New to Forum and Lawn Mower

[ds1]

Hi Everyone,

My old Toro mower of 10+ years finally came to a slow death this past weekend. I researched a number of different brands and narrowed it down to either a Troy built TB 230 for $299 at Lowes or a Honda HRR2169VKA for $399 @ Home Depot. I used my neighbors Troy Bilt when mine broke a few days ago and liked it a lot. I was pretty certain that it was the one I wanted then I read mixed reviews about how well they are built. The Honda had great reviews. I went to buy the Honda tonight and it was actually 25% off because someone tried it out and returned it. The final price was $299.

My question is if you think I made a decent purchase or should I return the Honda and go for the Troy Built?

Thanks in advance,
DS

 

[mowerman05]

Welcome to the forum. I have no experience with the mowers you are looking at but rest assured someone on this forum does as there are very few questions that go unanswered.:thumbsup:

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Hi Everyone,

My old Toro mower of 10+ years finally came to a slow death this past weekend. I researched a number of different brands and narrowed it down to either a Troy built TB 230 for $299 at Lowes or a Honda HRR2169VKA for $399 @ Home Depot. I used my neighbors Troy Bilt when mine broke a few days ago and liked it a lot. I was pretty certain that it was the one I wanted then I read mixed reviews about how well they are built. The Honda had great reviews. I went to buy the Honda tonight and it was actually 25% off because someone tried it out and returned it. The final price was $299.

My question is if you think I made a decent purchase or should I return the Honda and go for the Troy Built?

Thanks in advance,
DS

I think you will be very happy with the Honda! :thumbsup:

 

[Jehelam]

I also bought a Honda HRR series after having a miserable time with a Toro. Had the Honda for many years and loved it. Only reason I sold it was I moved to a larger lot and had to get a ZTR. If I needed a small walk-behind again I would definitely get the Honda again.

 

[JSB33]

I went to Lowes the other day and outside they had a lineup of Troy Bilts that had been returned and repaired. There was at least 5 of them out there. Not really a strong endorsement for the brand. What were they thinking?

Honda makes a great mower and its a decided step up from the TB, I think it will serve you well with a lot more longevity.
You may want to look for a local Honda dealer and buy it from them, that way it will be running and tested when you buy it instead of just getting a large box like you do at the Depot. Support the independent local businessman.

 

[djdicetn]

I went to Lowes the other day and outside they had a lineup of Troy Bilts that had been returned and repaired. There was at least 5 of them out there. Not really a strong endorsement for the brand. What were they thinking?

Honda makes a great mower and its a decided step up from the TB, I think it will serve you well with a lot more longevity.
You may want to look for a local Honda dealer and buy it from them, that way it will be running and tested when you buy it instead of just getting a large box like you do at the Depot. Support the independent local businessman.

I don't know it for a fact, but I suspect that Troy-Bilt doesn't manufacture much of anything with their name on it outside the tillers(their "original" product). I(regretfully) bought a 4-stroke Troy-Bilt gas powered string trimmer at Lowes only to discover it was a "cheaply built" Ryobi trimmer(much cheaper components than the Ryobi 2-stroke it was replacing). I would "guess" that the Troy-Bilt lawn mowers(and ZTR's) are most likely built by MTD. Soooo, I would be wary of the "Bilt" by in Troy-Bilt:0)

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I don't know it for a fact, but I suspect that Troy-Bilt doesn't manufacture much of anything with their name on it outside the tillers(their "original" product). I(regretfully) bought a 4-stroke Troy-Bilt gas powered string trimmer at Lowes only to discover it was a "cheaply built" Ryobi trimmer(much cheaper components than the Ryobi 2-stroke it was replacing). I would "guess" that the Troy-Bilt lawn mowers(and ZTR's) are most likely built by MTD. Soooo, I would be wary of the "Bilt" by in Troy-Bilt:0)

:laughing: And yes, a lot of their mowers seem to be built by MTD.

 

[possum]

As long as the Honda has the full warranty and is not damaged then it would seem to me to be a good buy. I would try it and if I liked it then I would keep it. As far as the Troybilt thing goes it is no secret most Troybilt items are made by MTD. On the mower in question there are stickers on it that say MTD. The manual says right on the first page. Thank You for buying a MTD product. I do not know how long those Troybilts will run. But I do know they are mowing machines in just about any grass you put them in. They will walk you right into the ground unless you get done, run out of gas, or get to tired to press on the speed control.