self propelled mower

[dclarke 4,098]

I'm thinking about buying a new self propelled mower, something with a rear bag to bag leaves in the fall. What do you guys have and how do you like it? Any opinions on front wheel drive vs. rear? engine type? aluminum vs steel deck?

[AMC RULES 37,232]

You mean a walk behind mower Denny? :dunno:

[dclarke 4,098]

You mean a walk behind mower Denny?

Yeah Craig, sorry about that.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

I guess my first question would be what are you looking to spend? :dunno:

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,303]

I guess my first question would be what are you looking to spend?

Money.... duh...

:dunno:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

I guess my first question would be what are you looking to spend?

Money.... duh...

......and probably as little as possible, right?

I only asked because I am shopping for a new one for work, but have the boss convinced that we need to get away from residential-use mowers. I have seen a few that literally scared me when I found out the price. :thanks:

[AMC RULES 37,232]

I was in the local Toro dealer(formerly )prices ranged between $300-600+, and all of 'em had plastic wheels. Which is why I just put a mulching blade on my old Craftsman walk behind. I used the blower to get my leaves into a winrow, then just mulched 'em up in place. Made short work of 'em with minimal raking envolved. Spent $15, and my back is much happier for it. :dunno:

[dclarke 4,098]

Terry, Some where in the six to eight hundred range would be about as high as I want to go.

[whfan74 2,073]

I love my lawn boy personal pace walk behind. Has a Honda motor on it.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

One option: Honda mowers have possibly the best warranty for some homeowner models.

Snapper is still putting out some great choices - and some even have a cup holder!

Husqvarna has a few decent homeowner models too:website

[dclarke 4,098]

Thanks for the replies guys. Terry, on the snapper commercial models do you have a preference on the briggs engine vs. the honda? Looks like Lawn boy, Snapper and Honda all make some pretty good mowers.

[rmaynard 16,561]

I purchased a Honda about 10 years ago. Model HR215. Rear discharge with bagger, side discharge adapter, and mulching. Automatic blade brake which stops the blade instantly and not the engine. Absolutely the BEST mower I've ever had.

The salesman said that if it ever takes more than 2 pulls to start, there is something wrong with it. Only failed me once, and that was after one winter when I left some bad gas in tank and it gummed up the carburetor.

I think at the time I paid about $750.00 for it and thought that I had gone stark, raving mad. Turns out to have been a very cost effective purchase.

[can whlvr 994]

i too am a honda fan,just like bob said,if a honda doesnt start after 2 pulls something aint right and thats not very often

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Terry, on the snapper commercial models do you have a preference on the briggs engine vs. the honda?

Honda - hands down.

I will not discredit the Briggs engine though - they still have a great product for the money.

[GlenPettit 1,718]

I also vote for Honda first. Especially good at the vacuum feature; very strong, pulls the blades upright for a very uniform cut, Mine starts on the first pull every time. Use it to pick up the leaves in the Fall, chops them a little but really sucks them all in.

I got the "vari-speed" feature on mine, where your thumbs control the forward speed, nice, my thumbs are strong for the first 15 minutes mowing, but then they get tired - that's my only draw-back. Takes special tools to do any major repairs, parts can be expensive, but that is not needed often, Hondas just go and go and go; high original cost but best value in the long run/

Michigan Glen

[KC9KAS 4,744]

HONDA all the way....I have 2 GL1500's!