| drm1111 |
| I am looking to buy a new lawnmower. I need to know if anyone has these 2 mowers and what they like or dislike about them. Just need some more info before I pull the trigger. Lawnboy #10795 with Honda engine and the Toro #20092 with the B&S engine. I know both mowers are made by Toro but I like the Honda engine. Its a little more price wise but you get what you pay for IMO. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated. :1: |
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| N_Jay |
| I dumped a Tecumseh Craftsman for a Honda Craftsman and will never go back to Tacoma or B&S. |
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| dustino8 |
I'm with N_Jay on this. Get the one with the Honda engine. I've had a Craftsman with a Honda motor for five years now and it starts on the first pull every time, runs like it was new (However, there's probably someone on here that can say the same about their B&S).
On the other hand, if your going to spend that amount on a mower, why not get a Honda? Here's one in the price range you're looking for:
Honda Mower |
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| whizmo |
Consumer Reports just tested mowers in their May 2008 issue. I'd get a copy.
- Mark |
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| drm1111 |
| Yea after looking at the Honda mowers, I believe thats what I am going to buy. Anyone have either of the hrrvka or vxa models. I notice a $100 difference. Seems the one has the blade disingagement and 9inch tires vs 8 inch. Is it worth the extra money? :1: |
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| sjlee |
I'm a big fan of B&S... probably because I like to support a local company.
In any case, my lawnmower is a Yard Machine with a B&S motor. I bought it at Home Depot about 5 or 6 years ago for less than $200. It's pretty basic... 6.0 HP, mulching, push mower.
I simply put in gas each time I use it, sharpen the blade when it needs it and change the oil before I store it for the winter. It usually starts with one pull... the only exception is the first time I use it in the spring.
My father had a B&S lawnmower that he had while I was growing up... probably had it at least 10 years. He didn't know the meaning of preventative maintenance or winter storage procedures... he just put in gas each time he used it (or when I was old enough to mow). It too had a B&S engine.
To be honest, I don't think you can really go wrong with either lawnmower. |
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| drm1111 |
| I was just comparing the Honda mowers, Toro and the Lawnboy mowers. Seems the Lawnboy I was looking at is highly rated and right below it is the Toro model I was looking at. The Honda is middle of the road in reviews. Do I go with the Lawnboy with the Honda engine $529.99 or the Honda at either $479 or $579 depending on the model ??? :1: |
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| Dano |
I have a Snapper 21" mower with a Briggs & Stratton 4 hp engine on it.
It's 20 years old. Engine runs like a charm and has never had any repairs done to it, just typical maintenance.
I was in the small engine repair business for a while and I would swear by B&S for that stuff. Didn't care much for Tecumseh. And Hondas were a pain in the a$$ to work on - and generally overpriced.
I'm also partial to Snapper for the lawnmower itself. But then again, mine has lasted 20 years, with a few summers (long, long ago) in commercial use. |
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| drm1111 |
| I looked at the snappers at Sears and they were nice but seemed kinda big and bulky. The price was good @ $399.99 but just not sure about the large size of the mower. I have a little over 1/4 acre with lots of landscaping so I would have a have a mower thats east to get around stuff and lightweight. The Toro and Lawnboy both has an aluminum deck weighing in at 83 pounds. The Honda is a little heavier but has a steel deck. Keep the input coming guys and gals. I need info !!!! :1: |
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| N_Jay |
From what I have seen the Honda engines and therefore the whole lawnmower is lighter.
It helps reduce the work of mowing.
I don't know about B&S these days, but the Honda uses a lot less gas to do the same lawn then the Tecumseh did. |
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| rocky |
I'd go with a blade brake clutch to ensure the engine keeps spinning even if the blade isn't.
I'd go with multiple gears rather than a single speed. Single speeds are usually too slooow
Then I'd buy the cheapest on the market with those features.
