Totally OT - Lightweight Pushmower Recommendations

YukonRon · April 2016

My 30 something, walk behind Pushmower tapped out for the last time, meaning no more duct tape and coat hangers can be used to keep it going.
have not looked at push behind mowers in years, so, I am looking for the expert guidance in brands models and features. I have a relatively small yard with some very steep inclines. Self propelled mowers do more damage than good. Looking lightweight....
any suggestions, other than goats and other forms of animal husbandry will be considered.

Jupiter Jim · April 2016

Last summer I was looking at some with 4 wheel drive as I have steep inclines too, Husqvarna makes them. I ended up getting a new carb for the old mower for $25.00 off internet and old mower made it another summer. I have not fired it up yet this year so who knows. Good luck when I was looking all of them were very heavy. Jim

reload · April 2016

Honda makes a wonderful line of push mowers. The motors are second to none in my opinion. Several years ago I worked for a family owned business that rented small and large equipment. The owner insisted on purchasing Honda small engines. Other small engines would have maintenance issues and break down on a regular basis. This was never the case with Honda. As such, I've owned a Honda weed-eater for over ten years now. Good luck with your push mower purchase and definitely look at what Honda has to offer. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Hub · April 2016

Absolutely 100% positively without a doubt go with a Honda. Don't even considering anything else. They cost a little more but if you take decent care of them they will last forever and you will never have a problem with them. I have two ... have had them 15 plus years ... never a problem. They always crank on the first or second pull of the rope.

RedSkip · April 2016

Toro Recycler 21" cut with Briggs & Stratton motor, electric start or pull start depending on your needs.

Self propelled with rear wheel or front wheel drive options.

If you decide to get the Toro, don't get the Honda motor, the model used for this mower is not as reliable.

Lastly, no busting on Honda. They make great products as listed above, just not the model engine used in the Toro Recycler.

Have you tried Consumer Reports reviews?

GregW · April 2016

My Honda HRC 216 commercial self propelled 21 inch bagger is now 22 years old.
It recently had it's first issue. It developed a shudder in the hydrostatic drive.
A little research indicated it might need a little fluid added to the transmission.
It only holds 1/3 quart of trans oil.
I added a few ounces of oil and all is well.

It still cranks on the first pull.

You can't beat this kind of reliability.

Carolina Q · April 2016

I have a Toro "personal pace" self propelled. If you walk faster, it will GO faster. When you get out of breath and slow down, it will too. Automatically. Had it for 5 or 6 years now and it still works great. Starts on the first pull every time. Toro also makes an all-wheel drive version if that would help in your situation.

The only problem I had was last year when the self propelled stopped working. It has a belt drive system and the belt had stretched to the point that it jumped off the pulley. I didn't even have to replace it, I just popped it back on and adjusted it a bit tighter so it wouldn't pop off again, then finished mowing the lawn.

Some smaller shops used to let you try them out though I don't know if that's still possible. Before I bought my first Toro, 30+ years ago, I actually came home with a Honda self propelled walk behind for demo. I really wanted to buy Honda, but I couldn't stand how painfully SLOW it was. One speed only. I took it back and bought a Toro.

I would buy Toro again. If Honda is now faster (and variable speed), I might try one, but don't know how I could be happier with that than I have been with the Toros.

YukonRon · April 2016

RedSkip said:

Toro Recycler 21" cut with Briggs & Stratton motor, electric start or pull start depending on your needs.

Self propelled with rear wheel or front wheel drive options.

If you decide to get the Toro, don't get the Honda motor, the model used for this mower is not as reliable.

Lastly, no busting on Honda. They make great products as listed above, just not the model engine used in the Toro Recycler.

Have you tried Consumer Reports reviews?

@RedSkip thank you for the input, we SE members of CR and have researched extensively the data they have provided. However their data is void of the angle of incline I have to deal with. That is why I am looking for suggestions from the experts here. Weight is a big issue. The wheel drive is a major issue with these inclines (Short yet steep), and the wheels rip up the grass while I push, leaving massive holes in the lawn when the mower fails to move forward.
CR recommends a Cub Cadet, gas model for lightweight mowers, non self propelled.

YukonRon · April 2016

Jupiter Jim said:

Last summer I was looking at some with 4 wheel drive as I have steep inclines too, Husqvarna makes them. I ended up getting a new carb for the old mower for $25.00 off internet and old mower made it another summer. I have not fired it up yet this year so who knows. Good luck when I was looking all of them were very heavy. Jim

Thank you @Jupiter Jim I am doing research, your input is valued and helpful. Weight is the key, long term durability is great, but with what I have left for legs, I need something easy to handle on these short yet steep hills.
Thanks again.

