Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am about to buy a new mower and have narrowed my choices down to The Toro Super Recycler with the Personal Pace drive or the New Honda with the Smart Drive, plastic deck, and the "switch" to go from bagging to mulching.  The 2 most important things for me are  #1 - must be the best mulcher and #2 the self propelled drive.  Has anyone had experience with both the Personal Pace and the Smart Drive.  I have areas that I need to go back and forth with the mower...is that hard to do with the Personal Pace?  How about the smart drive?  Also up and down hills??   What about comfort?...seems like your thumbs might cramp up with the Honda Smart Drive after awhile. I would love to hear a comparative analysis on both THE DRIVES andTHE MULCHING of these 2 mowers if anyone can help.  Thanks!

what did you end up going with?

Last Summer I bought a Honda w/ smart drive and the blade clutch control at Home Depot.  Fortunately you have 30 days to return lawn equipment because I ended up returning it for the Toro 2017 w/ Personal Pace.  Yes after 10 minutes your thumbs will bother you  (I'm only 35).  Also the smart drive control is sealed with oil.  My unit was slowly oozing out, which left me wondering about the long term durability.

Overall the Honda's OHC engine is far superior to the Tecumseh.  It starts easier and is quieter.  As for cutting the lawn (mulching and bagging), they both do a good job (I bag one week, then mulch the following week).   The Personal Pace operation is so intuitive you have to get the Toro just for that option. 

My only regret is that I didn't get the equivalant Lawn Boy model.  It's basically a newer model 2017. Same Tecumsah engine, same personal pace feature, more creature comforts (padded handles, easy tilt handle and bag removal), the only negative is the cutting with is one inch smaller

good luclk

Thanks Antdonato for the input...that is exactly what I was looking for.  I have not bought yet,  maybe in another week.  (Want to sell my 36" walk behind Bobcat with brand new 14 horse Kawasaki engine first, if anyone is interested in the Chicago area)   My old mower was a Lawn Boy.  It was a great mower - lasted forever with very little repair and maintenance and mulched very well.  Are you telling me the new Lawn Boy has the same Personal Pace system?