• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Lets talk lawn mowers

T

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
My current lawn mower is only about 8 years old and still runs good but the deck is rotting apart. All the metal baffling under it to help it mulch is gone and it has holes in the side and the top of the deck. I have a piece of wood holding the back of the mower together. I'm waiting for the motor to break loose and fly up and chop my head off. I think its time for a new one.

All I care about is that it mulches well. If it also bags and side discharges fine but I never use those features on my current one and probably won't on the new one. My current one is self propelled but I don't really care if the new one is. My yard is flat and isn't huge so a light push mower doesn't sound too bad.

Few of the ones that look ok from my internet searching so far.
Yard Machine
Know nothing about that brand or MTD engines but its the cheapest.

Cub Cadet
Thats a pretty well thought of brand isn't it? Only 19" cut so I'd so it would take a bit longer but if it cuts better I'd put up with it. The review listed is for a self propelled mower which this one isn't.

Toro
Hear lots of good things about Toro and it has a lot of good reviews. Its the most expensive and its also self propelled and has a 22" cut.

Troy Built
Not sure how great Troy Builts are but it does have a Honda engine which I hear good things about.

 
get the toro!!! i run my own business (usually cut 5-10 yards a week) and have been using my toro for 2-3 years now. still works like its brand new.
 
I bought a Bolen's on sale at Lowe's for $70 or so (maybe less).

It's running strong, but it is only a couple weeks old.

It has a good ole' Briggs and Straton engine.


If you have a small yard, you don't need much.
 
Yard Machines, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt are all manufactured by MTD. Different brands same company.

That said, Yard Machines is their budget line. Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt are going to be similar with the nod slightly in favor of Troy-Bilt, which is basically going to last you the same as the Toro.
 
Well think I'll drop the Yard Machine from my list. It only has a 3.5hp engine which I just don't think is enough for my yard. The Toro as nice as it sounds is going to cost me $300+ tax in store so I think its out. Really leaning towards the Troy-Bilt mainly for the Honda engine plus I think my weed eater is a Troy and I haven't had any problems with it. Can't find much info about the Cub Cadet. Sears of coarse has a bunch but nothing that really stands out as any better then the troy.
 
My experience is if you want a mower that will last 10+ years, get something like a snapper or a toro - big bucks. Otherwise get a cheap one and plan on replacing it often. Either way could work economically as long as you've planned ahead of time and aren't surprised.

The yard stuff at lowes and home depot is usually shiny crap. Even the low-end deere isn't very good. I'm sure there are exceptions.

Self-propulsion is nice but is added expense and something else to break. You never can tell about the quality though - my sister is still using my grandpa's push mower. He died in the early seventies.
 
Buy whichever has the best deck. My dads toro commercial is like 10 years old now and still solid. Its one with the kawasaki motor and really thick deck though and was nearly $1000.
 
Toro has been the best for me. I used to buy cheap mowers ($100-ish) but they just didn't last long with my yard.
 
Check out costco. They have one with a stainless steel deck. Most motors will out last the mower body if you change the oil once a year.
 
i beat the HELL out of my toro personal pace.
ive run diesel thru it on accident, have never tuned it up since getting and i swear to god it starts 1st pull every single time.
imo they are well worth the extra $.
i loved it so much i bought me a toro garden tractor this yr.
 
I just bought that same model (the Toro 20065) this year because we bought a new house smaller yard didn't need the riding mower. That thing is awesome my neighbor has the same version but older and his still looks and runs like brand new. The guarantee start is nice to, usually the first pull and it fires right up. The washout port is nice too keeps from having to turn it upside down to wash it out on the inside.
 
I'm not sure the model # but in our local sams club stores they have a nice Honda powered push mower that run about $189.

Not sure you can go wrong with the honda power?

 
My Lawn Boy cost me $50. Looks and runs brand new. Awesome 2 stroke with self propel and a new bag that had never been used. Craigslist FTW!

That said I love my Toro snow blower and their mowers are pretty much the same as the lawn boys. You can't go wrong with a Toro.
 
I have a Yard Machines with the self-start feature. Had it about 7 years. Changed the oil once. It's been flawless. I wanted a Honda, but the MTE has been fantastic. A bit of wear-n-tear on the handle and levers, but nothing that basic maintenance doesn't manage.


Edit - Mine is a Yard Man, not Yard Machine. I think they are both MTE though.
 
My dad bought a Toro about a year ago. It's the "super recycler" and has a deck that is 1/4 inch thick. Very nice, but we've mauled the everliving crap out of it in about a year.
 
Originally posted by: amdskip
Find something with a honda motor, top of the line IMHO.
Click to expand...

My dad has been using Honda mowers for the past 20 years or so... the first one was about 17 years old before we replaced it, it still worked perfectly, however it was on the older side. (Had electric start and all!) The new one is much more quiet and works great.

I've also heard that the lawn mowers and such that are sold at Home Depot, Lowes and such are usually lower quality than the ones purchased from the dealers directly, like a Honda dealer.
 
Originally posted by: seemingly random
My experience is if you want a mower that will last 10+ years, get something like a snapper or a toro - big bucks. Otherwise get a cheap one and plan on replacing it often. Either way could work economically as long as you've planned ahead of time and aren't surprised.

The yard stuff at lowes and home depot is usually shiny crap. Even the low-end deere isn't very good. I'm sure there are exceptions.

Self-propulsion is nice but is added expense and something else to break. You never can tell about the quality though - my sister is still using my grandpa's push mower. He died in the early seventies.
Click to expand...

My dad has a snapper that is over 20 years old... I remember when he bought it. I talked to him the other day and he said he still mows his lawn with it.... over an acre every week! :Q
 
Whichever brand you decide on make it a habit of completely hosing out the underside
of the deck after every cut. My current mower (el-chepo Murray) has lasted 8 years
so far doing this, and by changing the oil very frequently. I also before the start of
every season scrape and re-paint the deck bottom as well, seems to have helped..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top