Need a Lawn Mower Recommendation (Vanity)

StonyMan451 | 7/19/2011 | StonyMan451

[StonyMan451]

I've just been informed that my second Toro gas powered push lawn mower isn't worth fixing. I know very little about engines and such, so I'm taking the mechanic's word for it. The engine has thrown a rod (I can hear it) and the transmission's shot (that's why I took it to be repaired).

Now I have to plead a little a lot guilty. I did not take proper care of the thing. I should have changed the oil, etc., etc.

However, before I invest in another lawn mower (which I PROMISE I will take good care of) I thought I'd ask my fellow Freepers for some advice.

Here's my situation... Our lot is 0.7 acres, and bumpy. We're in the mid-atlantic region, so we need to cut the lawn from early April through the end of October. I am not interested in collecting the grass clippings when I use it, so I would want them to mulch back into the lawn. I would like, but do not strictly need an electric start. I do need self-propulsion. Parts of my lawn get very thick and I need the extra power of a larger engine.

So here are my questions:

1. What brand/model do you recommend? (I can spend about $400, give or take)

2. Do you believe an extended warranty is worth the extra cost?

3. If I take good care of it, how long do you think it should last?

4. Besides changing the oil, what should I do to make it last?

5. Are there any other considerations I should take into account?

Thanks.

[don-o]

Seeking advice on any number of subjects is yet another answer to the question

What is the value of Free Republic?

Click the link for more answers.

[the invisib1e hand]

make sure you see a social security card and driver’s license.

[Leroy S. Mort]

Snapper. Bought mine in ’87!and it’s still going strong.

[EGPWS]

I'm still running my Lawn Boy that I bought new in 1984. : )

Runs like a top yet however my John Deere is doing most of the work of late because the ol' body of mine can't handle a whole lawn with a pusher any more.

[Navy Patriot]

Ya can sidestep all these issues by buying it with Obama’s stash money, then whadda you care?

[BreezyDog]

I’ve had a Honda for over 10 years now and had the oil changed twice now and it still starts on the second pull. I’ve had issues with the pully in the transmission but I can fix a bunch of stuff. It is on its last legs but runs fine ever since I took apart the carburator and cleaned out the high fructose corn syrup...

[freedumb2003]

Don’t you have a nearby 12-15 year old who needs money and has access to his Dad’s mower?

Or does that America no longer exist?

[JrsyJack]

Craftsman, Home Depot or Lowes house brands...MTD I think. Built like a tank. Gas ‘em up...keep the oil clean and a new spark plug every couple years and they'll last a decade or me. Biggest concern is rust...keep ‘em dry in the winter and out of the snow.

[smokingfrog]

I bought a Lawnboy self-propelled a couple of years ago and I’ve been very happy with it. I like the way it can automatically speed up or slow down depending upon how hard you push the bar. I wanted to have the choice of bagging or mulching so I got the Lawnboy.

If I were going to be strictly mulching, I probably would have gotten a Snapper mower. When the grass gets long, the Lawnboy doesn’t do the greatest job when mulching, but other than that it’s all good. From what I understand, they use a different blade on mowers that are self-mulching only. My BIL has a Snapper and he really likes it. They are made to last.

[Wooly]

Honda Honda or something with a Honda motor

[Wooly]

Honda Honda or something with a Honda motor

[Waverunner]

I reccomend this model, I understand it's about $400.00 per hour.
Must be nice to have that kind of budget

[WOBBLY BOB]

real happy with our new Honda.

should last you 10-15 if you avoid ethanol gas and change the oil yearly.

get a 2nd blade and swap blades every few months so you always have a sharp one on.

[fatnotlazy]

“Don’t you have a nearby 12-15 year old who needs money and has access to his Dad’s mower?

Or does that America no longer exist?”

***

Not in my neck of the woods. I have a guy who does mine for $75. You can’t find kids to do mowing (or snow shoveling in winter) — it requires too much effort.

[ThomasThomas]

Toro makes a good lawn mower. With proper care they will last a long time. Not changing oil with ruin any small engine. I would suggest to give up and hire a neighbor kid to mow the lawn. Their parents will make sure their oil is changed as needed. That is one of the ways I made money as a kid.

[JoeProBono]

PLEASE DONATE

[RitchieAprile]

dittos on the Honda. I mowed 3 acres regularly with it when I lived in TX. bent the motor shaft on rocks but that was my doing. that machine had the heart of a champion.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Start with any mower that uses a Briggs & Stratton engine.

In my opinion they are the very best small engine builder in the U.S. Everything else is just a feature.

Cautionary note. When you are done for the season, run the engine dry of gas. With the ethanol crap they are using even a fuel stabilizer won't stop varnish from clogging the carburator.I have a Craftsman riding mower which I like but had to have a new carb just for that reason.

[Tupelo]

Any of the major brand with Honda, Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh engines with proper CARE will last a generation or at least until the cutting deck rusts away and that ain’t gonna happen if it is cleaned after use. Toro makes very good products. I cannot believe you have destroyed two of them. Maybe your best bet would be to call a lawn service.