The Lawn Boy mowers brand is owned by the famous Toro company which gives me a fair bit of confidence in Lawn Boy mowers.
This Lawn Boy 10606 20 inch lawn mower is certainly worth checking out if you need a tough and dependable walk behind lawnmower, with a good selection of features at a reasonable price.
UPDATE – THE 10606 IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE – CHECK OUT THE 17734 INSTEAD
The Lawn Boy 10606 comes standard with electric start and self-propulsion, plus it is able to accomplish three distinct mower functions – it bags, mulches and side discharges. This makes it incredibly versatile, especially for users who appreciate having more than one cutting function.
That said, this mower excels as a mulching mower, so if that is your preferred way of mowing, this Lawn Boy may be just what you need.
The 10606 also features a powerful and reliable Kohler engine that supplies enough torque to efficiently rotate the cutting blade while supplying power to the self-propulsion system.
Lawn Boy mowers are known for being dependable and effective, and this model is no exception. Though it can usually be purchased for somewhere between $330 and $350, it is built to compete with mowers with much higher price tags.
Key features at a glance
- Three-in-one ready for mulching, bagging or side discharge
- Electric start
- Self-propelled
- Deck height adjustable between 1 and 4 inches
- Kohler 149cc engine with Smart Choke feature
- Light 20 inch cutting deck
- One-piece handle makes emptying the bag easy
What can the Lawn Boy 10606 be used for?
First, to quote the user manual, this mower is:
“to be used by residential homeowners or professional, hired operators. It is designed primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns on residential or commercial properties. It is not designed for cutting brush or for agricultural uses.”
Obviously, there are bigger and mower powerful mowers, like our recommended Honda HRX21HZA and the Husqvarna 7021R 
The 10606 is set up to bag, mulch and side discharge, although its deck design makes it better suited to mulching than standard decks on other mowers.
You can operate the mower in a variety of different terrains and get good results. However, the 10606 is probably best suited for small to medium sized yards and properties. It is also well suited for mowing smaller areas of yards which riding mowers may be unable to reach.
The Lawn Boy 10606 comes with a self-propulsion system that features rear wheel drive. Believe me, this takes a lot of work away from the process of cutting grass – especially when your grass is long or you yard is full of slopes.
Because of the rear wheel drive function, you can mow slightly rougher terrain pretty easily and quickly too. If you have a yard that features some uneven ground, you should find that this machine cuts through the grass in such areas pretty effectively.
But as the manual says, don’t expect it to work like a brush cutter.
The 10606 Lawn Boy mower’s engine
Kohler is one of the top names in small engines, and this Lawn Boy is fitted with one of Kohler’s most dependable products a 149cc Kohler OHV engine with 6.5 foot pounds of torque.
It is a quiet and efficient engine that supplies plenty of power to spin the blade and operate the self-propulsion system. The engine also features the innovative Smart Choke system, which eliminates the need for users to prime the engine prior to starting.
Starting the engine is extremely simple. All you need to do is turn the key for the electric start system, and you will be fired up in moments.
If you prefer to use the recoil starting system, you will be pleased to know that the 10606 usually starts on the first or second pull of the cord.
One other important feature of the engine is its Easy Fill fuel intake, which effectively eliminates spills when fueling the machine.
If you have ever spilled precious gasoline while trying to fit the spout of a heavy gas can in an engine’s intake, you will be happy with this feature.
Handling and operating the Lawn Boy mowers 10606
Lawn Boy mowers are known for being well-built and properly balanced.
The 10606 is exemplifies this in that it is very easy to handle. Although the 20 inch cutting width may be narrower than some other mowers, the compact design of the deck actually increases maneuverability.
This makes it easier to get around obstacles such as trees, flower beds, narrow access ways etc. In fact, where you have those condition, the benefits of having the smaller deck will become self-evident.
As indicated above, the lawn Boy 10606 has the luxury of electric or recoil starting mechanisms. Then, once you get the mower started, operating it is relatively effortless given its self-propelled rear wheel drive operation.
You can also easily vary the speed you mow at, so you can always find the correct speed for your conditions.
Cutting features
The Lawn Boy 10606 features a powerful tri-cut blade that is able to handle mulching, side discharge and bagging.
