New mower options?

[supton]

Eight years ago I bought a, um, something. Push mower, no bag, B&S 4.5hp motor. Worked fine until last week. The wheels are a bit bow legged, but usable. At least until the deck became articulated. Not really safe any more.

I'm thinking, just buy another one? $150, maybe hit it with some undercoating oil this time? 4.5 hp was usually enough, it bogged down a few times but I don't think I ever stalled it.

I'm not sure if they sell decks or not... The motor is still good, but all the other bits are aged.

 

[supton]

I guess I should add, I'm just thinking of buying at lowes. I see a Boulin or two that would work. I toy with getting a bagger, that'd be the only reason for a bigger motor I think, not sure if it is needed. Still have to cut the yard a couple more times this year.

 

[eljefino]

Scrape the grass off the underneath of your new one for it to last slightly longer. Similarly, wait for very dry days to mow.

Or search all over for a used aluminum or composite deck.

 

[supton]

Just dawned on to hit CL. Duh.

Yeah, now I'm thinking, I should have washed it at some point. Just never occurred to me to do so. Just use and shove back under the shed when done.

 

[GreeCguy]

Around these parts, used mowers are pretty common items this time of year on the curb, usually because the motors are shot. I have picked up some pretty good ones from time to time that simply needed a little TLC. I have yet to find one that has a bad deck, perhaps you could look around on trash day or check out the Free section on Craigslist and put your good motor on a good deck.

 

[KD0AXS]

Craigslist. I got this one for $75:

And this one for $150:

 

[wander2039]

I find around here on CL people think they're mowers are worth gold $$$. Thinking about doing the same since the coil went out in my old Briggs 6.5 powered self propelled. Got mine for free in 02 but it's a 98 model. I may get the $179 Murray plain jane only I prefer the big wheels in the back. Much easier to push. If the old one lasted 15 years the new should last longer with my current usage. If I can get a electric may go that route!

 

[supton]

Do the big rear wheels make a diff? I figure, I do about a half acre.

That reminds me, should do something about the riding mower I have. Been sitting a few years now, maybe CL that, once I get it running. Or can I just list it as "ran when parked, just needs new battery"? 'cuz literally that happened, the battery lost too many cells to jump any more. Well, the brakes went too, and the carb was shot...

 

[skyactiv]

Big wheels on the rear are a marketing gimmick.
The larger rear wheels having higher axles necessitates more leverage when pushing down on the handle to change direction.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
Big wheels on the rear are a marketing gimmick.
The larger rear wheels having higher axles necessitates more leverage when pushing down on the handle to change direction.


But they have less rolling resistance so push easier, also the large wheels will give a better cut if your ground has holes...

 

[dwcopple]

Big wheels are a must IMHO. They roll sooooooo much nicer than a set of small guys.

 

[supton]

Figured out my plan. Found what appears to be the exact same model on CL, but "in need of a new carb." Deck is a bit more rusty than I hoped, but for $20 I don't care. I suspect it is a bad diaphragm and I think I have one. If not, will swap motors.

 

[Artem]

Man you guys wait too long before upgrading mowers.

My Toro is about 9 or 10 years old now. Still starts from the first pull after priming and runs great (no smoke (we all know that a well maintained engine is the last thing to go on practically anything)) but the rest of the body is beginning to show signs of wear...

The self propel system is dying. It's not pushing the mower as good as it used too. The wheels are wobbling, even after I attempted to tighten them. Various plastics have cracked from age / being banged into trees, etc. Oh, and the collection bag is toast. The material is breaking apart and as a result, dust and grass is thrown through the holes / cracks onto me.

As a result, I'm already thinking about a replacement. I'll end up cleaning it up and will try to sell it on CL for a decent chunk of change to make up the cost of a NEW one.

I've been eye balling a Honda mower at Home Depot lately for $429

Should last me the next 10-15 years hopefull...

 

[Dean85]

Nice mower!!!

 

[dernp]

You'll get 20 yrs possibly more out of that Honda.