3/4 acre is quite a bit to mow with a 21" deck!

I'm a Honda fan myself. A few options for under your price threshold.

HRN216PKA ($579)
HRN216VKA ($599) - only difference is self propel type - Varialbe Position Smart Drive.

You can compare models here : Honda Lawn Mowers | Selecting A Mower

I know nothing about EGO or other battery powered mowers. I've never felt compelled to jump to electric mowers as I have heard horror stories about battery replacement costs.

I've been running a Honda HRR since 2015 and it continues to run extremely well and always starts on the first pull. I've only been looking at improved models (HRN, HRX) recently as they get down to 1.0 and 0.75" HOC, respectively.

I don't think you could go wrong with a Toro or Honda. Good luck in your research.

 

3/4 acre is quite a bit to mow with a 21" deck!

I'm a Honda fan myself. A few options for under your price threshold.

HRN216PKA ($579)
HRN216VKA ($599) - only difference is self propel type - Varialbe Position Smart Drive.

You can compare models here : Honda Lawn Mowers | Selecting A Mower

I know nothing about EGO or other battery powered mowers. I've never felt compelled to jump to electric mowers as I have heard horror stories about battery replacement costs.

I've been running a Honda HRR since 2015 and it continues to run extremely well and always starts on the first pull. I've only been looking at improved models (HRN, HRX) recently as they get down to 1.0 and 0.75" HOC, respectively.

I don't think you could go wrong with a Toro or Honda. Good luck in your research.

Thank you for your input!

That's the same thing my wife says...except she adds "for a 57 year old."

It's probably closer to 3/5 of an acre. There is piece of our land that is across a small ditch that we don't mow every week. I mowed the entire yard with our old Toro mower the other day and it wasn't too bad - a slight incline throughout the majority of it, but overall not a horrible mow.

I appreciate the link as well...that really helped a lot!

I can't find the HRN216VKA locally but did find the HRX217K6VKAD for $699

I agree, not really interested in a mower with a battery. It still irks me when my battery powered blower runs out of juice.

Again, thank you for all of the information!

TripleB

 

I have an HRN217VYAA which I guess is like the deluxe model, can stop the blade while the engine still runs. I've only used it 4 times but it definitely stalls when cutting at 1" on the thick crabgrass and surprisingly the good stuff that's actually been growing in when I have it set to mulch mode. I tried like hell to find an HRX but couldn't. Wish I did, I think the HRN I got was like $550 from HD

 

HRX 216 older model , 18,000 ft2
My only issue is it does not much well if your cutting off more than 1.25” , not a deal breaker but I do wish it cut just a bit higher.

change the oil and keep the gas fresh you should get years of trouble free use.

Im considering the wider toro to cut back on time a bit.

 

Honda HRX217K6VKAD (should be $699) it's kinda built to last.

 

I just picked up a honda HRX217HYA at HD for $699. Hydrostatic transmission, cruise control, with blade stop. This is not the electric start model. They were going for a grand everywhere else. With that being said , I'm only taking care of 5000sq feet. I understand wanting to stay on budget trust me , but if I were cutting that much I'd be looking at a used small 30" snapper ride on. There are usually some on Marketplace or Craigslist for below your budget in decent shape. You will save a lot of time and have a nicer finished look. It won't look like the Indy 500 went across your lawn.

 

Thats a hell of a deal for the HRX217HYA. I had researched the Honda lineup last fall and that is their top model if you ignore the electric start model (who needs it). MSRP on the HYA was $1099. Based on your feedback @Montauket I did check my local HD and they're selling here for $549. Also for HD pricing reference:

HRX217VYA : $649 - Same as HYA but uses Infinitely Variable Select Drive rather than Cruise Control Hydrostatic
HRX217VKA: $599 - Same as above but fixed throttle control and no blade stop system.

 

ISU you are correct . Thanks for telling me I just got a 150 dollar credit bringing it down to 549.

 

Glad you got the deal!

 

I have the Honda HRX and had the issue of missing swaths of grass from day one when bagging or mulching, mostly during bagging. After a year of going nuts and changing blades, I finally replaced the dual blades with a single blade Oregon 92-101 with much better lift and it cuts beautifully. The Oregon blade needed some grinding on the edges of the lift wing outer edge to fit, so I bought a few, grinded, balanced and always have a sharp standing by.