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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

Time for a new lawnmower?
Original Message   Apr 1, 2011 12:41 pm
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


Replies: 22 - 27 of 27Next page of topicsPreviousAllView as Outline
Knee_Biter


Wicked Pissa

Location: just outside of BOSTON
Joined: Dec 14, 2008
Points: 147

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #22   Apr 4, 2011 10:34 am
I have owned and used both front and rear drive. My opinion is rear. Would never use front again. I have owned and used Craftsman, Toro, Ariens ,Older Snapper, Older Lawnboy, and Honda. Liked the Snapper and Lawnboys. Love my Honda masters series. I own both 3spd and Hydrostatic and use my Hydro 99.9% of the time.

royster


" It is the use of power tools that separates man from animals"

Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Joined: Feb 11, 2011
Points: 284

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #23   Apr 4, 2011 1:40 pm
There is that "H" word again.

aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #24   Apr 4, 2011 1:53 pm
royster wrote:
There is that "H" word again.

Let's call it the turbo encabulator!
snowmachine


Location: Washington State
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Points: 268

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #25   Apr 9, 2011 12:50 pm
I do like my Honda HRX217HMA. I hope it will be a lifetime mower for me and the NeXite deck truly lasts that long as well.

HTTPs://ouppes.com
Underdog


Joined: Oct 18, 2008
Points: 332

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?
Reply #26   Apr 9, 2011 8:20 pm
I would not be too quick to pass on the idea of buying  a used mower.  There are so many people that opt to have their lawn mowed commercially or end up with a tractor and don't want to take up space in the garage for the lawnmower.

These "rarely used mowers" show up on Craigslist.  I have seen lightly used HRX217HMA Hondas (yes, I have a bias for that hydro) in the $270 to $300 range. That is still a lot of money for a used mower.  But I my opinion you get your money's worth. I picked up the early version HRX216 for $100 and the carb needed flushed out but the hydro runs like a top.

This message was modified Apr 9, 2011 by Underdog


Glove


Joined: Feb 22, 2005
Points: 10

Re: Time for a new lawnmower?,Snapper vs Honda
Reply #27   Jun 17, 2011 3:50 pm
HRX is a nice mower but handling is lousy due to the handle length. I have a Snapper High Vac in my shed that gave me nothing but issues, 2nd one in 10 years so I opted for the Honda.

Good;

Starts 10X better than the Snapper but it is new..

Cut's better

Quieter

Bad;

Bag on Snapper is easier to handle, empty,  but chute design clogs. Honda doesnt catch all grass in bag. (even)

Snapper much easier to handle, go around objects, etc..much lighter..

Replies: 22 - 27 of 27Next page of topicsPreviousAllView as Outline
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