Which Lawn Mowers Are Worth Buying in 2018?

Every lawn mower on this page had their customer reviews tediously scanned and analyzed. If they made the cut (pun intended), they have convinced a down to earth, untrusting guy that they are worth buying or at least considering. Once you start digging intro these lawn mowers below, you'll find this buying guide extremely useful and simple to use. All I ask for all this research and development work is that you share the article. Thanks! Best Wishes Lex

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The Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers at Home Depot According to Actual Customer Review Data

Here is the first batch of fully reviewed lawn mowers. All of these lawn cutting machines were hand picked because of their popularity and reliability data. These are all well tested by normal people, who posted a review on the Home Depot site. Many of these mowers can be purchased in other stores, including Amazon and Sears.  Enjoy!

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Extensive Analysis of Home Depots Best Self Propelled Lawn Mowers

These days self-propelled lawn mowers are designed to make mowing your lawn fast and simple. So that's exactly how I designed the use of my comparison guide. All THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE UGLY facts are up top. The more boring stuff like  an Introduction to Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers is at the end. Enjoy! 

Use the NEXT, PREVIOUS, and MAIN LIST links below for each mower to jump around all the lawn mower reviews.

EGO LM2100SP Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		379
		Average Rating
		4.8
		Regular Price
		$379
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The EGO LM2100SP self-propelled mower offers the torque of gas-powered mowers. It is quiet and operates without fumes or mess. It has a 21-inch cutting capability and is weather resistant. It folds up quickly for easy storage and has a simple one-push start button. This self-propelled mower has LED headlights for mowing after the sun sets. It also has a limited five-year warranty and retails for $429.

Pros:

• easy to navigate
• lightweight even when the grass clipping bag is full
• long battery life for single mowing jobs
• compatible with universal EGO batteries and chargers
• even grass mowing capability
• mulches well
• built for durability and strength
• hits on all cylinders

Cons:

• can raise electric bill in summer
• does not break up leaves
• weak mulch and clipping suction
• poor bag design
• higher in price than comparable models
• warranty must be registered online
• does not cut tall grass well

Summary: This electric self-propelled mower is ideal if you want a mower that is easy to use, navigates itslf with little effort, and is built to last for years. It also is great if you want to avoid the noise, smell, and mess of gas-powered mowers or if you want a mower that you can use during dusk and early evening hours. It may be less appealing if you are shopping on a tight budget or if you want a mower that offers more powerful mulching capabilities. 

Honda HRR216K9VLA Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		312
		Average Rating
		4.2
		Regular Price
		$499
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The Honda HRR216K9VLA self-propelled mower retails for $499 and has a mulch, bag, or rear discharge that you can change with the flip of a switch. It has twin blades for superior cutting and mulching capabilities. It cuts a 21-inch path and has an adaptable two-position foldable handle for comfortable mowing as well as fast and easy storage. It can mow up to a half acre yard.

Pros:

• easy push button start
• powerful engine
• easy to store when not in use
• lightweight
• easy to navigate and push
• built for durability and strength
• good quality of grass cutting and mulching
• powerful rear wheel drive for going up and down inclines

Cons:

• high price
• difficult to assemble
• needs frequent oil changes
• spark plugs can wear out quickly
• front end “pops” up during use
• small plastic parts on mower break easily
• keys and oil not included with purchase
• does not mow wet grass well

Summary: The Honda HRR216K9VLA self-propelled mower is a powerful gas mower that is easy to start and simple to navigate. It is a good choice if you want a mower that is built to last and is easy to handle on hills or inclines. It may not be a good choice if you are on a tight budget or if you want to avoid having to pay for spark plugs or oil changes several times during the season.

Honda HRX217HZA Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		261
		Average Rating
		4.5
		Regular Price
		$849
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The Honda HRX217HZA self-propelled mower features a no-rust, no-dent construction and comes with a Roto-Stop blade system. It has an easy self-charging self-start engine and comes with a lifetime warranty on parts, services, and labor. You can also switch it from mowing to mulching with the flip of a switch. It comes with a side bag to catch clippings, foldable handles for fast and easy storage, and can be adjusted without you having to use any hand tools.


Pros:

• simple start capabilities
• powerful engine
• easy to navigate and push
• can mow a half acre yard on a single tank
• quiet and smooth operation
• rear-wheel drive for hills and inclines
• good grass cutting and mulching quality
• durable

Cons:

• can be finicky when starting
• bulky and awkward
• heavy weight
• much higher in price that comparable models
• expensive if transmission needs to be repaired
• prone to oil leaks and need frequent oil changes
• motor can pulse after prolonged use
• rear-wheel drive can slow down mowing

Summary: The Honda HRX217HZA is a good mower to choose if you want one that is powerful yet easy to navigate. It is quieter than most other gas-powered mowers and performs like an electric-powered mower. However, it is substantially higher in price and out of many shoppers' budgets. It also can be difficult to start on the first try and is heavy if you have to lift or pull it.

Lawn Boy 17732 Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		894
		Average Rating
		3.8
		Regular Price
		$279
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The Lawn Boy 17732 self-propelled mower is built for going up and down hills. With its rear-wheel drive, it has traction control for safety. It also has a gas-powered engine that can mow up to a half acre yard before the engine needs to be refilled. Despite its simplistic design, it can cut a 21-inch path. It also has a two-year warranty that covers parts, labor, and repairs. It sells for a budget friendly $279, making it affordable for most shoppers.

Pros:

• powerful engine that is easy to start
• good grass cutting quality
• easy to push and navigate
• good accuracy for cutting straight paths
• good mulching capabilities
• quiet operation
• lightweight and easy to lift and pull
• easy to handle size and dimensions

Cons:

• rear-wheel drive slows down mowing
• difficult to adjust rear wheels
• not built for durability
• modest warranty
• limited features compared to other mowers
• side discharge kit not included
• needs frequent oil changes
• needs smaller parts like spark plugs replaced each year

Summary: The Lawn Boy 17732 self-propelled mower is a solid choice if you want a budget friendly mower that offers reliable performance. It can easily mow a single yard before you have to refill the tank. It is quiet and gives you a good return on your investment. It may not be a good choice if you are looking for longer durability and easy adjustments for the wheels. 

Toro Personal Pace 20340 Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		487
		Average Rating
		4.1
		Regular Price
		$399
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The Toro Personal Pace 20340 self-propelled mower is a gas-powered mower that has a Briggs & Stratton engine. As its name implies, it is easy to push and lets you set the pace of every mow. It has a simple push button start and atomic blades for better grass cutting and mulching. It also has a 22-inch deck and comes with a recycler cutting system. This mower retails for a reasonable $399.

Pros:

• lightweight and easy to use
• single lever to switch from mowing to mulching
• charger included with purchase
• easy to start
• quiet operation
• powerful performance
• able to mow up to a half acre yard on every mow
• good mulching capabilities

Cons:

• does not come assembled
• difficult to put together
• needs frequent small parts replacements
• wheels can come off
• plastic parts can break easily
• not weather resistant
• prone to gas and oil leaks
• pull cord can break off when starting

Summary: The Toro Personal Pace 20340 offers solid performance when it comes to mowing and mulching. If you want a mower that is light and easy to use, you may find this one to be a good choice. It also comes at a reasonable price. However, it is not built for durability and can be prone to small plastic parts and wheels breaking and fluid leaks. It can also rust and corrode if exposed to rain.

Yard Machines 12A-A1BA729 Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		301
		Average Rating
		4.0
		Regular Price
		$249
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The Yard Machines 12A-A1BA729 self-propelled mower has front-wheel drive for easy navigation and handling. It has a powerful 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine that is designed for easy starting and long-lasting performance. It also has foldable handles for fast and convenient storage. This mower can be adjusted without the use of any hand tools. It comes with its own side bagger and can be used for mulching. The mower's body is resistant to damages like rusting caused by the weather.

Pros:

• fast and lightweight
• nice cutting capabilities
• accurate self-propelled path
• comfortable handles
• quiet engine
• easy-to-handle size
• 21-inch mowing swath
• affordable price

Cons:

• gas cap fits loosely
• does not mow through thick grass well
• cannot mow through wet grass
• hard to handle on slopes and hills
• engine can sputter after prolonged use
• can bog down because of improper gas flow
• wheels can break and pop off
• not built for durability and may not last more than two seasons

Summary: The Yard Machines 12A-A1BA729 self-propelled mower is a great choice if you are shopping on a limited budget but want a reliable mower. It is a good selection if you want to mulch your yard instead of bagging or leaving behind clippings. It is not a solid choice if you do not want to worry about parts breaking or the gas cap falling off while you are mowing your yard. 

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Honda HRX217K5VKA Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		307
		Average Rating
		4.4
		Regular Price
		$599
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The Honda HRX217K5VKA self-propelled mower is designed for easy and ergonomic use. Made from durable NeXite, it is guaranteed not to rust or dent. It comes with a lifetime warranty and has a variable four-speed Select Drive system that lets you set the pace of mowing. It also cuts a 21 inch path of grass and can mow up to a half acre yard with each tank of gas. 

Pros:

• mows grass up to three inches high
• does not leave behind clumps of grass
• good mulching capabilities
• can turn tight corners
• easy to assemble
• foldable handles for easy and fast storage
• smooth and even mowing
• handles well on hills and inclines

Cons:

• slightly higher priced than other gas powered mowers
• heavy weight
• bulky and awkward to handle
• does not mow wet grass
• side bag leaks grass clippings
• front wheels come loose
• can be difficult to start
• requires two hands to adjust speeds

Summary: The Honda HRX217K5VKA self-propelled gas mower is a great choice if you want a mower that mulches well, leaves smooth results, and is easy to handle as you mow. It also can be a good investment if you have a yard with inclines or tight corners. It may not be a good choice if you want a mower that is easy to start or one with hands-free speed adjustments. It also is not as budget-friendly as other self-propelled mowers.

Lawn Boy 17739 Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		867
		Average Rating
		3.9
		Regular Price
		$299
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The Lawn Boy 17739 self-propelled mower is designed to handle well on all types of terrain. Built for durability, it has superior all-wheel drive traction that guarantees easy handling on hills, slopes, and rugged landscaping. It also cuts a 21 inch path and has a tri-cut system that allows it to mow all types of grass. This mower comes with a large side bag for mulching.

Pros:

• three-year warranty on parts, repairs, and labor
• easy pull start
• turns tight corners well
• cuts thick and tall grass well
• easy to put together
• handles that fold for easy storage
• bag is easy to remove and empty
• powerful all-wheel engine

Cons:

• spark plugs need frequent replacing
• starting glitches as mower ages
• smaller plastic parts break easily
• pull cord can fray and break
• awkward to handle
• can leave uneven path
• burns through gas quickly
• engine can misfire during use

Summary: The Lawn Boy 17739 self-propelled mower is a solid choice if you want a budget-friendly mower that mulches well and can handle tight corners. It also is a good pick if you want a mower that keeps it grip on all types of terrain. However, if you want a mower that starts easily after you own it more than a year or one that is simple to maintain regardless of its age, you may not find this mower to be the ideal selection for you.

Honda HRS216SKA Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		97
		Average Rating
		4.1
		Regular Price
		$389
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The Honda HRS216SKA 4.1 86 self-propelled mower has ergonomic handles for easy and comfortable handling. Its patented fuel efficient Honda mower is designed to start quickly each time you use the mower. It comes with its own side bag and has a blade brake for safety. This mower can be stored easily by folding up the handles. You also do not need to use any tools to make adjustments.

Pros:

• can be upgraded to use twin blades
• easy to push
• handles well on steep slopes
• can cut thick and tall grass
• powerful engine
• cuts half acre with a single tank of gas
• cuts accurate path
• mulches well

Cons:

• can get bogged down in tall or wet grass
• runs slower than set speed
• engine can backfire
• clutch can break easily
• wheels can pop off during use
• bulky and awkward to handle
• paint scratches easily
• can rust if left outside in rain

Summary: The Honda HRS216SKA self-propelled mower is a budget-friendly choice that can give you an accurate trim and smooth performance that you want in a gas-powered mower. It mulches well and handles easily on hills and slopes. It also can handle mowing a single yard before you need to refill the fuel tank. However, this mower may not be a good choice if you want one that is built for durability or can mow at a faster speed. 

Honda HRX217VYA Self-Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		83
		Average Rating
		3.7
		Regular Price
		$699
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The Honda HRX217VYA self-propelled mower features smart technology that allows it to detect and adjust the speed at which you mow. It has an ergonomic design for comfortable and easy mowing. It also has a Roto-stop blade system for safety and a body made out of NeXite that is guaranteed not to rust or dent. The mowing deck comes with its own lifetime original owner warranty.

