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Post by tech4 on May 7, 2011 20:15:09 GMT -5
I will soon be in the market for a self propelled push mower. Any suggestions on brands and models that I should consider or brands and models that I should stay away from. I don't have enough money to break the bank.
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Post by garystewart on May 7, 2011 23:17:12 GMT -5
I would suggest buying from a store that services their product, stay away from Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, etc. We sell Snapper and Toro. Snapper was bought out by Simplicity, which was bought out by Briggs & Stratton. B & S also bought out Murray and some other companies. Under the Snapper name are some cheap models, probably made by Murray, but they still make their very fine 21" SP machine. It is built like a tank and has a very durable variable speed drive system. It is more expensive than it should be, $569.
Toro uses 2 different drive systems, the first is what they call a variable speed but it really is just a single speed. We use these on hills because they are a positive drive. They also make a "Personal Pace" which is real nice, you just start walking and it adjusts to your sped. These work on flat ground and some slight grades, they don't work on hills. Uphill, the weight of the machine pushes against the handle and the mower tries to speed up! These are priced under $400.
I don't work on other brands of mowers but some of the things I have heard---Honda makes a good motor but their mowers are expensive, heavy, and are having terrible times with their drives. MTD which is sold under lots of different names, their drives are OK but nothing to brag about. When B & S finally refused MTD's demand for cheap engines, MTD went to China and purchased an engine company. Parts for that engine are only available from MTD.
Hope this helps.
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Post by tech4 on May 8, 2011 8:18:07 GMT -5
Thanks Gary, that is exactly the type information I was looking for. I had a local shop that sold Snapper and others but Snapper was his biggest line. I bought my rider from him but he retired last year as he was getting some age. My neighbor worked part time for him and he always bought the trade in mowers from the owner. He got stuck on a used Murrray tractor because he can not find parts for the drive.
His thoughts on the big box store models is to buy the cheapest model and consider it throw away!
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Post by franz on May 8, 2011 11:21:03 GMT -5
I'm sticking with my 1965 Allis Big 10 and 1972 Ford/Jake. I tell you the newer machines are just a big pain in the ass. That damn Ford/Jake is near impossible to find replacement blades for.
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Post by nutrivet on May 9, 2011 16:30:57 GMT -5
Hello fellows  I can vouch for Ford Jacobsens being like little bushhogs. They are serious little tractors. The 8 -12 hp are most similar and again open to attack by ways unseen. They had fine final drive gearing and Kohler engines. I'm a little disjointed now by a recent (today) invasion. I hope you will lend an ear/Mind to a situation which has masticulated. It will be under gen discussion. |
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I can vouch for Ford Jacobsens being like little bushhogs. They are serious little tractors. The 8 -12 hp are most similar and again open to attack by ways unseen. They had fine final drive gearing and Kohler engines.