Self-prop mower - what do you recommend?

10 years ago

I have a 3 year old Troy-Bilt TB130 w/ B&S engine, mulch/bag mower that has run really well and still does, but not happy with the height adjustment. Used to cut at a decent 4" - a great height for choking out weeds and shading grass roots.

After having it serviced and sharpened this spring, we noticed that while running well it was cutting at about 2.5" in spite of re-setting the height adjustment. If the back wheels are in the highest position, the back end looks jacked up. Move the lever to raise the front end and it only goes so far. With both on highest mowing setting, the deck is higher in the back than the front. Lower it to even the deck with the ground and it cuts too short.

Had it checked - they say it appears the front end wheel assembly/lever has broken (I couldn't see it) and needs to be replaced. Maybe it was meant to be, because the push mower is killing me. I need a break.

If you have or were to buy a self-propelled mower, what brand/engine is best? Is front wheel or back wheel drive preferred? Single or variable speed? What kind of mower will handle well on flat areas as well as a smaller area of yard with a high pitch. We're talking a good handling mower for a tired old man.

I'm kind of looking in the under $400 range and found 4 at Lowes - all Troy-Bilt, one Honda engine / 3 Briggs & Stratton engines, 1 single speed / 3 variable speed, all pull-start, mulch/rear bag, etc. The TB200, TB230, TB240 and TB360. Sure could use some advice. Thanks.

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Comments (4)

killerv
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I have had pretty much this same mower in the following link for almost 10 years now. I wanna say I paid 299 for it at northern tool back in 07. It's been a dream, only issue I've had was with the carb which was my fault. I bought a full blown honda a few years back but do not like it near as much, still use this one mostly. Both have the same honda engine, but the husqvarna just handles better by far. My honda has mulitple speeds but I never change it, single speed is fine. The honda mower doesn't bag as well either. Honda makes an awesome push mower but I sure like my husqvarna with the honda engine better.

If you didn't get but 3 season out of your troybuilt, I'd look at another brand.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_421864-63311-961450009_1z0vj6b__?productId=4346377&pl=1&Ntt=husqvarna+mower
lincann
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, killerv. Boy, do I feel stupid. All that info and I told you the wrong thing. My TB has a Honda engine, not a B&S. Must have been dreamin'.
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1saxman
10 years ago
I have been sold on the Toro/Lawn-Boy rear-wheel drive systems for quite some time. I have two modern 4-cycle Lawn-Boys now, a 2004 model 10684 and a 2008 model 22271. Both have 'Variable Speed' which is controlled by a conventional bail mounted under the handle bar. This is essentially the same system as 'Personal Pace' except for the gear ratio and the method of activation, which on PP is the sliding handle bar. Either one is a wonderful, light weight, long-lasting and easy to care-for drive system. They both utilize the theory of the constantly-slipping belt so you can control mowing speed infinitely; with 'VS', by feathering the bail, and with 'PP' by simply walking faster or slower.

Additionally, the Toro/Lawn-Boy wheel-height adjusting system is simple and foolproof. Each wheel is individually adjustable with a spring lever that positively latches in the height adjustment you select.

I'm sure you could find a rear-wheel drive Toro/Lawn-Boy in your price range.

For example: Toro
PRO
advanced power
10 years ago
Stay away from the troybilts. They are cheaply made. If you have to go to the box store (which I wouldn't suggest) stick with the toro brand. You will be glad you did.