Buying Lawn Mower (home, price, design)

[reachvali]

Hi all,

I have a reel mower but its getting very hard to use it.
So i have decided to buy a power lawn mower.
I need your suggestions.

I have two items in my mind.

Toro Recycler (22") 190cc High Wheel Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 20331
Toro Recycler (22") 190cc High Wheel Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 20331#

Or

Lawn Boy 10645 20-Inch 6.75-Gross-Torque Briggs & Stratton Gas Powered Lawn Mower (CARB Compliant)
Amazon.com: Lawn Boy 10645 20-Inch 6.75-Gross-Torque Briggs & Stratton Gas Powered Lawn Mower (CARB Compliant): Home & Garden


Another Toro Super Recycler 20092 seems to be more powerful. But costly.

Please send your suggestions.

Thanks
Aadil

[sliverbox]

I used to repair mowers on the side so I have some experience with them. Basically what you want to look at are the engines. Briggs is one of the better brands- but I would probably go for their 5HP and above engines with an Overhead valve design. Their smaller "Sprinter" engines- which are usually the 3HP units are not as good in my opinion. There are a number of generic Chinese knock-offs out there now. Not to say these aren't good but you might have trouble finding parts.

The bottom line is that most any mower will do fine. Its all about the engine. Briggs, Honda, and Kohler are all excellent engines. The key thing to remember is to try and not leave gas in the mower all winter. That will turn to varnish and clog up the carburetor. That and change the oil at least once or twice every season- more if you have a large yard.

[someguyatx]

How big is your yard? If its fairly small then self propelled would be a waste of money since you will just end up pushing it. I have an older model of this works fine in a fairly small yard. I bag in early spring and late fall and mulch the rest of the year. I clean the air filter monthly and change oil yearly.

[reachvali]

Thank you. I don't need a self propelled. My home is on a bigger lot. Back yard is little bit big compared to the normal yards. But i can push the mower.

[sliverbox]

If you can find them, the older LawnBoy 2 cycle mowers were excellent. I've got one from the 70's that still starts on the 1st pull. They have an aluminum deck, a lightweight 2 stroke engine, and staggered wheels for getting closer to edges. They weigh like nothing. There's no oil to change because they run on oil mixed with gas. They quit making them because the things pollute. As a former small engine mechanic I tend to go for older mowers because a lot of them were simply better built.

One more thing about if you buy a new mower: Make sure and clean the underside every once in awhile. The grass will build up under the deck and rust things out.

[reachvali]

After some research i am thinking to buy 20 in. Kohler Gas Walk-Behind Push Mower.
I will appreciate for all your responses.