Help choosing a new mower

16 years ago

Im looking for a gas powered push mower. What Ive considered so far is the pricier department store models or lower-end models from specialty retailers.

Heres what Ive looked at below.

Im open to any suggestions and any brands.

I dont see much of a difference between the department store options. Sears has the Honda engine but it appears the commercial Honda engine are the ones that have the great reputation for reliability and not necesarily the consumer models.

One other mower Id throw into the mix is the MTD with 160cc Honda engine and stainless steel deck from Costco. It mulches and rear bags but NO side-discharge. Its going for $299

The next one on the list is a Toro Super Recycler. It seems to be a step-up from the rest and the price is also a bit higher. This seems to have a great reputation as one of the best mulching mowers out there. Problem is thats its about $200 to $300 (if you get the rear bag) more than the others.

The last one is a Honda on sale for $350 down from $500. No rear bag included. Im guessing its about $100 extra.

Any advice? I want something thats going to be a good mulcher. Do I need side discharge? Would i hate the MTD because it has no side discharge? How about the rear bag? If I have a great mulchin unit, do i need a rear bag?

Im moving from a condo to a decent sized yard. Before that I did have a yard and use an old old Lawnboy that must have been a low end model but it worked great. Id like to get a mower that will last a long time as well.

I also noticed, just like many other consumer items, the Canadian prices can be as much as 25% higher than the USA prices. However, driving down isnt an option for me. Any ideas on internet ordering or anything?

Thanks.

CRAFTSMAN(TM/MC) 3-In-1 Push Lawn Mower Powered By Honda See more products by CRAFTSMAN

Save $50 until July 6, 2008

As offered in our2008 Fun in the Sun catalogue. After July 6, 2008, 399.99.

Our current website price: $349.99

Only at Sears!

powered by Honda Overhead Cam engine

3-in-1, 21" bagging/mulching/ discharging deck

8" wheels

quick-set, 5-position wheel adjustment with ergonomic knobs adjusts height from 1.25-3.42"

EZ EmptyTM Dust Blocker bag included

straight handle

2-year warranty

http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B0018...deid=396780011

Lawn Boy

$379.00

Lawn-Boy 3 In 1 Insight, TecumsehÂ® 6.5 Hp, Hand Push Mower

Model: 10671

Internet/Cat #: 940905

Store SKU #: 403755

6.5 Hp Easy Start TecumsehÂ® Engine - A powerful, easy starting, long lasting performer.

Hand Push Mower; simple and lightweight

Compact storage with the Easy Stow Knobs. Two, simple, oversized knobs allow you to store your mower easily in a 180Â° position.

Exclusive Features Designed to Fit You. Features like the Easy Adjust Handle Height and Soft Comfort Grips show that this mower is designed to fit you.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber

Troy-Bilt 160cc / 21" 3-in-1 Lawn Mower

$369.99

160cc Honda OHC engine

Rear bag push mower is great for smaller yards with uneven terrain or a lot of obstacles

21" (53 cm) steel mulching deck

3-in-1 convertible: side discharge, mulch and rear bag

8" (20 cm) wheels

Standard 2.3 bushel grassbag

9-position height adjusters from 1 Â½ (4 cm) to 4" (10 cm)

Standard deluxe bail

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr... 1208873415098

Toro 20090C

MSRP: $ 575.95

Meetz' Price: $ 539.95

You Save: $ 36

BAG SOLD SEPERATELY PN# 59165 $89.95

Description:

Super Recycler Push Mower

Special Features:

Hand Push

Briggs and StrattonÂ® Engine with Ready Start (no choke, no prime)

21" Cutting Width

Bag Optional

Super Recycler Cutting System

"Quick Change" Storage Handles

Quick Wash" Washout Port

Premium Cast Aluminum Cutting Deck (won't rust)

Height of Cut Range - Improved height of cut system features seven-position adjustability from 1.25" to 4.25".

Warranty:

5-Year Full Warranty

http://www.meetz.ca/equip/equipDet.p...pe=2&eModel=17

Honda HRS2162PDC (Push)

Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) - $499.00 with current $150 instant savings = $349.

This heavy duty 21 inch steel deck, push type Honda Mower is powered by a dependable and powerful Honda GCV160 overhead cam engine, operator-friendly ErgoActiveTM controls with zone start and automatic shut-off for operator safety. Versatile, with mulching or side discharge capabilities standard without changing the cutter blade.

Honda quality at an affordable price.

http://honda.ca/PowerEng/Lawnmowers/...roductfeatures

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Comments (7)

colonel428
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Mr Organic....I don't think you can go wrong with either a Honda HRX or a Toro Super Recycler. Go to lawnsite.com & check out some posts there about push mowers. These are guys who use them everyday for a living. Also, check out your local Craigslist for mowers. I got really lucky & found a commercial Honda HRC that was basically brand new. If you get something that mulches well (Honda or Toro) & cut your lawn frequently, then you don't need a side discharge. But, I'd definitely look for something with a rear bagger. I'm not sure where you are located but at some point you are most likely going to need to overseed your lawn & for that you need to cut it low & bag the clippings. I only use mine once or twice a year with the bagger attached but it is more than worth it. Hope this helps. I'm sure someone will chime in about looking at Snapper's as well but really, unless you use it everyday, I think something from Honda or Toro is the way to go. Spend a little more & get something good. As someone once told me, "buy quality tools & cry once. Buy cheap tools & cry every time you use them...." Oh, another piece of advice I'd give is to use something like Sta-Bil in the gas can you use to fill the mower. It's an additive that lengthens the useful life of your gas & keeps it from damaging the carburetor on your mower. Learned this lesson the hard way & now I put some in the gas can everytime I fill it up at the pump. You can find it at any parts place in town. Anyway, good luck....
countryham
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Go Snapper!!!!!!!!!!!!
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gorper99
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last modified: 9 years ago
I have a 9 year old Toro and the only problem I ever had was this year(Carb Clean)Left gas in all winter without Sta-Bil.I would go with the Toro #20066 for $350.00.Why would you need the SR for $200.00 more?
whip1 Zone 5 NE Ohio
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'd have a hard time saying no to the Honda for 350. I have a newer Toro, and I don't use the bag at all. I mulch everything, including all of the leaves in the fall. If you need the bag, I'm sure you can buy one.
roadbike
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Toro Super Recycler with personal pace drive.
lawncadet
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I would probably take a hard look at a Snapper or John Deere if I was in the market for a mower.
crazy_lawn
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
3rd season with Honda HRX217 cruise control and it is officially the best push mower I have ever owned. It is cheaper now than what I bought it at. Spend the extra money and get something good.

Help choosing a new mower

Comments (7)

colonel428

countryham

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whip1 Zone 5 NE Ohio

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