Pros:

• cuts all lengths of grass well
• easy to use on all terrains
• accurate cutting path
• good size for single yard mowing
• user-friendly weight
• powerful easy-to-start engine
• sturdy and durable
• easy to store with foldable handles

Cons:

• higher priced than other self-propelled mowers
• awkward handling
• blades disengage easily
• does not maintain speed
• engine can backfire
• needs frequent minor repairs like spark plug replacements
• prone to fuel leaks
• cannot mow wet grass

Summary: The Honda HRX217VYA self-propelled mower is a good investment if you want a mower that has an ergonomic design and is comfortable to hold onto while you are mowing. It is great for anyone who wants a mower that can cut an accurate path and can be folded up quickly after you are done using it. However, if you want a mower that is easier to maintain and not prone to leaks or backfires, you may choose another self-propelled mower. This mower also is not as budget-friendly as other comparable models.

Honda HRR216VKA Self-propelled Mower with Auto Choke
		Customer Reviews
		3500
		Average Rating
		4.3
		Regular Price
		$399
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Honda's self-propelled mower with auto choke is a 3-in-1 variable speed model that gets high reviews for being simple to use and adaptable to the conditions in which it is used. It has a gas powered engine and comes in a silver, black, and red color scheme. It can be folded and stored easily thanks to its quick-fold handles and easy twist knob design.

The pros of this self-propelled Honda HRR216K9VKA lawn mower include:

• auto choke capabilities
• easy starting Honda GCV160 engine
• micro cut twin blades for smaller clippings and mulching
• larger bag capacity for clippings
• three-year warranty
• priced at $399
• tool-free adjustments
• mulching capabilities

The cons for this Honda mower include:

• not designed for yards bigger than ½ acre
• pull cord start rather than push button start
• warranty only covers parts
• has rear-wheel instead of front-wheel drive
• attachments sold separately
• no additional warranty available
• does not idle, must be restarted each time if you take a short break

The Honda self-propelled mower with auto choke is ideal if you have less than a ½ acre of property to mow or if you want to mulch your grass. Honda lawn mowers are pricey but just like the cars, they are generally trusted for years of trouble free performance. As my original self propelled lawn mower buying guide stated, you simply can't go wrong with a Honda. But do yourself a favor and read the negative reviews for any mower you are going to pull the trigger on.

Toro Kohler 20378 High Wheel Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		2722
		Average Rating
		3.7
		Regular Price
		$274
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The Toro Kohler high wheel self-propelled mower is an affordable model that is priced at $274. It comes in an attractive red color and has variable speed capabilities that make it easy to handle. It also has a gas powered engine and front-wheel drive that lets you guide it effortlessly as it makes its way across your yard.

Some of the more noteworthy pros found with the Toro Kohler 20378 high wheel self-propelled mower include:

• foldable handles
• high wheel mowing for tall grass
• tool-free adjustments
• mulching capable
• 3-in-1 bagging system
• three-year manufacturer's warranty with another two-year basic warranty available
• nine cutting positions
• washout port that fits your garden hose

The cons of the Toro Kohler high wheel self-propelled mower include:

• some assembly required
• pull cord start requires more effort than push button start
• heavier than some models, weighing 74 pounds
• noisier than other comparable models
• engine can stall or not start easily
• additional two-year warranty only covers parts
• may require new spark plugs every 60 days

The final verdict for the Toro Kohler high wheel self-propelled mower is that it is ideal for people with smaller yards to mow. People who prefer quieter models that need less repair and maintenance may fare better to choose another mower.

Toro 20339 Variable Speed Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		976
		Average Rating
		4.1
		Regular Price
		$304
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Toro's walk behind self-propelled mower is priced just a bit higher than its Kohler high wheel model at $304 on Home Depot's website. Still, for that price you get design features and innovations that make the mower fast and easy to use. It also has SmartStow technology that lets you stow it quickly and conveniently.

Some of the top design features found with the Toro 20339 Walk Behind self-propelled mower include:

• uneven or rough terrain mowing capabilities
• SmartStow design for 70 percent reduction in storing space
• recycler cutting system
• atomic blades
• deck cleanout feature
• mulching capabilities
• tool-free adjustments
• 22-inch cutting path

The downsides, however, include:

• limited three-year warranty
• heavier at 78 pounds
• not designed for mowing more than one acre per tank of fuel
• pull cord instead of push button start
• requires assembly
• requires spark plug replacements at least once per year
• sluggish start after being stored for the winter

If you want a moderately priced self-propelled mower that offers you solid performance for mowing a smaller yard, you may be satisfied with the Toro walk behind model. This mower can be used on all types of terrain. However, if you want one that requires less maintenance or one that is easier to start or more ecologically friendly, you may consider another self-propelled mower.  

Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20332
		Customer Reviews
		2,716
		Average Rating
		3.9
		Regular Price
		$334
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The Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20332 lives up to its name by pacing itself to how fast you walk behind it. The mower senses and adjusts to your walking speed, it also cuts a 22-inch swath of grass. Its gas-powered Briggs & Stratton engine is designed to mow up to a half acre piece of property with each full tank of fuel. This self-pushed mower is priced affordably at $334.

The Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20332 comes with perks like:

• deck cleanout capabilities
• foldable handle for easy storage
• tool-free adjustments
• mulching capability
• bagger included with purchase
• capable of mowing slopes and rough terrain
• a two-year manufacturer's warranty

Some of its less attractive features are its:

• slightly higher price compared to other self-propelled mowers
• lack of warranty coverage for maintenance parts like filters, spark plugs, and lubricants
• lack of additional warranty coverage after the initial two-year warranty expires
• need for frequent oil changes
• noted carburetor issues reported in online reviews

If you are in the market for a self-propelled mower that is priced reasonably and offers full strength rear-wheel drive, you may find that the Toro Personal 20332 suits your expectations. However, if you prefer a mower with a better warranty or one that can last longer without maintenance or servicing, you might consider another model. 

Toro 20334 Self Propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		2,002
		Average Rating
		4.1
		Regular Price
		$374
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The Toro Recycler 20334 makes mowing easier with its push button electric start. Rather than waste time pulling on a cord to start the engine, this mower lets you get started with the push of a single conveniently located button. It also senses what pace you want to walk at and stays in line with your movement. It can mow a half acre yard with ease.

Other beneficial design features of the Toro Recycler 20334 are:

• its atomic blades
• 3-in-1 bagging system
• mulching capabilities
• nine different cutting positions
• two-year manufacturer's warranty
• three-year guaranteed to start coverage
• guaranteed no oil changes for life of the engine

However, it also has some less desirable features like:

• heavy weight at 86 pounds
• some reviews claim it's hard to start
• no automatic adjustments for climbing hills
• assembly required after purchase
• make sure to follow the instructions regarding letting the mower sit with fuel in it for extended periods of time

If you want the convenience of starting your mower with the push of a button, you may find the Toro 20334 self propelled lawn mower to be in line with your needs. It also is well-suited for people who prefer to set their own pace when they mow their yards. If you are shopping on a tight budget or you have a yard will hills or inclines, you may consider choosing another type of mower. 

Ego LM2102SP Self-propelled Mower
		Customer Reviews
		763
		Average Rating
		4.6
		Regular Price
		$549
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Ego's self-propelled mower features a 21-inch deck size and a streamlined body for easy guiding. It comes in a solid black color trimmed in neon green. It has a push button start and can be folded up for easy storage. It sells for $549 and comes with a five-year limited manufacturer's warranty. You have the option of buying another limited warranty to cover parts once the initial service warranty expires.

Notable pros of the Ego LM2102SP self-propelled mower include:

• 56-volt lithium battery included with purchase
• 3-in-1: mulching/bagging/side discharge
• LED headlights
• two bushel bag capability
• weather resistant design
• 60 minute battery cut time
• powerful torque
• additional three-year warranty available

Some of the downsides are:

• engine cannot be powered by gasoline
• additional three-year warranty costs extra
• mowing longer than an hour requires extra charging
• priced higher than comparable models
• side discharge attachment sold separately for $24.97
• does not come assembled
• battery is shipped separately if purchased online
• higher level cutting drains battery

The Ego self-propelled mower is ideal if your yard is less than an acre in size and can be mowed in under an hour. It is great if you like to mow in any kind of weather or right after it rains. If you mow before your grass is tall enough to cut at lower mowing heights, you risk draining your battery faster. 

Toro 20377 Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		1,027
		Average Rating
		3.5
		Regular Price
		$264
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The Toro 20377 is a self-propelled mower that is built to go around tight corners and into small spaces on your yard. Whether you are mowing along a fence line or trying to get those tough to reach spaces under your backyard swing set, you may find that this little mower makes life easier. It is priced low at $264 and has a 22-inch mowing deck. One feature I like a lot is that the handles can fold up for easy storage in your garage or shed.

With the Toro Model# 20377 lawn mower, you get these notable advantages:

• mulching
• bagger included
• deck cleanout
• adjustable height handle-bar
• manufacturer's warranty of two years
• optional side discharge

Still, it has some less desirable features that include:

• limited coverage for parts and labor
• pull cord instead of push button start
• not designed for hill or incline mowing
• required frequent oil and spark plug changes

If your yard is flat and less than a half acre in size, you may be well served with the Toro 20377. If you want a mower with a more in-depth warranty or one that can go without regular maintenance, you might find another model to be a better choice.

Toro 20353 Self-propelled Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		646
		Average Rating
		4.1
		Regular Price
		$399
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The Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20353 is a gas-powered self-propelled mower that comes with all-wheel drive. Its AWD combined with its ability to sense your personal pace makes it well-suited for people who want to make mowing as easy as possible this summer. It is priced notably higher than other push mowers with comparable dimensions. However, with its maneuverability and traction, it is worth the investment if you have a yard with rough terrain or hard-to-reach corners. 

The Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20353 also offers you pros like:

• a 22-inch cutting path
• mulching capabilities
• side discharge bagger
• nine cutting positions
• atomic blades
• two-year warranty from the manufacturer

Alternatively, you may take note of its disadvantages, such as:

• heavy 80 pound weight
• cannot idle during breaks
• assembly required
• no coverage for parts like filters or spark plugs

If you want a premium manual starting self-propelled mower that can fit into the tight nooks and crannies in your yard, you should be satisfied with the Toro Personal Pace Recycler 20353. If you are in the market for a lower priced model, you may consider other self-propelled mower options.

Honda HRR216K9VYA Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		308
		Average Rating
		4.2
		Regular Price
		$499
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The Honda HRR216K9VYA self-propelled mower comes with features not found in other brands' self-propelled models. It can idle briefly when you take a break, allowing you to keep it running without having to shut it down or start it back up when you are ready to start mowing again. It also comes with twin blades for closer cutting and better mulching or bagging. 

You also may enjoy these perks that come standard with the Honda HRR216K9VYA:

• variable speed operation for easy use
• designed for mowing slopes and inclines
• three-year warranty
• foldable handles for easy storage during the off-season
• fuel efficient engine for longer mowing times

However, you should be on the lookout for some downsides like:

• smaller 21-inch cutting path
• significantly higher priced at $499
• need for frequent oil and spark plug changes
• noisy operation

When you want a mower that can vary the speed at which it operates and also handles uphill and downhill mowing with ease, you should be pleased with the Honda HRR216K9VYA. If you want a quieter mower or one that is lower in price, you may need to shop for another model. 

Lawn Boy 17734 Lawn Mower
		Customer Reviews
		309
		Average Rating
		3.6
		Regular Price
		$339
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Lawn Boy has become a brand that is synonymous with high-quality lawn care, and it upholds this reputation with its Lawn Boy 17734 self-propelled lawn mower. It has a unique electric start gas engine that is designed to be easier to start each time you are ready to mow. It also comes standard with a two-year warranty that you can use to cover parts like the bagger and engine as well as the labor and servicing. 

Some of the other perks you get to enjoy when you choose the Lawn Boy 17734 are:

• a 3-in-1 mulching and side discharge system
• a three-year Tru Start commitment
• an easy pull electric starter
• 2-point height-of-cut for all lengths of grass
• rear-wheel drive for uphill and downhill mowing
• reasonably priced at $339

The cons of this Lawn Boy mower include:

• narrower 21-inch cutting path
• a single rather than dual cutting blade
• suited for mowing smaller yards between ¼ to ½ acre
• complex starting system that can be difficult for novice mowers to understand

The Lawn Boy 17734 is a great self-propelled mower if you want the option of bagging your clippings or mulching your lawn. It likewise has easy-to-use adjustable positions so that you can get the look you want for your yard. However, it cuts a narrower path than other self-propelled mowers, and it also can be difficult to start than the typical pull cord mowers.

