The Complete Lawnmower Buying Guide: Part 2 - Brands to Avoid and Final Recommendations

By Terry Roth, Manager of Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tune-up

Welcome back to Part 2 of our comprehensive lawnmower buying guide! In Part 1, we covered our top 3 lawnmower recommendations: the Toro Personal Pace Recycler (our #1 choice), Lawn-Boy push mowers, and Craftsman lawnmowers. Now, let's complete our top 5 recommendations and, more importantly, reveal which brands cause us the most headaches in our repair shop.

As someone who services over 4,000 machines annually, I've seen firsthand which brands hold up over time and which ones become expensive problems for homeowners. This experience-based knowledge could save you hundreds of dollars and countless frustrations.

Completing Our Top 5 Recommendations

#4 Choice: Troy-Bilt Lawn Mowers

Troy-Bilt lawn mowers earn our fourth-place ranking for several solid reasons. These machines consistently deliver reliable performance in our service experience, and we see fewer major issues compared to many other brands.

Key Features that Make Troy-Bilt Stand Out:

• Reliable Engines: Troy-Bilt mowers feature engines from well-respected brands like Briggs & Stratton or Honda, known for their dependability and longevity

• Consistent Performance: They deliver a clean and even cut, even in damp grass conditions where other mowers struggle

• Sturdy Construction: Steel decks resist flexing, contributing to overall durability and stability

• User-Friendly Design: Easy starting systems and high rear wheels for better maneuverability over uneven terrain

• Self-Propelled Functionality: Reduces physical strain, especially valuable for slopes and larger lawns

• Maintenance-Friendly: Features like deck wash adapters make cleaning and maintenance simpler

Pro Tip from the Shop: Troy-Bilt mowers offer a three-year warranty versus Toro's two-year warranty, which speaks to the manufacturer's confidence in their product. We find parts readily available and reasonably priced for most Troy-Bilt models.

#5 Choice: Cub Cadet Push Mowers

Rounding out our top 5 recommendations, Cub Cadet push mowers offer solid value and performance. While they don't quite reach the reliability levels of our top 3 choices, they're still a respectable option for homeowners seeking quality construction.

What Makes Cub Cadet Worth Considering:

• "Signature Cut" Quality: Engineered to deliver consistent, pristine cuts even in challenging conditions

• Durable Construction: Rugged, rust-resistant steel decks built to withstand demanding use

• 3-in-1 Capability: Versatile cutting system allows bagging, mulching, or side discharge

• Enhanced Comfort: Adjustable, ergonomic handles reduce vibrations; larger rear wheels improve stability

• Easy Operation: Auto choke for quick starting and single-hand operation features

• Reliable Power: Powered by Cub Cadet's own OHV engines, designed for consistent performance

• Strong Support: Backed by good warranty coverage and dealer network

Lawnmowers to Avoid: Professional Warnings from the Repair Shop

Now for the important part – the brands that cause us the most problems in our shop. After servicing thousands of machines, certain patterns become crystal clear. Here are the lawnmower brands I strongly recommend you avoid:

#1 TO AVOID: Certified Lawnmowers (Canadian Tire)

SHOP OWNER WARNING: Many repair shops, including ours, will refuse to work on these machines. This should tell you everything you need to know.

Certified lawnmowers from Canadian Tire top our list of machines to avoid. In our professional opinion, these are among the worst lawnmowers on the market.

Why We Don't Recommend Certified Lawnmowers:

• Parts Impossible to Find: Getting replacement parts like blades, spark plugs, and air filters is extremely difficult

• Design Flaws: Multiple design issues lead to frequent breakdowns and poor performance

• Unreliable Components: Cheap materials and poor manufacturing quality

• Safety Concerns: Some models have had safety recalls, including fire hazards

• No Shop Support: Most repair facilities won't work on them due to parts availability issues

My Professional Recommendation: Buy a quality used lawnmower before you buy one of these new. You'll get better performance and reliability from a well-maintained older machine than from a new Certified mower.

#2 TO AVOID: Remington Lawn Mowers

Remington mowers frequently come into our shop with the same recurring problems. Users report significant issues that make lawn care more frustrating than it should be.

Common Issues We See:

• Ineffective Grass Catchers: Poor bag design leads to constant clogging and spillage

• Poor Performance on Taller Grass: Struggles with anything beyond short, dry grass

• Carburetor Problems: Frequent starting issues related to fuel system problems

• Multiple Pass Requirements: Often requires going over the same area repeatedly

• Warranty Difficulties: Customer service issues when trying to get repairs covered

#3 TO AVOID: Weed Eater Brand Lawn Mowers

Don't let the name fool you – Weed Eater brand lawn mowers are poorly constructed and create more problems than they solve.

