Best push lawn mower

[texdav]

I have had two honda lawn mowers and they are great.But there is a big difference between the harmony and the models found at a lawnmower shops.By the way ;My first I gave to my neighbor when he moved in after having it 25 years.One cable replaced in that amount of time other than filters;spark plugs;oil and blades. Still started with two fingers.

[dblsae]

Do you have any suggestions as to the best models of Honada. Are you suggesting that the harmony is better or worse than the others. Home Depot had a few Hondas but not a huge selection there. Mostly just Toro's there.

[WitchDoctor]

Any mower you buy from a big box store will be lower quality (and price) than a mower bought from an independent dealer. Every manufacturer now makes several different grades of equipment. The better models are available only through servicing dealers.

Since most everyone is recommending the Honda, I'll address it first. Honda makes excellent engines. They are easy to start and very dependable. Their engines will outlast the rest of the mower on all but the highest priced units. The Harmony models have transmission problems unless your yard is just a nice plain grassy area. (If you have to work around trees and landscaping, it won't hold up.) I tried to explain to the factory reps why a customer's transmission had failed, but they didn't believe me and he had to buy a transmission even though it was within the warranty period.

Toro makes two different lines. The Super Recycler (cast aluminum deck) is their premium line and it is worth the difference in cost compared to the Recycler. I guarantee no other rotary mower will mulch like a super recycler. This year's models have an automatic choke and no primer on the Briggs and Stratton engines. The Personal Pace drive control is very nice as well. All models come ready to discharge, mulch or bag.

Lawn-boy is now essentially a Toro with a slightly lower quality of cut. Lawnboy doesn't make their own engine any more, so that advantage is gone. Their drive systems have been improved by throwing away the Lawn-boy drive and using Toro's.

Bottom line: Honda engines are better than Briggs which are better than Tecumseh.
Front wheel drive is for cars. It isn't worth a hill of beans on a mower.
Toro has the best quality of cut.

To further complicate things, engine manufacturers no longer advertise horsepower on their engines. They have changed to ft/lbs (torque). It's more accurate, but to the average user, it just means they can put a bigger number on the label.

[dblsae]

Which Doctor, so are you voting for the super recycler by Toro or the Handa. How do you find a local dealer to buy these better lawn mowers? I guess I did not even relize there were alternatives for lawn mowers other than the big box stores.

[WitchDoctor]

Yes, one of those two with a personal preference toward Toro. The local yellow pages should help you find the shops in your area. I would suggest going and trying out all of the brands that interest you. In the price range you are looking, this could be your last mower.

Another reason it is a good idea to buy from the local dealer is that he is the one that will be servicing your mower. The shop I work at gives priority to customers that bought their mower from us. This can make a two week difference in turn around time in the summer.

[kdog]

Originally Posted by grnthmb55

Go with a Honda. We had one that always started on the first pull. It was amazing. It lasted nearly 20 years.

We moved cross country and put our Honda in the shed at our new home for two years. I finally pulled it out last weekend to mow the new little patch of lawn we have, put some gas in it, and guess what? It started first pull. After two years. Unbelievable.

[WitchDoctor]

Originally Posted by kdog

We moved cross country and put our Honda in the shed at our new home for two years. I finally pulled it out last weekend to mow the new little patch of lawn we have, put some gas in it, and guess what? It started first pull. After two years. Unbelievable.

I presume you drained all of the fuel out before you moved. I don't recommend keeping fuel for more than 30 days any more.

[himain]

I had a simple craftsman one in Jacksonville, FL and it did great. I bought it from Sears online and got it for less than $300. It worked great. I only sold it because I moved to a townhouse and no longer needed it but the neighbor who bought it says its still going strong 3 years later..

[mmannaxx]

I've had a Craftsman mower for 18 years and it has never failed to start. I change the oil each year, put in a new spark plug, and occasionally change the air filter. I either sharpen the blade or buy a new one each year. Paid less than $200 in 1990 for the mower (22 inch model). I keep thinking it will stop some time but it hasn't yet so I keep using it.

[faithfulFrank]

I agree with witchdoctor.
Start a good relationship with a GOOD local shop, a dealer who will take care of you.
Yes, he will service mowers from a big box store, but he will rightfully take care of HIS customers first.

Rear drive gets better reviews, and front wheel drive does not......although I have a 1987 Toro that is front wheel drive that I do like because when I get to an end of a row, and lift it, (push the handle down) to turn back, it does not fight you, and you can still have the drive turning.

I can recommend a few. Honda is good, as well as some of the better Toro's.
Snapper is also a good mower.

You will find good info on an outdoor power equipment forum I know;

Best Snowblower, Snowthrower, Lawnmower, Forum, Lawn Mower, snow blower, snow thrower, parts, Outdoor Power Equipment

There are some good people there who are experts. Go to a dealer and TRY them out to see what features you like the most. Good luck!

Frank D.