Lawn Mower Choice - Need Help

[ZeeTX]

CHOICE #1

Murray Pro Series 4.75 HP 20" Rear Bag and Mulching Lawn Mower

Murray Pro Series 4.75 HP 20" Rear Bagging, Mulching Lawn Mower has 8" front and rear wheels with 7 position height adjusters and comes with a Four Year Limited Warranty. The mower is fully assembled, simply unfold the handles and tighten 2 wing

http://img249.echo.cx/img249/8999/ch14bt.jpg

Final Price = $260

----------------------------------------------------------------


CHOICE #2

http://img249.echo.cx/img249/7217/ch39vm.jpg

Final Price = $230

----------------------------------------------------------------


CHOICE #3

http://img70.echo.cx/img70/7701/ch30yv.jpg

Final Price = $170

----------------------------------------------------------------

All three choices are spaced exactly $30 apart, which one would you choose ?

[aquariaguy]

Is murray a good brand?

Maybe get something from Home Depot. Or canadian tire..but i heard if you have problems they **** you over.

[blackhawk]

reluctantly for #2 but my choice would be none of them, cheap is cheap

Home Depot for customer service, stay away from CT or HH

I bought a low end John Deere straight push mower with no throttle, just on or off 6 years ago and cut a half acre and its run great the whole time, better than my previous homelite so value wise I'd go JD

[phillbert]

all depends what you need. side discharge gets messy and hard to manouvre. as well, i think you need to buy the bag seperate. thus eliminating any potential savings. i'll go with #2 as i like the option of having the rear bag and mulching. mulching is what i usually leave it at when i mow my lawn. check to see if the engine is a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. one of them needs to have gas and oil mixed, while the other has a tank that holds oil and gas seperately.

[gman]

I choose 1. I use Murray. I bought it from Home Depot 10 years ago and it is still running. Same for my neighbour, same model (I did not know that until years after). His is still working.

I know nothing about MTD but for only $30. I take the one with bigger horse power. You don't want side because it is messy. You don't really care about the bag (unless you have not mowed your lawn for looooooooooong time) because you want to mulche all the time.

[ZeeTX]

reluctantly for #2 but my choice would be none of them, cheap is cheap

Home Depot for customer service, stay away from CT or HH

I bought a low end John Deere straight push mower with no throttle, just on or off 6 years ago and cut a half acre and its run great the whole time, better than my previous homelite so value wise I'd go JD
Where can I get a "low end John Deere straight push mower".. :?:
I have only seen - Murray, MTD/Yardworks, MTD/Tecumseh, Torro and Craftsman/Briggs & Straton - MOWERS at CdnTire, HomeDepot, Walmart and Sears.. :confused:

[gman]

Where can I get a "low end John Deere straight push mower".. :?:
I have only seen - Murray, MTD/Yardworks, MTD/Tecumseh, Torro and Craftsman/Briggs & Straton - MOWERS at CdnTire, HomeDepot, Walmart and Sears.. :confused:
The place that specializes in lawn mower. I think there is (or was) one in Markham Rd and Sheppard (south of Sheppard).

[ZeeTX]

You mean - LawnBoy.. :?:
Is it not the one that carries serious professional stuff.. :confused:

How much the "Low cost" (low end John Deere straight push mower) cost would actually be.. :confused:

[smurfy71]

I think you need to take a closer look at the engines not the mower itself. Most mowers come with a Briggs and Straten engine. These are mass produced cheaply made engines, but can last if properly cared for. I would agree with the previous posters about John Deere or Lawnboy, cost more but last longer.
If you still want an answer to the question, I guess #3, if you are going to throw money away might as well throw the lesser amount.

My 2 cents.

Closest JD dealer to you:
NOBLETON FARM SERVICE LTD
15A FISHERMAN DR., UNIT 18
BRAMPTON ON L7A1B7
Canada
905-846-2511

[ZeeTX]

I think you need to take a closer look at the engines not the mower itself. Most mowers come with a Briggs and Straten engine. These are mass produced cheaply made engines, but can last if properly cared for. ..................

If you still want an answer to the question, I guess #3, if you are going to throw money away might as well throw the lesser amount.

