Nether of these are Lawn Boys in my opinion.

Walt Conner

The Tecumseh engine in the Lawn-Boy 10685 is the L195 version, which is a side-valve or flathead design. That means it is inherently more dirty than the overhead valve design of the Honda engine in the 10694. If it's true that the Tecumseh engine meets California emissions standards, it is probably accomplished by modifications unique to that market. The engine operator's manual states such modifications might include "the following emission control
systems: (EM) Engine Modification and (TWC) Three-way
Catalyst."

My guess is if you don't live in California, your 10685 would have a very dirty engine. I don't buy the EPA propaganda that operating a mower for 45 minutes a week will ruin the planet, but if avoiding pollution is important to you, I think you need to buy the Honda.

Thanks, Montesa.

I would take the 10685 because: it's much cheaper, has more power and possibly the best residential drive system going. Other than that they're the same. 'Sens-a-Speed' would be great for you because there is no manual control to manipulate - you just walk forward and the mower matches your speed. The best way I can describe the various versions of Toro 'Personal Pace' is that it makes the mower feel weightless; that is, you're not pushing it and it's not pulling you - just completely neutral. Since neither machine has any 'emissions controls' per se, I would judge the relative 'greenness' by fuel consumed per hour. Having operated a 10684 for over a year and having previously had a Honda with GCV, I can say that they are both very light on the gas can. They both are set to run 'lean' to use as little fuel as possible, which is the principle means of emissions control. Maybe the GCV would edge the Tecumseh because it's smaller and less powerful, but I would never buy a mower just because it had a Honda engine. The keys here to me are the $120 price differential plus Sens-a-Speed. Basically a no-brainer, because if the mower is sold in your state it means it meets the state emissions requirements. You could pay more for a lesser mower with a slightly cleaner engine if you wish, but it doesn't add up the way I see it.

With the extra yr of warranty and new features I was considering one of the new Lawnboys with the BBC clutch. But then the Hondas started looking good considering all factors. I like the HRX to a degree but not sure if its too overly complex what with that clip director thing, and I like to "side discharge" sometimes because sometimes I let grass get too high and not sure if mulching is possible effectively under those conditions. Plus the HRX has that weird "rear discharge" method that probably means I'm walking through a bunch of clippings. I'm may go Honda HRR (steel deck / $200 less), has side discharge chute, but I'm not sure about their new twist type ergonomic system. Forgot what they call it and would like some feedback if anyone has used it. I'd have to see it first.
I've used my neighbors Toro with the Personal Pace and not sure if I like it. It seems you must keep your arms tense to control it effectively and it gets tiring with a large lot. Lawnboy might be similar but not sure.
I prefer my old soon to retire JD where it's just a simple hand movement to engage wheels to preset gear. I can get something similar to that with the Honda hydrostatic HRX model. Can't seem to get it all in my view on one mower.
I'm still shopping around for the right mower but the Lawnboys do look interesting.

'Plus the HRX has that weird "rear discharge" method that probably means I'm walking through a bunch of clippings'

Actually, the Honda rear discharge chute works exceptionally well. Since its right in front of the operator, it has a steel baffle inside to stop any ejected object that could penetrate the plastic body and strike you. Being high above the ground, the chute directs the clippings in a very dispersed pattern to the left of the mower, with no clumps or windrows. You wouldn't be walking in the clippings unless you were pulling the mower backward over the area you just discharged on. I had to use mine several years ago when we had an uncommonly wet spring and it was impossible to mulch. I was amazed at how great the yard looked after discharging with the Honda, and the clippings were not a problem at all. I just mulched it all away as soon as it dried up. The HRB216TDA I had was an excellent mower but is gone because max height on it was 3". That's not a problem on the HRX. I have seen no complaints here about the 'clip director' and think it's an idea that will eventually make its way onto most premium mowers.

I'm with Walt on this one.

Seems like the LB 10694 or 95 (Honda engine, LB chassis and drive) would be better than that Honda/Honda...you've got the Honda engine and the LB deck, drive and...[can I say this about a mower?]...unbeatable bag. I mowed this weekend with the 10682 (same deck and bag/mulch plug) and all I can say is wow, I cannot believe how easy it is to install, empty and remove the bag. I'm used to having to lift up a messy spring door, then manhandle the bag (the LB has an add'l handle on the back)...and then usually I have to REACH IN AND PULL the clippings out with my current mower.

I have read that the Honda/Honda setups have had some bag problems -- grass shoots out the bag b/c the bag doesn't sit flush against the chassis. Between that and the tranny issues on their s-p models, I am a bit leary of Hondas right now. Plus I think their s-p engager is a bad design, totally uncomfortable vs. the SensaSpeed or even a standard bale. Don't get me wrong, I am a HUGE Honda fan. Just not of their mowers at this moment.

Saxman, my concern was that the pollution rating on the Tecumseh was a 4 or 5 (on a 10 scale) vs. the Honda's 1 or 2, but I think now that is totally unfounded. But I got my 6.25 B&S/MTD running tonight and took a look at the rating on it, it was a 2.5 or 2.75 so the Tecumseh has got to be that or maybe less; I figure the difference between a 1 and 2 (which I'm guessing the Tecumseh has) rating cannot be that much. Thanks again for the comments, everyone.

I'm also looking at the LB 10685, but cannot find it for sale anywhere locally (Lowe's, HD, etc)...the OP mentioned he was looking at getting it for around $329...can I ask where that would be? TIA.

princesspirea: $369 delivered: http://www.speedwaysales.com//advanced_search_result.php?keywords=10685&categories_id=22&search_in_description=1&inc_subcat=1

I also saw a $329 price at HD a few weeks ago, but now it's $349 again there. If you go to http://www.lawnboy.com you can look up a local Toro retailer who SHOULD have it. Or look in your yellow pages for Mowers-->Toro dealers; they should have this mower for about $349.

princess, you can also get it for $369 shipped to your local Ace Hardware store: http://www.acehardware.com/sm-lawnboy-walk-power-mower--pi-2615730.html#ratingsandreviews

You may be able to get it for less if you google for an Ace coupon.

Hey, thanks, Pacer...I finally found it at another HD in my area for $349 (the nearest store didn't carry it for some reason)...and at a Toro dealer for $399...

think I'll go pick it up at HD tonight...thanks again for the follow-up!

You bet, princess! Good luck, and enjoy your new ride.

Just for the record, the Tecumseh 6.5hp on the LB 10685 should be a 3/10 emissions rating. I went to buy the 10685 last night but ended up getting its cousin, the Toro 20073 because it was on sale for the same price. The engine had a little tag attached to it that said 3/10 for the 6.5 GTS engine.