John Deere or Troy-Bilt walk-behind mower?

I

ickywasp

Forum Newbie
First time poster here.

I am trying to decide which lawn mower to get. I have a 1/4 acre, relatively flat yard. I want a variable speed self-propelled mower. I like front wheel drive because it is easier for me to turn around at the end of a row.

Should I buy this John Deere JS28 for $250?
John Deere JS28 Front Wheel Drive 22 in. Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Gas Mower-BG20666 at The Home Depot

This Troy-Bilt TB230 for $270?
Shop Troy-Bilt TB230 21-in Self-Propelled Front Wheel Drive Gas Push Lawn Mower at Lowes.com

Or this Troy-Bilt TB280 for $305?
Shop Troy-Bilt 21-in Self-Propelled Front Wheel Drive Gas Push Lawn Mower at Lowes.com

The reviews on the Troy-Bilts are great. The John Deere reviews are pretty hit-and-miss (some gold, some crap).
The John Deere is deeply discounted though and the Troy-Bilts are basically full price. (10 percent off coupon.)

I know John Deere is getting out of the walk-behind mower business and I've heard that the John Deeres you buy in HD/Lowes are crap compared to those sold at the authorized dealer locations.

Thanks in advance
Scott
 
The John Deere self propelled lawnmowers my Dad used for many years were the best mowers I ever ran in my lifetime. But that was some years back and they were bought at a dealer of farm implements, and they were not cheap by any means. I have ran a TB230 quite a bit and they are a heck of a lawnmower. But they are not indestructible by any means either. I would fine my service center and make sure I was confident that I would get service if I needed it. Then I would choose from that.
 
possum said:
The John Deere self propelled lawnmowers my Dad used for many years were the best mowers I ever ran in my lifetime. But that was some years back and they were bought at a dealer of farm implements, and they were not cheap by any means. I have ran a TB230 quite a bit and they are a heck of a lawnmower. But they are not indestructible by any means either. I would fine my service center and make sure I was confident that I would get service if I needed it. Then I would choose from that.
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Yeah I would choose JD if it was an older model.
 
lawn mower fanatic said:
Yeah I would choose JD if it was an older model.
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IMHO, John Deere made a huge mistake building/marketing their "Craftsman" series of mowers at Lowes, Home Depot and other big box retailers. No matter what anybody says......they are NOT the same machines that you buy from a John Deere dealership!!
 
djdicetn said:
IMHO, John Deere made a huge mistake building/marketing their "Craftsman" series of mowers at Lowes, Home Depot and other big box retailers. No matter what anybody says......they are NOT the same machines that you buy from a John Deere dealership!!
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very true. agree 100%, i personally wouldnt go with a john deere from a box store. and if you looking for a self propelled push mower i would reccomend the husqvarna awd one. or the hond hrx series that lawn mower fanatic has (sorry i cant remember the exact one you have)
 
or a toro. i love mine and ive used the ones with the personal pace system and they are great.
 
metz12 said:
or a toro. i love mine and ive used the ones with the personal pace system and they are great.
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Yep, I don't forsee me ever buying a self-propelled mower...but from what I've read on these forums if I did it would be a Honda HRX/HRR or Toro. Even Consumer Reports rates those as the top 3!!
 
metz12 said:
very true. agree 100%, i personally wouldnt go with a john deere from a box store. and if you looking for a self propelled push mower i would reccomend the husqvarna awd one. or the hond hrx series that lawn mower fanatic has (sorry i cant remember the exact one you have)
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The Honda HRX217HYA. I would recommend that, too, but suddenly you go from a $300 to a $700 mower. :rolleyes:
 
djdicetn said:
Yep, I don't forsee me ever buying a self-propelled mower...but from what I've read on these forums if I did it would be a Honda HRX/HRR or Toro. Even Consumer Reports rates those as the top 3!!
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i did even want to fix my front drive on my toro. thats why i just ripped the front drive out and now its just a high wheel push mower! and yes fanatic, you have a point there
 
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