Semi-agree. Two additional issues: mower weight and rolling friction. On my Lawn-boy, took the plastic bearingless wheels and replaced them w/metal from a farm-supply store. Heavier, but ball-bearings so less rolling friction. Made a big difference. Should have saved those wheels and transferred to the Toro.

 

ya we have some hills, for me a push mower would be fine, but my wife likes the selfpropelled ones so she can cut the grass as well if I am not home. I think I have narrowed it down to the honda just waiting for it to come in and make sure

 

A friend said he bought a Honda HRR series mower and he's never been more happy with another mower. Cuts awesome mulch, self propelled, always starts on first pull.
I'll be looking into mowers very soon too.

 

i just bought a toro... forgot the model... 320 from homedepot with the larger wheels, and is self propelled... doesnt cut tall grass too well... but i shouldnt be letter the grass get that tall to begin with... the honda was just too expensive for my budget... my lawns not that big so just went with middle range... good luck with your decision

 

Just cut a good-sized lawn at my girlfriend's mom's house last weekend. They have a self-propelled Honda as well. At first I thought I hated it, but my mind was changed completely when I realized I didn't have the throttle up to maximum. The grass was extremely as they wanted some seed to grow before cutting, so it really needed full power. Otherwise it was stalling out when I'd apply power to the blade, shifting from idle.

In the end it's an amazing mower, picks up everything, well powered, and the self-propelled feature will definitely spoil you - I cut a good portion of the lawn once-handed with a beer in my other hand.

 

Been using my HRR216 (I think), self propelled, quadra-cut, and it's awesome. I've mowed a few times when it's been wet and extremely long, rarely ever bogs even then. Always starts on first pull (after I learned the right speed to start it at)

 

HRR216VKA here too. Great mower, starts on the first pull without prime or choke.

It has a bag, but you don't really need it because the mower mulches everything so well. I guess when the leaves start falling more I'll want to bag them up.

 

I ended up getting the Honda and love it. The hand controls work great

 

Just re-read the OP. Does anyone find it ironic that the Craftsman is FWD and the Honda is RWD?

 

I have a Honda lawn mower that is over 10 years old and still cuts down weeds and grass like a champ. I recently cut down 500+ sq of 4 foot tall weeds and it didn't blink an eye. My roommate was actually surprised how easily it managed it.

The only issue I have had with it is I just had a new carb put on this year because I didn't take care of the old one. Too many years of leaving gas sit in it over the winter. Completely my fault, otherwise it won't have needed replacing.