Depends on what you have to mow. I tried a mower with the casters once but didn't like it. The increased manuverability in tight places was OK but I had to work too much at mowing in a straight line. I ended up locking the casters to defeat their purpose. If you have a lot of trees to manuver around then they might be OK but I would have to be mowing a forrest.

Between the other two my lazy self goes for the propel, but the push mower is about half the price. If I had a smaller lawn I'd be tempted to save the money.

Weed cutter, thanks for the reply.

The reason I have the Husqvarna in there is because it's the only mower with a Honda engine without self-propelled. I don't like the resistance that self-propelled mower generate, plus it tears up the grass. My current mower, it TroyBilt is FWD, but I have only used it twice since I got it.

I'm leaning toward the Cub Cadet because of its reputation and the solid Kawasaki engine, but I could easely steer toward the John Deere because of the Higher Torque and mowing deck.

I like the Honda because of the QuadraCut system and the engine. Not having caster wheels is a problem. I have lots of flower beds and curves that I have negociate every time I mow the grass.

What type of mower do you have? Are you happy with it? If not, please share.

Thanks.

I have 2 cycle Lawnboys, steel deck, aluminum deck, self propel and push. Although I am pleased with all of them I would caution you against following me down this road. A Lawnboy search of this site will clue you in.

I can't give you specific advice on the 2 castor mowers you are looking at as I haven't used them, just letting you know my past experience with castors. If you have a lot of manuvering then the castors may be the ticket. In any case you should have less "turf tear" with the RWD.

Before I started looking at mowers, I was actually looking at a used Lawnboy with a 2-cycle engine. I really like the distinctive sound they make, and that slightly back placement of the righ front wheel for easy cutting around tight places. The problem is that all of the new Lawnboy mowers no longer have the 2-cycle engine, nor the right front wheel design; they're either have a Briggs or Tecumseth. Which is fine, but I really prefer the OHV engines because they're more fuel efficient and don't polute as much.

I spoted a used Lawnboy with a 2-cycle engine on Craig's list for $50, and thought about buying it, but it does not run and I don't have the time right now to fix it.

Which model Lawnboy 2-cycle is the one NOT to buy?

"Not to buy"? No such thing, just don't pay a premium for the V series engines. I've never had an engine problem out of my 10227 and it does have the slight coolness factor of the below the deck muffler.

Cool, thanks.

Where in Florida are you? Jacksonville, maybe?

I used to live in Miami many years ago, now I live in Raleigh, NC.

What's so cool about below the deck muffler? Could post a pic of your mower?

Thanks.

Go with the Craftsman.

Jacksonville it is. The below deck muffler is just one of the things that make these mowers different. They are good machines, not the only good machines out there. The attraction for me is that they are different and the exhaust note seems to give them a personallity. I have no idea how to post pictures on this site, sorry.

Don't be fooled by mowers such as the Husqvarna just because they have the Honda motor. We have a Honda powered MTD, supplied by the landlord, and I am not happy with the quality of cut.I had been spoiled with a Honda HRA214. Deck and blade design is more important to a mower's performance than the engine.

I did the first mowing today, here're my findings:

The cut is superb, way better than the TroyBilt it replaced.

It's rear wheel drive, but with little resistance on the wheels which is a very good thing for me when making turns.

The motor is strong, but very smooth and efficient.

Starts right up on the first pull without hesitation.

The smart systems works well, but could use some adjustment.

On the negative side, the handle is too short for me (I'm nearly 6 ft tall) and I get tired after a few passes.

The biggest problem for me is the mowing height. At the highest setting is 3.25" vs 3.50" for the TroyBilt. I know it's a small difference, but when I"m away on a business trip for a week and I can't cut the grass ontime is a problem.

Anyway, I didn't find any green puree after mowing like some members pointed out on other threads, so I'm satisfied.

Here's what the mower looks like in case any one is interested:

{{gwi:133880}}

Ok, here's an update on this Honda HRR:

After my first Mulch Mow, I'm rather disappointed. I get clippings all over my face and around and behind the mower. I thought the point of mulching mowing was to keep all the grass clippings under the deck as you mow...yes/no?

Another thing I'm disappointed about is the height adjustment, it only goes up to 3.25" and my KBG wants to be 4" tall in the summer.

The Quaddra cut does a fine job cutting the clippings, but grass leaves don't show a clean cut like I was expecting.

On the possitive side, it's light weigh (about 83 lbs) the engine runs and sounds great, fuel efficient, little to no rear wheel resistance when turning, and good looks.

Anyway, I think I'm going to return it and purchase a John Deere or Cub Cadet.

Between the John Deere and Cub Cadet listed at the beginning of the thread, which one is the better machine?

Your imput will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Auteck

Ok, I think this is what your Lawnboy mower should look like:

{{gwi:133882}}

Yes?

Yes, that looks just like "Pee-Wee".

550 = "Senior"
424 = "Junior"
324 = "The Chick Magnet"

Who's Pee-Wee? And what are 550 senior and Junior...?

Pee-Wee is a model 10227, the others are 10550, 10424 & 10324 models.