How to Choose the Best Mower and Avoid the Worst! Lowes/Walmart/Tractor Supply Push Mower Review

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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@johnh4973]

Pushmower prices are just outrageous... I "rescued" a Craftsman self propelled that a neighbor had put out in the trash because it looked like new... cleaned the carb, changed the air filter, oil and spark plug and its been running like a champ for four years now.

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

Yeah, older stuff's better anyway

[@RKDriver]

That's how I got mine. Cheap push Troy-Bilt but has a solid Briggs engine, nice metal deck and nothing missing. Just cleaned out the carb, replaced the air filter, dumped the old gas and replaced the blade. It was just neglected but has been running strong ever since. He also threw out his shop vac which I snatched up and it works great!

[@Jaydem_]

@@RKDriverI got a Toro recycler I keep pulling the cord but it’s like stuck do u know why that could be

[@billdeblaey6078]

I snagged a Craftsman self propelled Honda 160 GCV off a tree lawn last Fall. People were moving and I think they just didn't want to bother taking it with them. Took it home and had it running in 15 mins. Gave it a full service this Spring and it runs great. Had a little surface rust on the sides of the deck. Sanded them down and brushed some gloss black Rustoleum, looks great.

[@sissymurphy9620]

BLAME IT ON THE VOTERS china joke biden did this to us

[@markbuetow2351]

I bought a John Deere push mower in 1994. Every year I changed the oil and air filter in fall before storing it. I would run a small amount of aviation fuel through it and it would start on the first pull every spring. Since I sold my airplane I run the fuel out completely and fill it with non ethanol gas. It still starts on the first pull and have never had any carburetor work done on it in those 30 years. B&S must have built it on a Wednesday!

[@steveb7310]

Do you still fly?

[@markbuetow2351]

@@steveb7310 Not any more. I had medical issues that got me out of it and have not tried to get my medical back.

[@steveb7310]

@@markbuetow2351 bummer, I hope you're able to fly again if you want to.

[@aaronpowell4885]

100ll really is an incredible storage or low use fuel! I also make it the last tank of the season in all my mowers and equipment that sits all winter. Also great for generators! As I seldom ever think about them till I need one😅 have never had a fuel related issue with anything that I've remembered to store with avgas👍🏻

[@MarkS-hp1yl]

I have a John deere Js 63 that I bought around the same time. Never an issue and it still starts on the first pull to this day. The person that built that engine Had their act together that day.

[@LarryHelvick]

I have a Toro Super recycler with a Briggs 6 hp quantum engine. Starts and runs without any issues going on 20 years. Changed oil yearly and the only other items I changed was the blade and a set of wheels since they wore out. And yes it is a personal pace which I actually like.

[@86AW11]

Wish I still had the LawnBoy 2 stroke push mower I used in the 80s. Light, reliable and cut grass fantastic.

[@robertholm5636]

I have 3. 2 have the aluminum deck.

[@wirecutter59]

Love the videos where you show us machines that are less likely to break down rather than how to repair them after we buy the wrong ones. Thanks so much!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@jmabs5096]

Most run longer than you think, as long as your not buying cheap Chinese knock offs engines, take care of them... They run for long time.

[@michaelkennedy2528]

@@Chickanic Hey, love the videos, would you happen to have a 50 in deck for SS5000 ZTR? Thanks

[@WJCTechyman]

@@jmabs5096 Some of those knockoff engines are better than you think. I happen to currently own three and they run about as well as Honda engines, of which I own 7 or 8. That being said, I buy Honda commercial engines or commercial power equipment that I use daily. The Honda knockoffs run infinitely better than all of the Briggs and Stratton engines I have owned over the last one and a half decades. I currently own one Vanguard engine and it is as temperamental as the older "easy spin start" flatheads with the pumping diaphragm carbs and eats oil as much as other Briggs engines I have had after 40 hours.

[@EdwardAKATedEvans]

Thank for you videos. I've just cleaned the carburettor on my Hyundai HYM510SP as it was 'Hunting' quite badly. Never thought it was so simple it's running beautifully again. 81 year old retired mechanical fitter not used to dealing with the small stuff.

[@net2000man]

Another great video, thanks for taking the time to impart your wisdom and knowledge! As a homeowner with more lawn than time, I'm trying to decide between one of those robots and a riding mower to either automate or mow faster (level back yard, 6600 SQ FT) so your insights have been very much appreciated! Thanks for all you do, and God Bless You!

[@mike.4277]

I haven't bought any new equipment in 16 years!! Taking care of your stuff helps. A plastic mower deck is asking to have problems with it 😂. Great video 👍

[@bertgrau3934]

You're probably correct, it won't rust though.

[@sissymurphy9620]

@@bertgrau3934 but it will break and crack like all plastic does and if neglected even faster and if you hit a rock or something else OH WELL

[@bertgrau3934]

@@sissymurphy9620 True

[@kevinandrae9745]

I have a Lawn Boy bought new in 1986 and it starts on 3 pulls every time. The deck fell apart but a different deck fixed that and it works great again. They sure don't make them like that anymore.

