what push mower do you have, rate it

[agriffn]

i am still searching for info on mowers.

please list your mower and any gripes or praise

how my Horsepower is good for a push mower?

Post on this site keep refereing people to use the SEARCH feature, when i use it it just finds the keywords in previous posts. am i doing it right.

[skyphoto]

Ya you are doing it right....Now just look at those threads that it finds......
Now I have a 21" Ariens with the 6 hp Robin...It has pressurized oil and filter...Tough mower but it is heavy heavy! Almost say I would give up some toughness to lose a little weight. Next one will be a honda with the hyd. drive unless I find a diesel model!:D

[outrunjason]

On a scale of one to 10 I give it a 7. I don't like the transmission speeds on it. Also it seems hard to get the bag off.


Jason

[scagman]

I have an Ariens 21" swivel wheel with the 6.5 briggs Intek. I rate it at 1. I like the Honda commercial 21" hydro and thats what im buyin.

[65hoss]

Craftman High wheel. Everyone should have one.

[Chuck Sinclair]

Nothing but the best HRC-216 Honda i have been running them for years.

[augs dad]

Originally posted by Chuck Sinclair
Nothing but the best HRC-216 Honda i have been running them for years.

I agree with Chuck and others...I have been using the Honda hr215 for 10 years..this is a homeowners model with the heavy deck. Yes its heavy but when is the last time you had to pick up a mower?? This mower tracks itself ...a great machine...but it'll cost you...about $900...well worth it. Its' commercial cousin has a few upgrades and cuts one notch higher which I wish mine did.

Gary in Central PA

[TGCummings]

Toro Proline 21" Self-Propelled Commercial.

I use it as a front line mower so I don't mind spending the $2000 to have two of 'em. Also, I use 'em exclusively for mulching but they're great bagging mowers, too (I used to bag a lot).

10 out o' 10. I've yet to be disappointed by any aspect of these, and I've run a lot of 21s over the years. I've had one of these for almost three years and the other for about two. Great lil' machines, my man...

[Lawn Dog2001]

Husky 560 commercial 21" mower 6hp robin engine
Rating 6 out of 10. Very poor cut quality in my opinion. Has been a solid machine.

Yard Man 6.5 briggs intek, rear wheel self propelled, front swivel wheels. Rating 5 out of 10. Excellent cut quality. I have had many problems with the self propelled system, some engine trouble, and constant replacement of cables. I barely ever use this mower! Not a commercial machine. Bad buy on my part.

Craftsman 6.75 High wheel front wheel drive mower.
Rating 8 out of 10. Pretty good cut quality. Mulches fantastic. Besides routine maintainence I have never had to repair this machine. I use this one more than any other 21" I own.

[LexingtonKYcutter]

I have a John Deere JX85. Has a preasure lube Kawasaki engine with oil filter. Thing just runs and runs!

[65hoss]

In all seriousness this time, I have a Honda comm'l 21" bought new in early 80's. Its been bullit proof and still cranks on the 1st pull. Its almost 20 yrs old.

[GLS]

John Deere JX-75
Rating: 8.5/10
$700
6hp Kawasaki full pressure lube
5 speed rear drive
BBC (Blade Brake Clutch) must have (I wouldn't buy one w/out it)
I have heard from people that it has a poor deck, but I think it's pretty strong.
Good Dealer Support
http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL50/481948/624126/7010487.ptp
Do you plan on mulching, bagging, or discharging?

[bubble boy]

toro proline self prop. i'll give a 8 out of 10. loses 1 point cause you can't side shoot, loses another due to high price (but it is worth the $)

Lawnboy commercial push 8 out of 10. loses 1 point cause the bagger is annoying, loses another as you half to push.

depending on how hard you want to work, either would be more than adequate.

honda, exmark, others are good too, it often comes down to brand loyalty.

i remember some threads that really got into this topic in detail, a search will give you all the answers.

[lawnkid]

I own a commercial grade Lawnboy. I bought it used from an area homeowner who only cut his lawn with it about 10 times and it works great.

Engine- 6.5hp Dura-force
Cutting width- 21'
Self propelled- 1-4 mph
Accesories-Mulching plate, side bag
Price for a new one-$675

[_GUNNER_8]

I have Ja60 John Deere and love it!!What like to try exmark though.

[MOW ED]

21" Lawnboy 4.5hp. 2 cycle
Run Amsoil 100:1 in the mix for no smoke. Great for hills.
3 Speed transmission.
Had to replace ign coil for 75 bucks.
side/mulch or bag. Does all 3 easily.
9 out of 10.
Got it for 200 bucks 4 years ago.

Craftsman hi wheel. Ok for ruts and bumpy lawns. Slow and a heavy bugger. Tecumseh 6hp Sucks. 3 out of 10

1 craftsman alum deck push mower back up to the back up.

5/10

1 lawnboy push. Picked off the curb. Cleaned the ports and off she went. Good parts or backup. 5/10

[edward hedrick]

I have a 20" Mtd dome mulch push repowered w 5 hp Kawi.
don't need a bag. also the Honda 216 best made Ed.

