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

The only mower wider than 22" that I could find is a Snapper that retails for just over $1,000. It is 26" wide. My problem is my yard is two levels so a rider isn't practical but I have just enough of a yard that I want the widest I can find in a good quality walk behind, self propelled mower.

Smitty,

Here are the only two I know of until you get into the larger commercial walks. I like the single blade of the Snapper better. I don't see where the Troy says it has two blade but by the look of the deck, it sure appears to be designed as a two blade deck. I prefer Snapper disc drive transmission better too. The Troy says it can mulch, but I don't see a mulching blade listed as an option? I am not sure if Snapper makes a 26" Ninja Blade for it? They make a wave blade. I like Snappers 13 gauge deck, I like the Intek fully pressurized engine with spin on oil filter too. I like the larger front tires on the Snapper, those little things on the Troy are rediculous. The only thing I like better about the Troy, is the wider deck.

I sure would like to see Snapper take their 28" or 33" Hi-Vac deck and put it on a this walk behind with a 10-13HP Kohler. Too bad they havn't done that.




Troy Bilt makes this 33" model for $1,399.00

Product Details

• 33" combination deck
• Self-propelled multiple-speed drive system
• 4 forward speeds and power reverse
• 3-in-1 capability - bag, side discharge, mulch (bag optional)
• Single-lever cutting height adjustment - 1" to 4"
• Blade brake clutch
• 16" rear wheels with pneumatic turf tread tires
• 2-Year Limited Warranty
• 10.5 HP* Briggs & Stratton OHV I/C engine
• *as rated by engine manufacturer

Then there's the Snapper 26" model, as you have noticed.

• Powerful 7-hp Briggs & Stratton OHV engine with fully pressurized oil lubrication and spin-on filter
• Heavy-duty 26” 13-gauge steel mower deck
• Six cutting heights for all conditions
• Automatic Blade Stop (ABS)
• Exclusive disc drive transmission with smooth turn differential
• Six-speed on-the-go shifting
• Convenient handle-mounted swivel wheel lock
• Adjustable handle
• 12” rear steel wheels for rough terrain
• Front swivel 8” steel caster wheels

Oh yea, Swisher makes a 42" Walk behind, you might check out the price, I don't know what it is? I like the deck and the 9HP Briggs may keep the price down? Swisher makes quality stuff.


Swisher 42"

• 9.0HP Briggs & Stratton engine
• 42" cutting width reduces mowing time
• Self-propelled, 4-speed transmission with reverse
• Large pneumatic tires provide easy steering
• Zero-turn design turns on a dime
• Easy to use single point height adjustment allows infinite cutting height within a 4" range
• Great maneuverability on rough terrain and around trees and shrubs

 

LL, I'm kind of impressed with the Quick walks. I remember seeing their site last year now that you posted it, had forgot all about them. Did you see this, they even make a dad gum roller for them.

My brother has a 10 year old version of the Troy-Bilt mower mentioned above and he loves it. He has a 1 acre sloped yard that is not very smooth. His experience with riders was he got scalping and wheel spin tearing up his turf, but not with the Troy mower. He does wish the handlebars were taller as he is 6'-5".

bontaiJoe wrote:
Joe, are they the same quality mowers today now that MTD has them as they were back when they were made by Troy?

Marshall wrote:

Since my brother's machine is a 1994+/- vintage, it is probably an MTD product. I think the basic quality would be close to the same. MTD really didn't mess with the time tested proven designs too much in the Troy line. I wish I could say the same thing about the current Bolens machines.

bontaiJoe wrote: Joe, I 'll go along with that in regard to the 33" walk behind, I don't think they introduced a new "MTD design" for that one mower. But, as far as the rest of the line goes, I got to respectfully disagree, I think they're all basically cheap clones with the Yard Machines and Bolens being the worst. Boy they did rape Bolens didn't they Joe. Grrrr 


Yard-Man



Troy Bilt


White

Yard Machines


Bolens

Cub Cadet 1000 Series

Marshall,

I always forget that MTD sells tractors with the Troy-Bilt name on them . I tend to only think of the tillers and the walk behind mower. And as to the Bolens and White names, they should not even be mentioned in the same sentence as the real Bolens and White tractors. The higher line of Cub Cadet tractors are still built at the original factory, with cast iron rear axles, etc, but the 1000 series popular at Lowes' is pure MTD with yellow and white paint. But they are priced accordingly. Folks that can't afford more than $1500-2000 still need to cut their grass, and plow their snow, and that is what the majority of MTD's line is marketed at. I just wish they hadn't gotten control of the Bolens name. That REALLY is close to criminal what they sell under that brand now, and TOTALLY misleading to anyone that was familiar with the legendary Bolens machines of the past.

I hear ya buddy! It's blasphemy, criminal, time to get a rope! 

Thanks for pointing out about the 1000 series only, I didn't think to make the distinction other than just putting 1000 series. It's possible some readers may have thought all Cubs were like that.

Thanks Guys! Once again, I can count on you all for an OPE Education. Your the best!

Smitty,

I remember a discussion of this same subject last year on WTB. I remember saying that I wish someone in the industry would introduce a 28-30" single blade walk behind, with a 9HP Honda, Kawa, Briggs or Robin. It doesn't need a hydro tranny, disc drive or gears are fine with me. Put the deck on chains so it's a floating deck and keep everthing else simple. Make it with a Gator type blade and retail it at 999.00. I think you would sell a ton of them.