I got lucky with my old Lawn-Boy Insight. I bought it used 8 years ago and, other than basic maintainance and cleaning the carb, it's been perfectly reliable. The Tecumseh engine has plenty of power but I do worry about parts availability though.
I always hear people say no to those Kohlers but I have had 1 for about 15 years and the thing runs like the day I bought it. Don't know if I was lucky cause I know a shop like yours sees everything but personally I could not be happier with mine. I had a Briggs that wore out piston rings in 2 seasons and that was the last one I ever bought. Thanks for the review of these units.
@@IndRepair Just the basics. I use pump gas during the running months and ethanol free for winter storage but like you stated and the more I read I'm stating to think I have just been really lucky cause no one I see has much positive to say lol Maybe the basics is more than most. Thanks for the video.
@@jdub976 We have a 2007 Lawn Boy with Kohler power. No problems so far. Got it new, been mowing 1-2 times a week all these years. Use none ethanol gas and Brad Penn racing oil..
I have a husqvarna sel -propelled mower with a Honda engine on it. I bought it at Lowe’s around 2019 and I love it. After I mow I wipe it down with car cleaners so it shines, and I do the under wash every time I’m done too. I change my oil, plugs and filter. It takes me about 4 hrs to do my lawn, due to a hill I can’t drive a big mower and I had people mow but they walked my lawn and I had to have it re-sodded. I don’t know what we’re going to do now that Honda is gone, and there doing away with gas mowers
@@sharonmenzel7791 I definitely agree there! We will be trying to keep the Honda's being sold today running for 20 years like many of them have lasted until now
It seems odd to me that there are very few brands that have fuel shutoff. I've watched a lot of videos of repairs of small engines, and it always seems that the carburetors are gummed up. I always turn the fuel off on my Honda, and let it run out of gas before putting it up.
I need to replace my Toro Super Recycler, it’s 15 years old. I’m looking at a Bad Boy/YBravo. All metal transmission, Kawasaki commercial engine. Look pretty good.
I’m 22 and have no clue about lawn mowers, I don’t have a ton of money to get an expensive one and I’m not interested in a bunch of features as long as it works. What’s something I should specifically look into that’ll last?
I bought my Timemaster in 2014, it had the original B&S 190 on it. It was underpowered but got the job done. I have replaced one transmission, the belt pulleys, until I pulled the front cover off and some belts and blades. I never had real problems with it until the beginning of this year (hard to start, surging, power problems). I finally had enough and decided to replace the engine instead of buying anything new. I replaced it with a Kohler CV224 and it has the power the machine needed from the beginning. I kept it in the garage all the time until the middle of last year when it went outside to make some room. It was covered but it still got rain on it and that, I think, more than anything is what wears a machine out. Now with the new engine and the commercial blade engagement brake and commercial pulleys I still have less into it than a 30" Scag with the same engine... While it hasn't been completely hands off it hasn't been a completely horrible machine. It has the commercial parts in the right places so I don't worry about longevity and until I have an extra 7K laying around for a 32" stand on mower the time master still gets the job done by half the amount of time I would spend with a 21" mower. Overall it has cost me around $15-18 per month in purchase/maintenance & running costs so I am still ahead of the game. And with the new engine it should last another 10-20 years which will make the costs even less.
That is awesome replacement idea for the engine!Glad to hear it is doing you well, just a homeowner using it correct? Not used commercially? About how big is the yard?
I just retired my Toro Recycler 21 inch.. bought at home depot 5-6 years ago. (My mistake) The grass had been getting stuck between the blade and the body and with lack of throttle control just couldn't keep up unless you mow the lawn three times a week. Today I brought home a Masport 800 ST S21 3'n1 SPV, So far its cut everythig the Toro wouldn't
Interesting there. I have seen Masport around for a while I have thought about becoming a dealer of many different things but nothing jumps out at me like I feel it should if I am going to carry a line
Great analysis! I own a HRR216 Honda that's 3 years old now & love it. Of course, I do proper maintenance bc I'm mechanically inclined being a senior.👍🖖
Based on my limited experience...if you currently have one that you are happy with and cuts well; maintain and keep it as long as you can. The newer ones are junk...its like the manufacturers are trying to get us all to invest in $2K machines.
