If budget is $100-200, I recommend taking a hard look on ebay for a good used mower. I have seen Honda mowers in this price range. Shipping is usually $50-$90 so if you can find a local used model that isn't a bad idea.

Lawn mower shops in the area typically sell used mowers too. Look for Honda and Toro products since parts are very easy to find.

In a new mower, I think the Honda Harmony II is a good value because the motor is excellent.

By the way, keep an eye out for mowers set out at the end of the drive for free. A lot of people buy new mowers if their old one has minor issues.

Well, after looking around at the big box today, I see they have a Honda HRR216K5VKA for 429. It is over my budget, but doable if it is really worth it. The also had a couple of Toros at or below that range, 2 FWD and a RWD. I really would like to get the push version of the Honda, but I do not believe anyone in the area sells it. Is the drive portion of the Honda (or Toros) any good, or are they going to be problems? Is it worth the extra money (429 vs 200-300) to go with something like the Honda or Toro?

Also, Home Depot had a Honda HRX refurbished for 400 (2 actually). Is it worth the risk?

As for used, I have checked both craigslist and ebay and found none in my area.

To be sure it is CARB compliant just buy it at a dealer located in California.

"Well, after looking around at the big box today, I see they have a Honda HRR216K5VKA for 429. It is over my budget, but doable if it is really worth it. The also had a couple of Toros at or below that range, 2 FWD and a RWD."

RB> I would choose a RWD over FWD.

"I really would like to get the push version of the Honda, but I do not believe anyone in the area sells it."

RB> Check dealers.

"Is the drive portion of the Honda (or Toros) any good, or are they going to be problems?"

RB> C'mon...those are the two biggest makers of powered lawn mowers. In my experience the machines sold at box stores are good quality, but not quite on a par with the models sold at dealers. If you keep up with maintenance and repairs a Toro Recycler or it's equivalent from Honda will last many years.

"Is it worth the extra money (429 vs 200-300) to go with something like the Honda or Toro?"

RB> To me it is worth the money. If you buy an MTD or similar expect that handles, controls and wheels will loosen up fairly quickly. If it were me I would opt for the Toro Super Recycler from a dealer. You pay a little more but the added quality is there.
"Also, Home Depot had a Honda HRX refurbished for 400 (2 actually). Is it worth the risk?"

RB> Depends on the warranty. Realize that Home Depot will not do repairs at the store. Again, if it were me I would forgo the box store and go with a dealer. The price difference is not really all that much.

If you don't *need* self-propelled, then avoid it. Mowers without are lighter, simpler, and have one less thing to break.

Oftentimes, dealers have mowers that the box stores don't even offer. Toro, for example, has two lines of mowers: one available everywhere, another only at the dealers. Prices are competitive between the box and the dealer, and the dealer actually knows what he's talking about.

Honda and Toro are good choices, as is Snapper. I'd feel like I was getting a good machine and a good value with any of those brands.

21 years ago, I paid $500 for my Honda Masters. That was a bit hard to swallow at the time, but I'm still using it.

Thanks for all of the replies!

As for the comments, I have pretty much decided to go with a dealer (there is really only two in my city) and probably the push Honda. There are no Toro dealers in my area apparently, so I am kinda stuck with one brand.

The good news is I got an old Homelite hand-me-down from my father-in-law that will hold me over for a few months until I can better afford a better machine.

Thanks again!

sounds like you found a mower thanks to FIL. Check the oil level before use and keep the air cleaner c clean. maybe even sharpen the blade. Use the time it buys to search for one that suits you.

Well my father-in-law (a landscaper) was kind enough to change the oil and sharpen the blade before giving it to me. It even came with an Echo trimmer!

After visiting a local store, I have learned that they carry both Honda and Toro. Is there much difference? My father-in-law swears by his commercial Honda's, and after helping him out a little this summer, I must admit, they are nice. Should I give the Toro's another look?

sounds to me like you are all set thanks to FIL. Why not just run what you have? A well taken care of mower should last you a long time. Care is more important than manufacturer In a small yard, what you have should last a while.

I agree with the previous postings: Honda, Toro, Snapper,and older Lawn Boy mowers are all good machines. My advice is to use what you have for now. Then, buy a high-quality unit. $500 might seem like a lot of money for a mower, but my Honda is on its 16th year without ever failing to start!

BTW--avoid self-propelled units if you can. However, it you have a lot of grass, or it is hard to push through they are a blessing!

Just my 2 cents.

Hi there,

I recently got bought Masport series 18 mower which I must say I am very pleased with and was very reasonable priced for the quality of machine that it is and I would recommend one of these to anyone: http://www.masport.com/PRODUCTS/MasportRanges/tabid/183/Default.aspx

Here is a link that might be useful: Series 18

If this is your first mower then start off on the right foot. Get a robotic lawn mower. They are CARB compliant, use no gasoline, and do all the work for you.

Do let the prices scare you. They can be leased for relatively little money...

Scott
Palomar Robotics

Here is a link that might be useful: Palomar Robotics