That said, I've been a tractor guy for 7 years now. Back then sears mower and tractor stuff was junk and I ended up with the cheapest JD with a Kohler. Never let me down. I do still have a tecumseh powered snow blower that is 13 years old now. Sometimes I wish it would blow up so I can treat myself to a new one. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by drm1111
I looked at the snappers at Sears and they were nice but seemed kinda big and bulky. The price was good @ $399.99 but just not sure about the large size of the mower. I have a little over 1/4 acre with lots of landscaping so I would have a have a mower thats east to get around stuff and lightweight. The Toro and Lawnboy both has an aluminum deck weighing in at 83 pounds. The Honda is a little heavier but has a steel deck. Keep the input coming guys and gals. I need info !!!! :1:
My yard sounds very similar to yours. It takes me about a hour or so to cut all the grass. My wife has mowed the lawn as well, so the mower isn't heavy at all. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by rocky
I'd go with a blade brake clutch to ensure the engine keeps spinning even if the blade isn't.
I'd go with multiple gears rather than a single speed. Single speeds are usually too slooow
Then I'd buy the cheapest on the market with those features.
That said, I've been a tractor guy for 7 years now. Back then sears mower and tractor stuff was junk and I ended up with the cheapest JD with a Kohler. Never let me down. I do still have a tecumseh powered snow blower that is 13 years old now. Sometimes I wish it would blow up so I can treat myself to a new one.
I think the OP was looking at push mower, not tractors.
I also have a Yard Machine snow thrower (2 stage) with a Tecumseh engine. It's probably as old as yours. It still runs, but needs carb work. My biggest problem with it right now is that the nut is seized on the oil drain.
Probably one of the poorest designed features on it... it has a metal tube screwed into the engine to allow the oil to drain out behind the thrower. Because the tube is threaded, when I turn the nut now, the entire thing turns. Because it is round, I cannot use a wrench to hold the tube while trying to turn the nut.
I can't complain too much... I got it for free, and it being a 2-stage thrower has helped after some snowstorms. |
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| krygny |
No contest. Get the Lawn Boy with the Honda Engine. Why do so many people think that Briggs & Stratton engines are good? B&S engines are crap. They're cheap and that's why so many manufacturers use them, but they're still crap. I have a John Deere with a B&S engine. The best thing I can say about it is it cuts the grass.
I had an OMC Lawn Boy for 17 seasons and loved it. It had a bullet-proof 2-cycle engine (only 3 moving parts) and a cast aluminum deck. Why can't they make things like they used to? |
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| LChisum |
I bought a Lawn Boy last summer and am very pleased with it. It has a Tecumseh (sp) engine, which I was a little concerned about, but so far has started on the first pull each time. I got rid of a Craftsman top-of-the-line Honda powered mower that I had for several years, and had repaired several times. The main problem was in the rear wheel drive which depended on pins in each wheel activated by centrifugal force to drive the wheel. The pins were the weak link. One broke off completely, resulting in a one wheel drive. After that was fixed, one or both would stick in the drive position, yielding tire marks in the lawn when the mower was pulled backward. I had a friend who worked for Sears in mower maintenance who told me that it was a common problem. I don't know if Craftsman has changed the rear wheel drive mechanism or not. The Lawn Boy has no blade clutch or throttle, but I discovered that I don't really need them. It has a variable speed which is controlled by just pushing in on the grips. It will move as fast as you want to.
Larry |
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| macphanatic |
I have a JD with a Kawaski engine that is coming up on 19 yrs. The coil went on me last year. Other than that, its only had general maintenance. It may be time for a carb rebuild, as the idle adjustment screw needs to be tweaked occasionally. It's got the blade disengagement and a cast aluminum deck.
This is the type of JD that you can't buy at a big box store. I wouldn't buy one with the stamped metal deck. |
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| drm1111 |
| LChisum, which Lawnboy did you buy? I am looking at the 10795 model with the Honda engine and the cast aluminum deck. Also the generic mower I am using now is on its 3rd season. It's a Craftsman cheepie with a Tecumseh 4.5 hp motor. It cuts the grass without ever bogging down. I had a Yardman B&S 5.5 hp and it suck to say the least. The least little bit of high grass bogged it down and it threw the clippings up on the motor. I nearly had a few fires to say the least. lol I kept it one season and sold it for $50.00. :1: |
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| LChisum |
I bought the Lawn Boy model 10685. Got it on sale at Home Depot for $300.