YukonRon · April 2016

reload said:

Honda makes a wonderful line of push mowers. The motors are second to none in my opinion. Several years ago I worked for a family owned business that rented small and large equipment. The owner insisted on purchasing Honda small engines. Other small engines would have maintenance issues and break down on a regular basis. This was never the case with Honda. As such, I've owned a Honda weed-eater for over ten years now. Good luck with your push mower purchase and definitely look at what Honda has to offer. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thank you @reload and I agree with your take on Honda. I have their generator, and it is an awesome machine. My problem, is they are built with high quality, and as such, high quality equates to weight. With what I have left for legs, the ones I have seen and lifted, are too heavy. I admit I have not seen them all, but if you know of lightweight model, I would be on it like bark on a tree.
Thank you again for you input, it was helpful.

YukonRon · April 2016

Hub said:

Absolutely 100% positively without a doubt go with a Honda. Don't even considering anything else. They cost a little more but if you take decent care of them they will last forever and you will never have a problem with them. I have two ... have had them 15 plus years ... never a problem. They always crank on the first or second pull of the rope.

Thank you @Hub I absolutely agree, but my research has not yielded a model with the weight parameters I require due to my legs being in very bad shape, and the terrain I have to deal with. If you know of a lightweight model, I would love to know about it.
again thank you for the response, I appreciate and value your comments.

YukonRon · April 2016

GregW said:

My Honda HRC 216 commercial self propelled 21 inch bagger is now 22 years old.
It recently had it's first issue. It developed a shudder in the hydrostatic drive.
A little research indicated it might need a little fluid added to the transmission.
It only holds 1/3 quart of trans oil.
I added a few ounces of oil and all is well.

It still cranks on the first pull.

You can't beat this kind of reliability.

@GregW Absolutely agree with your comments, and thank you for sharing. They are most helpful. Any idea of a light model with Honda? If there is I am on it. My legs are messed up from the feet up. I need something lightweight, for the short, yet very steep, hills which are a bear to deal with.
thank you.

GregW · April 2016

Carolina Q said:

I have a Toro "personal pace" self propelled. If you walk faster, it will GO faster. When you get out of breath and slow down, it will too. Automatically. Had it for 5 or 6 years now and it still works great. Starts on the first pull every time. Toro also makes an all-wheel drive version if that would help in your situation.

The only problem I had was last year when the self propelled stopped working. It has a belt drive system and the belt had stretched to the point that it jumped off the pulley. I didn't even have to replace it, I just popped it back on and adjusted it a bit tighter so it wouldn't pop off again, then finished mowing the lawn.

Some smaller shops used to let you try them out though I don't know if that's still possible. Before I bought my first Toro, 30+ years ago, I actually came home with a Honda self propelled walk behind for demo. I really wanted to buy Honda, but I couldn't stand how painfully SLOW it was. One speed only. I took it back and bought a Toro.

I would buy Toro again. If Honda is now faster (and variable speed), I might try one, but don't know how I could be happier with that than I have been with the Toros.

The Honda's with the hydrostatic transmissions are infinitely variable speed.

GregW · April 2016

YukonRon said:

Hub said:

Absolutely 100% positively without a doubt go with a Honda. Don't even considering anything else. They cost a little more but if you take decent care of them they will last forever and you will never have a problem with them. I have two ... have had them 15 plus years ... never a problem. They always crank on the first or second pull of the rope.

Thank you @Hub I absolutely agree, but my research has not yielded a model with the weight parameters I require due to my legs being in very bad shape, and the terrain I have to deal with. If you know of a lightweight model, I would love to know about it.
again thank you for the response, I appreciate and value your comments.

My HRC 216 weighs 125# with a tank of fuel.
With that kind of weight you quickly learn to let the machine do the work. If you are doing single row mowing across the face of a hill I always turn the mower uphill at the the turn around. This way the trans holds the weight.

I will say the weight does allow it to pull great going uphill. It will literally drag me up the steep hill in my front yard.

YukonRon · April 2016

Carolina Q said:

I have a Toro "personal pace" self propelled. If you walk faster, it will GO faster. When you get out of breath and slow down, it will too. Automatically. Had it for 5 or 6 years now and it still works great. Starts on the first pull every time. Toro also makes an all-wheel drive version if that would help in your situation.

The only problem I had was last year when the self propelled stopped working. It has a belt drive system and the belt had stretched to the point that it jumped off the pulley. I didn't even have to replace it, I just popped it back on and adjusted it a bit tighter so it wouldn't pop off again, then finished mowing the lawn.

Some smaller shops used to let you try them out though I don't know if that's still possible. Before I bought my first Toro, 30+ years ago, I actually came home with a Honda self propelled walk behind for demo. I really wanted to buy Honda, but I couldn't stand how painfully SLOW it was. One speed only. I took it back and bought a Toro.

