What brand of lawnmowers are reliable?

Both of my mowers are 15+ years old and have B&S engines. One is a MTD and one is a Craftsman. I don't know that I would buy either brand today. When Mom was looking for one a few years ago, we bought one with a Honda engine from Home Despot. Someone used it once, brought it back, and they knocked $100 off the sticker price. It's been great, but she can't really mow her own lawn anymore, so she trades casseroles for a guy down the street to mow. Win-win, IMO. :D

I got the Craftsman from a guy who used it three years, then it quit. He bought a new one, and I offered him $20 for the Craftsman. He said sure, 'cause he was just going to throw it away. I drained the gas, cleaned the carb and plug, and it's been choppin' away ever since. ;)
 
Road Rat said:
The absolutely BEST push mower I ever owned was bought at Sears in 1972.

Called the EAGER ONE (paid $100 for it).....I gave it to a neighbor in 1987 when I moved to a place without a lawn!

That sucker would cut anything...it has one switch...ON/OFF.

Flip the switch to ON, pull the cord ONE TIME. Started first time every time!!!



Thats funny because when I saw this thread I thought about my old Sears mower I still have and use. It starts every year on the first or second pull..every time. I might have changed the oil once or twice and maybe an air filter but thats about it. Old gas left over from year to year it just starts up and runs. It don't look like much any more but it's a marvel of engineering. Man after saying that I hope it runs this year...
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I've used Snapper for years, and they are great, but heavy, mowers. Two years ago I bought a John Deere mower because I couldn't find a Snapper with a spin on oil filter. So far, so good, but it isn't as good as a Snapper. This week I have to get a riding mower, because my Snapper rear engine is too rough on my wife. I'll be getting the John Deere D140. I simply cannot consider a Craftsman because of quality issues with anything associated with Sears products. It's a mental block on my part. Man, they are expensive!!!
 
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In 30 years, I have had only 2 Sears mowers. Still have the "new" one. As a matter of fact, my first one is still in service with my old neighbor cutting brush. Change the oil every year, keep the blade sharp and ballanced, new sparkplug once and DO NOT spend more than $250 for your self-propelled mower!

I can not remember ever having to pull the starter rope more than once to get them running and do not know why people pay $400 and up for a "brand name". Maybe they get better gas mileage??
 
Have a HONDA commercial grade that is 30+ years old. ONLY time it takes more than ONE pull to start is iniitially in the Spring when it's started for the first time in 6 months.

Cuts very well, very well built and engineered. But as I recall the price 30 yrs back was a bit high.

Then again...I'll never need another one.

DSC_0308-1.jpg


This guy has been reliable and fertilizes as well.
 
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Have two Toro electric start, self propelled, walk behind mowers.
Originally purchased based on Consumer Reports rating.
Would not hesitate to buy another Toro. Superb no BS warranty.
 
I pushed a Lawn Boy for my mom for years, then a couple 4.5 hp Snappers. When I bought my house 10 years ago I turned down a free Snapper and bought a 6.5hpToro. Been happy with it since. The company I work for also builds almost all of the decks for the commercial Exmark and Toro riding mowers. So I vote Toro.
 
I bought a basic Sears Craftsman 16 years ago and it still starts on the first pull and runs like a champ. I can't speak for their latest machines, however, since they may have someone else building them. Whatever brand, good basic service will make all the difference. Oil changes, cleaning the plug, using Stabilizer in the gas, etc. For winter storage I put fogging oil in the cylinder(s) of all my motors. As to a riding mower, I've had John Deere for years and wouldn't have anything else.
 
Worked on a Golf Course for 4 years while going attending school and back then we used Airens for some of our mowing. They are still a US company and they are built to last, unlike the MTD family. Mine is going on 30 years without ever touching the engine except for routine maintenance. I don't think you can go wrong with an Airens, Snapper, or Honda.
 
For basic lawn cutting my best experience has been Toro. Not fond of anything with an engine that has Sears on the body.
 
Well I bought a Toro mower....
Only thing I wonder about is the front wheel drive, it will probably slip.
Oh well, wish me luck with this puppy !

I will test the little varmit later today when the dew get's off the grass.
Thanks for the opinions guys.
Texan
 
Texan said:
Well I bought a Toro mower....
Only thing I wonder about is the front wheel drive, it will probably slip.
Oh well, wish me luck with this puppy !

I will test the little varmit later today when the dew get's off the grass.
Thanks for the opinions guys.
Texan
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My Toro "personal pace" mower is 6 or 7 years old. Besides routine maintenance, the only part I've had to replace was the drive belt. I think you will like it...
 
CoronaDan said:
I've bought three lawnmowers in the last 30 years. I've bought the cheapest 20-22" I could find at the big box stores. The only thing I ever insisted on was a Briggs and Stratton engine. Those buggers are tough. If you change the oil twice a season and sharpen the blade, you're good to go.

YMMV
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What's this "change the oil" thing?! I've owned a MTD w/B&S for around 10 years that's never had the oil changed, just topped off when needed! :D :D Now the Kohler in my 1972 149 Cub Cadet gets proper pampering! :D
 
Texan said:
I'm trying to decide what is a good push or self propelled lawnmower.
It seems all are made of cheap plastic now, and too damn expensive.

I looked at a Troy Built mower and it seemed ok. Anyone use this brand?
What is your opinion & experience with them??

I had a MTD with a Briggs & Stratton that lasted 20 years...
Somehow I don't think the new mowers will last.

Anybody like the Craftsman brand from Sears ?

I must be old... I don't like things changing all the time....
That's why I still shoot S&W revolvers ... I guess

Texan
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Sir, my dad still uses the Jacobson that he bought used when I was a kid. Don't think they're made any more, though. I bought a John Deere nine years ago, and it's been a good machine.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
I have a John Deere lawn tractor with a Kawasaki water cooled motor and it has been trouble free for ten years, just changed belts twice and new blades every year. My push mower is a Honda and is very smootth. God Bless.
 
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