Very good advice for sure 👍 People need to understand that they can’t afford the price of the better mowers now 😢😢😢😢 Obiden times will never be forgotten 😢
I had a powersmart come into my shop. That had a broken crank and sump. The customer said he stalled in in tall grass. And there was no blade damage. I put a used briggs 5.50 on it for him and he was happy.
I'm exhausted looking for a mower. I am SO confused. My yard is a nightmare, and the only 200cc engines that I know of are the Toro at nearly the price of a rider and a YardMax which I see is terrible. Maybe I should just get some sheep and be done with it. At least I'd keep the grass cut, get a few dollars from wool once a year., and if the going gets too tough, dinner. :)
I made the massive mistake of buying a Toro 30” Timemaster 2 years ago. ($1499) Just had a pulley failure which destroyed the synchronous belt. I replaced two pulleys and the belt. I’ll probably take the $$ hit and sell it. I’m so disappointed; thought this would be my forever mower. I’ll most likely get a 21” SR-4 ($800) OR jump off the cliff and try EGO electric mower. I noticed no Troy-Bilt in your shop…good brand?? Thanks for the gold mine of info!!!
Great and informative video. I will say, I personally hunt for those old ayp craftsman’s with the tecumseh engines. They maybe old, but those engines just like to go as long as the carburetor is good. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone else going used; but I can service them myself and have acquired enough NOS parts to keep them around for years to come.
Another little tidbit on those ayp craftsman’s, a lot of them have ball bearing wheels. Important to keep in mind if you own one and need to replace a wheel
I respectfully disagree with your statement on Lawn Boy's (only 1 was in your shop for repair) unless your talking about any model after 2004's (when the EPA ruined the great 2 Cycle world). Best 2 Cycle mowers that kept Toro on their toes for a long time, until Toro bought them out in 1989 due to cash problems at Outboard Marine Corporation. I have a 2003 with the unprecedented 6.5 hp DuraForce Gold Series Commercial Grade engine (debuted in 1998) that is still a beast today. Didn't MTD make the lower end Lawn Boy's for Toro to keep the green machine low in the marketplace thus giving them a bad rep eventually?? *thumbs up earned*
Update: ((optional add on) Toro part number 144-6377 traction assist handle kit) does fit all new Toro mowers that have the new baby carriage curved shape. IMO you could make your own Toro's BTAH (Black Traction Assist Handle) from 2 pieces of wood in ((L) shape) and some bolts and washers. Toro's BTAH converts Toro's PPM (Personal Pace Mowers) (which requires a person to push Toro's heavy mower forward before the self-propelled drive kicks in) to ((easily without effort) controlling Toro's self-propelled drive with just your fingers and hands without moving forward). This is needed on steep hills where you need the Toro mower to pull you and this powerful mower up the hill without any effort on your part. The powerful Toro mower can do this only with BTAH and not by Toro's PPM (extra exercise mode). Without BTAH you end up pushing this heavy Toro mower up the hill. Thank you for your help and understanding on this Toro (back breaking) mower issue.
Got fed up with my daughter's made in China no guts impostor run over a clump of dirt and bent the blade 😮so bought a second hand 375 B&S and what a pleasure my in-laws are cleaning out their section and amongst the junk are two worst for wear Morrison mowers a 375 and Q 45 B&S asked in-laws they either didn't have the time or didn't care so with some TLC and obvious plugs filters.etc Bingo good score
What about John Deere? I have a 20 yr old one that the belt just went. It's a self propelled one. I can't find a replacement belt .Do you know if they still make replacement parts?