When you unpack the machine from its box, it is ready to do all three of these functions, but you’ll need to purchase an additional attachment for side discharging.
The 20 inch deck is made of steel that is formulated to be light, yet strong and durable.
The Lawn Boy’s deep dome deck create more of a vacuum effect than other mowers.
This means that grass clippings are sucked deep into the deck while the mower is operating so that they can be chopped finely by the blade. This is especially useful for mulching and is what makes this a great mulching mower.
If you prefer to bag your clippings, the included bag assembly is very simple to attach and remove as needed. The bag might be somewhat small in size, but it gets packed with clippings tightly and efficiently so that you do not need to empty it an inconvenient number of times.
Cutting height is easily adjusted in seven positions between one and four inches.
Additional features
Lawn Boy is proud of the products they put on the market. This is why the company is willing to stand behind mowers like the 10606 with a two year, full coverage warranty and a three year powertrain warranty. This is one of the most comprehensive warranty sets in the industry.
Additionally, Lawn Boy guarantees that your mower will start on the first or second pull of the recoil starting mechanism for three full years after the date of purchase. Although you may not be using the recoil start very much on this machine, it is good to know that Lawn Boy believes in the effectiveness and reliability of its products.
Assembly
Assembly of the Lawn Boy 10606 is easy.
Simply remove the cardboard box from around the mower, then fold the handle into position. Just make sure you route the cables to the outside of the handle as you unfold, so as to avoid damage to the cables.
Lock the handle into place, add fuel and oil to the engine, and you will be ready to start mowing.
To use the electric start function, you will also need to charge the battery.
Dimensions
Following are the main physical dimensions of the Lawn Boy 10606:
- Cutting width – 20 inches
- Cutting height – one to four inches
- Weight – 79 pounds
- Front wheel diameter – seven inches
- Rear wheel diameter – eight inches
Maintenance
There is nothing out of the ordinary about the maintenance requirements of Lawn Boy Mowers, but here is a quick summary of what’s required.
First off, you are advised to change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of use.
Every 25 hours you should clean the air filter and charge the battery for 24 hours
Every 50 hours change the oil.
Every 100 hours replace the air filter (more often in dusty conditions), clean the cooling system, replace teh aspark plug.
Before storage, empty the fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
You’ll also need to sharpen the blade very season at least.
Accessories
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The most commonly purchased accessory for this machine is the side discharge attachment. Without it, the mower can only bag or mulch. This accessory is available from your Lawn Boy dealer for a reasonable price.
Also, you many want to protect your mower while it is not in use. To do so, you can purchase an optional Lawn Boy behind lawn mower cover
Pros and cons
Pros
These are the big pluses for this Lawn Boy mower:
- Starts easily with electric and recoil start
- Self-propulsion makes the mower easy to handle
- 20 inch deck enhances maneuverability
- Powerful Kohler engine to drive the blade and power self-propulsion
- Smart Choke starting system eliminates the need for priming
Cons
These are main downsides:
-
- Side discharge only available with attachment
- No deck wash port
- 20 inch deck may be too small for some users
- Bag is quite small (but clippings do pack in tightly)
Consumer ratings
This mower has been reviewed a total of 23 times on Amazon.com and it has earned an average score of 4.1 out of five stars, which is an outstanding score. Eleven reviewers gave the machine a five star rating, while five people gave it scores of four stars and 5 people gave it three stars. Only two reviewers gave it a two star rating, and no reviewers were dissatisfied enough to rate it at one star.
There’s a pretty similar picture at Home Depot, where out of 50 reviews, it averages 3.9 out of 5.
The positive reviews tend to point out how easy the machine is to use as well as how simple the electric start system works. Users have lauded the mower’s dependability, as well. One reviewer made a point to state that the machine runs quietly.
Negative aspects of the reviews have tended to center on the packaging of the mower. Apparently, the packaging of the machine can lead to damage during shipping. In most cases, the consumers have been able to correct any negative aspects stemming from the lack of high-quality packaging.
