Recommendation for a new mower...

[YNOT]

Hi everyone. I'm new to these forums and am looking for some advice on a new self-propelled lawn mower.

I've had a couple CRAFTSMAN mowers and both have been great as far as reliability goes...single pull all the time and they fire right up. My biggest issue with this current one, is that over time, it seems like the rear bag doesn't fit too well and I'm constantly getting grass blown in my face while I mow. And if the bag is empty and you hit a large bump, the bag will fly off causing me to have to stop and re-install.

I did also just find that I apparently have an oil leak also as I noticed some sludge along the bottom of the motor in addition to being low the last few times I've used it. So with that, I decided after 7+ years, it was time for a new mower.

So...any suggestions on a new one? I'm looking for a self-propelled model.

I'm not opposed to a CRAFTSMAN again but I want to see how the bag fits now...if it's more secure.

I also saw a Husqvarna at SEARS that looks nice, but I didn't see many good reviews on it on the SEARS site.

My dad had Toro and John Deere growing up and I loved the Toro. He seems to have issues with the Deere not starting easy.

I'd really appreciate any ideas you all may have.

Thanks for your time!!

 

[earthworm]

LawnBoy 10685
helpful ?
Craig's list ?
again - helpful ?
Craftsman ?
thumbs down !
Toro ?
thumbs UP !
PED ?
thumbs up

I own two LawnBoys, and I recommend this "brand", but they are out of business....sad
PED is an on-line seller of mowers and more...it looks good to me...they are very helpful...

 

[Snapperfreak]

I'll put my vintage-snapper addiction aside for this thread. Personally if i were looking to buy a new self-propelled walk behind mower honda would be first on my list for three main reasons. First is engine quality. Second is build quality. And third is how easy it is to use. My brother has had one for about 7 years now and having pushed it around once or twice i would buy one if i had to buy a new mower. Hope that helps some.

 

[WISCOPROUD]

LawnBoy 10685
helpful ?
Craig's list ?
again - helpful ?
Craftsman ?
thumbs down !
Toro ?
thumbs UP !
PED ?
thumbs up

I own two LawnBoys, and I recommend this "brand", but they are out of business....sad
PED is an on-line seller of mowers and more...it looks good to me...they are very helpful...

actually lawnboy is owned by Toro & they stopped making the 2cycle wbh engine so they only offer Toro wbh's

 

[YNOT]

Thanks for the help everyone. I did a little research, and stopped into my local SEARS and Home Depot stores for a little hands-on inspection of various mowers.

I used to think I wanted a Honda mower, but after using my father-in-laws a few times, I didn't much care for it. Not to mention they cost a bit more than I really wanted to spend.

So...I decided to step out of my CRAFTSMAN comfort zone and try a TORO. My dad had one when I was younger and I always liked using it so I figured maybe it'd be a nice change of pace from my last two CRAFTSMAN mowers.

I pulled it out of the box, wiped it off and waxed it...then filled her with oil and gas and after about 12 unsuccessful pulls I started to really doubt my decision. I pulled the plug and found the gap to be gunked up. Cleaned it up, dipped it in gas, and put it back in and whatta ya know...she fired on the first pull. Had enough time to cut my front yard and I must say I was really happy with it.

I got the "Recycler" model with the personal pace feature which after a little getting used to decided it's a really nice mower for me.

I'll be sure to check in on here from time to time to offer back my findings on this mower and share with others who may be looking at a TORO.

Thanks again to those who took the time to comment.

 

[earthworm]

actually lawnboy is owned by Toro & they stopped making the 2cycle wbh engine so they only offer Toro wbh's

"wbh" ???
IMO, Toro dumping LawnBoy was like GM dumping Saturn,Pontiac, OLdsmobile....or Ford allowing Mercury to fade away.....and LB is better than that,IMO... I also have a LB 7229 ?? two stroke - now I know why owners love them so.
"wbh" is "walk behind" ??

 

[WISCOPROUD]

wbh is walk behind

 

[stygz]

My Lawn Boy Platinum (AKA green Toro) has been great. My only complaint is more power for my thick Bermuda grass. Maybe a 190cc Honda motor. Personal pace is great. No issues in the past 3 years. Cut is great. Sometimes I get grass clippings left behind when I make the 180 degree turn at the end.

 

[earthworm]

My Lawn Boy Platinum (AKA green Toro) has been great. My only complaint is more power for my thick Bermuda grass. Maybe a 190cc Honda motor. Personal pace is great. No issues in the past 3 years. Cut is great. Sometimes I get grass clippings left behind when I make the 180 degree turn at the end.

This I second!
The green Toro is great, and now has more power ( an OHV engine) - HD sells them - a resurrection ?
And the price is lower than Toro's...

 

[stygz]

This I second!
The green Toro is great, and now has more power ( an OHV engine) - HD sells them - a resurrection ?
And the price is lower than Toro's...

The one HD sells is not the same. That has a steel deck similar looking but not the same and has a lower grade transmission. Sad to say only bottom of the line Lawn Boys are made. They probably will not exist next year.