Best Low Price Push Mower

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I've got a 10 year old MTD Yard Machine (Briggs and Stratton). It wasn't designed to be a bagger, but they made a kit for it. The side bagger bounces off the mower all the time. I've decided to retire it this year.

When is the best time to buy a mower (am thinking fall/winter)?
What is the best rear bagger mower out there w/ Briggs and Stratton engine?

I don't have a lot of lawn, but would like something self-propelled (not needed) with the widest deck and rear bagger.
 
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I was told by a small engine mechanic to buy a Craftsman with a Kohler engine. Buying one late in the fall would probably get you a better price.
 
There is no best low price push mower. They're all the same in the low price range and all good for the most part. You have to pay up for best; Aluminum deck, sturdy wheels and hardware, OHV engine with throttle control, reliable bagging system or better yet quality mulching ability. You won't get any of those with low price.

Joel
 
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Yard sale special. Use her till she dies and get another. I don't think my grandpa has spent over $200 push mowers in the 20+ years he's been mowing. Spends $10-25 on one and it usually last 2-3 years.. never had one die he just passes it on to family. I've used one of them since 01 and my parents since 98.
 
This one might be decent. Just a high wheel instead of self propel, but if the yard is flat those push pretty well.

Brute Model Number #7800509

I believe those are the old Murray built mowers, now owned by Briggs.

It might be worth spending a little extra IMO for the B&S "600 series" (what used to be called the Quantum engines) or better since they seem much quieter, I still think my former early 90's Quantum powered mower now residing with my sister may have even been a tad quieter than my current Honda GCV160 powered one.

It looks like MTD only has the formerly 3.5-4 HP B&S in their lower line stuff anymore. Everything else has that no-name (and mabye Chinese?) OHV engine that apparently is a hassle to get parts for so far.
 
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Best?
http://norwalkpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2403
sp21k.jpg


Joel
 
You can get "bargains" even in the spring. I bought my Toro during their 10% off promo in May, and at Home Depot they had a promo no payments for a year. This time of the year you will see closeouts, which can be a good deals too.
 
199$ wallys, OHV, self prop, 4th season, going strong, few neighbors borrowed it few times :-), just changed oil this season (3 oil change)

if you don't mind refurbs, sears and HD has refurbs 50% off...most of the time.
 
I'm gonna watch this one over the next few months:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07138901000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Walk-Behind+Lawn+Mowers&sName=Push+Mowers#specificationsAnchor

There is also a Troy-Bilt (Model 430) on craigslist in my area being sold as NIB for $175. Are these pretty reliable?
 
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I'm thinking October would be the prime 'end of season' time.
Some dealers have the snowblowers out in the front of their displays already.
Make frequent trips by or through the outdoor areas and shops.
Some dealer may make you a deal to get rid of you.
 
I bought my dad an OHV Tecumseh powered MTD unit for $300 CDN and it has been excellent. The governor was improperly adjusted out of the box but other than that it has been rock solid reliable. We use it to do the ditches and areas where the tractor can't get to.
 
Originally Posted By: 2002 Maxima SE
I'm gonna watch this one over the next few months:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07138901000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden&cName=Walk-Behind+Lawn+Mowers&sName=Push+Mowers#specificationsAnchor

There is also a Troy-Bilt (Model 430) on craigslist in my area being sold as NIB for $175. Are these pretty reliable?



Either of those should be decent. I think I would only by the Troy on the condition you unbox it and hear it run first, since that's not a huge price break yet it likely won't have any warranty left unless it's a dealer just selling leftover unit.
 
You said 'best low price mower' right? I would just get another Yardman by MTD. Great mowers for the price. You can get one with a 6hp engine and a 21" deck fairly cheap. It's self propelled to. I've used several models for years and never had any issues. Just change the oil after run-in and keep the underside cleaned off after mowing wet grass and it will last a very long time.
 
Drop by Sears if you can pay cash. Offer them 50 - 60 dollars less than what a push mower is marked. They may very well take it or make a counter offer. Walmart sells out their mowers at the end of the year so they're harder to strike a bargain with.

If you're looking for a self propelled, be aware that the front wheel drive "cheapies" become big paperweights after a few years cause they're too heavy to push after the self propel stops working. What are cheapies? Murray, MTD, Yardman, Yardking, Troybuilt, Craftsman <--------all made by the same people, (sigh....even the $299, front wheel drive Toros can't be trusted). Whatever you buy...keep the oil changed, the gas fresh, the air filter cleaned, and keep it stored anywhere but outside exposed to the weather. Preach, preach, preach...
 
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