I have been looking at the honda mower for 399.99 at Home Depot any thoughts on them and any other recommendations.

Can't help too much here I have a cheap Craftsman but I have heard the big box models are not the same as the ones you would buy at a lawn mower shop. That said I kind of lean towards thinking for most lawns they would do just fine. I doubt if I will buy another Craftsman mine is more than 5 years old and so far doing fine but there is a lot I do not like about this mower.

I have a Honda from the big box stores. I have had it for three years and have had no problems with it. It starts on first pull every time. My dad inherited my grandpas that is over 20 years old. Still start on first pull the majority of the time. I went through a few other brand lawnmowers and it does not compare to the honda. I personally will not own anything else.

I did find this about honda's being different at box store rather than independent dealer. I copied and pasted so I am not the one who works for honda.



Here are a few facts, from somebody who works for Honda (me):

All the Honda lawnmowers sold in the USA come from one place, and that's the Honda factory in Swepsonville, North Carolina.

There are no differences between models shipped to independent stores vs. those shipped to Home Depots; they are all the same.

Most independent stores offer all Honda models, but Home Depot typically only stocks the top selling ones. Home Depot can special order any Honda mower.

Home Depot and independent dealers pay the same price to Honda when buying mowers. What they actually sell them for is totally up to them.

The warranty provided with every Honda mower is valid at any authorized Honda location, including Home Depots and independent shops. It does not matter where you bought it, you can get warranty service done at any location.

When you buy from an independent dealer, they typically will have the mower fully assembled, fuel and oil added, and tested before you get it. At Home Depot, you can buy a mower still-in-the-box and get it prepped yourself (not hard, not tools required).

-Robert@Honda

I was looking at mowers with a buddy of mine who just bought his first house a month or so ago. We concluded that the $399 Honda was by far the best value on the market.

I think I bought the $599 at HD. It had the bigger engine. I've had it for 3+ years and still starts on first pull. Keep the filter clean.

Toro self pace

Have had several kinds. Honda hands down.

Bought the $399 honda at HD last spring, I love it, been mulching leaves all fall and winter, looks like I vacuum my lawn

Its been almost 20 years since I had a walk behind. Back then I only bought Toro. Now I imagine the same company makes most of the mowers.

Toro Personal Pace

The best self propelled for me is the one my son is pushing.

I got a cheap Murray mower, but I really want a Honda.

flock of sheep

My last two Sears mowers have been great.

Honda without a doubt.

And, yes, the models at home depot are the same as your local mower shop. But Honda also regulates the prices for their dealers. Meaning identical models should be the same price no matter where you buy it. For that reason I would recommend you buy from a local shop. If you do ever need service they'll appreciate the fact it was originally purchased from them. And they'll want to stand behind their product and get you up and going again.