Cub Cadet CC760 ES 3.9 48 Self-Propelled Mower

TheCub Cadet CC760 ES 3.9 48 self-propelled gas-powered mower has an impressive 33 inch cutting path as well as an electric start engine. It has a four-speed rear-wheel drive engine and eight adjustable positions so you get the most comfortable mow possible. It also comes with a three-year warranty that covers most of its parts, repairs, and labor. It can be folded up for quick and easy storage. It also can stay outside in the elements without rusting or sustaining other damages like dents and dings.

Pros:

• front wheels swivel to turn tight corners
• tool-free adjustments
• handles well on inclines
• powerful motor
• easy to start
• good mulching capabilities
• lightweight
• built for durability and stability

Cons:

• not recommended for downhill mowing
• blade can disengage and break
• wheels need frequent tightening
• gear shift loosens easily
• tires can go flat
• much higher in price than comparable models
• cables can break easily
• side bag is small

Summary: The Cub Cadet CC760 ES 3.9 48 self-propelled mower is a wise choice if you want a mower than can turn tight corners and offers the convenience of an electric start. It also is a solid investment if you want a mower that can mulch as well as mow. It is not a good choice for people shopping on a tight budget. People who want to avoid frequent repairs and maintenance may not be satisfied with this mower.

PowerStroke Subaru PS21ESLM 4.2 48 Self-Propelled Mower

The PowerStroke Subaru PS21ESLM 4.2 48 self-propelled mower is designed for mowing, mulching, and side discharge. It has a powerful 4.5 horsepower Subaru engine and comes with rear-wheel drive for good handling and traction. It has a budget-friendly price that makes it affordable and appealing to shoppers. It also has a limited three-year warranty that can take care of repairs, parts, and labor. Capable of cutting a 21 inch path, this mower can mow up to a half acre yard on a single tank of gas.

Pros:

• easy to start engine
• simple to put together out of the box
• smooth cutting capabilities
• can turn tight corners
• simple one-push electric start
• easy to fold for storage
• lightweight and easy to handle
• good mulching capabilities

Cons:

• needs frequent spark plug changes
• can be difficult to charge
• front wheels wobble and pop off during use
• engine can backfire
• inconvenient drive bar placement
• not good for mowing tall grass
• limited height adjustments
• prone to oil leaks

Summary: The PowerStroke Subaru PS21ESLM 4.2 48 self-propelled mower is a good option if you are shopping on a budget and want a mower that is reasonably priced. It does a good job of mowing grass less than three inches high. It also is relatively easy to start and does a solid job of mulching. This mower may not be a good choice if you want one that does not need frequent repairs. 

Cub Cadet SC500HW 4.3 47 Self-Propelled Mower

The Cub Cadet SC500HW 4.3 47 self-propelled mower is a three-in-one rear-wheel drive machine that has a 21 inch cutting path. It comes with a soft grip foldable handle for comfort and easy storage. It is also guaranteed to start in one or two pulls of the cord. This mower can be adjusted to a height of 3.75 inches, allowing it to cut taller and thicker grass. It is also reasonably priced.

Pros:

• cuts typical mowing time in half
• easy to use and has good traction
• can be used for uphill and downhill mowing
• good mulching capabilities
• lightweight for easy handling
• maintains mowing pace
• powerful engine
• good cutting performance

Cons:

• not built for durability
• front wheels get stuck and will not turn
• start cable frays and breaks
• challenging to assemble
• burns through oil quickly
• carburetor prone to smoking
• small plastic parts break easily
• front wheels can bend after a few months of use

Summary: The Cub Cadet SC500HW 4.3 47 Self-Propelled Mower can be a good selection for anyone who wants a mower that handles a fast pace and can be used on all types of terrain. It also is a wise investment if you want a mower that has a powerful engine and can mow a quarter to a half acre without having to refill the fuel tank. However, this mower can be finicky when it comes to holding up without needing minor repairs. 

Ariens 911194 4.3 45 Self-Propelled Mower

The Ariens 911194 4.3 45 self-propelled mower is designed for use on all types of surfaces from manicured landscapes to rugged and rough terrain. It comes with its own attached rear discharge bag but can also be used as a mulcher. It also has front wheels that can swivel, allowing it to turn tight corners and mow up close to fencing. The mower comes with handlebars that can lock the wheels if needed. 

Pros:

• foldable handles for storing
• 21 inch cutting path
• good at detecting and maintaining pace
• long-lasting mowing on single tank of gas
• easy to handle
• lightweight
• cuts all lengths of grass well
• easy to start

Cons:

• prone to dying during use
• cord is thin and prone to breaking
• needs frequent maintenance like oil changes
• awkward and bulky
• body is easy to scratch and dent
• tires can dig into turf
• small plastic parts fall off or break
• does not idle

Summary: The Ariens 911194 4.3 45 self-propelled mower is perfect for anyone who wants a mower that can pivot or swivel around trees, fences, and other obstructions in a yard. It also has a reliable self-propelled mowing system that keeps pace with you. It may not stay started once your mowing gets underway. If you want a mower that will not die or sputter, you may find this choice to be less than ideal for your needs.

Cub Cadet SC500EZ 3.8 37 Self-Propelled Mower

The Cub Cadet SC500EZ 3.8 37 self-propelled mower is a powerful rear-wheel drive mower that comes with caster wheels and a push button start. As a 3-in-1 self-propelled mower, it can be used on different types of terrain. It can mow tall and wet grass and also maintain the closest trim on your lawn. This gas-powered mower has front wheels that can pivot and turn for easy maneuverability. 

Pros:

• mulching bag included with purchase
• simple to start
• easy to change and replace oil
• lightweight and easy to handle
• can mow up to a half acre on a single tank of gas
• maintains good pace
• good mulching capabilities
• easy to clean mowing deck

Cons:

• casters on the mower can come loose
• blades can disengage
• engine can quit after starting
• side bag can be difficult to attach and remove
• wheels difficult to tighten
• can be damaged by weather if left outside
• wheels can pop off during use
• axles can fall off

Summary: The Cub Cadet SC500EZ 3.8 37 self-propelled mower is a solid investment if you need a mower that can pivot and mow around tight spaces. It is designed for easy use and generally does not need a lot of maintenance. However, because the smaller parts like casters and axles can fall off or need to be replaced, this is not the mower for people who lack the time or talent to make such repairs.

Cub Cadet CC600 3.5 36 Self-Propelled Mower

The Cub Cadet CC600 3.5 36 self-propelled mower is a rear-wheel drive walk behind mower that has a 28-inch wide cutting path and a push button electric start. Its 3-in-1 gas-powered engine is guaranteed easy to start. The battery is also fast to charge so you can mow whenever you want. This mower has a limited three-year warranty that covers most parts, repairs, and labor. It has soft grip adjustable handles for comfortable use and separate drive controls that let you mow at your preferred pace.

Pros:

• good cutting performance
• handles that fold for fast storage
• good size side bag for clippings
• does not leave behind clumps
• great for mulching
• built for durability and stability
• good balance and does not tip over
• lightweight

Cons:

• axles can fall off during mows
• higher in price than comparable mowers
• can be difficult to start after one or two summers
• side bag can leak or spew clippings
• does not reverse well
• smaller plastic parts are cheaply made
• can leave uneven path
• body can dent and ding

Summary: The Cub Cadet CC600 3.5 36 self-propelled mower can give you the smooth, even results you want in a self-propelled mower. It is easy for novice users to handle and also easy to lift. It also is the right choice for you if you want a mower with a side bag that you can take off and put back on easily. However, this mower can fall short of your expectations with smaller parts that fall off or break. 

Cub Cadet SC500Z 4.1 35 Self-Propelled Mower

The Cub Cadet SC500Z 4.1 35 self-propelled mower has rear-wheel drive and a 3-in-1walk behind motor. It has front caster wheels that handle well on all kinds of terrain. These wheels can pivot, turn, and mow around fences, tree stumps, and other objects in your yard. This mower is priced reasonably and fits in many shoppers' budgets. It comes with its own side bag.

Pros:

• accurate cutting path
• lightweight and easy to lift
• small turn radius
• good at maintaining pace
• powerful engine
• built for durability
• cuts all lengths of grass well
• side bag is easy to put on and take off

Cons:

• bulky handling
• engine will not stop when handle is released
• spits grass clumps
• leaks oil
• throttle cable catches easily
• start cord frays and breaks
• low skid plate
• plastic body dents and dings

Summary: The Cub Cadet SC500Z 4.1 35 self-propelled mower offers you the ease of use you look for in a self-propelled mower. It keeps up with you and cuts in the tightest of spaces in your yard. However, it can be prone to annoying and expensive small repairs. It may not be your ideal choice if you want a mower that performs smoothly and gives you peace of mind as an owner.

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Introduction to Self Propelled Lawn Mowers

Not all lawn mowers are created equal as my readers found out from my original expose on mowers from Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, and Amazon. This guide is meant to help you choose the best self propelled lawn mower based on the most popular features people like you and I look for.

New Lawn Mower Features

If you haven’t purchased a lawn mower in over 5 years, there may be some new features you are not aware of. Some of these features make no difference to the average buyer, while others can be a deal breaker once you try them.  

Adjustable handlebar positions for people with back problems can be a life saver for practically anyone over 30 that’s either very tall or short for the average lawn mower handlebar position.

Terrain Features

Did you know that not every lawn mower at Home Depot is capable of cutting on sloped surfaces. Don’t worry Lowes & Sears have the same problem. I wanted to bring that to your attention so that you pick the right mower for your terrain type.

Choosing The Best Lawn Mower by Lawn Size

If you’re packing green backs like a Wall Street banker, you can simply buy the biggest, baddest, lawn mower on this list and be done with it. However, if you’re like the 99% of the population, you’re looking for a mower based on the specs you actually need.

The size of your property is a specification that I dug up for each mower, so that you don’t under-buy or overbuy for your needs. If you are into flipping houses for profit, you may want to buy a machine that’s on the higher end of the lawn size spectrum.

I would never buy a machine that’s quoted for ¼ acre for properties over ½” acre. I would trust the engineers who designed this thing that they know what they’re doing, at least most of the time.

Lawn Mower Cutting Features

You would be surprised how many different ways the lawn mowers below can cut, bag, discharge, mulch, or shred your grass or leaves. Make sure to double-check the specs below for capabilities you really want.

Mulching is one of those mowing capabilities that is a deal breaker for a lot of people. But if you have a property adjacent to a wooded land, or another way to dump your bagged lawn clippings, mulching may be something you don’t want to pay for.

Some of these lawn mowers feature a blade brake. This allows the lawn mower to continue running while you move your sprinkler hose out of the way. The blade will stop once you let go of the handle, but the engine won’t need to be restarted once you get back.

This is a feature that might help people with back or arm problems, because it will prevent you from having to pull start the machine again. However, if you buy a mower with an electric start, you’ll be fine.

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Upcoming Lawn Mower Reviews

If you like what you see, check back in a week or two. I'm going to refine it by digging deeper into the customer reviews, so that I can pull out valuable tidbits of details that only ownership can reveal. Who needs consumer reports when you have thousands of consumers reviewing lawn mowers all over the internet? There's a reason why my ultimate lawn mower buying guide get's 100,000 visits. 

I'm not done yet. Here's a short list of the remaining lawn mowers that I have to pour through the consumer reviews on. Bookmark my Lawn Mower Comparison MegaList and check back soon.

These links take you to the Home Depot website by opening a new tab in your browser. Once you're done looking, close the tab to come back here to continue your research.

Every year I engage in lawn warfare against Crabgrass, Dandelions and other weeds that want to ruin my dreams of owning a tiny golf course. But this year I spent hours and hours of research learning from the best lawn and garden experts in America. Finally I have the knowledge to create the perfect lawn and help others do the same using this Expert Guide to Lawn Care made possible by all the pro’s who posted their lawn secrets all over the internet.

Background On My Weed Situation

I bought a house from someone that never used a single bag of weed killer, fertilizer, or a herbicide of any type. And I’m pretty sure my lawn never experienced the rejuvenation a lawn detacher and a core aeration tool can provide. My horrible patches of crabgrass, grassless dirt patches, and unruly growth of dandelions are the results of an uncared lawn. But I finally understand what to do, and now you will to, so keep reading!

