I'm looking for a new self-propelled lawn mower. Budget is ~$500. I figure there's enough people on here mowing their yards that may have some recommendations on recent purchases they've been happy with. My last one was around ~15 years between my dad and myself, and pretty sure it threw a rod this afternoon.

3rd season on this one and been real happy with it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-in-3-in-1-Variable-Speed-Gas-Walk-Behind-Self-Propelled-Lawn-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216VKA/308769340

If you have a son older than 8, then you don't need a self propelled one.

Cub cadet rear wheel drive, front casters that lock/unlock, easy start (1 pull every time with crap gas and no use from Nov-Mar), and hose hookup to clean out the deck and blade.

Got it as a housewarming gift from the in-laws about 5 years ago and it's still going strong.

Love the caster wheels up front.

Husqvarna with the Honda GVC engine. 17 year old grandson likes it more than the old Wal Mart Briggs Straton I had previously.
Seriously it's a great mower. On it's fourth year and going strong w/o a hitch..

AnScAggie said:

---

If you have a son older than 8, then you don't need a self propelled one.

---

That's great is you're on a small, suburban lot.

I have hills on my lot and have almost an acre to mow. I like the self propelled.

Yes on this. We have rough rocky and steep areas to mow at our place in the hill country that is really hard on self propelled mowers. We went through a mower every two years till we bought the husquvarna. It's drive and wheel system is very stout and solid. Bought it at Northern Tool.
It has been going strong for four years now.
We had previously had John Deere, Toro, and Cub Cadet. They did not hold up over two years in the rough terrain.

I have the Honda. Hard to beat for ariund 400.

Sweet Kitten Feet said:

---

3rd season on this one and been real happy with it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honda-21-in-3-in-1-Variable-Speed-Gas-Walk-Behind-Self-Propelled-Lawn-Mower-with-Auto-Choke-HRR216VKA/308769340

---

This.

I have the hrx217 and the hrc216, but if I were to do it again I'd pick up a version of the link.

If you have a ditch to mow, IMO it's worth getting one with the nexite deck because of how light it is. My hrx217 is from 2008 and I prefer it for the weight alone.

I have the Honda hrx and my self propel has stopped working. I think the drive belt is worn out. Any one deal with that before?

Overall great mower though. Starts first pull every time

That's a pretty simple fix if that's what it is. Plenty of youtube videos to help you out.

You need to double your budget.

Or so I'm told.

I have a HRX217 from HD. Bought about 5 years ago. Never failed me, the twin blade cuts and mulches really well. I highly recommend.

I think the bigger engine on the 217 vs the 216 is worth it. I have about a .5 acre yard and use it every weekend spring thru summer.

I have had the same Honda for 20 years. Still starts first or second pull. I live on a 1/3 of an acre. It has had to have a few parts changed out over the years like tires, blades, bag, spark plugs and air filter. Other than that I just change the oil every year. Best mulching system on the market.

Best mower I have ever owned.

Alte Schule said:

---

Husqvarna with the Honda GVC engine. 17 year old grandson likes it more than the old Wal Mart Briggs Straton I had previously.
Seriously it's a great mower. On it's fourth year and going strong w/o a hitch..

---

Ditto

RockOn said:

---

I have the Honda hrx and my self propel has stopped working. I think the drive belt is worn out. Any one deal with that before?

Overall great mower though. Starts first pull every time

---

I just replaced the drive belt on my Honda mower. Bought the belt on Amazon for around $20. Watched a Youtube video on how to do it. Took about 15-20 minutes. All you need is a socket set with metric sockets and you are good to go. it is easy. Mower pulls as hard as the day I bought it now.

can someone tell me why everything is now 21" width?

it used to be 22"

When we moved outside the city to acreage with a very steep front yard, I bought this 30" Toro Timemaster from Home Depot. I did not sell my 21" Honda from the city. I find myself using the 21" every now and then when a small area or two needs a haircut (borrow ditches, around AC unit / septic heads) but I don't feel like mowing everything.

It's nice for mowing the irrigated/manicured bermuda with the mulch option, but if you miss a couple of weeks, rain gets ahead of you in the spring, or the first scalp of the year I find myself hopping on the zero turn for the parts that aren't too steep.

Husk owner here in Honda engine and 4wd; great mower always starts on first pull.

Thanks, I'm gonna order the part and give it a shot this weekend.

So it looks like a tie between the Honda and the Husqvarna with the Honda engine.

Of course online reviews for both include plenty of "worst mower ever, wouldn't start after second use, etc." I was able to finish the yard on Sunday with an old mower I have so I've got a week or two depending on rain to decide.

Go to the shadetree small engine mechanic and ask him

And then buy the 3 yr replacement warranty for $50