespinnin]

Had a Toro Personal Pace and it ran great for years. I did have to change out the transmission once due to slippage but I don't think it was that expensive just a huge ***** to take apart. Buddy recently bought a house so I sold it to him and bought a Ego self propelled. Just throwing a battery in and mowing with almost no sound is amazing lol. It's so light I can hang it in the wall but it does struggle for traction sometimes since there is not a lot of weight over the rear tires. I can mow the entire yard and run the leaf blower on a single charge. They just released their multi head tools. I'll be selling my Echo PAS stuff and moving to battery...my gas days are over.

 

[rburke65]

I can appreciate dads actions! He and I would have gotten along. I have a Honda self propelled mower and it does nit get much use but it has always started for me. I park it right along side my axe.

 

[CJM8515]

know something? I find it odd many people have issues with lawn equipment. I never once had an issue. My old boss would send me over his house every few months in the warmer weather to fix his toro mower. He kept leaving it full of gas and his yard was sandy soil so it only needed to be mowed maybe 10x a year at best. Still without fail Id have to go down and clean the carb. Think the fact he left it full of gas all the time and never drained it did it in.

Even funnier is the fact our 25 year old murray with brigs mower that is beat to hell and back still runs. Havent used it in 20 years now and last summer the rider had an issue. So i drug it out, put some gas in it and 3 pulls later fired right up. That thing hasnt even seen an oil change ever.

If you maintain it, it will last so long as you dont buy cheap garbage.

 

[finn]

I agree with CJM.

My mower is a 1994 Craftsman that the neighbor was throwing out twenty years ago because he wrapped the blade around the city water shutoff.

A new blade (and a couple more in the last twenty years), an oil change every five years, and a new plug and air filter once in a while is all it's needed.

Starts on the first pull every spring, and weekly thereafter.

I don't get excited when someone's brand new $500 Honda starts well

 

[SIX225]

Best mower we ever had a 80s Toro with the 2 cycle Suzuki engine. Has the BBC. Still starts on the first or second pull, but these days the float occasionally sticks.

 

[Scotland]

I've had two of those HDepot Honda's self propelled. Gave my first one to my FIL 9 yrs ago. Change the oil every season (or 25hrs of runtime). Now I just need to find a way to change the rear wheels because those are the first thing to wear out on that mower.

 

[Wanna Ride]

About 22 years ago, I bought a $125 MTD/Briggs. Changed the oil and plug every year, changed the blade a couple times, and had to weld the handle a couple times. Down by the the wheels. Finally died two years ago. Bought another new MTD/Briggs for $150 and in the process of rebuilding the carb right now. Really not rebuilding it, just replacing the bowl o-ring because I nicked it, and gotta replace the gasket that goes between the airbox and carb. My fault though, because the gas was left in it over the winter.
I have to admit, I was apprehensive when I saw it had a plastic carb, but I really knida like it. Much less chance of damaging the bowl and carb, disassembling it. Almost no chance of distorting the plastic bowl instead of a tin bowl. Those damn tin bowls would easily get eggshed if knocked of the bench or tapping on it to seperate it from the carb. With those cast carbs, they'd easily corrode inside. This plastic carb is smooth as silk inside. But I don't care for the absence of an oil drain plug.

 

[Trey T]

I have a Honda (older model) w/ steel deck that I use on a small property. The deck is heavy duty but you have to maintain it to prevent rust. I like Honda engines, they're the best in the industry, but I prefer their plastic (composite) deck better.

These days, I prefer a lot products using plastic (elitist calls it polymer) over metal.

 

[getbent4x4]

The last 3 mowers I had were recycled off the curb, fixed up and used for a few more years. Maybe $25 each.

This just keep what you have and fix then via YouTube and eBay parts.

 

[glentre]

I have a Husqvarna self propelled.... Starts every time on first pull. However, I would not buy another one because the wheels stick out further than the mower blade on the left side. It is impossible to mow to the edge of a wall, fence or anything else close because the wheels bind against the wall. It always leaves about 2" or so of unmowed grass.

Advice is to check out the wheel/mower deck configuration on any mower you are looking at.

Glen

 

[Mike.VA]

I would recommend the Toro Personal Pace, mine had been great, and parts are easy to get and replace. It goes your pace and easy to start and last and last.

My neighbor has the new Honda self propelled. It is not as user friendly as the Toro and you have to keep adjusting the speed. The Toro, the faster you walk, the faster the mower goes. It's a sweet deal.

 

[jives]

Wow, no mention of Lawnboy? The two-stokes, aluminum deck, the best.

 

[mnoeltne]

Wow, no mention of Lawnboy? The two-stokes, aluminum deck, the best.

Not the current models. The two-stroke won't pass emissions, and I don't think they do the aluminum deck anymore. They're owned by Toro now.

Years ago I remember my grandfather always had a Lawnboy. He thought they were a premium mower at the time.

 

[Xkylescorex]

Well I found a $50 off a purchase of $250 from northern tool.com its code 252521. They had the honda walkbehind for $400 . I used the coupon and it worked! I figured thats as good of a deal as I will get

 

[yeldogt]

I have that Honda -- and it a fine mower .. the finger control can get a bit tiring on the thumbs after long use. Make sure to run the carb dry at the end of season and empty the bowel .. I run some Blaster through mine. The carb oriface clogging is the only probelm I ever have with Honda engines.

FYI: The transmission on most mowers is a weak point -- even this Honda has some issues.

The best mowers Honda made IMO are the HR241 and HR215 -- Honda's current commercial line is close. They came with a 2,3 or infinite transmission as well as push depending on year. The transmission are direct drive from the engine and metal -- no belt. They also have the real Honda commercial engine (GX) - and an alloy deck. I still have my push one that I bought as a kid in 1980 -- bot two others on CL .. they sell in 5min.

 

[Chris705]

I just bought the Husqvarna all-wheel drive model after looking around for one to replace my old John Deere aluminum deck mower that lasted me 20yrs....carb bit the dust and became powerless. Anyway after one mow I really like the Husqvarna's drive...can operate it with one hand, has plenty of power....the one and only drawback I know will be an issue down the road is the deck...the steel deck will not last because I don't clean underneath every time...I only do that two three times a year when I sharpen the blade. If you liked your old Husqvarna I'd think you could stay with it.