Does anyone really like front wheel drive self propelled mowers, as opposed to rear wheel?

Question

I bought this heavy mower that has front wheel drive and its just like having to push it yourself, and since its really heavy, the work is that much harder. Could it be just this mower, which is a poulan pro.

Answer 1

I have a Snapper front wheel drive, and I like it.  The only problem is that sometimes it won't grip, then it's like having to push it.

Answer 2

Front wheel drive mowers are a lot easier to turn. Most of the time lost mowing is in the turns. If you go back and forth, the front wheel drive mower is a lot easier.

Answer 3

I hate self prpelled lawn mowers they are harder to control and they seem to dig up your lawn when you try and turn them.go with a manual control lawn mower.

Answer 4

front wheel drive mowers are for residencial use. rear wheel drive are for commercial use and work really good. you rarely have to push. if you mow your own lawn, the front wheel drive should be good enough, unless you have a huge lawn. commercial lawn mowers ar twice as heavy, 3-5 times more expensice, and ten times better.

Answer 5

I had a poulan pro for the last few years.The front wheel drive was okay but wore out the front wheels due to it being front wheel drive.I now have a rear wheel drive and like it much better.The front wheel drive is okay its just might need some adjustment to make it pull better for you.

Answer 6

Front wheel drive mowers aren't bad.  There's a couple of things you have to remember though.  Remember not to get to close to rock beds or mulch beds or anything like that.  Turning is a little different too.  The over all mechanics are different about the front vs the rear wheel drive.  Front wheel drive pulls you more while the rear wheel might push you from the back.  

Personal preferance?  I'm a lot bigger into the rear wheel drive.  Don't have to worry about things like getting too close to beds and having your mower's front wheels help you dig up that hard work in the mulch or rock bed.  I think the rear wheel drive is better on hills too.  

A tip for next time that I noticed just as an easy way for the everyday consumer.  Pay attention to the top of the mower up towards the front of the mower.  If you see a lot of machinery or some kind of casing up there, good chance its a front wheel drive.  

Yes, rear wheel drive might cost you a few more dollars but for the most part, I think you will be happier with a rear wheel drive.  Personally, I have a Toro Personal Pace.  Its a rear wheel drive and it goes when you push into it.  Hard to tell you about it without making it sound like a regular push mower.

Usually a self propelled mower WILL be a little heavier vs a regular push.  And why shouldn't it?  It has more things on it to either on the front or the back part of the mower bringing more weight to the machine.

Bottom line is, personally and I'm going to guess when talking to a majority of people, you'll be happier with a rear wheel drive.  Just because its rear wheel drive doesn't always mean its a commercial mower.  

If you want a good cheap price but not cheap quality mower, I'd stick with either Toro or Lawnboy.  Sure, it'd be nice to be mowing around in a Honda but those aren't exactly cheap and you can get more for your money with a before mentioned mower.  Don't waste your time with a YardMachine or a Snapper or YardMan or a JohnDeere mower and definately not a Craftsman.  Deere makes a heck of a good rider mower but not a good residential mower.  If you can, check in consumer reports.  You might as well go to Home Depot  because that's were you'll find the best selections.  Trust me on this.  Check me through Consumer Reports.