Equipped with a state-of-the-art self-propel system, the Lawn-Boy Insight Platinum 10785 may just be the 3-in-1 mower you've been looking for. Powered by a high-performance 6.5-hp Tecumseh engine for consistently easy starting, the rear wheel drive Sens-a-Speed self-propel system puts you in complete control. The mower automatically adjusts its speed by sensing your walking pace, from 0 to 5 miles per hour. Just place your hands on the handlebar and mow as you go. Not only were we impressed by how easy the self-pace system is to use, we also liked the advantage of being able to have more than one person use the mower and have it intuitively and automatically adjust to each person's desired walking speed. Now that's a custom fit.

Mowing is more comfortable thanks to nicely padded grips and ergonomically designed handles, which we found to be very effective in lessening the strain on hands and arms. Other user-friendly features include adjustable handles that let you set the handle height with a single easy-to-reach knob. A simple step-on lever quickly folds the handles and is the easiest we found on any mower. The recoil starter is easy to pull and also set high on the handles so it's easy to reach, and the grip is oversized and well padded. This mower has cutting height adjustments with numbered stops on each wheel ranging from 1 to 4.5 inches -- the widest range of any mower we tested. And extra-long adjustment levers with oversized padded grips make it extra easy to change the cutting height settings. That wide of a range handles any grass type or mowing situation and really comes in handy should your mowing schedule get disrupted and grass gets too tall.

This mower offers 3-in-1 operation (mulching, bagging or side discharging) that you can easily convert to change cutting modes in seconds. There's no rear trap door to struggle with when removing the grass bag -- a bag you can effortlessly lift, remove and replace using one hand -- as a mulch plate snaps quickly into place should you forego bagging and decide to mulch or side discharge instead. The tri-notch blade, hi-vac lift and 21-inch deep-dome deck all work together to deliver premium cutting performance and superior bagging. Cutting performance is also enhanced by the deck design made of durable and rust-free cast aluminum. We also like the performance of the large radius wheels that roll smoothly for easier maneuvering on grass. And since the wheels are inset, you can really get a close trim from either side of the deck when mowing next to beds, edging or other obstacles.

With premium features combined with a full 5-year warranty, the Lawn-Boy Insight Platinum 10785 self-propelled mower is among the best in its class.


Pros: Self-propel system that adjusts to your desired walking speed, user-friendly operation on all features, widest range of cutting heights, Quick Stow Lever, easy lift grass bag, tri-notch blade, 3-in-1 operation (mulch, bag, side discharge), large radius inset wheels, 5-year full warranty
Cons: Not CARB-complaint (2008 model will be)

Warranty
5 years