Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering the
following models:

CUB CADET SRC621 (Lowes) - Intrigued by the caster wheels, like the Kawasaki
engine, 6 speed transmission, larger bag than some. Negative is difficult
oil changes.

HUSQVARNA 5521CHV (Lowes) - Like the Honda engine, large rear wheels (have
some rough spots in one corner of the yard).

TORO 20031 (Home Depot) - I like the electric start, 22" deck, fast top
end propel speed (sometimes I jog with the mower along the straight aways).

HONDA HRX217TDA (Home Depot) - Actually my 1st choice, as It appears to
perform well in all areas and I'm intrigued at the idea of mulching and
bagging at the same time. There have been a few times I had wished I could
do that. Big negative is it's EXPENSIVE!

CRAFTSMAN 37779 - Like the Honda engine, ball bearing wheels, single wheel
adjuster.

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Thanks for the advice!
Craig


Added note: Forgot to add the following:
My yard is flat, about 0.4 acre, relatively few obstructions (at this time,
but my wife has me planting more every year! :-) ).

"Craig" wrote in message
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:

CUB CADET SRC621 (Lowes) - Intrigued by the caster wheels, like the
Kawasaki
engine, 6 speed transmission, larger bag than some. Negative is difficult
oil changes.

HUSQVARNA 5521CHV (Lowes) - Like the Honda engine, large rear wheels (have
some rough spots in one corner of the yard).

TORO 20031 (Home Depot) - I like the electric start, 22" deck, fast
top
end propel speed (sometimes I jog with the mower along the straight
aways).

HONDA HRX217TDA (Home Depot) - Actually my 1st choice, as It appears to
perform well in all areas and I'm intrigued at the idea of mulching and
bagging at the same time. There have been a few times I had wished I
could
do that. Big negative is it's EXPENSIVE!

CRAFTSMAN 37779 - Like the Honda engine, ball bearing wheels, single wheel
adjuster.

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Thanks for the advice!

Try plugging those models in here.
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Lawn_an...ols-All-Mowers

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:

CUB CADET SRC621 (Lowes) - Intrigued by the caster wheels, like the
Kawasaki
engine, 6 speed transmission, larger bag than some. Negative is difficult
oil changes.

HUSQVARNA 5521CHV (Lowes) - Like the Honda engine, large rear wheels (have
some rough spots in one corner of the yard).

TORO 20031 (Home Depot) - I like the electric start, 22" deck, fast
top
end propel speed (sometimes I jog with the mower along the straight
aways).

HONDA HRX217TDA (Home Depot) - Actually my 1st choice, as It appears to
perform well in all areas and I'm intrigued at the idea of mulching and
bagging at the same time. There have been a few times I had wished I
could
do that. Big negative is it's EXPENSIVE!

CRAFTSMAN 37779 - Like the Honda engine, ball bearing wheels, single wheel
adjuster.

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Thanks for the advice!
Craig


Added note: Forgot to add the following:
My yard is flat, about 0.4 acre, relatively few obstructions (at this
time,
but my wife has me planting more every year! :-) ).

I don't have any experience with these particular mowers, but one thing I've
found out after owning several self-propelled mowers...I hate the ones with
rear wheel drive!

David

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:


Added note: Forgot to add the following:
My yard is flat, about 0.4 acre, relatively few obstructions (at this
time,
but my wife has me planting more every year! :-) ).

Hold everything ! ! !
Have a similar sized yard, some plantings, trees, birdbath, etc. A self
propelled mower in my yard was a genuine PITA. While nice for the straight
runs, if you have any amount of things to mow around, you will be pushing it
yourself, not using the self power. In my case, the Craftsman was much
harder to push when not using the power than a mower made to just push.

FWIW, I'm on my third mower, a John Deere with a Kawasaki engine. After
seven years, it still starts on the first pull. After sitting all winter,
it took two pulls. I also have a mulching kit and never rake. That is a big
time saver, even over bagging.

Take a good look at your yard and maybe invest in a rental for a day just to
see if the extra cost is justified.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message ...
"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:


Added note: Forgot to add the following:
My yard is flat, about 0.4 acre, relatively few obstructions (at this
time,
but my wife has me planting more every year! :-) ).

Hold everything ! ! !
Have a similar sized yard, some plantings, trees, birdbath, etc. A self
propelled mower in my yard was a genuine PITA. While nice for the straight
runs, if you have any amount of things to mow around, you will be pushing it
yourself, not using the self power. In my case, the Craftsman was much
harder to push when not using the power than a mower made to just push.