The Difference between the choice#2 and choice#3 is ~ $60. But you get a rear bag, slightly powerful engine and easy/finger height adjustments in choice#2. Hence I want to know that this extra $60 or the cheapest model/choice is not just a throw away.

I have used Tecumseh engine - MTD mower (22" - 4-4.5HP). The engine has a very loud operating noise.
How are the Briggs and Straton engines..?

The same Tecumseh engines on Craftsman mowers have much lower noise than the MTD/Yardworks mowers..? Why is this..? Also I have seen that the air filters for Tecumseh engines are more commonly available (CdnTire, HD) than the Briggs and Straton.. :!: Hence I am in a dilemma.. :confused:

[biosh]

My strategy is to buy the cheapest Sears lawnmower and just toss it and replace it when it dies. The last one cost me $144 and it's still going strong 6 years later.

Also, I've never had any problem with unbagged side discharge - collecting and discarding clippings robs your lawn of the mulched compost - you just gotta cut often enough in the Spring growth spurt...

(Right now the cheapest one Sears has is $199+tax, though they also list one at $219+tax that has a Briggs & Stratton engine) (http://search.sears.ca/sears/srch?se_l=e&se_q=lawn+mower&se_cat=lawn_mowers&se_cmd=searchWithLinguistics&se_res=QIR_ShopOnline&cqon=true&se_n=1&se_p=10&pr=100.0-249.99) - however, I would be expecting them to go on sale soon...)

[smurfy71]

The Difference between the choice#2 and choice#3 is ~ $60. But you get a rear bag, slightly powerful engine and easy/finger height adjustments in choice#2. Hence I want to know that this extra $60 or the cheapest model/choice is not just a throw away.

I have used Tecumseh engine - MTD mower (22" - 4-4.5HP). The engine has a very loud operating noise.
How are the Briggs and Straton engines..?

The same Tecumseh engines on Craftsman mowers have much lower noise than the MTD/Yardworks mowers..? Why is this..? Also I have seen that the air filters for Tecumseh engines are more commonly available (CdnTire, HD) than the Briggs and Straton.. :!: Hence I am in a dilemma.. :confused:


I guess what I am trying to say is B&S is junk. If you have the need for a bagger I guess spend the extra cash. Tecumseh engines are somewhat better but still a cheaply made engine. I would be looking at a 4 stroke engine if you want a quiet longer lasting mower. Plus no oil a gas mixing! I have a JD lawn tractor and a lawnboy push mower. The Lawnboy is about 20 years old an still going, but I just use it to get the spots the tractor can't get.

As for the Craftsman/MTD difference in noise, my guess is that Sears orders a better quality muffler on the engines built for them.

[chinaboy1021]

my concern with the mowers that have the grass bag thing, is where do you empty the grass to?

[gman]

my concern with the mowers that have the grass bag thing, is where do you empty the grass to?
1. you should not bag it but mulch it.
2. if you have to take the excessive clipping off the lawn, dump it to the composter ... if you have one.

[cipher]

Get one of these for $99 at Home Depot. No worries about having to have tune-ups, gasoline, changing the oil...since YOU are the engine.

http://a1125.g.akamai.net/v/1125/10142/12h/images.escalate.com/images/products/hd90120/000/005/000005721.jpg

[gman]

I have a question. Does you guy really want to keep a mower for that long? 20 years?

Mine is 11 years old. 0 maintainous except changing oil once per year (and I might do that in 2 years; bad, I know). It has a "junk" B&S engine. It is still going. But, do I really want to keep that for another 10 years? Mine is damn dirty now. Never change air filter. I am waiting for it to die so that I can buy a new one.

[CSR]

Get one of these for $99 at Home Depot. No worries about having to have tune-ups, gasoline, changing the oil...since YOU are the engine.

http://a1125.g.akamai.net/v/1125/10142/12h/images.escalate.com/images/products/hd90120/000/005/000005721.jpg

Do these things even work?

