Toggle sidebar

Need a new lawnmower

WHCSC

WHCSC

All-Conference
Feb 4, 2002
10,806
3,619
88
I'm in the market for a new lawnmower nad looking for your wisdom. I need a self-propelled, bagging mower. The lawn I'll be mowing is very thick and usually tall so it needs lots of power. I want something that's going to last, probably not a Craftsman Winking . I've been focusing on Toro. Is there another brand I should look at? The bigger the engine, the better? Know of any deals? TIA!
 
L

litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671

All-American
Aug 27, 2006
27,799
5,563
0
If the thought of spending $600 on a mower doesn't make you throw up in your mouth a little, look at the Honda. It will be your last mower and whoever you will it to when you pass, last mower as well.
 
WHCSC

WHCSC

All-Conference
Feb 4, 2002
10,806
3,619
88
litespeedhuskerfan said:
If the thought of spending $600 on a mower doesn't make you throw up in your mouth a little, look at the Honda. It will be your last mower and whoever you will it to when you pass, last mower as well.
Click to expand...

Yah, that's a bit steep. Maybe a used one?
 
T

tpmcg_rivals137159

All-Conference
Mar 25, 2002
10,437
1,024
0
my honda is not like their past models in quality.
i have a decent sized yard, but my wheels are flat smooth.
~3 years old.
but bermuda is hard on mowers and we have a long mowing season.
plus, i mulch our leaves and those last into december.
the toro i had was better.
never had to replace wheels in ~12 years.
probably paid $75 more for honda...i think.
 
S

schuele

All-American
Apr 17, 2005
21,124
5,734
0
I actually had a Craftsman mower for 25 years - the thing absolutely would not die. Finally the self-propel unit gave out, so I put a FREE sign on it and put it at the end of the driveway - it was gone within 10 minutes.

But you're right - I don't think they are built that way anymore.
 
V

V777

Redshirt
Feb 28, 2015
13
0
0
Toro Recycler with a Briggs and Stratton. It allows to mulch or bag. The personal pace is nice. I had one for about 15 years and gave it to my nephew and bought myself another used one (about 3 years old). I can't compare it any other mower but it has been solid for me. Starts every time with little/no maintenance.
 
L

litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671

All-American
Aug 27, 2006
27,799
5,563
0
V777 said:
Toro Recycler with a Briggs and Stratton. It allows to mulch or bag. The personal pace is nice. I had one for about 15 years and gave it to my nephew and bought myself another used one (about 3 years old). I can't compare it any other mower but it has been solid for me. Starts every time with little/no maintenance.
Click to expand...

I own that mower...love it, and a little easier on the wallet than the Honda.
 
B

BigRedRising_rivals337083

Redshirt
Aug 31, 2019
508
0
0
Honda decks are gnarly. Exmark 19 inch with the Kawasaki engine is the top mark in my opinion. Commercial mowers are far, far superior than the homeowner variety. Briggs has gone downhill. For budget, get a cheaper Honda. Just be sure it's a Honda deck and motor
 
K

Kato

Senior
Dec 23, 2006
2,148
594
113
The Toro Personal Pace or a Honda. I give kudos to my old Troy Built with the Honda motor. I had it for over 11 years and never did a thing to it. That thing started straight away every time and mowed like a champ. The only reason I sold it was because I picked up a two year old Honda at an estate sale. I had a very hard time parting with the Troy Built after all that time of dependability.
 
N

NikkiSixx_rivals269993

All-Conference
Sep 14, 2013
9,783
2,445
0
I had a craftsman that I used stabilizer in religiously for about 15 years. It eventually wore out and I sold it, still working, and bought a new one.

The new craftsman was junk compared to that older one. It was as if they let a new engineering student have a go with it. it did not mulch right and was very problematic.

so, I vote for older designs I guess.

Edit, oh yeah, if I get another mower down the road, it will likely be a riding mower.
 
