RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Just saying, if you want to talk about pre-2000 small engines, that is one thing. What you are buying today ain't nothing like that.
Thank God for people trying to sell items right after Christmas (for cash to pay credit card bills?)I have always liked the Snapper Hi-Vac self-propelled walk-behind. They haven't changed much in the 40 years or so, except getting lighter and cheaper. Even in the 70s, they had multi speed propulsion, a actual differential rear axel, so as to not dig up the lawn when turning. If you Bag, the Hi-Vac beats most everything, even now days...except a rider, LOL. The one I am using now is from the early 80s, I replaced the motor with the Harbor freight (clone of honda), and mows like it did 30 years ago.
With that said, I've been looking at the Plastic Honda harmony (there are other model names like HRX). The Deck is made of durable polymer material they call NeXite. They've been making them for 20+ years and it appears many are still going strong. They are spendy. A good used one that is 20 years old still bring $200. BUT, from the one's I've seen for free or for a cheap price, it appears the transmission is a common problem with them when they get that old...NOT the plastic deck, surprisingly enough. From my Youtube research, it appears there is a couple things that go wrong with the tranny, one is a plastic part that fails and is a easy fix, but there is a lot of parts in that tranny, so even though it's easy, it isn't a task unless you are mechanically inclined. I've always been a honda fan, and I like the idea of a lightweight plastic deck, if it is truly as durable as it appears. I'm not sure what the new one's go for? probably $600 to $1k...I'm hoping to find a older used Harmony with bagger (for under $100) and give it a try.
Also, if you don't like noise (who does?)...they have come a long way with battery powered push mowers...40 volt Lith-ion...I'd think they'd be the cat's meow...but I could never afford a new one.
Lastly, of the Husqvarnas, I've heard good things about Honda engines, but the other parts are not anything to brag about.
MidwayUSA shipping regimen. I was born at night--but it wasn't last night.what? looks again 25$.
jeezus.