Best push mower in the "low priced" catagory?

meledward23 · Sep 16, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

Push Mowers, - Wow...... Boy do I find these things irritating.

Fact is they are like cars.

Do you want a no frills well built machine that does it's job but little else?

Hard to find one.

I have never found a mower that meet my criteria which is quite similar to yours. I like to mow. I like to exercise. Most self propelled mowers are slower than I walk. Pushin a self propelled mower is out.

A good, high quality push mower. Hard to find. Let us know if you find one.

Otherwise my advice. There is no engine like a Honda. I bought a used Reel Mower witha 5.5 HP Honda. Hadn't been used in two and a half years (bought from a friend so I know this is true). I added gas, pulled ten times and no luck. Looked at it cursed, walked away, turned around walked back and saw the on switch mounted on the front below the air filter. Flipped it, pulled and it started.

My parents have had a pair of Honda's with one being 10 years old and the other close to 7. Both run wonderful, except the gear drive is wearing down on the older one.

I have Three Toro Mowers with Kholer 15HP (yes big 52" decks) and the all start on one or two pulls (93 model, 96, and 99) all ran 40hrs/wk for 5+ yrs before I got them. The company I work for has a landscape maintenance division and has the 21" Toro and it is a nice machine as well.

In my opinion I would get a well built 500 dollar+ type of commercial grade push mower, or I would buy some $99 dollar junk heap. I dont trust the inbetween models. But that is a personal preference.

AndyM · Sep 19, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

I finally made it back to the Sears Hardware store this afternoon. It's a good thing I didn't make it there earlier in the week, because now the mower I wanted is now 20 dollars less! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

It's a Craftsman mower, non-self-propelled, rear bagger/mulcher with a 5.5 hp Honda engine. I'll probably never use the rear bag that came with it, but they didn't have a model with a Honda engine that didn't come with one. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The price was $239. It's still too wet to mow today (remnants of Ivan), but I'll see how much more mower I got this time after spending the extra 100 dollars.

Speaking of Sears Hardware stores, it's nice to see these in some neighborhoods away from the mall. Why waste your time fighting traffic to the mall and walking through clothes and furniture displays, when you can go to the smaller store and get the only things MOST people go to Sears to buy-- Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances.

sneaky_pete · Sep 19, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

( In my opinion I would get a well built 500 dollar+ type of commercial grade push mower, or I would buy some $99 dollar junk heap. I dont trust the inbetween models. But that is a personal preference.
)

Count me in the latter category. Even the cheapest Sears mower lasts me many years, whether I care for it or not. Use it up until it won't run at all, throw it away, and buy another cheapo. The one I have now is about shot, but it's lasted at least 7 or 8 years.

Gatorboy · Sep 19, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

 In my opinion I would get a well built 500 dollar+ type of commercial grade push mower, or I would buy some $99 dollar junk heap. I dont trust the inbetween models. But that is a personal preference. 

I totally agree. If you buy a commercial mower, it will last you for life. You will spend more money over time buying cheap junk than paying up front for quality.

buckle97 · Sep 21, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

I was at Sears last night looking at riding mowers. I noticed they had a 42" cut model with a 16.5 hp Honda engine and Hydro transmission for $1699. I have had a bit of trouble with my current Craftsman 15.5 hp rider so I think I am still leaning towards the Cub Cadet 18.5 hp B&S engine with hydro at Lowes for $1599.
That Honda engine would be nice, but I have had a lot of problems not relating to the engine on my current Craftsman rider.

Lawrence

normde2001 · Oct 4, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

"Upon closer inspection of the air cleaner, it is quite oily to the touch. It's been covered with oil! You don't 'oil' paper air filters you 'oil' foam air cleaners."

That's what happens when you tip them up, carb side down.

KNotMe · Oct 16, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

If you are looking for a push mower, buy the cheapest mower you can find within the width range you want. What is in a mower but a generic engine turning a flat piece of metal. What professional grade metal is going to be in a push mower to justify three hundred dollars. If you mow only when dry, clean up after yourself and do not turn the mower carb side down you will be fine.

keeney · Oct 23, 2004

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

I too started out looking to buy a cheapo mower for trimming, etc, but by the time I was done, I ended up talking myself into needing self-propelled.

In the upper-middle-price-range, the Toro 6.5HP 22" personal-pace model I just purchased has exceeded my expectations in every area except one - the gas tank is too small.

I think they make the tank small on purpose to differentiate it from the "commercial" versions.

The personal pace system really does work - it just always seems to be going the speed I want!

The "turbo" blade (or whatever they call it) does a great job of mulching - so good that I gave up on my intended method of using it - side-discharge.

- Rick