Lawn Mowers

The CRAFTSMAN MD 21 Push 3 in 1 Gas Mower with High Rear Wheels is a push lawn mower with the advantage of having larger rear wheels which makes this lawn mower easier to maneuver, particularly when the rear bag is full of grass. The larger rear wheels provide more leverage for the operator and make it easier overall to push.

The 21 inch deck is a standard width and is suitable for most suburban lawns as is the 190cc Briggs and Stratton engine. Consumers can adjust the lawn cutting height to one of 5 positions allowing you to tailor your lawn for the look and feel that you desire. From the manicured golf course look to the longer grass during dryer periods, you can cut your lawn at one of 5 heights.

A big advantage of this particular engine is the no choke and no priming start. Just pull the cord and you are ready to go.

CRAFTSMAN MD 21 Push 3 in 1 Gas Mower with High Rear Wheels – Specifications:

• Powered by 190 cc Briggs & Stratton 700 Platinum series engine; Delivers 7.0 ft/lbs of gross torque
• 8” front wheels; 12” rear wheels;
• Extended 5-position wheel adjustment ergonomic selector knobs; foam handle grip; black deck; bag/mulch/discharge modes

Engine: This

Propulsion: This lawn mower is a push lawn mower

Warranty: This lawn mower comes with a 2-year warranty

Features:

• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive MRS (Most Reliable Starting) with concentrated spark energy plug for easier starting under all starting condition
• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive Smooth Start™ engine with a new ergonomic handle
• Ready Start featuring a no priming, no choking starting system
• Fresh Start™ cap and cartridge system slowly releases fuel stabilizer into the mower’s fuel tank to help keep the fuel fresh for up to 6 months
• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive Precision™ cutting system delivers high performance bagging and mulching with a durable blade giving your lawn a manicured appearance
• Dark grey dust-blocker bag helps keep dirt away from the operator

Description of the CRAFTSMAN MD 21 Push 3 in 1 Gas Mower with High Rear Wheels

This lawn mower comes with the 3 in 1 system that allows the operator to chose between mulching the grass, bagging the grass clippings or spreading the clippings on the lawn through the side discharge.

Add fuel stabilizer to the gas cap so that it will drip into the fuel tank and maintain your gas for as long as 6 months. This is particularly helpful if you live in northern climes and do not use your lawn mower over the winter.

There were 6 review on this particular lawn mower at the time of preparing this review all positive and supportive of this model. This appears to be an excellent lawn mower as indicated by consumers who have purchased this lawn mower.

Delivery: All lawn mowers can be picked up at the store or dealer you purchased the lawn mower from. For an additional fee, most will also deliver the lawn mower to you at your home.

Safety & Operation

All motorized equipment should be treated with respect and care. Start by reading all of the safety and operating guidelines outlined in the manual that comes with the CRAFTSMAN MD 21” Push 3-in-1 Gas Mower with High Rear Wheels. Follow these guidelines carefully and you should not have any problems with operating the lawn mower.

Always check the engine to make sure that there is sufficient oil in the engine before starting each day. Top up if necessary.  Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cool. A good time to do this is before you start cutting the lawn. Spilt fuel can sometimes cause fires. If you do spill any fuel, wait until it evaporates prior to starting the engine to avoid any chance of fire. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors.

When using the side discharge, never allow anyone to stand in front of the discharge unit to avoid being hit by any debris. Shut the engine off before removing the rear bag to empty it of grass or making any other kind of adjustments to the lawn mower.

CRAFTSMAN MD – Maintenance:

Maintenance of the CRAFTSMAN MD 21 Push 3 in 1 Gas Mower with High Rear Wheels is pretty straight forward. Read the guidelines in the manual and follow them.  Arrange to have your engine tuned up once a year and the oil changed at the same time. This applies to most consumer applications where you are cutting your lawn once a week. If you are using the lawn mower for commercial applications you may need to change the oil more often.

Keep the housing free of debris to avoid the acid from the grass causing the housing to deteriorate. Also keep grass from building up around the muffler to avoid the possibility of fire. Check the spark plug to ensure that it is not corroded and dirty. Replace if it is pitted. Always use clean fresh gasoline for your lawn mower. Following these tips and others in the manual will ensure that your lawn mower will last for many years.

Summer is around the corner and it is time to tune up our lawn mowers to get them ready for the coming season. Most people wait until the day they need to cut the lawn, only to find out that the lawn mower will not start. A quick decision needs to be made. Do I borrow the neighbors lawn mower, do I take the lawn mower in for repairs or do I buy a new lawn mower and which one do I buy?

What Lawn Mower Should I Purchase

Most people make quick decisions without all of the information they need. There are several factors that go into the decision and we will discuss them in detail during this post. For the moment we will list them in no particular order of importance.

• Can you repair your lawn mower yourself?
• What will it cost to get someone to repair your lawn mower and how much?
• How much will a new lawn mower cost?
• What features do I need in a new lawn mower?
• Which one should I buy?

These are all important issues and depending on the results the cost to you can be quite different!

Can you repair your lawn mower yourself?

If your lawn mower worked fine last season, chances are that the fuel has gone bad and you will need to clean the spark plug and possibly the carburetor.  First of all make sure you actually have gas in the tank. Next remove the spark plug and make sure it is not fouled. Clean it without changing the gap. Re-gap it if you know how to do this.

With the spark plug wire attached to the spark plug touch the spark plug to the housing and pull the starter cord to see if there is a spark. If so, your spark plug is fine. Make sure there is no open gas containers around or spilled fuel to avoid a fire.

Replace the spark plug, prime the engine one more time and try the engine. If there is gasoline in the tank, then you probably need the carburetor cleaned. If you are comfortable doing this, then proceed otherwise you may have to take the lawn mower to a repair shop for a tune-up.

What will it cost to get someone to repair your lawn mower and how much?

Repair shop costs vary all over the place. You could be looking at $50 to $100 for a tune-up. Talk to the mechanic first, explain what you need and ask for an estimate. This is where you need to trade off the cost of the repairs vs. purchasing a new lawnmower.

Depending on what model of lawn mower you might purchase, the cost of repairs could begin to approach the cost of a new one. Inexpensive push lawn mowers can be purchased quite inexpensively and as long as you are ok with this type of model then your decision is pretty much made for you. On the other hand, if your current model has lots of features, cost quite a bit, you may want to reconsider having the repairs completed vs. purchasing another full featured lawnmower.

How much will a new lawn mower cost?

New lawn mowers vary a great deal in price and it really depends on what type of lawnmower you want to purchase. The more features it has the more it will cost. Some inexpensive lawn mowers can be purchased for less than $200, while full featured lawn mowers can cost close to a $1000, with riding lawn mowers going much higher than that.

What features do I need in a new lawn mower?

There are a lot to choose from, however, some basic decisions will help to narrow done your choices.  Push or self-propelled lawn mowers are probably the first choice and make a big difference in price. Push mowers are just that, you must push them to cut the grass. Self-propelled will propel themselves and all you need to do is steer them. They can be rear or front self-propelled.

Next, you need to decide if you want to mulch your grass, bag it or just spread the grass on the lawn. Many of the higher end lawn mowers will have a 3 in 1 set of options. Which allows you to decide to mulch, bag or discharge your grass clippings depending on the lawn you are cutting.

Wider, more powerful and riding lawn mowers are the next class of lawn mower which the majority of consumers do not need unless they have a lot of lawn to cut every week. Most lawn mowers are 21 or 22 inches wide and will more than meet most consumer needs. Riding lawn mowers can go from 41 inches up to 55 inches or more and of course the price increases as well.

The trade off of course is price vs features vs. what your needs are. Give some thought to what you need and then proceed from there.

Which one should I buy?

All of the lawn mowers that we are reviewing are mainstream. They will meet your needs for quality and workmanship. It comes down to price, features and also support for warranty and repairs. Make sure that you get the best price with the appropriate support for parts and repairs.

The CRAFTSMAN MD 21″ 3 in-1 Gas Mower is a push-type lawn mower. There is no self-propelled option with this model. Consumers looking for self-propelled models should look to other models and posts if they need a self-propelled mode. As a result, it is a little cheaper than other lawn mowers since there are fewer features and less material in the lawn mower. Of course, you will get more exercise with this lawn mower, which is not bad in today’s world.

This is a 3 in 1 lawn mower, meaning that you can use the rear bag grass catcher, or you can mulch your lawn clippings or just spread them on the lawn through the side discharge. Either way, you can achieve that manicured look to your lawn by adjusting the height to a desired level and cutting the lawn catching all grass clippings to have that perfect look.

The wheels are all 8-inch diameter wheels. Craftsman has recently added a customer comments section with this lawn mower receiving one positive review.

CRAFTSMAN MD 21 – Specifications:

• 190 cc Briggs & Stratton 700 Platinum series engine; Delivers 7.0 ft/lbs of gross torque
• 8” front wheels; 8” rear wheels;
• 5-position wheel adjustment

Engine: 190 cc Briggs & Stratton 700 Platinum series engine; Delivers 7.0 ft/lbs of gross torque.

Propulsion: This lawn mower is a lush type of lawn mower. Self-propelled is not an option with this model.

