Self-propelled walk behind mowers - Which One?

8NTX · Jun 22, 2007

I'm needing to replace my old Murray mower for the house in the city. Fairly small lot and I want to spend between $300 and $400. Have seen the various models offered at HD and Lowes - Troy-bilt, Toro, etc.. Recommendations? (I know - spend $600-$800 for a better one- LOL) Budget will be limited to no more than $400.

B&S vs. Honda engines?
Toro vs. Troy-bilt vs. ???
Elec. start vs. hand-crank?

mnbowhunter1960 · Jun 22, 2007

THE TORO IS MY FAVORITE, I AM ON MY SECOND ONE IN 24 YEARS OF MOWING AT MY PLACE AND ITAKE IT UP NORTH TO THE CABIN WHERE IT GETS ROUGHER TREATMENT THAN AT HOME AND IT IS ONE TOUGH MACHINE. AND LIKE THE COMMERCIAL SAYS IT STARTS ON THE 1ST OR 2ND PULL ALL THE TIME. AND IT REALLY DOES!

Bird · Jun 22, 2007

I agree on the Toro. And you can get a self-propelled one in your price range. I recently bought one myself, but I did as you mentioned and went all the way to the top of the line of their homeowner series, so I spent about $755, including sales tax. And I bought it from a Toro dealer who also services them no matter where you buy. His prices were as good as Home Depot's prices. I figure I've put about 26.5 hours on it so far.

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 22, 2007

I have a JD JS 63 from HD like 4 years ago. No complaints, works great, starts easy. 6.5 B/S maybe 5.75, don't remember righ this second... I replaced a bent crank (my fault), but that's it.

unit40 · Jun 22, 2007

Toro mowers, Not tractors, have the best repair history out there according to a leading consumer magazine. That being said, I have owned a Toro recycler mower for years and it kicks buzz. It is the 2-stroke model with the Suzuki engine, it has a variable 3 speed drive, and it will bag too. Very heavy though, more of a commercial machine.

Will_C · Jun 22, 2007

Another vote for Toro. I bought a Super recycler 4 years ago. It started this spring on the first pull. It cuts well and the personal pace is easy to use. The cast aluminum deck is holding up well. This mower is a bit more than you want to spend at $500, but you should seriously consider it. I think it is a nice price point between an average mower and the $800-1000 a commercial mower will cost.
Will

8NTX · Jun 22, 2007

Bird said:
I agree on the Toro. And you can get a self-propelled one in your price range. I recently bought one myself, but I did as you mentioned and went all the way to the top of the line of their homeowner series, so I spent about $755, including sales tax. And I bought it from a Toro dealer who also services them no matter where you buy. His prices were as good as Home Depot's prices. I figure I've put about 26.5 hours on it so far.

Hey Bird... long time no talk to. BTW - my son bought a house in Corinth last year.

Was the aluminum deck a big selling point for you? Which engine does yours have? I just returned from the Toro dealer (vs. Home Depot) who carries the better models. I've got my thinking all the way up to $499 for the alum. deck with the Briggs 6.75 hp; self paced unit. 5 yr. warranty seems worth it, I guess.

Steve

Big Al · Jun 22, 2007

The best feature about Toro self-propelled mowers is their variable speed system. It works based on how hard you push the handle.

Very slick.

DK35vince · Jun 22, 2007

I recently got a Toro with the aluminum deck, electric start, blade overide, the whole works. (Same model as Birds).
I like it. Nice mower. The personal pace self propel system works nice.
We have a very good Toro dealer nearby, so I purchased it there.