What type of lawn mower should I buy?

[DumpInfo]

So we've retired our last mower and currently on the hunt for a new one. I have a budget of $400 and what I do want is, gas powered, cut width 22", ideal honda engine, mulching capabilities, along with a bag.

What are you guys using?

Any brands you suggest I completely avoid?
How many cc's should I be looking at?



http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxhIjEtFQerAjeyJ0Fo_lPo3vHY0L7Q IFRhPzxrTg6rLcE92Bz

[staax]

I have a Troybilt with a 5.5 Honda motor on it, it's either a 21 or 22". Has a bag but I leave it off. Have had it for about 4 years now and always starts first pull, I use it once a week. Can't remember what I paid for it sorry. I change the oil in after every winter (which is probably overkill but oil is cheap).

Great mower IMO.

[SirWanker]

http://images.costco.ca/image/media/350-460187-894__1.jpg
Poulan Pro® push mower
Item #460187
Features:
Briggs & Stratton 190 cc Engine, 7.25 Torque Rating, 53.3 cm (21 in.) Cutting Deck, Rear Bag and Side Discharge, Fully Assembled


Bought this from Costco when it was on sale for $259 (last month).
It will start on one pull if it was a cold start. However multiple pulls are needed to restart a hot engine.
With a large front and back-yard, I stopped using the rear bag really quickly.

@Staxx - did the Honda engine have the same issue with hot starts?

[Lux]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzpLw15UfFg

This one

[staax]

http://images.costco.ca/image/media/350-460187-894__1.jpg
Poulan Pro® push mower
Item #460187
Features:
Briggs & Stratton 190 cc Engine, 7.25 Torque Rating, 53.3 cm (21 in.) Cutting Deck, Rear Bag and Side Discharge, Fully Assembled


Bought this from Costco when it was on sale for $259 (last month).
It will start on one pull if it was a cold start. However multiple pulls are needed to restart a hot engine.
With a large front and back-yard, I stopped using the rear bag really quickly.

@Staxx - did the Honda engine have the same issue with hot starts?


No sir, not a single issue with hot starts - I would've actually thought yours started easier. I try to keep the motor running till I'm finished but occasionally I would have to pick something up off the lawn to continue.

I haven't had a single issue with cold or hot starts... knock on wood.

[Scottobot]

I know it's not what you're looking for, but I just picked up a battery-powered lawn mower from CT a few days ago to replace my reel and corded electric mowers. Looking forward to giving it a try.

[loki]

does Guess make lawmowers?

If not, there are no lawnmowers out there for you son

[DumpInfo]

I have a Troybilt with a 5.5 Honda motor on it, it's either a 21 or 22". Has a bag but I leave it off. Have had it for about 4 years now and always starts first pull, I use it once a week. Can't remember what I paid for it sorry. I change the oil in after every winter (which is probably overkill but oil is cheap).

Great mower IMO.

4 years and still going strong is impressive. Gonna look into that brand thanks!


http://images.costco.ca/image/media/350-460187-894__1.jpg
Poulan Pro® push mower
Item #460187
Features:
Briggs & Stratton 190 cc Engine, 7.25 Torque Rating, 53.3 cm (21 in.) Cutting Deck, Rear Bag and Side Discharge, Fully Assembled


Bought this from Costco when it was on sale for $259 (last month).
It will start on one pull if it was a cold start. However multiple pulls are needed to restart a hot engine.
With a large front and back-yard, I stopped using the rear bag really quickly.


Was just checking out Costco site and it's now at $300 but worth checking out too. Anything you dislike about it?


I know it's not what you're looking for, but I just picked up a battery-powered lawn mower from CT a few days ago to replace my reel and corded electric mowers. Looking forward to giving it a try.

Give it a shot and let me know how it goes. Have always been a fan of gas powered ones but any review is good enough for me!


does Guess make lawmowers?

If not, there are no lawnmowers out there for you son

Don't hate cause you shop at Siren's brah!

[Johns 08 3 GT]

http://www.markhamoutdoorpower.com/showcaseproductdetail.htm?ID=18699310&Brand=156&Type=2652&fpg=1

On sale. (Probably a bit more with a bag)

I've had a Honda HR214 for over 15 years now and it is the best gas powered thing I have ever owned.

Every spring, change oil, new plug and gas. It starts on the first pull every time.

[Mr Wilson]

http://static9.bornrichimages.com/wp-content/uploads/s3/gallery/2007/11/08/f1-concept-mower-1_48.jpg

[DumpInfo]

http://www.markhamoutdoorpower.com/showcaseproductdetail.htm?ID=18699310&Brand=156&Type=2652&fpg=1

On sale. (Probably a bit more with a bag)

I've had a Honda HR214 for over 15 years now and it is the best gas powered thing I have ever owned.

Every spring, change oil, new plug and gas. It starts on the first pull every time.

I was actually looking at this exact model a couple of days ago. I was just reading this offers side bag connection? Does the bag connect at the rear or is that not an option?

[Johnny M]

I have a craftsman....had it since 2001. It's a 6.0 Eager 1, they make a good mower.

