Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
It would be even lighter with a two-stroke, a magnesium deck, no self-propelled and for less effort to get it rolling ballbearings on the wheels.
A two-stroke would probably be lighter, but I think the magnesium decks are actually heavier. This steel deck is fairly light gauge (but high quality; no rust). This self-propelled mower, all in, only weighs about 80 pounds.
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
There are probably self-propelled mowers that maneuver obstacles better, maybe some Toros and Snappers.
I haven't come across any...and for the very reason you listed below.
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
A lot of self-propelled mowers are heavy and cheaply made and the drive is cantankerous in tight areas.
This is the problem. Now that most mowers are self-propelled, most consumers couldn't care less about how much it weighs. This Lawn-Boy, at 80 pounds, is lighter than some cheap non-self-propelled mowers with much smaller engines. Most self-propelled mowers today weigh in at well over 100 pounds. Lawn-Boys have always been about light weight and maneuverability. The balance on these things is fantastic. It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that you could mow your entire yard with one hand in your pocket.
You get what I'm saying. If a mower is light enough, the slight increase in effort to push it up even slight grades is made up for in the ease of maneuverability in a lot of mowing situations. I realize that self propelled drive only adds about 7 lbs on average (that's not entirely insignificant) but also adds friction and inerta in the drive wheels and usually weight for a bigger engine to make up for the power robbed by the self propelled drive. But the main thing is the imperfect control and maneuverability around obstacles of the drive. I realize that varies between self propelled drives but I haven't experienced one that wasn't somewhat cantankerous.
I'm surprised the magnesium deck is heavier than the steel. But I'm sure a weight saving aluminum/magnesium deck of equal or greater strength compared to steel could be made due to the higher strength to weight.
I've bagged on my Honda mower but mostly because I don't like aspects of the carb, but the GCV160 is probably very light especially for OHV/OHC and plenty durable enough and an idea motor for non-commercial use.
My Honda HRS216 is only about 67lbs fully filled. This is a 21" steel deck mulcher. The mower is actually about 14 years old now and got little maintenance, and putting the carb aside, is plenty durable for residential use. The main thing is comparing it back to back with my newer self propelled 21", that's heavier and less nimble, it's very hard to conclude that the self propelled makes mowing easier.
My theory is the push mower could be even lighter and easier to push up grades. Get the weight down to 60lbs loaded or lower, an aluminum/maganesium deck, lightweight but strong aluminum wheels w/rubber tires that roll more true round and low friction ball bearings. For about the price premium of self propelled you could have a mower that is very easy to push around and actually easier than a heavy self propelled mower that drive is not nimble. Then maybe consider adding 10 lbs or so to this mower with self propell that actually maneuvers well.
I like gadgets and like the idea of self propelled, but a 100 pound mower with chintzy wobbly plastic wheels and drive isn't the answer.
Now, If you are bagging, a self propelled probably becomes more useful and necessary. How useful or not self propelled is depends on mowing situations and the mower of course.