Mclane 20" mower at Sears... why so inexpensive?

11 years ago

Hey everyone, I want to get yall's input on a mower I'm looking at getting. Sears has this one for $519: http://www.sears.com/mclane-20-in-cut-path-reel-mower/p-07103965000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

My question is, why is the Sears model over $200 cheaper than the similar appearing one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/McLane-Stratton-Gas-Powered-Self-Propelled-Front-Throw/dp/B001SARLJO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_1

Am I missing something here? The only difference I see is that the Sears mower has a B&S engine with 5.25 ft-lbs of torque vs the Amazon version with a B&S 5.5 ft-lbs torque. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

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Comments (11)

nismodude1988
11 years ago
I had the same question lol but i just purchased a Mclane 20inch 3.5hp 10 blade one from home depot for $599 and its listed on the mclane website for 1000 dollars!!!!! i just bought it yesterday and omg i love it lol The mower isnt listed on the website at home depot.com and only random stores have it u have to call around and ask them if they carry the mclane reel mower 10 blade. IMO u pay an extra 80 bucks and u get a beast 10 blade machine.
Greg Goyeneche
11 years ago
I am surprised at the pricing differential as well. Whether 7 blade or 10 blade, a price from $550 to $600 is very good given that McLane wants $950 to $1000 on their website. The Amazon price of $730 sounds about right, which would be a $200 discount from McLane list price.

Keep in mind that the Sears mower is some kind of "Sears Only" model, which has probably been "dumbed-down" to lower the price point. The Sears engine has the older "Pulsa-Jet" carburetor with tank below the carb. The Amazon, as well as current Mclane production, now uses a Briggs with a float-feed carb, and the gas tank is above (gravity feed) the carb. That may result in the difference in torque ratings, although torque and horsepower ratings are subject to all kinds of manufacturer's manipulation. I suspect the $599 Home Depot model is also the older pulsa-jet as it is rated 3.5hp vs. 4hp with the Walbro float carb.

Internet pricing can be crazy, so it pays to shop around. On the Tool Shed Forum a few days ago, a post had questions about McLane Edger pricing. Amazon had a 101 for $300 ($430 list) and an 801 for $330 ($525 list), yet wanted $650 for the 4G7P Honda Engine, which is full list price. Go figure.
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My 3 mowers. I think you're talking about the one in the middle ronm69? I noticed though that on the Mclane's website the wheels look different. Maybe they upgraded the non green's model. I haven't even mowed with the non greens model because the greens model like dwrecktor said has that rollerbar which I like. As mentioned, the greens model allows you to mow between 3/16 - 1 inch. So if you need to mow at 2 inches, the greens mower is not for you. A plus to the non greens mower one that you mentioned is that it is easy to raise and lower the mowing heights. On the greens model I have to unbolt screws and rods to lower the mower. However, on the non greens model there is an easy to use lever on the side. Before you get too serious about these reel mowers make sure you understand the processes of backlapping and relief grinding and have a trustworthy reel mechanic in place. Nowadays some of the pros recommend strictly relief grinds to reel mowers while skipping the backlapping process. Basically a relief grind sharpens the reel blades to a sharp edge. It takes a skillful person to do it as your backyard jack-of-all-trades can destroy the blades using the file methods. This process cannot be done as a D-I-Y project unless you're willing to shell out grands to buy some equipment. So that leaves you in a boat where you need to find a trustworthy and dependable relief grinder in your area. You will have to look to the golf courses, reel mower shops, and even some neighbors have been known to have the proper equipment in their garage to sharpen their own reel mowers. Prices can range from $60-$100+ per sharpening. I was once quoted $150. It's at this point that many people run away from reel mowers. Imagine paying $80 bucks for a sharpening and then running over a metal bolt. It's this reason that once you do get a reel mower you tend to walk/blow the lawn before mowing. The Mclane mowers have an advantage over the American Lawn Co. reel mowers because of the better blades and the added weight helps to stop the mower from bouncing. However, if you have steep slopes you might favor less weight in this heat. You will have to get use to re adjusting the blade. Engine or not it is apart of reel mowers. You run over a twig and the blades can come out of alignment. It is not out of the ordinary to have to adjust the blades a few times to cut the lawn once. Price...In my opinion $209 is too much to pay for a reel mower just like $350 is too much. When you factor in that each mowing season you will be dropping the mower off for a service fee of $60+ I think it's important to get that mower price down. If you're interested my suggestion would be to monitor craigslist in your area like a hawk. You'd be surprised what pops up for cheap. I've seen the greens mower @ $350 new posted for under $100. You'd just need to make sure that each blade is intact and not beat up, the chain rotates the wheels, all bolts are located and tightened, the bed-knife is straight, etc and you are good to go.
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Sorry for the delay in responding. The Sears manager gave me the choice of returning , repairing or replacing the mower. I choose to repair since I can't see getting a new one unless I give them a shot at fixing the old. He did say that the cutting issue was probably not related to the pin issue and that the deck would need to be looked at as well. Repair guy was out yesterday and there was an issue with the deck/blades which caused the uneven cut. He also did something with the engine to reduce the jerkiness on shifting. They replaced the steering arm and all pins and it mows like a charm. Thanks for all the reponses!
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AndrewWeisinger
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I was wondering if anyone could help me with a recommendation. I just replaced my Centipede with Zoysia. I was looking to purchase a McLane reel mower as well. I have looked all over the internet and the prices are widely varying. I wasn't sure which would be my best bet for a yard 0.5 -1 acre. I was guessing 20" but I had no idea which engine/mower. ANy help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
baymee
10 years ago
Regarding Amazon's pricing: I always buy an unrelated product for $2.30 each, but saw Amazon come up in Google, so I took a look. They wanted about $6 each for the same thing.
Greg Goyeneche
10 years ago
Is your square footage for the entire lot, or for the net lawn area?