Larry :) |
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| iglesias |
quote:
Originally posted by krygny
No contest. Get the Lawn Boy with the Honda Engine. Why do so many people think that Briggs & Stratton engines are good? B&S engines are crap. They're cheap and that's why so many manufacturers use them, but they're still crap. I have a John Deere with a B&S engine. The best thing I can say about it is it cuts the grass.
I bought my mower 9 years ago, and it has a B&S engine (I don't remember the mower brand, I got it at HD). We don't have mowing "seasons" here in SoCal, so it gets used pretty much every other week (maybe every 3 weeks late Dec thru Feb), and I haven't had any problems with it. I've changed the oil and air filter a couple of times and replaced the spark plug once. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by krygny
No contest. Get the Lawn Boy with the Honda Engine. Why do so many people think that Briggs & Stratton engines are good? B&S engines are crap. They're cheap and that's why so many manufacturers use them, but they're still crap. I have a John Deere with a B&S engine. The best thing I can say about it is it cuts the grass.
Isn't that what a mower is designed to do? :confused:
Seriously though... are the problems you have with your JD related to the engine or other parts of the mower?
Anyway, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Honda engines besides the fact that they are more expensive. I've never had a problem with the B&S engine on my mower (going on 7 years now), so you can see where I'm coming from.
Somewhat related tidbits... I know someone who works for B&S. When demand is high for their products, they've used Honda engines to increase supply. He also told me that the HP rating on some of the engines is understated, as they are pretty much the same engine used on the more expensive models. :eek:
Unfortunately, I don't get any discounts from him. :( |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
. . I know someone who works for B&S. When demand is high for their products, they've used Honda engines to increase supply. . . .
That makes no sense, as they are very different engines requiring very different accessories and mountings. Maybe if they have similar Honda powered and B&S powered models, they make whatever they can get engines for, but I really have trouble believing the B&S sends out Honda engines. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
That makes no sense, as they are very different engines requiring very different accessories and mountings. Maybe if they have similar Honda powered and B&S powered models, they make whatever they can get engines for, but I really have trouble believing the B&S sends out Honda engines.
Not sure, as I've never seen it myself... I'm only going by what he told me. He's an engineer at one of their small engine plants. I think the application was with their pressure washers. I have no reason to doubt him, and he has no reason to lie either. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Not sure, as I've never seen it myself... I'm only going by what he told me. He's an engineer at one of their small engine plants. I think the application was with their pressure washers. I have no reason to doubt him, and he has no reason to lie either.
It would be interesting to see, but my guess is;
1) He was BSing you (Either for fun, or just because some people will BS for the hell of it)
2) He was wrong
3) You misunderstood what he meant
But I am just guessing. :1: :1: |
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| whizmo |
Aren't all the B&S still side-valve engines? Granted, lawnmowers don't use much gas and emissions are not a huge concern, but in this day and age, I view an OHV engine as pretty much baseline technology that I'd want in any engine that is going to see a lot of use, year after year.
- Mark |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by whizmo
. . . . . , lawnmowers don't use much gas and emissions are not a huge concern, but in this day and age, . . . . .k
I am not sure anyone is looking at gas consumption yet, but California does have emissions requirements and some lawnmowers do not pass.
(Hence the big DO NOT SHIP TO CA" stickers on some lawnmower boxes. |
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| colorider |
quote:
Originally posted by whizmo
Aren't all the B&S still side-valve engines? Granted, lawnmowers don't use much gas and emissions are not a huge concern, but in this day and age, I view an OHV engine as pretty much baseline technology that I'd want in any engine that is going to see a lot of use, year after year.
- Mark
The new "Intek" series are OHV. My latest Snapper mower has one and it is SOOOO much better than my first. |
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| NJGuy |
drm1111, it looks like you can't go wrong with either the Lawnboy or Toro. like you mentioned, they are both made by Toro and nearly identical; and the only real big difference in features is the engine.
