Bought a house, need to mow

[ejdischer]

Hi everyone. Great forum you have here. I just purchased my first home, which is on a .3 acres. The land is flat and there is one tree in the front yard. The previous owner has a small ride-on mower that he is taking with him. I personally don't feel that I need a ride on mower. And quite frankly, having rented my whole life, I need to buy a mower, a snowblower, and some other things. I've settled on a snowblower. The Toro 421QE will do my 100' driveway and small walkway up to the house. Since it's flat and has no gravel or anything, I'm going to get a single stage rather than dropping $1300 on a two stage. Back to the mower, I figure I have $700 or less to spend. I'm looking for a recommendation on a mower for the property. Please consider that I've never mowed a lawn in my life. Oh, and I'm in central Connecticut, if that makes any difference on a recommendation. Thanks in advance.

Eric

[Rtom45]

Something similar to a Toro personal pace should work just fine for you. You have the option to discharge clippings, or bag them, or mulch them. The mower is propelled, but moves at the pace you walk, very convenient. About 6 hp so it has enough power to get around.

[betmr]

Toro Commercial mower. I just want to take a minute to say that for a 100' driveway, you are not going to be satisfied with a single stage snow blower. Does'nt have a lot of throwing power, so your going to be throwing snow over to the next pass if you know what I mean. You should be able to get a 2 stage for less than the price you mentioned. But single stage is not driveway clearing strength.

[BostonBull]

Honda makes a good mower as well, especially for $700.

I second the 2 stage blower too!

[Smallaxe]

The new technology of the Toro walk behind is perfect for a flat area with few obstacles. Walk at your own pace. Light and easy.

[ejdischer]

I was going to get the single stage Toro 421QE. Looks like the same engine as the 828 2-stage. Plus, it throws only 10' less. That was my thinking. I have the opportunity to buy a used Ariens 928LE for $700. Apparently used only twice this year, but the guy is moving to Florida.

For a mower, I was thinking of going with the Yard-Man platinum, which is apparently the same as the Toro Super Bagger but with Electric Start.

[Smallaxe]

It is better for the lawn to not bag.

[ejdischer]

It is better for the lawn to not bag.

Really? I could get a mulching mower, but wouldn't I not want to mulch every time?

[Smallaxe]

Most lawnmowers will do all three... including sideshoot, which is my favorite, especially with wet grass... :)

[betmr]

The Toro SR4 Super Recycler is an Excellent mower. 5 Year Full Warranty. Features Full Mulch, Side Discharge, or Rear Bag. I have one myself, I'll probably never have to buy another mower in my life.

Snow-blower, when you're blowing a Driveway, 10 ft. is a BIG difference. Walkways, single stage=ok ? but Driveways = No Way. That's my opinion. And you have lots of brand choices, shop around, get best price, they usually don't get so much use around the home, that you need the most expensive one. That is the one piece of equipment that I might even mention the word Craftsman. does'nt get used that much. But on those freezing cold days when your out there trying to clear that 100 ft. driveway w/a single stage, you'll be sorry.

And I would recommend an electric start feature, freezing cold = lots of pulling on that starter rope.

[ejdischer]

I really appreciate all of the replies here. As someone who's never mowed more than a 50x30 backyard in NE New Jersey, I really am clueless as to what I need. But everyone has been very helpful.

I guess the reason I was so turned on to the single stage blower, aside from the obvious reason which is price, was the fact that they say for paved surfaces they're great, because they can get all the way down to the pavement. However, after looking around the last few days, I don't think I'll have a problem getting a 2-stage for a good price, especially if I buy in the summer. Anyone have any experience buying second hand? Craigslist seems to have a bunch of people in my area selling Ariens 2-stages which look like beasts. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Eric

[fool32696]

I would go with a pull start mower. Electric start on small machines is more trouble than it's worth.

[betmr]

The electric start suggestion is for the snow blower.

[ejdischer]

Saw the Honda hrx217k2hxa today. $799 list price. Also has a Nexite deck. Anyone have an opinion on this? Also, anyone know if you can haggle down the price of a Honda? Would like to not pay $800 for the thing. Thanks again.

Eric