If you are talking about a 1/2 acre lot (20,000sf) with 10,000 - 12,000 sf of lawn, the 20" machine is probably adequate. However, If you are talking about an acre lot with 25,000 sf of lawn, or worse yet 40,000 sf of lawn, even a 25" mower will be a back breaker. Keep in mind that even though self-propelled, a reel lawnmower is slower than equivalent size rotary and generally requires more effort.

That said, for non-commercial homeowner use the Briggs and Stratton OHV engine is a good one. The Honda GX140/GX160 is a "Cadillac" but is significantly more expensive and is meant for commercial usage.

Lastly, if your lawn requires a 25" or 27" mower, I'd strongly suggest you look past the McLane and consider either Tru-Cut or Trimmer front throw machines.
AndrewWeisinger
10 years ago
Thank you so much for your help. My yard is about 12,000 sq ft of lawn. I took your advice and ordered a 20". I went with Tru-Cut and I should have it Monday. Thanks for taking the time to help me. I owe you one. Andy
Atee1647
9 years ago
Sears is offering the McLane 20 in. Cut Path Reel Mower for $599.99. Does anyone know if this is a manual push mower or is it propelled by it's engine? I like the price but I don't want to push.
Greg Goyeneche
9 years ago
The mower is self propelled, using a roller drive.

However, I Googled Sears/McLane and came up with the listing, which is dated 2010. That Sears ad is older than the original posting here on Garden Web. Sears does let me order the mower and have delivered for free to the Quakerbridge (Lawrenceville, NJ) store.

Keep in mind that the picture shows the older Briggs Pulsa-Jet engine, which has been out of production for several years. Still, at $599 it would be a good deal.
Atee1647
9 years ago
Thanks for the info. I'll still wait to see the mower when I pick it up at Sears. If it has no roller, I will refuse the order. I don't want to pay $650 and have to push the mower.
rosemallow
9 years ago
I usaed both links and I saw the same price. The Amazon offered free shipping.
jaclbrown
6 years ago
I have one for sale

Mclane 20" mower at Sears... why so inexpensive?

Comments (11)

nismodude1988

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