[@vapnut]

Thank you Bre! I am still using a 8 year old $200 Murry push mower with bagger to cut three lawns. Still starts every time, but it still runs great because I maintain it well and keep it in the garage. I have other mowers to use also but they were inherited or given to me by people who didn't know you had to change the air filter. Have a great day!

[@klxboy9994]

I bought a cheap Murray push mower in 2016 for $140 and it has never failed me. I exercise it in the off season about once a month, always run marvel mystery oil in the gas of my SGE's and its been a solid runner that has never let me down. I'll keep that mower as long as I can.

[@brewster3987]

2005 Troy-Bilt self-propelled electric start Briggs 7 hp. Over the years, I've put in two new drive belts, a new set of wheel gears, an ignition coil, and a couple of carb kits. Still starts first time. I change the oil every year and run non-ethanol gas. I'm hoping for several more years! Thanks for all your great tips.

[@MahlerTwo]

My 10-year old Honda HRR216 starts first time every time. I maintain it well and use ethanol-free fuel (from a separate pump). I would suggest the drive issues with these mowers are not related to the belt or the transmission. It's corrosion on the rear axle where it goes through the bushing in the height adjuster. Corrosion makes the axle hard to turn. At first, the wheels won't roll backward, then it will start causing extra wear on your belt. About once a year, I dissassemble the rear wheel/adjuster assemblies, remove the corrosion with sandpaper, and lubricate the axle. Works great for me. I'm still using my original belt.

[@Justacogg]

I wish there were more folks like this woman! She will always to tell you what you need and not what you just want to hear! Love the in a business! The equipment comes first, not the customer! Perfect! Bottom line it ends up with the customer benefiting every time!

[@graemefyffe5295]

love your tutorials. I live down under in new Zealand have been in the Automotive industry for 48 years, I have a MTD ride on tractor lawn mower and a Honda push mower and various Stihl chain saws. I maintain all this gear every time i use it. The MTD is very high Maintenace so that gets cleaned all the time and checked...love what you do,all the very best

[@emeraldvalleywoodworking]

I worked in retail for several years. We always removed the gas caps and anything else that was easily removable because customers would come into the store and steal them when they lost or broke that part on their mower.

[@albertgomo4396]

I was working on my mower years ago and forgot to screw the gas cap down. It came off and before I could grab it, it got sucked under the deck. Because I had that mower set up for mulching there obviously wasn't anything left of that plastic gas cap. I told my wife to purchase another one the next time she was in town, but the shop found the story so funny they just took an old gas cap they had laying around the shop and gave it to her for free. I guess they felt sorry for me.😂

[@temujinkhan6326]

@@albertgomo4396 no the shop wanted to smash your wife

[@gcampbell83]

My unicorn walk behind mower is a 14 year old Honda Quadra-cut rear wheel self propelled with rear bag/discharge. Starts every year first or second pull at the start of the season. I also only use non ethanol fuel. Now I pump the first gallon of fuel in my vehicle before filling up my gas can thanks to you. I am going to keep this mower. It is super reliable. (I like the Reagan shirt)

[@bertgrau3934]

You check out her video of alcohol free gas, she and her husband went to several gas stations and the least amount of ethanol was 5 % that was from a ethanol free gas and putting 4-5 gallons in their car first. I drove big trucks for 44 years I hauled gas for a year I can tell you, if I hauled premium gas for one load, the tank did not get flushed out to haul low grade gas. No doubt in my mind you can get ethanol in your tank. 5% even sounds a little low to me, but that's the best she came up with . Good luck though, 5% may not hurt it too much or not at all

[@czechmate6916]

I have to agree with you on the Honda mowers, we probably have the same one and mine has been trouble free and starts first time. I was in Lowe’s the other day and the one they had that is like mine is a $1000. I paid a little over $700 for mine. I love my Honda mower.

[@tonylowell8422]

Your honesty makes your page love it !!!!

[@williamlandrum5201]

I have a snapper mrp216015b. It is a 5 speed, 6 hp briggs, mulching mower. I have had it a long time and only repairs I've done are a drive belt and the safety cable. It still starts first or second time. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks

[@brucedale4465]

My dad had a lawn boy in the 60’s that never died it mowed for almost 50 years with a few new spark plugs and that’s all. Thanks for your videos

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I would bet it has the points and condenser changed. It's the one thing they all eventually had to have.

[@xmanb8193]

Law boys were the best but thanks to the tree huggers they are gone

[@gpalmerify]

My dad didn't have any room in his garage for his 1960's LawnBoy and it stowed under an outdoor stair under a tarp. 30 years later, I asked him for it when he was going to junk it and I replaced the spark plug, polished up the flywheel magnets, regapped the coil and ran it without hood (the fiberglass rotted), even after minlessly leaving out the metal pieces that channeled and over heating the engine to where it slowed to a halt and stopped, I replaced the metal pieces, let it cool down and it ran for years later. That was when they made their carbs out of metal and the decks out of magnesium. The worst part of that mower was the infamous recoil starter that had to be replaced often.

