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Lightest Models?
#1
Beamster
Beamster
It has been very hard to find specs on the mowers, so some shared knowledge from those in the know would be appreciated.
What would be some of the lightest models to look for to use as a homeowner trimmer?
No need for a bag or drive train.
What would be some of the lightest models to look for to use as a homeowner trimmer?
No need for a bag or drive train.
#2
L
Lawnboy77
L
Lawnboy77
The mag deck mowers from the 60s and 70s would be some of the lightest ever made. Especially the 18 and 19 inch models. I have a mag deck 19 inch 1964 model 5232 and a 1977 model 5024, both are the lightest that I've ever used. If you are looking for a newer model 2 stroke I think there are a few F series 19 mowers that are super light as well. The models 10400 and 10401 are really light weight pushers. Almost all of these old 2 stroke Lawnboys are so light that self-propel is really unnecessary in my humble opinion.
#3
Beamster
Thanks for the information. It gives me three model numbers.
How do I tell the mag deck models? Wish there was a what's what reference somewhere.
Beamster
The mag deck mowers from the 60s and 70s would be some of the lightest ever made. Especially the 18 and 19 inch models. I have a mag deck 19 inch 1964 model 5232 and a 1977 model 5024, both are the lightest that I've ever used. If you are looking for a newer model 2 stroke I think there are a few F series 19 mowers that are super light as well. The models 10400 and 10401 are really light weight pushers. Almost all of these old 2 stroke Lawnboys are so light that self-propel is really unnecessary in my humble opinion.
Thanks for the information. It gives me three model numbers.
How do I tell the mag deck models? Wish there was a what's what reference somewhere.
#4
L
Lawnboy77
The mag deck mowers will have the word "MAGNESIUM" cast into each part made of magnesium. Most all of the residential mowers from 1962 to 1976 were mag decks, 1977 was a transitional year. I posted a link below to the Toro quick reference table from around 1955 to 1988. It doesn't list the weights of the mowers, but will give you size of cut and whether self-propel or not. Model numbers starting with a "3" or "5" would be what you are looking for in the early years. "3" for 18 inch, "5" for 19 inch, and both are all pushers, so those will be the lightest Lawnboy ever made. Good luck in your hunting. The 19 inch models (D-400 and D-600 engines) from the 70s will be the most abundant.
https://lookup3.toro.com/ttcGateway/Acrobat/manuals/lball61.pdf
L
Lawnboy77
Thanks for the information. It gives me three model numbers.
How do I tell the mag deck models? Wish there was a what's what reference somewhere.
The mag deck mowers will have the word "MAGNESIUM" cast into each part made of magnesium. Most all of the residential mowers from 1962 to 1976 were mag decks, 1977 was a transitional year. I posted a link below to the Toro quick reference table from around 1955 to 1988. It doesn't list the weights of the mowers, but will give you size of cut and whether self-propel or not. Model numbers starting with a "3" or "5" would be what you are looking for in the early years. "3" for 18 inch, "5" for 19 inch, and both are all pushers, so those will be the lightest Lawnboy ever made. Good luck in your hunting. The 19 inch models (D-400 and D-600 engines) from the 70s will be the most abundant.
https://lookup3.toro.com/ttcGateway/Acrobat/manuals/lball61.pdf
#5
AnthemBassMan
AnthemBassMan
My beater 1973 #7262 with the magnesium deck was listed as weighing around 53 lbs. My 1975 #5024 Bricktop probably weighs around that or maybe a few pounds over.
L8R,
Matt
L8R,
Matt
#6
L
Lawnboy77
Interesting! I'd be surprised to see a 21 inch Lawnboy weigh less than a 19 inch, but I suppose it's possible. The 5024 was the last generation mag deck (excluding the M series) and they might of beefed up the thickness a bit in those. Thanks for reminding me, I've been wanting to weigh my mowers to get a definitive answer, and since I'm on vacation at home this week it will be a good time to get it done. I have a 7260B from 1973 that seems to weigh quite a bit more than my 5024, but I do have a replacement aluminum deck on my 7260B, so it should be about 30% heavier just because of that alone. I'll get back with you guys after I have weighed my mowers. Unfortunately I don't have a D-600 machine to check, nor do I have any self-propel mowers in my inventory. I really don't see there being much difference in the weight of a D-400 over a D-600. The major difference being the D-600 has electronic ignition, which means no spark advance, or points and condenser. plastic shrouds vs. metal??