I’ve got really great news for anyone who wants to solve their lawn and garden weed problem and limit their research. You and I are going to make our lawns great again, and we’re going to do it the same way the best lawn care professionals in the industry do it, minus the small fortune you have to pay good companies for.

If you don’t know me yet, let me just give you a quick introduction. I have a small problem that I refer to as OCD research. In short I solve my problems by spending hours and hours at the computer until I ocme up with the holey grail plan, and this time I need to nip my weed problem in the bud and I’m not referring to Snoop Doggs or Snoop Lions weed problem, I’m talking about Crabgrass and Broadleaf scum nicknamed dandelion.

How-to Prevent Weeds from Growing On Bare Soil?

You can apply a weed-suppressing membrane which is a covering that prevents weeds from germinating. This method only works for areas where you don’t want any growth, because it prevents any sunlight from reaching the ground.

Can You Use A Torch to Burn Weeds?

Did you know that you can use weed torches to burnout large patches of weeds? Most weed torches use Propane, Mapp, or Map-Pro gas as the fuel.

USES: Sidewalks, driveways, walkways, large patches of weeds. Gravel driveways, Cracks in concrete or pavements where weeds are coming through.

Lawn Weed Burning Tips: You mighty want to use a weed whacker first to remove the large leafy part of the weed. Then you’ll go back with the weed torch and burn the stem and the root of the weed. This will give you the same effect as using Roundup chemical weed killer.

A few days later is when you’ll really see the effect of the burning you did. For best results you will need to burn the root out, which is why I recommend that you use a weed whacker first.

Lawn Program Recommended by Professional Landscapers

This will take a lawn that’s in really rough shape to a lawn that’s in fairly good shape by the end of the year. If you keep up with the program, your lawn is going to look like a mini gold course in no time!

How To Startup a Lawn In Spring

Step One (April 6^th)

First thing you want to do is get some grass seed like the one linked below and just spread it out on the bare spots and generally sprinkle it all around. Since your lawn is already started this is the first step most commercial landscapers do during their spring visit for their customers.

Grass Seed in Thin Spots

Scotts Turb Builder Sun and Shade Mix Grass Seed $66.98 for 20 lb.

Use Starter Fertilizer even though your lawn is already started. Think of starter lawn fertilizer as your early spring turf starter.

Lesco Starter Fertilizer 50 lb. $38.98 HD  (18-24-12)

The reason it’s recommended for early spring lawn tune-ups is because it has a lot of nitrogen in it, which is really good for the soil. Also it has Potassium and Phosphorus which are 2 other elements that are vital for your lawn to grow, even if you don’t use any grass seed.

Hybrid Organic Program  https://youtu.be/Ttwtb54LOrY by The Lawn Care Nut

Smartly use synthetic fertilziers and some chemicals like week killers to get the lawn in shape. The idea is to get the lawn thick and healthy. The end goals is to get it to be 100% organic.

Step Two: April 26^th Lawn should look a lot greener by now.

Most labor intensive of entire year/

CrabGrass pre-emergent

• John Deer Landscapes – Dimension .10% Fertilizer using broadcast spreader/ You don not apply it in shaded areas because it doesn’t get crabgrass there. The Dimension will be activated once we get some moisture from rain to washing to create that barrier to prevent crabgrass.

Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Ringer Organic Lawn Fertilizer by Safer Brand – 10 – 0 -6:  $75.99 for 2 bags covers 10,000 sq.ft.= .25 acre.

Pellet size is consistent so that it works in a homeowner spreader very well. Organics are going to build the soil. Healthy soil equals healthy support of healthy lawn. Fertilizer is not lawn food, plants make their own food through photosynthesis. The best way to support it is to get healthy soil. Organics work because microorganisms in the soil break down organic fertilizers (like earthworms) and their waste helps create healthy soil that helps to increase plant health and vigor overall.

Ringer can be purchased in stores now like Walmart, but if you can’t find it near you, you can order it online with free shipping.

Step Three: Weed Control

Use a pump sprayer and follow the instructions on your weed control liquid. Spray the weeds where they are and turn it off where they aren’t. Walk the lawn in a grid pattern and keep the nozzle at knee height. Then spray fine mist onto the weeds but don’t lower the nozzle to drench the weeds, what you want instead is to mist the area. Also it’s important to keep walking in straight lines and don’t get distracted by surrounding areas, only spray the area your walking. You’ll eventually get to those other areas.

Since these are harsh chemicals, make sure you use protective gear such as rubber gloves, rubber boots,  safety glasses, long sleeved shirt and long pants. Don’t be one of those people who has to go through something horrible before they learn to use protective gear.

Weed and Feed Products

Just say no because you won’t have weeds everywhere so it’s best to spray the areas that do get weeds. Weed and feed products will not have an organic fertilizer in it.

Integrated Pest Management is when you only spray for weeds where you have to and not where they aren’t growing.

Step Three Continue June 8^th

All About Organic Fertilizer like Milorganite

4% Iron. Iron is what gives bluegrasses that blueish tint. We want the organic materials to get into the soil and increase soil biotic activity. At this point you’re not looking to boost your nitrogen levels because by this point your soil will have plenty of nitrogen.

They want 14 – 15 pound of Milorganite for every 1000 square feet of lawn space. You won’t need to do that because we have already established good nitrogen levels so 5 pound per 1000 sq. ft. is a good ratio. This will boost iron and the organics in the soil during this time of year.

If you had a lot of weeds that were killed that left your lawn with lots of bare spots, you should put down the starter fertilizer from step one again as long as you plan to irrigate regularly once it gets dry in the summer. Put down at 3 lbs. per 1000 square feet right on  top of the Milorganite.

With irrigation you will want to do it at least 2 to 3 times per week with a half inch of water each time. This will help you with the thickening process. Remember this is for people who killed so many weeds that they retained a lot of bare spots. If you don’t have a lot of bare spots, you will skip this step.

 Dealing with Grubs:

Always try to put down the least amount of chemicals on a property but if you do need to control grubs, buy products that have MERIT as the active ingredient.

CrabGrass – There’s two ways to control weeds in your lawn.

Pre-Emergent Control: Is the healthiest option and generally thought to be the best option. It involves spreading a chemical with a broadcast spreader prior to germination each year. Usually this is early spring or first weeks in March for those living in southern states.

Post-Emergent Control: If you missed the original opportunity to apply pre-emergent in early spring you can use a selective or non-selective herbicide. A selective herbicide will list all the weeds that it will kill, while a non-selective Herbicide will kill everything it comes into contact with.

Most professionals would recommend a selective herbicide because they generally have better formals to treat your lawn for weeds. You can think of non-selective herbicide as a plant poison that will not discriminate what it kills. It has its uses, but generally not on a lawn you’re trying to turn into a mini golf course.

Liquid Weed Control

Timing: Wait till temperatures at night are above 45 degrees and dandelions and other weeds are at their main blooming period.

Lawn Core Aeration

The number one thing to do to your lawn in the fall is to core aerate it. A lawn core aeration machine goes all over your lawn and removed cores 2 to 3” deep. Core aeration reliefs compaction, allows water and nutrients to get down into the soil. While you have the holes there, it’s a great time to broadcast compost across the top, because it will go down into the holes and improve the soil. Experts say its best to do a lawn core aeration in the Fall because if you do it in the Spring you’ll have nothing but a lawn full of weeds.

As lawns age or undergo heavy traffic the soil will become compacted. This will prevent water, nutrients and oxygen which will prevent healthy growth. Make sure your lawn is mowed and remove any loose clippings beforehand.

Lawn Dethatching Step 1 Early Spring

Dethatching your lawn is a great way to wake up your lawn in early spring. Use a power rake or a power lawn dethatcher to pull up all the dead grass that can choke your lawn from growing. These machines don’t know what’s new growth and what’s dead, that’s why it is important to dethatch your lawn before your grass begins to grow again. You can rent a detaching machine from your local Home Depot or tool rental store.

Once you’re done with the machine you’re going to have to rake up all the thatch and get rid of it. Most people will use a wheelbarrow during the cleanup process and add the thatch to their compost pile.

After you have dethatched your yard, it the best time to use lime, fertilizer, and grass seed.

The Importance of Adding Lime to Your Soil

Lime is used to treat the acidity of the soil. In areas like New England the acidity level of the soil is traditionally high (acid soil), that’s why lime application is recommended in early spring right after you dethatched your lawn. This will make your soil more neutral, which will allow the grass to properly absorb the nutrients in the soil.

You have to do a soil test on your lawn to find out the actual ph levels of your soil. Once you have your ph, you’ll know exactly home much lime to put down as well as fertilizer.

Mowing Your Lawn by Grass Type

I have to admit that when it came time to identify my grass type, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be able to figure it out.

Every different grass type has a specific cutting height, so you will have to adjust your lawn mower. This is why it’s super important to buy either a self-propelled lawn mower or riding mower with an adjustable deck height. Stay away from any mower that doesn’t allow you to make height adjustments.

it needs to be cut to, so that it grows healthy, green and drought resistant. The general rule of thumb is that you should cut 1/3 of the total height if you have a mixed grass lawn. 

Cutting your grass to short will cause it to yellow and burn from the sun. Cutting your grass with a dull mower blade will cause your grass to be infected with a disease. If you’re going through a heatwave, leave your grass taller so that it can better resist the drought period.

Links

This Old House Video – How to Maintain a Lawn Episode

Topics Covered:

• Lawn Core Aerating
• Lawn Dethatching
• Soil Testing
• Lime Application
• Fertilizing & Seeding
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTH8RP1A7LI

Lawn Plug/Core Aerator Tool for Riding Lawn Mowers Available at Home Depot Demonstration Video

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO0MKyaMyFM

Welcome to the one and only riding lawn mower buying guide you need to look at, before you bite the bullet and buy one yourself.

Here's what I did to make this the most thorough guide out on the internet. Believe me most websites want to sell one of these instead of simply reviewing it, so there are very few unbiased opinions out there.

I researched all the best selling riding lawn mowers on Lowes, Home Depot, and Sears websites for this comparison guide. Each mower is listed below with the data you need to make a proper buying decision. I actually used this data to buy my own riding mower, wait till you hear about how my purchase went from really good to really bad, and what I did to fix the situation.

The Only Data Really Worth Mowing Over:

1. Pros and Cons by Model # (Discover cool features and reliability problems.)Currently I'm still sifting through hundreds of reviews, but I will be posting the pros and cons very soon. Remember you will still have access to the most popular data people use to choose a lawn tractor, such as deck size, horsepower, brand, total reviews, average review rating, and of course price. My pros and cons section will be very insightful and loaded with info you can only learn by reading a ton of customer reviews.

2. Total Customer Reviews  (Top sellers usually indicate a good product.)

3. Average Review Ratings (A good riding mower should rate well.)

4. Cost & Where to Buy  (Click on the model and go right to the retailer who sells it the most).

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So these are the basics I used to create this buying guide. I suggest to any serious buyers that they read the latest customer reviews on the mower they're considering. This is easily done by simply clicking on the hyperlinked model name above each tractor photo. Once clicked, a new page or tab will open where you can finalize your opinion by reading what others have complained or praised about. If you want to continue shopping simply close that window to go back to this buying guide.

Without further waiting I present to you that 2015 list of the best selling riding lawn mowers at Home Depot, Lowes, & Sears retailers.   

The Line Up

 A19A42 42 in. 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

Ariens A20VA46 46 in. 20 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

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 John Deere D105 42 in. 17.5 HP Automatic Front-Engine Riding Mower

John Deere D140 48 in. 22 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower 

Cub Cadet LTX1040 42 in. 19-HP Front-Engine Automatic Drive Riding Mower

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John Deere Model # D110 42 in. 19 HP Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower

 John Deere D170 54 in. 25-HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Front-Engine Riding Mower

 Ariens A19A42 42 in. 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

 Ariens 46 in. 20 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton Automatic Gas Front-Engine Riding Mower

 Husqvarna YTH24V48 V-Twin Hydrostatic 48-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and Mulching Capable

 John Deere D130 V-Twin Hydrostatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and (Mulching Capable)

 Husqvarna YTH22V46 V-Twin Hydrostatic 46-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and Mulching Capable

Troy-Bilt Pony Shift-on-the-Go 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Briggs & Stratton Engine and Mulching Capable

 Troy-Bilt Bronco Automatic 42-in Riding Lawn Mower with Kohler Engine and Mulching Capable

Craftsman 19HP Briggs & Stratton 46” Riding Mower 

Craftsman 420cc 42" Riding Mower Front Engine

Craftsman 19HP 42” Turn Tight® Riding Mower

Craftsman 22HP 42” Turn Tight® Fast Riding Mower 

Comparing Riding Mower Features and Options List

Hours Meter - A analog or digital counter that logs total amount of hours on machine.