Good information - especially for someone just starting out. If i can add a few thoughts...if your lawn is anything more than 45'x100' get yourself a self propelled unit. I personally would never use front wheel drive - only if you have very flat terrain - as a bag fills up - front drive lose traction - rear drive gets more traction. Home owner with more money to spend - newer Toro SR4...on a budget older Super Recycler with Briggs and Stratton GTS engine (watch for oil blow by - a little on cold start ok... better to have none)...I don't like personal pace - but it is what it is it's ok... Commercial operators - money is no object wide area walo behind get a Skag or a Ferris... definitely take this man's advice DO NOT BUY 30" Timemaster... cumbersome and awkward and problems galore...if you can afford an Exmark/Toro Commercial with a Kawasaki 180cc go for it...heavy...get blade brake clutch - one of the benefits of these machines...if you are on a budget or like me 15-20lbs makes a difference...if you can find them in good condition - John Deere 14SB/JX75 with Kawasaki 150cc engines...I love these mowers and choose them over Exmark/Toro commercial...parts can be getting scarce - beware...wheels are weakest component IMHO...you best be a tinkerer and self maintain/repair person if you go with old 14SB/JX75's...but you can often oick them up for little $...I haven't paid more than $200CAD and as little as $0 to $50 for them...these mowers were built to last and give an excellent cut quality - especially if bagging...they have mulch plugs and side discharge adapters available...As a final thought - Craftsman, Columbia, Troybilt, MTD, Husqvarna, yardworks etc etc...don't buy new...only buy used if it is a cottage/RV mower or small city lot... don't spend much (less than $100) and DO buy iver anything battery powered - they will last you longer and can be repaired or tossed because you have minimal invested...batteries are too expensive and don't last and aren't really repairable - usually narrower because they spin smaller and lighter duty blades...plastic...finally-yes i know I didn't mention Honda mowers or engines - personal preference... don't care for them and i mow for a living...others live them...cheers! Happy mowing!
All great information I agree with. I do love a Honda mower though, but I do not mow with them though. Loved the John Deere mowers but they are like others and getting too expensive/scarce for parts. They make many good units with the Kawasaki engine that are beefy like this Exmark (the John Deere mowers rather heavy also). I like the Personal Pace but it takes a little more of a form to start it otherwise you are working against the self propel. It really is too bad you have to spend so much money up front to avoid buying something that will break down very soon/often. Thanks for watching!
I believe they are a little slower than the honda but still a good speed. I like the personal pace but some people really do not like to try and maneuver it. I would go to a dealer and see if they have a floor model to try out first
Strait up the old mowers with the quantum engines is the best like the old green craftsmans with the 6.5 hp quantums they are very tough super powerful and last forever
If that Briggs flathead was a truck engine, it would be a Ford 300 - nearly indestructible. Same goes for the Tecumseh Eager engines that Sears used - I actually used a couple of those mowers commercially. The Toro Super Recycler is about the best mulcher I've ever used - it leaves the yard with a bagged look. My experience with the Husqvarna's w/ the Honda engine was issues with the drive system handle breaking, the engine brake not working, and the transmission locking upon pulling the mower in reverse...I expected better quality from a $450 mower.
People or I live just love to throw out perfectly AYP Craftsman mowers with the Briggs engine because they just get a new one instead of trying to fix it. Very rarely do I find one with a bent crankshaft.
Definitely was a great engine and many of them still around in good condition, although we are starting to see more and more in the 15-20 year old range with low compression or major engine wear. You would probably need 5 of the other Briggs engines to get you through that much time mowing
Hi what is your point of view on a 21387 Toro super recycler with the 190cc Briggs it’s an older model but I found a new one or is a Honda hrn216 a better option Thanks for the great video
Personally I would stick with the Honda since those Toro Recyclers have the larger Briggs but newer style engine is not well made. This is the route I sent the in-laws in when his mower went
So right now im debating between an Ariens razor with the B&S EXI725 engine versus a Troy-Bilt with the B&S ready start engine. They both have their own version of pace control im just wondering for longevities sake which i should pick. I unfortunately can't find a honda at any of the stores near me.