A lot of brands aren't what they used to be, like Cub Cadet for example. You'd be surprised how many are made the the same company. Most components are made by Husqvarna (Poulan, MTD, Weedeater, Brute and the list goes on).

[silverstarmazda]

get fit this summer, get a manual lawn mower

[Johns 08 3 GT]

I was actually looking at this exact model a couple of days ago. I was just reading this offers side bag connection? Does the bag connect at the rear or is that not an option?

That one looks like side. A rear bag starts at $479 on sale it looks like.

[SirWanker]

Was just checking out Costco site and it's now at $300 but worth checking out too. Anything you dislike about it?


Just the multiple pulls required for a hot-start.

[DumpInfo]

I have a craftsman....had it since 2001. It's a 6.0 Eager 1, they make a good mower.

A lot of brands aren't what they used to be, like Cub Cadet for example. You'd be surprised how many are made the the same company. Most components are made by Husqvarna (Poulan, MTD, Weedeater, Brute and the list goes on).
I agree. Really? I have also been unsure of getting anything Craftsman but I'll also look into that thanks

get fit this summer, get a manual lawn mower
I could always borrow my mother-in-law's and see how that goes lol. Don't really wanna pick it up afterwords that's why I'm kinda aiming for a bag.

That one looks like side. A rear bag starts at $479 on sale it looks like.
do you have the side one? That price is just too much for us unfortunately.

[SomeGuy]

Kijiji, spend less than $100 and find a running one with a brand name (Honda, Briggs, etc) motor...honestly buying a new mower when you can find perfectly good working ones for 1/4 their new price makes no sense to me. Heck the one I have right now was free, someone giving it away, runs fine but takes a couple pulls to start.

[Default User]

I would look into a self-propelled one if your lawn isn't reasonably levelled.

Trying to push an 60lb mower on an incline is torture on a got August day (probably why I hired a gardener LOL)

[Default User]

I have a Briggs and Stratton gas mower I find decent
Cranks on first pull even without the long-over due tune-up that ive neglected to tackle

[SirWanker]

get fit this summer, get a manual lawn mower

From the 10-odd years that I've had one:


unless you have a level lawn, the manual mower will give you an uneven cutting of the grass
a manual mower also requires a special tool/method to sharpen the blades

[DumpInfo]

Kijiji, spend less than $100 and find a running one with a brand name (Honda, Briggs, etc) motor...honestly buying a new mower when you can find perfectly good working ones for 1/4 their new price makes no sense to me. Heck the one I have right now was free, someone giving it away, runs fine but takes a couple pulls to start.
and that's where I saw the Honda model I was looking into. I guess it's the comfort of knowing you bought it new which is nice but not always the answer

I would look into a self-propelled one if your lawn isn't reasonably levelled.

Trying to push an 60lb mower on an incline is torture on a got August day (probably why I hired a gardener LOL)
Ok, self-propelled got it. Fortunately our yard is relatively level. We have no major dips or anything in our way that would cause a strain like that.

From the 10-odd years that I've had one:


unless you have a level lawn, the manual mower will give you an uneven cutting of the grass
a manual mower also requires a special tool/method to sharpen the blades

See that I never even thought of but thanks for the input. What tool is used to sharpen it? Any other maintenance that you suggest it needs?

[Johns 08 3 GT]

do you have the side one? That price is just too much for us unfortunately.

I have the rear discharge bag on mine.

[SirWanker]

See that I never even thought of but thanks for the input. What tool is used to sharpen it? Any other maintenance that you suggest it needs?

I got the instructions here (http://www.leevalley.com/us/shopping/TechInfo.aspx?p=42032) and the tools here (http://www.leevalley.com/US/Garden/page.aspx?p=10190&cat=2,54322,54327&ap=1) . They recommend annual sharpening.

[DumpInfo]

I have the rear discharge bag on mine.
nice! wanna sell it to me? :chuckle

I got the instructions here (http://www.leevalley.com/us/shopping/TechInfo.aspx?p=42032) and the tools here (http://www.leevalley.com/US/Garden/page.aspx?p=10190&cat=2,54322,54327&ap=1) . They recommend annual sharpening.
perfect thanks!

[Default User]

HD has a 190cc 22" Toro self proplled gas mower for $399 right now

[DumpInfo]

We're gonna go check them out later tonight and see what we end up with!

[r4BBiT]

I have Yard Machines with Briggs and Stratton engine from CT. Bought on sale about 4 years ago and it served me well so far. I change oil annually and use fuel stabilizer so I don't have to dump the fuel for the winter. It starts great cold and always on first pull hot. It has the rear bag, but I use mulching instead.

From the maintenance I think I need to change the air filter now, but that's about it.

[Flagrum_3]

I agree. Really? I have also been unsure of getting anything Craftsman but I'll also look into that thanksI could always borrow my mother-in-law's and see how that goes lol. Don't really wanna pick it up afterwords that's why I'm kinda aiming for a bag.

do you have the side one? That price is just too much for us unfortunately.

