NT - Lawn Mower Suggestions?

[Tax Prep by Deb]

I need to replace my lawn mower. I purchased a new Honda Mower, but it has some serious problems and will be going back.

I want self-propelled and have about 1600 square feet of mainly flat lawn to mow. Does anyone have a particular make and model that they like? It has to be easy to use as I will be doing the mowing. Any help along this line will be appreciated as I have already wasted way too much time looking, researching, buying and returning. I want my next selection to be my last!

Deb!

[StevenL]

I have a Toro GTS self-propelled. I have had it for about 10 years with no problems just routine maintenance. It always starts up right away and cuts the lawn pretty good. It is the one I would recommend and will buy the next time I need a new lawnmower.

Hope this helps

Steven L

[Terry D EA]

Deb,

Don't get the mower in my post below. That one gives a whole new meaning to self-propelled. :)

[Tax Prep by Deb]

Deb,

Don't get the mower in my post below. That one gives a whole new meaning to self-propelled.

I can't remember when I had laughed so much. Your post was perfect on timing! My old mower would take you for a quick jog when you engaged the self-propelled feature. The funny thing is that on this Honda the one thing most people disliked was how touchy the self-propelled part was. Some said you either go too slow or way to fast. I had that sucker pulled back as far as I could get it and it was about 1/2 the speed of my old mower.

I hate change! I love my old mower but it has broke to many times in the last year and I have no one to fix it for me. So I pretty much have no choice but to go new.

I'm looking at a Toro at Home Depot, thinking about throwing in one of the day laborers that was on your post as well.

Deb!

[Lion EA]

When I could no longer start my old mower myself, I hired a lawn service for $35. It's worth it. No more mowing in the dark after work or trying to get it done before it rains or stirring up my allergy to grass.

[JohnH]

Before I switched to a lawn service, I used an electric mower. Once you figure out how to lay out the extension cord in a certian pattern, it's easy to do the mowing with very little effort to keep the cord in the right place. Aside from no exhaust fumes or keeping up with gasoline & oil, you never have to worry about the thing failing to start. Electrics are also very light, so they're much easier to push. Initial purchase cost is also very reasonable.

[jainen]

>>1600 square feet of mainly flat lawn to mow<<

A cow is nice. Sheep and goats need a lot of managing to avoid over-grazing. Actually, I don't know much about lawns. They're basically illegal here in Santa Cruz. The eco-nazis cause too much grief, so most of us just park cars there if it's in front or grow sensemilla out back.

[AnnieR]

We have a 26hp Sears lawn tractor with a 45" mower deck which is my husband's new boy toy! We also added a snow blower to the front of it...and that was really great with all the snow we had this winter. Of course we have an acre and a half of grass, plus he mows a neighbor's who can't do it for herself anymore, and he clears out our driveway and the neighbor's on either side of us. Keeps him busy and entertained! AnnieR

[kcjenkins]

>>1600 square feet of mainly flat lawn to mow<<

A cow is nice. Sheep and goats need a lot of managing to avoid over-grazing.

Cows leave LARGE 'deposits' that are smelly and nasty to step in. Goats leave little 'pills' that are much drier and less smelly. But a mower makes a lot less work than either.

[Lion EA]

Thank goodness I don't have to walk behind a cow! I looked at a Mediterranean house when I was buying in CA that had a yard covered in white gravel. No mowing necessary.

[Catherine]

<snip>grow sensemilla out back.

That'll keep you smiling, jainen.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

We live by an acre or so of woods and have lots of trees. Our front yard is ground cover and stones in a pretty design that looks like a stream flowing. We put out baskets of flowers with a few things that bloom in the shade. No mowing at all. The back is some scraggly grass and assorted wildflowers and wild strawberries, lots of bird feeders on a plot just for that and stone patio. Truly minimal maintenance.

[Catherine]

We live by an acre or so of woods and have lots of trees. Our front yard is ground cover and stones in a pretty design that looks like a stream flowing. We put out baskets of flowers with a few things that bloom in the shade. No mowing at all. The back is some scraggly grass and assorted wildflowers and wild strawberries, lots of bird feeders on a plot just for that and stone patio. Truly minimal maintenance.

That sounds so pretty! After 4/15, please upload a picture or two!

Catherine

[Margaret CPA in OH]

I will try to remember - along with the diving photos. There is a chance I have something around already as this work was primarily done for the brunch following our son's wedding last May. The guests were nearly all from out of town so I wanted to have a good sendoff. The house, in and out, never looked better before or since!

[Dan]

I need to replace my lawn mower. I purchased a new Honda Mower, but it has some serious problems and will be going back.

I want self-propelled and have about 1600 square feet of mainly flat lawn to mow. Does anyone have a particular make and model that they like? It has to be easy to use as I will be doing the mowing. Any help along this line will be appreciated as I have already wasted way too much time looking, researching, buying and returning. I want my next selection to be my last!

Deb!

To me the Snapper mower is the best one to buy. My wife doesn't mind using it.

[Slippery Pencil]

I bought a used Toro Recycler self-propelled mulching mower five or six years ago at a garage sale for $40. Looked about 10 years old at the time. Even being a scrawny out of shape accountant I've started the thing with one pull every time. So I'd highly recommend something from your local garage sales, though I think this is even a better idea: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/31390031#31390031

[Tax Prep by Deb]

I bought a used Toro Recycler self-propelled mulching mower five or six years ago at a garage sale for $40. Looked about 10 years old at the time. Even being a scrawny out of shape accountant I've started the thing with one pull every time. So I'd highly recommend something from your local garage sales, though I think this is even a better idea: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/31390031#31390031

I would love an animal of some sort to take care of the lawn however city ordinances wouldn't allow it.

I have selected a Toro Recycler self-propelled mulching mower. I'll give it a try on Friday. As to buying one at a garage sale, well if I wanted a used mower I would have mine repaired. I want something I don't have to wonder if it will work this week. I want to know that when I'm ready to mow my mower is ready to mow. Fortunately I can buy it from a place that will allow me to use it for a month and if I don't like it I can take it back. So I will keep my fingers crossed that this one will do. Otherwise it will be back to the drawing board.

Deb!