Best push mower in the "low priced" catagory?

[AndyM]

Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

Mrs. AndyM ran over a fist-sized rock with our aging Craftsman mower the other day and bent the shaft. That was the final straw after numerous other problems (with the mower, not my wife).

Our primary mower is our New Holland TC18 with a rear finish mower. We use the push mower around the house, around the small trees we planted (I don't want them nicked at an early age), and along the ditch by the road.

I don't want to spend a lot of money, so Honda is out.
I've had two Craftsman push mowers in a row and one Craftsman riding mower, and had nothing but problems with all three, so going to Sears is out also.

I'm looking for non-self propelled, lightweight, and a decent quality for a low price. I know that's asking for a lot, but where can I get the most bang for the buck?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

Have you considered used mowers? Might be able to get a used premium brand for less than a new budget brand? I've got a 10 year+ old JD mower that has sat un-used for a few years. It needs a couple of bolts on the handle, but everything else is in tip top shape. I was considering setting it out at the curb with a $25 price tag on it just to get it out of my way. The engine is a Kawasaki and typically starts with one or 2 pulls. I would presume you could find something like mine where you live. If shipping were easier, I'd send it to you.

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

<font color="blue"> I've had two Craftsman push mowers in a row and one Craftsman riding mower, and had nothing but problems with all three, </font>

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. What happens the third time?


<font color="blue"> I'm looking for non-self propelled, lightweight, and a decent quality for a low price. </font>

Time to get yourself a reel mower. It fits all your requirements.

 

[shoppintractors]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

<font color="blue">I'm looking for non-self propelled, lightweight, and a decent quality for a low price. </font>

I'll share my most recent venture with you. Just yesterday I was in my local membership warehouse. I came across this non-self propelled MTD push mower with a 5.5 horse power HONDA engine, lightweight, decent quality, large rear tires, rear bagging attachment. It had a sign taped to the handle that read, Regular Price $198. Been repaired, As-Is, $100 /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. It looked clean as a whistle. As skeptical as I am, I'm eye ballin' this mower. I go up to the head cashier and ask if they'd like to get the mower off the floor, would they take $75. Manager comes over and says OK....$75.

I get the mower home. Put some gas in it. Starts easily on the first pull. But something ain't quite right. It's kind of chugging and burning rich. So...I go to pullin' and tweakin' every spring I can find without much success. I'm scratchin' my head and decide to try one last thing. I take the paper air cleaner out and then start the mower. She PURRS like a kitten! Upon closer inspection of the air cleaner, it is quite oily to the touch. It's been covered with oil! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif You don't 'oil' paper air filters you 'oil' foam air cleaners. I replace the air filter with one I had in another mower and the $75 mower runs like a champ. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I've attached a picture....

Don

 

[Nasty135]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

AndyM, First you can threaten the Mrs. your going to give her a pair of scissors to trim with or maybe a weed whacker (Of course you'll be the one getting whacked /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
But honestly this is a good time to get the end of season deals at walmart's garden center just as mentioned above .
My father is retired and he likes to tinker and he has bought 3 weed whackers and two lawnmowers in the past 3 or 4 years just to do as shoppintractors above found his deal!! He cleans them up and give family first dibbs on the if we don't need one he retails it in the pennysaver for a couple extra buck for his trouble /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Or you can buy used as mentioned above as long as its in great shape. I say great shape because one in good shape may never get the oil changed or blades sharpened or replaced. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Nasty135]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

OBTW, Love your new HAT!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Will_C]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

Andy, I can't recommend anything that fits what you are looking for exactly, but now is a great time to buy, especially @ Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I personally like the Toro Recycler/Super Recycler line, but I am not sure what available in non-self propelled.

 

[mark1]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

I recently also wanted a push mower for around trees and the house as it's to hard to get real close with my 1863 cub cadet with the 54" mower..I found a 21 inch push mower at Wal-mart for $119.00 it has the pull rope up on the handle and a primer button on the side of the carb. (Even has some safety features) It works great.It's made by MTD and very simple.MUCH easier to start than my 30 year old toro /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Egon]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

The best cheap push mower is the lowest priced one. They are not too complicated.

Egon

 

[Junkman]

Re: Best push mower in the \"low priced\" catagory?

Buy a goat.... you get milk as a added bonus. Wife gets to spin the hair that you clip off of it to make into sweaters to keep you warm. The local kids will love to visit to pet and feed the goat. It will fertilize as it cuts..... How much more can you ask of a lawnmower???? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif