John Deere or Troy-Bilt walk-behind mower?

[ickywasp]

First time poster here.

I am trying to decide which lawn mower to get. I have a 1/4 acre, relatively flat yard. I want a variable speed self-propelled mower. I like front wheel drive because it is easier for me to turn around at the end of a row.

Should I buy this John Deere JS28 for $250?
John Deere JS28 Front Wheel Drive 22 in. Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Gas Mower-BG20666 at The Home Depot

This Troy-Bilt TB230 for $270?
Shop Troy-Bilt TB230 21-in Self-Propelled Front Wheel Drive Gas Push Lawn Mower at Lowes.com

Or this Troy-Bilt TB280 for $305?
Shop Troy-Bilt 21-in Self-Propelled Front Wheel Drive Gas Push Lawn Mower at Lowes.com

The reviews on the Troy-Bilts are great. The John Deere reviews are pretty hit-and-miss (some gold, some crap).
The John Deere is deeply discounted though and the Troy-Bilts are basically full price. (10 percent off coupon.)

I know John Deere is getting out of the walk-behind mower business and I've heard that the John Deeres you buy in HD/Lowes are crap compared to those sold at the authorized dealer locations.

Thanks in advance
Scott

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I would go with the Troy-Bilt, but there is not much difference between the two models.

Product Comparison

 

[possum]

The John Deere self propelled lawnmowers my Dad used for many years were the best mowers I ever ran in my lifetime. But that was some years back and they were bought at a dealer of farm implements, and they were not cheap by any means. I have ran a TB230 quite a bit and they are a heck of a lawnmower. But they are not indestructible by any means either. I would fine my service center and make sure I was confident that I would get service if I needed it. Then I would choose from that.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

The John Deere self propelled lawnmowers my Dad used for many years were the best mowers I ever ran in my lifetime. But that was some years back and they were bought at a dealer of farm implements, and they were not cheap by any means. I have ran a TB230 quite a bit and they are a heck of a lawnmower. But they are not indestructible by any means either. I would fine my service center and make sure I was confident that I would get service if I needed it. Then I would choose from that.

Yeah I would choose JD if it was an older model.

 

[djdicetn]

Yeah I would choose JD if it was an older model.

IMHO, John Deere made a huge mistake building/marketing their "Craftsman" series of mowers at Lowes, Home Depot and other big box retailers. No matter what anybody says......they are NOT the same machines that you buy from a John Deere dealership!!

 

[metz12]

IMHO, John Deere made a huge mistake building/marketing their "Craftsman" series of mowers at Lowes, Home Depot and other big box retailers. No matter what anybody says......they are NOT the same machines that you buy from a John Deere dealership!!

very true. agree 100%, i personally wouldnt go with a john deere from a box store. and if you looking for a self propelled push mower i would reccomend the husqvarna awd one. or the hond hrx series that lawn mower fanatic has (sorry i cant remember the exact one you have)

 

[metz12]

or a toro. i love mine and ive used the ones with the personal pace system and they are great.

 

[djdicetn]

or a toro. i love mine and ive used the ones with the personal pace system and they are great.

Yep, I don't forsee me ever buying a self-propelled mower...but from what I've read on these forums if I did it would be a Honda HRX/HRR or Toro. Even Consumer Reports rates those as the top 3!!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

very true. agree 100%, i personally wouldnt go with a john deere from a box store. and if you looking for a self propelled push mower i would reccomend the husqvarna awd one. or the hond hrx series that lawn mower fanatic has (sorry i cant remember the exact one you have)

The Honda HRX217HYA. I would recommend that, too, but suddenly you go from a $300 to a $700 mower.

 

[metz12]

Yep, I don't forsee me ever buying a self-propelled mower...but from what I've read on these forums if I did it would be a Honda HRX/HRR or Toro. Even Consumer Reports rates those as the top 3!!

i did even want to fix my front drive on my toro. thats why i just ripped the front drive out and now its just a high wheel push mower! and yes fanatic, you have a point there