View Full Version : Mower recommendations?


basswipe
03-27-2011, 01:30 PM
My lawn is a little over 5000sq ft.Looking for a selfpropelled,20-22" cutting width,mulcher is optional.

Looking to spend in the $250-$350 range.So far the only ones I've found in that price range have Briggs&Stratton engines and they're pretty crappy engines these days.Anything I found with a Honda motor was out of my price range.

Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.I can't go another season with the tank I've been pushing.

OLD GOAT
03-27-2011, 02:38 PM
Honda, Home Depot. About 320? I think.

spence
03-27-2011, 02:47 PM
Just get a Crapsman from the outlet and replace it in 5-6 years. I've actually found them to not be that terrible.

-spence

PRBuzz
03-27-2011, 03:08 PM
Just get a Crapsman from the outlet and replace it in 5-6 years. I've actually found them to not be that terrible.

-spence

I have a Toro self-adjusting speed recycler now but the previous was a Craftsman's that I used for 10 yrs before putting a piston through the wall. That mower was re-certified and got a real deal steal. Actually they didn't fix what was wrong: no hole in the gas cap so the mower would run perfectly for about 15 min, develop a vacuum and shut down. Wait 5 min and it would work perfect again. Drilling a hole in the cap solved the problem. Obviously Sears just started it, found it ran OK for a few minutes and put it right back out onto the floor.

Duke41
03-27-2011, 03:15 PM
I had a toro walk behind the rear bagger kept popping off. Could not fix it. Turned it back in. Piece of #^&#^&#^&#^&.

Mike P
03-27-2011, 03:55 PM
We bought a Toro self-propelled (front wheel drive) from Cheapos 5 years ago. It's never been serviced and it starts on the first or second pull every first time out in the spring. Sits in the shed all winter long. If we're lucky, I remember to run the gas dry the last time I use it in the fall. I finally replaced the plug last year. :rotf2:

basswipe
03-27-2011, 04:12 PM
Every review on the Toros is either 5star or 1star.So far its the same here,MikeP loves his and Duke41 hated his.Gonna stay away from Toro even though their PowerCurve 1800 snowblower is the balls!

May just hit the Sears Outlet in Fall Riv like Spence suggested and see what they got.Go short money and hope to get a few years out of it.

spence
03-27-2011, 04:26 PM
I'm on like year 6 or 7 of mine. Had to replace the starter cord but other than that it's started like a champ on the first pull.

Hell, I don't even change the oil. When it overheats I just add more :hihi:

-spence

basswipe
03-27-2011, 04:32 PM
Hell, I don't even change the oil. When it overheats I just add more :hihi:

-spence

That's what I do with my "tank".0% maintenance other than filling it with gas/Stabil for the Winter.

spence
03-27-2011, 04:42 PM
I've always left my old gas in all winter and never had a problem come spring.

-spence

striperman36
03-27-2011, 05:37 PM
get a reel mower, for a few bucks and get some exercise.

Scotts 20 in. Classic Reel Mower with Grass Catcher - 2010-20SG at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202051457&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ctype=2&ci_sku=202051457&ci_kw=+reel%20+mower&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-28-_-202051457&ci_gpa=pe&locStoreNum=2609)

fishaholic18
03-27-2011, 06:48 PM
Just get a Crapsman from the outlet and replace it in 5-6 years. I've actually found them to not be that terrible.

-spence

I 2nd that advice.

JamesJet
03-27-2011, 07:38 PM
For the price, Craftsman are throw away. I was just at Sears yesterday and they have a ton on sale for under $200. For that price, and the size of the yard, go for it. It will last you for 5-7 years if not more if you maintain it and then it really won't owe you anything. Compared to a top end mower the upfront capital is small.
If you do get interested in a reel mower, let me know, I will sell you mine for short money.

SurfCaster413
03-27-2011, 11:07 PM
My crew use's the toro self propelled and we use them almost every day. They are the best 21 inch mowers we have had. Had them years now landscaping and no problem what so ever.