So you’ve followed my recommendations and you now have a great lawn tractor but that 20 year old push mower just isn’t “cutting” it anymore.
Tarrit's Laser Mower
I have been watching the walk-behind mower products for a few years now and I have selected four for you. I based my opinion and recommendations on the following:
Price/Value. Buying cheap “It’s just for trimming” may not be the best choice and buying expensive is not always the best way to go either.
Ease of Use. What will you use it for? Trimming around objects? Steep Hills? Is is balanced well for the type? Is it awkward to maneuver?
Reliable? Will it start the next time you need it?
Will It Last? Wheels, drive train, handles, plastic parts?
Buy the way, what do I own? I have a 10 year old Snapper rear drive (6 speed friction wheel) with an impossible to keep running older Briggs motor and a 5 year old Craftsman rear drive Hi-Vac with electric start. The Snapper is my favorite (except the motor does not want to run on today’s fuels.) The 8.0 Torque Craftsman is overkill for me, but I bought it on clearance for $150 ($450 retail) three years ago.
Number One: Push Mower for Trimming:
Husqvarna 6.25 torque power 21″ Kohler Rear Bag High Wheels Push Lawn Mower Model# 38451. Buy Online by clicking here, pick it up at your nearest Sears Store!
Husqvarna Push Mower
Price/Value. All the good mowers now are 3 way; bag, mulch, side discharge. (It’s cheaper for the manufactures to build one chassis that does it all) If you don’t bag just hang the bagger out in your spare shed. The mulch plug is part of the door on this model so there is no extra parts to loose. At $199 through Sears this is the best push mower for the price.
Ease of Use. It’s balanced well. The high wheels let you go through ruts and around trees easier than small tire.
Reliable? This new motor from Kohler is fuel efficient, quiet, overhead valve and easy to start. No primer bulb or choke. Pull the starter rope is all you need to do.
Will It Last? I don’t like the new mowers that have plastic front and rear ends. For example, MTD has a new blow-mold plant so they are making as much of their mowers out of plastic as they can. This Husqvarna’s deck is all steel and reinforced around the wheels. You can let teenagers use it and they will have a hard time using the excuse “I don’t know, it just broke”
Number Two: Self-Propelled for Trimming
Craftsman FWD Low Wheel and Craftsman FWD High Wheel . Buy Online by clicking here, pick it up at your nearest Sears Store!
Craftsman Front Wheel Drive
All the good mowers now are 3 way; bag, mulch, side discharge. (It’s cheaper for the manufactures to build one chassis that does it all)
I’m not a big fan of front-wheel drive mowers. I have gotten used to the rear wheel drive models and now know that they are much more maneuverable and easier to use than the front-wheel drive models. But, I also know that the rear-drive models are usually more money and it sometimes doesn’t make sense to buy one. Price/Value. This is one of the lowest price, variable speed mowers on the market. The quality is great for the price. I especially like the “pin-lock” height adjusters. Once you set them they will not move. The 3 position handle is adjustable for short and tall users.
Ease of Use. Front wheel drive mowers don’t have as good of traction on hills as a rear wheel drive, but the variable speed on this one makes it more maneuverable than most.
Reliable? This is Brigg’s best side valve engine and is guaranteed to start for two years.
Will It Last? I think so. Metal parts where they need to be. Mowers in this price range do not have ball bearing axles, but the wheels to last for years.
Number Three: Self-Propelled for Hills
Craftsman RWD High Wheel and Craftsman RWD High Wheel Electric Start Buy Online by clicking here, pick it up at your nearest Sears Store!
All the good mowers now are 3 way; bag, mulch, side discharge. (It’s cheaper for the manufactures to build one chassis that does it all)
You asked for it, and Craftsman delivered last year. This high wheel rear wheel drive mower is balanced perfectly and works great on hills, ditches and all those places you can’t get your lawn tractor.
Craftsman RWD High Wheel
Price/Value. This is the most expensive mower I will recommend, but it is the best value to me. Variable speed, rear wheel drive gives you traction and control better than the FWD models.
Ease of Use. I love the balance of this mower. Anyone can use this mower! The single height adjuster makes height adjustment a breeze. The three position handle height will fit anyone too.
Reliable? Brigg’s best motor is guaranteed to start for two years. Everything on the mower is Craftsman’s best.
Will It Last? It’s not a commercial machine, but it will last you a long, long time. I would buy this mower today myself
Number Four: High Weeds and Other Stuff I Now Use A String Trimmer For:
Craftsman High Wheel Trimmer Buy Online by clicking here, pick it up at your nearest Sears Store!
Craftsman High Wheel Trimmer
Price/Value. There are 3 levels of quality in these machines. Homeowner (this type) the DR, and commercial. The DR and commercial are expensive and worth the money ONLY if you use them on acres of weeds. The Craftsman (MTD) is a good versatile, machine that will give you the dependability you expect from Sears.
Ease of Use. You need to read the safety manual, wear safety glasses and log pants before you use one of these. They throw stuff.. but they will really cut down on your trimming times.
Reliable? These types of trimmers are designed for rough cut work. They are built for that.
Will It Last? Depends on your use. Use it for 30 minutes or so every week and this model will last a long time. Try and keep an over pass mowed and you will be buying a new one every year.
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