Mower Recommendation >$400

[tblank]

Here is my wish list:
1) Under $400
2) Honda engine
3) Rear wheel drive

What are the opinions of the models below:
Honda Model # HRR216K9VKA
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21...s-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216K9VKA/203709643

Craftsman Model # 37900
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-21in...tSuhAHq0h7UnM0g6FWw8UaAiyV8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

Husqvarna Model # 961450024
http://www.lowes.com/pd/Husqvarna-H...-Lawn-Mower-with-Mulching-Capability/50329481

Please let me know if you need any additional info from me!

Thanks!!

 

[John R]

Go see what the guy's at a Honda dealership will do for you, they are a lot more handy to have on your side should you have problems down the road.

 

[Snapperfreak]

Honda mower for sure and I agree buy from a dealer.

 

[possum]

I am partial to the Craftsman branded one but either one would be about the same.

 

[tblank]

I am partial to the Craftsman branded one but either one would be about the same.

Why are you partial to the craftsman?

 

[primerbulb120]

I have the exact same Honda you are looking to buy. I use it comercially. Several hours a day, 4 days a week.

Pros:

The self propel system is amazing, my favorite out of all the systems I've used. The mower is fast and easy to turn.
The engine is quiet and very good on gas.
Rear discharge
Quick fold Handle
Clip Director

Cons:

The cut quality with the twin blades could be a lot better, the mower leaves random standing blades of grass. I improved the cut by putting on a Gator blade and removing the smaller mulch baffle, but my other mowers still cut better.

The mower is difficult to pull backwards right out of the box, and it will get worse with use. (major frustration with forward and back mowing.) After a few months of use (two weeks for me since I use it commercially) the rear wheels will lock up and refuse to spin backwards, you will have to take the self propel system apart and replace the Teflon bushings. I replaced them with looser fitting metal ones and it's working great so far.

The autochoke on my mower sticks and I have to poke the choke valve to make it open. It's probably repairable under warranty, but I don't have the time to take it in to a dealer for service and I've already voided the warranty anyway by installing a different blade and different bushings.