I've got a Husqvarna self propelled with a Honda engine that I bought at an end of season close out Rural King had. It's been good for 4 years but it's not as good as a genuine Honda. I'd get the $400 Honda self propelled if I needed a new one. I've got less than $250 in my Husky.

Honda here too, 8 years old, serviced every spring and runs great, first pull, always. Also I run ethanol free only gas!

OK! I received the mower yesterday, Fedex dropped it off at 1700...ughhh after waiting all day.

I got it all out of the box, put oil in the engine, and disposed of the trash, couldn't mow as it was already late and I had no gas.

Today, I pulled it ONCE!! and it started!

Also, I did get the self propelled one (RWD) per Mrs. Mike; and I can say IT IS WORTH IT. Super easy to use. You can still pull backwards, it helps climb and the pace is easy to advance or retard....just freaking awesome.

THANKS Imaginary Friends! you did me a solid!

Mike, good luck with your new Honda and I'm glad you like the self-propelled part.

My Honda is now into its 21st season (oil and air filter changes yearly, spark plug every other year) and it's showing its age (I've had to replace two wheels and the pull cord), but it still runs by the third or fourth pull. Unfortunately, the self propelled drive gave up the ghost on season 11 or so. Thought she'd never admit it, my wife probably had something to do with that so I'd get more exercise.

Congrats Mike! Now where’s the lawnmower protection picture?!

A few dudes in my neighborhood have bought Simplicity brand riders. They tell me the quality and value is very good. But whatever you pick, if it has a Briggs or Honda engine, I would get that. My Husqvarna has a Briggs, and my pressure washer has a Honda, and they both start on the first try every single time. I do annual maintenance which probably doesn't hurt. I have heard though that the John Dere riders at the big box stores aren't really JD products, but just their name slapped on some chinese junk, but I don't know how true that is or not. Makes me wonder how you would know if you had a JD if you wanted a real one.

Nice. I scored a used Honda self-propelled for super cheap on Craig's List. No regrets.

I just bought a 1995 Snapper Hi-Vac Commercial model with a 190cc Briggs engine super cheap off of craigslist. It has a worn out drive wheel and needed a chute. It was cheaper to buy another used mower just to get parts off of it.

Second mower, even cheaper, from 1984, but with a smaller engine. Bought it to get parts. It too still works very well! I feel bad scavenging parts off a good working mower. Perhaps I'll buy a third one that is closer to it's death and get two good mowers.
BTW, the two mowers were one third the cost of a new one.

Unlike the Hondas, it takes three or four pulls instead of one or two. I can live with that.

Neighbor's yard was up over a foot high (widow, with grandson no longer helping her). First mower tore through it very well, even with the bad drive wheel.

I decided to buy used as newer Briggs are made in China now. These old Made in USA ones are like tanks, very well made and keep on going! No regrets in buying good stuff, even if used.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
OK! I received the mower yesterday, Fedex dropped it off at 1700...ughhh after waiting all day.

I got it all out of the box, put oil in the engine, and disposed of the trash, couldn't mow as it was already late and I had no gas.

Today, I pulled it ONCE!! and it started!

Also, I did get the self propelled one (RWD) per Mrs. Mike; and I can say IT IS WORTH IT. Super easy to use. You can still pull backwards, it helps climb and the pace is easy to advance or retard....just freaking awesome.

THANKS Imaginary Friends! you did me a solid!

What...no picture?

quote:

Originally posted by TRIO:


I decided to buy used as newer Briggs are made in China now. These old Made in USA ones are like tanks, very well made and keep on going! No regrets in buying good stuff, even if used.

Briggs and Stratton manufactures engines in the U.S. as well as overseas in several countries .

Bought a Honda Harmony and never looked back. That was 15 years ago. Aside from making the initial purchase, all it's costs me is a tune up once a year. If i have replace it it will be another Honda. But I am 57 and hoping that this one out lives me.