Here are extracts from a couple of the Amazon reviews:
Finally, a great mower that you can rely on. This mower starts first pull every-time. I usually start it with electric start though. The adjustable height for the mowing deck is easy to adjust, since I have to adjust it all the time. The engine is very powerful and it hasn’t bogged down on me through the toughest grass. The self-propelled feature is great and I can’t imagine not having it. The mower is great for mulching, however, the mower packs the grass into the bag very tightly which allows more time to mow and less time emptying the bag. I highly recommend this mower and [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Read more …[/easyazon-link]
As promised, the mower starts right up with the turn of a key! It is wonderful. No sore shoulder yanking on pull cords. Why did I wait so long to buy this? It really is self-propelled. The only downside is if you aren’t careful you will pinch your finger when you pull up the lever to activate the self-propel. Yes, I learned that little safety tip the hard way. Extremely easy to put together. I was skeptical of the no-tools required statement. But [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Read more …[/easyazon-link]
Price
Considering the number of features that come standard on the machine, it is priced very affordably. It is not as expensive as some high-end machines, but it offers numerous additional features at a price not much higher than the lowest-priced mowers on the market.
You can check the latest online prices by following the links below. This model usually qualifies for free super saver shipping at Amazon, so that keeps your costs down even further.
[easyazon-cta align=”left” asin=”B004IYJODI” height=”42″ key=”amazon-us-tall-orange” locale=”us” width=”120″]
BUY the [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10606 20-Inch 149cc 6-1/2 GT OHV Kohler gas powered self propelled lawn mower with electric start[/easyazon-link] at [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Amazon [/easyazon-link].
Other Lawn Boy models
Lawn Boy 10605
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B004IYJOD8″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412VjbMLw8L._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]
The [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOD8″ locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10605[/easyazon-link] is very similar to the 10606.
The main difference is that it lacks the electric start function.
However, it includes the useful blade stop feature which allows you to keep the engine running while you move away from the mower momentarily, e.g. to empty the bag or clear debris from your path.
Check the latest price of the [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOD8″ locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10605 here[/easyazon-link].
Lawn Boy 10604
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B004IYJOCY” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FgigoR7hL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]
The [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOCY” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10604 20-Inch 149cc 6-1/2 GT OHV Kohler Gas Powered Self Propelled Lawn Mower[/easyazon-link], is has pretty much all the same features as the 10605.
The only difference is that the 10604 does not have the blade stop feature.
Obviously this has an impact on price and makes it a bit cheaper.
Check the latest price of the [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOCY” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10604 here[/easyazon-link].
Lawn Boy 10603
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B004IYJOCO” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2BNzrkr9-L._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]
The [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOCO” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10603 20-Inch 149cc 6-1/2 GT OHV Kohler Gas Powered Lawn Mower[/easyazon-link], is a push mower, not self-propelled and also lacks the electric start and blade stop system.
Check the latest price of the [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJOCO” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10603 here [/easyazon-link].
What do you think?
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Do you own one of the Lawn Boy mowers?
Let us know what you think of it in the review section or comments below.
Ready to buy?
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Da%2BKFgihL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]
BUY the [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Lawn Boy 10606 20-Inch 149cc 6-1/2 GT OHV Kohler gas powered self propelled lawn mower with electric start[/easyazon-link] at [easyazon-link asin=”B004IYJODI” locale=”us”]Amazon [/easyazon-link].
Hey
Thanks for this review and all the mower reviews on this site. It’s great to get a fully detailed rundown on the mowers rather than just a few words ripped off from Amazon and a heap of links like you find elsewhere. You seem to know your stuff when it comes to these tools so thanks again.
I bought a Black Decker Mulching elicertc and added a heavy wire hook to hang cord from. If you are buying a longer cord, say 100 feet, be sure to get at least 14gauge, not cheaper 16 as it will have problems. Also, this mower has a flip over handle so you can mow out beside the cord and flip it to come back. Now I don’t use it that often, usually just turning like a gas mower but keeping track of the cord as to which way I turn, but it is nice sometimes.like into corners pull back out and flip. But being able to go in both directions means there has to be a stone guard at each end (the rubber flap) and enough length that the rubber flap does not get into the blade. That means that while you can cut close on the sides, you can’t run the front up to a barrier and expect to cut close like with a gas mower where the blade is spinning right behind the front metal. I like for being quiet, but bought it because I was fed up trying to start gas mowers less pollution is a bonus.