Warranty: This lawn mower has a 2-year warranty

CRAFTSMAN MD 21 Features:

• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive MRS (Most Reliable Starting) with concentrated spark energy plug for easier starting under all starting conditions.
• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive Smooth Start™ engine with a new ergonomic handle;
• Ready Start features a no priming, no choking starting system
• Fresh Start™ cap and cartridge system slowly releases fuel stabilizer into the mower’s fuel tank to help keep the fuel fresh for up to 6 months
• CRAFTSMAN® exclusive Precision™ cutting system delivers high-performance bagging and mulching with a durable blade giving your lawn a manicured appearance
• ergonomic selector knobs; foam handle grip
• black deck
• bag/mulch/discharge modes; dark grey dust-blocker bag helps keep dirt away from the operator

Description of the CRAFTSMAN MD 21″ 3 in-1 Gas Mower

Although this model lawn mower is 1 inch smaller than many other consumer lawn mowers, you can still make short work of your lawn. It is a basic model with many features that make it a pleasure.

It features a ready-start system which means that you do not need to prime it or set the choke; just pull the starter chord, and away you go.

The fresh start cap is another feature of this lawn mower and the Briggs and Stratton engine. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the cap will slow drip into the tank and keep the gas fresh for up to six months. This can be important for people living in northern communities who put their lawnmowers away for the winter months.

Delivery: All lawn mowers can be picked up at the store or dealer you purchased the lawn mower. Most will also deliver the lawn mower to you at your home for an additional fee.

Safety & Operation

All motorized equipment should be treated with respect and care. Start by reading the safety and operating guidelines outlined in the manual with the CRAFTSMAN MD 21″ 3 in 1 Gas Mower. Follow these guidelines carefully, and you should not have any problems operating the lawn mower.

Always check the engine to ensure sufficient oil in the engine before starting each day. Top up if necessary.  Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cool. A good time to do this is before you start cutting the lawn. Spilled fuel can sometimes cause fires. If you do spill any fuel, wait until it evaporates before starting the engine to avoid any chance of fire. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors.

Never allow anyone to stand in front of the discharge unit when using the side discharge.  This is required to avoid being hit by any debris. Shut the engine off before removing the rear bag to empty it of grass or make any other adjustments to the lawn mower.

Maintenance:

Maintenance of the CRAFTSMAN MD 21″ 3 in-1 Gas Mower is pretty straightforward. Please read the guidelines in the manual and follow them.  Arrange to have your engine tuned up once a year and the oil changed simultaneously. This applies to most consumer applications where you are cutting your lawn once a week. If you use the lawn mower for commercial applications, you may need to change the oil more often.

Keep the housing free of debris to avoid the acid from the grass causing the housing to deteriorate. Also, keep grass from building up around the muffler to avoid the possibility of fire. Check the spark plug to ensure that it is not corroded and dirty. Replace if it is pitted. Always use clean, fresh gasoline for your lawn mower. Following these tips and others in the manual will ensure your lawn mower lasts many years.

The CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled 3-in-1 Rear-wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower is a perfect lawn mower for the suburban consumer with rear wheel drive that travels at a maximum speed of 3.3 miles per hour and a powerful 190cc Briggs and Stratton engine. The wide 22 inch deck will make short work of your  lawn with options to bag your grass clippings, mulch them or discharge the clippings out the side. Note that there is a deflector that protects other people and objects near you from being hit by high speed projectiles when you are using the discharge option.

The handle can be set to one of 3 positions for maximum comfort while mowing and the handle also folds down for easy storage in tight locations as well as transportation. There is a 2 year warranty on the this craftsman lawn mower for consumer applications.

CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled – Specifications:

190 cc Briggs & Stratton Quantum MRS engine with gear-to-splash lubrication

22” bagging/mulching/discharging deck

8” front and rear wheels

3-position handle folds for storage

Engine: 190 cc Briggs & Stratton Quantum MRS engine with gear-to-splash lubrication

Propulsion: Mower moves at variable speeds up to 3.3 mph with rear wheel drive

Warranty: the CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled 3-in-1 Rear-wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower has a 2-year warranty

Features:

Deck adjusts to 5 cutting heights using its ergonomically designed adjusters

‘Platinum’ spark plug

Oil bottle

Mowers move at variable speeds up to 3.3 mph

E-Z Empty Dust Blocker grass bag

Assembled

Description of the CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled 3-in-1 Rear-wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower

The cutting deck in addition to being 22 inches wide can also be adjusted to one of 5 cutting heights allowing you to achieve the desired height for your lawn. Cut it short for that manicured golf green look, or leave it long to protect the roots during those really hot summer days. It is your choice and easy to adjust.

The mower speed can be adjusted up to a maximum of 3.3 miles per hour to match a comfortable walk behind speed. Consumers will like the idea of switching between the grass catcher attached at the rear of the lawn mower to a mulching deck to a side discharge. With choices like these you can maintain your lawn just the way you want to.

This self propelled lawn mower also comes with one oil bottle. Check the engine before you start it and add the oil to the oil filler spout as directed in the manual. Always read the manual cover and follow the instructions as outlined to cover prior to starting the engine for the first time.

Delivery: All lawn mowers can be picked up at the store or dealer you purchased the lawn mower from. For an additional fee, most will also deliver the lawn mower to you at your home.

CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled – Safety & Operation

All motorized equipment should be treated with respect and care. Start by reading all of the safety and operating guidelines outlined in the manual that comes with the CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled 3-in-1 Rear-wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower. Follow these guidelines carefully and you should not have any problems with operating the lawn mower.

Always check the engine to make sure that there is sufficient oil in the engine before starting each day. Top up if necessary.  Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cool. A good time to do this is before you start cutting the lawn. Spilt fuel can sometimes cause fires. If you do spill any fuel, wait until it evaporates prior to starting the engine to avoid any chance of fire. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors.

When using the side discharge, never allow anyone to stand in front of the discharge unit to avoid being hit by any debris. Shut the engine off before removing the rear bag to empty it of grass or making any other kind of adjustments to the lawn mower.

Maintenance:

Maintenance of the CRAFTSMAN MD Self-propelled 3-in-1 Rear-wheel Drive Gas Lawn Mower is pretty straight forward. Read the guidelines in the manual and follow them.  Arrange to have your engine tuned up once a year and the oil changed at the same time. This applies to most consumer applications where you are cutting your lawn once a week. If you are using the lawn mower for commercial applications you may need to change the oil more often.

Keep the housing free of debris to avoid the acid from the grass causing the housing to deteriorate. Also keep grass from building up around the muffler to avoid the possibility of fire. Check the spark plug. Make that it is not corroded and dirty. Replace if it is pitted. Always use clean fresh gasoline for your lawn mower. Following these tips and others in the manual will ensure that your lawn mower will last for many years.

The CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower comes with a powerful 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine delivering 6.5 foot / pounds of torque, powerful enough to drive the front wheel drive system at one of nine height positions. This lawn mower comes with a 3 in 1 deck system that mulches, bags your grass clippings or discharges the clippings onto the grass from the side discharge.

Cut your grass to look like a golf course or leave it longer during the hot dry summer days. With 9 positions in height, you have a wide selection to set your lawn mower at just the right height.  The mulch kit is included with this lawn mower as is the rear bag grass catcher. The handles also fold away to make storage and transportation easier. A bottle of oil is included which you will need to add before you start the engine for the first time. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for adding the correct amount of oil. Over filling with oil can damage your engine and also void the warranty.

CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower – Specifications:

• powered by 190 cc Briggs & Stratton Quantum engine with MRS to deliver 6.5 ft./lb. of torque
• 3-in-1 deck mulches, bags or discharges clippings
• 9-position height adjustment mowing deck

Engine: 190 cc Briggs & Stratton Quantum engine with MRS to deliver 6.5 ft./lb. of torque

Propulsion: dual drive control triggers

Warranty: 2-year warranty

Features:

• platinum spark plug ignites at a lower RPM
• dual drive control triggers
• installed mulch kit
• E-Z Empty Dust Blocker grass bag included
• foldable handles
• oil bottle included

Description of the CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower

This lawn mower comes with a 2 year warranty for consumer applications. If you are using this lawn mower for commercial applications you should discuss the warranty with the dealer prior to purchase.

Foldable handles also provide a great deal of flexibility as well as convenience for storage as well as transportation. If you have limited space in which to store the lawn mower during winter months, fold the handles down and put it in a corner of the garage or up on a large shelf. Also if you need to transport the lawn mower for repairs it is much easier to get it in the trunk of your car with the handles folded down.

The installed mulch kit and grass bag are included with the  CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower, giving you the choice of mulching your grass, bagging it or just using the side discharge to leave the grass clippings on the lawn.

With the dual drive control triggers this craftsman lawn mower is easy to drive and steer around shrubs and other landscaping that may be in your yard.

Delivery: All lawn mowers can be picked up at the store or dealer you purchased the lawn mower from. For an additional fee, most will also deliver the lawn mower to you at your home.

Safety & Operation

All motorized equipment should be treated with respect and care. Start by reading all of the safety and operating guidelines outlined in the manual that comes with the CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower. Follow these guidelines carefully and you should not have any problems with operating the lawn mower.

Always check the engine to make sure that there is sufficient oil in the engine before starting each day. Top up if necessary.  Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cool. A good time to do this is before you start cutting the lawn. Spilled fuel can sometimes cause fires. If you do spill any fuel, wait until it evaporates prior to starting the engine to avoid any chance of fire. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors.

When using the side discharge, never allow anyone to stand in front of the discharge unit to avoid being hit by any debris. Shut the engine off before removing the rear bag to empty it of grass or making any other kind of adjustments to the lawn mower.

Maintenance:

Maintenance of the CRAFTSMAN MD Three-in-one 22 Front wheel Drive Gas Mower is pretty straight forward. Read the guidelines in the manual and follow them.  Arrange to have your engine tuned up once a year and the oil changed at the same time. This applies to most consumer applications where you are cutting your lawn once a week. If you are using the lawn mower for commercial applications you may need to change the oil more often.

