[Gator71]

What is the best brand of push mowers under $200? Is briggs and stratton still a good engine?

 

[jimn]

Under 200 bucks you are essentially buying a disposable piece of junk so it really doesn't matter. The mower will last a couple of years . Yes Briggs still makes some decent engines but at this price point you are buying the bottom of the line Chinese engine . Look for something with at least a solid handle and mower deck. The engine whether it's a Briggs or something else will last a few years. I think you will find nearly ever mower in this range is made by a company called MTD no matter what the brand . Good walk behind mowers start at around 500 US dollars

 

[rjniles]

In that price range, I would look on Craigslist.

 

[Gator71]

Thanks guys. I can't afford that much, I'll look in craigs or similar.

 

[Gator71]

Under 200 bucks you are essentially buying a disposable piece of junk so it really doesn't matter. The mower will last a couple of years . Yes Briggs still makes some decent engines but at this price point you are buying the bottom of the line Chinese engine . Look for something with at least a solid handle and mower deck. The engine whether it's a Briggs or something else will last a few years. I think you will find nearly ever mower in this range is made by a company called MTD no matter what the brand . Good walk behind mowers start at around 500 US dollars

What parts fail first usually?

 

[joecaption]

Decks rust out.
Plastic wheels break.
Buy a used one and you can expect have to to rebuild the carb. replace cables, new blades, air filter, recoil breaking.
That's some of the most common items to fail.

 

[lenaitch]

+ 1 on opting for a good used name brand through an online site or your local paper. Perhaps a local small engine dealer has used ones - around here many do. I don't know how you can tell the difference between a US and China B&S engine but would agree in the $200 range it will be off-shore. I tend to take care of my equipment and my 1980 Lawnboy is still chugging along.

 

[jimn]

+1 on the used. Craigslist in some areas can be a bit iffy. My local hardware store often sells trade ins and his rental stock for a good price.

As to what fails on a new 200 dollar mower, everything.

 

[joecaption]

I'm always looking for deals on Craig's list even though I have way more mowers then I need.
I bought a Yazoo high wheeled self propelled for $150.00, new belts and new carb. and it runs like new and this thing is a tank.
Yazoo only made commercial equipment.
Just bought a Cub Cadet LT 1150 riding mower that came with a brand new lift to lift the front end for service for $300.00 for both because the guy was moving and it still had not sold.
New deck wheels and blades (about $50.00) and it runs and looks new.
New deck wheels, new blades