If the Briggs is the older style flat head I would go with it, otherwise they are about the same quality wise. The Ariens replacement parts are much more expensive should something fail
I've bought a used toro self drive twice now over the last 10 years, they last a long time, I'm not a fan of the personal pace system on the newer ones, the plastic carbs are different and from what I see with those is you have to make the hole bigger when it gets clogged up after a few years, idk. I Def don't want a electric mower but pretty soon they will be all you can get I'm sure. Great video
My go to, the Personal Pace are so hard for people to start until they get the form down since you are constantly working against the self propelled with the way most people start them. Thanks for sharing
Great advice and thoroughness across the product lines for the Toro and engine you recommend from Briggs & Stratton what series is that the 625 725? I will keep an eye out for the one with the blue filter DeWalt has introduced this year a very interesting 163 cc engine rear wheel drive mower which I know is MTD branded wondering if that is better the reviews initially seemed good
They made this style under a lot of different model names. The Dewalt is the same as all the other cheaper MTD models and has the cheaper Briggs engine on it. We had one in recently. The drivetrain did look like a different design to me but I didn't work on it so not positive
I need something that can semi brush cut, that can handle a semi forested kinda yard. I usually weed whack but its back on my back. Lots of rocks and uneven dirt. It needs to be able to take a beating.
If you want it to last go with something rated for commercial use if you can afford or even finance it. It will pay for itself in lack of frustration and downtime very quickly. If the deck isn't heavy/sturdy it likely will not hold up well to abuse like you and I put a mower through
I have a trashed picked Toro GTX 5hp rear bagger 3 speed forward rear wheel drive blade clutch from years ago that I am still using today on my small city lot and I would not trade it for anything!
My $600 electric mower took a dump after 1 season. No idea what sensor or motor is burned out. My brother got out my aunts old 2003 Craftsman mower, put $30 of parts into it, and boom, im back mowing my lawn. Im not sold into this electric revolution just yet.
Battery operated correct? What brand was this? I see them new all the time with issues straight out of the box but only certain brands. Many recalls also
@@IndRepair in fairness it was a battery Ryobi, not Ego. Ego might be better, but I can't drop the $ right now. My electric Stihl weed Wacker has been great also.
Honda's hydrostatic transmission is a game changer- but you will need to service it to make sure it's filled and air-bled properly. Mine was too low and after I finally fixed it (didn't want to haul the mower to a dealer or deal with arguing over whether its warranty issue) - I can highly recommend picking one up before you can't. The auto-choke also is a joke- be prepared to spend $10-15 for a wax cartridge if you do any dusty rip outs- the dust slows the cartridge and makes the auto choke not work properly. That decompression defect though- get that fixed.
I have had Toros forever. My latest is 15 years old. It’s a Personal Pace with a Briggs and Stratton engine. I’ve had to replace the tires and that’s it. Basic maintenance has helped. Change oil, spark plug, and air filter yearly for my 4000 sq ft. Yard.
@@IndRepair Yeah, as I was listening, I just couldn't figure it out. Then it hit me. Great content by the way. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge on these mowers.
Matt I had to read comments to find your name as I have only subscribed recently I have Honda HRU216 commercial strong engine all the whistle's and bells only issue very heavy mower will last me for Ever.
Was given a Kohler engine lawnboy mower.. it's sat a few months and won't start.. I'm not sure if I should try to bring it back from the dead az i only bought a blade and air filter for it. It worked when we got it..
Probably needs a carburetor clean, carburetor replaced or a thermal discount for the auto choke. See issues with them all the time but if you use ethanol free fuel it will solve many of these for you
Great advice! I have a 19” Toro with an aluminum deck. I’ve replaced the old Tecumseh with a Chinese engine but the Toro parts are still as good as new after 33 years. My neighbor has a 2 cycle aluminum deck Lawnboy also over 30 years old. That old aluminum deck equipment was the best!!
I have a new Toro lithium, it sucks, drive wheel fell off in 2nd hour, battery shorts, and on-line Toro will not take it back. They do not take items back if you use it for 1 minute! Their rear left geared wheel unbolts itself from the bracket, it self destructs! Two others have the same problem. Their repair dealer literally told me "with Toro, its Buyer Beware". I have a Toro case number, a BBB case number, and a US Consumer Product Safety Commission case number. Save yourself and learn from my mistake, and stay away from Toro.
@@IndRepair Back when I mowed for a living the Top 3 mowers were the Toro with Suzuki engines, Honda commercial, and the 14SB's with Kawasaki's.I have been thinking about starting another lawn business to have as an extra income when I retire in about 10 years. Then just hire some guys to do the work once I am retired. Enjoyed the video and subscribed:P
2:35 I have that Kohler, The BS toro in front of it with e-start, and the honda slanted bucket toro super recycler. in 7 years I changed the oil once on that kohler and I got it free from a neighbors garage fire. Survived fine just the rope burned. Everyone says they hate that Kohler XT675 but they dont say why. Ive never had a problem in 7 years. 1 pull start. That B&S has a plastic cam.