Deck Size: Typical residential deck sizes range from 42" to 46". A larger deck will allow you to save time. This is especially useful for people that have to mow lawns of 1 acre and above.

Transmission Types:

6 Speed - Just like a manual transmission on a car, a lawn tractor can be outfitted with a manual transmission. Typical usage requires the engagement of a clutch to change gearing. Riding the clutch to assist in braking will wear down the clutch as in a regular car.  I've noticed several complaints throughout the years about clutches wearing out prematurely, and based on the other reviewers, I have concluded that most of the clutch problems stated in reviews are most likely user error generated.

To Clutch or not To Clutch Ride is the Question and a reoccurring topic on Car Talk with Click and Clack, The Tapport Borthers.  If you're a car nut like I am, you need to check out the NPR Peabody Award winning radio talk show online. I routinely download episodes using a tunein.com app onto my Samsung Galaxy (soon to be replaced S4. I'll be doing a Smartphone Consideration article soon. I'm mostly looking to acquire the best virtual assistant in my next Smartphone and Cortana from Microsoft Windows 10 is looking really promising. BTW: Sign up for a Microsoft Windows 10 Technical Preview and download the new beta version operating system for free.).    http://www.cartalk.com/

Automatic Transmission -  Automatic transmissions work similarly to what you will find in a Ford Explorer 6-speed SelectShift Automatic or a Hyundai Elantra 6 speed automatic.

Variable or CVT Transmission -  A gear-less transmission, single speed transmission, or one speed automatic are all part of the nomenclature a constant variable transmission (CVT ) is known for. 

Hydrostatic Transmission - An internal pump and motor drive system where hydraulic oil pushes out pistons and it's those pushed out pistons that cause the motor to turn. With this type of transmission there are only 2 pedals on the floor board and no gear lever. Pressing the go pedal firmly causes the mower to reach full speed, pressing it lightly causes the mower to move slowly, kind of like a car. The reverse pedal works the same way, the only thing that changes is that pressing it causes an opposite set of pistons to turn the motor in reverse. This is typically a sealed system that is not meant to be serviced. 

Checkout thisYouTube Video on Hydrostatic Transmissions for Lawn Tractors

Why Buy A Front Engine Riding Mower Instead of a Self-propelled Lawn Mower? 

Once again I did my over the top OCD research, because we just bought a house with too much land for a typical self-propelled lawn mower to handle.   

Our property is only a half acre but it's not perfectly flat, and it takes hours to mow with a standard lawn mower.  Since I can't waste time, because I'm always working on making videos and articles for you guys, I simply had no choice but to abandon the self-propelled Honda mower I picked from my other guide, and decided to allocate 4 x more money for a lawn tractor. 

At first I hated the idea of spending $2,000 on a lawn mower, but after I used it to cleanup an entire yard full of leaves with minimal effort and actual fun, the money factor became less of an issue for me. I actually can't wait to mow my lawn this year, and clean up the leaves using the riding mower I found by doing this OCD research. I hope you guys like it, and share it in your social sphere because if it wasn't for you guys doing that for me, I wouldn't be making these in-depth buying guides and how-to videos. 

Want to hear a duzzi?

This fall I went to Glastonbury Home Depot to buy one of the last tractors that was still in a crate in Connecticut. The guy helping me knew very well why I drove 30 minutes to his store when I have one 5 minutes away from my house. It was because I wanted a brand new untouched machine. 

What happened was that a few days later a guy comes to my house and delivers a machine that's been sitting outside at Bristol Home Depot for months. They did not even bother cleaning any dirt or leaves off the machine. I was pissed off, because I didn't originally have plans to spend two grand on a lawn tractor and I can't imagine what putz would deliver something so expensive in such bad shape. When you spend $100 on a brand new product, you expect that product to be clean and in it's original packaging right,. then what the heck were these morons doing that day?

But the icing on the cake was that they gave me someone's returned bagger that was missing parts, a manual, and it was disgustingly dirty; it looked like it was used for years prior to the return. Well, after my wife calmed me down, I called Glastonbury HD, spoke to a manager, they apologized, then scheduled a pickup and a delivery of the crated tractor, and a brand new bagger from Glastonbury, which was hand delivered by the store manager. They wanted to cheap out on the delivery cost at Glastonbury, and Bristol HD just had a careless manager and employees working that day.

Most of the time they get it right, but when they don't you have to talk to someone that can do something about it. This year I literally spent a small fortune at these stores remodeling our house, and dealt with more than one headache. But one time, I made a mistake in ordering the wrong whirlpool tub, and it sat at my house for months before I opened the box. I called HD up, and they had that thing on a truck the very next day to process the return. I ended up upgrading that tub to something better at a different store instead. I'm not so sure it would go this smoothly at a small mom and pop shop who already spent your money on their overhead costs the month you bought it.

It is winter time again, and before you know it, your driveway and sidewalk will be covered in snow. This year, do yourself a favor and buy a reliable snow blower to clear the driveway and sidewalk without the backache.

Why Trust This Snow Blower Buying Guide?

I poured through the reviews on Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, and Sears websites as I normally do, when I am personally in the market for a new gadget,  I fired up a spreadsheet and started taking notes on the most popular machines out there.

Popularity to me is reflected by how many reviews the machine has online. It is my opinion that people only write reviews when they are really happy, or really angry about a product. That's why the machines you'll find below, deserve your full attention.

You can read the reviews for yourself by clicking on the snow blower model # to be transported to the website that sells it.

I  weeded out the bad apples from each site for your convenience, and created a list of snow blowers and snow throwers that I personally would buy in a heartbeat. In fact I just bought the Sno-Tek Model # 920402 24 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower this November! I'll post a comment below, after I get to use it to plow through some snow.

How to Find The Right Snow Blower For You

Not sure which snow blower or snow thrower is right for you? No problem, I'll explain to you how to chose the right machine for your needs. It all comes down to where you live, how much storage space you have, and of course how much you are willing to spend.

Already know what you want? Skip Right To The Blower Reviews

Snow Blower Types

Single-stage Electric

These are the smallest snow throwing machines you can buy. They feature a rubber lined auger which throws the snow and it is also responsible for propelling the machine down your driveway. With that being said, this is not the blower to buy, if you have a gravel based driveway because it will suck up rocks and throw them! 

Single-stage Gas

These are great if you live in an area where snow falls do not exceed 8 to 10 inches. They are more powerful than their electric cousins, but they are also propelled by the auger instead of having powered wheels, so stay away from gravel driveways with these as well.

Two-stage / Dual-stage Gas

Two-stage gas snow blowers are popular for long or wide driveways and in areas that exceed 8 inches of snow. The two stage refers to the different methods used to handle the snow. Stage one being the auger which gathers the snow and stage two being a fan like impeller (paddle) that throws the snow out of the chute at high speeds. These blowers have an auger that doesn't touch the ground, so it is a must for people who have gravel driveways to clear. Another feature on these is that the engine powers the wheels, a fantastic feature especially in really deep snow falls. Just push a two-stage snow blower in one foot of snow without the aid of the powered wheels and you'll quickly realize how extremely hard it is to do, especially if the surface your working on is slippery.

Three-Stage

These are the largest snow blowers you can buy and they are the most efficient at clearing snow and ice from your driveway. They have every feature that the two-stage models have with the exception of having two augers that scoop up heavy snow and ice into the chute where the impeller launches it out at high speed. Some 3-stage snow blowers are capable of launching snow and ice 50 feet away! Most homeowners will not be buying one of these because of their high cost, unless they really need one because they have a large driveway and a storage shed to store these monsters.  Three-stage snow blowers are used more for commercial reasons then they are for residential purposes, so we have not included any in our Snow Blower Buying Guide below. However if you think these belong here, let us know on our Google + Page. 

The Buying Guide Chart below provides a quick rundown of all the models that we felt were good enough to make it to the list.  Here's the criteria we looked at:

1. Needs to be a good seller because this provided us a large amount of customer reviews to analyze.

2. Needs to maintain a high average review score because this indicates good quality, customer service, and reliability.

3. Needs to be priced for the average consumer, we were not interested in the Ferrari of snow blowers mainly because of their price tag.

4. Needs to have a good reputation according to the customer reviews

As you could see by our criteria, this list of snow blowers and snow throwers is one of the finest out there. We have even included snippets from Consumer Reports for each model, if the blower made it to the list, we list the actual number it landed based on their ratings for each category. The lower the number the better. If the blower won some type of Consumer Reports designation such as a "Best Buy" or "Recommended Buy", we noted that designation in the downloadable spreadsheet as well. The chart below includes the bare minimum information you need to make a proper buying decision, while the downloadable spreadsheet will provide you with a little more detail . Any snow blower from our buying guide will satisfy your needs as long as you buy from the proper category depending on your snow removal needs and geographic location.

Single-Stage Electric Snow Blowers

Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

Two-Stage / Dual-stage Gas Snow Blowers 

ProvenHelper's Note

Hey, I just recorded some killer multi-cam footage of my Snowtek Snow Blower in full blown action, going through snow over 24" deep. I will be posting the review video on my ProvenHelper YouTube Channel very soon. Subscribe if you like how I do things, or if you want to see me put my snow blower through 2 1/2 feet of blizzard depth snow. The Snotek even surprised me, you'll see why in the video.

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Snow Blower Buying Chart Key

More specifications can be found in the downloadable guide.

* indicates an estimated figure. 

Download & Print the Snow Blower Buying Guide

A Few Snow Blower Reviews

Single Stage Electric  Models

Snow Joe SJ620 13.5 Amp 18" Corded Snow Thrower	Customer Reviews	Regular Price
	457   Rating:  4.2 out of 5	$239.99   @ Amazon for  $177.99

The Snow Joe SJ620 is a well liked snow thrower on Amazon. You can use it on mid sized driveways and sidewalks without any problems. This little guy can move 650 pounds of snow per minute, which is probably 550 lbs more than the average person can do in the same amount of time. 

The chute is 18 inches wide by 10 inches tall, so it's big enough for most snow storms even in the northeast. Great snow thrower for those who don't have much storage space left in their sheds or garage. 

Top 8 Comments From Amazon Customers

Editors Thoughts:

After reviewing the positive and negative comments on Amazon, I have mixed feelings. Most people love this machine, but like most products these days, you will find negative reviews. It does make the buying decision hard for those who want perfection in order to pull the trigger on this purchase. I personally would buy the Snow Joe Sj620 from a store like Lowes or Home Depot, as long as their return policy allows me to return it, if I am not satisfied from the first use.

I think most people would like this little machine, even though sometimes you will have to go over the same path twice. If your budget is limited for a snow blower, try this one out. You never know, you might just love what it can do for you!

Toro 38381 15 Amp 18" Corded Snow Blower	Customer Reviews	Regular Price
	1,195 Rating:  4.0 out of 5	$209.99 @ Amazon for $279.99

Toro 38381 is an easy to use snow blower by America's favorite electric snow blower brand. This mighty little machine can clear 700 pounds of snow in one minute! It is available in 2 more smaller sizes, if this 18" wide by 12" tall scoop is too much blower for you. A great feature on this Toro is the fact that you can fold it up into a much smaller footprint for storage, a feature that we can all truly appreciate. 

Top 8 Comments From Amazon Customers

Editors Thoughts:

Wow, I just finished reading some very interesting experiences that people were having with this Toro 38381. Some swear by it as it helps them deal with winters chore. Others seem to swear right at the machine becuase of breakdonws,   useability problems, and because the snow fall they used it in, proved to be too much for this little blower. 

What About The Numbers?

There are over 1,000 reviews on Amazon about this blower and most of them are good. Sometimes in life you just have to take a risk. There's a 80% chance you will be a happy customer based on the average review rating, and in most peoples book, those are pretty good odds.

GreenWorks 26032 12 Amp 20" Corded Snow Thrower	Customer Reviews	Regular Price
	1,078 Rating:  4.0 out of 5	$249.99 @ Amazon for $217.65

GreenWorks

Top 8 Comments From Amazon Customers

 I'll be updating this article every year with new model numbers. Checkout my personal snow blower story.

I Would Have Bought a Different Machine for My First Snow Blower If I Read This Section

Recently I posted a link to this guide on Facebook and someone had a great comment to add about a machine they purchased. After the conversation, I realized that I might have bought a different machine entirely if I already known the real world difference  between a 30" and 24" snow blower.

