So while some of you are still buried in snow, around here its been warm and hardly any snow since I bought my snow thrower in late January. Its melting fast and so I'm thinking lawn mowers.
I havn't needed a mower in 15+ years so a bit ignorant on this topic. I got through last year with a push reel mower but the clippings sat on top, didn't decompose, turned brown and just raked up with leaves in the fall.
My situation:
- Small area - maybe ~4,000 sqft of lawn. Also part of that is a grassy berm that may be too awkward for a walking mower - I used line trimmer on it previously because reel mower was too much hassle on it.
- I definitely want to mulch
- I would like bag capability - thinking leaf cleanup in the fall.
- I think self propelled is probably overkill given small size of lawn but maybe nice to have if we move in the future
- I dont care about electric start - a decent machine should be easy to pull start anyway
I have read that some consider the toro super recyclers to be among the best mulching mowers around - if so are they worth considering despite price and presumably complete overkill for my size lawn area?
What else should I look at - Honda? Lawn Boy?
Anything from Sears or Lowes worth a look? Craftsman and Troy Built etc.
What about engines? What to look for what to avoid?
Deck - is cast aluminum worth premium?
I'm not looking for top of the line but I dont want junk either. I want machine to be reliable and long lasting and make the job easier. Budget is pretty flexible - I'd probably spend up to $500 if I think its worth it but obviously less is better.
Thanks a bunch for any advice.
