LouB wrote:
Joseph Meehan wrote:
"hombrewdude" wrote in message
...
My front swivel Ariens finally died. It had a 5.5 Tecumseh engine

The new Ariens LM21SW Has a Kohler or Kawasaki 6.0 motor.

Not sure what the better motor is, they are both $650

Any other suggestions for a mower?
I have never used a mower with straight wheels, the swivel wheels let
the mower go around my landscape.

I looked at the John Deere, but it has a Briggs and Straton Motor -
not sure how good those are.

There is a good reason most mowers don't have those swivel wheels.
They make the straight cuts a little harder, while they make the trim
cuts a little easier. Most people use the non-swivel wheels and do
just fine. A little down pressure on the handle reduces pressure on
the front wheels so the mower can turn with little problem. If you
have a lot of irregular trimming to do and little large areas with
straight cuts, I would look for swivel type, otherwise I would look
for the standard set up and save money.

I just bought a new battery powered electric mower. It is doing
just fine. It is a little lighter than my old gas and is quieter.
Not the same power for really tall grass, but I don't do that often
anyway and I can borrow a neighbors (maybe complete with their son or
daughter) to get the job done if needed.

It has been my experience that there are differences between
engines, but brands have both good and also cheap engines. The
professional engines start easier, run quieter, last longer and have
more power. They also cost a lot more. Only you can judge if the
difference is worth it and if you have a lawn that is large enough and
has enough trimming to do to justify it.

You also may want to try ratings like Consumer Reports as a source
of information on current models. Few people here are going to be
able to give you information on more than one model and since their
needs and experience will be limited, it may not apply to you
(although it may be useful).


Good reply to which I can only add a model with large rear wheels makes
it easier to lift the front.

Lou

I have had my Ariens for over 15 years and would buy another one. It has
always started on the first or second pull. I don't have the front
swivel wheels. Also Briggs is a good brand motor. Kohler is also a good
motor. I agree with the larger rear wheels.
I tried Snapper years ago and I was not impressed.