[@slowb4lls1]

My grandpa had a hooptie old lawn boy 2 stoke smoky ass monster and I loved it. I grew up mowing there two acres each summer using it and other than the super jankedy self propelled design they had on it, the thing wud mow 2 lawns stacked on top of each other it didn’t care how much grass you had it was gonna do a full send until you ran it out of gas 😂 of course now lawnboy the company was bought out and added to one of those monster companies that own like 20 other mower brands also. now they are the same as the basic cheapest toro 21” mower you can order and it’s sad cause they used to be the best cutting, best running, just best period mowers around. That damn thing would scream I’m sometimes half tempted to grab one of the Prestine ones someone’s restored or had in a glass case for 30 yrs off eBay the things were that good

[@Stewbular]

I have my grandfather’s 1975 lawn boy commercial version It had a large tank He mowed his 1 acre yard I did in summer Still going strong

[@danielvillarreal8892]

About 10 years ago I bought a Honda HRR2169vka mower. Greatest mower ever. Starts on first pull every time even after sitting in the garage over winter. Have had to buy new wheels and drive belt. Also regular maintenance yearly change oil, spark plug and sharpen blade. Change out blades every 3 years.

[@hickorystx]

Excellent video... Mower edition of the good the bad and the ugly!! Thanks for the tips and comparative selection available. Prices are insane for what you get.

[@borosa3173]

Hello my grandfather owned a Briggs and stratton push mower for 12 years and just recently I fixed it by watching your videos

[@blipco5]

Four years ago I bought a Troy Built non self propelled mower with a Honda engine for $220 bucks at Lowes. I change the oil once a year and grease the wheel axles. It starts first pull. Love it.

[@watussi4511]

Troy Bilt tb130 I had mine for 7 years & the only maintenance I’ve done is 2 oil changes, it’ll start right up within 2 pulls every time. That Honda engine is so reliable.

[@blipco5]

@@watussi4511 I keep Stabil in my gas can year round so whether I fuel up the lawn mower or snow blower, the gas is already treated. And when I’m done mowing the lawn I shut of the fuel and let the engine burn off whatever gas is left in the carb. I do it every use so that gunk doesn’t start to build up in the carb. Same with the snow blower.

[@invaderzim1265]

Link?

[@smolville]

My favorite self propelled push mower was the old Lawn-Boy from the 60's. Buttercup. Rear wheel drive. You could lock it in and just step back. It didn't go very straight without an operator. You could lock out the self propelled for the heavy stuff. They never wore out. That's why a few are still running.

[@cmarkchappelle7117]

I owned a Sears walk behind mower that lasted 37 years. I ran it out of gas each year and changed the oil. I gave it to my new neighbor who just bought the house next door and needed a mower. Still running like a champ for him!

[@sissymurphy9620]

back when America was american now china joke biden ran it into the ground

[@matthirn7858]

Thanks for the information. Very helpful. I needed an entry level model, so I picked up the Black Max. I also watched your video about fuel. Thank you for that. I pumped the first gallon of premium ethanol-free fuel into my car in order to avoid the high probability of pumping a lesser grade for the first third of a gallon. This was a pump where all the grades shared the same hose that you warned about. At least they had a separate hose for the E85.

[@ronneely8219]

Honda's HRS21 was one of the best push mowers ever made . They also had a self-propelled model. Mine is 41 years old and still going strong. Thanks for the great videos.

[@southernokie3430]

Yes sir I got to of those start every yr

[@Winterstick549]

Back in my landscape/lawn maintenance days, we replaced the Briggs engines on our old Sensation chassis with Honda engines. Over thirty years later, my old boss/friend is still using them.

[@tryan7]

I have a honda 217 mower and very happy with it. Their engines are excellent. Great summary at the end. Thank you.

[@jontewipf7802]

Entering season 8 with a 22" Toro Personal Pace AWD with the 7.25hp Briggs engine, have had zero problems with this mower. Would buy another Toro with Personal Pace and Briggs engine in a heart beat. Love that the Toro walk behind mowers are not too heavy because I transport it out to end of long driveway to mow ditches with it.

[@flatlanderfl]

Yep! These 22” Toro’s are beasts

[@johnf6267]

I had one too. Bought a new one. It sux. Nothing like the old.

[@reddragon3733]

I have an MTD push mower. Other than following your hint for loosening up the float after a long winter by tipping the mower up on its front wheels, I've never had a problem with the mower. After following your tip the most started after two pulls. Normally after a long winter I have to pull it about 20 times. However it's very old and it runs great starts usually with one to two pulls during the summer. I have an older MTD snowblower and I've never had a problem with it. It starts every single time and I've done regular maintenance on it and every year it's super dependable. I'm afraid to buy another one. I love your show. Keep up the good work.

[@kingsman8475]

I have two Briggs &Stratton from the late 70 and early 80s from J.C. Penney. They still work in 2023. They are monsters. Also, I have my mid-1990s, Sears Craftsmans mower does not have the "warp power" that the seniors mowers have. I am blessed to have all three.