I would buy Toro again. If Honda is now faster (and variable speed), I might try one, but don't know how I could be happier with that than I have been with the Toros.

I have had a Toro, in fact my last that just passed on was a toro. It gave me all she had for years, as I used her for exercise cutting 1.5 acres. Loved it. But I have moved since then, and my needs have vastly changed. Toro like many other high quality machines are built for durability. With durability comes weight.
I have been looking to replace my mower with another but they are too heavy for my bad legs dealing with the terrain of our home.
Thank you @Carolina Q for your insight, it has been most helpful.

Biggreenpharmacist · April 2016

I have a small troybilt with a honda motor. Ive only ever changed airfilter and blades on it. Pulls and starts every season. Its 13 years old now and I have zero complaints.

Carolina Q · April 2016

GregW said:
The Honda's with the hydrostatic transmissions are infinitely variable speed.

Cool. My experience was long ago. Memory fades so it might have done that, but if it did, top end was a bare crawl. That, I'm sure of.

Mickey · April 2016

YukonRon said:

Jupiter Jim said:

Last summer I was looking at some with 4 wheel drive as I have steep inclines too, Husqvarna makes them. I ended up getting a new carb for the old mower for $25.00 off internet and old mower made it another summer. I have not fired it up yet this year so who knows. Good luck when I was looking all of them were very heavy. Jim

Thank you @Jupiter Jim I am doing research, your input is valued and helpful. Weight is the key, long term durability is great, but with what I have left for legs, I need something easy to handle on these short yet steep hills.
Thanks again.

Looked at them this morning at Lowe's. They have a Honda motor. $499 and if you have a VA card 10% off that.

gdenby · April 2016

I've been using an older model Newton electric mower for the last 8 years. My lot is 1/4 acre, but has a very steep 6' incline at the front. The Newton does not deal well w. long or wet grass. I use it every 10 days, max, during peak growing season. But it does weigh only 50 lbs, and is quiet enough that my wife doesn't get PO'd when I mow before she gets out of bed on the weekends.

I'm looking at a newer model that has a bigger swath and battery, and so is somewhat heavier. At this point, yanking a lanyard to start a gasoline motor is not appealing, and the cost of one w. an electric ignition is more than I want to pay.

pescadorzih · April 2016

I have a honda push mower. Plastic deck on it. It has lasted 15+ years so far. Mine is not self propelled. I'm only mowing an 1/8 acre.
That's all the grass I want to deal with. Plus, its not too much for the wife to deal with when I'm on the road.

NonaScott · April 2016

Ready for the plate

NC_Egghead · April 2016

@YukonRon, you may want to consider a mower that has the larger wheels in the back. They tend to have less resistance and thus roll better. I agree with everyone here about the Honda motors; they are very reliable. I've got a 15 yr old pressure washer with one on it and it cranks right up. BUT, with that being said, the mower I bought a couple of years ago was a Craftsman. It replaced a 20+ yr old Craftsman I got from my Dad. The old one was much heavier than the new one. My new one has the larger rear wheels since I have an incline to mow in my front yard. It is also self propelled and will go as fast or as slow as you wish. It has a B&S motor. Not a Honda but it too cranks right up. I'm. It not sure how much it weighs but it's definitely lighter than the old one. Next time you're near a Sears, you may want to check one out.

Jeremiah · April 2016

Kinda late to the party here but throw another vote for the Honda commercial push mower here. Next to my eggs, and my Honda commercial pressure washer, it may be the best single purchase I've ever made. Mine is the self propelled model which makes it a little heavier, but once you learn to let it do the work, it's weight works for itself. Never, never will I ever go with another brand.

E-ville Egg · April 2016

For a lightweight mower I'd suggest a craftsman with the Briggs and Stratton silver engine. Have one for the lake house which has a steep incline and it does the trick. It's a relatively cheap mower and the motor is really simple to work on. I much prefer my old John Deere self propelled but it's a heavy son of a ****.

http://m.craftsman.com/craftsman-125cc-ohv-briggs-stratton-2-in-1/p-07137218000P

GregW · April 2016

YukonRon said:

GregW said:

My Honda HRC 216 commercial self propelled 21 inch bagger is now 22 years old.
It recently had it's first issue. It developed a shudder in the hydrostatic drive.
A little research indicated it might need a little fluid added to the transmission.
It only holds 1/3 quart of trans oil.
I added a few ounces of oil and all is well.

It still cranks on the first pull.

You can't beat this kind of reliability.

@GregW Absolutely agree with your comments, and thank you for sharing. They are most helpful. Any idea of a light model with Honda? If there is I am on it. My legs are messed up from the feet up. I need something lightweight, for the short, yet very steep, hills which are a bear to deal with.
thank you.