[Lawns & More]

I got a Husqvarna 580-RS, 6.5 h.p., 21 " cut, for around $ 500.00, two years ago. No problems yet with it. Runs and cuts great !

[mklawnman]

I have a 1991 21inch Murray "so called" self propelled lawn mower, self propelled is slow to me so i think its not working anymore. Used on one account on a rough hill side burm that takes abuse every week i use it on it. So bumpy that we have had to weld brackets on the handle bars to keep the handle bars connected to the mower and used vise grips also. Replaced a wheel, tons of belts for the self propelled, replaced the throttle cable, but the engine keeps on huffin and puffin, that 5hp Briggs Vanguard barely works, always sounds like its gonna die. But its still running.
Would like to get a new push mower but i only use it for about 15min every week so why get a new one. Still cuts good so why throw it out, only if i get more accounts that i need that mower will i buy a new one.
Matt (Lawnman)

[gusbuster]

Been using LawnBoys for over 30 years. Can't beat the weight to power ratio. Currently running 4 model 22261 lawnboys. When weight isn't an issue, I like my honda 216's. The only thing I hate and your going to get this with commercial machines is the weight.

2004 will be the end of 2 cycle mowers here in Ca. So plan on buying a few more in the next couple years to have as spares,

John

[Bill Davis]

I have two snapper 21's and they are great both of mine are the 4 cyl. and they have been great. they get a 9.2 because the air cleaner cover is kind of touchy and if it hits something it can break.

[sid]

I run Lawnboy comms.. LCO's running Toro or Honda's can't compete with our productivity because they are heavier & cannot effectively side-discharge.

[PrimeGreen Lawn]

Originally posted by Lawn Dog2001

Yard Man 6.5 briggs intek, rear wheel self propelled, front swivel wheels. Rating 5 out of 10. Excellent cut quality. I have had many problems with the self propelled system, some engine trouble, and constant replacement of cables. I barely ever use this mower! Not a commercial machine. Bad buy on my part.



I have this same POS! I really wish I haden't bought it, but it looked so pretty sitting there at Home Depot :eek: ! Starts fine, but I wish the blades would spin a little faster. I've played with the govenor a bit and that helped. Anyway, same rating 5 out of 10.


I have 2 of the 6 speed JD machines. Very good machine and give it 10 out of 10. Kawi engine and nice oil filter!
Scott

[jeffex]

21" lawnboy 6.5 duraforce 2cyl. self propelled great for hills and small trimming. sips gas. slow speed not good for open areas. cut is ok

various 21" to 22" homeowner grade mowers over the yrs and most couldn't hold up to volume mowing except my mtd rear drive selfpropelled 5 hp mulching mower. I think they quit making it because it lasted too long.

now I only buy the cheapest non-selfpropelled 21" mower and toss them aside like bic lighters. the lawnboy i use on hills and townhouses is a great mower its just slow.

your better off with a 32" wb made for commercial use. $1000 for good commercial 21" or $2000 for a 32" wb that will last a long time and earn you back the other $1000 in a season. the answer took me yrs of penny pinching to learn the hard way!!!!

[jeffex]

I bought a yard man 6.5 hp selfpropelled rear drive with 6 speed system 2yrs ago. speed system lasted 1wk. I had to set the thing in 6th gear and tie off the cable. This machine is VERY heavy but the motor will pull a velke once you launch the weight. I used it on flat yards with gates until I get a 32" wb this yr. Not wort the $400

[David Haggerty]

Originally posted by PrimeGreen Lawn


I have this same POS! I really wish I haden't bought it, but it looked so pretty sitting there at Home Depot :eek: ! Starts fine, but I wish the blades would spin a little faster. I've played with the govenor a bit and that helped. Anyway, same rating 5 out of 10.



2 years ago I bought 10 of these! Wal-Mart was closing them out at the end of season for $150. Gave a couple to my kids for their lawns.
I wasn't tempted to keep one for trimming. Sold the rest to a pawn shop. Neither one of the kids still have their mowers.




I did have a Honda. Slow homeowner model, couldn't side discharge.

I now run a 26" snapper w/Robin 6.5 hp engine. Heavy, hard to control, but it's fast.

Dave

[Craig Jones]

We have two 21" Toro Prolines with the Suzuki two cycle engines. Have gotten a lot of trouble free service out of them. They really shine for us climbing steep hills and the decks are very strong. Leave good quality of cut and mulches and bags well. The side discharge system leaves a lot to be desired. Rate it 8 out of 10.

Also have two Snapper 21" mowers, one a two cycle and another one 4 cycle. Not as good on hills but has good pickup when bagging. Not totally happy with the drive system. One the third engine on the 4 cycle model. Would rate them 7 out of 10.

