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| Hi. This forum was a great help to me several years ago while purchasing a lawn tractor. I've now downsized, sold the tractor, and need to buy a walk-behind. I'm hoping you can help me out again.
The new place is only a 1/4 acre lot, so after the house, driveway, shed and a soon-to-be-built deck, there's not much lawn to mow. I'd go with a push mower, but there's a bit of a slope in the back yard so I'm thinking RWD self-propelled might be the best bet. My price limit is about $400, preferably less. I was leaning strongly toward the Troy Bilt 835 at Lowes, primarily because of the Honda engine and low price ($359 less a 10% coupon I have.) Then Consumer Reports came. CR describes it as single speed, even though it is clearly advertised as variable speed??? And while CR described it as good, it gave better reviews to the Toro 20073, which I can get at Home Depot for $369 (about a $45 difference after the coupon.) My concerns about the Toro are the Tecumseh engine and the mixed reviews I've read about the personal pace drive system. Finally, I'll add that I think this is a pretty light-duty application, and I take good care of my power equipment. So the question is....do you see much of a difference between these two choices, or will either of them be just fine. I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by jumpinjimmyb (My Page) on Fri, Apr 13, 07 at 9:24
| In my mind, there are pretty big differences between the two, but if it was me, I'd really have to consider the big $$ difference. The Toro gives you a transmission that some say is a little difficult to use, but very good mulching. The Troy definitely gives you a SUPERIOR engine and single lever height adjust. I love that feature because I change my cutting height many times during the season, and I really like that feature. I'm very surprised Toro has not come out with that. The Honda GCV 160 sends a lot less vibration up to your hands, so the Troy would probably be more comfortable to your arms (and ears). Good luck and let us know what you decide. Happy mowing. |
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| The overall package of the Toro will be of higher quality. the deck, adjusters, and drive system are just built better. The Tecumseh engine will probably last an awful long time, but it just isn't as smooth as the Honda. I'd choose the Toro, but that's just MHO |
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| To me the Toro drive system is more robust and reason enough to go with the 20073. I also think it will mulch better than the 835. Go Toro - the Tecumseh is a good engine comparied to the Honda 160cc. (Sure I think the Honda is a little better but not enough to overcome the shortcomings of the Troy Bilt mower). Jim |
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| Thanks for the comments. It seems we all agree Honda engine is the Troy's advantage, while quality/robustness of everything else favors the Toro. When you say "better mulching", what makes it "better"? Is it a finer cut, better distribution of clippings? I previously had very poor mulching results with an Ariens walk-behind circa 1989. Finally, is there really that much of a noticable difference in vibration and noise between the two engines? This seems like a major advantage. Thanks again. |
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| Just wanted to report back that I bought the Toro today. Haven't mowed with it yet but I'm expecting many years of good work out of it. |
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| I can't speak for Tec's reliability but I can on Troy-bilt. The self propel feature is very weak, I would not pull the mower by itself. Not to mention that in less than a dozen uses, my rear wheel will not stay at the preferred cutting height adjustment. I have to use a bungee cord to keep it locked in place. Their service is practically non-existant and all I get are "form" answers telling me to take it to a third party repair shop. Don't get the Troy-bilt if I could sway you. And if you go online, you will see others saying the same thing. |
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- Posted by grassman84 MA (My Page) on Tue, Aug 28, 07 at 9:27
| hey mainecat (or anyone with the Toro 20073), just curious how you like the mower? Any feedback after a season of mowing? I am now at the point you were back in April - trying to decide between the LB 10685 and Toro 20073. Actually, after all my research I had settled on the LB but I just stopped at my HD and they don't carry Lawnboys! I'm going to call around to other stores in my area, but if I can't find the LB I was going to 'settle' for the Toro. Are you happy with your choice? Any pros/cons you can relay? Thanks |
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- Posted by hawaiicolleen 78130 (My Page) on Fri, May 28, 10 at 16:12
| Okay, I moved into my home almost 2 weeks ago and it is beginning to look like a jungle. I have been looking for the Toro 210073 for 2 days. I think that Toro changed the #. Home Depot reports that they have several mowers but not 20073. Any idea what # the 20073 became? Thanks. |
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