years back when i used to be a landscaper the best mowers i ever used were by Honda. easly starting even after years of use, and best built!
Push lawnmower window-shopping
- Thread starter arkainzeye
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I agree. Go with a Honda. You can get a nice puch-type for around $300. This will come with their 5.5 or 6.5 over head cam engine. There will be no primer bulb (except for their mini engines, Honda doesn’t use these). You won’t need one anyway, it will always start on the first and second pull.
I wonder what those engines use to drive the cam. Belt? Chain? Gear?
They use an internal oil-bathed belt and plastic cam. They are very durable. According to the lawn and garden shop I buy my power equipment from, even though they are designed as a consumer product (as opposed to a commercial product), they are still much more durable than the Briggs or Tec engines. They say they have some customers with over 1500 hours on their motors and they still run well. FWIW, they are a Briggs, Honda, and Kawasaki dealer. The Honda’s operating characteristics (sound, vibration, harshness) is so far superior to the other brands that I’ll never go back, not to mention that they are very thrifty on fuel.
I’ve got more than a hundred hours on my GCV160 and the valves are still in spec. and it starts without fail on the first pull.
I’ve got more than a hundred hours on my GCV160 and the valves are still in spec. and it starts without fail on the first pull.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
I need a new one. It's for a small front & rear yard with only 5000 square feet.... 15-20 minutes walking & I'm done. I usually fill the clippings bag twice. I'll be shopping for one that has....
non power-propelled
minimum 5 HP
rubber plunger primer
easy to push (high rear wheels maybe?)
mulch & rear bag convertible
deck-bottom that resists clumps to scrape later
oil drain plug
Willing to spend up-to $500 if all the requirements above are met.
Also... not sure which is more durable -- the Tecumseh or Briggs & Stratton engines.
[ February 28, 2005, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Triple_Se7en ]
non power-propelled
minimum 5 HP
rubber plunger primer
easy to push (high rear wheels maybe?)
mulch & rear bag convertible
deck-bottom that resists clumps to scrape later
oil drain plug
Willing to spend up-to $500 if all the requirements above are met.
Also... not sure which is more durable -- the Tecumseh or Briggs & Stratton engines.
[ February 28, 2005, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Triple_Se7en ]
My problem is the deck won't last as long as the engine and it costs too much to replace the deck so I am back to buying a new mower anyway. I am not sure but I think the engines can be bought cheaper than the deck.
My last one had a cast deck and I don't think it lasted any longer than the steel one.
My Snapper (B&S) starts on the first or second pull but the deck is coming apart under the motor.
My last one had a cast deck and I don't think it lasted any longer than the steel one.
My Snapper (B&S) starts on the first or second pull but the deck is coming apart under the motor.
Between myself and my dad we've got probably 6 Honda mowers, both consumer and commercial grade, and not one of them is less than 17 years old (I think). They all start on the first or second pull, and the Honda decks will probably outlive me. I'm not kidding. They are made out of some funky stuff. We've had every kind of mower there is, I shop at curb depot, too. I have a newer Toro that usually (but not always) starts on the first or second pull, but it doesn't have the power or refinement of those Hondas, and I've done more "fixing" on the Toro than on all of those Hondas combined. I can't stress it enough - every. single. component. of those Hondas is designed better to last longer and do a better job. Period. I will likely never buy another mower that isn't a Honda again, and I'm only 30. Honestly, I don't expect to replace the ones I've got in the forseeable future.
I just wish I had a Honda riding mower, they were very neat.
I just wish I had a Honda riding mower, they were very neat.
Another vote for Honda. I have been less than happy with the B&S engines. I really liked the Murray mowers but the B&S-powered models aren't worth it. Get the Honda, be happy for decades to come.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Thanks for the Harmony link.
Is the Harmony a throttle-choke? I'm hesitant to buy another... rather have the rubber plungers like on my Craftsman. That Toro linkage with-choke is the biggest reason I'm putting my middle-aged Toro Recycler out to pasture. That linkage for the choke goes out of adjustment every single year & I'm tired of messing with it.
The two little screws/motor screw holes holding the small metal plate that adjust the linkage are reaming out from excessive adjustments over the years. I tried lock-tite a few times too. Also... the under-deck on the Toro leaves mulching-clumps even late afternoon in dry weather. They are junk mowers in my opinion.