[@Dan.A.]

Up until this year, I had a John Deere self-propelled mower for at least 12 years. The B&S 190cc engine was/is absolutely bulletproof. It starts first pull every time, without fail. I had to get a new mower recently because the deck on the John Deere was badly rusted. There were at least 3 spots where it rusted completely through. If I used the bag or the mulching feature, grass clippings would shoot up through the holes in the deck! 😳 I replaced it with the "plastic deck" Honda, and it works perfectly. Incidentally, I removed the B&S engine from the old Deere and saved it. I have no idea what I'll use it for, but it seemed a waste to throw away a perfectly good engine.

[@thersanothersidetome]

I was completely shocked by those Hypertough mowers too. That’s a completely crazy price increase. Although I think Walmart tends to do this often. There will be a Hypertough or Hart product that’s a crazy value for what it is, and as people pick up on it, they eventually raise prices.

[@ichabodjones65]

wow you are just so honest. you didnt push your own shop at all. never buy from box stores guys. the extra 20 or so so bucks when you buys from a specialist is so worth it. love your videos. thank you so much. australia here

[@jimsiedhoff1951]

I have an MTD 21" push mower with a 5HP Tecumseh engine. I have had it over 20 years. I have never had an issue with it. I have to add a little oil everytime I use it but have never changed the oil. I replace the air filter once per year and I have changed the spark plug maybe twice in its lifetime. This thing is a beast and never lets me down. I put Sta-bil in it every winter and it starts right up every spring. I have never removed or cleaned the carburetor either.

[@beerdrinker6452]

I will chime in and agree with another comment. This type of what to buy what to avoid video is great. I have mowed a lot of grass. I like KISS. No bag, no propulsion. That stuff just adds weight. I can push faster than a mower can propel itself. I have a very limited selection available, but my Yard Machine has not let me down. Thank you.

[@80SWoods]

I have a collection of 12 antique 2 cycle Lawn Boys that are my preferred mowers. I also have a 2 cycle Suzuki Toro and a Japanese Briggs powered Toro…plus many others.

[@njh4473]

I have a Jacobson self propelled front wheel drive side discharge we have had it in our family from he 1970s . It starts with two pull’s every time just points and a spark plug every three or four years. Love the channel keep the videos coming.

[@tedstankunas7142]

Hi Bre, I have a 7 year old Husqvarna 4wd mower that I just love. It's just great for my hilly yard. I run none ethanol fuel in it, and change oil regularly. I had to change one belt pulley, and one Briggs & Stratton fuel tank thanks to a squirrel chewing a hole in it.😊

[@jimp7181]

I paid $600 for a Honda mower in 1997, and I'm still using it. The first start of the season might take 3 pulls. The mulching ability is incredible, turns the grass into confetti. The self-propelled feature went out 15 years ago, so she's a push mower, but the engine, deck, and mulching won't quit.

[@jimp7181]

@@mrluigiproduction Hello Luigi, I cut the belt off to make sure the transmission didn't make it harder to push. It isn't an easy push mower, because it isn't designed for that, but I have a small lawn at the moment so it works for me.

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

@@jimp7181 Hi Jim, Thank you for the kindness of your reply. I agree, not an easy mower to push! In anticipation of Honda ceasing mower production this fall, I just bought a new HRX 217 to replace my mower as I have a large lawn. But I will use my old HRX 217 for smaller areas around the house. The HRX is a great mower, with a great motor. It's weak link is the hydrostatic transmission which is not designed to be maintained. Consequently, once the transmission fluid is compromised (and it does go bad despite Honda's claims!) the transmission will fail to function. If you're willing to essentially take the mower completely apart, you can get into the trans and replace the fluid. That will bring the trans back to solid functionality. But it is hassle beyond description.

[@DanielGarcia-zz9eg]

​@Jim P Honda not hard to push with the self propelled out service. It doesn't drag but is a bit heavy

[@DanielGarcia-zz9eg]

​@Mr. Luigi Did you try adjusting the cable. I thought mine went out but when I adjust the cable, it was back working

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

@@DanielGarcia-zz9eg Hi Daniel, Yes I tried adjusting the cable. No luck. 😩 But thank you very much for taking the time to share that with me.

[@sachaleia]

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

[@electric_sway]

Great video. You definitely help a lot of people out. I have the electric Milwaukee mower I got last year. It has been excellent. My grass (weeds) grow fast so I mow every 1-2 weeks. Don't have problems with rocks, but my trees do drop a lot of sticks that the mower eats up with no problem. I recommend the Milwaukee mower if you already have other M18 Milwaukee tools and you don't mind spending $1,200 on the mower package

[@joegiudici367]

Another great video from the Gal that's at the top of her game. Very impressive. Speaking of which.......back in 1988 I purchased a Toro GTS (guaranteed to start) mower, model #20622. The unit came with the 5 hp Suzuki engine. For the past 35 years (that's right 35) I've changed the oil annually, cleaned the air filter, sharpened the blade, etc. IT STILL STARTS ON THE FIRST PULL! I think I changed the spark plug once about 10 years ago. They just don't make em like they use too! I'm 75 years old and I know that this mower will outlast me.

