Newbie to Lawn Mowers: Craftsman vs Husqvarna?

[dyzir13]

I am a new home owner and am now in the market for a lawn mower. I am looking to spend between $300 and $400. My yard is pretty low maintenance and is a little under 1/2 an acre. It is also fairly flat. So far I have found two models that I like.

First, a Husqvarna Self-Propelled for $359.00 Shop Husqvarna 7 Ft.-Lbs. Torque 22" Self-Propelled Gas Push Lawn Mower (CARB) at Lowes.com

Second, a Craftsman Self-Propelled for $299 ($275 on sale) Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

I am looking for a reliable brand that will give good performance. It'd also be nice if the brand also carried good trimmers and leaf blowers. I've also read a few things about Toro on here, but am not sure which model I would target. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[AnthemBassMan]

I'd say between those two, I would choose the Husqvarna. Both mowers are made by the same parent company, but the Husq has rear wheel drive. Just a simple matter of physics shows what happens once you start adding weight to the rear of a mower. The front wheel drive will lose traction, while the rear wheel drive will use the added weight to its benefit. If you don't have to have a new mower, you could look at some Toro Super Recyclers in your area on Craigslist.

L8R,
Matt

 

[JDsLawnCare]

I went to my local Honda dealer and got a Honda HRS2164SDA for 399 and some change out the door. I know they MSRP for 439+tax but could be worth lookin into...

 

[jimrs]

If your shopping at H.D and Lowes try this one.

Honda 21 in. 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke-HRR216K9VKA at The Home Depot

 

[AnthemBassMan]

That Honda is a pretty decent mower. If it's not too difficult to get the extra $$, then that would be the leader of the three.

L8R,
Matt

 

[ridiculously_necessary]

Another vote for the Honda