Husqvarna’s Workhorse Stroll-Behind Finishes Sturdy
We have been dying to know what the perfect garden mowers out there have been, each fuel and battery-powered fashions. So, we introduced in 24 completely different fashions to see how they carried out in a wide range of classes. The Husqvarna LC221RH got here in as a rear wheel drive self-propelled mower powered by a Honda GCV 160 engine. It confirmed the sort of constant efficiency we wish to see throughout the board that makes for a strong residential choice.
Professionals
Wonderful gasoline effectivity
Honda GCV160 engine is straightforward to start out
Comparatively quiet
Nice worth
Cons
Peak adjustment levers might be extra inflexible
Considerably flimsy drive management (one thing we repeatedly see on residential mowers)
Efficiency
We use a wide range of checks to return to our conclusions and also you’re welcome to take out phrase for it. However be happy to test the main points for your self in our greatest self-propelled garden mower article.
Reducing Energy
We discovered that the distinction between a fuel mower’s no-load pace and upkeep pace was just about an identical. Because it seems, your weekly garden mowing gained’t put any actual stress on most high quality fuel mowers.
Within the case of the Husqvarna LC221RH, we famous that it may crank out 3021 RPM, placing is blade ideas at 188.6 MPH. That is completely acceptable for a fuel mower and may have no issues along with your weekly minimize.
We then upped the ante and simulated a heavier load on our mowers. The Husqvarna LC221RH managed dropped to 2949 RPM (184.1 MPH blade tip pace). The dropoff of simply 4.5 MPH is available in a detailed second to Cub Cadet that dropped 4.0 MPH.
Torture Check
All of this info is nice, but it surely’s nonetheless largely info lab work. How do these numbers translate to real-world efficiency?
We threw a few of our better-performing mowers into the deep finish by letting our grass develop to extreme heights and thickness for five weeks. Then we walked them by it at a 2.5″ minimize top and a constant 2.5 MPH pace. We measured how far every went earlier than the blade stopped.
The Husqvarna LC221RH managed 28.5′ earlier than the stress turned the engine couldn’t keep its momentum anymore. That’s not a foul end in any respect, and it truly beat out one of many business mowers. Nevertheless, we may undoubtedly inform the distinction between the 160 cc engine and Cub Cadet’s 196 cc that made it out almost 55′.
It comes as no shock that Husqvarna’s Honda-powered mower is able to slicing virtually any residential situations. It breezes by weekly cuts with ease and could be very able to dealing with a few weeks price of overgrowth.
Reducing Space
We like the ability of fuel quite a bit, however one of many causes that electrical mowers have develop into so interesting is that there’s no fussing with oil and gasoline. It’s one thing that involves the forefront of our minds when we’ve to cease and refuel. So how lengthy are you able to go with out stopping?
Underneath gentle slicing situations, we discovered that the Husqvarna LC221RH can run for 93 minutes on a tank of gasoline. Strolling at a continuing 2.5 MPH, the 21″ slicing swath of the covers as much as 35,689 sq. toes price of mowing on a tank of gasoline. In additional comprehensible phrases, that’s 0.82 acres of grass—virtually useless even with Craftsman’s M310.
These are splendid situations, and remember that most of lose 5%–10% simply overlapping our slicing lanes.
Gas Effectivity
In fact, slicing space is a part of the equation. We additionally wish to understand how environment friendly an engine truly is. In any case, gasoline hits you proper within the pockets.
The Husqvarna LC221RH has one of many smallest tank sizes at 36 oz. Nevertheless, operating on the identical 4 ouncesof Trufuel that we put in each tank for this portion of our testing, the Husqvarna ran for 10.3 minutes. That’s truly probably the most fuel-efficient of all of the fuel mowers we examined when it comes to engine runtime.
Teased out, we are able to see what this type of effectivity interprets out to in additional sensible phrases. It really works out to an effectivity of two.91 acres of mowing per gallon. It will get beat solely by Cub Cadet who has rather less runtime per gallon however will get an space increase from its 23″ blade.