Marduke:  I picked up the Troy-Bilt 3090 XP three years ago.

It goes through snow like a hot knife through butter. When we had that three foot of snow I was the only one in our neighborhood that had their driveway clean, the same day when the snow stopped. Even did my neighbors since his snowblower broke. Everyone else took a few days to get theirs done. The thing runs like a champ never had any issues always starts up quick. Even my wife is able to use it without any problems, using the power steering feature. Also love the handle warmer, and chute joystick features.

Voitek Sounds like a great machine to add to my list, Consumer Reports noted your blower as a recommended buy. My wife and I just bought a house that needed more work than we budgeted for, thanks to a lazy previous owner, so I had no plans to actually buy a snow blower this year. However, I also have a back injury so my wife convinced me to get one anyway. My criteria was simple, it had to be small enough to fit in a garage with both cars and a riding mower, so I originally thought I would have to buy a small electric blower that collapses into a smaller footprint. Luckily, I moved some stuff around and fit the new blower in nicely behind my Mustang with only a few inches to spare. 

We ended up buying the Snow-Tek 920402, because it's built by Ariens and it has more than 1,200 positive reviews on the Home Depot website. 

I was already a fan of Ariens because my dad owned one for 20 years, and the only thing that ever broke on his was the little cotter pin that locks the hub for two wheel drive. My only complaint for my snow blower is that the handles seem small, which cramps my hands probably because I work on the computer constantly. Other than that, it really does seem to throw the snow at the rated 40 feet which is much farther than my dads old blower that's much larger. I never pull stated mine, but the electric start works great every time. It actually seems to do a much better job than my dads, but then again, his is over 20 years old now. I occasionally drive mine into the 2 foot + snow banks the plows create by the curb because we have a ride-up mailbox. I have to go slow through those, but it does the job well. 

Anyways, if you're in the market for something for your house like a lawnmower, let me know. I'm always looking for content ideas for my home improvement site, if I don't already have a worthwhile piece handy.

 Right now I'm researching solar energy including all the different solar powered devices most people never heard of that could be purchased or easily built in a couple of hours using simple tools. And if you know of anyone about to do a solar lease, stop them if you can. It's the most expensive way to buy solar power and the contracts are horrible.

Marduke: My neighbor just got the Ariens snow blower, it seems good he likes it so far. I also have a bad back as well, and previously we had a 24" Honda Snow Blower. It hurt my back try to keep the thing to go in a some what straight line. It get shifting l eft and right, basically where the snow took it. That is why I went with a blower with the bigger with power steering. It helps keep the snow blower in line by taping the steering shifter on the bottom of the grip.

i also like the joystick shut adjuster. I know that is one feature my neighbor with the Ariens is Envy of. I could tell he hate constantly turn the know to adjust the direction of the shoot.

Voitek: Now that you mention it, I have the same problem with my 24" blower shifting around instead of keeping perfectly straight. I just let it do its thing now, as long as it goes in the general direction. I think one of the first times I used it, I had wick ed back problems later, and didn't even think about that tracking issue, but it makes perfect sense now. I know my dad's snow blower tracks perfectly straight because I used it many times before; it's a 30" model like yours.

I have to look at a Youtube video of your blower to see what that joystick is about. I only used my blower about 4 times this year and I often forget which way to turn the handle for the chute angle.

I guess most 24" models probably have the same tracking issue, and it must get a lot worse with smaller electric blowers as well. I'm going to have to update that article with these notes, because it might have swayed me towards a bigger blower knowing about the tracking issue.

I still can't believe I fit a full size lawn tractor, snow blower, and two cars into my average size garage.

Conclusion:

1. A snow blower with a tracking issue, meaning an issue where it takes effort to keep the machine going in a straight line, can cause back problems to aggravate if you are constantly using force to adjust the trajectory.
Thanks to Marduke chiming in on my Facebook post I learned something very important from our conversation that I wanted to share with you. 

2. I think it's safe to assume that most 24" snow blowers might have the same tracking issue in deeper snow falls. Even though Marduke had a 24" Honda Snow Blower before, and I have my 24" Snow-tek doesn't seem to be a large enough sample, but you have to figure that most 24" models have roughly the same engine size and roughly the same wheel size, and weight. It's all these factors that lead to tracking problems for smaller machines. In reality, I guess I could have fit a 30" snow blower, but I'm happy with what I have, I'll simply have to stop my OCD from forcing me to make straight passes down the driveway. What I do now is let the machine wibble and wobble it's way through the passes while I walk slowly behind it. 

Snow Blowers - Which One Is Right For You Video

This Is Not The YouTube video I was talking about above. In this video, I talk about all the snow blowers I read the reviews on, and what I learned about them. I also talk about the pros and cons of each snow blower type, including storage space and how much money you are comfortable spending on one.

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Snow storms are getting larger every year and blizzards are hitting places as far south as Washington, D.C., Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina. So it's no wonder that my annual Snow Blower Reviews are getting tons of visitors r ight after I update the ever changing list with the best snow blowers you can buy from stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and even Amazon.com.

Our weather is more screwed up then Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, and Charlie Sheen put together. As I'm updating this years list of snow blowers a so called deadly blizzard is burying the U.S. East Coast, which sucks because it's where I live.

Old man winter reminded all of us lately that he still has surprises in store for all of us in the years ahead, at least that's what David Letterman's publicist said., What type of surprises, it could be as bad as when Britney Spears shaved her head! Call it global warming, climate change, or sheer dumb luck, but whatever you call it, you cannot escape the fact that our weather is changing and the data shows that it's changing for the worse! Much like the quality of music when Rock Stars stop doing drugs. Hey, don't hate me for being honest, but you can hate me for anything else.  

Topics Covered

Snow Blower Reviews - Organized into 3 levels of power: Single-Stage Electric, Single-Stage Gas and Two-Stage Gas 

Snow Blower Types - Find out what the difference is between gas and electric snowblowers. As well as what  1 stage, 2 stage and 3 stage blowers do differently from each other.

Sno-Tek 24 Snow Blower Review also known as the Ariens 24"

Ultimate Snow Blower Buying Guide Video

Finding Snow Blowers on Sale

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Snow Blower Engine Types to Consider

When it comes to blowing snow off your property, you have several options to consider, but typically you buy a snow blower based on where you live and the amount of driveway and sidewalk you need to remove snow from.  Generally gas snow blowers are better for areas that get more than a few inches of snow every season. While electric snow blowers and snow throwers perform well for people living in more southern states, that lately are experiencing more and more snow storms. Below these charts of snow blower reviews, you'll find detailed information on every snow blower you can find at your local store. 

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7 Single-Stage Electric Snow Blowers

Last Updated on 1-23-2015

6 Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

11 Two-Stage / Dual-stage Gas Snow Blowers 

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Brand: Brand name.

Model: Model number identifier.

Reviews: The largest amount of reviews found on the web for this blower

Engine cc: The size of an electric engine rated in cubic centimeters.

lbs/min: An estimated figure of how much snow in pound the machine moves per minute. (Downloadable guide only)

Throws: Distance in feet that the machine can throw snow. (Downloadable guide only)

Surface: Usually single stage snow throwers are propelled forward only by the auger, which prevents them from clearing gravel driveways.

Handling: How easy the machine is to maneuver around. (Downloadable guide only)

Chute Angle: The amount of degrees you can turn the chute. (Downloadable guide only)

Swath Width: The clearing width of the enclosure:

Depth: The clearing height of the enclosure:

Duty: Choices of usage are Light, Medium, and Heavy Duty. (Downloadable guide only)

Snow: The type of snow the machine can handle. 

Light: Headlight feature. (Downloadable guide only)

CR: The distinction if any that Consumer Reports has given the blower or the number it made on their list. (Downloadable guide only)

* indicates estimate figure. 

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Snow Blower Types

Single-stage Electric

These are the smallest snow throwing machines you can buy. They feature a rubber lined auger which throws the snow and it is also responsible for propelling the machine because it's very close to the ground. Generally you don't want to use single-stage snow blowers on gravel driveways because they are too close to the ground. I could just imagine the damage one of these would do to a house or car, once it sucks up gravel. 

Single-stage Gas

These are great if you live in an area where snow falls do not exceed 8 to 10 inches. They are more powerful than their electric cousins, but they are also propelled by the auger instead of having powered wheels, so stay away from gravel driveways with these as well.

Two-stage / Dual-stage Gas

Two-stage gas snow blowers are popular for long or wide driveways and in areas that exceed 8 inches of snow. The two stage refers to the different methods used to handle the snow. Stage one being the auger which gathers the snow and stage two being a fan like impeller (paddle) that throws the snow out of the chute at high speeds. These blowers have an auger that doesn't touch the ground, so it is a must for people who have gravel driveways to clear. Another feature on these is that the engine powers the wheels, a fantastic feature especially in really deep snow falls. Just push a two-stage snow blower in one foot of snow without the aid of the powered wheels and you'll quickly realize how extremely hard it is to do, especially if the surface your working on is slippery.

Three-Stage

These are the largest snow blowers you can buy and they are the most efficient at clearing snow and ice from your driveway. They have every feature that the two-stage models have with the exception of having two augers that scoop up heavy snow and ice into the chute where the impeller launches it out at high speed. Some 3-stage snow blowers are capable of launching snow and ice 50 feet away! Most homeowners will not be buying one of these because of their high cost, unless they really need one because they have a large driveway and a storage shed to store these monsters.  Three-stage snow blowers are used more for commercial reasons then they are for residential purposes, so I have not included any in This Snow Blower Buying Guide. However if you think these belong here, let me know on my Google + Page or Facebook Page. 

The Buying Guide Chart below provides a quick rundown of all the models that I felt were good enough to make it to the list.  Here's the criteria I looked at:

1. Needs to be a good seller because this provided us a large amount of customer reviews to analyze.

2. Needs to maintain a high average review score because this indicates good quality, customer service, and reliability.

3. Needs to be priced for the average consumer, I was not interested in the Ferrari of snow blowers mainly because of their price tag.

4. Needs to have a good reputation according to the customer reviews

As you could see by the criteria, this list of snow blowers and snow throwers is one of the finest out there. I have even included snippets from Consumer Reports for each model, if the blower made it to the list, I list the actual number it landed based on their ratings for each category. The lower the number the better. If the blower won some type of Consumer Reports designation such as a "Best Buy" or "Recommended Buy", I noted that designation in the downloadable spreadsheet as well. The chart below includes the bare minimum information you need to make a proper buying decision, while the downloadable spreadsheet will provide you with a little more detail . Any snow blower from this buying guide will satisfy your needs as long as you buy from the proper category depending on your snow removal needs and geographic location.  

My Complete Video Review of the Ariens Sno-Tek 24" model # 920402

Watch me remove more than 24" of snow in my backyard while I make a path from the backdoor to the trash and recycling cans and all the way to the front of my driveway. I'll literally strapped a GoPro Hero 3 to my head, so that you can get a POV perspective of what it's like using the Sno-Tek 24 that's manufactured by Ariens. Ariens of course is a well known and trusted brand. My dad has an Ariens that's over 20 years old and it been very reliable for him. He never put a drop of fuel stabilizer into the machine either. 

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My Sno-Tek 24" Wouldn't Start This Year, But I'm Not Worried At All!

I on the other hand followed his advice but this year, my Sno-tek 24 failed to start because most likely the carburetor got gunked up. So I'll be draining the gas in my blowers carberator and sphioning the fuel I poured in the other day. But I'm not owrried about it, because snow blowers are really easy to fix and the service manual to my Sno-tek has diagrams of everything. Hopefull if all goes well, I'll even record a video for my YouTube channel, so that anyone else with a Sno-tek 24 or Areins 24 that can't start theirs can watch it. No matter what blower brand you bought, if it's gas, you either have a sparkplug problem, a dirty carborator or fuel line, or there's a problem with the electric start module. 

VideoCast of The Snow Blower Buying Guide

That's the beauty of this Snow Blower Buying Guide, you get all the important specifications in an easy to read chart,so you could pull it up on your smartphone or tablet. You can also print it out or shop directly from it using the links that point to the latest snow blower sales going on right now. 

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In 2013 we had a blizzard hit the northeast that shutdown airports, highways, and government buildings. And the scary part is that when they shutdown the government, the only thing that changed was that the government finally had a legitimate reason for not getting any work done. In fact one could argue that they liked the shutdown so much from the February 2013 Blizzard, that they decided to stage another shutdown out of sheer stupidity, because the only snow that fell during the official 2013 government shutdown, was the snow falling from Trey Radel' nose. 