L
Lawnboy77
My beater 1973 #7262 with the magnesium deck was listed as weighing around 53 lbs. My 1975 #5024 Bricktop probably weighs around that or maybe a few pounds over.
L8R,
Matt
Interesting! I'd be surprised to see a 21 inch Lawnboy weigh less than a 19 inch, but I suppose it's possible. The 5024 was the last generation mag deck (excluding the M series) and they might of beefed up the thickness a bit in those. Thanks for reminding me, I've been wanting to weigh my mowers to get a definitive answer, and since I'm on vacation at home this week it will be a good time to get it done. I have a 7260B from 1973 that seems to weigh quite a bit more than my 5024, but I do have a replacement aluminum deck on my 7260B, so it should be about 30% heavier just because of that alone. I'll get back with you guys after I have weighed my mowers. Unfortunately I don't have a D-600 machine to check, nor do I have any self-propel mowers in my inventory. I really don't see there being much difference in the weight of a D-400 over a D-600. The major difference being the D-600 has electronic ignition, which means no spark advance, or points and condenser. plastic shrouds vs. metal??
#7
AnthemBassMan
AnthemBassMan
That’s the difference between mine. My Bricktop has the aluminum deck and my 7262 has the magnesium deck. Even though 2” larger diameter, it weighs a little less.
L8R,
Matt
L8R,
Matt
#8
AnthemBassMan
AnthemBassMan
That’s the difference between mine. My Bricktop has the aluminum deck and my 7262 has the magnesium deck. Even though 2” larger diameter, it weighs a little less. But I should add that my Bricktop has a donor deck from a 5244. Same exact deck though.
L8R,
Matt
L8R,
Matt
#9
L
Lawnboy77
L
Lawnboy77
Alright, got some of them weighed and about what I figured, except for the D-400 bricks of the 60's compared to the 1970 bricks, the 60's bricks are about 2 lbs. heavier. All weights are with fuel tanks empty unless stated otherwise. There are still 2 more that I haven't weighed yet, the 1973 model 5022, and the 1966 model 5234 (Deluxe). So far the 5024 is the winner hands down, even with an upgraded crankcase with dual bronze bushings. Okay now that my back is out picking up these mowers, here is a link to the winner in action if anyone cares to view. It really is a joy to cut with, and perfect for those postage stamp size lawns. I think back in those days it was more of a selling feature because kids very young like myself were cutting most of the lawns. Nowadays you just don't see neighborhoods kids cutting the lawns...at least that's my perception down here in west Texas. The professional landscaping crews do most of the lawns down here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc0zBgh11kY
1993 model 10420 (21 in. Alum. deck)= 67 lbs.(with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1996 model 10401 (19 in. Alum. deck)= 54 lbs.
1973 model 7022 (21 in. Mag. deck)= 49 lbs. (with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1977 model 5024 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 45 lbs.
1964 model 5232 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 47 lbs.
1973 model 7260B (21 in. Alum. deck)= 52 lbs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc0zBgh11kY
1993 model 10420 (21 in. Alum. deck)= 67 lbs.(with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1996 model 10401 (19 in. Alum. deck)= 54 lbs.
1973 model 7022 (21 in. Mag. deck)= 49 lbs. (with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1977 model 5024 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 45 lbs.
1964 model 5232 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 47 lbs.
1973 model 7260B (21 in. Alum. deck)= 52 lbs.
#10
Beamster
Beamster
Great Information.
That's quite a collection.
Thanks.
That's quite a collection.
Thanks.
#11
Beamster
Around here you don't even see the grown up kids (I'm talking in their 30s) who still live at home cutting the lawn. It's their single moms doing everything. It's a shame.
Beamster
Nowadays you just don't see neighborhoods kids cutting the lawns...at least that's my perception down here in west Texas. The professional landscaping crews do most of the lawns down here..
Around here you don't even see the grown up kids (I'm talking in their 30s) who still live at home cutting the lawn. It's their single moms doing everything. It's a shame.