[@wolflahti412]

After researching customer satisfaction and durability, I chose a Cub Cadet push mower. I've had it for several years, and each year it sits untouched in a covered structure from September through April, and when it comes time to start cutting grass again, it starts on the first or second pull. You can't beat that kind of reliability.

[@jasonwb6884]

I bought a cub cadet like 15 years ago from Lowes. had a Kawasaki engine, the engine never had a issue. The self propel I was constantly fixing, had a trigger style on handle bar that I had to fix several times, had to replace the ratchet and paws on rear wheels several times and then finally the transmission bolt to deck broke. It was no longer a self propel mower after that (I stripped out the self propel parts) and made it a push mower. Got a couple more years from mower before I gave it to a neighbor in need.

[@frozenfirestix]

That very short mowing season definitely helps make mowers last longer!

[@tasmith1969]

My unicorn mower is a 1999 Lawn Boy 2-stroke with the die cast deck. Best mowers ever made!

[@terryloewenberg2764]

Bought a Honda HRN series from HD 13 yrs ago. Still runs like a top and starts at first pull. Only issue is fast wearing wheels. I have an extra set of blades that I swap after sharpening every year. Excellent video.

[@josephberkeley]

I have a Husqy with a Honda motor. I take decent care of it. It's given me great service for more than a decade. I went through it in the fall based on your videos.

[@steveb7310]

Regarding unicorns, my brother bought a Lawn Boy made in 1971 with a bent crank. I rebuilt it with another crank and we used it for our landscaping business about 5 years back in 1980. After that I used it to to cut my grass until the lower crankshaft seal wore out about 7 years ago.

[@philliphall5198]

Time to seal it then

[@richardstone5241]

I have a 2010 Toro Walk Behind and it is still going strong. The only thing done to it is minor tune ups, oil change and blade sharpening.

[@jsrupert1037]

I have an old used Lawnboy. I bought it from a dealer friend of mine. Other than putting fresh gas in it and getting the blade sharpened every so often, I have very little trouble with it. BTW I have been mowing with Lawnboys for over 50 years. Love them !

[@alaingoyette7103]

Re your question: I admit owning a Lawn-Boy 10356 Mower Self-Propelled. By your words it's a unicorn. Goes into storage for winter and I have been removing the old gas and adding new in the spring and it starts up after a few pulls. I haven't done a maintenance on it since 2004ish. I will do one this year and replace the beaten up blade. It runs sluggish and uneven so in dire needs for a complete tuneup. I love your videos, learning a lot. Keep up the great work and reviews!!

[@scottbryant2235]

Have two - flawless every year: Toro Recycler and an OLD MTD (kind with the carb on the tank).

[@randyrejer4219]

I do have one of those $89 mower that I bought from either Lowe’s or Home Depot. It’s 18 years old. I always drain the gas and keep the oil changed. Each year I’m surprised when it start right up.

[@philliphall5198]

Can’t beat them Simple machine and easy to service it

[@mitchm5883]

I have a John Deere JS63 that I've had since new, about 24 years, other than a sticky throttle cable, it has never given me any problems. Stored in the garden shed every winter, annual oil changes and occasional blade sharpening. Very dependable.

[@berniestewart1738]

I got a Troy built I think from big blue in 2015 with a Honda motor and it has been great. I got a zero turn soon after that for a weekend lawn business. I’m now done with the lawn business and I gave the push mower to my dad and he says it starts on the first pull every time.

[@frios011]

The one mower that just seems to keep on working year after year for me is a 1980’s Kubota W5021. It’s a 21” 5 HP walk behind with a shaft drive 2 speed transmission. I purchased it non running off of Craigslist for $40! This thing is built like a tank, it weighs around 140 lbs! I love this mower and wouldn’t sell it for all the tea in china!

[@dougcutler4948]

Thanks for this! What I got out of this video is everything out there is lesser quality at a bigger price. It would seem smart to fix up what you already have if it is decent quality.

[@robfaulkner9775]

I work full time and on my weekends, I mow most of my neighbors yards along with mine of course. I love yard work. I have a TB30r mower along with numerous weed trimmers and push mowers. I just love doing yard work: Zen moments. (I'm also 53 years old, helps me keep young and out of my wife's hair.) I just came across your channel. Very informative. For a non-professional, you make things very understandable. New subscriber... Keep up the great work.

