Ariens Classic LM21SW (21") 6-HP Kawasaki Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Swivel Wheels - 911184

I have had many mowers. I have owned two previous Ariens with the swivel wheels and liked them a lot. I made the mistake of buying the Ariens with the Honda motor and no swivel wheels last time. In fact it was the Gravely model, which is supposed to be better.

The first time I used this mower I noticed that Ariens had fixed the issue with catching my hands on the piviot point when using the sides of the handle bar, which I do more than I thought I did! The Gravely that I had will snag my little finger if I am not careful.

The other Ariens swivel wheel models I have had always lost the cotter keys holding the front wheel axels on. I just wired the axel so it wouldn't come off. I don't change the height that often and it wasn't really a problem. I see that they have changed the retain mechanism and will see if it stays put better.

The motor is plenty powerful. The first cutting of the year was very heavy going in places. This mower didn't...Read more

I got one of these used on craigslist for $135. The guy could figure out how to adjust the drive cable!!!

Anyway, I have an older unit with the 5hp Briggs motor. This is my first time owning an Ariens, and I am very impressed. The rear wheel friction drive system with the adjustable speed control is great. The drive handle takes almost no effort to engage the drive, which makes it easy on the hands while mowing for an hour or more.

I have had swivel casters on a push mower before, which is why I chose to get another one. Going around trees and bushes and turning in general is so much easier. Inclines, soft areas, and some sand it has no problem pulling itself through. Also no matter what I mow, I noticed very little even gets on the deck with the side discharge chute on.

Overall, if you can get a great deal like I did or save your money and get a new one, this mower will last a long time.