Need recommendations on a push mower

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Darkfire

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Jun 11, 2011
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MI
Looking to spend $300 or less (max $400).

I do not need a self-propelled type (nor do I want one really, because I could use more exercise).

I had one ordered, but had to cancel the order due to issues with the warehouse. I was going to go with a Husqvarna 7021P 21-Inch 160cc Honda GCV160 based on reviews I had read that were generally good.

It would be nice to get one with a rust proof deck (i.e. aluminum) but I haven't run across any machines that aren't older, used machines. I would consider either a new one or a used one, if it was taken care of well and runs flawlessly (2 stroke is fine).

I have heard that the old Lawn-Boy mowers with the 2 stroke Duraforce engines were pretty hard to beat, but I'm not sure if I should go that route, or look for something by Toro (or even just re-order the Husqvarna listed above from another source).

I'm sure specific models of certain brands that have been made are regarded more highly than others--so if you would offer some suggestions for either a used or new unit, that would be great.

Thanks
 
Lawn boys or Snappers are great 2 stroke machines.

I had great luck with Toro's as well.
 
Man you can get one heck of a self propelled lawn mower for 300. Usually push mowers start off around 180.00 I don't really think the hondas are anything special. Unless you get an older one. Like 15 years ago. They make the engines cheap now. Briggs and stratton engines are good. Especially the flathead. 3 primes and they start on the first pull always. I haven't used an ohv briggs but they are quieter and smoother. 3 primes and they start on the first pull always. AVOID techumseh engines. The makers of those think burning oil is supposed to be normal. You basically have to add oil each time you cut the yard.
 
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A $100 model from Sears or Lowe's or some other place will last you 15 years, with proper care.
 
There are a bunch of stainless steel deck mowers hitting the market. I saw one non self propelled for $200 with Kohler 6HP. Use a good oil and do minimal maintenance, you should have a mower that will last a really long time.
 
If you can still find one, a Toro Super Recycler pusher (non-self-propelled) would be a heck of an aluminum deck mower.

I know when I was eye-balling Super Recyclers this past spring, my closest dealer had one left on the showroom floor. I think he had it listed at something like $349-379, but said he could work with the price since it was the last of it's kind.
 
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Originally Posted By: Darkfire


I had one ordered, but had to cancel the order due to issues with the warehouse. I was going to go with a Husqvarna 7021P 21-Inch 160cc Honda GCV160 based on reviews I had read that were generally good.



If there is any way you could still get this model, it would be a good choice. I have one and am very happy with it. The Honda engine is a joy. Smooth, relatively quiet, and the light weight compared to an iron motor makes for a totally new mowing experience. I put this off for years because I didn't want to junk my tired old B&S which still got the job done, but once I bought it I kicked myself for not having done it sooner.
 
I would avoid any MTD product and they make many.

Make sure you know what kind of a discharge you want/need. My Airens (great mower) can only bag or mulch, no side discharge. If the grass is high it bogs down.

Some people must like the rear wheel propelled mowers but I like the front. For the reason that I can lift up the front a little to turn or stop it from moving forward for a second if its bogging down.

Husq. is good as is John Deere and Toro.

My Airens has a Kohler engine which I like.
 
My 15 yo Lawn Boy 2-stroke w/aluminum deck is the greatest mower of all time. Every time I take it in for service they tell me, don't ever sell this mower! It is fast, it is light, it is powerful. if you can find one, buy it!
 
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Man you can get one heck of a self propelled lawn mower for 300. Usually push mowers start off around 180.00 I don't really think the hondas are anything special. Unless you get an older one. Like 15 years ago. They make the engines cheap now. Briggs and stratton engines are good. Especially the flathead. 3 primes and they start on the first pull always. I haven't used an ohv briggs but they are quieter and smoother. 3 primes and they start on the first pull always. AVOID techumseh engines. The makers of those think burning oil is supposed to be normal. You basically have to add oil each time you cut the yard.



not always
 
I bought a Cub Cadet push mower not too long ago to replace my Craftsman mower that was pretty much useless. The craftsman stopped propelling after a few times mowing and never really did much of a good job cutting the grass. It would always bog down even with the side discharge. It was not cheap, I think I paid about $350 for it. It was also front wheel drive which did not do any propelling for me. Just launched dirt and grass at me as it spun the wheels. Got sick of it and bought the Cub Cadet. It has really nice Caster style wheels on the front for maneuvering around things easily. They can also be locked if you do not want them to swivel. It is real wheel drive propelled which works well for me since my back yard has a hill. The grass was up to my knees when I bought it. That mower went over it like a tank. Had the side discharge hooked up on it. Even propelling quickly it never bogged down and went over everything with no problems. Very pleased, much better than the Craftsman and it was only $399 at Tractor Supply Company.
 
Originally Posted By: Kuato
A $100 model from Sears or Lowe's or some other place will last you 15 years, with proper care.


Yep, no need to spend that kind of money if it is not self propelled.
 
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Originally Posted By: TooManyWheels
Originally Posted By: Darkfire


I had one ordered, but had to cancel the order due to issues with the warehouse. I was going to go with a Husqvarna 7021P 21-Inch 160cc Honda GCV160 based on reviews I had read that were generally good.



If there is any way you could still get this model, it would be a good choice. I have one and am very happy with it. The Honda engine is a joy. Smooth, relatively quiet, and the light weight compared to an iron motor makes for a totally new mowing experience. I put this off for years because I didn't want to junk my tired old B&S which still got the job done, but once I bought it I kicked myself for not having done it sooner.


The GCV160 Honda is a great engine...

Wheels what were you mowing with??? To my knowledge B&S vertical engines are all aluminum... The 1981 B&S 3.5Hp I was using is lighter than a 160 Honda but only by a few pounds, the OHV 7Hp B&S I was considering is heavier than either engine...
 
I got the cheapest Troy-Bilt from Lowes as a housewarming gift 6 years ago.

Yeah, I know....it's an MTD.

But I cannot complain about anything about it.

I did have to rotate the wheels earlier this year, but it cuts as well as my neighbor's expensive plastic decked Honda Quadra-Cut. We have the same height and by the time we finish mowing on Saturday afternoon our yards are beautifully blended and continuous.

I did send in the warranty card and never received anything in return.
21.gif
My small engine guy said that's pretty normal from that branch of MTD. Toro is easier for him to work with on warranty work for some reason. But I've never had a single service issue. (no such luck on my Troy-Bilt trimmer)

And it starts by just priming the bulb 3X and giving the rope a light tug. Just about half of it's length or less.

The neighbor's Honda usually takes a full pull. The other neighbor's Craftsman (in spite of being largely the same machine as mine) requires repeated pulls. (probably a maintenance issue...operator error)

And the oil always looks like this.
HPIM1135.jpg

I swear it never gets dirty.
lol.gif
I change it once a season just....because I guess.

I would like to have a better machine, but this one works really well. I have to find a discarded LawnBoy like the rest of you lucky dogs and put it back together.
laugh.gif
 
Originally Posted By: TFB1

Wheels what were you mowing with??? To my knowledge B&S vertical engines are all aluminum... The 1981 B&S 3.5Hp I was using is lighter than a 160 Honda but only by a few pounds, the OHV 7Hp B&S I was considering is heavier than either engine...


A late-eighties/early nineties MTD with a 6.5 (I think?) Briggs. All I know is there was a considerable difference in the rolling resistance - suprised the heck out of me.
 
My 1986 Honda 17 inch push mower with a plastic deck still starts first pull, put in new Mobil 1 at the end of each season, a new plug every 10 years, just as good as my Honda HS35 snow blower from the same year.
 
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