[@PaulPower-yd4gv]

I have a masport with a quantum engine chain driven over 20 years old never left me down cast aluminium body a total work horse great for the irish weather. Love your channel. Paul

[@keithienmason4643]

The Murray push mowers was a great push mower to buy but the only issue I had with mine was the pull starter keeps breaking

[@jeff5279]

The pull-start on my Husqvarna walk-behind mower broke in the middle of mowing my lawn last Summer. I pushed it to the driveway and was staring at it when my wife returned. I told her what had happened and she wanted to go to Lowe's to buy a new mower. I refused. After a few minutes I removed the cover and pull-start mechanism (both palls were broken) and exposed the flywheel and the nut on top of the crankshaft. I grabbed a 22mm socket that would fit that nut, inserted an adapter into the socket that would allow me to use it in my cordless drill, and started my mower by using the cordless drill to turn the crankshaft. Once I knew that would work, and with a lot less effort than the pull rope I might add, I tossed the pull-start mechanism in the trash, chucked a Forstner bit up in that cordless drill that was slightly larger than the 22mm socket and drilled a hole in the cover centered above the crankshaft. I reinstalled the cover. I purchased an 8" long, 1/2" drive, 22mm socket off Amazon. I welded the 1/2" drive adapter for my cordless drill to the socket. I now use one of my cordless drills, with that welded up socket and adapter contraption, to start my mower. The men on my street will stop what they are doing to watch me start my mower. Not one has asked me about it though.

[@markbeames7852]

The covers and filters were removed TO PREVENT theft while the mowers are on display. 14 years with the same mower. No probs.

[@widowmakerjj]

Thanks for the video, I personally have a poulan pro 6.25 hp , self propelled, mulcher/rear bagger. Purchased around late 90's never did any maintenance on it until last year. Put new blade, oil and air filters and still running like a champ. I also have a snapper (MTD) 20 hp zero turn that I couldn't pass up. Bought at Walmart around 2018 for $800 and has a 42" deck. Never any issues, but do regular maintenance on it believe model number is SZ2042. Take care

[@gerrylewis6025]

Thanks for the videos. I have an older Honda mower and just replaced the drive wheels this summer. It still starts on the 1st or 2nd pull and runs like a champ. The only bad thing about it is it weighs like 75Lbs.

[@ronwhited1224]

I bought a Honda HRX217 6 years ago and it has been one disappointment after another. I had it back to the dealer where I purchased it 5 times while under warranty. From a cracked rocker arm to the wheel height adjusters locking up to the constant issue of not being able to pull the mower backwards, this mower has turned me away from Honda mowers for ever. A few weeks ago I had to adjust the valves yet AGAIN, and don't get me started on mowing damp grass. Which, by the way, WILL happen here in SW Florida! A couple of days ago I noticed oil on the floor underneath the mower so there's something else to fix. Long story short, for an almost $800.00 6 years ago, this mower has failed to live up to my expectations of a Honda product. Pretty sure Toro will be my next mower.

[@odaymarks]

My unicorn mower is a John Deere 14SZ, 21” 4 HP. Have used it for over 30 years, still use it today. It is not neglected, new oil, tune up and blade sharpening every year. Great mower!

[@sunnyday366]

Wow, what a fantastic video! As someone who's been on the hunt for a hassle-free lawnmowing solution for ages, I'm thrilled to have stumbled upon the Segway Navimow robotic lawnmower. It's a game-changer! The convenience and efficiency it offers compared to other brands are truly remarkable. If you're tired of dealing with perimeter wires, I highly recommend giving the Segway Navimow a try. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

[@sterlingpeters3412]

I am 81 years old and have been cutting grass since I was 8 years old (I think). We had an old push mower (I mean push) that had a Briggs and Stratton 3/4 horse engine. It refused to die. We had that thing for years and finally the deck gave out. I took the engine and put it on a go-cart I made. Had it until I graduated from high school. Over the years I noticed the engines got more complicated and less reliable. The final straw was the self propelled mower I bought at a small engine shop (my first self propelled mower) that lasted one season. That ended my relationship with Briggs and Stratton. They decided to compete with the less expensive mowers out there and used an aluminum block without the steel cylinder insert, among other cost saving steps. They were designed to fail. Thereafter every mower I bought lasted around three years. I have since bought bigger houses and moved up to riding mowers. My first was a Craftsman with a Kohler engine. I replaced the entire deck after 7 years and kept it for another 6. I maintained that mower religiously. Unfortunately the wiring harness was always problematic and somehow got caught on the muffler while mowing. That ended that. Quality these days is an afterthought. You will pay dearly for a quality machine which is not found at the big box stores. You must go to a lawn maintenance enterprise and buy a commercial product if you are interested in a machine that will last more than a few years. You will pay around $700 to $800 for a push mower and riding mowers start at around $3000.00. You must also expect to maintain that machine as per OEM instructions. The days of maintenance free operation are gone!

[@ericpohl1752]

Hello There, I bought a TroyBuilt 21" 190cc 6.75 something in 2009. I change the oil every year and only use pure gas not ethonol gas has gone through it.Keep the filter clean. And I have not had to change the spark plug yet. It has held up great and starts easy every time. It is kept in a shed all the time not left out in the weather. I bought it at Lowes without extended warranty. It really has been a great mower over the last Craftsman mower that had a weak deck and the running motor would flex the deck and make the blade hit the deck. Great episode on the small mowers.

