I like to do research but it can be confusing. First of all there are some products that I have knowledge about that I disagree with Consumer Reports. I use it as a general guide. They rate some of the Troy-Bilt with self propelled better than the push mower but it would appear the body shape and blade are the same unless the blades have more lift or whatever. Engines can vary but I would think for the most part cutting quality would remain the same. They rate the Cub Cadet push mower the highest overall but that brand is not included in the reliability stats that they show. Don't know if there were too few responses or that it was so bad that it was left off purposely. There is one dealer that carries Cub Cadet push mowers other than that they only carry the riding mowers or tractors. Home Depot has to order them there are none on display. I would think if they were a decent product more places would carry them.
Looks like Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet are very similar too with the same shape deck and blade for the most part so I would think cut would be similar if not the same. I realize they are made by the same company. In the past I had heard that Cub Cadet was the higher end of the company's offerings but I don't really see much that would indicate that. I am also wondering if it is easier to get parts for Troy-Bilt than Cub Cadet. I wonder if there is a reason they don't.
However they don't sell the model with the 190cc engine by B&S. It's the 159cc 4Cycle engine. In Canada we don't have 4 cycle engines. I'm not sure why.
I just assembled it today. I still have to fill er up with gas and fill the oil that came with it and then she'll be good to go. I love the assembly. It was basically five minutes. Five hand tightened bolts for the height adjustment and for the pull cord and it was done. There are two handles for blade height and that's it.
