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

Well I'm down to the wire here I finally got my choices pegged down to 2 lawn mowers.

I'm either going with the Honda HRR216TDA or the Craftsman 37701.

Honestly, I like the feel of both, maybe the craftsman a little more. But the research has been bothering me, because everything I've read seems to point to the Honda. They are very close in price. I'm wondering what actual owners might say are the pros and cons of each. Your opinions are much appreciated.

hi   you can always  try  out  murray   or   bolens      or  even     john  deere     if  you  choose   craftsman    and run into problems  its  best  to  take  to  a  small engine  repair  shop   instead of  sears  cause  you wont  get  the mower back  for  quite  sometime  if  you took  it  to  sears     all  sears  models  are  is   american  yard  products     short  term  is  ayp     well    poulan   is  the best  way to go  on  it  then  you  can  take  the  mower  in case of  problems  to  the  nearest   poulan  warranty  center and get the mower back in  quick  time  frame   so   this  make  it  better    for  everyone    thought  i  help  in  anyway  i  can     
calvin 

I bought a Honda HRT 216 TDA 3 years ago for $500.00. It is the worst lawn mower I have ever owned. It cuts bad and the 3 speed trans. went out the second year. I have a very small yard. Honda does not stand behind there product. IT IS A PIECE OF JUNK.

I had a craftsman 6hp non self propelled with the tecumseh engine.  It ran for 6 years and DIED.  It was blowing oil, the wheels gave out and it bagged so-so and mulched very poorly.  I replaced with a Honda HRR 216 self-propelled mulching/bagging mower with a 5.5 ohv.  I am totally amazed with the Honda.  The twin blade cut is far superior to the craftsman, the engine is so much smoother and quieter.  I did not get the smart drive system, but rather the basic 3 speed model. 

This is my second season with the mower and at this point I have been very ver happy.  When I looked for a new mower, I looked at just about everything brand out there.  I kept coming back to the Honda because it felt the most solid and they do have a good rep. 

I would not personally go back to a craftsman, but then again, my next-door neighbor had the exact same Honda model and was very unhappy with the cut quality...I have no idea why the difference.  Both were less than a year old.

I've come to the conclusion that no matter what brand you buy, you can either geat great equipment or you can get lemons.  I would pick the brand that feels best to you and go from there.

Good luck.

I had a craftsman 6hp non self propelled with the tecumseh engine.  It ran for 6 years and DIED.  It was blowing oil, the wheels gave out and it bagged so-so and mulched very poorly.  I replaced with a Honda HRR 216 self-propelled mulching/bagging mower with a 5.5 ohv.  I am totally amazed with the Honda.  The twin blade cut is far superior to the craftsman, the engine is so much smoother and quieter.  I did not get the smart drive system, but rather the basic 3 speed model. 

This is my second season with the mower and at this point I have been very ver happy.  When I looked for a new mower, I looked at just about everything brand out there.  I kept coming back to the Honda because it felt the most solid and they do have a good rep. 

I would not personally go back to a craftsman, but then again, my next-door neighbor had the exact same Honda model and was very unhappy with the cut quality...I have no idea why the difference.  Both were less than a year old.

I've come to the conclusion that no matter what brand you buy, you can either geat great equipment or you can get lemons.  I would pick the brand that feels best to you and go from there.

Good luck.

buy the one you like the feel of... I love Honda GX engines, but 15 years ago, I bought a craftsman with a 3.5 tecumseh on it and it has always started on the first pull.  It is plenty for my 5000sq ft lawn and is light and easy to get around just about anything.  Before that I had an MTD 6horse direct drive and got rid of it after 2 years, it was hard to manuver.  I think the deck will rust out before the engine gives.  I do change the oil after every season, and the air filter, too.  that's it.