Keep the housing free of debris to avoid the acid from the grass causing the housing to deteriorate. Also keep grass from building up around the muffler to avoid the possibility of fire. Check the spark plug to ensure that it is not corroded and dirty. Replace if it is pitted. Always use clean fresh gasoline for your lawn mower. Following these tips and others in the manual will ensure that your lawn mower will last for many years.

For more Craftsman mower information, click here.

The John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 comes with a 190 cc Briggs and Stratton engine, the work horse of the small engine industry. The engine is equipped with zone start recoil rope starting system which is one of the many safety features on this self propelled lawn mower. Operators must stand behind the lawn mower with the zone lever depressed  to start the engine. If the zone lever is released the engine will automatically stop. This protects the operator from accidentally getting in the way of the cutting blades of the lawn mower.

The carburetor is designed to start without the need for priming or choking. A fresh start fuel cap can be filled with fuel stabilizer to ensure that the gasoline is always fresh for easier starting and smoother running. The engine uses a dependable splash lubrication system to protect all  engines parts from wear. The engine meets all CARB emission requirements.

Momentum Drive

The pivoting handle controls how fast the self propelled lawn mower will go based on the angle of the handle. The speed varies from zero to 4.6 miles per hour. If you prefer a constant speed you can also lock in the speed with a a drive lock key, located on the MowMentum drive handle.

The 22 inch steel deck comes with a 3 in one blade allowing the operator to chose between mulching, side discharge or rear bagging.

John Deere Self Propelled Lawn Mower JS46 – Specifications:

• 190 cc or 11.6 cubic inch displacement
• 8.75 pound foot of torque Briggs and Stratton Engine
• 4 cycle side valve
• 22 inch steel deck
• 3 in 1 discharge
• 8 inch by 2 inch front , 9 inch by 2 inch back wheels

Engine: 190 cc or 11.6 cubic inch displacement,4 cycle side valve,Briggs and Stratton Engine

Propulsion: Variable speed , rear wheel drive

Warranty: 2 year warranty

Features:

• Throttle control is fixed speed
• Operator presence
• Zone control
• Side discharge, mulch, rear bag 2.5 bushels
• One lever adjusts all four wheels

Description of the John Deere Lawn Mower JS46

The side discharge on the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 is easy to install. Just flip up the cover on the side of the deck to install the deflector and distribute the grass on the lawn.

Change from one mode to another without tools. The rear bag grass catcher holds 2.5 bushels and attaches easily at the back of the self propelled lawn mower.

Height Adjustment

Adjust one lever to adjust all wheels . Choose from cut heights from 1.2 inches to 4.2 inches. If you plan on mulching, the longer the grass the better since it conceals cut grass until it degrades and returns the nutrients to the lawn. John Deere feels that a cut height of 3 to 4 inches is the best height for mulching.

The handle bar is wide for comfort. Depress the zone control lever to start the engine and for continuous running. The handle bar also has 3 height adjustments to match your comfort level. Adjust the height without tools. Fold the handle down for compact storage and also for transport in your vehicle or trailer.

The price of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 was $499 US at the time of this review.

Delivery: The John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 can be purchased at John Deere dealers through the US and customers can arrange for in store pickup or they can arrange for delivery. Delivery will be at an extra charge and customers may want to make alternate arrangements for delivery.

Safety & Operation

Operation of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 is pretty straight forward. Always start the engine using the zone control and never circumvent this control to prevent accidents. This is one of the most significant safety additions to lawn mowers to prevent unneeded accidents.

Read the manual before you operate the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS46 for the first time to become familiar with all of the controls and general operation. Check the oil each time you use the mower and top up if needed. Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cold . Wait until it has evaporated before you start the engine to avoid the possibility of fire.

Clean off the deck on the upper side as well as the lower side to remove any debris and grass clippings. A clean deck will ensure that your deck lasts for many years and does not corrode over time.

Lawn Mower JS46 Maintenance:

Maintenance of the Lawn Mower JS46 consists of changing the oil at regular intervals, following the guidelines in the manual. Keep the deck clean at all times, and arrange to sharpen the blade at least once per year.

The John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 comes with a 190 cc Briggs and Stratton engine, the work horse of the small engine industry. The engine is equipped with zone start recoil rope starting system which is one of the many safety features on this self propelled lawn mower. Operators must be standing behind the lawn mower with the zone lever depressed in order to start the engine. The engine automatically stops when the zone lever is released. This safety measure prevents the operator from accidentally getting in the way of the cutting blades of the lawn mower.

The carburetor starts without the need for priming or choking. Fill the fresh start fuel cap with fuel stabilizer. Therefore the gasoline is always fresh for easier starting and smoother running. The engine meets all California Air Resources Board ( CARB) requirements.  The engine also uses a dependable splash lubrication system to protect all of the engines parts from wear.

Mowmentum Drive System

The momentum drive system is an excellent feature of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36. The pivoting handle  controls how fast the self propelled lawn mower will go based on the angle of the handle. The speed varies from zero to 3.8 miles per hour. If you prefer a constant speed you can also lock in the speed with a a drive lock key, located on the MowMentum drive handle.

The 22 inch steel deck comes with a 3 in one blade allowing the operator to chose between mulching, side discharge or rear bagging.  The rear bag, the mulch cover and the side discharge deflector are all standard. The 22 inch deck is stamped from 14 gauge steel.

John Deere Lawn Mower JS36 – Specifications:

• 190 cc or 11.6 cubic inch displacement
• 7 pound foot of torque Briggs and Stratton Engine
• 4 cycle side valve
• 22 inch steel deck
• 3 in 1 discharge
• 8 inch by 2 inch front , 9 inch by 2 inch back wheels

Engine: 190 cc or 11.6 cubic inch displacement,4 cycle side valve,Briggs and Stratton Engine

Propulsion: Variable speed , rear wheel drive

Warranty: 2 year warranty

Features:

• Throttle control is fixed speed
• Operator presence
• Zone control
• Side discharge, mulch, rear bag 2.5 bushels
• One lever adjusts all four wheels

Description of the John Deere Lawn Mower JS36

The side discharge on the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 is esy to install. Just flip up the cover on the side of the deck to install the deflector and distribute the grass on the lawn. Projectiles are prevented by the deflector from being flung distance from the lawn mower.

Change from one mode to another in minutes without tools. The rear bag grass catcher  holds 2.5 bushels  and attaches easily at the back of the self propelled lawn mower.

Adjust the height of the cut easily by adjusting one lever to adjust all wheels . Choose from  cut heights from 1.2 inches to 4.2 inches. If you plan on mulching, the longer the grass the better since it conceals cut grass until it degrades and returns the nutrients to the lawn.  John Deere feels that a cut height of 3 to 4 inches is the best height for mulching.

The handle bar is wide for comfort. Depress the Zone control lever for starting and continuous running. The engine speed runs at 3350 rpm to ensure smooth operation. The handle bar also has 3 height adjustments to match your comfort level.  Adjust the height without tools. Fold the handle down for compact storage and also for transport in your vehicle or trailer.

Price and Delivery

The price of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 was $399 US at the time of this review.

Delivery: Consumers purchase the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 at John Deere dealers throughout the US . Customers can arrange for in store pickup or they can arrange for delivery. Delivery will be at an extra charge and customers may want to make alternate arrangements for delivery.

Lawn Mower JS36 Safety & Operation

Operation of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 is pretty straight forward. Always start the engine using the zone control and never circumvent this control to prevent accidents.  This is one of the most significant safety additions to lawn mowers  to prevent unneeded accidents.

Read the manual before you operate the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 for the first time to become familiar with all of the controls and general operation. Check the oil each time you use the mower and top up if needed. Fill the fuel tank while the engine is cold. Wait until it has evaporated before you start the engine to avoid the possibility of fire.

After finishing for the day, clean off the deck on the upper and lower side removing any debris and grass clippings. A clean deck will ensure that your deck lasts for many years and does not corrode over time.

Lawn Mower JS36 Maintenance:

Maintenance of the John Deere self propelled Lawn Mower JS36 consists of changing the oil at regular intervals. Always follow the guidelines in the manual. Keep the deck clean at all times, and arrange to sharpen the blade at least once per year.

The John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 is a medium priced self propelled lawn mower that will more than meet the needs of most consumers.  The combination of the famous Briggs and Stratton engine, the MowMentum drive system and the 3 in 1 deck system provides all that most consumers will need to mow the average sized lawn and then some. Add durable wheels and individual wheel adjusters with conveniently located controls and handlebars that fold down and are easily adjusted.

The Briggs and Stratton engine is designed to prevent flooding for easier starts without the need for priming or adjusting the choke. Add stabilizer to the fuel cap so that it drips into the fuel tank to ensure fresh fuel at all times. A special zone start system requires that the operator is located behind the handlebars using the extended recoil rope to start the engine while holding down the operator presence control located on the handle bar. The engine is designed to meet the California air emission standards and it uses a splash lubrication system to lubricate the engines moving parts.

The momentum drive system on the John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 allows for speeds from 0 miles per hour up to 3.6 miles per hour.  The pivoting handle controls lawn mower speed. Control lawn mower speed by pivoting the handle. Operators can also lock in the speed by activating the drive lock  located on the drive handle.

