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Hi all, I have an ancient self-propelled Lawn Boy Silver (> 10 years old) that finally gave up the ghost today (self propel cable snapped). I know that it's repairable, but at least one thing has broken on this mower every summer for the past 3 years, and I feel it's time to replace / upgrade rather than continue sending good money after bad. I live on about 0.3 acres, small neighborhood lot, with a fence and fair number of trees and uneven ground. In addition, I have a back yard that tends to collect water, and thus is often wet, even when the grass is short (don't even get me started when it's long...); with the Lawn Boy, I would often have to manually unclog the mower every couple passes, which led to a very long mowing session if there had been rain within the past 3-4 days.

I've been doing some newbie research, and am leaning towards either a Toro Recycler 20332, a Troy-Bilt TB-320, or a Honda HRR216K9VKA; however, I'm completely naive when it comes to small engines in general, and lawn mowers in particular. I would like whatever I purchase to ideally last as long as this Lawn Boy has, in the 8-10 year range (or more), with regular maintenance and proper care. I was hoping people would weigh in on either model, or provide alternate suggestions? I have no brand loyalty or affiliation, and really just want the best bang for the buck in my price range.

Thanks!

I like the toro and Honda. Steer clear of the troy. The Honda is a strong engine (though people think its under powered I disagree) personal experience with it tells me the wheels are the trouble spot of this mower the front wheels don't have bearings which the bushing will wear down get rusty etc. The rear wheels have a weird plastic tread that wears to fast. The smaller drive gears also wear down quick.

The toro personal pace system is easy to use tho the wheels in front don't have bearings the rear wheels tread is a little more hearty not sure on the longetivity of the drive gears. If the toro has a briggs engine I would be a little weary as they tend to loose power over time(my personal experience) and if it has the new toro engine I have no idea I've never used one nor had one on my bench which could be a good thing.

Both machines mulch well enough and bag and will serve your purpose they both will last as long as you maintain them and seeing as your replacing a mower that has lasted you 10 years it seems like your doing something right

I think exotion is spot on about the mowers you are comparing, Personally I'd also look at the Cub Cadet SC500z. I've got 2 Cub Cadets that I use in the business and have for a few years. The CC98H and the CC999ES. I really like the front castor wheel set up, it makes mowing so much easier. The 6 speed drive is nice also.


A Closer Look at: The Cub Cadet SC 500z Self Propelled Lawnmower | Ralph Helm Inc Blog

R.I.P little lawn boy...mine is still kicking and I still love it. Can't go wrong with Honda (friends love them) or Toro as was already stated, Ric also added a good option. Let us know what you get!

Thanks for the advice, everyone - I ended up getting the Honda, and have used it twice so far. Very happy with the performance with mulching, bagging and discharging. Starts on the first pull, which is fantastic. Looks like I'm going to need to change the oil soon, as they recommend the first oil change after about 5 hours of use. Definitely a little heavier and harder to maneuver than my Lawn Boy, but it's got quite a bit more power as well.

subourbonite said:

Thanks for the advice, everyone - I ended up getting the Honda, and have used it twice so far. Very happy with the performance with mulching, bagging and discharging. Starts on the first pull, which is fantastic. Looks like I'm going to need to change the oil soon, as they recommend the first oil change after about 5 hours of use. Definitely a little heavier and harder to maneuver than my Lawn Boy, but it's got quite a bit more power as well.

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Glad you like the Honda....good choice! :thumbsup: