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We want to buy a lawn mower. What is the best lawn mower and also what should we look for? We want self propelled mower. Some are written 190cc others 163cc. Which brand is better?
Honda. I had 1 of the first and it lasted over 25 years and still started on the first pull. The commercial models are much better but cost more than the ones available at Home Depot and similar stores. Honda lawn mower engines are residential or residential grade, quality and price are also different. The residential units are good but the commercial products can't be beat! http://powerequipment.honda.com/lawn...dels/hrx217vka http://powerequipment.honda.com/lawn...dels/hrc216hxa
Yes, Honda engines are good.
Kohler engines are a close second.
Kawasaki engines are good, too.
There really is nothing wrong with Briggs &
Stratton engines, though.
That covers nearly every new mower made today.
good luck, and have fun shopping.
Be aware that the wheels on mowers are now plastic and the large rear wheels cannot stand up to anything that stresses them sideways, due to the weakness of the material and torque. I've had to resort to big washers and all sorts of kludge repairs. I've looked for metal replacements with no success. The small wheel front drives can be prone to grass getting in the gear action or under the belt, depending on the design.
Be aware that the wheels on mowers are now plastic and the large rear wheels cannot stand up to anything that stresses them sideways, due to the weakness of the material and torque. I've had to resort to big washers and all sorts of kludge repairs. I've looked for metal replacements with no success. The small wheel front drives can be prone to grass getting in the gear action or under the belt, depending on the design.
I totally agree with this comment about lawnmower wheels. I've had around five lawnmowers in the past 20 years and they have all been reliable except for the wheels. In fact, the wheels were the reason I replaced the lawnmower. I have no need for a self propelled mower but the wheels on them tend to be higher quality. I would still inspect the wheels before purchasing. Look for high quality ball bearing wheels. Lawnmower wheels are also expensive to replace.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I have had mowers and other power equipment with Briggs or Tecumseh engines, and never had a problem with any of them. The difference in mowers has been the durability of the deck. I recently had to weld some steel onto the Craftsman, about 10 years old when it rusted through, but it still runs great and starts every time on the first pull.
I find the reel to be the best choice. Is is a lot less bothersom than the rider. It takes no more muscle to use than the self propelled, and it cuts as well as any of them. I don't have to worry about butchering roots. The only time it is bothersom is when I have let the lawn grow too high, then, I have to use one of the others to chop down the high grass before the reel can tackle it. But maybe mine needs a tune up, or maybe there is new technology that will make higher grass easier to handle.
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