[bontai Joe]

The best walk behind mower I ever owned was a 1980 vintage Deere self propelled 21" machine. Worked great for over 20 years until I bent the crank on a tree stump. I replaced it with a cheap box store push mower, that has worked ok for 10 years, but is REALLY showing it's age and wear. So I'm kinda half looking at what is available in the higher end self propelled mowers. I like the idea of casters in front, self propelled, side discharge, and handle bars high enough that I don't have to hunch over (I'm 6'-3" tall)

 

[Barbosa]

Can you get bar extensions aftermarket if the mower you want doesnt accomidate the tall?

 

[Sean Woods]

Many mowers have two sets of attachment points at the bottom of the handlebars. One of them makes the handle more vertical which makes them higher.

 

[NoRider]

biontai Joe - You must like walking, dude. I had a self-propelled Craftsman and I could never think of replacing that with just a push mower.

Anyway, I never had a lick of trouble with the Craftsman. Change the oil, fill the gas and sharpen the blade was all it ever needed regularly. Once every couple of years you change the spark plug and clean the air filter. That's it.

 

[Wayne195]

biontai Joe- If you do dicide to get a better one I would highly recommend a Honda. They are some of the best... and I understand your handle bar hieght problem, since I'm tall to...it seems most push mowers are made for little guys.

 

[bontai Joe]

biontai Joe - You must like walking, dude. I had a self-propelled Craftsman and I could never think of replacing that with just a push mower.

Anyway, I never had a lick of trouble with the Craftsman. Change the oil, fill the gas and sharpen the blade was all it ever needed regularly. Once every couple of years you change the spark plug and clean the air filter. That's it.

Oh I DEFINITELY want self propelled, no more pushing for me. Just that back when I bought the push mower I currently have, it was a stretch to even pay for that. absolutely no cash back then for a decent new machine, that's why I have a rusting, wobbly wheeled Walmart special. But it's about 10 years old and really beat half to death. I am kinda liking the Snapper I have seen, and some free weekend, I'll go take a look at what Toro has to offer.

 

[Brad]

It's really tough to look at new machines and tell the quality, heavy duty work-horses from the shiny, glamorous tinny ones. A person really has to get down and look under the deck, under the shroud (as best you can), check out the wheels (will they last, or wear the axle holes out). Even a lower end mower costs quite a bit and the purchasers certainly hope that they'll last more than a few years.

 

[mowersnob]

You could keep an eye on CL to see if a JD 14SB shows up, there should still a bunch around and its an awesome mower. And BTW, the handle does adjust for taller users. I'm 6'1'' and there are still multiple setting for the handle higher than what I have it set at.

 

[Fireman993]

While I am not too tall (5'3) My dad is 6'4 and he likes to use the Toro Super Recycler as the handle bar is a good height for him.

 

[dimwittedmoose51]

I'll second the emotion on the JD 14SB Silver Deck even though mine's not got the oil filter(non-commercial model). Once I get it running to perfection, I won't ever need another lawn mower. This brute weighs 100#!!!. Their problems are pretty much with the transmission and the ignition igniter from what I've gathered from other lawn mower forums, but they all swear by them, not at them. Paid $15 for it at a yard sale because it wouldn't start. Clogged fuel jet cleaning solved that. Fortunately, we have a JD mower dealer here in town that has like 5 or 6 of the silver decked mowers in their "bone yard". Got a bagger, used ignitor, and coil for $45 and it runs pretty well. I have a few questions about servicing mine, but I'll fire that off in a separate posting. After hassling with a DuraForce Lawn Boy and all it's problems, even my wife likes to mow the yard now!!


DM

"I suffer from CDO disorder.....it's kinda like OCD, except the letters are in alphabetical order.....LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE!!

 

[lawnmower_man_Corinth]

I've got an excellent mower in my 2009 Craftsman 6.75hp model. It's got a fairly long handle (I'm 6' even) so I don't have to bend, the self-propelled is great, and it also has high-wheels in back and 3-in-1 capability. Got it back in March for about $325.

I love my walk-behind, but due to a recent injury to my left foot, I don't know how much longer I can use him full-time. I may very well end up getting a used rider, but the walk-behind will still have a home with me!

-Matt

 

[Alan]

Any chance you still have the old deere? I need two rear wheels for one. Please e-mail me at [email protected]t thanks Alan