Why We Don't Recommend Weed Eater Mowers:

• Poor Cutting Performance: Struggles with taller or wet grass, leading to slow cutting and frequent overheating

• Durability Issues: Rapid rust development on decks and deteriorating components

• Overheating Problems: Engines commonly overheat during normal use

• Cheap Construction: Very cheaply made – you truly get what you pay for

• Wheel Problems: Frequent wheel failures and adjustment issues

#4 TO AVOID: PowerSmart Lawn Mowers

PowerSmart mowers are considered poor quality due to their cheap, fragile construction. We see these in our shop far too often for machines that should still be under warranty.

Common Problems We Encounter:

• Fragile Build: Cheap plastic components break easily, especially wheels and height adjusters

• Self-Propel System Failures: Drive systems commonly fail after minimal use

• Starting Difficulties: Hard to start, excessive smoking, engines stopping shortly after starting

• Poor Customer Support: Long wait times and unresponsive customer service for warranty issues

• Limited Functionality: Cutting height adjustment is often inadequate for varying grass conditions

The low price point reflects the use of inferior materials and simplified manufacturing processes.

#5 TO AVOID: Yard Machines (Acceptable for Price Point)

Note: While we list Yard Machines in our "avoid" category, they're acceptable for their low price point if you understand the limitations.

Yard Machines push mowers are often criticized for poor build quality and inconsistent performance, but they can serve a purpose for very small, well-maintained lawns on a tight budget.

Common Issues:

• Poor Quality & Durability: Mechanical failures like loose blades after short periods of use

• Performance Problems: Overheating and stopping when cutting taller or wet grass

• Design Flaws: Inconvenient height adjustment requiring wheel removal and repositioning

• Oil Filling Issues: Poorly designed oil fill hole creates messy maintenance

• Small Collection Bag: Requires frequent emptying

• Inconsistent Starting: Starting problems develop after limited use

If budget is your primary concern and you have a small, flat, well-maintained lawn, a Yard Machine might suffice for a few seasons.

Professional Buying and Maintenance Advice

Where to Buy the Good Ones

Based on our experience, here's where to find the best deals on quality mowers:

• Home Depot: Best prices for Toro mowers, frequent sales

• Lowe's: Good selection of Craftsman and other reliable brands

• Authorized Dealers: Best for service support and warranty coverage

Maintenance Tips from Our Shop

The 30-Year Secret: With proper annual maintenance, you can get 30+ years out of a quality mower like a Toro. We've seen it countless times in our shop.

Essential Maintenance for Longevity:

• Annual Professional Tune-ups: Spring maintenance prevents most major problems

• Regular Blade Sharpening: Sharp blades reduce engine strain and improve cut quality

• Proper Oil Changes: Clean oil extends engine life dramatically

• Air Filter Replacement: Clean air filters prevent engine damage

• Fuel System Maintenance: Prevents carburetor problems and starting issues

The Bottom Line: Investment vs. Cost

After servicing thousands of lawnmowers, I've learned that buying quality equipment upfront saves money long-term. A well-maintained Toro, Lawn-Boy, or Craftsman mower will outlast three or four cheap machines while providing better performance every year.

Remember: It's better to buy a quality used mower from a reputable brand than a new machine from the brands we recommend avoiding. A 10-year-old Toro that's been properly maintained will outperform and outlast a brand-new Certified or PowerSmart mower.

Keep Your Investment Running Strong

Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tuneup
Professional Small Engine Repair Services

We provide mobile service for:

• Lawnmowers (all makes and models)

• Snowblowers

• Lawn Tractors

• Small Engine Repair

Why choose our mobile service?

• Convenient at-home service

• Over 4,000 machines serviced annually

• Professional expertise you can trust

• Preventive maintenance extends equipment life

Call today to schedule your annual maintenance and keep your equipment running for decades!

Contact Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tuneup

Professional small engine repair services you can count on

Final Expert Advice: Don't let poor equipment choices turn lawn care into a frustrating chore. Invest in quality, maintain it properly, and enjoy reliable performance for decades. Your lawn – and your wallet – will thank you.

Terry Roth is the owner of Winnipeg Mobile Lawn Mower Tuneup, providing professional small engine repair services throughout Winnipeg. With years of hands-on experience servicing over 4,000 machines annually, Terry has developed expertise in identifying reliable equipment and helping homeowners make smart purchasing decisions.