Being that I'm biased towards Honda and have a 15 year old Honda mower, I'd say get the Lawnboy. The price difference between the two is only about $40. As much as I love Hondas, a comparable Honda mower is usually closer to $100 more upfront, which is enough for me to seriously consider another brand. Its tough for me, since I seem to drink lots of Honda Kool-Aid :) .
I do have a Craftsman powerwasher with a Briggs & Stratton engine and a Craftsman snowthrower with a Techumseh engine. However, they're both only about 2 1/2 years old and see different cycles of use, so I can't comment much on their longevity or reliability. FWIW a Sears repair tech told me that the B&S engines typically last longer than the Tecumseh ones. |
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| NJGuy |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Not sure, as I've never seen it myself... I'm only going by what he told me. He's an engineer at one of their small engine plants. I think the application was with their pressure washers. I have no reason to doubt him, and he has no reason to lie either.
You might be right. I've seen pressure washers on sale at other stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart) similarly priced and that looked and were spec'd EXACTLY like my Craftsman model (except for different colors) with the B&S engine. I have a feeling that in some cases B&S produces an entire product (i.e. pressure washers), which are sold under different company names. This also makes sense logistically in terms of supply of replacement parts and such for repair shops. Ever see Sears' claim to be able to repair any brand of power equipment?
Plus, seeing how similar the Lawnboy and Toro are but use different engines and that these small engines are used on many different product lines, it seems as if they may almost be interchangable.
Also, I work with Govt. contracts and it's not uncommon for competing companies to supply components to each other. Doesn't this happen sometimes in the auto industry as well? So I don't find the claim to be far fetched. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by NJGuy
You might be right. I've seen pressure washers on sale at other stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart) similarly priced and that looked and were spec'd EXACTLY like my Craftsman model (except for different colors) with the B&S engine. I have a feeling that in some cases B&S produces an entire product (i.e. pressure washers), which are sold under different company names. This also makes sense logistically in terms of supply of replacement parts and such for repair shops. Ever see Sears' claim to be able to repair any brand of power equipment?
Plus, seeing how similar the Lawnboy and Toro are but use different engines and that these small engines are used on many different product lines, it seems as if they may almost be interchangable.
Also, I work with Govt. contracts and it's not uncommon for competing companies to supply components to each other. Doesn't this happen sometimes in the auto industry as well? So I don't find the claim to be far fetched.
Yes, I know all about OEM equipment. Craftsman makes nothing, so everything that they sell is either made specifically for them, or more likely an OEM variant of an existing product.
I am sure the B&S OEMs equipment for other companies (if they make it themselves), and if they don't, I am sure their OEMs make B&S equipment along side of essentially similar equipment to be sold under other brands.
What I do doubt is the B&S makes equipment that was to go out the door with a B&S engine and then substitutes a Honda engine due to supply issues. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
It would be interesting to see, but my guess is;
1) He was BSing you (Either for fun, or just because some people will BS for the hell of it)
2) He was wrong
3) You misunderstood what he meant
But I am just guessing. :1: :1:
1. I doubt it, because we were talking about pressure washers at the time... not really in a kidding type of conversation.
2. Could be true, but then again it was something going on at the plant where's he's located, so I don't think it's likely.
3. Definitely a possibility. It was a discussion we had a couple years ago, so my memory could easily be failing me.
I've sent him an email to verify this and will let you know about it once I hear back. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by whizmo
Aren't all the B&S still side-valve engines? Granted, lawnmowers don't use much gas and emissions are not a huge concern, but in this day and age, I view an OHV engine as pretty much baseline technology that I'd want in any engine that is going to see a lot of use, year after year.
- Mark
B&S still does make side-valve engines, but they also offer OHV engines as well. |
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| NJGuy |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
What I do doubt is the B&S makes equipment that was to go out the door with a B&S engine and then substitutes a Honda engine due to supply issues.
I see what you mean. Then perhaps B&S outsources their engine production to Honda in times of excess demand; basically, Honda building a B&S engine for them. Well, I guess we'll see what answers sjlee comes back with on this.
