May want to check Sears after Labor Day sales. Not sure if i'm allowed to say that.

HD may start closing out the Toros and hondas too....there recons sometimes look untouched and are anywhere from 25% - 50% off.

Most newer mowers have engines that run at only one speed. They say this make it easier for them to meet some of the new emissions regulations without having to resort to a more expensive carburetion system.

I don't know of any rear wheel drive mowers with the large wheels in back. Some of the commercial models have larger wheels all around though not as large as what you are thinking.

Check out all of the big hardware stores cuz they may have sales on their mowers now.
Any of the top brand mowers will do well for you but the type you are looking for can be expensive but if you are lucky enough to find a sale you could save alot of cash and then you can buy a great mower for cheap!

Doesn't have large wheels in back (don't know about availability of some of the other stuff) but I've been happy with my Toro Super Recycler for 5 years now.

Is it just me or when a self propelled mower stops self propelling does it suddenly becomes the heaviest piece of iron on Earth? Mine broke a piece so I figured I'd just use it as a push mower. I could push my car easier than that hunk....but its hard to get the fan blade turned down on the grass. Maybe I need larger wheels.

Popcornhill, if you want to make a push mower out of your self propelled, remove the drive wheels and remove the drive gears. (one on each side). I just did a front wheel drive Craftsman that way. I went a step further and removed the transmission which was shot. It was an older mower and the owner didn't want to spend any money repairing the drive. Works for me.

Anyone use the Husqvarna 7012R with the Honda CVG 160. i was hoping for a B&S but i can get this mower new for $349, most prices elsewhere were $420 and above.

You cannot get RWD with big wheels. The largest wheels on a RWD are on the Honda HRX at 9" diameter. Most other mowers have 8" wheels - some have 6" wheels on the front. If you throw out the big wheels, there are many mowers that fit your description. Along with Skane, I suggest checking your home centers/hardwares frequently to snag a bargain. I have bought several mowers that way. Sometimes you have to do some minor work on them, but its worth it. I got a 'reconditioned' Lawn Boy 10684 at Home depot for $139. This means somebody bought it, used it hard and took it back. I don't know what they did in the 'reconditioning', but I had to replace the blade driver, blade stiffener and blade because of bending/damage/vibration. This was four years ago and its still one of my favorite mowers. You can get a bargain if you know what you're looking at.

I own a Husqvarna 7021P and it has the Honda motor.Great 3in1 mower even has the large wheels on the back.This is the type of mower you are looking for except that it's a push mower.Do you really need a selfpropelled model??I thought I did too until I actually checked out a few mowers.The 7021P mower from Husky is very lite and very easy to push in all conditions.The Honda engine works great too and it starts very easy.The price of this mower is only $269 US and you get alot of mower for the price.
Alot of other companies are also making very affordable 3in1 mowers too but if you want the large wheels you may have to by a mower that you push instead of a selfpropelled model or if you don't have a budget check out Honda.

Budget is no problem. Don't want to overspend though. I have a large burm in my yard and pushing for the last two years has gotten old as I have. I also found the Husq 7021RB rear wheel self propelled with blade clutch. I do stop and start often to move stuff and pulling the start everytime is a bother. How is the mulching. Pictures of the underdeck look good. The blade compartment seems round and doesn't seem to have areas where the clippings can hide like some other mowers that have nooks in the corners. Can this mower handle tall thick grass. The backyard will only get cut every other week sometimes as I travel.

I tend to get obsessive about pre-puchase research...took my 5 months to choose an HDTV. Can't wait that long on the mower. My Murray is about dead.

My Husqvarna 7021P also has the blade brake and rear bagger.The 7021P mulches great and overall is a solid performing mower with the Honda motor.It has alot of features for $269.
If you are sold on buying a Husqvarna mower than great but if you are open to other options then check out some of the Toro selfpropelled mowers too cuz they have some great mowers that may be more of what you are looking for or even check the John Deere line of selfpropelled mowers.
It's nice to have lots of options cuz it will allow you to get the best mower that you can for the best price!You will also learn a few new things too.

I used to have a landscaper due to the fact that I to used to travel alot. But I handled the fertilizing which sometimes got a little carried away! The grass got ridiculously tall sometimes. My landscaper had a toro, not sure what model,(probably commercial) but it handled the mess I created with no problem. I now have a snapper but I also mow twice a week so haven't put it to the test.