Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi gang, I haven't posted in a while and hope everyone is doing well.  Our 1972 LawnBoy self propelled mower spun a bearing, so I thought I'd purchase a new mower.  I've settled on the Craftsman 5.5hp 21" rear bag self propelled mower.  The fact it has the Honda engine is what got my attention.  The only thing I don't like is that it's front wheel drive.  We had a front wheel drive mower some years ago and every time the bagger started to get past half way full, it would cause the front wheels to tend to want to lift off the ground.  Sort of made it useless.  what do you all think of the front wheel drive mowers and do you have an opinion on this particular one I want to purchase.  The price of $379.00 is right for us, and we intend to purchase it on Monday, Memorial Day for some added savings.  Thanks folks. Craftsman 5.5 hp, 21 in. Deck Rear Bag Propelled Lawn Mower Sears item #07137669000 Mfr. model #37669 5.5 hp Honda Engine with Auto Choke gives you a well-recognized name of quality and performance. Variable speed EZ Walk allows the operator to walk at his or her own pace. 21 in. High Tunnel 3 in 1 deck has all mowing options. Learn more Richie

you should be able to get a husky mower (same builder as the sears) with rear wheel drive and bigger wheels and ball bearings in the wheels and single lever height adjustment.has same engine and and same tranny just more percs.

should be about same price.

later chris

I would have to agree with Chris.  I recently used ball bearings and they are great.   It looks like it is the Husqvarna 5521RS that you want. 

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=37711-41798-55R21HV&lpage=none

Don't know if the link will work. $399. Lowes item #37711

If you are going to bag, you might want to think about the front wheel drive. You didn't like it the first time, would you expect something to have changed?

MML4 just put a 2 stroke Tecumseh on his Snapper, seems real happy. Nothing like a good two stroke for your Snapper.

Hi Richie:

My only concern is if you would be able to replace the carburator with an adjustable type?

I have the Toro PP and like the self drive feature.  My only beef is the "locking" of the wheels when I try to pull it backwards.

bbwb

Hey folks,

That Husqvarna looks great and I think I'm going to go with it.  Only Lowes seems to carry it around here and I'll check with them tomorrow and see if the price will drop on Monday.  I really did think Lowes would have had it for a lower price than $399.00.

Rob, I've been looking at many mowers, and most seem to be front wheel drive.  I thought it would be a good idea to check with the forum to see if they did work the bugs out of them.  I will certainly bag the grass, but I do like having the option of mulching.  I'd always prefer a rear wheel drive mower over front wheel any day of the week.   It's just that the Sears model with the Honda engine was the right price for me.

BBWB, I won't be replacing the carb on the mower with an adjustable type.  My Toro snowblower really needed that modification, but I can live with a bit of RPM hunting on a mower, assuming it happens at all.  Thanks you all for your opinions, I'll be sure to let you know in the next few days what I purchased and give you a full report on it.

Richie

Hi Richie, good to see you back again.

I think you'll like the RWD much better.

You might read Kevin's thread about his Husqvarna "push mower" he just bought. The same mower with RWD would be a good choice too. That Briggs INTEK OHV is real nice engine, some say better than Honda's GC consumer engine.

Husqvarna push mower

Ritchie,
Take the Sears ad with you to Lowes. Price match should be no problem.

Hi Marshall,

Thanks for the tips and I'll be sure to check it out.  I do have a Sears 17hp lawn tractor, so this walk-behind mower is used for those areas that are not practical for the riding mower.  Hopefully Lowes will have all the models in stock. 

Rob, I didn't know I could bring an Ad to Lowes and have them match the price.  Thanks again!

Richie 

 Richie,

Home Depot sells the same mower under the Poulan nameplate.

Also if you are a Vet, Retired Military or Active they are giving 10% off  thru Memorial day.

Lowes also on the discounts!!

                                                 Fred     

jubol wrote:
Sorry Fred.....Just saw that you edited to also include the Lowes info as well....