If you wish to stroll in a straight line at 2.5 MPH, the Husqvarna’s Honda GCV160 engine will get a cool 13.73 MPG.
Noise
The Husqvarna LC221RH sounded off at a extremely cheap 89 dB(A). It’s not going to be quieter than any of the battery-powered fashions we examined, but it surely’s nonetheless the quietest-running gas-powered mower within the residential part of the take a look at. Solely Honda’s business mannequin got here in quieter, but it surely’s in a distinct class.
Characteristic Set
Self-Propelled Drive
On condition that our fuel mowers weigh a good bit greater than their battery-powered counterparts, we appreciated that all the fuel mowers we examined included a self-propelled drive.
A few of the designs we noticed have been higher than others. Whereas the Husqvarna’s drive management design is loads efficient, it feels just a little on the flimsy facet. Different mowers make use of this design as nicely, and in all of those instances, we really feel they may stand to tighten up the rigidity.
The LC221RH employs a rear wheel drive that’s loads efficient and highly effective sufficient. You may management your strolling pace by squeezing on the drive handles, controlling the variable pace anyplace from 0-3 MPH.
Deck Materials
Husqvarna, like nearly each different gas-powered mower we examined, makes use of a metal deck. We see this as a optimistic factor, because it’s going to be an entire lot extra sturdy than the poly or plastic decks that we’ve seen on a few of the electrical mowers.
In fact, the tradeoff right here is that the metal can be considerably heavier, however since this mower can be pushing itself, it doesn’t hassle us a lot.
Peak Adjustment and Vary
Husqvarna makes use of a 4-point adjustment system for the LC221RH. That implies that when it’s worthwhile to alter your deck top, you’ll must go round to every wheel to set your top. That’s the norm for fuel mowers because the weight of the builds can create a weak point for single level changes.
Whereas the system works nicely, we seen that the levers are just a little thinner than others and so they aren’t as inflexible as different mowers on this class.
It has 9 top ranges to select from that vary from 0.75″ to 4.125″. The vary right here is great, and ought to have the ability to deal with nearly each grass species you’re more likely to take care of.
Deal with Positions
There are two deal with positions to work with. Most mowers go along with three, so there’s not fairly as a lot versatility there.
Discharge Choices
This mower permits for mulching, bagging, and facet discharge of your mower clippings. All the pieces you want for all three choices comes within the field.
Further Options
Built-in deck wash
Auto choke system
Gas cut-off valve
Worth
The Husqvarna LC221RH may be yours for $409.95 out of your native Husqvarna vendor. Amazon has them as nicely, however the costs we’re seeing at the moment are increased. It additionally comes with a 3-year guarantee.
This value, coupled with the guarantee, options, and efficiency, earn the LC221RH the second-highest worth rating of any of the gas-mowers we examined, proper behind Craftsman.
The Backside Line
Should you’re available in the market for a top quality residential garden mower within the sub-$400 class, it’s powerful to show down the Husqvarna LC221RH and its Honda engine. The slicing efficiency and gasoline effectivity are glorious. As a bonus, it’s actually quiet for a fuel mannequin.
There are a few minor weaknesses, however nothing that might make us flip away from this mannequin. It’s an incredible alternative for garden sizes as much as 3/4 acre or maybe an acre. In case your garden is far bigger, simply know the 36-ounce gasoline tank goes to drive right into a pit cease for refueling.
Husqvarna LC221RH Mower Specs
Motor: Honda GCV160
Displacement: 9.8 cu.inch
Gas Tank Quantity: .25 gal
Engine Lube Kind: Splash
Engine Cooling: Air
Drive: Rear wheel
Pace: 0-3 mph
Reducing Width: 21″
Adjustment: 4-point
Reduce Vary: 1″ – 4″
Wheel Measurement: 8″ (entrance); 11″ (rear)
Deck Materials: Metal
Weight: 79.2 lbs
Guarantee: 3-year
Worth: $409.95 out of your native Husqvarna vendor or on-line
For extra details about the Husqvarna LC221RH, go to Husqvarna.com.