John Deere Lawn Mower JS26 – Specifications:

• 7.0 pound foot of torque
• 190 cc ( 11.6 cu inch) Briggs & Stratton engine
• 4 cycle, side valve engine
• 22 inch steel deck
• 3 point adjustment system for wheels
• 3 in 1 discharge

Engine: 190 cc ( 11.6 cu inch) Briggs & Stratton engine

Propulsion: Variable speed , front wheel drive

Warranty: 2 year limited warranty

Features:

• Fixed speed throttle
• Operator presence required to operate the lawn mower
• Side discharge
• Mulching deck
• 8 inch by 2 inch wheels
• Variable speed front wheel drive

Description of the John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26

The John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 comes with a 22 inch steel deck and a 3 in one blade. Operators can choose between the side discharge, the rear  bagging system or mulching the grass to return the nutrients to the lawn.  A rear bag, mulch cover and side discharge deflector are included. The wheels are made of high impact plastic with rubber tread for increased traction and longer life.  These wheels also have bushings for increased maneuverability and long life. Front wheels are 8 inches in diameter and the rear wheels are 9 inches in diameter.

Adjust each wheel can be individually. Adjust cutting height from 1.2 inches to 4.2 inches with one lever for the rear wheels and individual levers for the front wheels. If you want the best mulching results , a cutting height of 3 to 4 inches is best to conceal clippings under the surface of the lawn and also not scalp the lawn.

Fold Down the Handlebars

Fold the handle bars on the self propelled lawn mower for storage in tight locations. Adjust the handle bars of the John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26  . Adjust the handle bar height to match the height of the  operator and their preference.  There are 3 height adjustments provided. Tools are not required to make these adjustments.

The engine speed is kept at a constant speed of 3350 rpm to provide the best quality cut. A wide handlebar enhances operator comfort with easy access to all controls. The zone control when depressed keeps the engine running and as soon as it is release the engine will stop immediately.  This is an excellent safety feature that prevents many unnecessary accidents .

Delivery: Purchase The John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 online and at Lowes as well as local John Deere Dealers.  Customers can pick up and take their front wheel drive lawn mower at any of these dealers. They can also have the lawn mowers delivered , however there will be a charge for delivery and it is far more economical to pick up the lawn mower yourself even if you need to borrow the neighbors van or car with a large trunk.

Safety & Operation

The John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 has an excellent safety control that should never be circumvented. The zone control prevents the operator from leaving the engine running while they walk away from the lawn mower. Prevent many accidents  by using these types of devices. They are one of the best safety features added to today’s modern lawn mowers.

Review all of the safety guidelines in the manual prior to starting the engine for the first time. Follow these guidelines at all times to avoid any possibility of accident. The John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 comes equipped with a side discharge for grass cuttings. Take care not to allow anyone to stand in front of the side discharge to avoid being hit with any projectiles picked up by the lawn mower blade.

Slow down around any objects and also around landscaping to avoid damaging the lawn mower.

Maintenance:

Maintenance of the John Deere Lawn Mower Front Wheel Drive JS26 is typical of most lawn mowers. First of all, follow the guidelines in the manual. Prior to starting the lawn mower engine each time, always check the level of oil in the engine. Top up if necessary.  Fill up the fuel tank while the engine is cool. Avoid causing a fire from fuel spilling onto a hot engine. If you do spill fuel , allow it to evaporate prior to starting the engine.

Change the engine oil on a regular basis as per the manual. Change the engine oil at least annually for the standard lawn mower. However if you use the lawn more often you may need to change the oil more often as well.

The Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower has a unique 21 inch stainless steel deck designed to last a lifetime. As with any other lawn mower, operators should keep the deck clean of debris and grass cuttings on both the underside as well as on top to preserve the finish and avoid corrosion.
The Honda engine is a 160 cc OHV over head cam engine with a certified low emission label.  It comes with a 21 inch stainless steel deck, which will mulch , work with a rear bag grass catcher or side discharge of the grass.

Each wheel can be individually adjusted to one of nine positions. The rear wheels are larger to provide more stability as well as maneuverability especially with the additional weight of the 61 liter grass bag on the back.

This is a front wheel drive self propelled lawn mower with a variable speed transmission. A nice feature about the front wheel drive is that when working around landscaping etc, all you need to do is tip up the front wheels to disengage contact with the ground and slow the forward motion of the lawn mower.

Yardman Self Propelled V559Q – Specifications:

• 160 CC Honda engine with over head can and 4 cycle engine
• 21 inch stainless steel dome deck
• 9 position height adjustment, individual wheel adjustment
• 61 litre capacity bag
• 8 inch by 2 inch front wheels, 12 inch rear wheels

Engine: 160 CC Honda engine with over head can and 4 cycle engine , with low emission certification, low noise  and no mixing of oil and gas

Propulsion: Variable speed self propelled  with front wheel drive transmission

Warranty: 4 year limited warranty

Features:

• Easy start, set choke and pull, there is no priming required
• Stainless steel deck with patented blade for superior mulch and cut
• Mulch capability or rear bag grass catcher included
• Deluxe comfort bail for reduced hand fatigue
• High rear wheels smooth out cut on bumpy terrain
• Easy access air filter
• Assembles in minutes with a bottle of oil included

Description of the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q

In addition to being self propelled with a variable speed transmission, the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower comes with a mulch blade as standard along with the rear bag grass catcher. Operators can also take advantage of the side discharge as well if you prefer not to catch the grass clippings.

There is an easy access air filter for cleaning and changing on a regular basis. Follow the guidelines outlined in the manual. The Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower assembles in a few minutes and also comes with a bottle of oil to be added to the engine prior for starting the engine for the first time.

Starting the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower is simple. All you need to do is set the choke and pull the starter chord. There is no priming required on this lawn mower engine.

This is one of the few stainless steel decks. Designed to last a lifetime, the deck if kept clean of debris will certainly out last many other lawn mowers.  Clean and sleek looking, the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower will meet the needs of most landscapers and gardeners.

Delivery: This Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower can be purchased at home hardware stores. Most stores can arrange for delivery, however customers can save on the delivery cost by placing the lawn mower in the trunk of their car or van to take it home from the store.

Safety & Operation

The Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower is like many other lawn mowers in that it has a great safety record and if operators follow the safety guidelines outlined in the manual and follow common sense rules, they will avoid any accident with this lawn mower.

The first step prior to operating the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower for the first time is to read the manual and understand completely all of the operating procedures as well as the safety guidelines. Be sure to place the proper amount of oil in the engine before starting for the first time.

Prior to starting the engine each time, always check the oil level and top if required. Fill the fuel tank as well and avoid filling the fuel tank when the engine is hot to avoid any possibility of fire. If you do spill some fuel, wait until the fuel has evaporated prior to starting the engine. Never fill the fuel tank with the engine running.

When using the side discharge, avoid allowing any person to stand in the path of the discharge. Occasionally sharp objects can be picked up and discharged at a high rate of speed which can hurt someone standing in the path of one of these projectiles. The same applies to cars and buildings as well.

Maintenance:

Maintenance is pretty easy with the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower. Follow all of the recommended guidelines in the manual.  Check the air filter and either clean it or replace it if it is dirty and filled with debris.

Change the engine oil as recommended and at least once per year depending on how often you use the Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower. If you are a heavy user of the lawn mower you might need to change the oil once per month or even more often.

Keep the underside of the deck clean and free of grass clippings. Store your Yardman Self Propelled V559Q lawn mower inside also to protect it from the elements.

The White Lawn Mower J836L is a great little lawn mower with lots of features that many consumers will enjoy. It is one of the easiest to use around the yard and the most versatile and flexible as well. Starting with the 160CC Briggs & Stratton engine which has been engineered to be quieter and cleaner burning than past models. It employs a Direct Overhead Valve engine or DOV with a ready start technology to give you outstanding power and torque.

The White Lawn Mower J836L also has a self propelled capability  with a 4 speed transmission. Now consumers can just follow along with the lawn mower at a speed that is comfortable for them .

If you would like to maintain the self propelled capability, but slow down a bit around landscaped ares, just down shift to a slower speed.  With a 21 inch mulching deck, this lawn mower can make short work of any lawn. Consumers can bag their grass with the rear bagger, mulch their lawns or just discharge the grass clippings to the side.  Many consumers prefer to leave the grass clippings on the lawn to return many of the nutrients that are available in the grass using the mulching system or the side discharge. Of course you can easily switch to rear bag the grass if it gets too long between cuttings.

White Lawn Mower J836L – Specifications:

• 160 CC Briggs and Stratton Engine
• 4 speed self propelled rear wheel drive
• 21 inch deep dome mulching deck and patented blade
• 8 inch by 2 inch front ball bearing wheels

Propulsion : 4 speed self propelled rear wheel drive

Engine : 160 CC Briggs and Stratton Engine Smoother, quieter, and cleaner burning, the new Briggs & Stratton DOV engine (Direct Overhead Valve) is equipped with ReadyStart™ technology

Warranty: 3 year limited warranty

Features:

• Electric start
• Mulch , rear bag or side discharge
• Single lever wheel height adjustment
• New comfort grip handle
• Handles fold for easy storage
• Some assembly required, can be done in minutes
• Bottle of oil included

Description of the White Lawn Mower J836L

The White Lawn Mower J836L also comes with an electric starter. No more pulling the chord to start the lawn mower , just press the button and your ready to go.

This lawn mower comes partially pre-assembled. Consumers will need to unfold the handles and add oil to the engine, prior to starting the lawn mower for the first time. This is a really important point, so do not forget to add the oil to avoid significant damage to the engine. In fact in our safety and operation section we urge consumers to always check the oil each time before they start the engine at the beginning of the day.

Adjust your cutting height to one of several positions with the single lever height adjustment capability.  The handles will fold for easy storage and fitting into those tight places. White has added new handles which are supposed to be more comfortable and ergonomic.

Delivery: Consumers can purchase the White Lawn Mower J836L at a number of dealers including Reno Depot and also at Rona.  Most consumers will pick up the White Lawn Mower J836L at the dealer. Delivery is an option, however you should expect to pay a delivery charge.

