Yard-Man Honda 5.5 HP Gas Self-Propelled Mower 568Q

I bought it because it was easy to handle (fairly light weight), had the good Honda engine, and was rear-wheel drive for the hills in my lawn. So far it has been an excellent mower.

I don't have to worry about rocks in my yard and the small twigs that fall from my trees get easily chomped up by the mulching blade. I usually cut with the blade height set to the maximum height as this is much less stress on the grass, IMHO.

This is the only mower I have ever had that didn't have an oil drain plug for the engine pan. I ran the two hour breakin and looked for the plug to change the oil. When I couldn't find it I reverted to the instruction manual. You just tip the mower over on its side and let the oil run out the dip-stick hole. Easiest oil change on a mower I have ever seen, clever Honda engineers!

My Honda engine is rated 6.5 hp which is more than enough for my grass, even when long and wet. It does a nice job of cutting, very level and...Read more

I was surprised to find that this item was missing the most important part-- the MANUAL. There was no hint of where it should be or what the bag of parts was for-- Thanks INTERNET. A few clicks to find the location at the manufacturers website and the set-up, unpacking, assembly and (the very important) break-in and maintenance, in PDF, was provided (NOTE: The Mower Deck is separate from the Honda Engine-- there are 2 documents). I have used it a few time now and would say that the self-propel feature needs to be geared down! The wheels spin and will tear-up the grass. Also, the front wheels 'lock-up' when pulling the mower backwards-- they do not 'freewheel' in reverse. The grass catcher is a bit of a problem-- it's awkward to handle when removing. The rear flap at the rear discharge is a very big problem when pulling the mower backwards-- it gets caught under the mower.

Nice lawnmower. I bought it for the Honda engine. Needs a better way to empty the clipping bag. You must stick your hand in it to pull the grass out. Could have used a zipper or something. Time will tell