Originally Posted by Latte1
Hi, I'd like to ask you some questions. I'm a 70-year old woman in good shape, am still pushing my old Toro that is not self-propelled and keep telling myself it's good exercise.
It's on it's last leg though, someone has kept it going for me because I like it, but it's time to look for a new one. Part of me thought if I researched it now I could get it on sale this Fall, but then the other half of me is saying what if there aren't anymore left? Any thoughts on that? I'm also thinking if I can decide on one I could see if there's a good Memorial Day sale on it.
Here's my other questions. After doing some homework, it looks like a Honda engine is the way to go.
I hav found two Honda models, HRN216VLA (electric start) and HRN216 VYA (roto stop, lets you stop the blade without the motor to empty the bag). Unfortunately, you get one or the other, but I'm kind of leaning to VYA because I like that feature if I'm picking up leaves although unless it's too heavy with them, I mulch them.
I've read the electric start is nice, but if it's easy to pull so that really isn't a problem.
Both have the GVC 170 engine and twin blades. The twin blades sound like a good thing to me but one person said he preferred a single blade, but didn't say why?
I did look at the HRX models too, but someone mentioned they had a suction problem so I ruled them out,
One thing I'm wondering though, is while everyone likes the Honda engine here, they don't seem to get Honda mowers, what am I missing?
I looked at Consumer Reports and of course they don't have all of the models, but the Husqvarna, Lawn-Boy & Troybilt weren't really rated well, but they seem to be what you're choosing so I needed to look into this more. I've seen Consumer Reports give high ratings to things with terrible reviews too though right beneath their review.
Anyway, thank you so much for your help in advance, I really appreciate it.
The Honda engines are noted as the best for smoothness, efficiency and longevity, but the Honda lawnmowers can be a bit expensive to own if they have transmission issues, and they are also fairly heavy. I repair mowers as a side business and have used them all. My personal mower is a Toro Super Recycler (model 20382), which came with a Honda engine. The Toro Personal Pace is the easiest self propel system I've used, and the mower is light enough that when you get to the end of a row, it's easy to turn the mower around and head back in the other direction.
Both the Honda and Toro Super Recycler are great mowers, I'd rate those two as the top mowers. I'd see if you could try them out at a dealer and see which one is easier for you to maneuver and use.
As far as one blade vs. two, it's all personal preference. They both cut very well in my experience. I would give the edge in bagging leaves to the Honda, and the edge in mulching to the Toro.