Safety & Operation

Consumers should always read the manual before operating the White Lawn Mower J836L for the first time. Review all of the operating procedures and also the safety guidelines. It is important to follow safe operating guidelines. It only takes a few minutes to be safe vs. an accident which could have results that last a lifetime.

Before starting the engine each time, always do a quick check of the machine to verify that everything is in working order. Always check the oil in the engine of the White Lawn Mower J836L and top up if needed. Sometimes there can be unknown leaks and your engine oil may be low.

When operating the lawn mower and using the side discharge , always avoid allowing the discharge to point towards another individual. Or towards a car for example. Some times sticks or even stones can be picked up and kicked at high speed out of the discharge chute. These projectiles can achieve a high rate of speed and if they hit a person or an object can cause a lot of damage.

The self propelled lawn mower can travel at one of 4 speeds. Slow down around landscaped areas of tight spaces. You may even want to disengage the drive system while you are mowing grass around landscaped areas.

Each time you operate the lawn mower, fill up the fuel tank to avoid running out and having to refill while the engine is hot. If you spill gasoline while filling the lawn mowers fuel tank, wait until the gasoline has evaporated before starting the engine.

White Lawn Mower J836L – Maintenance

Maintenance of the White Lawn Mower J836L is fairly straight forward. Always check the oil before starting. If it appears to be black in color, change the engine oil immediately.  Change the oil at a minimum of once per year and if you are a heavy user with a lot of lawn to cut you may need to change the oil more often.

Keep the lawn mowers blade sharp to ensure that the grass is cut properly and not torn from the stem. From time to time, clean off the deck and the under side of the deck to avoid long term corrosion of the deck. Finally always review what is needed to maintain your warranty

The Troy-Bilt Self Propelled Lawn Mower J863Q is a self propelled lawn mower with 4 speeds to match your walking speed and the thickness of the grass you are cutting. Chose between mulch, side discharge or catch the grass clippings in the rear bag that comes with the lawn mower.

This is a rear wheel drive which is where the weight is and it provides better traction as a result. The large wheels make this machine easy to maneuver and provides the right weight balance regardless of whether the grass catcher is full or not.

Combined with an electric start engine, this self propelled lawn mower will make your lawn cutting experience enjoyable. The ergonomic handle reduces fatigue and provides single-handed use, while the other hand is controlling the speed or just taking a rest.

Troy-Bilt Self Propelled Lawn Mower J863Q – Specifications

• 160 cc Honda OHC engine with overhead cam, 4 cycle.
• 4 speed shift
• 21 inch wide cut
• 3 way – mulch, rear bag and side discharge

Features

• Engine certified for low emissions, low noise and no mixing of oil and gas
• Electric start, set the choke and turn the key
• Rear wheel drive, self propelled
• Deep doomed deck and patented blade for superior cut and mulch
• Large rear wheels for better maneuverability, and even cut on uneven ground
• Single lever height adjuster adjusts all four wheels at once
• Ergonomic handle provides easy single-handed use and reduces effects of fatigue
• Assembles in minutes
• Bottle of oil included.

Warranty: Four year limited warranty

Description of the Troy-Bilt Self Propelled Lawn Mower J863Q

The Troy Bilt self-propelled lawn mower J863Q comes pre-assembled and all you need to do is pour the bottle of oil into the engine to the desired level, add fuel to the fuel tank and you are ready to go.  Customers should always complete a full check of the lawn mower on their very first use to confirm that all elements are working properly and that there are no problems with the lawn mower.

The engine is a 4 cycle engine, engineered and certified  for low emissions. The engine is also a low noise engine and since it is a 4 cycle engine, you do not have to mix oil and gasoline.

Delivery: Consumers can purchase the Troy-Bilt Self Propelled Lawn Mower J863Q at Canadian Tire stores across Canada.  You will need to make your own arrangements for pickup if you cannot fit the lawn mower into your car.

Safety & Operation

Practicing good safety with your lawn mower is much the same with any piece of equipment. Read the manual and familiarize your self with all of the safety procedures prior to starting the engine. Always check the lawn mower over prior to starting it at any time. Confirm that there is sufficient oil in the engine. Top up if needed. Check the fuel level as well and top up while the engine is cool to avoid any possibility of a flare up. If you spill fuel on the engine or the housing wait until it has full evaporated prior to starting the engine.

Never point the discharge at other people, buildings or cars. Projectiles from the side discharge can be at a high speed and cause accidents if you are not careful. Always shut the engine off before making any adjustments and prior to removing the grass catcher to empty it. This is an excellent habit to get into to avoid any possibility of an accident.

If you must clean out the underside of the deck, remove the key so that the Troy Bilt self-propelled lawn mower J863Q cannot be accidentally started.

Maintenance

Again, check the manual for all recommended maintenance requirements of the Troy Bilt self propelled lawn mower J863Q. After every use always clean off the deck to clear it of any grass , dirt and grime to avoid prematurely causing corrosion of the deck. Clean any clumps off the underside as well. These clumps will dry over time and fall off on your driveway or in your garage leaving a mess.

Also change the engine oil at recommended intervals. Depending on use, you may need to change the oil often if you have a large lawn to cut.  At a minimum, change the oil at least once per year to protect the engine and extend the overall engine life.

Anytime you notice items needing repair, repair them immediately to avoid causing further damage to the lawn mower.

The Bolens Self Propelled Lawn Mower model 1839Q comes with a number of interesting features which many consumers will like. A four-speed shift stick allows the operator to adjust the speed to the appropriate pace that you prefer.  The ergonomic comfort handle reduces fatigue and provides easy single-handed use while mowing your lawn.

The Bolens Self Propelled lawn mower also provides a single lever adjustment that allows you to adjust all four wheels at once. The wheels come with steel ball bearings increasing the long life of the wheels.

The automatic choke return makes for easy starting. Set the choke and pull the starter cord. No priming is required before you start the Bolens Self Propelled lawnmower. The Bolens Self Propelled lawn mower is a three-in-one lawnmower that mulches, catches the grass, and also has a side discharge if you do not wish to use the grass catcher. Conversion is easy and completed without using any tools. This is a very versatile lawnmower.

Bolens Self Propelled Lawn Mower – Specifications:

• 160 cc OHC Honda engine
• 21 inch deep dome mulching deck
• 4 speed rear-wheel drive
• 8 inch wheels with steel ball bearings
• 61 liter capacity bag

Features:

• Auto choke control, no priming required, just set and pull the chord
• Mulch, rear bag, and side discharge with no tools required for conversion
• Single lever height adjustment for all four wheels
• Ergonomic comfort handle to reduce fatigue and provide single-hand use
• Easy access air filter
• Folding handle for easy storage
• Assembles in minutes with a bottle of oil included for the engine

Warranty: 4-year limited warranty

Delivery: Customers can purchase the Bolens Self Propelled lawn mower at Lowes in Canada for pickup or delivery. Delivery can be arranged, however, this will add to the cost of the lawnmower. Some customers will arrange for a van or small trailer if they cannot get the lawnmower into their cars.

Safety & Operation

Always read the operator’s manual prior to assembly and prior to starting the Bolens Self Propelled lawn mower for the first time. Take the time to understand all of the safety concerns and areas that you need to pay attention to while operating the Bolens Self Propelled lawnmower.

There are some basics to safety while operating the lawnmower. First, always complete an inspection of the lawnmower prior to starting each day. Look for loose parts and check the oil level and the fuel level. Top up the engine oil as required to ensure that the engine has sufficient oil at all times.

While you are operating the lawnmower, always ensure that no one is in the path of the side-discharge to avoid being hit by flying objects. Always shut the engine off prior to emptying the grass catcher for similar reasons. You do not want to be hit by moving objects thrown out by the lawnmower blades.

Adjust the lawnmower speed to a comfortable walking rate and the density of the grass that you are cutting. Use the 4-speed control to change speed on the fly if you encounter thicker harder to cut grass.

If you need to clear clumps of grass from under the lawnmower, always shut the engine off before doing any work under the lawnmower. We also recommend that you disconnect the spark plug wire so there is no danger of accidentally starting the engine while you are cleaning under the deck of the lawnmower.

Bolens Self Propelled Lawn Mower – Maintenance

The manual for the lawnmower will cover all required maintenance activities including the frequency of oil changes. Depending on the use you may need to change the oil once a month if you have lots of lawn to cut. On the other hand, a small lawn will not require oil changes nearly as often. At the minimum change the oil annually to extend the life of the engine and use of the lawnmower.

The blades should also be sharpened at least once per year to provide sharp blades that cut the grass and avoid tearing the blades. Most people are comfortable doing this work themselves. However, a small engine mechanic can complete these activities for you including changing the oil and changing the spark plug if needed.

The Cub Cadet 999ES is a self-propelled push lawn mower, with a rear bagging system and with electric start for convenience and ease of use. This lawn mower comes with a powerful Briggs & Stratton Engine that starts at the push of a button. There is a 21-inch cut with a 3-in-one system for bagging, mulching and side discharge. This Cub Cadet 999ES has all of the features to make your lawn-cutting chores easy and enjoyable. Let the lawn mower do the work while you walk behind and get your walking exercise.

The Cub Cadet 999ES rear bagger comes with a 2.5-bushel bag large enough to catch a lot of grass clippings but not large enough that it is too heavy to carry when full.

The seven-inch caster wheels make it a breeze to turn corners and maneuver around those tight spots. The rear wheels on the Cub Cadet 999ES are nine-inch wheels with industrial tread.

If you need to adjust the height of the lawn mower the Cub Cadet 999ES allows height adjustment with a single control to adjust all wheels from the front. The drive system drives from the rear with a six-speed transmission.