[gman]

Get one of these for $99 at Home Depot. No worries about having to have tune-ups, gasoline, changing the oil...since YOU are the engine.

http://a1125.g.akamai.net/v/1125/10142/12h/images.escalate.com/images/products/hd90120/000/005/000005721.jpg

Can't mulch.

[cipher]

Can't mulch.


Link (http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/reel-mower/reel_defined.htm)


Mulching "Grasscycling"

Mulching means laying a "blanket" of organic matter over the lawn which helps to retain moisture and add nutrients. With the cutting action of a reel mower you can leave reel clippings on the lawn. Reel mowers create a fine spray of clippings that act as a mulch and decompose quickly, releasing nitrogen into the lawn. Over the course of a cutting season, that mulch is equivalent to a free application of fertilizer.

[gman]

Link (http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/reel-mower/reel_defined.htm)

Reel mowers which are pushed by people and do not cut very high grass well or easily.

I saw that in action. It does not mulch or it does not mulch well. If you cut your lawn every 2 weeks, good luck for the mulching. If you do that twice a week, you probably will be okay.

[aquariaguy]

Do these things even work?

A friend of mine has a small yard, probaly 15x20 feet. They use the pushing thing one. Its cheap, does the job fairly at the same speed (unless your grass is freakin long) and also is a good work out. Just have to do maybe sharpen the blades and lube it once a yr.

[gh05t]

I like electric lawnmowers.

Sure the power cord can be a bit obstructive and limits your lawnmower use to smaller yards but I have been using a refurbished Black and Decker 3.5Hp(12 amp) mower,bought at a black and decker outlet sale, for the past 7 years without any problems.

There are even the newer cordless black and decker mowers but not sure how those perform.

The one I have is the plastic deck one which is a little more expensive than the metal body electrics sold for around $150 and it is lightweight and not a problem to push even through thick or high grass.

I sharpen my blade every month and mow my lawn regularly so as to cut only one third off the length of the grass blade and with the blade sharp the grass comes out in pieces less than 1 centimeter and so I leave it on the lawn as mulch and do not bag it.

Even without sharp blades the 3.5 hp is more than enough to do the job although i think there are more powerful but more expensive electric mowers.

The good thing about the electric mower is that it's easy to stop and start whereas with gas you need to crank it up back if you stop and sometimes several times too :D.

Sure the power cord is always going to be a pain especially if you have flower beds etc but I like the ease of use and lack of maintenance plus it's environmentally freindly and because it is quieter than gas powered mowers less noise polluting.

You just need to be careful not to cut the electrical cord if using a corded electric mower :cheesygri .

[gman]

Sure the power cord is always going to be a pain especially if you have flower beds etc but I like the ease of use and lack of maintenance plus it's environmentally freindly and because it is quieter than gas powered mowers less noise polluting.

You just need to be careful not to cut the electrical cord if using a corded electric mower :cheesygri .
That is the ONLY factor I don't want a electric one, the freaking wire. I have a electric trimmer and it was a mistake. I should have bought an a bit more expensive gas one. It is so painful to use it because of the freaking wire, connect and disconnect it, collecting the wire, roll it back ... so that I can do a 5 minutes real trimming work. I end up using it as little as possible.

[webdoctors]

damn, i shoulda bought #3, my lawn mower broke 2 weeks ago, not really break, jsut wouldnt turn on and i checked the air filter, spark plug and da gas, so just gave up and had proffesional come and cut da lawn, they charge like $60, frig, i shoulda bought #3 and used it while I was around....

argh.

[peterbrowne]

We use a craftsman/sears keystart b&s 6.5 HP engine mower. Got it a year ago on sale 1/2 off becasue it was the 2003 model. check your local stores.

[biosh]

Get one of these for $99 at Home Depot. No worries about having to have tune-ups, gasoline, changing the oil...since YOU are the engine.

http://a1125.g.akamai.net/v/1125/10142/12h/images.escalate.com/images/products/hd90120/000/005/000005721.jpg
Have you ever tried testing one of those in the store? They're so poorly made, you can barely push it on a tile floor, let alone through grass...

If you want a real reel mower, you've probably gotta spend $250+ - here's a website that compares a few higher end models (http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/mower_compare.htm) - you really can cut your lawn with a quality human-powered lawn mower...

