Walk-behind Mowers

[timb]

Need a trim mower and I'm looking at a few middle-of-the-road units. I'd like to stay under $400-$450 for this one. I don't bag or mulch the rest of the lawn today so I'm not all that concerned about getting the 'best' bagger or mulcher but it would be nice if those configs work decently. None of the mowers I've looked into seem to be hands-down winners but these 3 seem to be contenders.

Cub Cadet SCR621 w/6.5hp Kawasaki
Toro Recycler Personal Pace 20017 w/6.5hp Tecumseh
Husqvarna 55R21HV w/5.5hp Honda

I started off ready to buy the Cub - everything I read had been pretty positive and the Kawasaki is supposed to rock solid. 2nd choice was the Toro but a lot of folks seemed to question the Tecumseh. While at Lowes checking out the Cub (and I really wasn't all that impressed by a lot of small details) I happened to noticed the Husky next to it on the floor. Didn't know anything about that model but frankly the ergonomics, fit & finish and 'feel' seemed noticably the best of the three. However, in checking out the usual forums for reviews I found very little positive said about the Husqvarna mowers.

Anyone have any experience good/bad with these or have a better alternative?

Tim

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I have an old JD lawn mower, probably 15 years old. It has a Kawasaki engine in it and it is the most reliable lawn mower I've ever used. Other than a spark plug change every 5 or 6 years, there has never been any work done to the engine.

Of the 3 choices you have, I don't know about the quality of build of any of the units, but based on my experience with my JD/Kawasaki I would recommend the engine highly. I think Honda engines are known as top flight engines as well.

 

[Gatorboy]

I have to agree with Bob. I've got a Kawasaki 17HP engine on my Scag 48" walk-behind and it runs like a champ. Honda engines are probably even a notch better.

I would stay away from the Tecumseh engine. Not the best reliability.

As for the mower decks, etc., I really don't know enough about those three models to offer an opinion.

 

[Chillimau]

Check out a snapper, easy to get parts for and you can get a Honda or the Briggs. The commerical model is avail with a Kawasaki but that is around 700-800.

 

[Will_C]

If your budget can stretch to $500, I would suggest that you like at the Toro super recycler. It has the personal pace, aluminum deck, and is guaranteed to start for 5 years. I looked for a long time before I bought mine, and it offered a good balance of price and features.
Will

 

[GerardC]

Personally I like MTD. I have a self-propelled 3-in-1 mower that has served me just fine. Fit and finish is decent and the cut is real nice.

What I really like most is parts availability. They are sold everywhere and the price is right. Cost around $350.00 at Wal-Mart a few years ago.

 

[frank_f15]

I BOUGHT A WHITE 5YEARS AGO, 21 INCH WITH BRIGS ENGINE, selfpropelled, rear bagger, mulching attachement, or just plane cut. thing still starts on the first pull. paid $369 from a small lawn mower shop in the area. another nice feature is one lever adjust all 4 wheels for height of cut. only bad thing about it is it isa PIA to change oil if u do it the way it is supposed to be done. devised my own way of changing oil. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[samisam]

The Husky is actually built by Electrolux Home Products which is formerly American Yard Products which build the Craftsman mowers BUT Husky specs these units out to there specs and from what I have seen Have been pretty good.
The Tecumseh motor issue is another deal. The Tecumsehs were hard to work on and had to be in perfect time in order to run. Therefore most old timers hate them , unless of course it was on a snow blower. The new Tecumsehs are just as good a any Briggs but still won't match up to a Honda, Kawasaki, or Robin engine.
I hope I have not confused you more in your purchase now.
Samisam