[@davidbartlette3337]

I just bought my sister the Black max push mower , she loves it light weight, metal deck,she's used it and loves it. She says THANK YOU.

[@bryanbennett972]

I got rid of anything that needed to be push mowed. Hate doing it... I mow everything(3+ acres) of yard with my X739 4x4 all wheel steer JD Tractor and just do a little trimming with a weedeater. Two of those acres are steep inclines because we live on top of a hill. The JD is excellent for snow removal as well. Love your Channel! Great information and advice.

[@geoffburnham3967]

Great summary of what's available. Worth the watch. Thanks

[@wildefox1478]

Great video, I have 2 unicorn push mowers that never fail to start, 2 Kubota walk behind mowers. A Kubota W5019 19 inch push only but has ball bearings in the wheels and a Kubota W5021 rear wheel drive shaft driven self propelled with 2 speeds. They are older but very heavy duty built mowers, both have aluminum decks, blade clutches and throttle control and are rear bag or mulch only but they have turbo suction fans underneath.

[@dudestuff1557]

I have a Toro model 2005, amazing mower. Starts up every time!

[@dbackscott]

I have a typical suburban yard, so one of those battery powered Ryobi 40v mowers works great for me. Been going for two years now. Full charge on the battery is enough to mow the front and back as well as trim, edge, and blow. I live in Central Florida, so very few rocks here.

[@jackwebb5917]

I have a 13 year old Troy Bilt with the Honda GCV160 engine. Other than normal maintenance (oil, air filter, plug, blade) it has been flawless. Just this week it went out and I replaced the carburetor ($15) and the ignition coil ($18) and she runs like new again. Not bad for 13 years!!😊

[@stanmah1588]

Had a Snapper mower since the 80's. No problems and very satisfied with it. A few years back, I replaced it with a new Snapper. All the accessories (bags and such), from the old Snapper, fits and useable on the new Snapper. Yes, you pay alittle more, but it is worth it.

[@Deadcntr]

I have a 3 year old Black Max self-propelled mower with a Honda engine. Purchased from Sam's Club. I have never had to do a repair to it. I really like this mower. It starts every time. And I seldom remember to service the mower over the winter.

[@chriscatherine5151]

I got a Honda that never fails to start on the 2nd pull. So when I saw a neighbor getting rid of one just like it, but a few years newer self propelled, I grabbed it. She had trouble with it, and I found the gaskets on the carb were put on wrong. As soon as I fixed that, it ran great. Unicorn mower!

[@robdot1964]

I have a Husqvarna 6751P with a Briggs and Stratton 190cc engine. I collect dead or dying mowers and I recondition and resell them. This particular one the owner said it had low compression. I couldn’t find a sing thing wrong with it. It runs perfect. It’s quirk? No matter how slow you pull the cord, it’ll start and run perfectly. I couldn’t bring myself to sell it! Love your videos and I’ve learned a lot. Thank you!

[@bobmottau7668]

Have a Honda 160 for about twelve years:starts every year two pulls.change air filters twice a year and oil. Problem is wheels will probably fall off this year. Hope not after seeing prices for a new one. Great video!!!

[@macmaciel6380]

I am still using my 1977 yes 1977 21 in toro aluminum deck mower it came with a 3.5 hp briggs engine . About 4 yrs ago the motor started smoking a lot and burning oil so i found a pressure washer in the trash that had a honda 190 cv motor on it and i put it on the toro . Runs great ! Btw the briggs motor started every year excet one the points burned up in it and we put electronic ignition in it !!! Keep ip the great videos !

[@SirAnthony25]

I had a Honda push mower that cranked first pull every time, never babied it for years! Nothing would make it stall out , even high grass etc ,made me customer for life .

[@eugenedennis2897]

Personal experience from a home owner with a lot to mow. I had a Husqvarna self-propelled 21" walk behind mower with a Honda engine years ago that I thought was the best mower I had ever had - for two years. After that I could never keep the engine valves in proper adjustment. Finally gave up on it about 4 or 5 years ago and purchased a 21" Craftsman and so far have never any problems with it. Two years ago I added a Greenworks 19" 40V electric mower that I initially planned to use for a couple of very tight small areas that I mow that were hard to navigate due the weight and size of the Craftsman. I love the Greenworks battery mower so much due to the lighter weight as I get older that I have added spare batteries already and use to do all of my walk behind mowing. I have larger lawn tractors for the larger wide open areas that I mow -12-year old diesel 54" Kubota, 26-year old 42" gasoline Craftsman and a 2-year old 42" battery Cub Cadet zero turn and I love all of them - no problems with any of them and they get used a lot. Just saying, personal experience.

[@erikpreston1805]

I bought an EGO mower after using a craftsman for more than 20 years, it still worked but not as well as the EGO. Amazing, quieter, lighter and cuts better, plus it sucked up leaves in the fall so well I never used a rake.

[@bilphil74]

I have a Husqvarna HU725AWD that is awful self propelled that has starts on the first pull every time. I bought it from Lowe’s several years ago, and even after setting on the off season it still starts on the first pull. Great mower.

