Front vs rear wheel drive mowers

[yellowstang]

Looking to get a new mower here in a bit and was wondering what the differences (as far as using, pros/cons) of a rear vs front wheel drive mower. I have always had front wheel drive models.

The thing I "think" makes me lean towards them is when you are mowing and come up to say a fence, the side of the house (when mowing into a corner, etc.), with front wheel drive, you push the handle down and raise the front wheels up, it stops going forward. If it is a rear wheel drive, it'll wanna keep pushing itself forward.

Anything anyone has as far as an opinion/preference?

[Baron Von Crowder]

I've had both, and prefer rear drive, especially if you are bagging.

[Reefer Rae]

Rear drive is the way to go ,

[yellowstang]

Got a Toro rear wheel drive, with the personal pace thing. Fucker can go slow, or almost to a slight run when pushed all the way down!

[ceyko]

My push is front, rather have rear.

[mstng86]

My push is front, rather have rear.

How is it a push mower if it is self propelled?

I have a front drive mower and I really don't have any complaints.

I prefer the Mexican drive mowers though.

[ceyko]

How is it a push mower if it is self propelled?

I have a front drive mower and I really don't have any complaints.

I prefer the Mexican drive mowers though.

Because you still end up pushing it a lot, which I why I'd rather have a rear wheel drive.

[mstng86]

Is it easier to push a rear wheel compared to a front wheel? That is the only complaint I have with my front. It sucks pushing when drive isn't engaged.

[ceyko]

Is it easier to push a rear wheel compared to a front wheel? That is the only complaint I have with my front. It sucks pushing when drive isn't engaged.

Well from my perspective 90% of the time when I'm lifting the front wheels it's to move it around and that sort of thing. The rear wheels are turning which is easier for me. Also, in those situations where maybe you lift it to get it over something...etc, it'll just keep going. Where if you're still trying to go forward with a fw drive - but lift the wheels - it's can be counter productive to lift the front wheels and push depending on grade...etc

None of these are HUGE deals by any means. Just if I had a choice and knowing what I know now - I'd go rear wheel drive.

[Dacotua]

If you have a bag on the back, rear drive is the only way to go. As that bag gets filled, it gets heavier, taking weight off the front tires. Also turning is a bitch with front drive.

[Z06killinsbf]

I prefer front because if you have a torque happy rear wheel drive it may jump and put those stupid blade pattern in your grass.

[Blackpony]

A big wheel rear drive is the only way to go. Having mowed 20-30 yards each week for the past two years, experience with both I will never go back to front drive.

[yellowstang]

I prefer front because if you have a torque happy rear wheel drive it may jump and put those stupid blade pattern in your grass.

Well I just found this out today, the hard way!

That damn self pace feature is going to take some time to get use to it. It likes to pull wheelies when you take off!

[franks]

I bought a "nice" toro from lowes, lasted about 10 mows on my small yard before the self propelled system took a crap. It was a rear wheel drive, I hated the rear wheel drive, I used to just lift the front when turning but you can't on the rear.

[Lason]

Rear wheel is the way to go. I like how its still propelled when I lift the front wheels to clear objects or for tall grass.