This thread started with a guy who just needed advice on picking a mower :) . Sorry if I helped lead it astray, I'm good at doing that sometimes.
drm111, let us know which mower you end up getting and don't forget to post plenty of pictures it here :2: . |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by NJGuy
I see what you mean. Then perhaps B&S outsources their engine production to Honda in times of excess demand; basically, Honda building a B&S engine for them. Well, I guess we'll see what answers sjlee comes back with on this. . . . .
The engines are so different, I doubt it. |
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| sjlee |
N_Jay is right... I had it a little mixed-up. B&S does use other manufacturers' engines in some of their products (including Honda), but they do not swap them when they run short of their own engines. Instead, if they are running short of supply for a customer, they will substitute different models of the same product which in some cases have a different brand engine.
Specifically he stated that their riding mowers definitely use engines other than their own. Apparently some of their customers request that they use a specific engine even though B&S is providing them with the product.
He went on to give examples of products that B&S makes under different brand names...
Push mowers
Some John Deere @ Lowe's
Snapper and Craftsman @ Sears
Brute @ Wal*Mart
Pressure Washers
John Deere and Troy-bilt @ Lowe's Craftsman @ Sears
Brute @ Menards and Wal*Mart
Briggs and Stratton @ TSC and Blain's |
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| N_Jay |
I did not realize that B&S manufactured all that equipment.
I assumed that they focused on engies and had an other OEM like MTD build there B&S branded consumer products. |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by N_Jay
I did not realize that B&S manufactured all that equipment.
I assumed that they focused on engies and had an other OEM like MTD build there B&S branded consumer products.
Yes, it is surprising. I interviewed for a job with them a few years ago and while I was there, they gave me some brochures that listed the products that they manufactured. I was surprised to see all the brand names that they make... like you, I thought that they only made small engines. Another thing that surprised me was the number of brands that they actually own... Simplicity, Snapper, Murray and others.
It surprises me that they don't really give any employee discounts on any products. The best they do is offer (for purchase) one of their test units after it has been refurbished. |
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| rocky |
They also make and market generators under their own name and GENERAC.
Generac, Simplicity and some other names have been acquired in recent years by B&S.
Vanguard is their premium line manufactured for them by Daihatsu |
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| Tim |
quote:
Originally posted by drm1111
Yea after looking at the Honda mowers, I believe thats what I am going to buy. Anyone have either of the hrrvka or vxa models. I notice a $100 difference. Seems the one has the blade disingagement and 9inch tires vs 8 inch. Is it worth the extra money? :1:
The blade disingagement is a nice feature if your motoring up a driveway or crossing a (gravel?) path. The larger wheels make it easier to manouver. The vxa also has an adjustable handle and 6 position wheel adjustment. Although I can't answer weather it's worth the extra money to you.
I've had an HRX model for 2 years now (it has all of the HRR features and more), and I'm very happy with it. It's the best mulching mower I've ever seen!!
:29: |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by Tim
The blade disingagement is a nice feature if your motoring up a driveway or crossing a (gravel?) path. The larger wheels make it easier to manouver. The vxa also has an adjustable handle and 6 position wheel adjustment. Although I can't answer weather it's worth the extra money to you.
I've had an HRX model for 2 years now (it has all of the HRR features and more), and I'm very happy with it. It's the best mulching mower I've ever seen!!
:29:
Is that a recent picture of your lawnmower? Because it looks to be in really good condition for a 2 year old model. You must wash it pretty regularly to keep it looking like that.
BTW, if you bag the clippings, do you really need it to be a mulching mower? |
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| Tim |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Is that a recent picture of your lawnmower? Because it looks to be in really good condition for a 2 year old model. You must wash it pretty regularly to keep it looking like that.
BTW, if you bag the clippings, do you really need it to be a mulching mower?
that shot is when it was new, it's real dirty now. I only bag the clippings (once or twice) after applying insecticide once a year.