[ZeeTX]

First of all Thank you all guys for your feedback.

Here's what I feel. Firstly the Electric Lawn Mowers (12A is not equal to 3.5HP) gas powered mowers. And the motor amperage has to be taken into consideration for buying the extension cord. Another $25(min) investment for a med-duty 3/2 prong extension cord. And last and not the least the cord always have to be managed while mowing..! Although I agree that the electric lawn mowers make less noise/pollution compared to gas mowers.

Now, for the Reel mowers - They cut the grass in a better way than electric/gas mowers without or minimal damage to the lawn and the lawn may look & stay healthier. But I strongly believe they (Reel Mowers) are good only if you have a perfect or almost perfect lawn (95% Weed free) which I doubt very few may have.. :!: Atleast I don't.. :(

So I can't think of a Reel mower because I need motor power to chop off the weeds.

Now coming back to the mower choices listed in this thread - Choice # 3 says that it can be used as a side discharge or with a optional bag. Is it true that any mower can be used with a rear bag if the side discharge is closed.. :confused:

[gman]

Now coming back to the mower choices listed in this thread - Choice # 3 says that it can be used as a side discharge or with a optional bag. Is it true that any mower can be used with a rear bag if the side discharge is closed.. :confused:
No. If the design has no door in the rear end, there is no rear bag.

[ZeeTX]

No. If the design has no door in the rear end, there is no rear bag.
OK so any of the mowers have only a side discharge to which a bag can be attached..? Because I haven't seen any such type.. :!: The CSR people don't have the knowledge of the mowers and its capabilities..!

[gman]

OK so any of the mowers have only a side discharge to which a bag can be attached..? Because I haven't seen any such type.. :!: The CSR people don't have the knowledge of the mowers and its capabilities..!

Attach to the side discharge.

[Iron Chef Ajax]

#4 I prefer an electric mulcher. I believe your choice should depend on area of grass to cut. Rechargeable mulchers are also nice. Not everyone has a place to store GAS safely.

[ZeeTX]

Attach to the side discharge.
I don't think that's possible because the deck of the mower is circular and no auxillary attachments can be seen to the hold bag in place and also doesn't the bag becomes a hinderance for mowing around.. :?:

[biosh]

We use a craftsman/sears keystart b&s 6.5 HP engine mower. Got it a year ago on sale 1/2 off becasue it was the 2003 model. check your local stores.
I concur with peterbrowne - check your local Sear store - they often have individual older models / end-of-lines for great prices. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, it's gotta be getting close to their regular "end of season" sale - they're gonna be needin' to clear space for the snow blowers again soon...

[ZeeTX]

#4 I prefer an electric mulcher. I believe your choice should depend on area of grass to cut. Rechargeable mulchers are also nice. Not everyone has a place to store GAS safely.
There's a 14" - 9A Yardworks electric mower at CdnTire for $129.99 that does mulching as well as has a rear bag.

But 14" size will be like a toy to mow front and back yards taking enormous time and power consumption..! And lastly the price isn't kind of good deal for a 14" electric mower. There's a better choice of getting a 18" - 12A Black & Decker electric mower (Side discharge and no rear bag) for $139.99. At least you can mow the lawn quickly.

But again as I said earlier all electric mowers does need an extension cord depending upon the amperage of the motor which is atleast $25+ Min. extra on the cost of the mower and lastly managing the cord all the time while mowing which is not that convinient.. :!:

[gman]

I don't think that's possible because the deck of the mower is circular and no auxillary attachments can be seen to the hold bag in place and also doesn't the bag becomes a hinderance for mowing around.. :?:

Yes. That is why you don't see those anymore except the old one and that's why the bag is optional. That design was okay in the era of no fense.

Check out "Side bag" and "Side Discharge" in here (http://www.lawn-boy.com/advice/dictionary/).

[biosh]

Don't be lulled into buying an electric - stick with your original aim of a good cheap gas model - the cord and power issues for electrics are simply not worth it!

[ZeeTX]

My strategy is to buy the cheapest Sears lawnmower and just toss it and replace it when it dies. The last one cost me $144 and it's still going strong 6 years later.

