purchasing used $100 mower on CL. help.

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TinyVoices

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Looking to buy a used $100ish mower on my local CL. What should I look for and try to avoid? My only requirements are that it must mulch.

Seeing a lot of recent (last 5 years) Craftsman with Briggs engine options for around that price like this: https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/grd/d/lawn-mower-21inch-725hp/6524453826.html

I have heard some bad things (mostly amazon reviews) about recent Toro Recycler models, so I guess i'll try and avoid those?
 
I would buy from a guy that just bought a new one or is going to buy a new one and has took very good care of it. Preferably a maintenance nut that has a small yard lol.

I would try to find a honda mower for that price first...
 
Yes, buy a Honda-powered mower if you want one that starts reliably. My Craftsman, with a GCV-160 Honda engine, is 17yrs. old, and starts on the first tug every time. Life is too short to deal with a cranky B&S engine.
 
B&S Toro would be your best bet. I wouldn't get the Hondas, I've rebuilt quite a few and have had better luck with B&S than the more complicated honda design (both in engine and in transmission).
 
Depends on whether you are going to use it for your house so may be 1x a week or for professional lawn mowing business like 10x a day?

For home use, just find a suitable used mower under $100.
For pro use, you will need to find something more resilient.
 
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I have a Toro Super Recycler.
I like it a lot but last year it was taking 10 pulls to get it started (B&S Engine).
This Spring I will have to look into that issue.

Another must for a walk-behind mower:
Toro has the Personal Pace models.
The mower keeps up with your walking speed.

This avoids having the constant turning drive-wheels.
 
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Originally Posted By: khittner
Life is too short to deal with a cranky B&S engine.


Psh. B&S is just like any other small OPE engine if you take care of it. My mom and I have identical Troy-Bilt lawnmowers from Lowes. Mine ALWAYS starts first pull (even when my 9 year old does it), and hers used to be a PITA even taking me three pulls sometimes. I ran a half can of Gumout MSTU thru hers, and then put a new spark plug in it... starts first pull now every time as well.

She must not get good gas in her area- she lives in one of the two counties in Indiana with emissions testing, must be something different with their gas there. I'd like a Honda, but no way am I paying Honda money for a mower when my Troy-Bilt just needs a new blade every three-four years.
 
Originally Posted By: MasterSolenoid
I have a Toro Super Recycler.
I like it a lot but last year it was taking 10 pulls to get it started (B&S Engine).
This Spring I will have to look into that issue.

Another must for a walk-behind mower:
Toro has the Personal Pace models.
The mower keeps up with your walking speed.

This avoids having the constant turning drive-wheels.


Have you tried any fuel treatment?
Seafoam, gumout, etc?
Air filter condition?
 
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Originally Posted By: SubieRubyRoo
Psh. B&S is just like any other small OPE engine if you take care of it.


Agreed - Briggs has kept up close enough.
Hondas have their problems, too!
 
I work on mowers out of my home, repair and sell used mowers. I try to cut with every mower I sell. I have favorites. A pos Weedeater, Husqavarna with a Honda engine, a Toro with a to the touch self propelled feature on the handlebar, Honda however everyone I have can't be pulled backwards!
 
Picked up a 2008 Honda 160cc 21" mower. Took it home and mowed the backyard including a ton of leaves. Worked amazingly well and didn't skip a beat. Starts on the first pull. I'll change the oil, air filter, and spark plug after I now the front yard this weekend. So far it's a great mower.
 
I got a broken Honda and Toro for $20 both. Sold the Toro for $20. Got the Honda running. Horribly clogged jet, new pull rope, air filter. Cleaned and lubed some stuff and has been good for about 3 yrs. so far.
 
Originally Posted By: TinyVoices
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/snw/d/3-working-lawn-mowers-and/6545838666.html

This craftsman in this ad looks like a solid mulcher for $85. opinions?

I would go for a bit more power. From experience, that Toro in the add is a piece of junk. They are poor mulchers. Go for the Super recycler which is excellent. Every spring I always find decent mowers in the trash which by people who cannot get them started in the spring. Most of them need minor repairs to get them going.
 
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