They have a bad auto choke design that causes hard starting much worse than any of the other designs. Many times choke stays open instead of returning to closed. These also have a plastic camshaft
Hey nice tutorial The new OHV Toro’s are garbage. Breaking down left and right I think it’s all the plastic engine components. Maybe do a break in oil change would help out.
It's still selling power equipment, just not walk behind mowers. Unfortunately, this affects Canada as well since the Canadian models were made in the States for some reason. Before that they were made in Japan. I guess we're only good enough to make the CR-V and Civic.
I have a sr4 from 2012 with the Honda engine and it’s still running like a champ! Sad to hear that Honda is discontinuing their lawn mowers because that was going to be the replacement.
I actually got one of those toros with the Kohler exactly like the one you pointed at. It was free on the side of the road. Starts and runs good for now. But I'm not going to stick any money into it besides change the oil. Once it starts having issues it will be gone. I have another one of the kohler engines on a mower that was also free that thing smokes like a train and knocks but somehow still runs. It's got major engine issues. But it's only used on the rough and bad stuff so I'm not worried about it. 😅my brother inlaw actually has one on a lawnboy mower and it's actually a decent engine reliable for him. Good video!
Definitely use to worn out and old ones for the rough locations, this will keep your good equipment top notch. Thanks for your comment and for watching!
Most all of the 21" self propelled mowers are essentially mediocre or junk. I'm using a new Toro Commercial #22296... nothing special, mediocre entry level small mower.
The price of a new mower is nuts. I had a drive cable break on an old toro , and when I went and picked up the new cable I ask what a new toro like my personal paces was over 700 buck ! I will just fix my mower, on thanks to a new one.
@IndRepair ethanol free with marine stabil, run gas out end of season, never one carb issue. 22 years still NEVER have cleaned the carb! Wheels replaced couple times in rear and new cable. Oil change end of season, spark plug checked or changed, debris shaken off filter most of the time or changed if needed. Keep trying to buy another, but can't kill this one yet.
Definitely! They still make the steel deck but it has the larger newer briggs engine with the plastic carburetor. They also make a few other lines which look about like they are MTD made stamped decks
I'm a homeowner but have a large lawn. You're spot on regarding the Timemaster. I've owned mine for about 7 years and have repaired it more times than I care to admit. Complete garbage. Wish I'd known better before inviting the "Time Disaster" into my garage.
I went with a Timemaster for my 10k sqft yard. Loved the idea of it and and when its running well it has been pretty awesome. Seems to go through traction and blade belts too often and this year a tensioner pulley broke causing my blades to get out of time and scare the hell out of me lol. It's a 2018 and I just have this feeling it is time to get rid of it (especially while new prices are so crazy - I'm going to ask for more than what I bought it for used in 2019). I just got a new Honda HRX217HLA and so far I'm fine with spending the extra 15 minutes or so mowing the lawn.
@@ViralHeadcase Definite would get out from under it, with inflation many tractors are worth more than they were when bought new 5 years ago. Crazy! Father in law just bought a Honda because he couldn't get a Toro with a good engine anymore
John Deere also made some alright mowers. I have a JS45 castor ball bearing wheels and I bought it in 2010 and it’s mowing good! I think John Deere hired snapper to make them because it has the exact same high vac deck and bagging system as a snapper but instead has a normal transmission unlike a snapper with the friction disc which I hear mixed reviews about. It has a 190cc 8.75 motor which is a intek. Luckily it’s not the new style of 190cc Briggs that have plastic all around because it actually has metal. I love the mower because it cuts wet grass fine and doesn’t loose power. Just the coil is bad and starts first pull when cold but the second the coil is warm it takes 20 pulls. I’ve checked the valves and they are fine. I would love to see a video like this about snowblowers! I’m debating on buying a MTD 8/24 snowblower with a Tecumseh on it over a new Briggs which also have mixed reviews and quality.