Also, I've never had any problem with unbagged side discharge - collecting and discarding clippings robs your lawn of the mulched compost - you just gotta cut often enough in the Spring growth spurt...

(Right now the cheapest one Sears has is $199+tax, though they also list one at $219+tax that has a Briggs & Stratton engine) (http://search.sears.ca/sears/srch?se_l=e&se_q=lawn+mower&se_cat=lawn_mowers&se_cmd=searchWithLinguistics&se_res=QIR_ShopOnline&cqon=true&se_n=1&se_p=10&pr=100.0-249.99) - however, I would be expecting them to go on sale soon...)
Actually they are having a sale if you watch their entire mower collection online but mostly on the models above $250+ range..!

[aquariaguy]

Don't be lulled into buying an electric - stick with your original aim of a good cheap gas model - the cord and power issues for electrics are simply not worth it!

:arrowu: Gas is so much easier and more convenient.

[biosh]

Actually they are having a sale if you watch their entire mower collection online but mostly on the models above $250+ range..!
In-store is where the action is... ;)

[ZeeTX]

Does anyone know if Costco is having anything of Lawn needs on sale.. :?:

Grass seeds, Fertilizer, Lawn Mowers, Trimmers... etc >>>> :confused:

[Rehan]

Don't be lulled into buying an electric - stick with your original aim of a good cheap gas model - the cord and power issues for electrics are simply not worth it!The power cord is hardly a problem at all once you're past the 'novice' stage. What "power issues" are there for someone that mows properly?

Gas mowers are big polluters...30 mins of mowing causes about the same pollution as driving your car for 30 mins.

[ZeeTX]

The power cord is hardly a problem at all once you're past the 'novice' stage. What "power issues" are there for someone that mows properly?

Gas mowers are big polluters...30 mins of mowing causes about the same pollution as driving your car for 30 mins.
Yes, I agree on the pollution part but its like spending equal or more of the cost of a gas mower with additional management requirement.

And you got to agree that - (There's a 14" - 9A Yardworks electric mower at CdnTire for $129.99 that does mulching as well as has a rear bag) is like a toy if you have weeds and mowing both front and backyards.

[biosh]

Gas mowers are big polluters...30 mins of mowing causes about the same pollution as driving your car for 30 mins.
You really believe that a 3.5 HP engine creates the same pollution as a 200 HP car engine? That's a joint propoganda project of carmakers and electric mower makers! And anyways, electric mowers are responsible for pollution as well - unless you've got a solar charger for them, they are likey fueled by coal or nuclear power...

[Rehan]

You really believe that a 3.5 HP engine creates the same pollution as a 200 HP car engine?Yeah, I do...at least one study has shown it:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=98532&page=1
Other people say one hour is the same as driving 500+ km, but maybe that's a bit extreme. Have any small engine manufacturers done any studies to counter this data? If the data is not true, then it should be very easy for them to show evidence against it.

Yes, I agree on the pollution part but its like spending equal or more of the cost of a gas mower with additional management requirement.Gas mowers require more maintenace than electric mowers, making them more expensive over the long run.

And you got to agree that - (There's a 14" - 9A Yardworks electric mower at CdnTire for $129.99 that does mulching as well as has a rear bag) is like a toy if you have weeds and mowing both front and backyards.A "toy"? Why would you call it that? Have you tried it out?

[gman]

A "toy"? Why would you call it that? Have you tried it out?
A 14" comparing with a 20" looks like a toy. For everybody I know who has a electric one swears at it.

[DEEKER]

I would definitely go for a gas powered, mulching, bagless lawnmower (IMO). As for the poll, never tried a Murray (so can't comment) Never had a problem with my MTD snowblower though...

[Rehan]

FYI, many 'experts' recommend bagging/raking the first cut in the spring and then the last cut in the fall...and mulching at all other times. So that may be enough to get a bagger.

[akito925]

i'd picked up a sears branded lawn mower, with a honda engine.. it was the same price as a briggs engine.. so Id went with the honda. more of a branded name for me. lol.

[me!]