#12
tom3
tom3
Alright, got some of them weighed and about what I figured, except for the D-400 bricks of the 60's compared to the 1970 bricks, the 60's bricks are about 2 lbs. heavier. All weights are with fuel tanks empty unless stated otherwise. There are still 2 more that I haven't weighed yet, the 1973 model 5022, and the 1966 model 5234 (Deluxe). So far the 5024 is the winner hands down, even with an upgraded crankcase with dual bronze bushings. Okay now that my back is out picking up these mowers, here is a link to the winner in action if anyone cares to view. It really is a joy to cut with, and perfect for those postage stamp size lawns. I think back in those days it was more of a selling feature because kids very young like myself were cutting most of the lawns. Nowadays you just don't see neighborhoods kids cutting the lawns...at least that's my perception down here in west Texas. The professional landscaping crews do most of the lawns down here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc0zBgh11kY
That's a sweet sounding 2 stroke. Does that engine have an adjustable carb on it? Wish I could get my F motor running that smooth. Nice looking lawn too!
#13
J
jp1961
J
jp1961
Hello,
My dad's tool and die shop had a walk behind non self propelled staggered wheel mower that was not a Lawn-Boy. It had an Outdoor Power Products 2 cycle engine with no recoil start, just wrapped a piece of rope around a pulley. We're talking WAY back here,,,60's? It was super light.
Possibly a Sears Craftsman clone of the Lawn-Boy,,,not 100% sure.
Regards
Jeff
My dad's tool and die shop had a walk behind non self propelled staggered wheel mower that was not a Lawn-Boy. It had an Outdoor Power Products 2 cycle engine with no recoil start, just wrapped a piece of rope around a pulley. We're talking WAY back here,,,60's? It was super light.
Possibly a Sears Craftsman clone of the Lawn-Boy,,,not 100% sure.
Regards
Jeff
#14
H
H20loo
H
H20loo
I will weigh my 3060 It is the lightest of my group.
I started out on an iron horse and I don’t remember it being light. But I was a lazy 10 year old. Thought I was king of the neighbourhood when my dad brought home a 21” sand color lawnboy. We ran the wheels off that mower... many times lol.
I started out on an iron horse and I don’t remember it being light. But I was a lazy 10 year old. Thought I was king of the neighbourhood when my dad brought home a 21” sand color lawnboy. We ran the wheels off that mower... many times lol.
#15
AnthemBassMan
AnthemBassMan
Thanks for sacrificing your back for the good of the group! Even your heaviest Lawn Boy is still below what my old John Deere 14SB weighed. Dry weight on that tank was listed at 111 lbs, and that is with a cast aluminum deck. Talk about stout!
L8R,
Matt
L8R,
Matt
#16
L
Lawnboy77
Thanks Tom, yes it's an adjustable carb, a single speed carb that is fairly easy to adjust. The F series mowers seem to need a bigger load to get them to sound really smooth, which is understandable since they have much higher compression and about 25% more torque/HP.
L
Lawnboy77
That's a sweet sounding 2 stroke. Does that engine have an adjustable carb on it? Wish I could get my F motor running that smooth. Nice looking lawn too!
Thanks Tom, yes it's an adjustable carb, a single speed carb that is fairly easy to adjust. The F series mowers seem to need a bigger load to get them to sound really smooth, which is understandable since they have much higher compression and about 25% more torque/HP.
#17
L
Lawnboy77
Yes, you read my mind. I was really wanting to get one of those 18 inch models weighed. I'm thinking those from the 60's without steel wheel adjusters and magnesium deck might beat the 45 lb. mid 70's 19 inch brick.
In reference to the last generation brick being lighter by 2 lbs. over the 1960s bricks. I think between the heavy air filter housing assy. (comparatively speaking, it's still mag, but much heavier than the plastic), the steel wheel adjusters and of course the steel fuel tank is where the mid 70's brick beats the 1960s brick. You know what I think makes the small deck/blade mowers so easy to push vs. the larger ones is really not so much weight, as it is the smaller blade has less resistance rotating, even if a smaller bite is used on a larger mower. Not as noticeable in thin bluegrass and fescues like what I was used to growing up in Kentucky, but very noticeable in the real thick warm season sodded turfs of the south.
I know exactly what you mean by being King of the neighborhood! My dad finally broke down and bought a 21 inch brick and boy I thought I was on top of the world. It had so much more torque than the old mowers I had been using, which really paid off for me because most of my customers in the neighborhood would want to the grass super high before they would let me cut it just so they cut down on the mowing frequency, and therefore save a few bucks.
