What do you guys like for a push lawnmower, $3-$400

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May 20, 2017, 05:41 PM

frayedends

What do you guys like for a push lawnmower, $3-$400

My ex has to get a new mower for my 14 year old son to use. It has to be electric start, self propelled, bag and mulch.

There are lots out there. Any recommendations?

May 20, 2017, 05:45 PM

MooneyP226

I like my Honda. SHE just has to read the manual and keep the drive-actuating cable adjusted or it will snap. Then it acts like a normal push mower but a little heavier. The procedure to check it may be a bit above a 14-y.o.

One light pull and it starts right up. Electric start on a push mower? Never heard of it and doubt it would be found in a 3-400 dollar unit. Seems excessive to me but...

Eta My machine was on clearance at $289 brand new. I don't know how much a retail new one is, so some searching may be necessary.

May 20, 2017, 05:46 PM

Floyd D. Barber

Toro, Yard Machines.

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May 20, 2017, 05:58 PM

frayedends

quote:
Originally posted by MooneyP226:
I like my Honda. SHE just has to read the manual and keep the drive-actuating cable adjusted or it will snap. Then it acts like a normal push mower but a little heavier. The procedure to check it may be a bit above a 14-y.o.

One light pull and it starts right up. Electric start on a push mower? Never heard of it and doubt it would be found in a 3-400 dollar unit. Seems excessive to me but...

Eta My machine was on clearance at $289 brand new. I don't know how much a retail new one is, so some searching may be necessary.

Thanks. There are tons of push mowers with electric start in most price ranges.

May 20, 2017, 06:03 PM

maxwayne

Toro.

May 20, 2017, 06:08 PM

doublesharp

Many commercial guys that don't want to spend 800-1000 for a true commercial 21" use this $400 Honda.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hon...RR216K9VKA/203709643

May 20, 2017, 06:09 PM

frayedends

This one is what we are considering now. Has all the features he wants. I like Toro. Had a Toro snow blower for 14 years and it's still going strong.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tor...gine-20334/100659631

May 20, 2017, 06:09 PM

Fredward

I got one from Lowe's with a Honda engine several years ago for 300 bucks that works great. You gotta pull the cord, but it has a choke on it and ALWAYS starts on the first pull. Okay, not that time I had the spark plug disconnected, but still. Air filters are about 2 bucks apiece on Amazon, the oil is easy to change, and there's a thing on it you hook a hose too and clean the underside of the deck off easily.

May 20, 2017, 06:10 PM

lbsid

Snapper!

May 20, 2017, 06:11 PM

Skins2881

quote:
Originally posted by doublesharp:
Many commercial guys that don't want to spend 800-1000 for a true commercial 21" use this $400 Honda.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hon...RR216K9VKA/203709643

I have a model or two above that one, looks very close. Works great, I love it.

May 20, 2017, 06:18 PM

mikeyspizza

quote:
Originally posted by doublesharp:
Many commercial guys that don't want to spend 800-1000 for a true commercial 21" use this $400 Honda.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hon...RR216K9VKA/203709643

I bought this one is Oct 2015. Works fine.

May 20, 2017, 06:24 PM

Russ59

I bought Honda from a local shop -$400 and assembled. Self propelled and starts every time. I preferred to give the little guys my money

May 20, 2017, 06:50 PM

frayedends

On the Toro for $400 I see 2 options, one has all wheel drive and no electric start. The other is rear wheel drive with electric. I'm thinking it may be better to talk her into the all wheel drive since it's a bumpy crappy lawn to mow. Thoughts? Does all wheel drive really improve movement on a crappy lawn?

May 20, 2017, 07:28 PM

zoom6zoom

How big an area needs to be mowed?

This is mine. Electric start... because it's ALL electric. Mulch or bag. No self propulsion, but with the lighter weight and the huge wheels it's easy to push. And only $125 (less than when I bought mine last year). Yeah, you need a cord, but your 14 YO won't need to mess with gas and oil.
I love that all four wheels height adjust by moving a single lever.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZVOLXE/

May 20, 2017, 07:30 PM

MooneyP226

Wow...that's cool they have electric start now. I've never seen it.

I would think that you'd likely want to stick with RWD, 4wd gives more things (drive belts,pulleys) to break and more things that would require adjustment.

Is it hilly or just bumpy? My Honda (RWD) is great, but it likes to dig in going uphill- sometimes creating divots. It's probably the one beef I have with it. Front drive wheels may help in that situation.

I'm still floored with electric start though

I'm so out of touch.

May 20, 2017, 07:36 PM

recoatlift

I've had a self propelled Sears Craftsman, 6/34 hp Brigs...pull start on 1st or second time. Going on 7 summers. Front wheel drive, I like that better than rear wheel drive.

Easy to service & maintain. Good learning experience for your young son. Intro into small engines. The young man will just need guidance.

Good luck.

May 20, 2017, 07:49 PM

frayedends

Definitely too big a lawn for a corded mower. It's very bumpy but not hilly. So maybe the rear wheel drive is the better option.

May 20, 2017, 08:20 PM

SigM4

quote:
Originally posted by frayedends:
Definitely too big a lawn for a corded mower. It's very bumpy but not hilly. So maybe the rear wheel drive is the better option.

I would say so. The AWD mowers I've experienced have been way more hassle than they're worth. Unless it's super hilly no need for it.