Posted on 07/19/2011 3:00:36 PM PDT by 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.
Hang on to the mower and take a small engine repair class at your local high school in the fall.....they cater to mechanical dummies like you and I.
Or, check the local want ads or Craigs List for a used mower that has been maintained by someone who took the same class I have just recommended.......My Lawn Boy push mower is way over 15 years old and still going strong.
Warranty? Don't waste your money, what you spend on a good maintained used mower will save you tons of money over a new one and it's warranty.
Too bad you don't live in my area, I have a friend who has several riding mowers in his garage that he refurbished just for the heck of it
>>Whatever you do, don’t buy a rear drive mower. Front wheel drive is good.<<
Someone should have given me that advice BEFORE my 1st marriage!
Yee Haa... Been there, done that... 1975 Ford Maverick.
I hate it. I would rather have my boys mow my lawn than this way; we pay so much more in taxes and quality of life to keep these guys here. It’s sick.
Never, EVER buy a mower with Plastic wheels - EVER. If you’re forced to, invest in some metal replacement wheels.
Had a problem once with an electric start on a rider that had been bothering me for years...it turned out to be a $15 high current solenoid switch....don’t use “STABIL” if you’re putting the weed eater up - run the gas out of it all the way till it dies - also sometimes the oil/gas mixture is finicky on many models that you have to watch.
I have Sears stuff that is still running strong since I got out in 1976 (and some from 6-10 years earlier from my parents) that would cost me an arm and a leg to replace today.
I can go with that. (what you said)
I have two which are just about worn out but they still do he job.
One has a Honda engine. The cable which connects the automatic shut off to the hand hold finally rusted in two. I jury rigged a system and still use it.
I have had to replace the blade several times, and clean the spark plug several times and also clean the air filter and change oil. The air filter is coming apart and I guess I should replace it but the machine is so worn out I can’t see the expense.
The other one has a Briggs and Stratton engine and has had just about the same maintenance as the Honda. A couple of years ago the pull crank mechanism just came apart from age. I now just wrap a cord around what is left and it still cranks easily.
The Honda used to crank on the first pull everytime, now it usually takes two. The Briggs and Stratton usually cranks with one pull of the cord.
The Briggs and Stratton seems to have a little more power tho they are both rated at 5HP. The Honda always seemed a bit more refined.
Oddly enough, I bought a cheap little $120 one a few years ago and it was actually easier to use. I left it at my parents old place so I would have one to keep the lawn in shape and someone stole it.
Basically if you do just a minimum of maintenance they will run until
I guess you could say that’s “hoggin a different kind of bush”....ha ha...
“My *new* Snapper is 21 years old, my back-up (when the wife helps me cut) is 33 years old.”
We still talkin’ about lawn mowers? My wife just turned sixty and she’s not much help at all.
I’m old enough to remember it better than yesterday.
I have Sears stuff that is still running strong since I got out in 1976.../ip And there you have it. The only thing "Craftsman" about the stuff they have sold in the last 10 years is the sticker on it.
Just bought a new rider for the front yard last year for a different kind of cutting (no hills)....both are 20 years apart...no problems with either...
I really blew the HTML on that...
Those were the days, weren’t they? Didn’t give a crap about cutting grass or working in the yard or what the hell the neighbors thought about your yard. One thing....just one thing....
I’ve been using the WETBACK for several years now. Great mower.
I figured it out. Hey, if Sears ain’t your bag...okay...I know most of those mowers are now made by the same company...it’s the parts support I like....
You got that right... be well FRiend!
BTW, that plastic is what passes for shear pins in the drive train. It just strips out and stops working.
Never seen that...I’ve seen pewter, pot metal and other metal for shear pins and bars but never plastic.....damn.
How about renting by the hour?
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