I agree, they did make some decent mowers. The parts are ridiculously prices, of course. The friction drive is a pain to work on and has its issues but works pretty well in this application overall. I would definitely choose the older 8/24 with the Tecumseh. Tecumseh was called the Snow King for a reason. Great engine
@@IndRepair What I like about my John Deere is that they have parts. They are pretty expensive, but I can always repair them. Since it's the middle of summer, I can save myself hella money by buying an old snowblower now! I have good experience with my 5 horse Tecumseh besides being underpowered.
I’ve been driving HRX217HXA’s since 2005. I’d recommend them to anyone, but they have three Achilles heels: 1) The rear (drive) axle doesn’t have any convenient way to lube it where it goes through the wheel adjusters; when it dries out, the dry bushings prevent the mower from rolling backwards. The only fix is to disassemble the whole rear drive system so you can get grease into the bushings. Someone smarter than me needs to devise a modification for this. 2) It’s very heavy but the wheels are similar size to lighter mowers. In areas where the mower runs along the same path (along property lines, etc.), it can wear ruts into the yard. 3) Honda doesn’t include the governor shaft oil seal on vertical engines that are intended for vertical applications (mowers). The seal is readily available and easy to install, but without it, the cooling fins will end up coated in oil. When they put the same engine on horizontal applications (pressure washers), the seal is included from the factory. Again, if mine died today I’d go buy a used one with a GCV190. I’m going to anyway if I can find a well maintained one at a good price, just for the spare engine. If you buy one used, be sure to get the bagger frame and bag. For some reason they’ve skyrocketed in price.
Definitely great mowers! I have worked on several late seventy and early 80's Honda mowers that still run amazing. See several older briggs same way also
I bought a ten year old one last year for about CA$100. In fact, I was just using it today on a couple of lawns. I guess it's heavy compared to some machines but only about 2/3 the weight of my commercial Honda. Some and I would include my opinion is when the bag is full the unit has the tendency to rock backwards. That said, it's an excellent mulching machine and that's how I was using it today. It's incredibly quiet, even with the blade engaged, I liken it to a fan running next to a sewing machine.
Honda guy here. Had an exmark 30 in with kohler engine, and it turned out to be the biggest mistake in my life. Heavy as hell, terrible cut quality, the deck would clump up with clippings (with the chute open), which resulted in my having to stop and clear out the deck every few steps. Had to take it in to have the gas tank replaced on day 1. After 3 days, bolts were missing. Had to sell it and lost $1000 just to get rid of it.
I have the newest Honda HRZ hydrostatic , zero regrets, it's amazing. You do need to change the hydrostatic oil though. I mow twice a week for like 6 months of the year , 9k sq ft of lawn.
I had a gift card for Lowe’s so I was locked in to craftsman or ego, I went with the craftsman m230($500!). The hard plastic wheels are ripping up my lawn, I’m going to have pump the oil out as it has no drain plug(oil change free design🤷🏻♂️). Anything special besides the plastic carbs on those I should take extra care to maintain? Thanks
I have a Honda HRA214 self-propelled that’s 41 years old and still going strong. Inherited from the in-laws maybe 20 years ago, long before I knew anything about small engines except where to put the gas and oil, knock out the filter, oil the wheels and height adjustments and sharpen/balance the blade. Until 2 years ago I never changed the oil - just checked it before running every time and topped it a couple times a year. Never even had a prefilter until yesterday! Only ever had one problem - a broken small part connected with the front wheels not rolling backwards. That’s it! I’d buy a used, old Honda over anything out there every time! Now that I’ve taught myself small engine work I appreciate this mower even more. I still have it and use it as a loaner only to trusted relatives and customers.
I grew up with its brother, the HR214SX. I still have one hiding in my shed, it needs some work but the last time I had it out it was running relatively well for a close to 40 year old machine. Very much like the HRA but with an aluminum deck instead of stamped steel and gear shift was on the handle beside the engine throttle control instead of behind the engine. I had a couple HRA units too. I wasn't a fan of the position of the gear shifter but I can see some thinking that's a good spot and also removes a control cable.
