Craftsman mower Honda engine
Although this is probably the least likely group to have trouble, I’m trying to get the word out about my latest machine purchase. I wanted a new push mower for trim work, etc. and bought an MTD-produced “Craftsman” M140 from Lowe’s. This is a push mower, 21″ cut, and Honda 160 cc engine. This is almost identical to the one I’m replacing, a “Huskee” 21″ mower that came from Tractor Supply 6-7 yrs ago. My old motor is great, but I do have a few holes in the steel deck.
An unlikely sequence of events occurred as I checked out a few things before putting into service. I loosened the oil cap/dipstick then realized I wanted to check that the blade was secured properly before putting oil in the engine. I tilted the mower to check the blade and found oil on the shop floor.
There was a special bulleting warning the consumer that this engine required only 12 oz of oil despite there being 15 oz in the bottle provided. There’s language warning of the possible harm from overfilling. Additionally, there’s a hang tag around the gas fill cap telling you there’s no oil in the engine. I tilted the mower to check the blade and found oil on the shop floor.
I topped off the oil level from the bottle and found it only took nine oz since I evidently had not spilled all of the oil from the engine. Though many of us would catch this by checking the oil level after adding 12 oz of oil (not sure if it would hold 24 oz), how many consumers are out there ruining perfectly good engines by adding “12 oz only” following the instructions when someone somewhere already put oil in the engine?
This is not a consumer safety issue (Federal CPSC) but more a consumer fraud issue. MTD has proven difficult to get on the phone, but I did contact Lowe’s hoping they will run it up the food chain to MTD.
Moral of the story. Trust No One? and they proudly display made in USA from Global components.
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Commercial: Exmark Commercial X-Series Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
As we bid adieu to Honda this year, the HRC series still gets two thumbs up from us while you can get them. From there, we turn to Exnark and its Commercial X line that complements its Lazer Z zero-turn mowers well. Some professionals will certainly turn to the higher-capacity 30-inch model, but we expect the 21-inch model will find its way onto more trailers.
Exmark wisely uses a Honda 163cc GXV engine with a legendary reputation for reliability. It’s fed by a generous 1-gallon fuel tank and turns the blade at tip speeds up to 18,500 fpm. There’s also an option for a Kawasaki FJ180V engine if you’d like to step up to a 179cc engine.
The deck is 1/4-inch aluminum construction that keeps the weight down (112 pounds) while maintaining high durability. The deck is adjustable from 4.5 inches on the high side all the way down to 1 inch while the drive runs at speeds up to 4.2 MPH.
Residential: Toro Super Recycler Series 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Toro runs deep in the residential lawn mower sector and our favorite among them is the Super Recycler series. Getting the best of all the technology Toro has to offer, our top recommendation (model 21565) includes the Personal Pace drive system and the Smart Stow design that allows you to vertically store the mower even though it’s a gas model.
It uses a 163cc Briggs Stratton engine that produces 7.25 ft-lbs of torque and just under 17,000 fpm blade tip speed.
Toro touts a commercial-grade construction on this model and includes a lighter aluminum deck rather than steel. In addition to that, you get outstanding cut quality, especially on the mulching side (you better with the name Super Recycler!). Wrapping it up, the Personal Pace drive system adjusts to your walking pace so there are no levers or dials to adjust.
Best Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower
Just a few years ago, if you wanted to find the best battery-powered lawn mower, you could only find residential models. Now, there’s an emerging class of professional-grade options and we have picks for both Pros and homeowners.
Professional: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
There aren’t many true commercial self-propelled lawn mowers with lithium-ion power sources. Milwaukee launched their effort in 2022 with a monstrous 10 ft-lbs of torque that tops what you typically see from a 200cc gas engine. It’s more than just muscle, though. Its blade and deck combine to handle mulching and bagging better than most.
As you roll into fall, the mower’s high-lift mode keeps the blades at 3300 RPM to help pull those lightweight leaves and clean up your lawn. Other features include 180° LED lighting, LED battery indicators facing you, variable speed thumb bar (in addition to the speed wheel), a durable build, and much more.
Price: 1099.00 with two 12.0Ah batteries and dual-port Rapid charger
Residential: EGO Select Cut XP 21-Inch Lawn Mower with Speed IQ
The evolution of EGO’s flagship mower is interesting. It started with the dual-battery Peak Power model that raised the bar of what lithium-ion is capable of. Then, we saw the first stacked-blade SelectCut options that improved cut quality and effectiveness in tall grass. The two technologies combined in the SelectCut XP. Now EGO adds Speed IQ to the mix.