Is the Harmony a throttle-choke? I'm hesitant to buy another... rather have the rubber plungers like on my Craftsman. That Toro linkage with-choke is the biggest reason I'm putting my middle-aged Toro Recycler out to pasture. That linkage for the choke goes out of adjustment every single year & I'm tired of messing with it.
The two little screws/motor screw holes holding the small metal plate that adjust the linkage are reaming out from excessive adjustments over the years. I tried lock-tite a few times too. Also... the under-deck on the Toro leaves mulching-clumps even late afternoon in dry weather. They are junk mowers in my opinion.
Yes, it is a throttle choke, but don’t let that dissuade you. Honda has been using this design for a very long time, and it is very, very reliable. They way it is designed, there is really nothing to go out of adjustment. The reason all of us are steering you toward the Honda is that is really that good.
If you're willing to step-up to a commercial mower, you'll find a big improvement in quality. I use to go through a Snapper push-mower about every three years. Then, I bought a Toro Commercial 2-cycle mulching mower. 10 years later and it's still going strong. If I was looking at a Honda, I'd step-up to their commercial line. Not cheap, but the improvements are worth it in the long term.
This is what I’d buy if I were you. They can be had for around $350.
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=hrr216pda
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=hrr216pda
I have three 21" walk behind mowers but they are all commercial and self propelled. I have Snapper 21R00PC with a 6.0HP Robin engine, also a Green Machine, made by John Deere, the same as the JX85 but I have the 6.0HP Robin engine instead of the Kawasaki engine and I also have a Honda HRC216HXA with a 5.5HP Honda engine. The Snapper is almost 20 years old and still works great so I guess that tells something about how long a Snapper will last.
If I could only have one it would be the Green Machine. I have had it for 5 years now and still no problems. I like the Robine engine, you just can not bog it down and I like the drive system. I have had the Honda for 4 years now and have only used it once and would like to trade it this spring for a John Deere if I could.
I think the way to go is with a commercial mower, they are just built a little better than the others and will last long time. All of my mowers have the throttle choke but I never have any problems starting them.
If I could only have one it would be the Green Machine. I have had it for 5 years now and still no problems. I like the Robine engine, you just can not bog it down and I like the drive system. I have had the Honda for 4 years now and have only used it once and would like to trade it this spring for a John Deere if I could.
I think the way to go is with a commercial mower, they are just built a little better than the others and will last long time. All of my mowers have the throttle choke but I never have any problems starting them.
I would get a lawnboy push mower. They quit production of the 2 stokes but their mowers have tecumseh engines that have a nice fuel primer knob and a easy access paper air filter. The staggered wheel design lets you reach places with the mower to cut down on using your weed trimer as much. I would get a trouble free steel deck.
I, also, would get a Lawn-Boy. When I found out they were quitting the 2-cycle (good old EPA), I bought a Gold series push model (cast deck) and fully expect it to last until I'm too old to mow. The previous post mentioned the steel deck w/Tecumseh engine; still produced, and competitively priced. Darn good mowers as well. It's my understanding that the Duraforce Lawn-Boys can still be purchased new...stock's not totally depleated.
I'll put my vote in the Honda camp. I have two Honda mowers.
1) Is actually a Craftsman residential push mower with the Honda OHC engine. 5.5 hp, pulls like a truck. It starts very easy. Instead of a primer bulb, it uses a direct lever on the choke, and it has an ACRS, Automatic Choke Return System I think it is. Set the choke, pull the cord, the engine fires, and the choke will slowly return to open. Easiest and cleanest and QUITEST engine I've ever had. Single speed FWD, high tunnel steel deck, good bagging action. Bought it new for $299 from Sears. The Craftsman deck/features are mediocre...I really bought this mower for the engine...few others besides Honda mowers have Honda engines.
2) I wasn't in the market for a used mower, but I ended up buying a Honda Masters mower used because it was having choke problems and the original owner didn't want to mess with it anymore. It had a remote choke (via cable), and I've had trouble keeping it in adjustment, but the mower is wonderful. Full aluminum deck, Honda OHV 5 hp commerical engine, 3 speed RWD, BBC, etc. This thing sucks the grass right out of the lawn. This is the best mower I've ever used, hands down. I bought it used for $300. New was over $900.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy any Honda small engine, and after years of owning B&S and Lawn Boy engines, this Honda is a breath of fresh air. Plus, I don't feel bad buying them -- all Honda small engines (destined for the US anyway) hand assembled just down the road in central North Carolina.
1) Is actually a Craftsman residential push mower with the Honda OHC engine. 5.5 hp, pulls like a truck. It starts very easy. Instead of a primer bulb, it uses a direct lever on the choke, and it has an ACRS, Automatic Choke Return System I think it is. Set the choke, pull the cord, the engine fires, and the choke will slowly return to open. Easiest and cleanest and QUITEST engine I've ever had. Single speed FWD, high tunnel steel deck, good bagging action. Bought it new for $299 from Sears. The Craftsman deck/features are mediocre...I really bought this mower for the engine...few others besides Honda mowers have Honda engines.
2) I wasn't in the market for a used mower, but I ended up buying a Honda Masters mower used because it was having choke problems and the original owner didn't want to mess with it anymore. It had a remote choke (via cable), and I've had trouble keeping it in adjustment, but the mower is wonderful. Full aluminum deck, Honda OHV 5 hp commerical engine, 3 speed RWD, BBC, etc. This thing sucks the grass right out of the lawn. This is the best mower I've ever used, hands down. I bought it used for $300. New was over $900.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy any Honda small engine, and after years of owning B&S and Lawn Boy engines, this Honda is a breath of fresh air. Plus, I don't feel bad buying them -- all Honda small engines (destined for the US anyway) hand assembled just down the road in central North Carolina.
Bought a used Murray (?) over 11 years ago from someone we knew who had moved out of a house and wouldn't be using it. I change the oil once or twice a year, I'll try some HDEO this year, spray it down top and bottom with WD40 on a regular basis, and sharpen the blade often. It starts pretty easily using the 'tickler' which is a bladder button on the side of the carb, and keeping the blade sharp has made the biggest difference in performance. I think it has a Tecumseh (?) engine.
Mowers, like axes, seem to be pretty basic tools. If they're of decent quality, you do the maintenance and keep them sharp they seem to work just fine. For commercial use you need to look for durability, and for competitive use you need to look for performance, in both cases the price be ****ed.
Mowers, like axes, seem to be pretty basic tools. If they're of decent quality, you do the maintenance and keep them sharp they seem to work just fine. For commercial use you need to look for durability, and for competitive use you need to look for performance, in both cases the price be ****ed.
Have posted this before, and it has worked for me for over five years on same size lawn, mowed twice weekly for about 5-months, and every two weeks year 'round: Spend no more than $200, change oil as recommended, change spark plug annually, air filter as needed, run good oil, use FUEL POWER and LUBE CONTROL and don't sweat it.
I buy and keep extra-sharp two "mulching" blades, replace the cheap plastic wheels with steel ball-bearing ones, and wash it every so often.
After keeping one expensive mower for ever twenty years with, literally, countless hours on it, todays mowers with electronic ignition and unleaded gasoline will run as long as you want them to.
Like a car, use it or lose it. Easy enough to replace a cheap one every five years or so, even if you need to.
FUEL POWER, and fresh gasoline (six - thirteen weeks max) is all you need. Brand is irrelevant at this price level. My current one is from one of the cheapo chains.
Only addendum to this is to modify the lawn so as to NEVER have to pull the lawnmower towards you. Or, as I eventually get around to, eliminate all 90-degree corners if different mowing patterns won't do it.
Don't stress it or yourself and it'll be fine without spending big money.
I buy and keep extra-sharp two "mulching" blades, replace the cheap plastic wheels with steel ball-bearing ones, and wash it every so often.
After keeping one expensive mower for ever twenty years with, literally, countless hours on it, todays mowers with electronic ignition and unleaded gasoline will run as long as you want them to.
Like a car, use it or lose it. Easy enough to replace a cheap one every five years or so, even if you need to.
FUEL POWER, and fresh gasoline (six - thirteen weeks max) is all you need. Brand is irrelevant at this price level. My current one is from one of the cheapo chains.
Only addendum to this is to modify the lawn so as to NEVER have to pull the lawnmower towards you. Or, as I eventually get around to, eliminate all 90-degree corners if different mowing patterns won't do it.
Don't stress it or yourself and it'll be fine without spending big money.
And..... Triple, ditch that clippings bag! The clippings return valuable nitrogen to the soil. They dry up to almost nothing overnight and contrary to popular myth, they do not contribute to excessive thatch.
Check with your local MSU extension agent for some great publications on lawn care (or check the web).
Check with your local MSU extension agent for some great publications on lawn care (or check the web).
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