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

Hey Guys,
A friend of mine is looking for a new walk behind mower.......he told me the following;

Doesn't need self propelled, doesn't really need a bagger
Mainly wants it to be a nice cut, and to perhaps mulch well.
He does not really need all the bells and whistles, but appreciates quality, and also value.

Does any brand stand out as a good basic quality unit with exceptional  cutting?

I'm not really too up on these.....my 25 year old 3.5 hp front propelled Toro still works for what I need it to do, just trimming.

thanks,
 Frank  D.

Frank---Looks like he should be able to find.  I would primarily look for one with a good deck,  good wheels, etc.  That in my opinion makes the difference in the push mower line.  Engines usually will be sufficient on most of them.   Your named Toro---also Snapper, John Deere, etc.  Hope he makes a good choice--Will

Gotta go with Will, Snapper would be a good choice. I wouldn't walk by a Toro Super Recycler either.

Send him to flea market for 40$ he'll find a good mower

walbroman wrote:
Well there's a thought.

Well I have a front wheel drive made by John Deere. I wanna say they made it for Scotts. I have no complaints about it. I was thinking if he doesn't wanna propelled maybe he should atleast go with big wheel.My buddy has a big wheel Craftsman 21inch with a 6.5 Briggs and he loves it. I think it does have a bagger tohugh. The cut is really nice I think he paid bout 125.00 for it. I don't know if that is what he is looking for just figured I give a input. Thanks Mike

Snapper
Ninja blades are well liked.

Toro

Another Toro


Husqvarna/Sears had some nice stuff last year.

But I'm a sucker for an aluminium deck.

A few people here have already told you what I am going to say lol

I have had alot of experiance with mowers and engines. In my experiance I know of two companies that make great mowers. My dad had a Toro LT that lasted 20 years before it died. My dad also owned a Snapper that lasted 15 years before it died. I owned a Scotts that was manufactured by John Deer that lasted 5 years and died. I owned a Murray RER that lasted 16 years then died. When I buy my new mower, its either going to be a Toro or a Snapper.

Toro

Snapper

What kind and size  of area will he be cutting? Am only asking as when I first got a mower, I had to consider the berm in the back with about 30 or so trees to cut around. Finally decided one with front wheel casters. Turning was great around the trees. Eventually ended up with a riding mower to save time though. Still have the walk behind for days when I am in the mood for exercise.

In my original post I did not mention a couple other  features---If I wanted my walk behind to last for years I would buy one with an Aluminum allow deck.  It seems the deck is the first thing that rusts out (most of us won,t keep them washed out underneath),  also I would look at the wheel adjustment mechanism,s.   ,  also the wheels should have good bearings, etc.  With the good features, a good engine  (there are many brands that are good solid, easy starting, long lasting) will give you a mower that will be with you for many years. (hope so anyway)---Take care and may you and your family be blessed from the God of Heaven this day and always---Will

I don't know what your friend's budget is, but if money was no problem, I'd be looking at the Deere JA62 self propelled with lockable front caster wheels at around $550. Also the Cub Cadet SR621 at around $459. As a guy that has pushed a LOT of mowers in the last 40 years, I would want at least a 2 speed self propelled feature for those days I'm walking a little slower than usual, comfortable handle bar height, one lever wheel height adjustment (no fiddling with each wheel, or accidently haveing one wheel different causing a rotten looking cut), and the ability to bag, mulch, or side discharge with out too much fuss swapping parts. Also the Toro Super recycler 20055 model at around $549 is an excellent mower but with individual wheel height adjustments. These are not the most expensive models out there, but they are high end mowers, and should last 10-20 years with good maintenance and if not abused by running over metal pipes, etc. If he was looking to spend less than $250, then whatever is on sale at any given week at the local box store with the most features he can get for his money.

Thanks everyone....
I will pass on to my friend your wise counsel........

Frank D.