Anyone bought a push lawn mower lately?

[RollingsFarms]

I'm wanting to buy a new push lawn mower here soon. I would love some suggestions on brands or are most push mowers all the same just different colors? I don't really want one with a rear bagger on it and not sure if I want one with self propelled or not. I've looked at ones from Walmart, Lowes and tractor supply. I've even thought of buying a honda mower but wasn't sure if the cost would be worth it or not.

 

[bcp]

To add to the decisions:

Front wheel drive

Rear wheel drive

Four wheel drive

Bruce

 

[smstonypoint]

Due to,advancing age and continuing problems with the B&S engine on my Snapper push mower, I broke down and purchased a self-propelled Honda at Home Depot for my SC home: Honda 21 in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Blade Stop-HRR216K9VYA at The Home Depot. I have a lot of trees and and a small lawn and I wanted the capability to mulch leaves. I removed the bagger and mulch the grass during the mowing season and leaves in the fall.

I have been happy with the Honda -- it starts on the first or second pull, and the variable speed comes in handy on the sloping portions of my lawn.

Steve

 

[nforktractor]

I'll second the Honda, when we got our first home, bought a self propelled Honda, used it for 26 years, gave it to a buddy, and just bought my second one, the bagger is so easy to use and dump, almost a one handed operation,

 

[AchingBack]

It isn't self propelled, but I love my Neuton battery powered mower. Neuton CE6 Cordless Electric Lawn Mower | DR Power Equipment I bought mine with the optional trimmer kit and a spare battery. This mower is heavy because of the battery. Its best use is on smooth, fairly level terrain. I like the option of being able to mulch, catch, or side discharge. Not having to pull a rope to start an engine is a big plus for those with back problems. I highly recommend this mower.

 

[Tomtint]

We have a few. The first one I bought was a Ariens self propelled with the front caster wheels. Rear bagger and a Takumsa motor. It cuts well but is very heavy and bulky. Also $900.00 +\-. Since then we have switched to Husquvarna big rear wheel mowers with Honda motors. They are $299.00 and have been bulletproof. If we get 3-4 years out of them I will consider it a victory and just get new ones.

 

[LFEngineering]

Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the front wheel drive ones if you go with self propelled. I've used them a dozen or so times over the years and found I always had to lift up a bit on the handle to get any traction. The rear wheel drive (and new all wheel drive) ones make life easier.

 

[RalphVa]

My most favorite was a 2 cycle Lawnboy, self-propelled. Unfortunately, they're not made any more. Bought a Honda walkbehind with electric start from the local JD dealer (they no longer carry JD walkbehinds). Just last year. Good mower. Had to pull start it one time in winter, as the battery had gone down sitting. Started right up.

Neighbor bought a nice Craftsman. It has single adjustment for all 4 wheels.

Rear wheel drive works A LOT better on slopes. Bought a front wheel drive once. It went kapoo pretty quickly with something jamming the flywheel. Was glad, as it didn't drive on slopes worth a ****.

Ralph

 

[square1]

If 25 + years ago is "lately" (it is to me, but I'm old) bought a basic 5 HP B&S mulcher. Have used it exclusively for ~1 hour per week all summer long ever since and have never touched it except to add oil & sharpen blades. It's cost me less than $10 per year to own (including gas).

 

[JDgreen227]

Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the front wheel drive ones if you go with self propelled. I've used them a dozen or so times over the years and found I always had to lift up a bit on the handle to get any traction. The rear wheel drive (and new all wheel drive) ones make life easier.

I have had at least 8 of the front wheel drive self propelled push mowers and have never had any issue with loss of traction unless the grass catcher was getting full. As I rarely use the catcher, that isn't an issue for me often. Perhaps it's because my grass is so poor it offers better traction? And the vast majority of pushers sold at the big box stores are made by one company, think the name is now American Yard Products.