How much of a yard do you have to mow? Approx square feet, and are there any hills?

In my opinion a well built lawn mower is worth the extra money for a couple of different reasons. 1. It will be easier to operate than a low-end mower. Controls will be better designed, etc. 2. The well built (and pricier) mower will likely last for 3 decades. Non-engine components on a low-end mower tend to cease functioning much faster than on a pricier machine.

That said, if you are saisfied with the cut and operation of a low-end machine and don't want the wheels to be powered then go for an MTD or Troy Bilt.

If it were me I would go for a Toro Super Recycler (not a Home Depot model) and keep it maintained.

Not sure the square footage, but isn't big. Typical subdivision yard. Takes maybe 2-3 hours to mow and trim. No hills. I want well built and good mulching. Wife would just go for cheap again, but I talked her into going "the next level". I saw the Toro Super on their site, but not sure how much more it is. Was hard enough to convince her to go for the $400 mower. Are the ones at Home Depot (where we also can put it on no finance for 12 months) not as well built? Is there build quality difference btwn. Toro and Honda?

Anyone got anymore advice?

The basic bottom level 5 hp mower at Sears is about $200. The mowers at Home Depot are about $300 - $400. The Home depot mowers have more features, more cables and are perhaps self propelled.

My opinion is: There is no reason to believe the Home depot mowers are higher quality than the cheaper Sears. In fact, the extra cables and the self propelled features are more likely to develop problems. There is more stuff to go bad.

A good quality mower will have stronger handle bars stronger deck and stronger construction for the wheels. The wheels will most probably have ball bearings. Usually these mowers are found at lawnmower shops - not department stores.

The brand of engine is not as critical as the mower deck quality. All engine brands will require periodic maintenance. Even the cheap engines with aluminum bore will last many years with proper servicing. Carburetors and fuel systems will most probably require servicing every couple of years.

So the Toro or Honda sold at Home Depot doesn't have a good handle or the wheels don't have ball bearings? I really want a well built one.

Hate to ask again, but I'm confused. It seems like some are saying that if you buy a Toro or Honda from HD, you are basically buying a cheap mower with toro name on it. Are these models not the same ones they sale at the dealers?

What about John Deere and the Troy-built XP that are sold at Lowes?

I have a self-propelled Toro from Home Depot and have had it for going on my 3rd season and I havent had one issue with it. I love it!! I have a acre lot that I mow once a week. And honestly, I havent taken very good care of it. Im just now going to change the oil in it. Im not sure of the spec or model. I can get them for you if you would like.

That's good to hear. Some make it sound that the HD Toro's are junky knock offs. Is it a personal pace? Front or rear drive?

I bought a Lawnboy model 10685 last spring off amazon.com (free shipping) I'm very happy with the mower, runs strong, starts easy and mulches very well. Was on sale for $349 its now $381 but still a good deal, they have other models on there also.

Just get the Toro Recycler.Less than the Super Recycler.I have had one for 10 years and no issues at all.Uses no oil and starts with 2 pulls.I change the plug every year and use Seafoam in the gas.

Are all the personal pace mowers front or rear wheel drive. For a flat long, which is better? I've never had a self propelled.

I'd definitely say the Toro Recycler PP. The model I have is a rear wheel drive and is amazing! I have a 1/2 acre property and do it in no time. This is my 3rd year with it and the thing runs like new.
I've heard that the front wheel drive mowers tend to loose "grip" as the bag gets full. I haven't had experience with them but it makes sense. Just my 2...

Find you a nice used 2 stroke Lawn-Boy. No sense in trying to mow with anything else.

"So the Toro or Honda sold at Home Depot doesn't have a good handle or the wheels don't have ball bearings? I really want a well built one. Hate to ask again, but I'm confused. It seems like some are saying that if you buy a Toro or Honda from HD, you are basically buying a cheap mower with toro name on it. Are these models not the same ones they sale at the dealers?"

If you buy a Toro mower from Home Depot you can feel confident that it will work well and last for several years. A Toro mower from a dealer will be better designed and many of the non-engine components will last even longer. I'm willing to pay a bit more and maintain my lawn mower with the idea that it will run for 30 years. In the long run you end up saving money I think.

I'm in about the same boat as you..confused.But the better models at a Mower dealer have Aluminum Decks,never will rust, and have a much better warranty.My local guy tells me they will fix anything that goes wrong with a Toro for 5 years,they even have a Guarnteed to Start Warranty.Like you, we are tired of buying junk.Good Luck

JMHO,

If a "dealer" has on that will work for you in your price range, go for it. The ones that are sold at HD/Lowes/etc, are usually "cheapened" up to get the volume the big box stores need.

Dan

Who owns a Sears Craftsman and is happy with it, but, would have gone to a "dealer" if it weren't for the super discount he got at end of season and had a gift card too boot.