Best self-propelled mower with side discharge?

16 years ago

We need your advice on buying a new (or good used) mower. The old Lawn Boy push mower has just about given up the ghost, so we're in the market for another walk behind mower. This time, we want to try a self-propelled model. From past experience, we would like to stay with a well designed aluminum deck with a side discharge. Are there any stamped aluminum decks being made anymore?

As for engine, while a 2 cycle would be great to have again, although they are probably no longer being manufactured. So, that would leave no choices but a 4 cycle. For durability, I read that the Honda GX series or a Kawasaki would be the best choice for 4 cycle. Would you agree? While a new mower would be nice, I do have an opportunity to buy a low-hour used John Deere JX75 for $300. But, the side-discharge is a contraption that fits in front of the operator's feet and shoots the grass up and out to the side. Does this feature really work all that well? I'm accustomed to the old push Lawn Boy that shoots the clippings from the front corner directly to the side...which I like. What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for good advice you can share!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

tom_p_pa
16 years ago
There is NOT a better performing side discharge mower than the staggered deck Lawnboys. If you can pay the price, you can get a commercial LB with the briggs engines while you can still find them around. It is all in the deck design that makes it tops.
tom_p_pa
16 years ago
Here is the mower...

Here is a link that might be useful: LB
Related Discussions
self propelled mowers
Q
Comments (12)
'I have never had a rear driver; it always seemed to me that you would constantly be having to disengage to maneuver and back up.' This is the standard question that people have who have never used a RWD. Particularly with the Toro/Lawn-Boy 'Personal Pace/Sens-a-Speed', there is no special manipulation required for backing up or pivoting - when you stop walking, the drive disengages, making the mower ready to pull back. To pivot, you just pivot on the rear wheels as usual. With a bail-controlled drive, like Lawn-Boy 'Variable Speed', you just let go of the bail, and the mower instantly becomes a push mower for backing up or pivoting. The reason we generally do not recommend FWD is, unlike FWD on an automobile, FWD on a mower is next to useless. When you really need the drive, the weight is usually on the rear wheels (going uphill, heavy grass bag, etc.). On FWD the front wheels constantly slip, wearing out the tires. Even xlindax admits it has to be pushed. The only reason makers like Toro even produce it is it's cheap. It also wears out much faster than RWD.
...See More
Best 21" Self-Propelled Mulching Mower
Q
Comments (1)
I have a Snapper Ninja that I am well pleased with. Here is a link that might be useful: Snapper
...See More
Choosing a self propelled mower
Q
Comments (16)
weshorn, I didn't take any offense at your comments. I haven't personally owned any Tecumsehs either, but my general impression is that they are not a downgrade over a new B&S engine. Compare that Tecumseh to a Briggs Quantum (the motors in the Craftsman and Troy Bilt that you first referenced) and you have two pretty similar motors. The SensaSpeed/PersonalPace drive systems are pretty simple and battle-tested. Lots of users here have them and don't report any real problems. The only controversy about them is whether you like the way it actually operates (you push a variable bar) vs a more normal drive system that pulls the mower and you along if you let it. That Lawnboy is on HD's website for the same $349, so whatever sale was on is apparently off. But it comes with everything you need to bag, mulch, or side-discharge. You should probably go check it out along with that Husqvarna and see for yourself. I will say that the drive system on the Husqvarna is probably a lot more suspect in terms of durability. I know some people with Cub Cadets and other mowers with the same system have had issues. I also don't know about the engine on it: is that an Intek or the new "Dove?" If it's the new engine, there's no way to judge its reliability yet. Let us know what you end up with and how you like it!
...See More
Help needed in finding the perfect self propelled mower
Q
Comments (29)
'The toro 20333 mower's "Personal Pace" drive system has a learning curve and is difficult to operate.The mower body is also very heavy' Dude: Your inane comments have now entered the fantasy realm. I am sure that a few regulars here could esily get you banned for deliberately making false statements relative to someone's major purchase of a new premium mower. I plan to contact the administrator as soon as I finish this post. Goodbye.
...See More
1saxman
16 years ago
Find a steel-deck 10323 if you can - you're going to have a lot better luck finding this than an aluminum-deck one. It has the Duraforce engine and 'Variable Speed' drive.

Here is a link that might be useful: LAWN-BOY 10323 W/Bag Kit
pete_p_ny
16 years ago
The 2 stroke was a sweeter machine, but the 4 stroke model still gives you what you want...superior side discharge, aluminum deck, and self propelled.

Most mowers made today are "crappy" side dischargers. Side discharging is not really popular anymore, the the most you typically get is an oval opening on the side of the deck (garbage design).

I love my LB for side discharging, I can effectively mow down the highest of grasses in my yard in several areas I only mow once or twice a season, and this is very much because the side discharge LB can really shoot out the clipping. As TPA mentioned...the design here is key, the discharge is at a tangent to the deck, giving it the highest velocity over other mowers.

Here is a link that might be useful: New LB
pete_p_ny
16 years ago
Regarding 10323s...There are generally many 10323's on ebay to be found...

Best self-propelled mower with side discharge?

Comments (5)

tom_p_pa

tom_p_pa

Related Discussions

1saxman

pete_p_ny

pete_p_ny

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US