Buying a forever lawnmower. Lawnmower buying advice.

[stevef22]

Hello all! I recently purchased my first home. The house is located on 1/3 acre lot. Im looking to buy a long lasting lawnmower. Here are my requirements, all of them don’t need to be satisfied but preferred.

☐20" cutting width ( yard has allot of landscaping and tight spots, I like smaller cutting path )

☐Powerful and strong torque engine that doesn’t stall in knee high grass on a damp Saturday morning when the wife is yelling at you to cut the dam grass.

☐Bright Red deck color

☐Self propelled optional

☐Larger rear wheel

☐Commonly found parts

☐I’m 6 feet tall so adjustable or higher push bar would be nice

☐Add on bag optional. I plan on using mulching blade 90% of time



I’m OK with buying slightly used from FB marketplace, craigslist etc.

I’m OK with buying online. Here in South Texas we have Home Depot, Lowes etc.



My budget is $750 or less.




Thank you very much, please advise,

 

[d2wing]

I have a Toro personal pace mower with electric start and really like it. 1/3 acre is big for a 20 inch blade. I'd go bigger. I also have an electric Dewalt push mower but batteries are a problem. I had another brand electric mower but it failed in less than a year. Batteries are no longer available for the DeWalt mower. There are no repair parts either. I do like it for small areas but it can't handle tall or tough grass or large areas as I am down to my last battery.

 

[GearHead36]

I like my Toro Personal Pace, too. I like it better than anything I see in the big box stores these days. I don't know of anything that meet all the items on your checklist. If you want a long lasting mower, I'd find a local "flipper". I.e. someone who fixes junk mowers, and resells them. They will know what is reliable and repairable. Personally, if I were buying a push mower now, I'd go with a 3-6 yr old Toro Recycler with Personal Pace. It wouldn't bother me to buy something 10 yrs old if it were in good condition. Buy 5 spare air filters, blades, and spark plugs. Maintain it properly, and it will last at least 10 yrs. If it hadn't been abused before you got it, it will last 20 yrs. Mine is 13 yrs old, and still runs fine. Starting is a little hard. I think it needs a valve adjustment, which is a bit of a pain with flathead engines. However, properly maintained flathead engines will still be running when the sun burns out.

 

[Rivets]

I recommend a Toro SuperRecyler cast deck. The only item on your list it won’t do is 20” cut, this is 21”. I’ve sold these since they came out and have have only one person bring it back. If properly maintained I call these 20 year mowers.

 

[TonyPrin]

I have a very different answer to your question. As you're a new homeowner who wants forever, I'd go battery powered. Consider the EGO LM2135SP. The mower's battery is interchangeable with other equipment such as a hedge and string trimmers, chainsaws, and blowers. Talk to EGO Power or a local dealer about battery options. This will save you substantially over time. IMO, battery powered equipment is the way of the future and starting out is the best time to begin. BTO, I have no association.

 

[stevef22]

I recommend a Toro SuperRecyler cast deck. The only item on your list it won’t do is 20” cut, this is 21”. I’ve sold these since they came out and have have only one person bring it back. If properly maintained I call these 20 year mowers.

Thank you

 

[stevef22]

I like my Toro Personal Pace, too. I like it better than anything I see in the big box stores these days. I don't know of anything that meet all the items on your checklist. If you want a long lasting mower, I'd find a local "flipper". I.e. someone who fixes junk mowers, and resells them. They will know what is reliable and repairable. Personally, if I were buying a push mower now, I'd go with a 3-6 yr old Toro Recycler with Personal Pace. It wouldn't bother me to buy something 10 yrs old if it were in good condition. Buy 5 spare air filters, blades, and spark plugs. Maintain it properly, and it will last at least 10 yrs. If it hadn't been abused before you got it, it will last 20 yrs. Mine is 13 yrs old, and still runs fine. Starting is a little hard. I think it needs a valve adjustment, which is a bit of a pain with flathead engines. However, properly maintained flathead engines will still be running when the sun burns out.

How do you like the " Personal Pace" feature? Some people hate it. Thank you

 

[stevef22]

I have a Toro personal pace mower with electric start and really like it. 1/3 acre is big for a 20 inch blade. I'd go bigger. I also have an electric Dewalt push mower but batteries are a problem. I had another brand electric mower but it failed in less than a year.

How do you like the " Personal Pace" feature? Some people hate it. Thank you

 

[Craftsman Garage]

How do you like the " Personal Pace" feature? Some people hate it. Thank you

Toro sucks honestly

 

[Craftsman Garage]

If I were you I would get this Craftsman M230 21" Self propelled Push mower. I swear on my life that with proper maintenance and care, this WILL last you 20+ years. I have recommended this to over 10 people and they haven't ever had a complaint, it fits all their needs. It has the higher rear wheels, 21" cutting deck, variable speed, one pull starting, no choke or priming, adjustable bar, red deck, mulching compatible, AND a robust and easily serviceable briggs and Stratton 163cc engine with plenty of power for anything you can throw at it (literally). Parts are very widely available in case you need them. Don't even look at other junky Chinese brands like toro or EGO, they won't last 5 years. I get toros very frequently in the shop here, 4 just this month in need of major repairs. Stick to the M230 and you won't have any problems. https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...-Mower-with-Briggs-Stratton-Engine/1000673809