I’m considering getting a new mower, but don’t need a riding mower. It’s about 1/4 acre, but has enough hills to have me looking into something self-propelled. What recommendations do y’all have? I don’t know if I want to go as high-end as a Honda. Battery-powered intrigues me, not for environmental reasons, but just because of how well battery technology has advanced over the last few years.

I have a self-propelled Honda that is about a 1992 model that will still crank on the first pull and I can't remember ever spending much money on it to keep it running other than changing the oil.

Buy once, cry once. I wouldn't necessarily get a "high end" model if I needed another I would get a commercial model in today's market.

Have a Toro that has been a good one

I have had my Honda for 4 years. Change the oil and air filter once a year and it's been good to go.

Same! also I will add running non ethanol gas.

Honda. Buy once, cry once.

If my yard was small enough for a push mower I would seriously consider battery. I hate having a gasoline engine that won’t run in the spring.

I have had a Toro rear wheel drive for more than 10 years. Has been a good mower and cranks readily. I do have to adjust the drive system sometimes. If/when I buy again I will look at Honda and Toro and choose one of those. Always use non ethanol gas.

Get a Honda. Mine is about 20 years old and still runs like new.

Do not get the variable speed drive drive, get the hydrostatic drive.

What I have is a Craftsman with a Briggs that’s about a dozen years old. Zero issues with the engine and still cranks easily, even the first part of spring (been using non-enthanol gas). The problem is the deck rusting.

The cheaper Honda’s have transmission issues. I bought one several years back. Paid like $450 for it. Went through 2 transmissions in two years. The internet and advanced mower in Bessemer both said the lower level Honda’s had this issue. I ended up with a commercial ex mark. I could’ve bought 2 ex marks by the time I bought the Honda and laid for 2 transmissions

We have a Toro that has been excellent. Bought new in 2012, zero issues.

I’m sure very few residential models are still made to the same quality as the days of yore...but...my 20yo john deer steel deck 22” cut was my first mower and still cuts grass when I need it to. Honda was my second choice with “unlimited drive” gearing, you could set it to your pace instead of setting your pace to one of 3 speeds like most others.
Definitely get a big wheel if your lawn is uneven!

Toro

Husqvarna. Been a good one.

I have an exmark 30” push mower but it’s about as high end as you’ll get. I’d suggest the husquavarna awd model.

Well if you cut no more than 40 minutes at a time EGO battery mower I’ve had mine 4 years now. Mowed 2 weeks ago ran like a champ on thick rye grass .

I had a Home Depot version Honda, worst mower I ever bought. Self propelled was a constant issue. Repaired multiple times and finally sold it. Engine, ergonomics, cut quality etc were all great but the damn mower was too heavy to push around every time the self propelled broke.

When under warranty? Obviously not ideal, but did they at least honor the warranty if it was still within the 3 years or whatever?

Toro or exmark