Haven't washed it yet........(thats the beauty of having a plastic, er...."nexite" deck)
:cool: |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by Tim
that shot is when it was new, it's real dirty now. I only bag the clippings (once or twice) after applying insecticide once a year.
Haven't washed it yet........(thats the beauty of having a plastic, er...."nexite" deck)
:cool:
I figured that the picture was when you first got it, but I didn't want to assume anything. I'm sure there are people out there who wash and wax their mower... keeping it looking like new. |
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| krygny |
quote:
Originally posted by sjlee
Isn't that what a mower is designed to do? :confused:
Seriously though... are the problems you have with your JD related to the engine or other parts of the mower?
...
I'm not having any problems. The mower works as intended and as designed. It just wasn't designed very well. It wasn't designed badly either. The engine runs and the mower cuts the grass. Ho Hum. John Deere may make good farm equipment (how would I know? I grew up in Queens) but their mowers are ordinary in the extreme. (Ooops! I guess now I've offended people from IL too.)
I've known people who've had problems with B&S engines on every brand of mower around. Probably 60% of the walk-behinds sold on the US use B&S engines. I think it's because they're cheap and margin is everything. |
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| drm1111 |
| Thanks to all of you who provided info and pics. I am going to make a decision soon. I wll let everyone know. Keep the knowledge coming. I still am not clearcut on the one I am buying. :1: |
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| hondacuraworld |
I've always been of the opinion that as far as lawnmowers go, it's all about the engine. However, as far as lawn tractors go, brand name makes a difference. Here's why......
Any lawnmower with a decent engine will last 20 years or better with proper maintenance, at least the ones I've seen. Honda engines are by and large the best. I've worked on my share of B&S, Tecumseh, Kohler, even a Wisconsin once, but have never had to work on a Honda engine.
Now there may be those that disagree, but for a lawn tractor, I prefer a horizontal shaft motor over a vertical shaft motor, simply because the cheaper brands of lawn tractors have more exerted effort directly on the crankshaft of the motor to drive attachments, whereas the horizontal shaft engines rely more heavily on gearing and pulleys to twist it down to the blade.
For lawn tractors, brand name is important mostly if you ever want to find attachments for them for other jobs (snow plowing, cultivating, etc). It's all in the jobs that you'd want to do. Personally, if I went and spent a couple grand on a lawn tractor, I'd like to know that I could pick up attachments for it somewhat easily.....and this is where brands like Cub Cadet and John Deere stand out. My one lawn tractor is a Homelite, manufactured by Allis Chalmers. Try and find any attachments for it. Then again, I also have a John Deere, and I can get anything I want within a stone's throw. I have to say that my Deere is about the easiest maneuvering thing that I own.
I actually have 3 lawn tractors......the kids love riding them around and they're not likely to kill themselves on them ;) , the third being a Case. The Case is about the ugliest, most abused thing I've ever seen, but the thing cuts grass like there's no tomorrow.
I just bought a Woods belly mower for my beast, though.....(inset a Tim Allen woof woof woof woof :D )
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| drm1111 |
| Well I pulled the trigger on a new mower this morning. I was out and about and had to stop at the local Home Depot. I ran in looking for a quick disconnect for my garden hose and it crossed my mind to look at the Honda lawnmowers while I was there. After checking them out I decided to head on out to WalMart to pick up a few things. As I was going out the front door I saw some mowers that were setting there all alone beside some riders. There she was. As clean as a new one. After inspecting the Honda mower I looked at the price. It was the HHR 216K5VKA model. The new price at Home Depot was $429.00 . They had it marked at $250. I thought something is probably wrong with it and its being sold as is. I went to the service desk and inquired about it. The girl said she would call the shop and see what was wrong with the mower and what they did to fix it. After waiting about 10 minutes she told me that the people who bought it brought it back due to it sputtering and missing. The service tech documented that the gas in the tank had moisture in it and after cleaning out the gas tank, replacing the sparkplug, flushing out the fuel lines and cleaning out the exhaust and installing a new air filter it was started and ran for over 30 minutes without problems. I asked her if it still had a warranty. She said it was like buying a new mower. It has a 30 day hassle free return policy. You can either get your money back or exchange it for another one. Also she stated that since it was a reconditioned product, Home Depot would service it for one year at their shop for no charge if something would occur and that the Honda warranty still was in effect for the entire 3 years. I got her home and she fired right up. I think I got a good deal. What do you guys think? Thanks to everyone for the info and imput. It was greatly appreciated. I will be mowing the lawn tonite so I will give an update on what I think. :1: |