Cub Cadet 999ES – Specifications:

• 190 CC Briggs and Stratton engine
• 21-inch steel deck
• cutting height from one inch to 3.5 inches
• Cutting options – three in one convertible
• 2.5 bushel rear bagger

Features

• Electric starter
• Self-propelled rear drive, 6 forward gears
• CydoCut cutting system
• Deluxe bail

Warranty – three-year limited residential warranty

Price & Delivery

The price was not listed on the website and there was no option to purchase the Cub Cadet 999ES online. Consumers interested in this product look up an authorized dealer that is located near them. Regarding delivery, the best plan is for consumers to pick up their Cub Cadet 999ES at purchase time. However if there is insufficient room in your car or van or if you do not have access to a trailer, customers can arrange for delivery at a reasonable cost. It is much cheaper to pick up the Cub Cadet 999ES at the dealer yourself rather than have someone deliver it.

Safety & Operation

Read the manual thoroughly before operating the Cub Cadet 999ES for the first time. Become familiar with the operation of the Cub Cadet 999ES, the drive system, and the speed in the various forward gears. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel tank and oil in the engine prior to starting for the first time and every subsequent time you use the Cub Cadet 999ES. This is a good practice to get into in order to avoid damaging the engine due to low oil levels.

While operating a lawn mower there are precautions that everyone should take while operating a lawn mower. For example, when using the side discharge never stand in front of the discharge and never allow anyone else to stand there. At times, sharp objects can be picked up by the lawn mower and expelled at a high rate of speed. You do not want to be hit by one of these.

In addition, never operate this machine with the side discharge pointing towards buildings or cars for the same reasons. You do not want stone chip marks on the side of your car!

This is a powered lawn mower with 6 forward speeds. The operation of the mower should be at a comfortable speed for the person walking behind and at a speed that allows the lawn mower to cut the grass cleanly. Moving too fast may be uncomfortable for the operator and your lawn may not have that finished look after cutting is completed.

Always turn the Cub Cadet 999ES off before doing any kind of maintenance on the lawn mower. This includes removing the rear bag full of grass clippings. The few seconds you save is just not worth the risk of some kind of accident.

Cub Cadet 999ES – Maintenance

Maintenance is much like all lawn mowers. When you are fished cutting the lawn, always empty the rear bag and clean off the lawn mower of all debris. Cut grass left in the bag will begin to rot and will cause the bag to deteriorate. Cleaning off the deck also eliminates corrosion over the life of the lawn mower.

Follow the instructions in the manual regarding oil changes for the lawn mower. If there is heavy use of the lawn mower you may want to change the oil several times during the season. Otherwise, change the oil at least on an annual basis to avoid damage to the engine.

From time to time, you will need to have the lawn mower blade sharpened. Consumers can do this easily, however, there are some precautions you should take. First, disconnect the battery leads and disconnect the spark plug wire. This will avoid any chance of the engine starting while you are working on it. Follow the instructions in the manual to remove the blade and sharpen it.

If you are uncomfortable with doing this type of maintenance yourself, take your lawn mower to a small engine mechanic for maintenance.

The Craftsman rear bag push lawn mower with a high rear wheel is another member of the famous high quality Craftsman family. This lawn mower is the push type with a rear bag to catch the grass and large rear wheels to support the extra weight and make maneuverability easier. Large rear wheels really make a difference with rear bag grass catchers.  This Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower also has a side discharge allowing the lawn mower to be converted to a side discharge for  grass clippings. It only takes a few minutes to make the change.

The Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower can be picked up at your local Sears store or you can arrange for it to me delivered. Cost of shipping is extra. You can also  order the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower on line.

Craftsman Rear Bag 38902 – Specifications

• 21 ” 3 in 1 bag for mulch and side discharge deck
• 12 ” rear wheels
• 21″ deck cut width

Features

• Cutting modes include mulch, bag and discharge options
• Briggs and Stratton engine
• Push type lawn mower
• Fully assembled when delivered or picked up
• Warranty – 2 year general warranty

Price & Delivery

At time of writing this Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower was on sale for $239.88 while quantities lasted. Delivery can be arranged and you can order the lawn mower online. There is even a calculator to help you figure out what the shipping charges will be for delivery.  The web site will also provide anticipated shipping and delivery dates. The Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower comes assembled. All you need to do is check the oil level and add fuel.

Reviews

At the time of writing this Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower had 31 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. You have to give credit to Sears. They stand behind their products and are not afraid to take criticism. Gives them real customer feedback and identifies problems which they can focus on and deal with. Not all lawn mower sales companies do this. Hats off to Sears.

Several of the reviews that were negative talked about too much plastic, difficulty with the wheel height adjusters and one review had a starting problem which the company was having difficulty fixing. It was under warranty and there was no problem with getting repairs, the lawn mower was just not being fixed properly.

Overall the reviews were very positive so it looks like this lawn mower is a great lawn mower to consider for cutting your lawn. Feel free to add you own comments to this post.

Safety & Operation

The Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower has the standard rear start controls and lever that must be held down in order to keep the engine running. This lever is there for a reason. It prevents the operator from working on the engine or clearing grass or removing the rear bag while the engine is still running. Never try to circumvent this basic safety feature.

Operation is a simple pull the lever towards you, pull the start chord to start. There is no electric start on this lawn mower. If you plan to use the side discharge always operate the lawn mower in a safe manner. Avoid aiming the discharge at other people, buildings or cars. Sharp objects may be expelled from time to time potentially causing harm to the object they hit.

Prior to starting each day check the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower for loose bolts, loose hardware and ensure that the rear bag is securely attached. Check the engine oil level to ensure there is sufficient oil in the engine in case there are leaks of some kind.

Craftsman Rear Bag – Maintenance

Maintenance of the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower is pretty straight forward. Always use fresh fuel and if the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower will not be used for several months consult the manual to determine the best approach. Some recommend draining the fuel tank while others will suggest adding fuel additives to preserve the fuel.

The oil should be changed on a regular basis on the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower. Consult the manual for instructions regarding how often and how to go about changing the oil. At minimum change the oil in the Craftsman push rear bag lawn mower at least annually.

Maintenance of the lawn mower is pretty simple. However not everyone is comfortable in performing even basic maintenance like oil changes. Consumers should take their lawn mower into a Sears / Craftsmen recognized maintenance facility to have their lawn mower maintained while under warranty. You may also want to get to know your local small engine mechanic. He may obtain better prices and advice.

I look after my own Craftsmen lawn mower. However I have benefited from talking to a local small engine repair shop several times when I needed help with what I thought was a tricky repair. I have always purchased the parts I needed from him, even if they were a bit more expensive. The assistance I received more than offset the extra few dollars it cost me to purchase parts from his shop.

The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q is sold by many dealers across Canada and the US. And it is one of a line of product brands that MTD sells. These brands include Bolens, Cub Cadet, Troy-bilt, White, Yardman, MTD Pro and Yard Machines. The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q has a Honda 160cc overhead cam, 4 cycle engine, emission certified low noise engine.

The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q is a rear bag discharge grass collector style vs. the bag on the side. However conversion to mulching can be completed almost instantly without tools. When you use rear bagging it is far superior to side bagging. The lawn mower has better balance. It is much easier to navigate around shrubs and trees.  In addition the larger wheels at the back provide additional strength to support a heavy bag of grass cuttings. Also they are also more maneuverable with a grass catcher around shrubs and other tight spaces. In addition each wheel can be individually adjusted to the desired height for perfect grass cutting. The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q comes partially assembled . Consumers must complete assembly in a matter of minutes. Make sure you add the oil to the engine prior to starting for the first time.

MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower – Specifications

• 160 CC engine with overhead cam and 4 cycle engine
• 21 inch deep domed mulching deck
• 12 inch rear high wheels
• 9 position wheel adjustment
• 61 liter capacity bag

Features

• Low emissions, low noise and no mixing of gas and oil
• Rear bagging / mulching – with tool free conversion
• Long life steel ball bearing wheels
• Comfort grip bail handle
• Folding handles
• Durable powdered coated paint
• Assembled in minutes, bottle of oil included

Warranty

The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q comes with a 3 year limited warranty. Always review what is covered and what is not covered should review the limited warranty before purchase.

Accessories

The rear discharge kit was the only accessory mentioned.

Price & Delivery

The MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q can be purchased at a number of dealers around the country. We did not see a price on the company’s web site for this push lawn mower.

Maintenance

Consumers who take good care of the MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q will have a lawn mower that lasts for many years. After every grass cutting, clean off the deck of the lawn mower to prevent buildup of wet grass. Over time eat away at the deck of the lawn mower. Build up of grass near the exhaust can also ignite a fire or at least cause a lot of smoke to be generated. If you do not think this can happen, the writer can attest that it actually happened on his lawn mower.

Also, before starting the  mower each time, check it over to confirm there are no loose parts, that there is sufficient oil in the engine and sufficient gasoline in the tank for to cut your lawn. As a general rule you should not fill a gasoline tank while the engine is hot.

Change the oil based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. However it should be changed at least once per season as a minimum and more often if you are a heavy user and have a lot of lawn to cut.

For more push type lawn mowers, click here.

Safety & Operation

A few comments about safety and operation of the MTD Gold High Wheel Push Mower model 589Q and really any lawn mower. When ever you are working on the lawn mower always shut the engine off. Never try to clear grass from the housing while the engine is running. The same goes for oil changes and changing the grass catcher. Many people will circumvent what is know as the dead man’s switch i.e. when you release the bar, the engine stops, however some people will wire these closed so that the engine remains running even if your hands are not on the push handle. We strongly recommend against this approach. Never allow the engine to run while you are doing anything other than cutting grass.

