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Toro. I wouldn't buy anything else when it comes to gas push mowers. The Personal Pace is nice and about $300-$450 if I am not mistaken depending if you want high wheel, electric start, etc. Those are RWD, and they do offer a slightly cheaper FWD vairable speed model that is not Personal Pace. The PP is basically a large plastic grip on the top of the handlebar that slides depending on how much force you exert while walking thus moving at exactly the pace you do at all times. Unlike a simpler bar that either goes or doesn't (the cheaper model).
My father had a Toro PP when I was in high school (15 years ago) and my brother has had his for at least 10 years. Mine has been in operation for 6 although has been moved to different duties now. I upgraded when we moved to a larger home with an acre to a John Deere D105 and the Toro is now my deep thatcher.
For other models, Craftsman and Murray are so so IMO and Honda's are nice but pricey. Toro's are simple and easy to maintain and even better easy to get parts for regardless of model. To me they are the Weber grill of the push mower category.
Monthly basis...as in you contract them/pay them once a month? Or they mow once a month, which is likely too little--especially in the early part of the summer when once a week is necessary?
IF you decide to purchase a mower and do it yourself, "it all depends" on your desire for quality versus price.
Some folks will buy a Sears/Craftsman, use it for a few years, and junk it.
Others will buy a Honda, and expect it to last a lifetime--as it should.
I am in the latter camp. Honda self propelled, 21inch.
Some like the Toro...Personal Pace, but as a person with a bad back, I find it to be painful. You "push" on the mower to make it go, so you are always giving it a little nudge, which kills the lower back.
Most other self propelled mowers work on the basis of you "squeezing" a level and the mower "pulls" you along.
In the better quality category you start with Honda, then have Toro and Snapper.
Deal with a local shop which sells first quality product (Big Box stores sell the "brand", but it is manufactured to a "price point/lower standard) and will cost you a little more, but they will provide service and be there if things go wrong.
Mowing grass is easy, and done well, is actually quite satisfying. A good time for contemplation as you go along on a nice day.
Just bought Snapper $329 model 7800927 at my local Ag supply store. It is gas, front wheel drive--self propelled, larger rear tires, and has bagger. It is a nice walk behind mower, does decent job, & is quieter than most.
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