Skip,

I added the traction assit handle to my Toro and I like it. It allows me have control going up and down my hills without effecting the speed along with ease of turning.

The PP system works fine on a hills.

Hey Skip,

As an FYI, I just bought a Toro 20055 and it works beautifully! But the dealer said to stay away from the models with BBC, as they tend to be a problem. Now this is an independent dealer who sells and services Toro, Lawnboy, Shindaiwa, Scag, and is popular with the local landscaping companies. And he could have sold me on the more expensive model, but didn't. So for the possible inconvenience of having to restart the mower when I release the handle, there's one less feature to go wrong.

I would get the 20057. I wish I had. Like you, I was interested in the BBC, and chose to forgo the Intek engine and power assist handle because of it. But the BBC on the 20056 is really a pain. The mower runs VERY rough and LOUD when the blade is not engaged--it actually shakes so much that the knobs on the handles have fallen off multiple times despite being cranked down as hard as I can and still having the lock washers in place. It's a LOT of fun looking through the yard for those little black knobs, and one day I'm going to run one over before I realize it's missing.....

Ok, so you've got it started and you're dealing with the noise and vibration. now you want to cut. But you can't, because until the engine is warm, it doesn't have enough torque to engage the clutch. So you have two choices:
1) wait 3-5 minutes for the engine to warm, listening to the mower rattle itself to death before engaging the blade.
2) start the mower with the clutch engaged, which means you have to pull the recoil cable 6x as hard. I'm a pretty big guy (6'4", 280), and this is a REAL workout for my arm/shoulder.

Then you're off and cutting, where the Super Recyclers REALLY shine. The SR4s are AMAZING mulchers and slightly above-average baggers. Personal Pace is awesome (yes, even on hills), and the RWD really pulls you uphill nicely, even when the bag is full. When the bag is a little over half full, you need to empty it, which is supposed to be one of the BBCs strong suits. But I almost always wind up shutting the mower off, because I'm embarrased at how loud the mower is and don't want my neighbors to hear. If the lawn bag is right nearby and already has 10lbs or so of grass in it (so I can pull/dump/reattach in under 30 secons), I'll usually leave the engine running. But that and running over hoses are about the only times I actually make use of the BBC feature.

I actually would like to have the BBC removed, but it'd cost more to do that than it would to sell my mower used and go buy a 20055 or 20057. So I basically pretend the feature doesn't exist, and use the mower that way (with the added hassle of an on/off switch and a bail safety). It performs WONDERFULLY when used in this manner. I just wish I had gotten the identical mower without the BBC (20055) or with the Intek (20056).

"I like the 20056 because of the BBC"
The Honda also has a BBC. Mines been working well for 19 seasons now.

I like my HRX of 3 years. You could control how much to mulch and how much to bag. This has been very helpful when the grass is growing well. Sure there is a leak in the full mulch position. Just have to empty some grass out of the bag when your finished. But that is a minor inconvenience. BBC no problems. The hydro trans has been no problem. My only complaint is that the unit is heavy. I find myself relying on the hydro trans more than my old Toro. So far no problems. Sure it's pricey. But I'm counting on having it for a long time.

I went through the same mower debate a few months ago and ended up with the Toro 20057. Reasons were:

Honda was heavier, longer handle and harder to manuever;
Toro recommended by a couple of stores who sold both;
Toro mulched better and service/parts were less expensive.

The Toro 20057 replaced my old Honda Harmony, and so far I've been very impressed with its performance - the mulching capability truly is phenomenal.

Summary: Both are great mowers, you can't go wrong either way.

Good luck in your decision-making!

Thanks to all that responded. I have decided on the Honda for the proven history, quiet running engine and no mulch plug to mess with (these are the three top reasons).
I am going to work on this old Crapsman one more time this weekend to see if I can get it to work (Rear trans, easy walk crap). If not It's off to work a deal if I can with a local shop.
Again, Thanks
Skip

Just to chime in: I have owned the Honda HRX for a couple of seasons and the only thing that still annoys me is all the grass that leaks out around the adjustable chute. I tried to make adjustments to the bolt today and it is rusted on. Guess they should have made that bolt out of plastic too. So I will take it off and put on something more resistant to rust. Also the plate that the bolt holds in place is severely rusted and really needs replaced.

I do love my mower but that is annoying.

Brad

Buy the toro the HRX has had a history of too many problems. Just out or warranty I had to spent another $550 to get mine fixed. I have since found out that transmission problems are common for the HRX. Stay away from it!

I used to sell Hondas and saw virtually zero problems with the hydro transmission. Often issues resulted from improper cable adjustment. It is unfortunate that yours gave you so much grief but don't tar the whole brand whole brand over one machine. If your dealer is telling you that I would suggest he has a problem setting them up properly.

I've had my HRX for 4 years and it's far and away the best mower I've ever owned. As far as the leak at full mulch, I just take the bag off and what little that does leak goes out the discharge chute. I'm sure the Toro is a fine mower as well.

Funny to see this thread opened up after a year. I did purchase the HRX this year using my veteran status to get a discount at my local Ace. I have to say that this is by far the best mower I have ever owned and am sure it will be the last one I ever buy.

The 20057 is basically a solid mower. I bought a 20038 with the Intek engine in 2003 and it starts on the 1st or 2nd pull every time. That SR mowing deck is fantastic for mulching and once you get used to the drive system it works great so long as you are not having to turn on steep hills(which is a real trick, but you can do it)

I am not seeing the Intek Engines in the stores, but that is basically what sold me on the whole package, originally. I think I would skip the blade brake and go with the best engine/deck combination.

If you want a blade brake and super easy starts- get a Honda. My Honda snowblower is so much easier to start. (no comparison) Bagging with the model I have works well but dumping the bag is messy since it tends to clog then dump all at once.

The Toro does a really good job on bagging leaves in the fall, though. I haven't used a rake in 4 years except for the corner spots.