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

Haven't posted in a while because I've been so dang busy doing stuff on my house!!..

Thinking about getting a new self-propelled but I'm torn between a Briggs engine and venturing into Honda 'territory" for my next mower.   I liked the new HRX models I saw at Home Depot($599.) Don't think I want to buy it there as I've seen some of the OPE they assemble..LOL.

Anyone have any experience wth their mowers??

I want my next mower to last a good, long time as my current 8 year old Murray's drive system has been hit or miss lately and it may be on it's last leg. It's got a Briggs 5.5 quantum engine on it that's served me well, though. Would like to go to a 6.5 because there's been times when I could have used the extra power.  Don't want a push model, either. Will probably stay between $500.-600, or so price wise. Although I like the idea of a light weight deck ,is plastic the way to go?..or should I go aluminum?? I've a lot of concrete edgeing(sp?) on my property , of which I'm always running against, so I'm a little concerned about the durability of the plastic decks!

Also am considering the "higher -end" Toro's as I'd like to stay clear of the Tecumseh engine on mowers...just my prejudice, I guess. 

Any thoughts?...Recommendations?...

Thanks..

MountainMan--

Don't quite understand?? Do you mean that the wheels don't adjust as they normally should for different heights of cut??..

Tried adjusting the 217 HRX model at "Home Deeps" and it seemed fine??... 

I remember my brother's next door neighbor saying something to that effect about his Honda. I checked on their website and it looks like they've fixed that as the last notch on the wheels is supposed to be 4" approx.

I think I've narrowed it down to either the Honda 217TDA model or the Toro 20056 Super-Recycler,  which has the aluminum deck, blade clutch,  B & S  6.5 engine( don't know if it's an Intek or Quantum??...) I think the Toro offers a longer warranty, but can't be sure. 

I sent emails to Mayberry's just to see what thay could do price-wise.  Anyone have experience with them??

Maqrshal answered it. There was a thread a while bach about how the height adjusters only wnt as high as about 3". Not good for summer heat and drought. I usually cut 3.5 or so.

Its so humid and wet in Ct now that ive been cutting evry 5 days again