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Noob question here--


I'm looking at picking up a few yards to mow this coming season for a little "fun money" and something to do on the side. I live in a Townhome where the HOA takes care of the yards so I don't own a mower. I'm looking for suggestions on a walk behind that won't break the bank but is still reliable. Also assuming I should have something that would mulch as well as bag?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. (Finding customers ect)

I would recommend a Toro model 20381. It has a cast aluminum deck, will bag, side discharge and mulch. With a price tag of roughly $500, it has a five year warranty and should fit you situation quite well.

Dscheoeder83 said:

Noob question here--


I'm looking at picking up a few yards to mow this coming season for a little "fun money" and something to do on the side. I live in a Townhome where the HOA takes care of the yards so I don't own a mower. I'm looking for suggestions on a walk behind that won't break the bank but is still reliable. Also assuming I should have something that would mulch as well as bag?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. (Finding customers ect)

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I think you should look at Honda or Toro mowers. I like Honda's, personally. Since Rivets recommended a $500 mower, I will recommend a similar priced mower. If you are willing to spend a little more let us know. The Honda HRR216VYA is priced at $559 on the Honda website, but there are places that will sell it for $100 less. I would avoid Home Depot. This mower is good because it has the blade brake clutch (stop the blades without stopping the engine). And yes you would want a mower that can both bag and mulch. This HRR mower can do both without a mulch plug, since it has a Clip Director (just move the "switch" from one setting to the other).

Honda Lawn Mowers: HRR216VYA, HRR216K8VYA

I think either Honda or Toro would be your best bet.

As for more advice, I would try flyers and yard signs. They worked well. But the best form of advertising is word-of-mouth. Do a good job and people will notice! :thumbsup:

I was hoping for the 2-250 price range. Anything around that area worth looking at? At only a few yards a week not sure if I can justify 500

Dscheoeder83 said:

I was hoping for the 2-250 price range. Anything around that area worth looking at? At only a few yards a week not sure if I can justify 500

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You are not going to find much in that price range. Even a "entry-level" Lawn Boy mower is priced at a bit over $250. And I'm not going to recommend that. I would at least try to go into the 300's price wise, if you can afford it. Or you might want to look for a good used mower.

Maybe something like this (used):

Honda Quadra Cut MULCHING LAWN MOWER lawn mower NO BAG

Toro lawn mower

Get a Troy Built mower with honda engine on it. If looking for a self propelled then get Snapper friction disc drive mower. Best self propelled system around to have.

I'm sure ill get flamed for Asking (fire away if deserved). Was looking online at HD at a 3 in 1 yard machine push mower (grew up pushing lawn boys so I don't mind) with a Briggs that was $240 the Hondas are kinda priced out of my range for new mowers.

homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203569854/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Dscheoeder83 said:

I'm sure ill get flamed for Asking (fire away if deserved). Was looking online at HD at a 3 in 1 yard machine push mower (grew up pushing lawn boys so I don't mind) with a Briggs that was $240 the Hondas are kinda priced out of my range for new mowers.

homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203569854/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

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:ashamed::ashamed::ashamed:

Ric said:

:ashamed::ashamed::ashamed:

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Look for a used John Deere 14sb. They will go used anywhere from 200-300 dollars, and you will have a very well built mower that bags, mulches, and discharges, and an engine that starts up first pull. That will be more than enough to take care of a few yards.

Aaron

Dscheoeder83 said:

I'm sure ill get flamed for Asking (fire away if deserved). Was looking online at HD at a 3 in 1 yard machine push mower (grew up pushing lawn boys so I don't mind) with a Briggs that was $240 the Hondas are kinda priced out of my range for new mowers.

homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203569854/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

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I've got basically that same mower since 2008 except it says Craftsman on it and is self propelled. The deck is pretty much the same.

It's OK for what it is - don't much care for the flathead engine - it seems to be down on power as it bogs easily when the grass got somewhat high.
Forget about mulching if the grass is got overgrown or even a little long - it clumps like crazy and you'll end up blowing it afterwards to disperse it.
It's OK as a side discharge - if the grass is high it will plug up the output opening.
Bag is very small - plan on emptying frequently.

That being said, it has been reliable for me. I change the oil 1-2x a season (2x since I had been mowing .4 acres with it the past year and a half), replace the drive wheels every year (the plastic strips), plugs and air filter every year. It starts reliably, uses little to no oil and is OK that way.

Don't know I'd want to do many lawns with it as the cut quality, even with a sharp blade is just OK. Didn't realize that until I upgraded to a rider a month ago.

I'd look at a Toro or Lawn Boy and spend a little extra $$. Definitely look for something with an OHV engine - they tend to use less fuel and are quieter. Not a fan of anything Honda - overrated mediocre stuff, IMHO.

A few other things you will need will be a gas or battery string trimmer (depending on the size of the lawns you may get away with a battery one) as well as some sort of blower. You're going to have to trim around stuff as well as blow (or sweep) off your debris.

I still think you could get more bang for your buck with a good used mower (Honda, Toro, Snapper, etc.) that is maybe out of your price range new, but you can afford it used. Like these:

Honda self propelled lawnmower

Toro lawn mower

LMF--


Good point on used, just don't want someone else's worn out junk but I know enough from working on and being around stuff to know what I'm looking for mechanically.

Thoughts on husqvarna mowers? I can get this for about $250

eBay.com/viewitem?itemId=231002807870

Dscheoeder83 said:

LMF--


Good point on used, just don't want someone else's worn out junk but I know enough from working on and being around stuff to know what I'm looking for mechanically.

Thoughts on husqvarna mowers? I can get this for about $250

eBay.com/viewitem?itemId=231002807870

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I pasted that URL in my browser and nothing came up. So I don't know which one you are referring to, but some don't have the best reviews. But I have never used a Husqvarna mower personally.

Husqvarna Model 5521p

lawn mower fanatic said:

I pasted that URL in my browser and nothing came up. So I don't know which one you are referring to, but some don't have the best reviews. But I have never used a Husqvarna mower personally.

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Here's the link.

New Husqvarna 5521P 21" 140cc Gas Powered 3 in 1 Push Grass Lawn Mower Briggs | eBay

Dscheoeder83 said:

LMF--


Good point on used, just don't want someone else's worn out junk but I know enough from working on and being around stuff to know what I'm looking for mechanically.

Thoughts on husqvarna mowers? I can get this for about $250

eBay.com/viewitem?itemId=231002807870

Click to expand...

If was buying a husqvarna walk behind it have to be one with a kohler or honda engine on it instead of a briggs.

Any particular reason on the engine or just preference?

Dscheoeder83 said:

Any particular reason on the engine or just preference?

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Its my preference and I think the Kohler or Honda would last longer than the Briggs.