First Time Home Buyers Need Mower Recommendations

[Roadspill]

First time home buyers in need of a new/used/refurbished lawn mower.

Any suggestions based on this information?

Property:
- 0.27 acre (lawn ~50-60% of property)
- Some incline (no ditches)
- Very small amount of uneven hills

Features we would like:
- #1 - Quality
- #2 - Long Lasting
- Self Propelled (Variable Speed)
- Easy push
- RWD or AWD
- Easy Tool-less Adjustments (Length, etc)
- Prefer Electric start (or easy pull start)
- Bag

An added plus but not required:
- Mulch Size (Small/Fine to Super Fine)

Thanks everyone for your insights on what to get and why.

 

[Rivets]

Toro model 20384 will meet all your needs for years to come. Best mulcher out there.

 

[Roadspill]

Quick update,

- Live in Oregon (Portland Area)
- Grass Type: Unknown
- Drains Well from what I can tell when it rained ridiculously hard during the inspection.
- lots of long runs and less intricate turns ( backyard ), except for front yard ( 600-1000 sqft ) with tree/s and some low shrub/flower beds around.

 

[Rivets]

My recommendation has not changed, 20384 will work just fine for you.

 

[reynoldston]

I agree with Toro. I have two of them for years now and the only things I have ever replaced on them is wheels and blades. When I say years its been over 45 years and I bought them used.

 

[Carscw]

I will 3rd the toro.

 

[Roadspill]

So 20382 or the 20384 (if I wanted electric start) in regards would be good picks?

Outside of the Honda engine(pull start) in the 20382 and the electric start (non-Honda engine) of the 20384. Is there not much of a difference between the units? I can't seem to really pinpoint a major difference other than that.

Second question, where's the best place to purchase either product from? Also do you know of anywhere that does Military/Veteran discounts as well? (Home Depot doesn't seem to carry either, may have to look at one of the pricier lawn stores?...)

 

[Rivets]

Personally, I don't really like the Honda engine unit, but have seen not problems with them. Models 20381, 20382, and 20384 are all on the same deck, only difference is either engine or electric start. Don't know of any discounts available at this time, but if you purchase from a dealer, they may have an in-house promotion.