Sometimes sharp objects could exit out of the opening at the back while the grass catcher bag is removed. Sharp objects can damage and hurt anything in their way so just turn off the machine before doing any maintenance.

Save

The John Deere JS25 walk behind mower is just one of the steel deck lawn mowers offered by John Deere. In fact, as one would expect they have an entire line up of landscaping equipment for small lawns, large lawns and golf course type situations. They also have many products for farming applications, however that is not the subject of this review.

John Deere JS25 – Specifications

The Brigs and Stratton 6.75 Horse power engine is a 4 cycle , side valve engine that operates at a fixed speed. The deck is made of 21 inch steel, the discharge can be in one of 3 ways and the grass catcher bag is 2.5 bushels in size. This is power lawn mower with a variable speed transmission and the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower comes with a 2 year warranty. A single leaver adjusts the height of all wheels making height adjustment on the go very easy for the operator.

The Briggs and Stratton carburetor is specifically designed to prevent flooding without priming for easier starts. Fuel stabilizer can be added that drips into the fuel tank from the fuel tank cap to ensure easy starts. Zone start requires that the engine can only be started when the operator is standing behind the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower. The engine lubrication is of the splash variety which is pretty common in these types of engines.

The MowMentum transmission provides a continuously variable speed from zero to 3.6 miles per hour. A pivoting handles controls how fast the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower will travel based on the angle of the pivoting handle. There is also a locked in position to maintain a constant rate of speed.

Features

The John Deere JS25 walk behind mower comes with a MowMentum drive system, which adjusts the speed of the mower to the speed of the operator, which is a really great feature if you are mowing a large lawn. Durable wheels are made of high impact plastic and controls are easy to operate and the handle bar is easy to adjust and can be folded down for transport or storage as needed.  Discharge bags can be attached on the side or on the rear depending on whether you are mulching or cutting grass.

Warranty

The John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower has a two year warranty. John Deere also offers a 30 day at home trial. If customers are not satisfied, they can return the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower. They can either get their money back or exchange the lawn mower for another machine.

Manuals

If you lose your manual, John Deere offers an online version. Download the manual to your computer.

Price & Delivery

The price quoted on the web site is $429 US, which is the manufacturer’s suggested price. Of course dealers may sell the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower at higher or lower price depending on inventory and time of year. This price includes all taxes freight, setup and delivery. There are also two sister lawn mowers offered at slightly higher prices and additional features such as electric start.

Safety and Operation

The John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower should be operated in a safe manner. Repairs and maintenance should also be completed following recommendations in the manual.

When operating the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower, never allow someone to walk in front of the discharge chute. Sharp objects that are discharged from time to time are dangerous. Even small stones can do a lot of damage if they are picked up and discharged by the lawn mower.

When clearing clogged grass from the underside of the lawn mower, always shut the lawn mower off first. Disconnect the spark plug so there is no danger of an accident. These lawn mower blades are sharp. They can do a great deal of damage in the flash of an eye. Follow safe operating procedures.

John Deere JS25 – Maintenance

Maintenance and repairs should be conducted in the same manner when working on the John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower. Keep the steel deck clean and free of old grass to avoid premature deterioration of the steel deck. Sharpen the blades at least annually to ensure that the blades actually cut the grass. Avoid dull blades that tear the grass leaving a jagged appearance.

The oil should be changed at least once per year. However depending on hours of use, you may need to change the oil more often. This is relatively easy to do. It will add years of use to your John Deere JS 25 walk behind mower. Always check the oil level before starting the lawn mower every time.

Again if you need to change the oil or perform other repairs always shut the engine off. Disconnect the spark plug to avoid any possibility of an accident. For more posts about John Deere lawn mowers, click here.

Maintaining your lawn mower on a regular basis will ensure that you keep repairs to an absolute minimum, however there will be lawn mower repairs to contend with, particularly as the lawn mower gets older and also depending on how much lawn you cut every week. The more wear and tear your lawn mower undergoes, the more you should concentrate on maintaining your lawn mower and also repairing anything that is needed immediately. If you use your lawn mower often, then you really cannot afford to have a break down. Some home owners or small landscape companies will always have a backup so they are never without a lawn mower.

Lawn Mower Repairs

There are  all types of lawn mowers including push non-motorized, push motorized, self propelled and riding lawn mowers. They all have their specific requirements for maintenance, and all need repairs from time to time. Operators can often avoid serious and costly repairs by repairing something before it becomes serious and costly. Tightening a loose bolt, removing debris from around the lawn mower housing, cleaning a carburetor, replacing a spark plug because your lawn mower is back firing or not developing full power are just a few examples.

Lawn mower repairs should always be completed in a safe manner. Always shut the lawn mower off before doing any work on the machine. In fact it is recommended in all manuals to disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug before doing any work or repairs.

A routine that everyone should follow :

• Perform all annual maintenance called for in the manual
• Perform all maintenance called for after the prescribed number of hours of operation
• Before starting your lawn mower each time check for any loose bolts that should be replaced or tightened.
• Replace or repair any of these items immediately to avoid further damage and potentially more costly repairs.

Common lawn mower repairs may involve engine tuning, tire replacement or tire repair, blade sharpening, belt replacement if you lawn mower uses belts, oil changes and many other miscellaneous items.

Immediate repair will ensure that you are not left without a lawn mower and that your lawn mower will last a lifetime.  There are multiple ways to complete repairs. For example many consumers will perform their own repairs and purchase brand new parts to be installed. Consumers can usually order these parts from your lawn mower’s manufacturer as well as some of the more common parts can be ordered from your local small engine mechanic.

I have found that getting to know your local small engine mechanic to be a win win situation. As long as you purchase parts from him, they will often assist you with making sure you have the right part and explaining the best way to install them. They have had a great deal of experience repairing lawn mowers and have probably seen just about every thing you can imagine. A few minutes discussion can often save lots of money, time and also reduce frustration. Just make sure you show some loyalty by spending some money purchasing parts.

Professional Lawn Mower Repair

Of course not everyone wants to do their own lawn mower repairs. Load up your lawn mower and take it to your local small engine mechanic. This will no doubt cost more and take more time as well, but it means you do not need to worry about repairs. Always ask for an estimate before actually completing the repairs. Sometimes it can be cheaper to just go and purchase a new lawn mower vs. repairing the old one, especially if you are paying someone to make the repairs. Adding the cost of parts and the hourly charges can quickly compare to a new lawn mower. There may be a silver lining to this situation. Your small engine mechanic will often take the old lawn mower off your hands. He will use it for spare parts, particularly if your lawn mower is old and parts difficult to find.

Taking your lawn mower in for repairs in the middle of the summer or at the beginning of the season may be problematic. Many consumers faced with the need for repairs seen to discover that they need repairs in the spring when they first go to use their lawn mower. You may have to wait your turn to get your lawn mower back. Borrow the neighbor’s lawn mower or let your grass grow until your lawn mower is repaired.

Riding Lawn Mower Issues

Consumers with riding lawn mowers are faced with an additional problem. You just cannot throw your riding lawn mower in the back of the trunk. Most will need a small trailer to transport riding lawn mowers to be repaired. If you do not have a trailer or cannot borrow one, you may have to make transport arrangements yourself. The riding lawn mower may be picked up or for the repair technician to visit your home.

Companies such as John Deere offer this service. Many local companies will also offer this type of service for a fee. Always find out what fees you will be charged. What the hourly rate is before hand to avoid any surprises. Often there is an initial flat rate fee just to show up. Then you are billed by the hour for the repair activity.

Compared to completing the repairs yourself, this can become an expensive proposition. Once you have compared the prices , you can make an informed decision regarding

• A) repair it yourself
• B) have a technician complete the repairs or
• C) Buy a new lawn mower.

Even if you make mistakes or need to purchase a tool you may not have, doing your own repairs can be the most economical as well as rewarding. Just take your time, work safely and apply standard problem solving techniques to completing repairs to your lawn mower.

I know people who change the oil in the car engines every 3000 miles religiously, however, when it comes to their lawnmowers, they rarely change the oil from year to year. They will not even think about changing the oil. Yet they expect their lawnmower to run each and every time they need it to cut the lawn. My neighbor has not changed the oil in his lawnmower in 3 years. It was black and full of sludge. I got him to change the oil and it even runs better now.

Many of the lawnmowers today are 4 cycle engines. This means that you do not mix oil with gasoline. They take regular unleaded gasoline. It also means that you must check the oil reservoir once and a while. Make sure that there is sufficient oil in the engine. Most new engines will not burn oil, so you should never see a drop in engine oil in a relatively new engine. Once your lawn mower engine is older and of course, this depends on how much lawn you actually cut each week, you might begin to see some oil usage. a good rule of thumb is to check the level of the oil each time you start the engine and part of your regular lawn mower maintenance routine.

Like any engine, the oil does its job of lubricating the engine and over time will become contaminated from combustion particles. A good indication of contaminated oil is that it begins to turn black and may even become relatively sluggish if it is left long enough.

Lawnmower Maintenance – Change the Oil

Basic lawn mower maintenance calls for the oil to be changed at a minimum once per year. Review the maintenance section of your manual to confirm how often you need to perform this level of maintenance. If you are unsure how to do this simple maintenance activity, the manual will also cover how to actually drain the oil. There are a few basic steps to follow, however, we strongly recommend you follow the steps in the manual:

• Run the engine for 5 or 10 minutes to warm up the engine
• Disconnect the spark plug wire before you do any work at all
• Locate the oil drain plug and place a flat pan underneath to catch the oil.
• Remove the oil plug and allow all of the oil to drain out
• Replace the drain plug
• Pour the recommended oil into the appropriate intake for oil on your engine
• Fill to the recommended level
• Reconnect the spark plug and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the oil
• Shut the engine off, check the oil level once again and adjust the oil level appropriately

These step by step lawn mower maintenance procedures only take 10 to 20 minutes, will add years to your lawnmower engine life, and save you hundreds of dollars.