Last edited:
S

schuele

All-American
Apr 17, 2005
21,124
5,734
0
Also, if you are typically mowing thick, tough grass, this is a $50 investment that will save wear-and-tear on your mower:

Bench Grinder

Beats dropping off your blade at the hardware store, and pays for itself quickly.
 
otismotis08

otismotis08

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2012
12,613
2,740
113
PeliniTheCrutch said:
I go through cheap mowers like crap through a goose. Just can’t learn my own lesson I guess.
Click to expand...

On my 2nd Craftsman. My current one is 20 years old. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Though my wheels are getting like racing slicks, it's still running fine.
 
P

PeliniTheCrutch_rivals294365

All-Conference
Jul 4, 2016
8,269
3,869
0
otismotis08 said:
On my 2nd Craftsman. My current one is 20 years old. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Though my wheels are getting like racing slicks, it's still running fine.
Click to expand...

Oh that’s definitely part of my problem. Too eager to get to the beer when I’m done mowing, so I just park it and hustle to the fridge...in addition to refusing to pay a dollar for maintenance in the off-season.
 
H

huskat

Senior
Jan 27, 2005
2,531
501
113
Especially for thick grass while bagging or hilly yards, do not go with front-wheel drive. Get one where either rear-wheels or all 4-wheels are self-propelled.
 
L

litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671

All-American
Aug 27, 2006
27,799
5,563
0
mkbrkloster said:
Especially for thick grass while bagging or hilly yards, do not go with front-wheel drive. Get one where either rear-wheels or all 4-wheels are self-propelled.
Click to expand...

My limited experience with self propelled mowers has been they become really heavy push mowers after only a few seasons because something breaks in the drivetrain.
 
L

litespeedhuskerfan_rivals19671

All-American
Aug 27, 2006
27,799
5,563
0
Dr_Alan_Grant said:
I down own one, so can't say from personal experience, but when I get a new mower, I will probably be getting this.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-21-...ttery-and-Charger-Included-LM2135SP/311174493
Click to expand...

60min run time takes this one out of the equation for me, however, for most people it's probably enough...but if I'm spending $600 on a mower, I want it to belch smoke and leak oil be a little stubborn to start between full cold and slightly warm. I want the whole mowing experience.
 
T

T...Chafes

All-Conference
Oct 9, 2004
28,414
1,262
0
I've had the same Honda for 17 years, it's a beast. Started first pull this spring. I've had to get a new tranny once as the self propel stopped working, it was like $150. I've changed the oil every year, an occasional spark plug and air filter.

Get a Honda!
 
C

cornhustler

Senior
Aug 2, 2005
1,176
757
0
 
S

schuele

All-American
Apr 17, 2005
21,124
5,734
0
D

Dean Pope

All-Conference
Oct 11, 2001
13,288
1,055
0
Anything Briggs powered with a steel deck will do. Those engines are known for their easy starting. I think it's better to spend more money up front because you'll have less trouble down the line. Wheels especially can be an issue.

I like the Ariens brand. Had mine for 20 years. Quality construction. The Briggs engine on it still starts first pull of the season. I've never had a Honda before, but their overhead cam engines are very nice too.

I did buy a 2nd mower this year. A 60 volt Kobalt self propelled mower. It is super quiet, 60 minute run time. My neighbors are always entertaining so I'll use when I need to and eventually sell my old Ariens model or put it to pasture. I would recommend going electric to anyone who lives in the city and would like the convenience of easy maintenance and vertical storage.
 
Last edited:
V

V1nufanx4

Sophomore
Aug 15, 2018
795
137
37
This thread has spurred me to review options for electric mowers. Any other takes for those out there? My neighbor has some version of the EGO that I’m sure he paid big $$$ on. Reading good reviews on a 19” steel deck Greenworks that looks to land around $350-$400.
 
WHCSC

WHCSC

All-Conference
Feb 4, 2002
10,806
3,619
88
v1nufan said:
This thread has spurred me to review options for electric mowers. Any other takes for those out there? My neighbor has some version of the EGO that I’m sure he paid big $$$ on. Reading good reviews on a 19” steel deck Greenworks that looks to land around $350-$400.
Click to expand...

