Frustrated - Need a new mower - HD, Toro SR, LB?

17 years ago

I have been reviewing most of the posting on the site as well as others and am still not sure which mower to purchase. I've had a Craftsman mower for the past 4 years (which I will NEVER purchase again) cuts uneven, does not mulch and has problems with the gear system. I was originally interested in the HD HRR2163VXA but I have seen so many bad reviews I started to review the Toro SR 20055/56 and it seems to work well for some but not for others with mulching capabilty, and last the LB 10685 seems to have mainly good reviews but seems to have some general function limitations.

I work a lot and do not get a chance to mow more than 1 time per week so in the growing seasons, I would like have the capability to side disharge, mulch, and bag as needed. I will mainly have tall fescue grass that is mowed dry.

Can anyone recommend a mower who may have experience with these conditions? Thanks for your help in advance!

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Comments (7)

mulcher5
17 years ago
wv:

I've had similar, disappointing experiences w/ Craftsman (& others). I also work too much to be able to mow more often than 1x/wk. B/c I believe in mulching rather than bagging & can't afford to mow more than 1x/wk, I did a lot of research before purchasing the HRR2163VXA.

I have no personal experience W/ Toro, but can tell you that I am extremely pleased w/ the HRR2163VXA. It is an outstanding mulcher- even with thick, damp grass. Although I was hesitant about complaints about the thumb control of the VXA, I really appreciate the sensitivity & strength of the variable smart drive system, not to mention the other quality & convenience features of the mower. The deck design (lots of volume capacity beneath the deck) & quadra cut blade design really fill the bill for mulching. The BBC is a major feature in this price range, & although it may engage too easily during the course of mowing with relaxation of hand grip, it is supposed to be improved by adjustment under warranty & is worth it (for the $500 price range), regardless.

I also really like the option of not having to use the self propulsion, unlike the Lawn Boy where it has to be engaged just by virture of pushing on the handle bar. I enjoy the option of choosing whether I want to exert myself while mowing. Additionally, the motor speed control lever is a big plus for me b/c I have a "patchy" lawn, i.e. some spots are very thick & lush & others are (unfortunately) rather "thin." Therefore, w/ the VXA I can throttle down gowing thru the thin parts & go to full power only when I need it in the thick parts of the lawn. It uses less gas that way.

If I was in a more expensive market, I'd go for the HRX w/ the hydrostatic drive & the most desireable 190 motor. However, the VXA has proven, to me, to be an excellent choice for mulching in thick grass.

Good luck in your choice.
captaintom
17 years ago
Just from my personal experience I can highly recommend the Toro Personal Pace mowers. It was originally advertised as guaranteed to start on the first or second pull. It has never failed to do so in the six years that I have it. I am no mechanic and just do required maintanence and keep the blade very sharp.

The mower cuts clean and mulches to a very fine cut. I have had to mow the lawn wet several times and have had no problems. If the lawn gets too high (over 5 inches), I might have to remow to mulch up any clumps that were left.

At year end I often scalp the lawn to overseed and it bags heavy amounts of grass with no problem.

The personal pace feature takes a little getting used to but it will mow as fast as you can walk with very little effort.

Capt Tom
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roadbike
17 years ago
Can't tell you about the Toro S.R. 20055. However I do own a Toro 20037 Super Recycler and simply put it does an exceptional job of mowing the lawn. Whether bagging or mulching the grass is cut with no windrows left. And I find that it is very easy to maneuver and otherwise control with the personal pace drive.
eal51
17 years ago
I've owned a Toro super recycler for 12 years now. Finally had to have a little work done on it this summer. I've bagged but mostly mulched. Mulching has been excellent.

Manuverability is fine and the speed settings work just fine.

Don't know how many more mowing seasons are left in it, but when it's time, I'll go get another one without hesitation. My last Toro made 16 years before it died.

eal51 in western CT
1saxman
17 years ago
'LB 10685 seems to have mainly good reviews but seems to have some general function limitations.' ?????

10684 Variable Speed and 10685 Sensa-Speed don't have any 'function limitations' I'm aware of. The 10684 is my favorite mower. It mulches bags or discharges with the best of them. It has plenty of power and the drive works smooth and easy. Plus, it's $349. Try it - you'll like it.
octane
17 years ago
mulcher5,
Nothing wrong with being happy with your purchase. Statements such as this from you can be misleading to someone seeking advice " also really like the option of not having to use the self propulsion, unlike the Lawn Boy where it has to be engaged just by virture of pushing on the handle bar. I enjoy the option of choosing whether I want to exert myself while mowing. "

I bet that you exert more effort to control the cumbersome Honda than it takes to walk behing the LB. You do not realize that you are exerting pressure on a LB or Toro. Just hold the handle and walk. Maybe you should have tried one before you bought the Honda.
eagleman35
17 years ago
2nd year with my Toro 20017 from HD
PP system works great. starts on the first pull

Frustrated - Need a new mower - HD, Toro SR, LB?

Comments (7)

mulcher5

captaintom

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