@@IndRepair Thanks for the heads up. I had a Husquavarna AWD 3-1 that died on me after 14 years of use. The repair shop informed me they couldn't source parts for it. Husquavarna went WOKE for all electric. My backyard has a 20-25 degree incline which 7.5HP AWD huski could manage with ease. Grrr these WOKE Companies.
I wouldn't recommend the M350 but the other two are a lot better design. I am also not a big fan of the drive on those two but the body is way better that the M350 and other MTD stuff
@@IndRepair why wouldn’t you recommend M350? I have are same just different color.SC900 has deck wash. They all have front axle issue due to plastic insert it sets in. Tomato 🍅 tomato 🍅
If you look at the front of the engine directly behind the air cleaner you will see either metal or plastic at the bottom at the carburetor between the air filter and block
You know I never was a huge fan of the design but they sure will run forever! Seems like many of the parts are starting to become obsolete but the snapper with the Briggs is a solid machine. Thanks for the input, I definitely omitted that one
I seized the engine on my Husqvarna 725AWD with the B&S 190cc engine about 4 days ago. I've used it for about 8 years. It's been a workhorse with zero issues. What are the chances I can free up the engine and get it working again? Yes, I made a super rookie mistake of running it out of oil. We've been working on a major renovation since February and getting the grass cut was just a distraction. Now I'm paying the price. I went out and bought a new Honda HRX217 with the 200cc engine as a replacement but not super happy with the drive system. Especially on hills it just doesn't work. Almost like there's a clutch slipping. The wheels don't even spin. I've actually considered replacing the engine on the Husky. A local dealer has the exact replacement engine in stock for around $300 including tax. What are your thoughts on this?
Put some oil in it and get it to free up by moving the blade (unplug the spark plug first to make sure it does not start). Pull it slowly a few times then get it started. Run it for 2-3 minutes and dump the oil and out fresh in. Repeat this once more and run it. Bet you get 2 or 3 more years out of it. If they have a new spare engine for $300 buy it!
@@IndRepair I was able to pull the cord and turn it over a few times. It got tight and tighter until it wouldn't move anymore. You can't turn it by the blade. It's part of the belt system. I'll have to get to the motor shaft. Might be worth a try. Thank You!
@@IndRepair It has the max adjustment knob on it so it's variable. But pushing the handles all the way down makes no difference. It'll also speed up and slow down without any movement. It'll take some getting used to if I can't get the husky running.
For me, aluminium decks are the way to go. Throw a briggs flathead or a ohv honda engine on there and you have a mower for life. Had chequered experiences with the gcv hondas. Coming from someone who both uses and fixes mowers for hours upon hours every week
For sure aluminum will last longer but they are a lot heavier and can end up seizing bolts after a period of time then they are a pain to repair. I love the Hondas but they have seen some issues occasionally, especially with the camshaft
BETTER than B&S is the PREDATOR 173 cc 5.5 hp part number 69731 , I have used 9 for the last 3 cutter seasons, PUMP the prime bulb 3 times & it immediately starts, IF I run the tank completely dry I pump the primer 5 times, EVERY ENGINE has started on FIRST pull, a few on 2nd pull, this has been with ALL 9 engines, I have been SO IMPRESSED with these engines that I bought 9 more to put in storage for future needs !
That is seeming to be the way of the future...I see greenworks, kobalt, Toro, Black+Decker and others quite often. I have seen more Ego than anything but they are usually at least 3-4 years old coming in. They sell a ton at ace hardware here. The only real issues have been smaller wiring/pigtail issues easily fixed (of course see bad motors and stuff from hit stumps) good advise!
I have an MTD push mower I bought as a return item for $135 at Home Depot. I figured if it died no big deal, I had just bought my house so needed something cheap and quick. 7 years later and it’s still running like new. Just change the air filter, oil and spark plug every year.
@@IndRepair not really just change the oil when needed and i have only replaced the air filter once or twice in 8 years. Im currently not using it because when i started it last time to mow it was surging so needs a air filter and ima just do a full service on it. So first new spark plug in 8 years.
10:34 Sir, what is the Brand & actual Model number of that Orange mower with the crab leg front wheels?? I'd like to get that front wheel setup as parts if I can THANK YOU !
