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laaawnmower
#411478 04/18/15 03:29 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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So I managed to bend the crankshaft (probably) on my 3yo Craftsman with a Briggs & Stratton engine. It seems that engine replacement cost is probably prohibitive, so I'm in the market for a new mower.

I know Honda is the sheeit, but I don't want to spend that much money. I'd like to keep it around $400.

I prefer self-propelled, but light weight is more of a concern now that I've been pushing this 80lb thing around for a few years.

High durability is a plus, although I don't think anything could withstand hitting the edge of a sidewalk (just bent the blade when that happened) or a tree root (common in my yard, and the fatal blow)

Anyone have any suggestions? Or should I try to get this thing fixed?

Last edited by Ken.C; 04/18/15 03:30 PM.

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411479 04/18/15 04:36 PM
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axiomite
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A few years back I went for a very highly rated John Deere. I like everything about it EXCEPT that it is front wheel drive. Seems so dumb, but so many push mowers are front wheel drive these days, so I thought "must be OK." I hate it. Any amount of slope to your yard, and the front wheels do nothing for you. After all, you are pushing down on a handle that applies a downward force (even when just pushing forward) on the rear wheels. Makes sense if the propelled wheels were in the rear.

OK, so I can muscle through the fact that I tend to have the front wheels spinning a lot and not helping me propel the unit, but there is another pain.. You can not push the mower straight up to something and cut within about 5 inches. By that I mean that the drivetrain mechanism is up front, preventing the cutting blade from getting really close to whatever it is that you are trying to cut close to. I've got a corner of my yard that has a fence on each side. I can't get into that corner for crap to get it cut because there is 5-6 inches of drivetrain up front. I find that this is a problem around a lot of the yard actually and then I have to get the trimmer out for more and more of it...

So whatever you pick, make sure that it is rear wheel drive.


Farewell - June 4, 2020
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411480 04/18/15 04:38 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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I'm looking at a bottom of the line Honda from HD right now: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-in-3...43?N=5yc1vZc5ap

I didn't realize you could get them for $400. It's not as light as I would like, but the push version of it (20 lbs lighter, no bagging) is online only and 2 weeks out for shipping.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411481 04/18/15 04:53 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
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connoisseur
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There are lots of manufacturers using Honda motors - my 2 year old Troy Built has one; however, I understand that there are 2 grades of Honda motors. The Honda brand name mowers get the top grade version hence the higher price.

My Honda starter pull rope broke after a year that kinda ticked me off. It had to go away for a month for repair (4 year warranty). My previous B&S Motor's pull cord lasted over a dozen year, but the wheels literally fell off the mower deck.

If you have lots of sloping land, get a rear wheel drive as it will climb slopes better. If you have mainly flat ground, get a front wheel - it is much easier to turn corners by tilting the front wheels up off the ground without disengaging the clutch.

That's why they make two types of drives...

TAM

Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411482 04/18/15 05:26 PM
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Whatever you do, don't get an Apple iMower. They suck.

I have a Toro that I like a lot. Watch your email!


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411486 04/18/15 06:19 PM
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yea.. those apple mowers are ultra thin and light and look really sexy, but too over priced for what they are. ROTFL


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411491 04/18/15 09:46 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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After quite some effort, I've managed to bring home the Honda I linked above. It did not fit in my Flex with the second row up. Unfortunately, the second row would not go down, so it was a bit of effort.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: laaawnmower
MarkSJohnson #411493 04/18/15 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
I have a Toro that I like a lot.


Toro's suck grin.


The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411494 04/18/15 10:38 PM
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Honda FanBoy!


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: laaawnmower
Ken.C #411495 04/18/15 10:53 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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Who wouldn't be a Honda fanboy? They make the best mowers.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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