New member looking for a new walk-behind...

[64americandeluxe]

Hello everyone,
I have enjoyed scouring the forum for a couple of days prepping for a new purchase. I am in the process of replacing a 27 year old Toro self-propelled and I think I have narrowed it down to:
Ariens 911189 - I like the Subaru engine
Ariens 911177 - any thoughts on the Loncin engines?
Toro 20373 Recycler - 159cc TXP engine
Cub Cadet SC 500Z - thoughts on the front casters? I am not too concerned about the extra work involved in altering cut height.
Cub Cadet SC 500HW
I have a 10,000 sq.ft. lot (with the house on it) which is very gently sloped. Mowing damp grass would be a consideration as I am in the Pacific Northwest.
Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Rivets]

I'm a Toro guy and if you are thinking about a Toro I would go up to the 20383, not the 20373. The steel deck will not last for 27 years, but the alloy deck will. I know there is a big price hike, but it is worth it. Steel deck drive wheels are also substandard. 20383 has 5 year warranty.

 

[Mower Doctor 78006]

Welcome to the lawn forums!!

 

[64americandeluxe]

Thanks for the replies!
I visited two dealers today and it looks like I will go with the Toro 20381 (aluminum deck). One of the dealers told me that the steel deck mowers were put on the market to keep up with the big box stores that sell inexpensive mowers - this was initiated by stock holders who wanted to increase the number of sales, not necessarily retain the quality.

I looked at the Ariens Razor (this is what I wanted to buy before I saw one in person )but there were a few things that turned me off. Firstly, when you remove and install the bag, it was a struggle as the opening on the bag would rub against the machine. It was as if the opening on the bag was a tad too small. The sale person also struggled with the removal/install so it wasn't just me. Also, the throttle lever would jam in the full open position (with the engine off) and to return it to the idle position, it required quite a bit of force and produced a snapping sound (didn't inspire confidence). It may have needed adjustment or repair, but being that it was new, the warning bells were going off in my head.

When I asked the second dealer about his Husqvarnas, he told me they were a step down from the Toros. They were decent mowers, but a notch below the Toros. Granted, when I told him I am replacing a 27 year old aluminum deck Toro, I guess he figured I wanted a machine that would last 10+ years and that may have been why he steered me towards the Toro and not the Husky.

For the money, the Toro seemed to provide the best value. For a difference of about $100 between the steel deck Recycler and the aluminum deck Super Recyclers, I thought the price difference was very reasonable for what you get. Much better quality wheels and tires, grease fittings on the drive axle etc.

I'm looking forward to the trip to the dealer tomorrow. I'll post some comments once I get it home and try it out.
Cheers!