Who Makes a Good Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower?

ipwanab · Jul 12, 2004

I agree with GatorBoy. The exmark 21 and toro proline 21 are the same mower. I have to push a tremendous amount of grass at my current place. I have steep hills,muddy spots you name it. I can't cut with anything but a walk behind. I gave up after several lawnmowers wheels came apart, drive mechanisms quit working, motors wore out etc;(you get the picture). I work often at a local University and I asked there maint guy for grounds what to buy. He pointed at a toro proline and said I'd get one of these. I wasn't impressed at seeing the rather ragged looking unit and said "that ?" he said that mower is so old no one knows when we got it. I marched straight to the local dealer and paid almost 900 dollars for one and have never regretted the purchase. All the things I wanted were addressed in the professional series- one gallon gas tank, rugged steel wheels with rubber tires, wheel bearings, thick aluminum deck and a nice solid handle.The drive action is first class.Now when I go for a marathon session of cutting all I need in the way of equipment is a lot of iced tea.

Bird · Jul 12, 2004

( I remember as a kid that yard work was just part of the deal - we all did it. )

Yeah, and that was after you milked the cow, fed the cow, horse, hogs, chickens, weeded the garden and harvested whatever needed harvesting in the garden, blackberries, plums, pears, apples, peaches, or pecans. We moved into town when I was a teenager; still had a big yard, a vegetable garden, and chickens, but I just marveled at the fact that we no longer had any work to do.

GerardC · Jul 12, 2004

( Not to wax nostalgic, but I remember as a kid that yard work was just part of the deal - we all did it. Now you'd think it's slavery or something - very dramatic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. )

Boy, you sure hit the nail on the head! Always the loonnngggg face and in slowwwwwww motion too /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. G

FamilyFarm · Jul 23, 2004

( I needed a new walk-behind this year but decided not to put real big bucks into a unit and went with one of the Toro 'Recycler' steel-deck units with the 'Personal Pace' rear-wheel drive system . . .
)

I have the same unit for my walk-behind mower. That plus a BX22 MMM, a DR Trimmer and a Robin (Subaru) "weed-eater" pretty much keeps the place clean!
To the other issue discussed here about children - my property would never be cared for if not for the hard work of my children! They all have their moments (don't we all!), but they have been taught to work and we start them early in life. We tell them one of our jobs as parents is to teach them how to become responsible adults (they already know how to be kids) and we try to show them and work with them to help them learn! Oh yeah, no TV in the house probably helps! They don't miss it - we got rid of it about the time the first one was born (almost 14 years). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Terry

ronjhall · Jul 23, 2004

Bird
I'm in the need of a Good Walk Behind Self Propelled Mower. I've been reading this tread and searching on the Web. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ran across this web page. Click Here

My youngest son now 31 years old. Would probably like to finish off the old Snapper push mower that he got to use during his work learning experiences. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Bird · Jul 23, 2004

Ron, I guess that's one way to get rid of an old lawnmower. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Mac624 · Jul 25, 2004

Question is:What is broken at the mower? Engine? Deck? If it is the engine it would better to replace it, then buying a new mower. The engines of every manufacturer shoulkd fit, so you can choose the brand You wanted. If the deck is broken...ok, new mower is necessary. We use several mowers; Mountfield, Harry, JD and Klippo. I must say, the Klippo and the JD are the best mowers I´ve ever had. This are Mulchers so we won´t have to collect the grass. For working with a collector the Harry should be the best choice.
Even our tractors (MF, Viking, Wheel-Horse ) don´t have a collector. I would try to figure out, what´s the price of a klippo is. www.klippo.se

froggy · Jul 25, 2004

I have had a honda for eight years and would buy another one without question.

gottahaveit · Jul 25, 2004

4 or 5 yrs ago I bought a Honda, w/ the plastic deck, etc for about $600 at HD. I had the 10% off so got it for $540.

I like it a lot, starts runs perfectly, the light weight of the deck makes it a breeze to handle and the motor has a good refined sound to it. So far only maintenence items were a new set ot tires, blade and filter. I have had a Toro and a Snapper both self propelled walk behinds since 1984, in that order. Both worked well, but the Honda zenoy deck is the best (it is newer design and cost more). The Snapper has the funny drive mechanism disk that squeals when you let the clutch out but was a solid mower. ( bought it in 94, I still have it and it runs fine )

I guess the best part of the Honda is the light weight of the unit, and refinement of the controls. I like to look at the switch gear, cables, how things are set up, does it look homemade or well engineered, the Honda's controls and so on look very well done. I don't think I would like switching back to another heavy deck. The only minor complaint on the Honda is there is a bit of bracketry on the handle that can grab you on the leg in tight quarters. And for some reason the red plastic engine cover grate has tiny checks in it, although no fuel has ever touched it. The deck is holding up well. I see the new Hondas have the front swivel wheels and that looks a bit gadgety, but I would recommend the Hondas.