BEST 21" FOR THE MONEY

[crzymoe]

I was looking into buying a couple new 21" mowers for next year, right now i have a couple of lawnboys, curious as to what everyone thinks is the best for the buck. thanks.

[Tom-N-Texas]

Well any other year I would have said the Toro Proline hands down. Now that they've gone to a 4 stroke (which I don't like near as much) I'm starting to wonder if there's something better out there. The new Toro is sooo heavy and awkward. It still mulches good and starts easy but it wears you out after 10-12 hours of manuvering it. Anyone have any luck with Snappers? Do they hold up to the riggers of all-day every-day mowing?

[RRS]

To me, 21" mowers are disposable. We beat the hell out of them. For the money ($350) the lawnboy with the 6.5 duraforce 2-stroke is the longest lasting I've found. A lot of the big dealers still have them in stock, but once they're gone that's it.

[Clim Cadidlehopper]

I bought 3 Scotts pro/sumer models with swivel wheels in front n a 6.5 intek. 2 for backup> I ordered a 1gal fuel cell n mounted it. I have used the heck outa the first one for 2 seasons n only had to replace the drive roller. Replaced the blade first up factory blade was junk. they were like 460 each but since i bought 3 were 400 a pop. in really wet grass its a pain, other than that is still runs the other two I have loaned out here n there then put stable in the fuel n run them dry. all of them start on 1st or 2nd pull after ya use the prime bulb. bought them as a flook from a dealer that was closing up. Tight corners are a prob (pivot front wheels) so I have hand clippers onboard. Thought when I wore them out I would get a Toro or snapper but that looks to be very long time.

Clim Cadidlehopper
Clown about town

[crzymoe]

what about honda, anyone using them?

[Jack D.]

Anything w/a 6.5hp Kaw or 5.5hp Honda in a Commercial unit will not compare to the recently discontinued Proline Suzuki's for maneuverability, longevity, & ease of maint.. Fortunately, Jack D. stocked up on Suzuki Prolines & will be polluting w/these vastly superior 21"s for many years to come.

In the 4 stroke, Jack D. recommends waiting for the Lawnboy Commercial w/6hp Honda, which should be lighter than Commercial Snappers, Toro's, Honda's etc due to the lightweight deck.

[dare630]

I use a Honda HRX Quadracut. Best $700 I spent in this business yet. Even when the blades are dull it gives an excellent cut. My best suggestion is don't think "old school" there are some great new ideas and honda landed one with the HRX.

[Jack D.]

Please consider that your HRX is a Homeowner model that will self-destruct w/Serious Commercial Use.

Jack D. has 10 yr. old LB & Toro Commercial units that still run strong. Current Honda Commercial Units are too Heavy to be considered contenders.

[Chuck Sinclair]

Please consider that your HRX is a Homeowner model that will self-destruct w/Serious Commercial Use.

Jack D. has 10 yr. old LB & Toro Commercial units that still run strong. Current Honda Commercial Units are too Heavy to be considered contenders.

HONDA HRC 216 or 215 is the best 21" mower going toro = boat anchor.

[Jack D.]

Please consider that your HRC 215/216 does not mulch as well as a Proline and is almost 30 lbs heavier.

Perhaps if your 21"'s are used in larger areas where frequent turning, pulling backwards & occasional lifting are not necessary and you bag everything then this may not be an issue. Jack D. prefers to use larger Walks in these areas.

[Chuck Sinclair]

Please consider that your HRC 215/216 does not mulch as well as a Proline and is almost 30 lbs heavier.

Perhaps if your 21"'s are used in larger areas where frequent turning, pulling backwards & occasional lifting are not necessary and you bag everything then this may not be an issue. Jack D. prefers to use larger Walks in these areas.

As usual you are wrong again Jack D.

[mhentosh]

i went through every 21 inch mower there is back in the day and the toro recycler is the best hands down.

[dare630]

Jack D.

My Honda HRX, could as you say, "self destruct" tomorrow, and it still would have been worth the $700.00. I might also add that I started my business with a farkin' $130.00 21" Lawn Chief, from a Hardware Store, thats still running fine even after 4 years of service. So you can keep your equipment life expectancy theories along with your 21" toros.

[Clim Cadidlehopper]

Mower of all mowers, lets see. Just like the age old mystery over which car is and today that question is still unanswered. Or is it. Is it that if what you use, drive, eat, and think is what you believe it to be then is not that, all that matters. Commercial is most defiantly built to withstand more than non commercial, 99.9% of the time. Then again that’s just my thoughts. You get out of what you put into, in varying ratios . If everything was the same then life would be one large mud puddle.

Clim T. Cadidlehopper
Clown about town