Speed IQ is a self-propelled drive system that automatically adjusts to your pace. However, it’s not a spring-loaded set of handles like Toro uses on its Personal Pace models. Instead, there’s a sensor doing some serious engineering magic… and it works like a charm from our brief time with it at Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE).
Price: 599.00 bare, 999.00 with a 12.0Ah battery and Turbo charger
Best Large Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
Commercial: Greenworks Commercial 30-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Can a battery-powered commercial mower really displace gas models? Greenworks Commercial has an 82V 30-inch model that got our attention at the Equip Expo in late 2022, and it’s hard to ignore as a legitimate option. It has the power to replace a 200cc gas engine with blade speeds up to 16,000 FPM. On a full charge, it can cover up to 2 acres.
There are drive system features worth considering as well. Independent hub wheel motors engage what Greenworks calls the Easy Turn System (ETS), making the mower easier to maneuver. Another big deal is that there is a powered reverse function—something that’s incredibly helpful with the weight of mowers in this class. The controls are all up next to your hands and there’s even a display to help you keep track of your battery levels.
Price: 1999.99 bare, 2999.99 with three 8Ah batteries and a dual-port charger
Residential: Toro TimeMaster 30-inch Personal Pace Mower
With 10 ft-lbs of torque delivered from its Briggs Stratton 223cc engine, the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster is our pick as the best large walk-behind lawn mower. Not only does it deliver big power to turn its time-saving 30-inch blade, but it also features Toro’s Personal Pace self-propelled drive and Spin-Stop that lets you stop the blade without shutting off the mower.
It all adds up to big-time savings on larger lawns. Grab model 21200 if you want an electric start or the 21199 if you don’t mind a recoil start and want to save 100.
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for the Money
Craftsman Lawn Mower 160cc Honda Engine. 170
Craftsman Lawn Mower with a Honda Engine 160cc with rear bag/mulch. 170 with coupon. 200. 30 coupon.
Seems like the SAVEMORE coupon works with this product even though it is a clearance item.
Tempted to bite since my old mower died right at the end of the year, cleaned the carb but I think the connecting rod went since there was a clunk and the pull feels light and floppy now.
Reviews seem terrible though. Bad engines? Not much that can go wrong on a push mower apart from the engine, and when it does its cheaper to just buy a new mower than take it I or spend hours troubleshooting.
M1K3Z0R wrote: Tempted to bite since my old mower died right at the end of the year, cleaned the carb but I think the connecting rod went since there was a clunk and the pull feels light and floppy now.
Reviews seem terrible though. Bad engines? Not much that can go wrong on a push mower apart from the engine, and when it does its cheaper to just buy a new mower than take it I or spend hours troubleshooting.
It’s a Honda engine, and i’ve heard nothing but good things about hondas. I just ordered one, but I’d be interested in reading more reviews.
tunda11 wrote: It’s a Honda engine, and i’ve heard nothing but good things about hondas. I just ordered one, but I’d be interested in reading more reviews.
CRAFTSMAN M250 160-cc 21-in Self-propelled Gas Push Lawn Mower Honda Engine
POWERFUL ENGINE: 160cc Honda engine with automatic choke eliminates choking or priming before starting. SELF-PROPELLED VARIABLE SPEED: Front wheel drive allows you to mow at your own pace.
COMPACT STORAGE: Features Easy Fold Handles for compact storage. Rear wheels allow you to navigate over rough terrain. DUST BLOCKERT BAG: Reduces Messy Dust Clouds. 3-in-1 convertible deck lets you side discharge, mulch, or rear bag grass clippings. HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Dual-lever, 6 position height adjustment makes it easy to change cutting heights from 1.25-in.
DECK WASH PORT: Connect to a garden hose and rinse away clippings and buildup. 160cc Honda FWD self-propelled mower is ideal for smaller yards and allows you to mow at your own pace. The 160cc Honda engine with automatic choke eliminates choking or priming before starting. A 1.9 bushel Dust Blocker bag allows for easy cleanup or composting while reducing in-air dust and debris. Feature-rich, this mower has 11-in.
Rear wheels for improved maneuverability on any terrain, dual-lever, 6-position height adjustment which makes it easy for you to adjust the cutting height while mowing, and Easy Fold handles for compact storage. Enjoy a job well done with the CRAFTSMAN M250. The item “CRAFTSMAN M250 160-cc 21-in Self-propelled Gas Push Lawn Mower Honda Engine” is in sale since Sunday, October 24, 2021. This item is in the category “Home Garden\Yard, Garden Outdoor Living\Lawn Mowers, Parts Accessories\Lawn Mowers”. The seller is “mnhom-89” and is located in Denver, Colorado.
