Had a Sears Craftsman for quite a few years that wasn't self-propelled. When it bit the dust, I got a Toro that is. To be quite honest, even on the slowest speed, it's fast enough for me or my son to use. If we need to go any slower, we just release the bar and push it ourselves. But the other major difference between the two mowers, was that the Toro has the big rear wheels. Seems like (and maybe its just me) that it's MUCH easier to maneuver when making 180 degree turns and such. If I had to buy another one, I wouldn't hesitate to get this one again. You can use the side discharge, mulch, or rear bag option...which, depending on the season, I've used all three at one point in time or another.

How large is the area you mow? 1/2 acre and down, I recommend a wide walk behind. 1 acre or greater I definitely recommend some kind of rider to reduce the mowing time. A zero turn of course is the ultimate choice, but they are ~5 times the cost of a lawn tractor. With a rider, the key is to invest in a mower that reduces the time you are mowing. If you get too small a rider, you aren't saving time...but too large, then too expensive and maneuverability can be compromised.

 

From 1/2 to 1 acre, it is up to how much time you have and how much exercise you want. OR, you have a teenager in the house.

 

Even less than 1/2 acre for me...BUT...I may have another yard I need to mow as well. Really debating between a good self propelled and a small riding. Might get the self propelled and see how it goes, can always go back and get the riding mower and I need a small non-ride mower for trim work, spot mowing, etc. anyway.

 

Husqvarna has an all wheel drive model at Lowes I have been looking at seems to get good reviews...but just has one constant speed so not sure about that one. Lot of the reviews for several models just seem all over the place.

Had a Sears Craftsman for quite a few years that wasn't self-propelled. When it bit the dust, I got a Toro that is. To be quite honest, even on the slowest speed, it's fast enough for me or my son to use. If we need to go any slower, we just release the bar and push it ourselves. But the other major difference between the two mowers, was that the Toro has the big rear wheels. Seems like (and maybe its just me) that it's MUCH easier to maneuver when making 180 degree turns and such. If I had to buy another one, I wouldn't hesitate to get this one again. You can use the side discharge, mulch, or rear bag option...which, depending on the season, I've used all three at one point in time or another.

 

Where did you buy the Toro?

If he does a good job, keep the young neighborhood kid employed. Of course this comes from someone that was once that neighborhood (Lawnboy) kid.

If he does a good job, keep the young neighborhood kid employed. Of course this comes from someone that was once that neighborhood (Lawnboy) kid.

 

He's got plenty to do, besides was probably going to lose him next year anyway due to him moving on to bigger and better jobs. Not to mention I could have already boght a very nice self propelled mower this year for what I have paid with to cut my grass already, and we still have probably a good 15-16 weeks left of mowing season. $25.00 a pop doesn't sound like much, but it adds up pretty darn quick especially when mowing on average more than weekly the past few weeks.

BTW..if/when you buy a rider, make sure you get the hydrostatic transmission so that you don't have to shut off the blades when you reverse.

Even less than 1/2 acre for me...BUT...I may have another yard I need to mow as well. Really debating between a good self propelled and a small riding. Might get the self propelled and see how it goes, can always go back and get the riding mower and I need a small non-ride mower for trim work, spot mowing, etc. anyway.

 

Husqvarna has an all wheel drive model at Lowes I have been looking at seems to get good reviews...but just has one constant speed so not sure about that one. Lot of the reviews for several models just seem all over the place.

 

I've got that model, bought it last year. I got it specifically because of the all wheel drive. My yard has some hills and the regular self propelled just didn't work very well. So far I've been really pleased with it.

 

I had a Husky before this one and never had any issues. The only complaint was the motor was too small but that's my fault for not paying the extra for the bigger motor.

BTW..if/when you buy a rider, make sure you get the hydrostatic transmission so that you don't have to shut off the blades when you reverse.

 

If you go with a rider that has a hydrostatic, make sure it is a Hydro Gear brand if at all possible. They make (assemble) their hydrostatics in Princeton, KY.

I recommend you get off your rear end and put that new hip to use. You probably paid more for it than you would a riding mower. :whistling:

I recommend you get off your rear end and put that new hip to use. You probably paid more for it than you would a riding mower. :whistling:

 

Yep, and STILL paying on it. And it's not self propelled either, I have to push the darn thing.

I've got that model, bought it last year. I got it specifically because of the all wheel drive. My yard has some hills and the regular self propelled just didn't work very well. So far I've been really pleased with it.

 

I had a Husky before this one and never had any issues. The only complaint was the motor was too small but that's my fault for not paying the extra for the bigger motor.

 

What model/engine size you have woodsie? Would you rate the self propel speed as a fast walk, slow walk, what? How is it when you have to stop and do a 180 to go back the other way? Since all 4 wheel are spinning I wondered about that last question a lot.

What model/engine size you have woodsie? Would you rate the self propel speed as a fast walk, slow walk, what? How is it when you have to stop and do a 180 to go back the other way? Since all 4 wheel are spinning I wondered about that last question a lot.

It's the HU725AWD if you look on Lowe's website. It has the 190CC Briggs engine, 22" cut. The speed is as fast as you want it. It has too two drive handles vary the speed depending on how much you squeeze them. All the way in I won't say is a fast walk but faster then a normal walking pace. When I have to turn 180 degrees to go back the other way I let go of the drive handles and spin it around. You can turn without letting go of them if you spin it fast enough. However IMO it puts undue stress on the drive system and it's easy enough to just let them go and then regrab once you get turned around. After a few times it just becomes second nature.

 

Like I said so far I've really liked it, especially the all wheel drive. Since my front yard is hilly I don't think I will buy another one that isn't all wheel. Just pulls so much better on off camber ground.

Where did you buy the Toro?

 

Sorry, had a brain cramp and nearly copied rjs...but, mine is actually a Troy Bilt. Got it at Lowes about a half dozen years or so.

Whats your budget?

Whats your budget?

 

Around $400, looks like I should be able to get something pretty decent around there.