On Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:46:36 -0400, "Craig"
wrote:

Hello, I'm presently in the market for a self propel and am considering the
following models:

CUB CADET SRC621 (Lowes) - Intrigued by the caster wheels, like the Kawasaki
engine, 6 speed transmission, larger bag than some. Negative is difficult
oil changes.

HUSQVARNA 5521CHV (Lowes) - Like the Honda engine, large rear wheels (have
some rough spots in one corner of the yard).

TORO 20031 (Home Depot) - I like the electric start, 22" deck, fast top
end propel speed (sometimes I jog with the mower along the straight aways).

HONDA HRX217TDA (Home Depot) - Actually my 1st choice, as It appears to
perform well in all areas and I'm intrigued at the idea of mulching and
bagging at the same time. There have been a few times I had wished I could
do that. Big negative is it's EXPENSIVE!

CRAFTSMAN 37779 - Like the Honda engine, ball bearing wheels, single wheel
adjuster.

I'm leaning towards the Toro as it seems to offer the best balance of
features for the price. Data I
would like to know, but have been unable to find:
How quiet is the engine on each of these mowers?
How do they compare in mulching and bagging performance? (Consumer reports
rates the Honda & the Cub Cadet the best among those I've selected for
mulching, and all about equal for bagging).
General ease of use.
If you own or have used these mowers, how did you like them?

Thanks for the advice!
Craig




I got the Toro 20017 which is the same as the Toro 20031 with the
electric start and it is $50 more. Paid $353 total (tax included)
with the Home Depot 10% discount coupon. The battery in the electric
start typically goes bad within a couple years so I decided against
the 20031 model. All gas mowers are loud and the 2-cycle mowers are
louder. Mulching is important and this Toro 20017 mulches well. The
Personal Pace feature is certainly unusual as it feels like the mower
wants to "walk with you" and you feel like you are never fighting the
mower. The Tecumseh engine life is 250 hours. Toro mower repair is
ranked #1, above Honda, in Consumer Reports. My old Honda mower is
falling apart, and my LawnBoy broke down every season. I have to mow
on hills, so a front-wheel drive would not be a good choice (I looked
at Troy-Bilt). If you want more opinions, see
http://www.epinions.com/