Ron, It looks like the Honda's may all be too heavy.
I see some around 70# all the way up to close to 100#

The heavy weight of the Honda's can be overcome to an extent by making the mower do all the work. It would be a beast to man handle. With the continuous variable transmission its easy to make it do the work for you. It's very easy to feather the transmission speed. As I've mentioned I always turn around with the mower going uphill. I then release the drive lever and let the mover roll backward (while breaking with the trans) until it's in line with the next mover pass.
I never feel any of the mower weight.

I will keep looking for something that might be more light weight.

YukonRon · April 2016

NC_Egghead said:

@YukonRon, you may want to consider a mower that has the larger wheels in the back. They tend to have less resistance and thus roll better. I agree with everyone here about the Honda motors; they are very reliable. I've got a 15 yr old pressure washer with one on it and it cranks right up. BUT, with that being said, the mower I bought a couple of years ago was a Craftsman. It replaced a 20+ yr old Craftsman I got from my Dad. The old one was much heavier than the new one. My new one has the larger rear wheels since I have an incline to mow in my front yard. It is also self propelled and will go as fast or as slow as you wish. It has a B&S motor. Not a Honda but it too cranks right up. I'm. It not sure how much it weighs but it's definitely lighter than the old one. Next time you're near a Sears, you may want to check one out.

@NC_Egghead my neighbor across the street from me has a lawnmower that would have been old enough to vote during the Reagan presidency, and that mower is a Craftsman. It is one heavy son of a bidch. It still starts on the first pull. It weighs just a bit more than mine, but, I will check out a Craftsman. They have to be getting lighter, because there is no way they can get heavier.
Thank you for the help, it is very much appreciated.

YukonRon · April 2016

GregW said:

YukonRon said:

GregW said:

My Honda HRC 216 commercial self propelled 21 inch bagger is now 22 years old.
It recently had it's first issue. It developed a shudder in the hydrostatic drive.
A little research indicated it might need a little fluid added to the transmission.
It only holds 1/3 quart of trans oil.
I added a few ounces of oil and all is well.

It still cranks on the first pull.

You can't beat this kind of reliability.

@GregW Absolutely agree with your comments, and thank you for sharing. They are most helpful. Any idea of a light model with Honda? If there is I am on it. My legs are messed up from the feet up. I need something lightweight, for the short, yet very steep, hills which are a bear to deal with.
thank you.

Ron, It looks like the Honda's may all be too heavy.
I see some around 70# all the way up to close to 100#

The heavy weight of the Honda's can be overcome to an extent by making the mower do all the work. It would be a beast to man handle. With the continuous variable transmission its easy to make it do the work for you. It's very easy to feather the transmission speed. As I've mentioned I always turn around with the mower going uphill. I then release the drive lever and let the mover roll backward (while breaking with the trans) until it's in line with the next mover pass.
I never feel any of the mower weight.

I will keep looking for something that might be more light weight.

Thank you. I will head over to a Honda store and look at them. I did go to HD, and looked at their line up of Honda push mowers, and all they had at this store were some major brutes, with nothing approaching less than 80#. A couple were still in boxes, and Itried to gauge the weight by lifting them, nothing was below 90.
Thank you for the help.

YukonRon · April 2016

E-ville Egg said:

For a lightweight mower I'd suggest a craftsman with the Briggs and Stratton silver engine. Have one for the lake house which has a steep incline and it does the trick. It's a relatively cheap mower and the motor is really simple to work on. I much prefer my old John Deere self propelled but it's a heavy son of a ****.

http://m.craftsman.com/craftsman-125cc-ohv-briggs-stratton-2-in-1/p-07137218000P

@E-ville Egg thank you for the information on the Craftsman, that is something that may be just what I need. I will check it out.
I appreciate your help.

YukonRon · April 2016

Jeremiah said:

Kinda late to the party here but throw another vote for the Honda commercial push mower here. Next to my eggs, and my Honda commercial pressure washer, it may be the best single purchase I've ever made. Mine is the self propelled model which makes it a little heavier, but once you learn to let it do the work, it's weight works for itself. Never, never will I ever go with another brand.

@Jeremiah thank you for the response, as I remain interested in the Honda. The incline I need to mow, is impossible to do with a self propelled, without doing major damage to the grass. If I can find a non self propelled around 60 dollars, I would by it.
Thank you for the input, it was most helpful.

XLentEGG · April 2016

Lightest I have ever had , was a four stroke 21inch lawnboy. I sometimes have to put a mower in the back of my truck to mow my mothers yard. The lawnboy is lighter than my cub cadet , and my cub cadet is waay lighter than a Honda harmony .

theyolksonyou · April 2016

Have you thought about a reel mower? Sounds like you have nice grass instead of weeds. Would give you a nice clean cut. Come in powered and man powered.

They weight in at less than 50#.

Totally OT - Lightweight Pushmower Recommendations

Comments

Categories