[@dougmedina4619]

I had a Lawn Boy I bought over 15 years ago. Paid about $179.00 for it. It's been a workhorse! The Briggs & Stratten engine still works fine. The self propelled has been broken for years. It was a good workout. 😅 I finally broke down and bought a Honda self propelled last week. Cost almost $550.00. Pretty excited to use it this weekend! Thanks!

[@steveg5983]

in 1993 I bought a used 1986 4HP snapper. Replaced the motor in 1995 with a 5 hp briggs Quantum motor. Maintenance was oil change and new air filter every spring, and a new sparkplug about every 5-8 years. Started on the 2nd pull every year! I went through 4 sets of wheels and one drive disc in 27 years (sold for $50 last year). Still started, ran fine and cut great!

[@davidhollfelder9940]

Thx for doing the videos, I’m a new fan. My “Unicorn Mower”: Tractor Supply/Huskee, MTD based mower with a B&S Intek 7.0 HP .. has been running reliably for snout 18 yrs. I fairly maintained it for its first several years, it even ran for a few years with a slightly sheared key (advanced bangy startups). But about 5 years ago, I became a self trained small engine fixer .. have my own little repair parts inventory, and all my stuff runs well. The mower, over the years needed self propel drive belt, new geared front wheels, wheel shields, carb kits, valve adjustments, ign coil, axle/axle gears clean/lube, replace air filters, oil changes, blade sharpenings, etc .. and still runs great. I did a shout out over neighborhood social media, looking for “stuff destined for the trash” (for practice), and wow, I now have more stuff than I know what to do with .. it all runs, and not surprisingly, there was usually were little wrong with any of it, and was barely even used! PS, I haven’t bought any new equipment for well over 10 years.

[@thefallguy7255]

I had a yard machines no frills 21 inch walk behind. Got it in the early 2000s. All I did was replace the oil every year and a couple of spark plugs and regular blade sharpening. It got to the point where the only way to shut it off was to pull the plug wire. Still runs great. I did upgrade to a battery Stihl mower and love it! Plenty of battery life for my front 1/4 acre.

[@michaelpfau1150]

I have had a John Deere JS63 for 23 years now. It’s my back up mower. I use it for cutting a fire swath behind my house. Just replaced the carburetor and belt.. Maintenance is so important. This mower runs like a champ.

[@pchelloo]

I enjoyed your thorough review. Thank you Chickanic. Subbed!

[@LaneCodeRedCarnivore]

Bought one at Walmart , It is a Murray brand Briggs and Stratton engine push mower . No problems at all . 21 years old .

[@ronhoffman2611]

I have a 2010 Toro Recycler with Briggs 6.75hp, 190cc. I do routine maintenance and run with fuel preservative. Has always worked as it should and never had an issue starting up after sitting over the winter. I could use a 2nd mower, so checking Craig's List for used like mine rather than buying new/plastic junk. BTW.. love your videos.

[@donb1183]

30 year old John Deere 14pz with a Briggs 190cc. Change the oil and air filter every spring and the spark plug every other year. What a great mower - starts faithfully every year.

[@onlineconsumer4796]

I have a Toro walk behind (model 20046) since 2001 that had the personal pace which I liked over the other types as I had one before. I live in Florida ,so I mowed year round mowing mostly St Augustine grass. I mowed 1/3 acre for over 10 years and when I moved to a house with a larger lot, I got a Toro Zero turn and used the Toro walk behind to mow a steep slope in my yard that was too steep for the zero turn. My COVID -19 project was to convert the walk behind to be RC controlled to make it easier to mow the slope. Works great. Never had any major issues or had it in for service. I do regular oil changes, filter changes, spark plugs, and such and use Bell fuel stabilizer.

[@marvinmiller7244]

I have the Lowes Big Box store Craftsman self propelled walk behind. Bought it in 2010. Never been in the shop, starts every year. Choke cable usually needs some lube first two or three mows, but that's it. Runs beautiful. UNICORN!!!

[@BillyW80]

I got a little Murray at Walmart 13 years ago, for 127.00 it’s got a bridge and Stratton 300E on it. And has been a great little mower Starts ever time.

[@jdgee1600]

In late 2011, I bought a Weedeater brand mulching / side discharge, 22" cut w/a Briggs & Stratton 550 series / 158 cc engine. I began using it a year later (spring 2013), and have kept the oil changed, the air filter cleaned, and the tank empty during the winter months. It was professionally serviced for the first time after the 2021 mowing season. Today (March 28, 2023), ten years after the first use, I took it out of storage, filled it up with gas bought late last fall, and it started on the first pull.

[@pitmasterwannabe8575]

I love my Toro Personal Pace mower. I’ve had two over the last 11 years and my 2nd one is going strong. It starts first pull. I love how the personal pace works.

[@billdeblaey6078]

I love mine too, Don't understand why anyone would have an issue with them. I keep the cables lubed and it's smooth as butter.