Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Time for a new lawnmower?
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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royster
" It is the use of power tools that separates man from animals"
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: Feb 11, 2011
Points: 284
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Time for a new lawnmower?
Original Message Apr 1, 2011 12:41 pm |
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I purchased my lawnmower May 12 , 1998 , so it is about 13 years old. It is a Craftsman 944.368300 s/n 010 998m 000270 It is powered by a Tecumseh VLV066 6.75 horsepower engine No, I am not taking any pictures of the old thing. 21 inch cut, , front wheel drive, has no throttle. starts wide open. I have had no problems with this mower except maintenance required replacing the (always spinning ) front wheels twice. They are around $60 each at Sears , but I got 2 for $12 on e-bay ,twice. I have changed the oil every year, use the Craftsman 30 oil. and have changed the sparkplug a few times. I have been looking at some the new offerings and would like to have an opinion on front or rear wheel drive. I've never used a rwd . I looked at a Troy built at Can Tire yesterday. It is rwd , has large rear wheels, a Honda 160 cc engine, Electric start with a battery on board, all 4 wheels can be adjusted for cutting height with one control lever. I think it is 21 inch , has left and right control levers to adjust ground speed. It is priced at $599.99 I will get them to move it down from the rack , the next time that I am in the store, so I can get a better look at it. Sears are just getting in their new models so will look at them soon.
This message was modified Apr 1, 2011 by royster
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borat
Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692
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Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #16 Apr 3, 2011 12:29 pm |
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"Is rear wheel drive better? I have only had fwd " Could have sworn that I already answered that............
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #17 Apr 3, 2011 12:59 pm |
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I am sure that these vintage lawn mowers are interesting and there were many good lawnmowers among them, but I am in the market for a new self propelled walk behind lawnmower And I am looking for recommendations, if possible. Is rear wheel drive better? I have only had fwd . SInce you didn't mention price range and more specific requirements, people have thrown out a few suggestions. Its good to have requirements so you don't get all over the rainbow recommendations. You can spend anywhere from $150 to $1500 on a 21" push mower. Anywhere from a disposable walmart special to a commercial grade mower. I'll throw in my recommendation based on my own experience. The current model Toro Super Recycler Model 20092. This is rear wheel drive, personal pace self propelled, with cast aluminum deck. No frills, no brake blade clutch or electric start. I have this one. It's a good mulcher, easy to change speeds, nice balance and easy to steer. The engine is as simple as they get, no choke, no throttle control, just a primer bulb. It has a simple B&S L head engine. Reliable and cheap, although not as quiet and fuel efficient as a more expensive OHV engine. Rear wheel drive absolute must if you ever bag. As the bag gets heavier, front wheel gets lighter and lose traction, especially going uphill. If you make a lot of 180 degrees turns, FWD might be more desirable, tipping up and turn without changing speed or disengaging the drive. Its easier to pivot around a non driven wheel.
This message was modified Apr 3, 2011 by aa335
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FrankMA
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #20 Apr 4, 2011 6:42 am |
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royster, If you are going to buy one with a Honda engine, I would just buy a new Honda lawnmower. You can get a HRX 190CC (around $599) and you will like the cut and quietness. I had a HRR 160CC for 10 years and it was slightly underpowered. Not sure if FWD is better than RWD or vice a versa. I have had no issue with RWD. If you are willing to pay $699, you can get a hydrostatic HRX. HRX cuts really well (either mulch or bag) - I am sure others will cut well. Ixsnay on the hydrostatic drive!
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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