[walker-talker]

John Deere JX85
6hp Kaw
5spd
bought used (2yrs old) $550 (is 4yrs old now)
5th gear does not work (but only need that in transport)
the safety handle to keep the blade engaged is a bit insecure, fell out twice (once on the highway and never found)
engine starts 1st pull, every pull
cuts great and bags great
8 out of 10
next will be a honda, just from overwhelming opinions

MATT

[Lawn Dog2001]

Originally posted by PrimeGreen Lawn


I have this same POS! I really wish I haden't bought it, but it looked so pretty sitting there at Home Depot

Mine was a close out at Montgomery Wards before they closed. I bought it for $300. I thought it was a great mower for the money. The really sad thing is I have had all these problems in less than 10 hrs of use! I almost never use a 21' for anything.



:angry:

[GreenIsland]

I have a Toro 21' Super Recyler that is about 8-9 years olds - it is self propelled non- electric start and has the GTS ohv engine-- I have used it for commercial cutting hundreds and hundreds of lawns and for the first time today I spent $25.47 for some parts due to hitting a small metal object placed in my own yard by a child ( my fault) for not finding). Besides This expense and the routine oil / filter change I have not put one cent in it in all these years-- this Toro paid for itself the first month I owned it. It is one of the greatest products I have ever bought in my life--they are guaranteed to start on the first 2 pulls for 5 years. In its' 8-9 years it has done this everytime usually on the first- even after flipping it over to due mantenance-- beat that..Plus the bagging system on these mowers can not be beat when trying to dump your load-- no shaking up and down twenty times to rid debris. Just one happy toro owner--priced new ones today and it will be my next purchase- But not out of necessity.

[greens]

Toro and Honda 21" are the only way to go. Why would any of you buy all those POS mowers from sears, wards, home depot. Those mowers aren't for commercial use. Leave those mowers for the weekend warriors.

[summitgroundskeeping]

21" Ariens w/b. 5.5 brigs. It's not total comm but has many comm. fetures. I love it and I give it an 8. I does everything great and is all I need out of a 21" b/c lack of use. Wish I had a Gravely 21" w/ 6hp Robins though. Thoes things are tanks, but I only use my 21" 2 hours a week max.

[TGCummings]

GreenIsland,

I was on the Toro site checking out the new Recyclers and was wondering, which type are you planning to get? I'm going to get me a new one, too, quite possibly this weekend...

[mike payne]

I have a Honda 21" that bought used, paid $100. Great trim mower. Wheels are expensive.

[SMB]

We try to push as little as possible!
We have a Toro Personal Pace (homeowner) and we regret it! About a 3 or 4 out of 10.
The motor is too slow, the side discharge don't throw worth nuthin', and the mulch is useless around here. Don't mow wet or high grass with this thing!
We also sometimes use an old Rally hi-wheel, but it doesn't cut well anymore.
We've got a couple of junk pushers that we can overrev and cut real high grass with.

Our next pusher with be a cheap hi-wheel, we have no use for a commercial push mower.

[BigJim]

Aussie Rover mower with 5hp Suzuki engine,light as a feather,pretty near bullet proof,mines 4 years old,3000 odd hours,still starts first pull,heres their site to have a look.http://www.rovermowers.com.au/rover/web_rv/Home.nsf/ProdHome?OpenFrameSet

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Quote by SMB "We have a Toro Personal Pace (homeowner) and we regret it"

I've been using Sears Crapsman 20in push throwaways for about 5 years (buy a new one each season) and decided it was time for a change. Just bought a Toro Personal Pace but might be regretting it after reading SMB's post. I'll have my mechanic look at the Toro and see if he can supercharge it. Paid $389 for the Toro. Is that about right??

LAWNS AND MOWER

[LawnLad]

I started with Lawn Boys when I was the neighborhood lawn kid. Stuck with 'em ever since.

I like them because they're light and manuever easily. One man can pick them up and put in truck if needed. Mainenance is easy. Used to like the old models with the pull starter, primer, etc. right on the engine - from about 12 years ago. Also, to change from chute to side discarge is easy.

I don't like them because they have horrible suction. Don't bother running over a couple of leaves when cutting... you'll leave behind a bunch of leaf shreds.

They're tougher to train a new operator on because of the front right off set wheel - but that's pretty easy to get used to.

As well, I don't like the newer models (last three to four years). Not only did we get two when they first came out (no front handle to pick up mower - had to fabricate our own), but the handles are short. Taller guys can't push the mowers as easily. As well, the Tecumpseh (spelling?) engine revs up and slows down, a little annoying.

Lastly... never tried the Honda, et al due to cost. Didn't see spending $800 plus for a heavy push mower.

[PRECISION LC]

have been running my honda HRG-216 for 3 years and its been chugging along great.

[Runner]

I have two older Snappers that they don't even make anymore. They are the 19" deck (trim mowers) with the 3.5hp Tecumpseh engines. I was told they would never last for commercial use, and that was 18 years ago. Hmmm, still going strong - and start right up. Some of the things I really like about these mowers is the solid mount handle, and the light weight of these mowers. It is effortless to lift them up over my head and onto the trailer rack.