Recommendations for push mower for very thick grass

Probably your last chance to get a Honda mower in the next few weeks. Might have to cut it a few times gradually going lower if it's that thick.

I have a Honda self propelled.
Screw that heavy ace thing in thick grass
Buy the cheapest lightest throw away lawn mower with a Briggs and run nothing but ethanol free in it.

In a few years when it craps out, get another one

Very hard to find a solid walk-behind gas mower under $1000 these days, pretty much left with commercial-grade options or throw your money at a residential-grade Toro or MTD machine every few seasons. Toro Super Recyler is a good machine except for the B&S engine on it. You can opt for an old-style walk-behind like this one too:

LINK

If you are mechanically inclined enough you can do what I plan on doing which is finding a broken down Honda HRX with a poly deck and repowering it with a Kawasaki or Kohler engine.

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Buy the cheapest lightest throw away lawn mower with a Briggs and run nothing but ethanol free in it.

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I have a 22" high-wheel toro, side discharge (not self propelled) with the BS engine. I run 87 w/ 10% ethanol, and am on my fifth season with no issues. Only caveat is I do pre-treat my fuel with either Seafoam or some other fuel addititive. Not sure if it actually makes a difference or not. I've changed the oil once, and usually sharpen blades once or twice a season. Think I paid $250 dollars or so.

If grass is super thick, I will cut a level up with the discharge chute installed, then pass again with and drop it a level and mulch the clippings. But rarely does the mower get bogged down, it just gets harder to push.

Looked online at new models, and they advertise that the engines are "No Oil Change". To me, this screams that the things are meant to break and not be serviced. Which has been more of a recurring theme with briggs, as almost all of their engines have the plastic carbs that cant be adjusted.

Cheaper models usually require 5-10 minutes to adjust the deck. That will either damage you or your lawn if the deck isn’t set right for each time you mow or even each area you mow.
That sounds like your current issue also as electric mowers should be fine. I use a human powered reel for 1/2 acre at 1.0-1.5 inches(2.0 in shaded area) but I can adjust the height in about two seconds.

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What does everyone think between these two options? Honda Toro

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I would go with the Toro over the Honda if those are my only options. The Honda HRN216 you linked has some issues.

Youtube showing the issues with the Honda HRN216

Youtube Honda HRN216

A third of an acre of shite grass? Man, just get you a cheap riding mower.

Toro
this is the one i've got, which i purchased last summer. so far it has been good. my only complaint is the gas cap just has a simple little "click once to the right" instead of screwing on and it has popped off several times when it hits stuff. really annoying. but the mower has been good.

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Briggs and run nothing but ethanol free in it. In a few years when it craps out, get another one

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I wouldn't count on the Briggs giving it up anytime soon. Im going on 20 yrs with one and have never changed the oil, not once.

1. What kind of grass do you have?

2. How often are you already mowing in the summer?

Some grass needs to be cut low, others high. You will also need to cut more often if you get more rain in the summer. That helps avoid it getting thick.