My 12 year-old Yard Machines push mower is getting tired. It has the Briggs 6hp Quantum engine which has been incredibly reliable--first pull start almost every time. I have done nothing more than change the oil, filter and plug.
But it is burning oil (not leaving a blue fog), rapidly blackening but not truly fouling the spark plug. The emissions make me smell so bad I have to shower immediately after. It definitely needs rings, perhaps more.
The deck is in ok shape, but the wheel adjusters are pretty wobbly due to a bumpy lawn.
I have had to put new wheels on about every 2-3 years due to our rough lawn and plastic wheels. I tried the metal wheels with bearings and they were WAY too heavy.
I figure I'm better off replacing the mower, and hope to find something
I'm not looking for a self-propelled, as it adds another layer of complexity and weight. However, if the system were known to be extremely reliable I may reconsider.
For reference, my lawn is ~7000 square feet. I mostly mulch.
I'm looking at these:
Yard Machines 21 in. 190 cc Walk-Behind Gas Mower
Model # 11A-B96N729
Looks like nearly a direct replacement for my current mower.
Pro: Similar to my current mower.
Con: similar to my current mower. Unknown reliability of newer Briggs engines. Will wear out wheels. No deck wash system. Plastic front end???
Are big rear wheels ok?
Husqvarna 7021P 4.40 Ft-Lbs Torque
Pro: ball bearing wheels!
Con: unknown reliability of GCV160 engine. I have a GC160 engine on my snowblower and it has given me some trouble. It runs well, but apparently has a finicky carb and easily gummed valves. As an ex master mech, it drives me nuts when a well-cared for engine doesn't perform.
Another possible con: it could be expensive to replace the wheels if they are proprietary.
Troy-Bilt TB130
Similar to the Husqvarna mower above, but without ball bearing wheels. It looks like the Craftsman mowers with a plastic front wheel assembly. PLASTIC?!?!
Troy-Bilt TB110
Pro: inexpensive, has good reviews.
Con: possibly under-powered? It looks like the Craftsman mowers with a plastic front wheel assembly. PLASTIC?!?!
Husqvarna 5521P
Similar to the Troy-Bilt TB110, but without the plastic front-end.
I worry a bit about the newer Briggs engines, as they appear to be a mixed bag.
There are multiple Craftsman mowers, such as:
Craftsman 190cc* Briggs & Stratton Engine, Low-Wheel Rear Bag Push Mower 50 States
Sears Item# 07137031000 | Model# 37031.
What is up with the plastic front end? I looked at these in the store and was surprised to see that this part appears to fully support the front wheel assemblies.
Looks like Yard Machines = these Craftsman mowers.
I like the larger engine (same displacement as my Quantum), but the plastic front end and newer Briggs engine is worrisome. I'm not even sure I need a larger engine.
I like the deck wash systems that some of these mowers have.
Any thoughts on the various engines or other mechanicals of these mowers? I know it is only a few hundred dollars, but I'm thrifty and can't stand poor engineering.
I know, "you get what you pay for," but I'm always on the lookout for the best bang for your buck.
Many thanks,
Bob
But it is burning oil (not leaving a blue fog), rapidly blackening but not truly fouling the spark plug. The emissions make me smell so bad I have to shower immediately after. It definitely needs rings, perhaps more.
The deck is in ok shape, but the wheel adjusters are pretty wobbly due to a bumpy lawn.
I have had to put new wheels on about every 2-3 years due to our rough lawn and plastic wheels. I tried the metal wheels with bearings and they were WAY too heavy.
I figure I'm better off replacing the mower, and hope to find something
I'm not looking for a self-propelled, as it adds another layer of complexity and weight. However, if the system were known to be extremely reliable I may reconsider.
For reference, my lawn is ~7000 square feet. I mostly mulch.
I'm looking at these:
Yard Machines 21 in. 190 cc Walk-Behind Gas Mower
Model # 11A-B96N729
Looks like nearly a direct replacement for my current mower.
Pro: Similar to my current mower.
Con: similar to my current mower. Unknown reliability of newer Briggs engines. Will wear out wheels. No deck wash system. Plastic front end???
Are big rear wheels ok?
Husqvarna 7021P 4.40 Ft-Lbs Torque
Pro: ball bearing wheels!
Con: unknown reliability of GCV160 engine. I have a GC160 engine on my snowblower and it has given me some trouble. It runs well, but apparently has a finicky carb and easily gummed valves. As an ex master mech, it drives me nuts when a well-cared for engine doesn't perform.
Another possible con: it could be expensive to replace the wheels if they are proprietary.
Troy-Bilt TB130
Similar to the Husqvarna mower above, but without ball bearing wheels. It looks like the Craftsman mowers with a plastic front wheel assembly. PLASTIC?!?!
Troy-Bilt TB110
Pro: inexpensive, has good reviews.
Con: possibly under-powered? It looks like the Craftsman mowers with a plastic front wheel assembly. PLASTIC?!?!
Husqvarna 5521P
Similar to the Troy-Bilt TB110, but without the plastic front-end.
I worry a bit about the newer Briggs engines, as they appear to be a mixed bag.
There are multiple Craftsman mowers, such as:
Craftsman 190cc* Briggs & Stratton Engine, Low-Wheel Rear Bag Push Mower 50 States
Sears Item# 07137031000 | Model# 37031.
What is up with the plastic front end? I looked at these in the store and was surprised to see that this part appears to fully support the front wheel assemblies.
Looks like Yard Machines = these Craftsman mowers.
I like the larger engine (same displacement as my Quantum), but the plastic front end and newer Briggs engine is worrisome. I'm not even sure I need a larger engine.
I like the deck wash systems that some of these mowers have.
Any thoughts on the various engines or other mechanicals of these mowers? I know it is only a few hundred dollars, but I'm thrifty and can't stand poor engineering.
I know, "you get what you pay for," but I'm always on the lookout for the best bang for your buck.
Many thanks,
Bob