Lawnmower advice needed.

[whirlykenmore78]

Small gas engines were very dirty:

20 years ago. At that time smoke belching L-Head2 cycle mowers and low compression 4 cycle L-head engines were the norm. Of course the 4 cycle machines were less polluting and in some cases more fuel efficient.

However, today in the advent of high compression OHV engines and no more 2 cycle, small gas engines run MUCH CLEANER! than they EVER have. In fact if you compared a current OHV Honda powered Toro to ANY 2 CYCLE Lawn Boy you would find about a drastic reduction if fuel usage. Also the difference in emissions would be VERY pronounced. Of course this is only talking gas mowers.

BTW I am NOT talking out of my A$$. I worked as a engine technician at the local hardware store for years. I do form an informed opinion about power equipment.
WK78

 

[epixstar128]

nick

You are definitely right about that but i just can't give up my lawn boy. They just work great

 

[sudsmaster]

I've been quite pleased with the Honda powered stainless steel deck MTD push mower I got a Costco about five years ago. It always starts with one pull, and is quieter, more powerful, and better on gas than the B&S flathead powered one it replaced.

I don't need a power drive model, since my lawn is quite small (about 30'x30'). I tried using a corded electric mower but as I planted rose bushes and then a magnolia tree in the yard, it got too complicated trying to keep the cord from getting tangled up. Plus the electric mower didn't cut all that well anyway.

I change the oil at the start of each season, and rinse off the underside of the deck after each mowing session. It should last indefinitely ;-).

There are probably self-propelled versions of this mower out there. One thing, the stainless deck is fairly heavy. But on the other hand the Honda motor is lighter.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

@ Epixstar:

not to be an a$$hole but why would you not upgrade to the machine I recommend? Using 1/2 the fuel, doing a better job mowing, not having to mix gas, not blowing out clouds of smoke and getting done faster should make the case for you.
As a small engine mechanic and someone who uses mowers, I can tell you that the Toro would shock you with it's capabilities.
WK78

 

[epixstar128]

My lawn boy does a great job and is very fast at cutting my lawn. Im not opposed to 4 cycle mowers at all but i really like the 2 cycle mowers better. I used to have a toro 2 cycle too but sold it to make more room in garge. I work alot in the summer so my lawn always gets way to tall. No mader what my Good old lawn boy just eats it up no matter how tall the grass is. In the end i guess im just happy with what i have.

 

[epixstar128]

i use a model like this

 

[ptcruiser51]

Not for nothing

Am I the only one here with sympathy?

 

A pox on whomever stole his lawnmower.  Who the f*ck steals a lawnmower?  Shame on you!

 

I just wanted to put my two cents in.

 

Not the person to ask here.  My OM bought a JC Penney's gas lawnmower in 1961 and it ran forever and ever. 

 

[whirlykenmore78]

My lawn has gotten very tall as well

However my 14 year old Toro Super Recycler thinks it's having a day off. I can see where that LB model could do a good job as well. Only my Toro would mulch the clippings use 1/2 the fuel and not blow any blue smoke.
As I said not to be an A$$hole, just my opinion. (Happy Mowing)
WK78

 

[travis]

Use what you have that works!

Dave has asked advice on what to buy, because his mower is gone! Now we've moved onto the environmental impacts of 2 cycle vs 4 cycle.

I still think it's false economy and enviromentalism to replace something that functions with another device that does the same job. Like anyone here with a collection of washing machines and other appliances has room to talk about being "green".

 

[rickr]

.

We mow 3 city lots here every week with one of these.

This one is from 1976

 

[rickr]

.

And this one is from 1963. Both are self propelled.

Here is a video of the 63 in action. There are mulch plates on both. Because of the 3200 RPM engine speed, they mulch well, have plenty of power, and only use about one quart of fuel for all three lots.

These vintage Lawn Boy mowers are so light weight, easy to maintain and start, and a breeze to use. We would not use anything else. After working a full week, one of use will mow all three lots, before dinner on Friday night.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Travis is right!

I also feel bad that Volvoguy87 had his mower stolen. It would be nice if the shithead would cut his foot off or have the engine blow up in his face trying to use it.

(WK78 went to bed without finishing his thread) <3 Katie

 

[nmassman44]

Here are few pics of our mower. Its by Ego, 56 volts and has the power of a gas lawn mower. Its quiet for a mower and has plenty of power. The charger is a rapid charger. The battery pack recharges in 30 mins to full power. The battery packs have a computer in them so they dont over charge. Very well made. The only thing with the mower is that its not self propelled but its light at 50 pounds. Turns on a dime and folds up when done for storage.

 

[nmassman44]

battery and charger

 

[nmassman44]

Controls...this also has an LED headlight for night mowing.

 

[nmassman44]

Battery in mower

 

[nmassman44]

Blower...this thing is like a jet engine. It can move on turbo 480 cfms. It has plenty of power as well. The battery packs can interchange from one unit to the other except for the mower...I can use the mower battery to power the blower and the weed whacker, but not use the batteries for the blower and whacker into the mower. Clear as mud?..lol

 

[nmassman44]

other two batteries...Oh and these batteries have a 3 year warranty and they can be replaced.

 

[nmassman44]

mower folds up and stands compactly in storage area.

 

[nmassman44]

in shed