L
Lawnboy77
I will weigh my 3060 It is the lightest of my group.
I started out on an iron horse and I don’t remember it being light. But I was a lazy 10 year old. Thought I was king of the neighbourhood when my dad brought home a 21” sand color lawnboy. We ran the wheels off that mower... many times lol.
Yes, you read my mind. I was really wanting to get one of those 18 inch models weighed. I'm thinking those from the 60's without steel wheel adjusters and magnesium deck might beat the 45 lb. mid 70's 19 inch brick.
In reference to the last generation brick being lighter by 2 lbs. over the 1960s bricks. I think between the heavy air filter housing assy. (comparatively speaking, it's still mag, but much heavier than the plastic), the steel wheel adjusters and of course the steel fuel tank is where the mid 70's brick beats the 1960s brick. You know what I think makes the small deck/blade mowers so easy to push vs. the larger ones is really not so much weight, as it is the smaller blade has less resistance rotating, even if a smaller bite is used on a larger mower. Not as noticeable in thin bluegrass and fescues like what I was used to growing up in Kentucky, but very noticeable in the real thick warm season sodded turfs of the south.
I know exactly what you mean by being King of the neighborhood! My dad finally broke down and bought a 21 inch brick and boy I thought I was on top of the world. It had so much more torque than the old mowers I had been using, which really paid off for me because most of my customers in the neighborhood would want to the grass super high before they would let me cut it just so they cut down on the mowing frequency, and therefore save a few bucks.
#18
L
Lawnboy77
Yes I knew the 14SB was a beast, but I didn't know it was that heavy! A great mower for sure. To be honest I thought my 10420, with the latest generation Gold Series cast deck was heavier than 67 lbs. It seems like such a beast compared to the old OMC mowers that I have. Toro did that deck right though, a super heavy aluminum deck that will probably last forever if maintained in a decent manner.
L
Lawnboy77
Thanks for sacrificing your back for the good of the group! Even your heaviest Lawn Boy is still below what my old John Deere 14SB weighed. Dry weight on that tank was listed at 111 lbs, and that is with a cast aluminum deck. Talk about stout!
L8R,
Matt
Yes I knew the 14SB was a beast, but I didn't know it was that heavy! A great mower for sure. To be honest I thought my 10420, with the latest generation Gold Series cast deck was heavier than 67 lbs. It seems like such a beast compared to the old OMC mowers that I have. Toro did that deck right though, a super heavy aluminum deck that will probably last forever if maintained in a decent manner.
#19
L
Lawnboy77
Yeah I think Lawnboy had a hand in those Power Product machines that Sears used to sell back in the 50s, early 60's. I'm not really up on that aspect of OMC, but I've heard other forums talk about it.
L
Lawnboy77
Hello,
My dad's tool and die shop had a walk behind non self propelled staggered wheel mower that was not a Lawn-Boy. It had an Outdoor Power Products 2 cycle engine with no recoil start, just wrapped a piece of rope around a pulley. We're talking WAY back here,,,60's? It was super light.
Possibly a Sears Craftsman clone of the Lawn-Boy,,,not 100% sure.
Regards
Jeff
Yeah I think Lawnboy had a hand in those Power Product machines that Sears used to sell back in the 50s, early 60's. I'm not really up on that aspect of OMC, but I've heard other forums talk about it.
#20
AnthemBassMan
I was wrong. I just read in the 14SB manual that the weight is 120 lbs! No wonder it was a grunt to lift it up onto my work stand!!
L8R,
Matt
AnthemBassMan
Yes I knew the 14SB was a beast, but I didn't know it was that heavy! A great mower for sure. To be honest I thought my 10420, with the latest generation Gold Series cast deck was heavier than 67 lbs. It seems like such a beast compared to the old OMC mowers that I have. Toro did that deck right though, a super heavy aluminum deck that will probably last forever if maintained in a decent manner.
I was wrong. I just read in the 14SB manual that the weight is 120 lbs! No wonder it was a grunt to lift it up onto my work stand!!
L8R,
Matt
#21
Beamster
I loved my 14SB. That and the LawnBoy are the two greatest regrets that I have in lack of foresight when I sold them. Now I'd take either back, although the SB isn't realistic in my old age target.