Got a Craftsmen up at my mom's, it's been cutting her 80ft x 300ft lot for over twenty years, don't know if they still make them like that though.;)


_3

[silverstarmazda]

From the 10-odd years that I've had one:


unless you have a level lawn, the manual mower will give you an uneven cutting of the grass
a manual mower also requires a special tool/method to sharpen the blades


there use to be trucks/vans that drive around weekly down neighborhood sharpening all sorts of stuff. not sure if they do that anymore though but i thought it was pretty neat

[m_bisson]

I got a troybilt from Canadian Tire last year. It's ****ing terrific!

My old electric one was over heating, and I'd have to let the motor cool down halfway through my lawn. The new one is around 6 horse power and runs great. Best feature: Has a quick-disconnect thing for your hose, so you hook water up to the deck, start the mower, and it self-cleans the grass out of the bottom. I thought it would be some sort of lousy gimmick, but it literally looks new after each wash.

[DumpInfo]

I have Yard Machines with Briggs and Stratton engine from CT. Bought on sale about 4 years ago and it served me well so far. I change oil annually and use fuel stabilizer so I don't have to dump the fuel for the winter. It starts great cold and always on first pull hot. It has the rear bag, but I use mulching instead.

From the maintenance I think I need to change the air filter now, but that's about it.

I've seen a few Yard Machines on flyers and thought they just came out but yours is still going strong after 4 solid years also worth considering...


Got a Craftsmen up at my mom's, it's been cutting her 80ft x 300ft lot for over twenty years, don't know if they still make them like that though.;)


_3

Another good review for Craftsmen. Might have to look further into this brand!


I got a troybilt from Canadian Tire last year. It's ****ing terrific!

My old electric one was over heating, and I'd have to let the motor cool down halfway through my lawn. The new one is around 6 horse power and runs great. Best feature: Has a quick-disconnect thing for your hose, so you hook water up to the deck, start the mower, and it self-cleans the grass out of the bottom. I thought it would be some sort of lousy gimmick, but it literally looks new after each wash.


Troybilt again...hmm this is gonna be tuffer than I thought!

Any idea what should be the minimum cc's I should aim for?

[Flagrum_3]

DumpInfo ...Whatever you get make sure it's a 'mulching mower'...It will save a shitload of time, no bags, and if you do your lawn regularly its very good for the lawn.


_3

[DumpInfo]

@DumpInfo (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/member.php?u=6030) ...Whatever you get make sure it's a 'mulching mower'...It will save a shitload of time, no bags, and if you do your lawn regularly its very good for the lawn.

_3

Alright. And yeah, that's the plan thanks!

[aris]

I've got a craftsman and so do my parents and they both work awesome... My parents had their a lot longer with no issues

[Hyperion]

My 1992 lawn boy is still mowing my 200'x50' yard like new. Get a lawn boy.

[m_bisson]

Upside to lawn mowers: they're easy to fix/service. I accidentally dumped every last drop of gas into mine and noticed some sand/grit going in. :( oh no!
Pulled the carb off, blew some compressed air through the Jets, and it purrs like new.

Mulching just depends on the blade; any mower can mulch grass with the right blade.

Don't be fooled by thinking displacement is the only thing that matters. 2.5L mazda gt vs 2.5L mazdaspeed 3? Try to get at least 4 or 5 horsepower.

[Default User]

DumpInfo

Get a ride on John deer just to see your neighbors faces LOL

[DumpInfo]

Alright. Thanks for the heads up!

[dentinger]

you could always hire the gardener that Default User fired.

[Default User]

And them fire him when you realize you have a gardener LOL

[DumpInfo]

:chuckle

[dentinger]

lazy mexicans

[DumpInfo]

Update**


So we ended up getting a 22" Craftsmen, Honda engine160cc at Sears over the weekend. Got it for $330 on special saving $100. I'm amazed how easily this thing turns on compared to my old mower which RIP theae days.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/17/ypyvutym.jpg

[m_bisson]

Update**


So we ended up getting a 22" Craftsmen, Honda engine160cc at Sears over the weekend. Got it for $330 on special saving $100. I'm amazed how easily this thing turns on compared to my old mower which RIP theae days.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/17/ypyvutym.jpg

Looks like the same engine as on my troy bilt. Let me know if you have any issues.

[DumpInfo]

Looks like the same engine as on my troy bilt. Let me know if you have any issues.
will do!

[staax]

Looks like the same engine as on my troy bilt. Let me know if you have any issues.

It's a Honda motor, he likely won't! Hahaha I love my Troybilt with the 5.5 Honda.


will do!

Looks like ya got a good deal too! Don't forget to change the oil each year or every second year.

[htc***]

I saw a John Deer 7.25 self-propelled around $274 or $279 from HD which is already discount $25 due to father's day promotion and will end on June 18. John Deer usually make a riding lawn tractor only, this is a first time, I saw lawn mower made by John Deer.

[mitchell]

Anything with a honda motor is good, mine is probably 4 years old maybe more

[DLYDRVN]

Find a used 2-cycle. They will almost literally live forever and don't care about hills. You'd have to pry my 30+ year old lawn boy out of my cold dead hands.

[m_bisson]

Anything with a honda motor is good, mine is probably 4 years old maybe more

This is true. My dad's lawn mower is 18 years old.