New Mower Recommendations

8N Ren · Mar 25, 2014

Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a new push mower this year, as my old one bit the dust last fall.
Our wants are, around 22" cutting width, has to be self propelled, with perhaps electric start. I'd like to be able to have the option of side discharge and rear bag collection for when we mow in different areas of our yard.

We would really like to get a Honda, we have a tiller by them and that thing rocks. They make a great engine. The only problem is they are all rear discharge unless you go with a small push mower from what Ive seen on line, I haven't gone to the dealer yet.

I'm open to any and all brands though. The yard area isn't quite a half acre, this will be for the areas where the lawn tractor can't go, between trees etc. My budget is $1000 or so. Help me spend my money!!

Thanks

Forgot to add that the yard site is flat but is bumpy in spots.

Gunny · Mar 25, 2014

Several companies make self propelled mowers with the rear bag/side discharge option, then put Honda engines on them. The first that comes to mind is Craftsman, but I've seen others, their names just escape me right now.

Gary Fowler · Mar 25, 2014

I have a Craftsman side discharge with rear bagger but it has a Briggs and Stratton engine. I have had it for many years and it still starts on the second or third pull (no battery start on mine nor is it self propelled). It sat under my patio for 3 years with fuel tank empty. Last fall I cleaned it up, change oil, cleaned air filter of dirt dauber nest, put in fresh fuel and it cranked right up. I used it for a while picking up leaves then decided to get a lawn sweeper for that. It sat all winter with fuel in the tank till last week, I needed to pick up some sweetgum balls that had fallen in a narrow spot between my shop and a fence. I took out the old mower with last falls gas, second pull it fired right up and it sucked up all the balls for me. Now it is parked back in its storage spot. I think I will remove all the old gas now as I don't plan to use it again for a while. It is and has been a good push mower. I do think that Craftsman (MTD Mfg) has a self-propelled one and even one with electric start that would be well within your budget. Almost all small mowers now are made by MTD regardless of brand name.

Gunny · Mar 26, 2014

Gary - it does seem that the vast majority of "push" mowers are made by MTD, they've just about covered the tiller and mower bracket with numerous name brand badges slapped on their products.

I just looked through their site and it seems that they have several that come in two flavors, one with a Briggs, then the same with a Honda engine, with the Honda powered one usually about $50 more.

I like the newer Briggs (OHV models) a lot more than the older ones, but based on my luck with Honda engines, I'd gladly spend the extra $50 for the upgrade.

8N Ren · Apr 15, 2014

Wow 3 weeks and 240 some views and that's all the responses? Gee whiz guys thanks for the help.
Anyhow I went with a Toro.

dbear · Apr 15, 2014

8N Ren said:
Wow 3 weeks and 240 some views and that's all the responses? Gee whiz guys thanks for the help.
Anyhow I went with a Toro.

Why would I comment on a 21" mower when I haven't used one in at least 40 years, or ever owned one? Take your attitude and go use your Toro.

Gunny · Apr 16, 2014

Well, if you got a Toro, then what you really got was an MTD. I mentioned that MTD had most of the small mower production and that they came with both Honda and Briggs, and that several flavors of those came with side discharge and a bagging system.

8N Ren · Apr 16, 2014

The 5 year full coverage warranty as well as 5 year guaranteed to start or fixed for free was the deciding factor. Not to mention it had all the features I wanted.

MoKelly · Apr 16, 2014

8N Ren said:
Wow 3 weeks and 240 some views and that's all the responses? Gee whiz guys thanks for the help.
Anyhow I went with a Toro.

My guess is there are few push mower users on a Tractor site.

MoKelly

8N Ren · Apr 16, 2014

dbear said:
Why would I comment on a 21" mower when I haven't used one in at least 40 years, or ever owned one? Take your attitude and go use your Toro.

Why are you commenting then?
LOL! Don't get stressed man.