Troy-Bilt's TB230 features a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine. There is no need to prime or choke this engine. Just pull the cord, and the engine starts right up. This mower has 8-inch front wheels and 11-inch rear wheels that serve to increase its maneuverability, even on unlevel terrain. A 6-position, two-lever control adjusts the cutting height. The TB230 features a front-wheel, self-propelled drive system, with a right-handed, variable speed, squeeze grip that adjusts the speed from 0 to 3.5 mph. This grip is conveniently located on the mower's handle, which has a 3-position height adjustment that maximizes user comfort.

The lower front of the mower features a rake guard that lifts the grass upright for a clean and even cut the first time. There is no need to make multiple passes over the same area with the TB230. The cutting or mulching width is a reasonably wide 21 inches. Since the mower deck extends beyond the wheels on both sides, the mower can also trim closely in tight spaces. The user can choose from among three options when mowing--side discharge, mulch, or rear bag. The rear bag grass catcher has a 1.86 bushel capacity, with an easy-empty, wide mouth, so the need to hand-scoop a bunch of grass that missed the trash bag is minimized.

Cleaning the mower is an easily accomplished task with the TB230's built-in deck wash system. The user needs only to attach a hose to the built-in deck fitting, run the mower, and wash down the blade and the underside of the deck.

The mechanically-challenged person (me) will appreciate the fact that the TB230 comes fully assembled. There is even oil included in the box. The mower comes with a 2-year, limited warranty, too. Its MSRP is $289. I found this to be at the low end of the price range of similarly designed mowers, some of which sell for over $400.