2014 snow falls were causing record havoc across the Midwest and as far south as Georgia and Texas. You cannot turn on the morning news without hearing reports of record snow falls, airport closings, multiple car pile-ups on highways, and even a few unfortunate fatalities. 

So if you never thought about buying a snow blower before, now is the time to start thinking about burying one. Because digging out your driveway, sidewalks, and cars is not going to get easier with age. I myself enjoyed a few snow falls when I was younger for the exercise, but a resent car accident made digging out from natures white furry a back aching nightmare. Take it from me, you don't want to hurt your back by digging out from a snow storm, when you could have completely avoided the pain by buying yourself a snow blower or a snow thrower if you live in the southern states. 

This buying guide combines professional research and customer opinions from all the big box retail stores that sell snow blowers. I poured through all the customer reviews on sites like Sears, Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowes. I also went the extra mile for our readers and logged into our Consumer Reports portal to see how they graded all the models that made it to my list. By reading this guide you will have the combined opinion of hundreds of customer reviews. This is not something you're going to find anywhere else. The only way to get this data is to look up snow blowers on Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, and Sears websites for yourself, then pour through all the customer reviews for all the top rated snow blowers they sell. Sure the research was tedious, but it also uncovered some interesting facts about some snow blower models that I had to remove from the list because many customers experienced an unusual amount of problems in quality and reliability. All the snow blowers that made the list, have on average very pleased owners and lower than average complaints about breakage and other reliability related issues.

Consider the Off Season Before Your Snow Blower Purchase

Before you grab your wallet and hit the internet or your local Home Depot, Lowe's, or Sears, keep in mind that small electric snow    blowers (aka snow throwers) are a lot easier to store in the off season, and many of them have features that allow them to collapse    into even smaller footprints. On the other hand, larger gas models such as the common dual-stage snow blower models found in the northern states, are bulkier and require a descent amount of storage space in your garage or shed. Sometimes it might make more sense to go with a smaller blower, even though it will increase your clearing time by making you walk a few extra passes down your driveway. It wouldn't make any sense for someone in upstate New York to buy a small electric single stage snow blower, unless they had no place to stow a more appropriate dual stage gas snow blower. Just something to consider that most reviewers don't talk about when it comes to buying these snow throwing gadgets. 

Personally speaking I had to get really creative in making room in our garage to store our massive dual-stage snow blower. However, I was really happy earlier this year when I was on my way back to Connecticut from California, during the aftermath of the famous February 2013 Blizzard. There's nothing worse then having to dig out two feet of snow from your driveway, if your only snow removal tool is a shovel. Luckily for me, my two-stage Ariens allowed me to clear my driveway and sidewalk in less than an hour, all with minimal effort on my part. The only gripe I have about the highly capable gas snow blowers and lawn mowers for that matter, is that I always end up breathing and stinking like exhaust fumes, thanks to the low tech approach for venting them. Why can't these manufacturers "Stop the madness" as Mr. Wonderful from The Shark Tank would say, and create some type of muffler system that made these machines exhaust less ghastly and most likely less toxic. If I lived in North Carolina, I might be tempted with a smaller single stage electric snow blower model, but up here in the northeast, where large snow falls are as common as Miley Cyrus stunts, it just doesn't make much sense. Another thing that sucks is that I store my project car a 1999 Ford Mustang GT in the garage, and with the snow blower there's hardly any room to work on it. 

How Snow Blower Buying Habits Have Changed 

In the past we all had to lug ourselves down to the store and look at a handful of snow throwers in a line up at Lowe's, Sears,  or Home Depot, and basically flip a coin when it came down to deciding on similarly sized models. Today we have the internet and with that comes an endless sea of   information. Just for you, I poured through the sea of customer reviews and came up with the bare minimum   specifications you'll need  to make an educated buying decision. In my opinion the most important factor to consider   once you have chosen the size of your new snow blower, is how many reviews the blower has and what the average score of those reviews are. I would also read the reviews personally on the model that I'd like to go with, just to really dig into what the actual customer experience could be for it. Just remember that in today's age, there really is no perfect product out there and you will always find negative reviews. Because of that, don't let a few negative reviews change your opinion too much, unless the review said that the snow blower exploded and killed somebody, then I'd say, don't buy it. However, there's been lots of stories in the news that competitors are bad mouthing their competition in hopes that they sway more consumers towards their product instead. Here's my advice on this, if a product has 150 4 and 5 star reviews out of let's say 175, you probably got yourself a winner. I would read all the negative reviews just in-case there really is an emerging pattern of quality or reliability issues, but don't pay too much attention to the one off;s that spout all types of negative garbage, because there's always a few nut jobs sprinkled into a large pool of customer reviews.  How do I know this? Well, besides being an expert in reading product reviews and product research for my famous Youtube Channel called Lex SelfMade Life, I've been buying products based solely on reviews ever since the internet created them. Also, I've been a nutjob more than once, but luckily for me, I always find my way back to reality and set things straight. Want an example? Did you ever blame anyone for taking or misplacing on of your tools, documents, or gadgets? Yeah, I've been there and I also blamed the wrong people, when a few hours later or a day later, I find the missing tool in a place where I left it last. I guess responsibility comes with age, so does humility, and maybe a touch of cynicism. 

When Our Changing Weather Hits Home

Well our changing weather is crazy nut job bad too, it's getting so weird that it even affected my family personally.This year my favorite aunt Irene, who lives in Poland in our family house that's well over 100 years old, was hit by a tornado. Click that link to see the photos of the damage and keep in mind that this house was built out of bricks! Anyways, strange weather is coming, so at the very least be prepared, especially for old man winter, even if he's late or senile and confused about his address lately.

Download & Print the OLD Snow Blower Buying Guide

To access the new information on this page, simply bring it up on your smartphone or tablet at the store. You can always flip your phone to enlarge the snow blowers review tables.

Welcome to what is most likely The Best Leaf Blower Buying Guide In The World!

To make this buying guide I spent more than 51 hours researching and creating a spreadsheet for comparing leaf blowers, sweepers, and mulching vacuums from multiple stores. I pulled data I found necessary to make a proper buying decision from  Lowes, Amazon, Home Depot, & Sears websites. 

Finding The Best Leaf Blower Demystified

According to customer reviews, the following 7 Specifications  are the most valuable for comparing different types of leaf blowers against each other.

Price: Everyone has their budget. I used the lowest selling price found in my comparison charts below.

Reviews: Typically the more reviews the better, but remember that expensive items typically generate less reviews.

Rating: Shows an average rating from 0 to 5, with 5 being perfect. This is based on the total amount of reviews submitted. 

MPH: Is the speed of the air coming out of the device through what I call the blowers mouth.

CFM: Is the airflow coming out. Think of this as the size of a mouth the tool has to blow with.

Weight: This is important if you have to hold the tool for a while and you have constant or occasional back problems like many people do.

Decibels: The loudness of tool measured at full power. A Jet take-off is 100 decibels, a garbage disposal is 80.

Blower Types - Which One Fits Your Needs The Best?

Picking The Right Leaf Blower For Your Needs

Every blower has it's pros and cons. It's best to figure out how much your willing to spend and what comforts you're really looking for first. Also in my case, I had to factor in my wife's opinion because last year I spent a pretty penny on lawn toys.

I have a .5 acre yard and a lot of trees all around, so the job is not that big, yet it's not that small either. I also use my riding lawn mower with the bagger attached to suck up the leaves I can get to. It does a decent job picking up the leaves, but a leaf blower can help me get into all the nook and crannies of my yard, around my bushes, deck, trees, etc. I also like to use a leaf blower to blowout the dust from my computer, clean out my garage, and even help dry a car I just washed. 

I originally wanted to buy a gas powered backpack blower, because what red blooded man wouldn't love to own one of those babies. My wife on the other hand doesn't want me to spend $300, because I convinced her last year that a $1,400 riding lawn mower could do the majority of the fall leaf cleanup (check out my lawn tractor buying guide). So, don't put yourself into a pickle like I did!

Since last years yard toy ruined my chances of getting the backpack blower this year, I created this amazing buying guide to help myself and every other person in need of finding the right leaf blower compare all the brands and models available.

Decrypting Features and Specifications - What Does It All Mean?

Leaf Blowing Speed

When it comes to analyzing leaf blowers for performance the most important specs are the MPH and CFM numbers. CFM or MPH measurement units are both used to indicate the speed at which the air exits the tube. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute which references the total volume of air that moves, while the MPH measurement we're all familiar with, indicates the miles per hour of the air that exists the tube. The higher the ratings, the better the blower will be at removing wet leaves, heavier debris, and leaves and twigs that are embedded in your grass.

2 Real World Performance Characteristics That Blow

To accurately measure real world performance you need to find out how well the home improvement tool performs sweeping as well as loosening.

Sweeping Performance refers to exactly what it sounds like, experts and consumers chime in at how well you can air sweep your lawn, sidewalk, or driveway using a chore busting blower.

Loosening Performance can actually tell you if the blower will be powerful enough to loosen wet leaves, twigs, and other debris, that an under-powered blower would just not be able to do. 

Loudness

If you live in a PUD (planned unit development) or a community that frowns on loud noises, you may want to consult with them first before you consider buying any blower. Some communities in California prohibit the use of any blowers, while many communities have restrictions based on times of use, with the most common improper times being between 9pm and 8am.  Generally speaking the more heavy duty the equipment, the more noise it will produce, and also the better it will work.  

So What Makes a Good Neighbor Approved Blower? Depending on dBA (aka decibels measures sound levels), blowers under 80 dBA will be considered friendly towards other neighbors. If sound is an issue, look for blowers with a low decibel number and consult the Noise Pollution Clearing House for more information on local noise laws.Every blower in this guide features decibel numbers under full load unless this information could not be found.

Gas Engine Differences

Gas powered tools generally have more power and features, but they also require a little bit of maintenance depending on the tool. When it comes to blowing your leaves away, there are 2 different engine types out there. 

2 Cycle Engine: The 2 Cycle Gas Engines are a great choice for most people because they are quieter, lighter, and less expensive than their brotherin. However, all 2 Cycle engines require a gasoline & oil mixture instead of pure gasoline. Please do yourself a major favor and simply read the owner's manual for your blower to avoid gumming up your carburetors, which happens to be the most common problem for people who wrote bad reviews on the internet for these blower types.

4 Cycle Engine: A 4 Cycle Engine will give you all the capability of a gas powered tool without having to burden you with mixing oil with your gasoline. What's the trade off? Usually a heavier device that costs more.

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9 Gas Powered Leaf Blowers

Gas powered blowers come in 3 varieties: 

1. Handheld models are the most popular and fairly loud. Gas blowers of this type range from medium duty all the way down to professional grade.

2. High powered backpack models are very powerful, easy on the back, and loud. Every contractor and red blooded American wants one!

3. The walk behind models look like you strapped a floor fan to a hand truck. But we're not talking about a Laskow floor fan, were talking about a hurricane maker here, because these are very powerful. 

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12 Corded Electric Leaf Blowers & Sweepers

 These are handheld corded blower models. They typically have a lot of blowing power, the only negative is that you have to drag a cord with you.

24 Cordless Blowers and Leaf Mulching Vacuums

*    = Most Reviews found on Home Depot website but a better deal or faster shipping found on linked site.

*D = Discontinued and removed from sellers website.

*H - Cordless & Corded Hybrid power tool.

*!   = This power tool uses a Ni-Cad battery also known as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride, which is larger, heavier, and prone to self-discharge. A Lithium-ion battery is the exact opposite, smaller, lighter, and holds a charge for extended periods of time without loss.  Want to know more? Lowes has a great explanation of cordless tool batteries. 

These are all cordless blowers I found all over the internet from Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, & Sears websites.I personally recommend that you buy a lithium-ion powered tool because they provide full power till the very last minute. They also are the most powerful, last the longest on a charge, and can deliver gas powered or corded electric performance if the voltage and CFM numbers are on the larger side of the scale.

For example take a look at the GreenWorks GBL80300 with the 80 volt Li-ion battery. This beast can belt out 500 impressive CFM's for 70 minutes on a full charge! Something that strong is good enough for contractors, let alone us homeowners. 

I sorted the cordless blowers by average customer rating from the site that had the largest amount of reviews on each specific blower. Also keep in mind that the price below is the lowest price you can find online and at your local stores. If you click the model link, a new browser window will open to show you the site where I found the lowest price and most customer reviews. I would click the link of each blower that you want to investigate  further.  By the way, this buying guide is constantly being updated with new information and of course corrections, because God knows we all make mistakes once in a while, and I'm no different. 