One thing I'd be sure to check into is the replacement cost of the batteries
 
N

NikkiSixx_rivals269993

All-Conference
Sep 14, 2013
9,783
2,445
0
Dean Pope said:
Anything Briggs powered with a steel deck will do. Those engines are known for their easy starting. I think it's better to spend more money up front because you'll have less trouble down the line. Wheels especially can be an issue.

I like the Ariens brand. Had mine for 20 years. Quality construction. The Briggs engine on it still starts first pull of the season. I've never had a Honda before, but their overhead cam engines are very nice too.

I did buy a 2nd mower this year. A 60 volt Kobalt self propelled mower. It is super quiet, 60 minute run time. My neighbors are always entertaining so I'll use when I need to and eventually sell my old Ariens model or put it to pasture. I would recommend going electric to anyone who lives in the city and would like the convenience of easy maintenance and vertical storage.
Click to expand...
good point about the sound of an electric.. nothing worse than typical lawn mower noise.
 
S

schuele

All-American
Apr 17, 2005
21,124
5,734
0
v1nufan said:
This thread has spurred me to review options for electric mowers. Any other takes for those out there? My neighbor has some version of the EGO that I’m sure he paid big $$$ on. Reading good reviews on a 19” steel deck Greenworks that looks to land around $350-$400.
Click to expand...
I got a Greenworks on Amazon for about $300 and it's been fine. But like I said above, it's really a light-duty mower. It has two small blades that have to be sharpened often and while the dual batteries (a 4.0 and 2.0 came with the mower) provide decent mowing time, I expect the battery life to gradually decline.
 
B

BigRedRising_rivals337083

Redshirt
Aug 31, 2019
508
0
0
Electric sucks. Very much non serviceable, and the battery packs **** out if they arent regularly cycled. If you mow year round, it wouldn't be as much an issue. Stay away from steel deck if possible, Briggs and Stratton has been junk for 10 years
 
otismotis08

otismotis08

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2012
12,613
2,740
113
If you're interested in DIY on keeping your lawn equipment running forever, check out Steve's Small Engine Saloon on the youtube. He starts off every video the right way.
 
B

BigRedRising_rivals337083

Redshirt
Aug 31, 2019
508
0
0
Properly winterize, change oil, filter and plug regularly and most will last a long *** time. Just like cars. Some put up with abuse better than others. 99% of the time, self propel issues are a slipped or stretched drive belt. Cheap and easy.
 
L

lightningjack

Senior
Mar 19, 2002
2,030
497
83
I've been mowing my lawn and my folks lawn the last several years, I have the Toro Recycler (20353) AWD, steel deck, don't have to change the oil, Briggs & Stratton motor. My folks have the Toro Super Recycler, (21381) aluminum deck, bigger motor, just rear wheel drive. My folks mower without question does a better job of mulching, bagging, not bogging down in thick grass. If that's worth anything to ya.
 
B

Bleed Husker Red

Heisman
Dec 1, 2002
14,656
18,414
113
Anyone have any experience with robot mowers? I'm about 3/4 of an acre. Pretty straightforward yard. I was going to get a zero turn, but I hate mowing. I see if you buy one through Tractor supply, they will come see it up.
 
G

GeorgeFlippin

Heisman
May 29, 2001
38,563
35,543
113
I still have the mower I bought back in 1993, B&S motor that just won't die and has so much power that no matter how high the lawn gets, it blazes right through it. Yardman brand, but back then B&S were making some great engines.
 
M

mortdyer_rivals497425

Redshirt
Aug 5, 2006
34
1
0
BigRedRising said:
Honda decks are gnarly. Exmark 19 inch with the Kawasaki engine is the top mark in my opinion. Commercial mowers are far, far superior than the homeowner variety. Briggs has gone downhill. For budget, get a cheaper Honda. Just be sure it's a Honda deck and motor
Click to expand...

I agree with the Exmark, I found a used one for $200 and put a few more hundred into it. Totally worth it. It’s a $1500 mower if new. It will last me forever. It runs strong and is built to be very durable. They haven’t changed much in the design from 10 years ago. Like a speed queen washer dryer set, you get what you pay for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom