Buying Advice Advice for self propelled mower purchase

[jasonvt]

Im sure this has been beat to death, but Im hoping I can get some advice on what to buy anyway in here. I have about .5 acres with some hilly area in the back yard. I currently have a JD LA110 riding mower but I want to get a self propelled walk behind to use when I have more time to mow the lawn. I have searched and see not many people recommend purchasing the box store models. What would be a good self propelled mower for me? I was looking at the toro recycler and getting the stripe kit (is a stripe kit needed for bermuda grass or will it help at all?)
I think RWD is best for my yard since there are some hilly area. I want something that will last.
My budget is about $400 for this. I see toro has the timemaster but $1000 is a stretch unless I sell the riding mower I have.
Thanks

 

[tyjoja]

I bought a couple used honda commercial hrc-216 for under your budget and have cleaned them up and put a little into them, and figure they should last a long time. You might want new, but thats the way I went.

 

[jasonvt]

Thanks. Id rather just buy new. I've searched craigslist a few times and there isn't anything I like for sale locally. Is the time master pretty much the best toro I could get?
Since home depot sells them and you can easily get a 10 or 20% coupon, i might go with that if its the best mower in that price range. a local dealer has a toro 20197 on sale for $540 also...

 

[twinfords]

my advice would be rear wheel drive, buy a Honda, Toro, Snapper or any other brand that is on Craigslist that someone is dumping because they are moving, change the oil, filter and sharpen the blade and have at it. the mower will last you for years if you maintain them. happy mowing.

 

[jtheise4]

I have a Toro Super Recycler and love it. Cuts terrific and the 'self pace' feature works flawlessly. I would highly recommend it.