In the market for a new self propelled mower

I got a Toro Super Recycler this year and am very impressed with it. It handles the thick stuff way better than my previous mower. It has yet to bog down or leave clumps of grass. The self propel function is very smooth too as it is integrated into the handle rather than a trigger mechanism.

That's one I was ready to pull the trigger on but I read some nightmare reviews on the self propel not wanting to disengage when you pull the mower backwards, which I would think is terrible over time on the whole drive system.

I'm guessing you haven't had any issues with yours?

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I'm guessing you haven't had any issues with yours?

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No issues with mine yet. I've only had mine for about 6 months tho, so I can't provide a long term review.

My Honda bit the dust a few months ago, engine threw a rod (very surprising), and being Honda doesn’t manufacturer gasoline mowers anymore and I could not find a new replacement motor I was in the same quandary as you. I also had the Honda mower model that had rear wheel lockup when pulling it backwards that was major pain as the fix seldom lasted through 1 season.

Also wasn’t happy with other consumer gasoline mowers on the market that didn’t have Honda engines. Never thought I’d do this, but long story short, I bought an EGO battery powered self propelled mower.

Couple neighbors had them and were happy with them, Members of this board that have them were happy with them, and I have to say after 2 months of use I’m happy with it and with no regrets. I did a lot of homework first, watched plenty YouTube reviews, etc before I pulled the trigger. Motor has a 1/3 more torque than my Honda mower so mowing through tall grass shouldn’t be an issue. It’s much lighter, and pulling it backwards in those nooks & crannies in the landscape is sooo much easier than the Honda and no rear wheel lockup.

I have 10,000 sq ft of lawn, so 1/4 acre, to mow and there is usually about 35-40% battery power remaining when I’m finished so doing a 1/3 of an acre on a single charge shouldn’t be an issue. I bought the model powered with 2 smaller batteries so it would be more comfortable, weight-wise, to also use those batteries on their other lawn tools (picked up that idea from a Y/T video), but that model was a bit more expensive at $1100, but there are other larger, single battery models in the $800 range. Good warranty on the mower, 5 years? and batteries, 3 years? (recalling from memory).

As an aside, I did buy a used Honda engine on EBay to fix my Honda mower to have as backup…..lol.

Greenworks 60v 21" push mower

You don't need self propel because there's no engine - very light but has a solid steel deck. No expensive gas, no maintenance. This is a smokin' deal right now. I've had this one for 5 years now.

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My Honda has finally given me enough issues with the transmission that I’m ready to replace.

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What's the issue? I have an HRN I bought in 2016, there's a TSB for the rear axle bushings that aren't too difficult to replace. Fixed the issue with it getting sluggish and the rear wheels locking up when pulling it backwards.

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My Honda bit the dust a few months ago, engine threw a rod (very surprising), and being Honda doesn’t manufacturer gasoline mowers anymore and I could not find a new replacement motor I was in the same quandary as you.

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I hit a small stump with mine and bent the crankshaft. Ordered a new crank from Honda for $30 plus new timing belt, cam gear, and some other odds that may as well get refreshed when opening up the engine that far. $80 in parts total I think, maybe 4 hours for me to tear it down, swap in the new parts, then put it back together. Cranked on the first pull and has ran perfect since 2018.






Really simple engines to work on but if it ever dies I'm dropping a Kawasaki or Kohler Command on the deck...

I bought a Toro Recycler Max this spring. First toro I’ve owned. I absolutely love it so far. Very light and easy to maneuver. The 163cc engine is plenty enough power for what I need. Blade mulches pretty well. I still plan to replace it with a Gator blade for even better mulching.

Just in case, go ahead and squirt some Kroil on the flywheel where it connects to the crank shaft. That is a very tight connection and the years of corrosion have only made it more so. Give that Kroil a few years headstart for your own sake...

Same situation for me. Have a Honda that’s been great for 15 years, but I fear it’s starting to get a bit worn out. Anyone here tried out the new echo mowers? I have an echo trimmer and 2 chainsaws and they’ve been beyond solid. Seeing mixed reviews online.