Troy-Bilt TB160 review

Although the Troy-Bilt TB160 lacks extra features, such as an electric start-up or self-propelling motion, you’re getting something pretty special under the hood - a 160cc Honda-made engine. Given that the Troy-Bilt TB160 is regularly available at under $300 from many retailers, we think it’s pretty good value for money. 

Plus, the Troy-Bilt TB160 is light and easy to move around your lawn, weighing in at just under 70lbs. So while you may have to push it yourself, you won’t struggle with maneuvering it around. 

Our review takes a deep dive into the Troy-Bilt TB160’s features, functions and performance, as well as a closer look at what owners make of their mowers. From key specs, to whether you should commit to buy, we’ve got you covered. 

If you decide the Troy-Bilt TB160 isn’t the right lawn mower for you, then you’re certain to find the perfect model in our buying guide to the best gas lawn mowers (opens in new tab)..

Troy-Bilt TB160: Features

The main feature the Troy-Bilt TB160 boasts is its ability to easily switch between bagging, mulching and side-discharge settings. Sure, this is one of the basic functions you should expect from any decent mower these days, but they're here and that means the TB160 is worth considering. 

It's not self-propelled, but the fact that it's pretty lightweight is almost a feature worth mentioning in itself, especially since you'll be the one pushing it.

Talking of pushing, the large 11-inch rear wheels make the TB160 easier to guide over rough terrain and the ergonomic handle makes for good handing and it also folds down for easy storage.

Cutting height adjustment is easy thanks to dual-lever height adjusters which give you six different positions.

You can also clean the deck after use by attaching a standard garden hose to the wash port. On top of all that you get a 2-year warranty with the TB160.

Sure, we have to say we're disappointed that the TB160 doesn't do more, but there's enough here to meet our basic requirements.

Troy-Bilt TB160: Performance

It's amazing to think how far lawnmowers have come from the old days where you had to struggle to get them started from cold.

While it does need a pull-start, the Troy-Bilt TB160 has an auto choke built-in, so there's no messing around and most people report that it starts on either the first or second attempt. 

The engine itself performs fantastically. In terms of durability, the engine is a good one, but it's impossible to deny that the rest of the mower is cheaply made and various parts may wear out over time. This does have the advantage of making it lightweight, and easy to transport, should you need to.

If you'd prefer a push to start, then check out our guide to the best electric lawn mowers (opens in new tab) for an alternative. 

Troy-Bilt TB160: Price

The Troy-Bilt TB160 costs $279 on Home Depot, which puts it at $80 more than its less-powerful cousin the TB100.  You get a more powerful engine, and a bag, with the TB160 though, so those $80 are looking well spent.

Troy-Bilt TB160: User reviews

The Troy-Bilt TB160 scored 4.5 stars out of 5 amongst Home Depot customers and achieved a high 89% recommendation rating. Out of 722 reviews over 630 were 4 or 5-star reviews. 

It's nice to see that a lot of its customers were buying their second Troy-Bilt mower after the previous one had given a lifetime of service and trust in the Troy-Bilt name. 

When it comes to the TB160, people are generally impressed by how well the mower starts, usually on the first pull, and how smoothy it runs thanks to the powerful 160cc Honda engine. 

For instance, CasualShopper says "Bought an original Troy-Bilt 11A-542Q711 in 2006. Assembled handle, added oil and gas, started on the first pull, and hasn't failed once since then. "

Customers are also impressed that for under $300 you're getting a Honda engine. For example, Home Depot customer Steve comments, "I have used this lawn mower about 5 times so far and it is an incredibly good value. Let's face it, you're getting a Honda motor for $269. Period."

Should you buy the Troy-Bilt TB160?

A great engine, and good basic functions of bagging, mulching and discharging make the Troy-Bilt TB160 hard to ignore, especially at its affordable price. The fact that it’s light and easy to move around even the smallest of lawns is also a huge plus, given that it’s not a self-propelling mower.

However, the Troy-Bilt TB160 does lack some bonus features we’d like to see, such as an electric start-up key. Overall, it feels cheaply made, although this doesn’t seem to have dented customer satisfaction, with many owners using their Troy-Bilt TB160 for decades without any problems. 

The real magic with the Troy-Bilt TB160 lies under the hood, with the 160cc Honda motor. As many customers point out, that’s a very well-made motor at a pretty affordable price. So if you want a lawn mower that can simply power through your lawn without all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, this is the mower for you.

If this product isn't for you

If you like the idea of a Honda motor, and your budget is bigger, why not take a look at the Honda HRX217VKA (opens in new tab)? Not only does it have a more powerful 200cc Honda engine and lots of bonus features; it’s also self-propelling, making light work of medium to large lawns.

For something more affordable and suited to smaller gardens, the middle-range Craftsman M105 (opens in new tab) is made in the US, and features a 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to move about, and it has 6 different deck positions that can be adjusted by the dual-lever system. 

If you’re looking for precision engineering, careful design, and a lawn mower made to last, you may want to take a look at the Weibang WB537SCV (opens in new tab). Built like a tank, with a 196cc shaft drive engine and a 3-speed gearbox, this is a lawn mower for serious engine enthusiasts.