Lawn Mowers, Help me pick (walk behind)

Status
Not open for further replies.
4

4x4taco

Joined
Jul 16, 2009
Messages
166
Location
FL
Hey guys, we all seem to be on the page here, so why not ask. I just sold my 12yr old 19" Snapper Hivac walk behind that was very very well used. Best mower I ever had. Looking for a new self propelled walk behind that bags & Mulches, I don't do discharge as I have a smaller yard and live in a sub division. I have about 1hr of actual mowing. My snapper had a 5hp Briggs engine and steel deck. I never had an issue, but I'm looking for something more updated. Really want a QUIET & light weight mower. No priming valve, and Aluminum deck if possible. So I've narrowed it down to 3 mowers:

1- Honda HRX series. Plastic deck, Home depot model is different # than independent dealers & Honda's website.. not sure what's up with that. 96# heavy, GCV190 engine, 3yr warranty. $700.

2- Toro 20192. Has the Honda GCV160, Alum deck, 5yr warranty and weighs 80#'s. Low $500's.

3-Lawnboy Platinum 10795. Clone of the mower above painted green? Same engine, price and engine etc.

Not sure why the model # at home depot is different than the Honda website, odd. Really leaning toward either the Toror or Lawnboy, which ever I can get cheaper. At 80#'s, Honda powered, Aluminum decked and 5yr warranty it's hard to beat. opinions?
 
Last edited:
I just picked up a Honda HRX217HXA from HD and I love it. Bags great, mulches great, switches between the two with a lever. Even has a discharge mode if you need it.

What makes you think the HD model is different? I went to two local dealers while checking them out and they both told me they were identical. So did the people over at Lawnsite.

The wifey bought five 10% discounts coupons for Lowes on ebay for $6. I used one at HD to get 10% off of the $749 price. Yes, they honor Lowes coupons. I have one left, I'll send it to you if you want it. It's good til Oct 31st this year.

Here is the link to a HRX review at Lawnsite. My remarks after buying one are towards the end of the thread.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=268848
 
I would get one with an aluminum deck, which I see is one of your potential parameters. My Toro which I bought in May already has a dent from inside out, probably from a stone it picked up. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have got a commerical mower instead of a big-box store special.
 
Why oh, why would you get rid of a decent runner and then go shopping? I dumpster dive for my mowers. I have this crazy idea that the older mowers were better than anything you can buy today. Plus I am a cheapskate.
My current OPE is 30 something yrs old. I just picked up a 12 yr old Toro from Craigslist free stuff. It starts on the 1st pull.It is gonna be my back up.
 
Last edited:
Honda HRX is the Mac Daddy of lawn mowers. But, there are different models of the HRX out there. Make sure it has hydrostatic drive and dual blade. The dual blade isn't just hype, that thing will much like sawdust. The one hatetoword is referring too is what I'd go with. Big debate over plastic/steel/aluminum...just your personal preference I guess. As for me, I'd want a metal deck....just "because."
 
Toro SR B & S, and look for the one with the oil filter on it (WIX 51394) and then try to outlive the engine.
 
For 700$ get an Ariens with the Kawasaki engine and disc drive, will never wear out.
 
Consider a John Deere JX-75 with aluminum deck, kawasaki engine (pressurized oiling system) and spin-on oil filter. I'm pleased with mine.

It's a bitoger's dream to have oil filter changes on the lawn mower too.
 
I have a rear wheel drive Snapper with 6HP B&S Commercial for over 12 years now. I just replaced the spark plug coil and rebuilt the carburetor. I use it weekly and my son used it for his neighborhood mowing needs when he still lived at home. Great mowers. This one has a very heavy steel deck.
 
I got the cheapest Honda HRR216 about 5 years ago no problems. Single speed self propelled. About 70#, $359. Starts first pull.
 
got me the toro 20192 Super Bagger. I didn't see a John deere with an aluminum deck.
 
My "new" mower is a 1989 SNAPPER 21" convertible mulcher/bagger/discharge. A new B&S motor with an auto-choke. Just one slow pull after opening throttle slightly. Does my 15,000 sq ft lawn just fine. The small engine repair shop that did the work charged less than 1/2 of new. We call it The HooverSnapper as it vacuums the lawn so well for the Nov-Mar "winter season".

I love the simplicity of the drive system, the ease of the clippings bag and the general robustness of the design. After one year of use (better than 70 mowings), I'm sold on assembling a SNAPPER from used/new parts with a new motor.

THe shop owner made us the bid from a LSO machine given to him (service only, no new sales) and had it ready in a month. Every operating item was like new as to function. Zero problems.

And, were I "serious" about a used 21" mower, I'd search out a used KUBOTA W5019 or 5021. Best one ever sold here (late 80's to mid 90's).

LAWNSITE

KUBOTA W5021 TURBO SUCTION 21' LAWN MOWER

Good luck.
 
Originally Posted By: andyd
Why oh, why would you get rid of a decent runner and then go shopping? I dumpster dive for my mowers. I have this crazy idea that the older mowers were better than anything you can buy today. Plus I am a cheapskate.
My current OPE is 30 something yrs old. I just picked up a 12 yr old Toro from Craigslist free stuff. It starts on the 1st pull.It is gonna be my back up.


Maybe he has a hang up about digging through other peoples trash for his lawn care equipment lol
13.gif
 
Home Depot sells all three versions of the HRX...VKA, HMA, and HXA. The model numbers they stock should be the same as at a Honda OPE dealer.

I'd buy the Toro or Lawn Boy though. It's a better price and a better mower.

By the way, you don't have to prime most 675 series Briggs engines anymore. The choke is controlled by a thermostat.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
Mower Safety while cleaning mower deck
2
Replies
32
Views
746
football
C
Which New Walk Behind Mower You Would Buy Today?
2 3 4
Replies
68
Views
14K
loneryder
branfarm
Need help, lawn mower suddenly backfiring and no power
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
branfarm
tbm5690
Considering a Timemaster
2
Replies
32
Views
16K
Donald
tiger862
New mower 2.5 acres
2
Replies
23
Views
5K
tiger862
Back
Top Bottom