Most S-P mowers can still be pushed if the SP breaks.

Stay away from Troy(Toy)-Bilt, it's just another MTD. Craftsmans are a bit better somply because theyre not made by MTD.

IF you want a good mower look at the higher-end Lawnboys, Toro's, Honda,s and Snappers. If you want a very durable SP mechanism and great overall performance the Snapper is tough to beat.

A few things: Toro Personal PAce are great in every way. The Super Recyclers are better built and will give you a best quality of cut if you have a lush , thick lawn. The PP models are not front wheel drive however. Keep the wheel clutches lubed and they handle well- which by the way is easier on a SR.
You can't go wrong with a Honda mower. People love them too.
High wheels are not always what people believe they will be. They may end up just being a more difficult machine to use rather than a helpful feature. Many times they require much more effort to manuver and also have componants that start to bend as time goes on and the wheels bow inwards.

Thanks for the tips, guys. I should mention that I went to HD today and got a look at the LawnBoy 10685 which I'm now reading up on here. Throwing that into the mix as well.

Pacer:

One more very important thing.

QUIT SCALPING YOUR LAWN!

Set your mowing height at least 3" high and you are less likely to bend the crankshaft on your new mower.

One of the nicest things about the 21" self-propelled Snappers is the rolled under deck that makes it harder to jam the blade into something that will bend the crankshaft.

Fairyprincess

I've never been a fan of the FWD units. I've used my neighbor's and read reviews with the same result. When the bag gets full, the front tires (which provide the traction), lift slightly (or more) and you lose that help.

RWD units, the filled bags actually help create traction on the rear tires.

Of course my other neighbor threw out his Craftsman FWD mower, which I saved from the dump. He said it wasn't working right, but I managed to get it turned over. SOOOOOO I can't complain now about FWD. a $300-350 mower for free. woo

Lawn-Boy 10685. $329 at Lowes.

Thanks again, all. After some heavy reading, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna grab the 10685. As someone said, this is the Caddy/Lexus of the mower world in many respects. I'm a Honda fan, but after viewing that straight Honda mower at HD, I like the LB controls better. That thumb-control thing just does not look comfortable / ergonomic at all.

The only one left to look at is a Husqy-Honda combo at Sears, $359, rwd. I'm still thinking the LB will win this competition, but looking is half the fun so I'm gonna check it out. Didn't hurt that my HD guy said the 10685 might get marked down some more this week...cool. Maybe I'll just go in and make an offer. I've heard they will deal on closeouts.

Fairyprincess, thanks for the advice, but I never scalp my lawn. As I mentioned, I'm (or else my gf is) fond of scalping the sewer grate in my front yard. Well, somebody hit it! Ha. This will be avoided in the future!

Id say if Murray was still building mowers to buy one of those - my pop still has his old Murray he bot years ago, and still runs good too. Id definitly go with something that has a Briggs engine tho.
Kidd

Pacer,

Since you are looking at the Husqy-Honda combo at Sears for $359. You might also look at the Husqu-Briggs. It is the same mower I believe, and it is $339. You save some $$ and get the B&S Intek OHV 8.75 torque engine. Husqy at Sears is a nice choice. Either the Honda or Briggs. You get the padded handle, ball baring front wheels, lower the deck with one handle. Pop. Machanics and ConsumerRpts both like the Husqvarna mowers.

I HAVE HAD A TORO SUPER RECYCLER FOR 4 YEARS - NEVER A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION LIKE THE HONDA. I SUGGEST GETTING THE BEST TORO YOU CAN - THE SELF PROPELL WORKS A LOT BETTER THAN 3 SPEED OR CRUISE CONTROL!

GOOD LUCK!