Craftsman Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 160cc Honda Engine-Used twice!
Seller: mercibus ️ (241) 100%. Location: Sierra Madre, California, US. Ships to: US, Item: 292106403070 Craftsman Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 160cc Honda Engine-Used twice! Craftsman Model Self Propelled Lawn Mower with 160cc Honda Engine. This mower is like brand new and only used 2 times. I bought it less than 2 months ago. It is in perfect condition! Description from Sears Website: The Craftsman 22″ rear wheel drive mower will give you the capability to take on any job, without sacrificing comfort. The 160cc, OHC Honda engine delivers power, giving you a precise cutting performance. With high rear wheels and EZ Walk variable speed drive system, you will be able to handle multiple terrains. The Craftsman rear wheel drive mower has an AutoChoke engine, allowing the engine to start fast and clean. Single lever height adjustment makes changing cutting positions quick and easy. The 3-in-1 deck gives you the option to bag, mulch, or side discharge your grass clippings. 160cc Honda OHC engine delivers precise and powerful cutting performance. AutoChoke makes starting the engine fast. EZ Walk Variable Speed. The ergonomic dual trigger drive system has variable speeds to suit the pace of the job. 2.3BU Dustblocker Bag with EZ Bagging Access allows for single hand bag removal. Single Lever Height Adjustment. Changing cutting positions is quick and easy with the adjustment of just a single lever3-in-1 capability to mulch, side discharge, or bag clippings. 11 in. rear wheels for smooth operation. Deck wash attachment makes cleaning the underside of the deck a breeze. 3 position adjustable handle. Condition: Used. Condition: Used twice. Like new Brand: Craftsman See
How We Tested and Selected
We compiled this list based on Popular Mechanics mower testing and our knowledge of the lawn mower market at large. For our testing, we put mowers through the paces using our standard Popular Mechanics methodology: We cut turf grasses such as fescues and blue grass and rougher non-turf grasses like Timothy, clover, orchard grass, and wild oats, all in both normal and shin-deep heights. We mow uphill, downhill, and across the faces of hills. The maximum slope we cut is about 30 degrees.
That may not sound like much, but it’s about all you can do to stand on it, let alone push a mower up it or across it. We mow damp and wet grass to test general cutting performance and whether clippings accumulate on the tires. And we cut dry and dusty surfaces to see how well the bag filters under less-than-optimal conditions.
Key Specs
Honda mowers enjoy a sterling reputation. Having tested their walk and self-propelled mowers for the last 30 years, we feel confident that Honda’s entry level mower is a great choice for homeowners looking for power and durability. The HRN features a GCV 170 gas engine that’s built to withstand long hours of operation.
If you do your own maintenance (and most owners who buy this class of product do), you’ll appreciate the easily accessible spark plug and the fuel shutoff valve that enables better winter storage. Close the fuel shutoff and run the mower until it sputters to a halt. This will clear the carburetor of any gasoline, which will prevent the ethanol in it from disintegrating and causing running issues later on. Open the shutoff valve in the spring, add some fresh gasoline, and the mower should start easily.
All this maintenance stuff is great, but we can also tell you that our past test findings on other Hondas prove that their cut quality is outstanding for cleanliness. Sharp blades deliver a velvet-like finish. And their bagging ability is also quite good, in the same league with other well-bagging mowers from Toro.
In all, if you take mowing seriously, you should enjoy this Honda. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, consider the Honda HRX, which features a mower powerful engine and a composite deck that won’t rust and is renowned for its durability.
One note is that Honda has announced that it will cease selling lawn mowers in the United States after this year—so if you’re considering buying one, best do it sooner rather than later.
Key Specs
Toro mowers have garnered more recommendations from us than any other brand for two reasons: build quality and cut quality. These were amply demonstrated in our testing as the Recycler turned in the best ratio of cut area per amp-hour of battery in the self-propelled category, while at the same time not skimping on cutting, mulching, or bagging quality.
We attribute this outstanding mower performance to three features, all upgrades to the previous version of this machine. First, the air vent at the front of the mower deck seems to improve mulching and bagging performance. Toro calls it Vortex technology, a design that increases air flow under the deck. This helps to stand the grass for a cleaner cut, which improves mulching performance, and also allows better airflow into the bag when collecting the clippings.
Next, the company’s redesigned “Atomic” blade configuration appears to assist the air flow and clipping movement. Finally, the three-phase, 60-volt motor is exceptionally efficient, resulting in a large cut area for a single battery.
