Advice on buying Electric start SP mower

[JohnsIH424]

I am looking to buy an electric start self-propelled mower for my mother.
I like the cub cadets (got the rider) and am leaning towards the 46 ES for price and features. They have the 999ES (pricey) and the 550ES ($30 more for a smaller deck). What do ya'll think?
Thanks,
John

 

[JTKub]

That 46 ES looks like a decent pushmower for $299. IMO, if I was breaking the $300 threshold for a pushmower, I'd get a dealer Toro, Honda, etc, with an aluminum deck. Cub is using Chinese import (no-name) engines on these pushmowers. Not necessarily a bad thing. I've had good luck with these engines, but they are basically throw-away items unless you're handy and can cobble together repairs on them should they need it. Carb issues are #1, especially with today's 10% ethanol fuel. Make sure your Mom uses nothing but fresh fuel 100% of the time. I know I've found mine using 1yr old stale gas!

 

[oldnslo]

How big of a lawn is she mowing? If any size I agree with JTand spend a little more $$ for a Honda, Snapper or Toro. I know Toro moved all of their assembly to Mexico a few years back and had some serious quality issues. I am not sure if these are taken care of now or not. Another decent brand is Ariens.

Good Luck

Roy

 

[JohnsIH424]

Looking at probably 1/2 acre, maybe a touch more. She's 70 and in good shape but has a hard time pull-starting her current one. Likes the caster wheels on the front of the 999ES. Will look into the other brands that ya'll suggested. Main thing is electric start and self-propel. 20 inch cut or a little better but don't want to get too big for her to handle.
Thank ya'll for the input. It is greatly appreciated.

John

 

[JohnsIH424]

Oh, and I am kindA mechanically inclined. My Dad taught me a lot over the past 30 years before he passed. Currently working on his old IH 424 and an old Kee brand SP mower that I had rebuilt the motor for him 5 or so years ago. Also, piddlin with a 60 VW bug. Too many projects, not enough time

John

 

[oldnslo]

Glad to know she is still that spry at 70. Not familiar with the Cub Cadet but would a system that goes at "your" speed be some thing to consider Vs one that has a few set speeds. I believe Toro and Snapper both offer this feature. Not sure about Honda and Ariens.

Roy

 

[JohnsIH424]

Thanks Roy. She is a joy. I am cherishing every moment I get with her.
The one she has is like that, just isn't electric start. I will look into the other brands as you all have suggested. There is no hurry....other than she doesn't want to have to call me to start the mower every time she wants to mow. :laughing: I don't mind though. She's earned it. :thumbsup:

John

 

[oldnslo]

John,
dumb question but... does the engine her existing mower have the option of adding electric start? Since you say you are mechanical inclined this might be an option. My guess would be it probably is not but it wouldn't or shouldn't take much time and effort to check.

If 12 VDC the parts may cost almost as much as a new mower so check that out also. Starters are $$$$.

enjoy her while you can.

Might Grandpa used to say, " When you where kids you would tag along and do what you could do, now I tag along and do what I can do".

Roy

 

[JTKub]

Unless you were going a full engine swap route, converting a recoil only to recoil + E-start would get pricey. Not only would you need a ring gear on the flywheel (new flywheel), you'd need an engine shroud built to accommodate the starter, wiring, starter, solenoid, switch, battery, all the mounting... EEEK!!! There's lots of choices in that $299 range. They're all decent provided you don't mow 'unmowable' objects. Stepping up to an aluminum deck Snapper, Toro or Honda will cost ~$500+. That's a lot for a pushmower. You gotta be REALLY into this stuff (like we are) to pony up that kinda fundage.

Joel

 

[highboy1975]

i have a craftsman with the briggs 8.75 ft/lb motor. the thing iis an absolute beast. it cuts through just about anything. its self prop and has the key start. the rest of the mower, however, is very cheaply made. the highlight is the motor. i've heard though that the craftsman pro line is much improved. i dont know about the new ones, but i always had good luck with lawnboys. my dad got rid of his last one at 20 years because it was just time for a new one, and his most recent one is 15 years old and still running very strong. i saw that theyre back in the dealerships and cant vouvh for the new lawnboys, but the old ones are wonderful. i would be leary of buying a cc mower. they really seem cheap from what ive seen. if it doesnt hafta be new, id look into some used high end toros. saw a woman spend over 750 on a toro and she said she loved the last one so much she had to get another.