After owning junk mowers for the last 20 years, I am going to now pick up a top of the line mowers. Looking for opinions.
Have regular, slightly largish, suburban lot with a number of large mounds (about 8 foot elevation, which leads to lots of slope mowing. (not bad enough to need 2-stroke though)
My wife wants something she can start easilly, and use when I am being lazy.
Self Propelled is a must, as on the mounds it is tough to get around with human powered.
I hate self propelled where I have to alter my pace to match mower, I think toro has "personal pace", anyone have that? Does it really match my pace?
I know Honda has reputation for dependablity, am willing to go higher on price if it is really worth it.
"Quiet" would be nice, as I like to listen to radio while mowing.
Mulching and Bagging is necessary, as I would use mulching most of th time, but would use bagging for fall leaves (I have lots of those)
Do some mowers have power rake blades/attachments? (that actually work-- I have seen aftermarket ones, but have never seen one that works)
Based on my desire for top of line with all of above, am leaning towards Toro of Honda, however that is due to reputation only, I have not done any real research. Would love to hear from owners.
Also strategy for best price, anyone know when they go on sale? Rebates? Is there a viable on-line source?