Toro has maintained features that make this mower work: rear wheel drive, a one-piece deck that’s all steel (no plastic nose), 11-inch wheels to help it roll over roots and crevices, and the same fold-forward handle that was an industry breakthrough when it was introduced some years ago.
Key Specs
This is one of Ryobi’s top-of-the-line mowers, and it’s American-made construction is something we wish we saw more of. It delivers a tremendous cut area with its two 6-Ah batteries providing a total of 12-Ah of capacity, and its X-shaped blade leaves a pristine surface in its wake.
Ryobi estimates the design should provide 70 minutes of run time; we didn’t time our cut, but it strikes as plausible. Its rear-wheel drive and reasonably aggressive tire tread pattern provide good hill climbing and sidehill cutting performance, and its bagging on all surfaces (level, sidehill, and uphill) is also commendable.
Other ease-of-use features include an easily installed or removed bag that mounts and dismounts straight up and down through the handle; deck adjustment is quick and easy thanks to a single-level deck height adjustment. The straight edge deck is polypropylene; it will never rust and needs very little care other than basic cleaning.
Toro TimeMaster 30 in. Briggs Stratton Personal Pace
The Toro Timemaster 30-in. mower has been around for several years and has earned a reputation as a sturdy workhorse for homeowners who want to cut down on their mowing time. It’s also used by some professionals as well. A few years ago the Timemaster got a slightly more powerful Briggs and Stratton gas engine, so it should have no issues powering through most demanding mowing jobs.
The Timemaster is rear-wheel drive and features Toro’s Personal Pace drive system that’s used on many of its self-propelled mowers. This allows the mower to move at your speed by simply pushing down or releasing the handle, which is spring-tensioned.
With a 30-in. deck, Toro claims the Timemaster will help you reduce your mowing time by about 40% compared to using a standard-sized mower. You can mulch, back, or side discharge with the Timemaster, and the handlebar can be locked in a fully vertical position to reduce space consumption in storage.
If you have half an acre to a full acre of lawn to mow and prefer the experience of a walk-behind mower versus a tractor or zero-turn, the Timemaster is worth a look.
Craftsman mowers have been doing very well in our tests, so we can recommend this one because it’s so much like the many other of the brand’s models that we’ve tested. If you’re looking for a good blend of maneuverability and power, you’ll get it with this mower. Its front drive helps move it along and makes it easy to turn.
It’s important to note that front-drive mowers do lose some traction when running uphill, particularly with a full grass bag. But if your slope is less than 20 degrees, and you’re not bagging uphill, you’ll be fine. The side discharge will also help you handle tall grass. Adjust the two deck levers to bring the mower up to full height and have at the rough stuff.
The fact that this mower bags, mulches, and side discharges is a plus, enabling you to handle a wide range of mowing conditions, from early spring and late into the fall. Three-function mowers like this are our preference for that versatility.
Key Specs
This is a beauty of a mower, with a cast-aluminum deck and a smooth-running Briggs Stratton 163-cc engine. We tested the Honda engine-equipped version, and it was effective at both bagging and mulching, even in moist grass.
Equipped with rear-wheel drive and the Personal Pace system (the farther you push the drive bar, the faster the mower goes), it’s an effective hill climber and moderately effective on sidehill cutting. It has relatively small 7.5-inch tires on all four corners, which causes this Toro to bump up and down a bit on washboard surfaces. But the good news is that it’s equipped with a far higher quality tire than we’re used to seeing these days. We didn’t notice them pick up any grass on moist surfaces.
Other features we like include its forward-fold handle that has a built-in shock absorber that Toro calls a Flex Handle Suspension, and a high-quality grass bag that loads through the handle, from the top.
QA
Are there special maintenance considerations with self-propelled mowers?
Yes. Both front- and rear-wheel drive mowers typically feature a drive belt, which can crack or wear out over time. Fortunately these belts are not difficult or particularly expensive to replace.
Secondly, you may have to replace the drive wheels occasionally. These wheels are driven with gears. there are typically teeth on the inside diameter of the drive wheel that line up with a gear on the axle. These teeth can wear out, especially if they are made of plastic. Higher-end mowers may feature drive wheels with a metal gear that meets the metal axle gear, which improves longevity of these components.
My lawnmower says I don’t ever have to change the oil, but just add oil when needed. Is this OK?
It’s not a good idea to never change the oil in your lawn mower. In a lawn mower, same as a car, oil degrades over time and is less effective at reducing heat and friction in metal components. Changing the oil in your lawn mower is easy to do and will significantly increase its service life. For most homeowners, changing the oil at the beginning or end of each mowing season should be sufficient, though there is certainly no harm in doing it more often.
Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.