My First Lawnmower
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 20
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
My First Lawnmower
I'm a new homeowner, and I need a lawnmower. I've done a lot of looking and comparing. The features I'm looking for are: gas (not electric), walk-behind, self-propelled with variable speed, mulch and rear bag.
The lawn is 1/3 acre, pretty flat, and few obstacles. I could go either way on front or rear wheel drive, but several reviews mentioned that FWD mowers cut into their lawn.
I've found several mowers from various manufacturers (Craftsman, Husqvarna, Toro, TroyBilt etc.) with these features, all in the same price range. The only difference is the engine. I can get a 5.5 HP Honda, or one of several 6.5+ HP Briggs & Stratton engines: Quantum, Intek, or the new(?) Ready Start. The RWD mowers in my price range only come with the Briggs Ready Start engine.
What are the pros and cons of the various engines?
The lawn is 1/3 acre, pretty flat, and few obstacles. I could go either way on front or rear wheel drive, but several reviews mentioned that FWD mowers cut into their lawn.
I've found several mowers from various manufacturers (Craftsman, Husqvarna, Toro, TroyBilt etc.) with these features, all in the same price range. The only difference is the engine. I can get a 5.5 HP Honda, or one of several 6.5+ HP Briggs & Stratton engines: Quantum, Intek, or the new(?) Ready Start. The RWD mowers in my price range only come with the Briggs Ready Start engine.
What are the pros and cons of the various engines?
#2
Hello Dale!
I would personally prefer the Honda engine. From my experience, it is much more durable and trouble free than the others mentioned. As far as FWD or RWD, I think I like FWD better, because RWD makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spots with a lot of turning and backing up. With FWD you can just tilt the mower back enough to lift the front wheels off the ground and it quits pulling.
I would personally prefer the Honda engine. From my experience, it is much more durable and trouble free than the others mentioned. As far as FWD or RWD, I think I like FWD better, because RWD makes it difficult to maneuver in tight spots with a lot of turning and backing up. With FWD you can just tilt the mower back enough to lift the front wheels off the ground and it quits pulling.
#3
I've had both types of drives. I prefer FWD also. It's easier to lift the front wheels off the ground which is necessary when you turn anyway (if you cut in a square) than to release the RWD lever and also lift the wheels to turn. It's amazing how often you will need to release and re-engage the RWD lever while mowing.
If you don't release the RWD lever, the rear wheels will dig in ground when turning or trying to back up.
If you don't release the RWD lever, the rear wheels will dig in ground when turning or trying to back up.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 20
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help, guys. This is great.
I can now see the advantage of FWD vs RWD.
Are the Briggs engines roughly the same in terms of performance and reliability? Ease of maintenance? Tolerance for lack of maintenance?
I can now see the advantage of FWD vs RWD.
Are the Briggs engines roughly the same in terms of performance and reliability? Ease of maintenance? Tolerance for lack of maintenance?
#6
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 2,903
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes
on
2 Posts
Whichever engine you decide on, the key is parts and service availability in your area. There aren't as many Honda service dealers as there are Briggs. Check online or your phone book for any in your area. What good is a machine if you can't reasonably find parts and/or service??? By the way, I like the Briggs.