FWIW, I'm on my third mower, a John Deere with a Kawasaki engine. After
seven years, it still starts on the first pull. After sitting all winter,
it took two pulls. I also have a mulching kit and never rake. That is a big
time saver, even over bagging.

Take a good look at your yard and maybe invest in a rental for a day just to
see if the extra cost is justified.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome


I've had a Honda Harmony 215 for about 5 years now and I highly
recommend it. Well built, starts on first pull, and does an excellent
job of mulching. Zero problems with it so far.

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:

--------clipped-----------

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Last fall I bought a Craftsman, the one Consumer's rated *best buy*. Got a
clearance price under $300. Self propelled, variable speed, one-lever
height adj., rear drive, Craftsman 6.5 hpr.engine, no blade clutch.

It's very maneuverable due to the variable speed feature--circle a tree and
get pretty close. Bagging is good but I prefer to mulch most of the
time--also good.

It's noisy. Aren't they all. I think this is a function of the small
muffler they use. I use ear plugs.

Easy start. Prime first time--restart with one pull, no prime.

I use and like the single lever height adjustment. For me this is a prime
specification. Those individual wheel adjusters are a real pain on the
machines I have used.

My last mower, pretty similar had a 3+ hpr. engine. With 6.5 hpr., the new
machine uses twice as much gas but the extra power is worth it.

Some claim the front wheel drive is more maneuverable. I don't understand
this--but I never had one. Didn't see a deficiency with either of the two
rear wheel drive machines.

SJF

I know you didn't list it as an option, but I don't recommend an Ariens self
prop. Have mine for 6 years, always perform the recommended routine
maintenance and it's been in the shop for 3 major repairs. I have a rather
flat non-obtrusive yard and don't go "4 wheeling" with it.

I'll never buy another. I'm curiously watching the responses to this
question as I will need a new one if this thing breaks one more time.

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:

CUB CADET SRC621 (Lowes) - Intrigued by the caster wheels, like the
Kawasaki
engine, 6 speed transmission, larger bag than some. Negative is difficult
oil changes.

HUSQVARNA 5521CHV (Lowes) - Like the Honda engine, large rear wheels (have
some rough spots in one corner of the yard).

TORO 20031 (Home Depot) - I like the electric start, 22" deck, fast
top
end propel speed (sometimes I jog with the mower along the straight
aways).

HONDA HRX217TDA (Home Depot) - Actually my 1st choice, as It appears to
perform well in all areas and I'm intrigued at the idea of mulching and
bagging at the same time. There have been a few times I had wished I
could
do that. Big negative is it's EXPENSIVE!

CRAFTSMAN 37779 - Like the Honda engine, ball bearing wheels, single wheel
adjuster.

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Thanks for the advice!
Craig


Added note: Forgot to add the following:
My yard is flat, about 0.4 acre, relatively few obstructions (at this
time,
but my wife has me planting more every year! :-) ).

On Sat, 14 Aug 2004 11:23:02 GMT, "Dave"
wrote:

I know you didn't list it as an option, but I don't recommend an Ariens self
prop. Have mine for 6 years, always perform the recommended routine
maintenance and it's been in the shop for 3 major repairs. I have a rather
flat non-obtrusive yard and don't go "4 wheeling" with it.

I'll never buy another. I'm curiously watching the responses to this
question as I will need a new one if this thing breaks one more time.

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering

My experience with Ariens has been different. My first one, a bcc
model, lasted 9 years and I considered it dead when it threw a rod.
That may have been my fault because I was trying to restart it when
jammed with wet grass. This model had a Tecumsah engine. I did have to
replace a leaking head gasket and head in the eighth year, and did do
a couple of carburetor rebuilds. I also had the muffler bolts strip
out after about four years, and had to jury rig the muffer to stay on.
So all my problems were engine related.

The new one I have is similar to the old model in form, except the
engine is a Briggs and Straton and has a higher hp (6.75 vs. 5) and no
bcc. I have used it for two seasons with no trouble and single pull
starting. One complaint so far. The gas tank is too small for the size
of engine. I like the tough steel deck. I have two river birch trees
that drop small twigs and branches continuouslly, so I need a tough
deck so the sliced twigs won't damage it

..
.....
Gary Dyrkacz

Radio Control Aircraft/Paintball Physics/Paintball for 40+
http://home.attbi.com/~dyrgcmn/

Interesting. As with cars, everyone shares a different experience.