Beamster
Thanks for sacrificing your back for the good of the group! Even your heaviest Lawn Boy is still below what my old John Deere 14SB weighed. Dry weight on that tank was listed at 111 lbs, and that is with a cast aluminum deck. Talk about stout!
L8R,
Matt
I loved my 14SB. That and the LawnBoy are the two greatest regrets that I have in lack of foresight when I sold them. Now I'd take either back, although the SB isn't realistic in my old age target.
#22
AnthemBassMan
My 14SB was a good mower. But when I got my 7262, I couldn’t believe how nice that little 3-1/2hp D-600 mowed compared to the 5hp Kawasaki. Some spots in the yard where my Deere would bog a little, the Lawn Boy barely skipped a beat. I sold the 14SB a couple weeks later.
L8R,
Matt
AnthemBassMan
I loved my 14SB. That and the LawnBoy are the two greatest regrets that I have in lack of foresight when I sold them. Now I'd take either back, although the SB isn't realistic in my old age target.
My 14SB was a good mower. But when I got my 7262, I couldn’t believe how nice that little 3-1/2hp D-600 mowed compared to the 5hp Kawasaki. Some spots in the yard where my Deere would bog a little, the Lawn Boy barely skipped a beat. I sold the 14SB a couple weeks later.
L8R,
Matt
#24
Beamster
Beamster
AnthemBassMan: I think it's a 2 stroke thing. I could never move on to 4 stroke trailbikes when I compared friends' 4 strokes to my 2stroke Yamaha and Bultacos. Should have known better about the mowers.
#25
L
Lawnboy77
Looks like your 3060 is about the same, or maybe even lighter than the 5024. Thanks for weighing that mower for us.
L
Lawnboy77
My 3060 with handle and some gas just barely nudges the 45 lb mark
Looks like your 3060 is about the same, or maybe even lighter than the 5024. Thanks for weighing that mower for us.
#26
AnthemBassMan
Haven’t heard Bultaco in years! I ran hare scrambles on my old Penton Six Day Trials bike back in the late 70s/early 80s. My cousin raced MX and flat track on Maicos. Ah, the good ol’ days!
L8R,
Matt
AnthemBassMan
AnthemBassMan: I think it's a 2 stroke thing. I could never move on to 4 stroke trailbikes when I compared friends' 4 strokes to my 2stroke Yamaha and Bultacos. Should have known better about the mowers.
Haven’t heard Bultaco in years! I ran hare scrambles on my old Penton Six Day Trials bike back in the late 70s/early 80s. My cousin raced MX and flat track on Maicos. Ah, the good ol’ days!
L8R,
Matt
#27
Beamster
Beamster
Anthem: Single track forest Enduros around here. One promoter was rumored to laid out his routes from a helicopter because the mud swallowed riders.
(Something seems amiss with the "reply with quote" which seems to drop the quote.)
(Something seems amiss with the "reply with quote" which seems to drop the quote.)
#28
Beamster
Is it safe to assume all 5000 and 7000 series models will weigh near 50 pound plus or minus or is it hit or miss in the model numbers?
Beamster
1993 model 10420 (21 in. Alum. deck)= 67 lbs.(with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1996 model 10401 (19 in. Alum. deck)= 54 lbs.
1973 model 7022 (21 in. Mag. deck)= 49 lbs. (with approx. 1/2 tank of fuel mix)
1977 model 5024 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 45 lbs.
1964 model 5232 (19 in. Mag. deck)= 47 lbs.
1973 model 7260B (21 in. Alum. deck)= 52 lbs.
Is it safe to assume all 5000 and 7000 series models will weigh near 50 pound plus or minus or is it hit or miss in the model numbers?
#29
L
Lawnboy77
L
Lawnboy77
I think that is very safe to assume. Especially for the pre-compliance mowers made before 1983. The post 1983 5000s and 7000s with all the safety bells and whistles will be on the top end of that range for sure.
#30
Two-Stroke
Two-Stroke
This is the best Lawn-Boy thread in quite a while. Weight is a big deal for push mowers. A really light mower is so much more fun to use than a heavier one. But I still prefer the F-series engine even though I believe it's heavier than the D-series.
Those pre-1983 LBs are unlikely to be equalled in usability unless the regulatory environment changes.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, especially Lawnboy77. :thumbsup:
Those pre-1983 LBs are unlikely to be equalled in usability unless the regulatory environment changes.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, especially Lawnboy77. :thumbsup: