The cam gear in Honda motors intended for equipment like lawn mowers and pressure washers, are plastic. No thanks.

Toro's don't cut all that great when compared to snapper. Mine is an aluminum deck, 1985 model I think. I did like the earlier steel deck better.

I have a top of the line Honda Hydrostatic that has been perfect. I have owned it for 5 years and have done nothing but pull the rope and put gas in it. It lives outdoors and always starts on the first pull.

I had a Honda for 13 years. Not enough power, too slow, but surprised the plastic deck held up.

Tried a Husqvarna from Sears, POS. Lots of problems with the self-propelled drive. Sears took it back, and I tried a Craftsman. Same deal, self-propelled problems. I think Husqvarna won the bid to build the Craftsmans for Sears.

Took that back (Sears still has a great return policy) and got a Snapper. Now I am happy, great quality and performance.

+1 for Snapper.

My Son did a ton of research on it - came up with this: Troy-Bilt with a Honda Engine - Lowes has them for $300.


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Hay, 11yr olds know everything! Just ask them!!!

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My Cub Cadet has a Honda motor. Good motor. A few things I look for are 1) Rear wheel drive (helps with hills) 2) One lever height adjustment (the back yard is cut lower than the front) and 3) Easy removal and emptying the grass catcher.

It sounds like we're giving anectdotal info, so I'll pitch in.

Five years ago I bought a Lawn Boy self-propelled bagger for about $300 from Home Depot. I looked at the Hondas and just couldn't see why they were about $200 more.

I've never done any maintenance, only sharpened the blades and add gas. Starts first-pull, every time, even after sitting through the winter. Does a great job and that's what it's for.

If a POS like mine can last five years of mowing 1/3 acre once or twice a week, why buy a $1000 mower? Ego? Fear?

I just bought a Lawn Boy yesterday at HD, hope you are right. Paid $280 for it, self-propelled as well.

Modern mowers are like Compressors. The new are not built to last. All cheap junk unless you go commerical grade. I buy used, get the old stuff that was taken care of......Paid $150 for my used craftsman compressor in 1977. Have already purchased it's replacement, but the old one won't quit.......I don't know anyone that's gotten a new craftsman compressor to last a year.....

I have a 6.75 hp self propelled Craftsman.
I bought it about 10 years ago. Really nice.

I DO NOT maintain it properly, yet it keeps running.
I leave it stored out doors, in the open, rain or shine. I never changed the oil, filter or spark plug.
It always starts and runs wonderfully!

A month or so ago it blew the head gasket.
I called Sears and got a replacement gasket for $8, spent 15-20 minutes changing it out and I have already run it for several hours without a hitch.

Craftsman!


KT

I think I resent that remark....

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Nice ride! You obviously didn't buy that Lowes...

I've heard and read that what's sold at Lowes and HD, is different than what is sold at a JD store. Not sure if it's ture, but the riding mower I bought 5 years ago was built with light weight parts, especially in the deck area. The riding mower conveyed with the house when I sold it 2 years ago. The self propelled JD had the wheel fall of the axle due to a bad weld a few weeks ago. There was no penetration. Had a shop weld it back on. It's a beotch to start as well, even after a new plug, air filter, etc.

LOl...yeah it's the beast., it can pull stumps. Now the big box store models are a little different but still JD not MTD as rumored. JD does build their own light lawn tractors at a plant in TN. They are not rebadged MTDs or Husqvarnas, but they are built to compete with them, and do suffer from some of the same design decisions. such as bushings in place of bearings,light duty transaxles, consumer grade engines. etc.

The beast is a 3 cyl Yanmar Diesel. Full hydaulics, Found it on ebay for $2200.. I added the hydros.



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+2

I am pretty sure there are two versions. The slightly more expensive one has an oil pump and that motor is supposed to last a lot longer.

use this one, my nephews, and get it done in no time!

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I've had my Honda Harmony from HD for 9 years. It always starts on the first pull, even after been stored all winter. It has plenty of power, and does a good job mulching the grass.

We always had Toro's growing up, and they had the blade clutch/brake, that I never really trusted. I like that the Honda shuts off when you let go of the handle.

The plastic deck hasn't been a problem at all. I've changed the plug and air filter once, not because it needed it, but for piece of mind. I think I've drained and changed the oil just once as well.

I definitely can appreciate quality, and tend to learn towards buying that way, but my lawn isn't that big, and Honda has performed flawlessly.

Bill

Go to your local Snapper dealer. See what they have laying around that is used and they have gone through or what could be last year's model. I have gotten good mileage out of used Snappers for a fraction of the cost of a new one. I have a 33" Snapper rider with 17HP engine and rear bags and snow plow that we bought last spring for ~$400.00. It does a fine job, but is more than what you need...

One of the times Consumer Reports is right. Great mower for the $$. After my pop had his for a few years I followed his advice, for once. Affordable and no issues.

We tried every brand and price ranges.It quieter I can walk up to him when he was cutting and talk without shouting over the noise. Mower engines and need repair. I have an old Honda push mower.Still works great.I just use to stop now that I have a ride