I would get neither of them. I would go with a push reel mower, preferably a Gardena, for 229$ expensive yes, but I think it is the best consumer push reel mower brand on the market.

it gives you a way way better cut then any rotary mower can ever give you.

[gman]

FYI, many 'experts' recommend bagging/raking the first cut in the spring and then the last cut in the fall...and mulching at all other times. So that may be enough to get a bagger.
It also makes sense when the grass is too long and "heavy". Says, you went for a trip and did not mow for a month. The mulch clipping will be too much and covers the whole lawn. Good enough to kill your part of your lawn. That's the time you should bag it and dump to composter. Also, I use the bag as vaccum to collect leaves in fall. :D

[ZeeTX]

And you got to agree that - (There's a 14" - 9A Yardworks electric mower at CdnTire for $129.99 that does mulching as well as has a rear bag) is like a toy if you have weeds and mowing both front and backyards.
A "toy"? Why would you call it that? Have you tried it out?
NO, I haven't but based on its specifications (9A - 14") I feel that it is a little small though might be very convinient around the corners.

I have used a 4-4.5HP - 22" MTD lawn mower for my front and back yards and it took about 30-40 min to mow it completely. I agree that I hadn't mowed for about 45 days but still with a 14" mower I need to mow very often and will take much longer time..:!:

[Rehan]

I agree that I hadn't mowed for about 45 days but still with a 14" mower I need to mow very often and will take much longer time.. :!:Well, yeah, if lawn maintenance means mowing every 30 or 45 days, then that changes the question.

[ZeeTX]

Well, yeah, if lawn maintenance means mowing every 30 or 45 days, then that changes the question.
Well, that is why I am looking for a mower so that I can mow more often. If I had been mowing every week, I wouldn't have bothered in buying one or starting a thread like this unless the mower dies up all of a sudden.. :!:

[ZeeTX]

People partcipating/voting in this Poll... are making my decision much easier.. :|

[smurfy71]

I have a question. Does you guy really want to keep a mower for that long? 20 years?

Mine is 11 years old. 0 maintainous except changing oil once per year (and I might do that in 2 years; bad, I know). It has a "junk" B&S engine. It is still going. But, do I really want to keep that for another 10 years? Mine is damn dirty now. Never change air filter. I am waiting for it to die so that I can buy a new one.
I think if you look after the mower and maintain it why would you not want to keep it. It's not like a car where you want a nice sweet ride every few years. Lets face it mowing the lawn is a chore, why spend anymore money on it then you need too.

[peterbrowne]

Hmmm... how about this http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444311 9907&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517513&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517514&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669575&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669575&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1118200018868

$200 off plus another $60 off if you are a member of AtHome (see Hot Deals)

Plus, no gas or electric cord. BATTERY POWER.

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/GardenPatio/PowerEquipment/Mowers/ElectricalReel/0601767_160_CC_1f144.jpg

[gman]

I think if you look after the mower and maintain it why would you not want to keep it. It's not like a car where you want a nice sweet ride every few years. Lets face it mowing the lawn is a chore, why spend anymore money on it then you need too.
Because of that. That takes time and effort and sad part is it still may break. I don't know how much more a 'good' one will cost. If it cost double of the 'cheap' one that already lasted 11 years (and going strong and I am not exactly maintaining it), should I just buy another one when the first one die? Hey! By that time, the mower may run on its own without me. Do I really need a mower that lives longer than me? :D

[gman]

Hmmm... how about this http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444311 9907&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517513&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517514&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669575&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669575&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1118200018868

$200 off plus another $60 off if you are a member of AtHome (see Hot Deals)

Plus, no gas or electric cord. BATTERY POWER.

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/GardenPatio/PowerEquipment/Mowers/ElectricalReel/0601767_160_CC_1f144.jpg

I don't trust rechargable battery which always dies on me sooner than I expect.

[peterbrowne]

I don't trust rechargable battery which always dies on me sooner than I expect.
at least your lawn mower wont live longer than you :cheesygri

[blackhawk]

"low end John Deere" available where John Deere's are sold, check the yellow pages

I paid about 450 for it quite a few years back but its lasted longer than any other mower I've had