I will be replacing my old push lawnmower this year. I have a 80'x120' yard and am looking for a nice self propelled lawn mower. I've likely narrowed down my search between a Honda or a Toro. I'm open to suggestions and thoughts. Should I be considering another brand? How do you feel about Honda vs Toro?
I have the Honda, 21" self propelled 6.75 HP. I can't say enough good things about it. I think they're better than Toro.
Toro makes push mowers of different grades. You can get a commercial grade Toro that'll beat the socks off anything Honda makes. But, you'll pay for it. Why do you need a self-propelled unit for less than a 1/4ac.?
I don't need the self propelled unit. My wife cuts grass as well and she wants a self propelled because she is on the smaller side. I didn't argue with her. It still is a 30-35min job to cut our lawn. Here are the two I'm comparing. This one: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/...P2LM&modelname=HRR216K5VXA&modelid=HRR2165VXA Can get it for $499. Pro's $100 cheaper Twin Blade design Ball Bearing wheels Con's Steel Deck 3 year warranty Dealer is 45min away for service Or: This one: http://www.toro.com/home/mowers/superbagger/20197.html I can get this one for $599 Pro's -Appears the Bagger system is better even though I would only use that when either the grass gets too long or in fall to collect leaves. -Cast Aluminum Frame -5 year warranty. -Dealer is 15min away for service Con's -$100 more -Non Ball bearing wheels Both units have: -The same exact engine. Honda GCV160 -Blade stop system.
as long as you go to a real toro dealership, not home depot and the like, you'll find these commercial grade mowers, and like gmmat says, best push mowers you can buy... I find honda's to be about $100 overpriced across the board, doesn't make em bad, just expensive...
Another question. Anyone know where Toro's are made and where the Honda's are made? I think the Honda may be made in Ohio or NC but someone verify this if you know.
We've got a Toro push mower that we don't really even use anymore... I have no idea what model it is, but it's self propelled and isn't anything overly fancy. I'm primarily the person that mows the yard unless my dad decides to jump on the John Deere and pull the finishing mower behind. I used our weed-whacker to to most of the trimming. Like I said, I don't have anything bad to say about it, we just don't use it that much anymore.
I'm not so sure about that. I just compared them and believe that I'd still prefer the Honda. Most all the commercial Toro's are powered by Honda anyway. So really, they're both Hondas.
And Honda makes commercial mowers as well. So we need to make sure we are comparing apples to apples. Commercial vs Commercial. Homeowner vs. Homeowner. For me, I'm buying a top level homeowner grade one I think.
You know, I couldn't find the commercial mowers by Honda. So I compared this one to the commercial Torros. I still thought it was a fair fight. http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/models.aspx?page=models§ion=P2LM&category=hrx
Here you go. http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/models.aspx?page=models§ion=P2LM&category=hrc
FTR, I know the Toro I have listed above is a quality built unit as well. I'm learning towards the Toro because the dealer is closer by, the 5 year warranty and the deck that will last forever in being the cast aluminum. I also think they look a little better if it matters. I still get the Honda engine even when buying the Toro which is huge to me. It's a tough call.
Greg, What do you think about that twin blade design on the Honda? Does it help? Is it hard to get your blades re sharped? Shed some light on this for me.
The 4 blade system is great. I can mulch some pretty tall, thick grass and not see clippings after cutting. It also works great for mulching leaves in the fall. Turns them into nickel sized chips that won't blow out of your garden. The blades are easy to sharpen. The mower is a little thirsty but the power to get things done is worth it. The speed control is infinitely variable. At full speed, you be damn near running. Low speed is great for bagging leaves, just ride right over them. Fast and efficient. One thing...... The polymer deck is strong and sturdy and should last forever as well. The best thing though is that it's lighter and makes the mower very easy to handle. Chicks dig it!!
00 The Honda one I'm looking at (above) is still the steel deck. To get the features I want with the cast deck we are now talking in the $700 range. That is a lot of money for a walk behind (to me). I do like the thought of the twin blade (four blade as you call it) design. Someone should push me off the cliff either way. Jeff thinks I have it all figured out. Not so fast my friend.
Don't buy a mower because of blades. Just put whichever blades you want on the mower you like best. There are more options out there than you think you have. Do some research. It'll be fun.
So that blade design isn't exclusive to Honda? Could I buy a toro and put that twin blade on? I'm dumb so help me out. As an engineer, it makes sense to me to grind up the the cuttings better with two (four) blades. I figured that was a Honda only part (two blades). Clarify please. Jeff, of the two above, which one would you get? Assuming you had an additional $100 in your pocket if you pick the Honda.
For the diff. in cost.....and for <1/4ac., I'd buy the cheapest one I could find. There's nothing proprietary about lawn mower blades. I'm sure Toro makes a mulching blade that they offer for their machines. If not, someone does (that'll fit the Toro).
I could buy the Poplin Pro (or whatever they are called) for something like $120. I love my snowblower (Areins) and know that will be with me for 20 more years. Everytime I start that thing up I love it. I want a good quality lawn mower. Honestly, I've never purchase a Lawnmower. I've always either inherited one or one was gave to me because they didn't need it. I'm sick of the basic and want something really nice. I agree with you that I don't have this big yard and probably don't need top of the line. Just want the best product for my money.
