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M230 vs TB230

M230 vs TB230 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.

M230 vs TB230
Craftsman M230 Troy-Bilt TB230
Our rating 3.8 3.8
Performance 4.0 4.0
Build quality 3.5 3.5
Reliability 3.5 3.5
Value for money 4.0 3.5
Comfort & ergonomics 4.0 4.0
Features 4.0 4.0
Price $459 $480
Specifications
Power type Gasoline Gasoline
Horsepower 0 HP 0 HP
Engine Briggs & Stratton 163 cc, single-cylinder OHV 163 cc OHV single-cylinder (Briggs & Stratton 725EX or Troy-Bilt, by version)
Displacement 163 cc, 1 cylinder 163 cc, 1 cylinder
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline
Transmission Variable-speed self-propelled Variable-speed self-propelled
Drive Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive
Deck size 21 in 21 in
Deck construction Steel, 3-in-1 convertible, deck wash port Steel, TriAction, 3-in-1, deck wash adaptor
Cutting height 1.25 to 3.75 in, 6 positions Adjustable; see Troy-Bilt spec sheet
Blades Single blade Single TriAction blade
Discharge Side discharge, rear bag (1.9 bu Dust Blocker, included) or mulch Side discharge, rear bag or mulch
Top speed Variable walking pace Variable walking pace
Turning radius N/A (walk-behind) N/A (walk-behind)
Front tires 7 to 8 in 7 to 8 in
Rear tires 11 in 11 in (some versions 8 in)
Weight 87 lb Not published by Troy-Bilt
Dimensions 21-in. deck; see Craftsman spec sheet for overall size 21-in. deck; see Troy-Bilt spec sheet for overall size
Fuel capacity Not published by Craftsman About 0.25 gal (retailer listing)
Recommended property size About 1/4 to 1/2 acre Small to medium yards, gentle slopes
Bag capacity 1.9 bushel Dust Blocker —
Starting ReadyStart, no prime or choke —
Oil system Just Check and Add —
Deck wash port Yes —
Blade stop system No —
Cutting system — TriAction
Deck wash — Yes
Drive control — Single lever, variable speed
Built in — Valley City, Ohio (U.S. and global parts)
Verdict The M230 adds variable-speed drive, 11-in. rear wheels and a larger 163 cc engine to the Craftsman 21-in. line. It suits yards up to about half an acre.
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The TB230 is a 21-in. variable-speed self-propelled mower with a 163 cc engine, TriAction deck and deck wash. It suits small to medium lawns and gentle slopes.
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