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.

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.