"Gary Dyrkacz" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 14 Aug 2004 11:23:02 GMT, "Dave"
wrote:

I know you didn't list it as an option, but I don't recommend an Ariens
self
prop. Have mine for 6 years, always perform the recommended routine
maintenance and it's been in the shop for 3 major repairs. I have a
rather
flat non-obtrusive yard and don't go "4 wheeling" with it.

I'll never buy another. I'm curiously watching the responses to this
question as I will need a new one if this thing breaks one more time.

"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering

My experience with Ariens has been different. My first one, a bcc
model, lasted 9 years and I considered it dead when it threw a rod.
That may have been my fault because I was trying to restart it when
jammed with wet grass. This model had a Tecumsah engine. I did have to
replace a leaking head gasket and head in the eighth year, and did do
a couple of carburetor rebuilds. I also had the muffler bolts strip
out after about four years, and had to jury rig the muffer to stay on.
So all my problems were engine related.

The new one I have is similar to the old model in form, except the
engine is a Briggs and Straton and has a higher hp (6.75 vs. 5) and no
bcc. I have used it for two seasons with no trouble and single pull
starting. One complaint so far. The gas tank is too small for the size
of engine. I like the tough steel deck. I have two river birch trees
that drop small twigs and branches continuouslly, so I need a tough
deck so the sliced twigs won't damage it

.
....
Gary Dyrkacz

Radio Control Aircraft/Paintball Physics/Paintball for 40+
http://home.attbi.com/~dyrgcmn/

Just an update for the group and those who may have been following this
thread. This past Saturday, we purchased the Toro 20031 (recycler with
electric start). It was a close call between the Cub Cadet and the Toro,
but ultimately price and the ease with which we can lift the handle (to save
space in the garage) won out. Now the bad news. On Sunday, my wife, eager
to see how the new mower felt, said she'd mow the front yard. After she
finished the front yard, I told her I could take over and mow the rest. Her
reply? "No sense in both of us needing a shower...I'll finish." I never
did get to mow, except for a couple of short stripes! :-) The self propel
handles nicely, although when I tried jogging, I found that I could outrun
the self propel mechanism. (Although it is plenty fast for "normal" mow
speeds.) Only real negative is that it does burn more gas than our old
3.5HP push mower. (And the engine noise is noticeably less than the old
mower. Probably not as quiet as the Cub or the Honda, but an improvement
all the same.) On another added note, the self propel allowed us to finish
the 0.4 acre in about 1.5 hours as opposed to the 2 hours it used to take.
Craig

On Sat, 14 Aug 2004 02:00:21 -0700, "SJF" wrote:


"Craig" wrote in message
...
Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering
the
following models:

--------clipped-----------

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Last fall I bought a Craftsman, the one Consumer's rated *best buy*. Got a
clearance price under $300. Self propelled, variable speed, one-lever
height adj., rear drive, Craftsman 6.5 hpr.engine, no blade clutch.

It's very maneuverable due to the variable speed feature--circle a tree and
get pretty close. Bagging is good but I prefer to mulch most of the
time--also good.

It's noisy. Aren't they all. I think this is a function of the small
muffler they use. I use ear plugs.

Easy start. Prime first time--restart with one pull, no prime.

I use and like the single lever height adjustment. For me this is a prime
specification. Those individual wheel adjusters are a real pain on the
machines I have used.

My last mower, pretty similar had a 3+ hpr. engine. With 6.5 hpr., the new
machine uses twice as much gas but the extra power is worth it.

I use a 3hp (or maybe even less I can't even remember but it's on the
low side) and for a long time I wanted to get a newer stronger mower
because my old mower would stall on almost any height of grass. Since
the mower didn't want to break down and kept running and running and I
didn't want to get rid of it while it was running so good (with 1 oil
change a year and washing out the air filter) I bought a 10 dollar
blade at home depot and installed it. WHOA, this thing mows like you
would not believe. A new blade fixed it for sure ! It hasn't stalled
once, no matter how thick or high the grass is.
so, the engine is still running fine. I think it is a briggs &
stratton engine but I am not sure. It's fairly simple, not even self
propelled. I consider it a nice workout to push it around.
Plus every winter when I dump the old oil out I notice it didn't even
use any oil. Such a good little machine it is.



Some claim the front wheel drive is more maneuverable. I don't understand
this--but I never had one. Didn't see a deficiency with either of the two
rear wheel drive machines.

cancel your gym subscription and get a mower you need to push. Saves
money on two sides :-)

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