I've got a Honda Masters HR215K1HXA 21" self propelled walk behind. 5 HP Honda OHV engine and a hydrostatic transmission. You can infinitely vary your walking speed by setting the speed control lever to the maxiumum forward speed you want and then vary it by backing off/pressing foward on the drive clutch. It also has Honda's QuadraCut blade system that has an upper mulching blade piggybacking itself on top of the regular blade. This is handy in the sense that you can leave the mulching blade on all the time and therefore, switch from bagging to mulching to side discharge without having to fiddle with putting in the mulching blade when you want it.
After using many walk behinds from MTD, Snapper, John Deere, and Craftsman, I can honestly say the Honda Masters is the creme de la creme of residential duty walk behind mowers. I've had mine for several years, and undoubtedly, this past spring was the wettest one on record that I can remember. I was cutting grass every three days. A few times I cut right after the rain stopped because that was pretty much the only time I had! The grass was sopping wet, long, and thick. And I bagged it too. Not once did I clog. Honda's cast aluminum deck design is superb for air flow. After having to struggle/cuss out an old Snapper, I think the flaw with their mowers is the orientation of the grass bag and mower deck. The mower has to "push" the clippings up the plastic transfer tube. And when I clogged with my old Snapper, it was in that area. Everytime I cut when the grass was wet or even long. Therefore, if you want to bag, choose a mower where the bag attaches directly to the deck [Deere has this design too].
Getting back on topic, Honda engines are renowned for their reliability, durability, low emissions, power, and low noise. I think Honda was the first engine manufacturer to meet and exceed all CARB standards for emission. They are also low maintenance. All I've done to my Honda is to change oil regularly, air filter, and a new plug every season. And I do all that myself. Honda engines are also easy to start thanks to the built-in automatic decompression feature which releases tension in the cylinder at start up so the recoil starter is easier to pull. The engine on mine cold starts every time on the first pull. Never fails.
The Masters series is also shaft drive, using a steel drive shaft, similar to a rear wheel drive automobile, to power the transmission. Whereas most other brands use belt drive. Belts are fine but they slip in humid/wet conditions. Shaft drive = no maintenance.
To view the entire Masters Series, go hre:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/lawmas.htm . Keep in mind, they maybe a bit more expensive than most walk behinds, but they are definitely reliable. Mine has handled tough cutting conditions without breaking a sweat. I am completely sold on Honda mowers. They are packed with features that the discriminating homeowner would want.
is going to need mowing by next week. Anway, it's not that big but it is on a bit of a hillside so I'm thinking self propelled. She really won't let me buy a rider right now and I don't want to spend a fortune. Any ideas out there? Any favorites? Any brands to avoid? Thanks! 
