Consumer grade self-propelled lawn mowers, and review : )

I have a Troy-Biltself-propelled lawn mower, rear wheel drive (model

860). Purchased 2009, not used one year due to personal health reasons.

Comments: The handle appears to be made of aluminum and bends with normal use (I've replaced it twice so far ($40 + 7 shipping). It does not appear to be properly supported where it attaches (design flaw?).

I replaced the transmission last year, ($85 + quite a bit of work, most of it reading a manual relating to the mower--I won't call it a service manual, and it wasn't completely accurate, but it was much better than nothing).

I replaced the drive cable (to the transmission) this year just this week ($20 + a fair amount of work). In the midst of the repair (I had "given up" because I couldn't remove the drive cable), I started shopping online for my next lawn mower. An hour or two later, with a fix it/break it/I no longer give a darn attitude, I went back to the mower and pried/forced the rubber baffle out of the way and *drilled out* the cable connector at the transmission (it's inaccessiblity was the big issue). This process would have been much easier with instructions or a more consumer-friendly design.

I have no further complaints with the lawn mower besides what I regard as "high maintenance". Reading numerous (hundreds) of reviews for various mowers online since, I know some have it much worse.. The "reel-mower" I used in my youth seemed a more durable design. IIRC, a chain turned the wheels.

What I learned:

-Even Honda's HRR216K9... seems to have trouble with it's carburetor this year. Though I still think "next year's" model may be my next choice upon replacement. It caught my attention that it has a *steel* handle. 3 year warranty.

--Snapper (model AVB2A2) also has a 3 year warranty, maybe the only other mower in this class besides Honda. Also one of the few models Not manufactured by the MTD Corp (search for "MTD Products" on Wikipedia to reveal a surprisingly long list of familiar brands). Some owners found it difficult/impossible to order pars for their Snapper mower, and I verified their concerns (e-replacement parts, for instance, doesn't have all the model numbers). This is obviously a big negative. Amusingly, Consumer Reports regards Troy-Bilt as premium to Snapper, at least "marketing-wise".

So, in short, what is the "sweet spot" for a self-propelled lawn mower (lawn is 1/3 acre)? Go cheap as possible, and replace often or something else? I think there are not as many options as it might appear that there are at first glance. I hope that what I have written might be helpful to others in their selection...

Thanks! Bill

Reply to
Bill
Loading thread data ...

I had a Honda harmony 215, it was the best and most expensive mower I owned . It was well built, quiet, and it left the best look on the lawn. It had a dual blade design which did an excellent job of mulching into tiny bits th at disappeared. But it wasn't many years before the tranny went prematurel y. It was $150 for the part and an unbelievable diassembly to put it in. I could get a Sears for $160, so that's what I did. It's lasted much longer, probably 2x the Honda. Only things it's needed were the end of the spring o n the adjustable speed belt broke and the wheels wore out. The spring I sec ured with a zip tie. It also has more power than the Honda, but that only matters if the grass is too tall or wet. It makes a lot more noise and does n't mulch as well or leave the grass with as smooth a cut.

Reply to
trader_4

Apparently you weren't the only one; the following link may be of some interest to you:

formatting link

Replacing the transmission in my Troy-Bilt (860) was one of the more complex mechanical problems I have tackled (but we learn from doing...). I ended up using a hammer to get it off--if I did it again, I think I might try a hack saw and/or a reciprocating saw to cut the axle (as well as a hammer) to possibly simplify things. When they perform the operation in videos there often isn't any rust on the axels! : ) The 2 Honda transmissions I have seen each appeared more robust than the Troy-Bilt one I had--and that seems like the "weak spot" in a consumer-level self-propelled mower.

Thanks for sharing and your interest in this topic (which seems to be no match for political concerns in this group!) : )

Bill

Reply to
Bill

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.