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Our 25ish year old Toro is on its way out. Any recommendations for a replacement? From the looks of the reviews online (Sears, Lowe's, Home Depot, True Value) seems like a lot of the products on the market are hit and miss. I would prefer gas, but am open to electric too. Our yard is about 0.25 acres.

Thanks.

TMB

For grass, the hand tool I recommend is a shovel.


A lot more work up front, but in the end far less.

If you know someone who reads a newspaper, a moderately thick layer of old newspaper over the top of the sod, with a layer of earth over that, will effectively discourage the grass from coming back, and then the paper will disappear in turn over time. Not sure you'd even need to turn the sod beforehand, this way.

After my previous 21" mower gave up the ghost, I got a Worx 19" electric mower. It's not as wide, but the more powerful motor let me go faster and reduced the total mowing time. It is also lighter and more maneuverable. I have about 1/3 acre of grass, and to reach the furthest point must add an extension cord.

I recently bought one of these:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_421864-63311-96 ... facetInfo=" target="_blank

Loving it so far. Power enough for what I need (just don't expect to mulch down 2 weeks of growth). Starts on the 1st or 2nd pull each time, the variable speed self-propelling motor is very convenient, and it's quieter than the Troy-Bilt it's replacing. Everything seems solidly built and ergonomically well thought out.

For durability and overall good cut, the Sears Craftsman with the Honda motor is on top. The frame is sturdier so the wheels align better for the self-propelled, and assuming proper maintenance, for the last ten years it start the first time in the spring after winter storage with fresh gas and only one or two pulls.

Honda, without question. Mine is 25+ y/o and still starts first pull, every time. Functions well, never a problem.

The original and still cheap to operate Walking Mower