JPP

Haven't needed a lawn mower in a decade or more, now I have a couple of small lawns and a 1/8th mile country driveway with weeds/grass to mow on either side. Years ago, I used to own a Honda mower and it was bullet proof, but also expensive to buy, do any of you have a recommendation for a decent mower that can do double duty between lawn and weed/grass mowing (both on fairly even ground ...)

Lectra

I don't know anything about lawnmowers but isn't 'john deere supposed to be the holy grail of lawn mowers ?

Bearclaw

If you're looking at a walk-behind, I can tell you that I have a John Deere that I bought new 17 years ago, and through all those seasons of 8-mo.-per year use, it's never skipped a beat. Runs (and looks) as good as when it was new (of course, how many people wax their lawnmower? I'm probably the only one ). It is definitely in the category of "best purchases ever". It was mid-range in price, and I see that they still are. However, I see that the new ones don't look anything like mine, so things may have changed.
A lot of people also like Snapper for a walk-behind.

The one thing I keep reading is, whatever you choose, buy it from a dealer, not from a home store, even if it's the same brand. There seems to be a difference in quality. I wouldn't be surprised.

larpy

The John Deere mowers at Home Depot/Lowes are NOT the quality as the mowers bought at Jogn Deere dealerships. Pay the extra and get the real Deere from the dealers.

NC TRACKRAT

+1 for John Deere. Thery are the Porsche of mowers. Bought a 335 riding mower w/48" deck 10 years ago. Hydro tranny and pwr steering are "must haves" for a riding mower. Be prepared for sticker shock but, IMHO, the investment is worth it.

Bob Rouleau

Walk Behind - John Deere or Toro. Riding Mower - John Deer from a John Deere dealer. My 1989 is still running strong!

rsr91128

Unfortunately the walk behinds are the same for now. Deere discontinued the JX75 commercial grade mower a year and a half ago, this was simply an updated version of the old 14SB that was available for around 12 years. The current Deere walk behinds are made by Briggs and Stratton Power Products (same as Snapper). If you wait a little while (supposed to be around fall) there will be a replacement commercial model available from Deere, if you can't wait and want quality go with a Honda commercial (about $1100.), hard to justify but well worth it.

Lawn tractors are a different story, no comparison from entry level John Deere L series @ the box stores to the Select Series X models @ dealers.

Whatever you decide buy it from a full service dealer!

Bouzoukikid

Funny you asked as only bought one last week after my gardener let me down on a number of occasions recently. Bought a Hayter 48 pro. Great machine, clutch powered. Don't know if you can these in the states but are highly regarded over here (uk).
btw. They're aircooled!!!

fullbooker

I've been a Snapper fan for a long time. Tried a Craftsman but it didn't cut as well as the Snapper, so got another one. The 20 year old snapper was great untill the B&S engine wore out.
Phil

s4for5

Honda walk behind mower
starts first pull every time
never skips a beat
big grass bag so I empty it less often
less $ than the JD
Home Depot for me on sale, saves me money for more important things like MODS for the pcars

Chuck W.

I have a Honda HRC216HXA. It is a commercal grade walk behind and cost about $1250. Great mower.

TMc993

I've got a 52" Cub Cadet zero-radius rider that I've had for three years. I have a 1.5 acre lawn and have to mow at least once a week. The Cub Cadet cut my mowing time to 1 1/2 hours from almost 3 hours on a standard lawn tractor. I also use it to cut deep weeds on some right-of-way and dirt roads that border my property and it handles that easily. Other than changing the oil, oil filter and air filter every 50 hours of operation it's been bulletproof. I noticed a similar model at Home Depot last week for $2885 I think.

95_993

I've had a Yard Man self propelled for 10yrs....works perfectly. Easy to switch from bag to mulching.

After 10yrs, it was taking an extra pull to start so I pulled the cover, lightly sanded the rust of the magneto contact magnets on the flywheel....presto. Fires up instantly.

However, the Hondas look really nice.

JPP

Thanks for all the great input everybody. I'm on the hunt Monday and will stop by the local John Deere and Honda dealers to check things out. I'm looking at walk behind's, not enough lawn to justify a rider. I've gone through two recommended "gardeners" and after watching them work and looking at the quality of what they call a "finished product", I think it's best I invest my money in a good tool and do it myself .... (I sound just like my dad used to ...)

face-ache

one that someone else is pushing..