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| sjlee |
quote:
Originally posted by drm1111
Well I pulled the trigger on a new mower this morning. I was out and about and had to stop at the local Home Depot. I ran in looking for a quick disconnect for my garden hose and it crossed my mind to look at the Honda lawnmowers while I was there. After checking them out I decided to head on out to WalMart to pick up a few things. As I was going out the front door I saw some mowers that were setting there all alone beside some riders. There she was. As clean as a new one. After inspecting the Honda mower I looked at the price. It was the HHR 216K5VKA model. The new price at Home Depot was $429.00 . They had it marked at $250. I thought something is probably wrong with it and its being sold as is. I went to the service desk and inquired about it. The girl said she would call the shop and see what was wrong with the mower and what they did to fix it. After waiting about 10 minutes she told me that the people who bought it brought it back due to it sputtering and missing. The service tech documented that the gas in the tank had moisture in it and after cleaning out the gas tank, replacing the sparkplug, flushing out the fuel lines and cleaning out the exhaust and installing a new air filter it was started and ran for over 30 minutes without problems. I asked her if it still had a warranty. She said it was like buying a new mower. It has a 30 day hassle free return policy. You can either get your money back or exchange it for another one. Also she stated that since it was a reconditioned product, Home Depot would service it for one year at their shop for no charge if something would occur and that the Honda warranty still was in effect for the entire 3 years. I got her home and she fired right up. I think I got a good deal. What do you guys think? Thanks to everyone for the info and imput. It was greatly appreciated. I will be mowing the lawn tonite so I will give an update on what I think. :1:
Sounds like a very good deal to me. For all intents and purposes, you got a brand new mower for almost half the price. I think you'll be happy with it. Congrats on a great find... must have been fate. :cool: |
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| Caf2461 |
Most folks perceptions of B&S is wrong. If you buy a $99 mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine you get what you pay for.
I have a top rated Toro with B&S engine, an aluminum deck and the great Personal Pace feature. Starts first pull every time and goes as fast as you walk behind it with just a light touch on the handle. Mulches better than my neigboor's Honda which for some reason has two blades. Unfortunately you cannot buy this model at Home Depot & discount stores, but I bought it as a demo and have had it for 10 years now without a problem. |
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| N_Jay |
quote:
Originally posted by Caf2461
Most folks perceptions of B&S is wrong. If you buy a $99 mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine you get what you pay for.
I have a top rated Toro with B&S engine, an aluminum deck and the great Personal Pace feature. Starts first pull every time and goes as fast as you walk behind it with just a light touch on the handle. Mulches better than my neigboor's Honda which for some reason has two blades. Unfortunately you cannot buy this model at Home Depot & discount stores, but I bought it as a demo and have had it for 10 years now without a problem.
I guess B&S makes good engines and crappy engines.
Honda only makes good engines.
BTW, my last B&S was not a cheap mower but my wife could not start it easily (in her 20's), she now starts the Honda easily (in her 40's) |
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| drm1111 |
| Yea must have been at the right place at the right time. lol Seems all the mowers with B&S engines I have owned seems to bogg down in heavy grass. My Craftsman with the Tecumsah 4.5hp engine that the Honda is replacing has did a wonderful job for such a little engine. It just puts along and still is running good. I wanted a self propelled mower due to my bad knee. I guess getting older you gotta do these things. :1: |
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| NJGuy |
congrats on the new Honda. It sounds like you practically stole it from Home Depot.
I checked out a reconditioned Honda mower at HD a few years back. It seemed ok, but the throttle control had some kind of weird hesitation and scared me off from buying it.
also, i'm sure others would agree that :needpics: |
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