recommendations for a self propelled lawn mower

[mbu]

What self propelled lawn mower would you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[JohnfromPA]

After over-researching like I do everything else, I bought a Toro Super Recycler SR4 20092 last week.

So far, I've cut my lawn twice with it and it has never looked better. I love the Personal Pace system, and the thing starts on the first or second pull without having to mess with any throttle or choke controls. It just starts and goes.

 

[Mounted Madness]

Contemplating a similar purchase myself, but a buddy of mine recommended front wheel drive, simply because when you want to draw the machine backwards, you just have to tilt it onto the rear wheels and pull back.:thumbsup:

Rear drive won't allow it.

Certainly something to think about.

Oh yeah, he has a lawn care business and uses a variety of machines, so I consider his advice both practical and valued.

 

[JohnfromPA]

My rear-drive Toro requires not even that much effort to to backwards. Just letting go of the engagement handle for the Personal Pace unlocks the wheels and it goes backwards without any additional steps required other than pulling it backwards. It really is very slick.

In the over-researching I did before making my purchase, I came to the conclusion that front-drive were cheaper to produce, hence found on lower-end machines, and not as reliable/rugged as rear-drive. What I saw at the dealers I visited supported that, as the lower-end machines were all front-drive and the mid-range and higher-end were rear-drive.

Also for any kind of use on slopes or hills, there was near-unanimous recommendations to get a rear-drive machine from pretty much everyone I talked to.

 

[Mounted Madness]

My rear-drive Toro requires not even that much effort to to backwards. Just letting go of the engagement handle for the Personal Pace unlocks the wheels and it goes backwards without any additional steps required other than pulling it backwards. It really is very slick.

In the over-researching I did before making my purchase, I came to the conclusion that front-drive were cheaper to produce, hence found on lower-end machines, and not as reliable/rugged as rear-drive. What I saw at the dealers I visited supported that, as the lower-end machines were all front-drive and the mid-range and higher-end were rear-drive.

Also for any kind of use on slopes or hills, there was near-unanimous recommendations to get a rear-drive machine from pretty much everyone I talked to.

Okay, back to the drawing board for me....:laughing:

 

[RoyJackson]

I've had a Snapper electric start for a few years now. No problems and I'm pretty satisfied with it.
Mine's front wheel drive and, so far, I've had no problems with the few sloped areas I have to trim behind the tractor.

 

[JohnfromPA]

Okay, back to the drawing board for me....:laughing:

Good luck. I bought this thing just to mow my front lawn because it's just too difficult to maneuver my big mower with a 50" deck around everything. Plus, since it bags/mulches, it'll look better. However, I'm so impressed that I've used it to cut the back yard as well and am leaving the big mower in the shed. It takes longer, but I get much-needed exercise.

 

[smstonypoint]

I purchased a Honda HRR216VKA (Smart Drive Control and mulching system) late last summer. I have been happy with the mower so far -- no starting problems and the drive control system works well for me.


http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/...P2LM&modelname=HRR216K5VKA&modelid=HRR2165VKA

Steve

 

[JohnfromPA]

I purchased a Honda HRR216VKA (Smart Drive Control and mulching system) late last summer. I have been happy with the mower so far -- no starting problems and the drive control system works well for me.


Honda Power Equipment - HRR216K5VKA

Steve

I looked hard at that Honda, real hard - almost bought it. Local Honda dealer is practically next-door to the Toro dealer and I spent time at both. It's a nice unit. For me, the Toro edged it out for 3 reasons:

1) longer warranty (5-year vs 3-year)
2) aluminum deck (will last forever) versus steel deck
3) better feeling about the dealer for service down the road.

 

[Will_C]

I have had a Toro Super Recycler for around 7-8 years now. It starts every spring on the 1st or 2nd pull. It does not get as much use now that I have a ZTR mower, but it was used an hour weekly for 4-5 years. It has been problem free, both motor and personal pace drive system, and leaves a beautiful cut.

Will