Toro or Craftsman self propelled mower?

[Dub11]

I had a TB given to me with a non working self propelled. The wheels spin if you hold them up but won't move it. I only use it for a few times a year when I need to bag. Now the guy I got it from went and got another one and told me it's even more gutless than the old one

 

[CrystalRiver1]

The I had a TB given to me with a non Working self propelled. The wheels spin if you hold them up but won't move it. I only use it for a few times a year when I need to bag. Now the guy I got it from went and got another one and told me it's even more gutless than the old one

Wow!
Sounds like the verdict is in...

 

[CrystalRiver1]

I had a TB given to me with a non working self propelled. The wheels spin if you hold them up but won't move it. I only use it for a few times a year when I need to bag. Now the guy I got it from went and got another one and told me it's even more gutless than the old one

Hey Dub sent u a pm...hit me back when you get a chance.

 

[FergusonTO35]

The problem most of them have when they are offered to me is, the complex and cheaply made mechanism for wheel drive and deck height adjustment is broken and/or seized up. These things are heavy and awkward to use as a push mower so most people just go and buy another of the same type at Walmart/Lowe's/HD wherever and start the process over again. Honestly, if you think you need self-propelled, you probably should look at getting a riding mower. A Snapper RER is just right for smaller yards and will last much longer.

 

[Larry B]

Almost all the MTD built push mowers use the same wheel drive. The biggest problem is the sliding dog inside gets the corners rounded off and slips or just breaks in half. System uses plastic wheels with a ring of gear teeth that wear out fast. Plastic axle bushing wear out fast too. You can find used drive assy on ebay. Used good is a joke

www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/part/mtd/75305465?gclid=eaiaiqobchmi0yj3_s372qivhyrpch2jiaeveaqyasabegjmjpd_bwe

 

[Philbert]

This one:



Philbert

 

[FergusonTO35]

Well, some people build them for drag racing and there is an actual chat forum for off road riding mowers, so why not? Gotta beware of those 1%er riding mower gangs though!

 

[Larry B]

Got a IpL for that?

 

[FergusonTO35]

I bet Ray does!

 

[Junior Samples]

Sears "protection plan" is garbage, even for someone who doesn't do their own repairs. My mom and stepdad used to buy it for all their lawn equipment and appliances. You'd be amazed at how good they are at wiggling out of fixing anything. If they can't wiggle out of it, they just say the parts are backordered indefinitely.

Hey guys. My sayso is if your going to put some thought into which mower? You should think on how you mow. Each company designs there mower to be good at least one or two areas.

The new TBs are tunneled to throw the grass or bag. But no quality in the deck or mechanisms. Like Ferguson said the engine will out last the rest.

The Crapsmans are supposed to be good and smooth cut and bag. There again forget warranty, the engine will outlast the mechanism.

The JDs great quality sure there are lemons, but I know a lot of old time mechanics that would rather work on anything Japanese. They usually don't have to. Kawi, Honda. They are known for bagging. But are heavy.

Now certain Lawn Boy non compliant mowers are excellent mulchers. Light weight aluminum decks 2 cycle no worry with hills and they throw the grass and nice cut.

I have never held a Snapper in my hands. But they have been around for a long time for a reason.

If you want a mower to be proud of, Look on CL for a vintage Lawn Boy C or F series engine install new rings and bearing wheels and you will have a mower to hand down to the next of kin. Saysme.

 

[FergusonTO35]

From what I can tell, Snapper has two different lines. First is the cheapo, Walmart grade stuff that is just like everything else. Then there are the traditional products only sold at dealers like the RER and Hi-Vac and Ninja mowers. The latter seem to still be pretty good.

Just to give credit where credit is due, the best free mower I ever got was a late model Crapsman, probably a 2013 model. Got it for free because the previous owner bent the blade and thought the mower was totaled, and no, they didn't care about my assertion that it probably just needed a new blade. They just wanted it gone so I was happy to oblige.

It was one of those three way deals that could be set up to bag, mulch, or discharge and was push only with a B&S Quantum. Made by AYP and surprisingly heavy duty, didn't have much plastic on it at all. My sister in law is still using it as a matter of fact, I think it might be time to call that one home!

 

[Dub11]

From what I can tell, Snapper has two different lines. First is the cheapo, Walmart grade stuff that is just like everything else. Then there are the traditional products only sold at dealers like the RER and Hi-Vac and Ninja mowers. The latter seem to still be pretty good.

Just to give credit where credit is due, the best free mower I ever got was a late model Crapsman, probably a 2013 model. Got it for free because the previous owner bent the blade and thought the mower was totaled, and no, they didn't care about my assertion that it probably just needed a new blade. They just wanted it gone so I was happy to oblige.

It was one of those three way deals that could be set up to bag, mulch, or discharge and was push only with a B&S Quantum. Made by AYP and surprisingly heavy duty, didn't have much plastic on it at all. My sister in law is still using it as a matter of fact, I think it might be time to call that one home!

That's funny the the motor on my mower now came off a crapsman with a "bent" crank. It was just the blade too lol.

 

[CrystalRiver1]

This one:

View attachment 116945

Philbert

 

[Larry B]

Snapper was aquired by Simplicity which was aquired by Briggs & Stratton. They do have 2 lines of mowers, the cheapo home owner line to compete with the big box stores and Snapper Pro which is the commercial line. The home owner grade stuff is not what it used to be. Another brand bought for the name and then turned to crap like TroyBilt, Bolens, White, Cub Cadet, wheel Horse, toro. Almost all mowers are owned by either Briggs, AYP or MTD

 

[FergusonTO35]

Yep. B&S and AYP make some good ones, you just have to know what to look for. The basic gear drive riding mowers from AYP have always been really good econo-mowers. MTD is garbage and has been for years.

 

[Larry B]

You are right there

 

[Junior Samples]

Hey guys. My sayso is if your going to put some thought into which mower? You should think on how you mow. Each company designs there mower to be good at least one or two areas.

The new TBs are tunneled to throw the grass or bag. But no quality in the deck or mechanisms. Like Ferguson said the engine will out last the rest.

The Crapsmans are supposed to be good and smooth cut and bag. There again forget warranty, the engine will outlast the mechanism.

The JDs great quality sure there are lemons, but I know a lot of old time mechanics that would rather work on anything Japanese. They usually don't have to. Kawi, Honda. They are known for bagging. But are heavy.

Now certain Lawn Boy non compliant mowers are excellent mulchers. Light weight aluminum decks 2 cycle no worry with hills and they throw the grass and nice cut.

I have never held a Snapper in my hands. But they have been around for a long time for a reason.

If you want a mower to be proud of, Look on CL for a vintage Lawn Boy C or F series engine install new rings and bearing wheels and you will have a mower to hand down to the next of kin. Saysme.

I just got this months NRA magazine. Saysme I hope i didn't sound no it all. My bad. Getting pumped for Gander necks.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Huh?

 

[CrystalRiver1]

Think I'm just gonna plunk down $225 for the Troy-Bilt 21 inch cut basic push mower with the Honda engine, 159cc & 3 yr warranty from Lowes!
Troy-Bilt TB130 XP 160-cc 21-in Push Gas Lawn Mower with Honda Engine
588 Ratings
4.0 Average
81%Recommend this
product

 

[Junior Samples]

I think you made a good choice. That is like my Dodge 3500. The Cummins engine is the best part. Go with Honda.