Lawnmower Maintenance – Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blade

While you are changing the oil as part of your regular annual lawn mower maintenance routine, another excellent step to take is to sharpen your lawnmower blade as well.  You will need to actually remove your lawn mower’s blade from the engine shaft. Again follow the step by step guidelines in your manual and always make sure that the spark plug wire is disconnected before doing any of this work.

Once you have the blade off of your lawnmower, use a flat-file to sharpen the blade. You will see immediate results once you perform this function. Your old dull blade will rip the grass apart leaving jagged edges to the blades, while a sharp blade will actually cut the grass leaving a nice straight cut. If you have thick grass, your engine will not have to work quite as hard as well.

Dealing with Small Engine Repair Shops

If you are at all uncomfortable with doing this kind of work yourself, or perhaps do not have the tools to perform basic levels of lawn mower maintenance on your lawnmower, you can always take your lawnmower into a small engine repair shop.

These shops repair all types of small engines, including lawnmowers, snowblowers, weed whackers, and any other types of small engines that consumers use around the yard.

Many will have a standard charge for oil changes and blade sharpening. It is a good idea to go in early in the season if you would like your lawnmower worked on in time for the spring lawn cutting season. These guys get pretty busy at the beginning of the season when consumers go to start their lawnmowers the first time and encounter difficulty in starting their engines. They rush to the small engine repair shops along with everyone else and find they have to wait their turn.

If you can drop your lawnmower off in the fall after the season has ended, and before the snow comes, this may be another excellent time to arrange for basic maintenance to be completed. You can also request that all other aspects be checked as well. For example, the carburetor can be cleansed, gaskets replaced, a new spark plug installed and all systems checked to confirm it is ready for the next season.

Of course, this all costs money and it becomes a trade-off between paying for maintenance or repairs vs. purchasing a new lawnmower. I have maintained my own lawnmower for years and it is currently hitting the 30-year mark and still running well.

Clean Lawn Mower Housing

Another basic maintenance activity keeps the housing clean. Both the outside surface as well as the housing underneath. The grass can collect both on top as well as underneath and if it is moist at all can slowly over time eat away at the housing. Additionally, ( this actually happened to me) if grass builds up close to the exhaust, it can start to smoke or even start on fire. My lawnmower was smoking and I could not figure out why. I thought initially it had blown the piston ring and was burning oil. Actually, grass had caught fire and was smoldering, creating a lot of blue smoke. So keep the housing clean and free of grass!!!

For more information on this topic, click here.

We have had a craftsman lawn mower for over 30 years, in fact, it is the same mower and if that is not a testimonial to a product I do not know what is. I have only had to change the spark plug twice, clean, and maintain the carburetor twice, and changed the oil every year. In fact, it still does not burn oil but it is a bit black each year when I change it. We use the craftsman lawnmower every week from spring to fall.

The craftsman lawn mower model that we have is a rear bagger with large wheels at the back to support the heavier weight of a bag full of grass.  I much prefer this type due to the natural balance a full bag of grass on the back provides coupled with the larger wheels. These wheels are approximately 8-inch radius wheels. This type is a push mower with a 1.5 hp Briggs and Stratton engine. It is a two-speed engine with a governor that increases the power as the load increases.

We still have the original wheels and bearings, although one of the axles is about to fall off. The weld where it joins the frame is getting a bit week, so I expect it will need repair next year. Not a major thing when you consider the age of this lawnmower. I did have to replace the push bar after it broke at its weakest point.

Craftsman Lawn Mower Review – Parts

An important point about repairs for a craftsman lawn mower is that most parts are easily obtained either new or from older machines. In my case, I went to our local small engine mechanic and I was able to find a new handle of a newer machine that someone had not bothered to maintain. He charged me $10 for the part and it worked perfectly. Pretty good deal vs. buying a new lawnmower. Lawnmowers are pretty straight forward and craftsman lawn mowers are no different. If you are at all handy with tools, most consumers can do the repairs themselves as long as they follow a few simple guidelines.

Whenever you fill the craftsman lawn mower with gas, turn it off first and be careful not to spill gasoline anywhere. If you do, wait till it evaporates before you start it again to avoid any possibility of fire.

Change the Oil

Changing the oil and sharpening the lawnmower blade requires you to get underneath the lawnmower with your hands. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before doing any kind of work to avoid any serious accidents. If you follow these basic guidelines, most people will avoid any major accidents.

The craftsman lawn mower brand is one of the best. Some people may feel they are a bit more expensive, however, based on the length of time I have had mine, I would have to say the extra money is worth it. Of course, the new machines come with more safety features and these are important and should not be altered. For example, you must hold a dead man bar down to the push handle to keep the engine going. This is done for a reason and that is to avoid any possibility of someone sticking their hands in the wrong place while the engine is running.

Selecting a Craftsman Lawn Mower

So how does one select one lawnmower over another? Of course, you can compare all of the features and specifications. Horsepower, side or back discharge, mulching capability, height adjusters, grass catchers, folding handles, choke fewer engines, etc. Craftsman lawnmowers have all of these features, so what do you look at when making a purchase of a lawnmower?

Compare price, warranty, repair facilities, and parts availability. Most of all compare reputation and feedback from friends and neighbors and articles and blogs such as this. You will get the best feedback from these people and help you avoid some of the less desired lawnmowers.

Craftsman lawn mowers excel in all of these areas.  Prices range from just over $100 to several hundred depending on the power and features that you look for. A small lawn that you cut often does not need a large lawnmower. On the other hand, a large lawn with several rolling grades may need a self-propelled craftsman lawn mower with a mulching capability so you do not have to bag and dispose of lots of grass.

Variety of Lawn Mowers

Craftsman does have a large variety of lawnmowers to choose from, including push reel mowers without power, electric mowers, small gas mowers, mid-range, and larger machines that can run you as much as $1300 or more. Of course, you can also purchase craftsman lawn mowers that are in the category of tractor mowers. Anyone with a large lawn of more than half an acre should consider one of these unless you are looking for lots of exercises, which is not a bad thing either.

Don’t forget the storage requirements of these larger craftsman lawnmowers. You will need a large shed to protect your investment as well.

Finally, change the oil every year, sharpen the lawnmower blade at the same time and keep up with all other maintenance requirements as they arise and you will have your craftsman lawn mower around for a long time.

Feel free to post any blog comments on this article and let us know what you think of your craftsman lawnmower!

Buying a Lawn Mower can be a great time-saving device. They can also help to protect the environment. If you have a large lawn to mow, you may want to consider a riding lawn mower. While consumers with small lawns or those that want to get lots of exercises will opt for a push lawn mower. They can be either motorized or non-motorized. Push lawn mowers to have the additional benefit of being friendly to the environment.

What to Consider, When Buying a Lawn Mower

There is a number of things to keep in mind when you are buying a lawn mower.

Size of your lawn mower vs. the lawn you need to cut. Small lawns are easier to cut with a manual push mower. Large rolling lawns really need to have a self-propelled machine to make your life easier.

Safety during operation of your lawn mower. Always use the dead man switch when operating the lawn mower. Avoid working on the lawn mower in any fashion while it is still running. Some consumers will ask someone to hold the dead man switch to keep it running while they check the grass catcher etc. This is considered a very dangerous thing to do. Many people are hurt every year this way.

Do you need a riding lawn mower, self-propelled or push mower? Large lots just take too much time to cut by hand. So many people will opt for a riding lawn mower in these situations even if they are more expensive.

Do you need a lawn mower with a grass catcher or a mulching mower? Mulching lawn mowers cut the grass into fine pieces so that the grass will decay more quickly. A grass catcher needs to be emptied and you need to have somewhere to dispose of the grass clippings.

More on Buying a Lawn Mower

Maintenance of your lawn mower on an annual and monthly basis? Most lawnmowers should have the oil changed once a year as a minimum. Your blade should be sharpened at the same time. Before starting your lawn mower always make sure it is clear of any debris. Make sure there is no fluid spilled anywhere, especially gasoline.

Adjustments and repairs to your lawn mower – disconnect the spark plug before doing any repairs yourself. Otherwise, find a reasonably priced small engine mechanic to repair your lawn mower.

Can you easily find parts for your lawn mower – keep your manual that came with the lawn mower. The part numbers are identified and parts can be obtained more easily from the manufacturer or your local repair shop.

Storage of your lawn mower during the off-season – drain the gasoline, and make sure there is oil in the crankcase. Clean any grass and dirt off the housing to keep your lawn mower running for many years.

Troubleshooting your lawn mower if it does not operate properly – the manual will have a troubleshooting chart that you can follow. if you are not comfortable doing this sort of work, take it to a small engine repair shop for proper repairs.

Buying a Lawn Mower Safety Issues

Safety is paramount when operating your lawn mower to ensure that you or anyone around you is not injured in any way. Always have all guards in place. Never direct the discharge from your lawn mower towards other people or windows. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug if you need to remove debris from the lawn mower. Always keep the machine clean and free of oil and gasoline that may be spilled anywhere on your lawn mower.

If you do spill gasoline as you are filling your lawn mower, wait until the gasoline has evaporated before trying to start it. This will avoid the possibility of a spark igniting the gasoline by accident and causing a much more serious situation. Of course, do not smoke around your lawn mower at any time especially when you are filling it.