BTW, Thank You!

If this is the only leaf blower buying guide you read, you're in very good and capable hands. I enjoy making my guides the best available, simply because  I know people will 'Like' and 'Share' what they find useful with others. Seeing the growing number of 'shares' and 'likes' of this page lets me know that people are finding this guide very useful.  Thanks for letting me know!

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Looking at Leaf Blower Reviews for Pros and Cons

Get to know what the ownership experience can be like for the blowers below before you buy anything that can blow your expectations out of the water or just blow. Take a virtual test drive by reading my handpicked brutally honest comments that I pulled from all the major retailer sites. I did this because I always like to look at the good and the negative comments for every product I buy. I believe by doing this, I'm getting a true picture of what the ownership, quality, and reliability of the product is. 

Husqvarna 150BT Backpack Blower	Customer Reviews
SPEED MPH :  251       CFM: 710         Blower Type:  Gas-powered Backpack   Engine Size: 50cc       Engine Type: 2 cycle  Weight: 22lbs	471 4.7 Average
Noise Level in Decibels:   72 dBA Good Neighbor Approved:  yes Sweeping Performance:  excellent Loosening Performance:  excellent Vacuuming Performance:  n/a Warranty Term:  2 Years Trigger Lock Cruise Control Consumer Reports listed as a Recommended Buy Product Air Purge for Easy Starting Speed Control	Regular Price $299 @ Lowes Compare Sale Price on Amazon for  Husqvarna 150BT

What Reviewers Said About This Model (individual comments separated by commas)

The Good 'Pros'

Starts easy, easy to use, lightweight on your back, removes embedded leaf & pine needles from grass quickly,  unbelievable power, quiet, 5x better than old comparable model, cleanable foam filter instead of replacement paper filter,  strongest blower ever owned,  made cleaning leaves fun!, no more aching back from holding handheld, quieter than expected, removes embedded leaf & pine needles from grass quickly. 

The Bad 'Cons'

very important to follow proper use of fuel for easy starting and ultimate reliability, use light lubricant during assembly of the hose sections, assembly instructions are not the best, carburetor gunked up from last year and wouldn't start.

Final Analysis

After reading through all the reviews I give you my final analysis on this Husqvarna 150BT bad boy Blower.

If you are looking for a powerful workhorse, you have found it right here. Sure the $300 price tag may seem steep, but you are paying for a professional grade blower that will make any type of yard cleanup job nice and easy, plus it will also be easy on your back.

Some people mentioned in the reviews I read that assembling the product was a bit difficult and they had to resort to a little bit of lubrication on the hose section to get the job done. Aside from that, there were a few complaints here and there, but you will always have those, no matter what the product is. This model features a foam filter which can be cleaned instead of replaced and many like that option as well. When it comes to gas powered 2 cycle engines, you MUST follow the instructions to the T about how to handle the fuel. Failing to do so, will result in problems, which is what most of the bad reviews were about. It really seems that people who have had problems were a bit too lazy or busy tread the instructions, and I think we all been there at one point. If you buy this magnificent beast, just read the instructions and you'll be the envy of the neighborhood. The build quality of this machine is excellent and sis the performance. The bottom line on this model is that you will be loving every minute spent with this blower for at least 15 years, so go ahead and pull the trigger if you like it!

Husqvarna 125B Handheld Blower	Customer Reviews
SPEED MPH :  170       CFM: 470         Blower Type:  Gas-powered Backpack   Engine Size: 28cc       Engine Type: 2 cycle  Weight: 9.4 lbs	814 4.3 Average
Noise Level in Decibels:  70 dBA  Good Neighbor Approved:  yes Sweeping Performance:  excellent Loosening Performance:  excellent Vacuuming Performance:  n/a Warranty Term:  2 Years Consumer Reports picked this as a Best Buy Product (CR top honor) Fan housing engineered to reduce wrist fatigue Variable speed throttle with cruise control In-line blowing tube design Low price with excellent performance & reliability!	Regular Price $159 @ Lowes Compare Sale Price on $149.95 Amazon Husqvarna 125B  with Free Shipping

What Reviewers Said About This Model (individual comments separated by commas)

The Good 'Pros'

good and dependable, lightweight, good mid level blower for residential use, Easy setup right out of the box, Excellent quality & easy to use, can clear paved areas just at idle, Very nice blower, Starts every time without an issue, Love the speed control setting,

The Bad 'Cons'

defect in the fuel line design, fuel system mine quit functioning after several HOURS, easy fix for the fuel intake line inside the gas tank needed to be pushed back into the gas tank so that it was well below the fuel level when the tank was filled, I tried to start and blower was leaking gasoline. Repair shop found a split fuel line

Final Analysis

Well what we have here is a very awesome gas-powered blower with tons of happy owners, but Huston, "We do have a problem". On several websites that sell this model, I found many negative reviews talking about a problem with fuel lines. One reviewer took the blower apart and performed an easy fix which consists of pushing the fuel line lower into the gas tank. So if you are in need of a great blower, knowing that you may have to make a slight adjustment to it, this is the blower for you. It's priced really well and Consumer Reports gave it a Best Buy product rating, which is their highest honor. Just don't forget you might have to mess with the fuel lines at some point, but other than that, this is a nice machine to make yard cleanup fun and easy. 

Troy-Bilt TB180B Corded Electric Blower	Customer Reviews
SPEED MPH :  150       CFM: 180         Blower Type:  Corded Electric   Engine Size: 7.5Amp       Engine Type: Electric  Weight: 5.5 lbs	166 4.6 Average
Noise Level in Decibels:  66 dBA Good Neighbor Approved:  yes Sweeping Performance:  good Loosening Performance:  average Vacuuming Performance:  n/a Warranty Term:  2 Years Consumer Reports: This model was 3rd to the worst of electric blowers Great for hard surfaces like driveways, garage floors, sidewalks Super lightweight design Fairly quiet from a distance which neighbors will like Subpar moving leaves and debris quickly	Regular Price $32.98 @ Lowes Compare to the $26.99 Weed Eater WEB150 on Amazon with Free Shipping

What Reviewers Said About This Model (individual comments separated by commas)

The Good 'Pros'

good for garage cleaning,  item was smaller than expected, the only flaw is how easily it comes unplugged while using it. This blower is surprisingly powerful. Very good for the price, High quality, Being an older person I find it easy to use for clearing the leaves, This has to be the best purchase I've made! It has lots of power and I have no issue blowing all the leaves fast and easy,Lot of bang for the buck

The Bad 'Cons'

everyone laughed when I brought it home, no power, not powerful

Final Analysis

Well I have to say that when I found this blower online I didn't think much of it because of its tiny price tag, but turns out there's more positive reviews on this one than anything else. Sure you might look like you're bringing a toothpick to a knife fight but as long as you got the cord, this blower/sweeper will make your yard chores go by quicker than you can say, "Honey can you plug the blower back in!". Just kidding folks, I use an electric blower all the time, heck I even made a video of me using it to clean the inside of my PC. The fact is that this little electric blower will probably not disappoint you, unless you're trying to clear up something over an acre with lots of trees and bushes along the way that could become a nightmare for your electrical cord.

Toro 51609 Electric Blower/Vacuum	Customer Reviews
SPEED MPH :  235       CFM: 390         Blower Type:  Corded Electric   Engine Size: 12Amp       Engine Type: Electric  Weight: 7.5 lbs	645 4.3 Average
Noise Level in Decibels:  67 dBA Good Neighbor Approved:  yes Sweeping Performance:  Excellent Loosening Performance:  Very Good Vacuuming Performance:  yes (uses metal impeller for improved durability) Warranty Term:  2 Years Consumer Reports: Voted Best Electric Blower "CR Best Buy" Variable speed motor allows for better control in tight spaces Quick-Release Latch allows you to convert from blower to vacuum in seconds Comes with a rugged metal impeller  3 machines in 1: Powerful blower, high speed vacuum, and leaf shredder Reduce leaf piles from 16 bags into 1 bag using the vacuum	Regular Price $69.97 @ Home Depot Compare to Toro 51609 @ Amazon for $69.97  With Free Shipping

What Reviewers Said About This Model (individual comments separated by commas)

The Good 'Pros'

This thing blows like a Hurricane! The vacuum was terrific in getting the leaves off the rock without sucking up the smaller river rock, Makes fall cleaning a lot less of painful, Fantastic machine! I am so happy with this product! Fall leaves are now a little easier thanks to this little machine. Mulches Well, Does the job I want it to do, So Far So Good.

The Bad 'Cons'

vacuum functionality is really slow, i did not like this product at all, blower died in less than 8 weeks, The vibration level is unacceptable: Using it for just a few minutes leaves my hands tingling. Not thrilled that unit's parts are built to break, there is no way to lock the electrical cord into place: it continues to become unplugged.

Final Analysis

Here's another interesting electric blower / vacuum. Consumer Reports thinks this thing is the best electric blower out there and many people who reviewed this product would agree with them easily. Pouring through the reviews I found people who were a little disappointed with the build quality of the unit, but I don't think you could go wrong if you're looking for something that does it all, and it has a metal impeller to provide you with many trouble free years of lawn ornament mulching. 

Powermate Cyclone Model # P-WB-163150 Walk-Behind Blower	Customer Reviews
SPEED MPH :  150       CFM: 1200         Blower Type:  Gas Walk-Behind   Engine Size: 163cc       Engine Type: 4 stroke, single cylinder OHV     Weight: 94.8 lbs	72 3.9 Average
Noise Level in Decibels:  76 dBA Good Neighbor Approved:  yes Sweeping Performance:  Excellent Loosening Performance:  Very Good Vacuuming Performance:  No Warranty Term:  2 Years Consumer Reports: Voted  "CR Best Buy" Highly Recommended Easy to handle and control Handles leaves and other debris rather quickly Fan is balanced to prevent vibrations Perfect for large driveways and parking lots	Regular Price $349 @ Home Depot How About Something Green & Innovative Agri-Fab Lawn Sweeper for $147.24 on Amazon +Free Shipping

What Reviewers Said About This Model (individual comments separated by commas)

The Good 'Pros'

This does do the job. Much easier than a carry blower or raking, Powerful, Sturdy, moves leaves well, I was impressed with the amount of time I saved compared to my echo backpack blower, The front wheel is free spinning like a grocery cart, I love this thing!!!  This walk behind leaf blower makes my chore soooo much easier and faster. The assembly was simple -- just attach the handle with 2 wing nuts.The Cyclone is pretty much awesome. It has great blowing power  The product works fantastic! Started first pull.  Definitely a lot easier on the body than hand blowing and raking and also more thorough. Cuts time in half

The Bad 'Cons'

It would be great if they had used pneumatic tires and 4 rather than 3 wheel, needs better wheels quirky traction and steering, pull start cord broke in half in one years time, Gas/Oil Leak, LEAKED GAS OUT ALL OVER. 

Need a New Lawn Mower?    Wait till you see what lawn mowers people are buying this year!   Check out the best self-propelled lawn mower buying guide.

Final Analysis

At first I didn't see the appeal in these big bulky walk-behind leaf blowers until I read a bunch of really good reviews that spoke right to me. I have back problems that I'm recovering from, so a handheld blower for me and the 31 million Americans who also have back problems might find handheld blowers to be a poor choice for them.

Now I love the Husqvarna gas-powered blowers in this guide, but if the darn thing makes my back hurt, then I could surely see me avoiding the chore until my lawn looks messier than a Kardashians love life.

However I was really leaning heavily towards the backpack blowers (More of these will be added to the list this week), but the customer reviews on this Powermate Cyclone gave me a lot more confidence in this technology instead, especially when it comes to clearing loads of leaves quickly. This walking tornado will save anyone a lot of time from doing those yard chores we all love so very little, by using a massive 1200 CFM Cyclone to perform a parting of the leaves in our yards as if it were a religious ceremony of sorts; well not really, but this thing blows far and wide!

On another note, there were a fair amount of complaints regarding fuel problems. Overall this blower got a 3.9 star rating, so you know it's got to be pretty darn reliable to begin with. Maybe the bad reviews came from people who abused it or didn't read the instructions, and it's also possible that maybe there are problems that the manufacturer needs to fix. 

Is it the best buying guide in the world for blowers? I think so, but I'd love to hear your comments, criticisms and suggestions. Post them on  my Facebook fan page.

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