Self-propelled lawn mower recommendations

10 years ago

Can anyone recommend a good self-propelled lawn mower? We're just moving into a new home with slightly less than a 1/2 acre yard that gently slopes away from the house.

Honda? Husqvarna? Toro? Any particular brand or model anyone really loves?

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (12)

robertz6
10 years ago
I think how well the owner (and the rest of family) takes care of it might affect which mower to buy. Buy a cheape if folks don't take care of it.

I'd buy a Honda if I had a choice. My Toro runs fine, but I never got that fond of it for some reason. My two Sears Craftsman -- one ran hot, the other arrived defective and it took two returns until they fixed it. Actually three returns. After the second 'repair' I refused to take it until the service shop showed me they could start it -- they could not.
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skane1
10 years ago
I have a Husqvarna that has been working great for 3 years and is very reliable.Honda's are good also but have had issues latley
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I don't have three acres but a 3 year old home on 3/4 acres. I have an older JD-LT155 with a 38" mower deck. It has no problems with the slopes, in fact it surprised me when it was able to climb out of the ditch in the front yard. While there are many solutions to the mowing problem, there are other uses for a tractor. I would recommend a tractor either one like the LT-155, or one of the heavier ones. With three acres and your desire to make additional planting, you will appreciated the tractor with a trailer to move all of the tools, plants, seeds, mulch, fertilizer, and things yet to be discovered that those flower beds and new trees will need. Right now I am looking at putting a water tank in the trailer to water those new remote plantings. If you can afford two I would get a tractor and the zero turn.
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Electric push mower vs Gas mower self propelled
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We have both an electric and a gas mower. I think the electric is great for the flat areas PLUS because it's quiet, I can run it before the neighborhood's 10 a.m. weekend no-mowing convention (it's not a "law" but we do talk about those early risers) or later in the evening (after I hear we're in for a storm overnight or the next day). An electric is too much work for our whole yard because the lawn slopes too much. Downhill is just fine but our gas mower is self-propelling and gets back uphill without too much extra work from me. I would guess that in Florida, your grass grows like crazy all the time. Maybe you could just count your mowing as your main exercise and do 20 minutes every day with an electric mower. The gas mower needs more maintenance than the electric, and the gas does smellwhich might be even stronger in your weather. If you do get a gas machine, and start smelling it inside the house, don't hesitate to replace the gasket around the door That said, with the better and better (longer lasting and stronger) batteries available every year, we're in for a battery (no-cord) electric if/when ours bites the dust. Hey! since you're no longer paying a service, you might look into buying one of those lawn mowing robots. I've seen them--they are like that vac'ing robot you can find on youtube riding cats around the house. I can just see one zipping around, covered with little lizards going for a joy ride!
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farmerdill
10 years ago
I am very pleased with my Snapper Ninja.
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crazedandconfused
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks all. It seems like everyone has a different brand, and everyone is happy. Leaning toward Honda but still have a little while before I buy. I'll keep searching for feedback.

Thanks again.
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baymee
10 years ago
I've repaired thousands of mowers over the years and my absolute favorite is a Snapper. I especially like the thumb operation of the self propel lever when there are obstructions, bushes or trees, on the left of me and I want to walk on the right side of the mower.
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crazedandconfused
Original Author
10 years ago
Wow, great baymee, thanks! Snapper is a brand I've know for years but always associated with rear-engine ride on mowers - never really thought about self-propelled. I'll definitely give them a look.

Thanks!
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1saxman
10 years ago
Toro Recycler, 22" rear-drive (Personal Pace), #20376 w/blade/brake clutch and Kohler OHV engine. The Toro drive system is the simplest and longest-lasting there is.

Here is a link that might be useful: Toro 20376
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phototone
10 years ago
Whatever brand you buy, I highly recommend you make sure it is a rear drive, if you mow any sort of hilly terrain. They have much more traction, in my opinion.
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crazedandconfused
Original Author
10 years ago
Lots of great thoughts everyone. Thanks for all the input. Still haven't decided but as its autumn in New England I have some time...
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robertz6
10 years ago
I mentioned Honda earlier, but I'm rethinking my answer.

My favorite gas mower is the only one that does not have self-propel!

It is a maybe 30 year old no name (from a local hardware store) it has a B&S 3.75hp engine. This thing is very light, and is a delight to turn; unlike my Sears and Toro self-propel models.

I love to push this thing around. The newer stuff just wants to go in a straight line. Got it two years ago for $22 from a retired gent.
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robertz6
10 years ago
I mentioned Honda earlier, but I'm rethinking my answer.

My favorite gas mower is the only one that does not have self-propel!

It is a maybe 30 year old no name (from a local hardware store) it has a B&S 3.75hp engine. This thing is very light, and is a delight to turn; unlike my Sears and Toro self-propel models.

I love to push this thing around. The newer stuff just wants to go in a straight line. Got it two years ago for $22 from a retired gent.
0
baymee
10 years ago
Whoever sold it to you made a good profit. Those mowers sold for $79, 30 years ago.
0

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Self-propelled lawn mower recommendations

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