DR Power Pro MAX30 Lawn Mower Puts Pressure on Popular Wide Deck Competitors
If you’re in the market for a wide deck self-propelled lawn mower, have you considered the DR Power Pro MAX30 series? We got our hands on one ahead of our peak mowing season to see what it has to offer and how it compares to the most popular models on the market.
Pros
- Robust aluminum deck
- Optional electric start
- Single-point height adjustment
- Outstanding power level
- Easy to operate
- Flex-Speed drive system
- 3-in-1 versatility
- Lighter and stronger than leading 30-inch residential competitors
Cons
- Expensive
Check out our picks for the best self-propelled lawn mowers of the year!
DR Power Pro Max30 Lawn Mower Performance
- Blade Tip Speed: 19,000 FPM
- Max Torque: 10.6 ft-lbs
- Max Horsepower: 6.7 HP
- Cutting Height: 1 – 4 in. (8 positions)
- Drive Speed: 0 – 3.5 MPH
- Max Oil Capacity: 20.3 oz.
- Oil Type: SAE 30W
- Fuel Capacity: 1.0 qt.
Cutting Power
There’s a 6.7 HP, 224cc gas engine that churns out up to 10.6 ft-lbs of torque and turns the dual 15-inch blades at 19,000 FPM. These are some significant ratings.
First of all, that much torque powers through overgrowth much better than most mowers. In the 160cc class, you often see torque numbers around 7 ft-lbs or so, and they do an excellent job on maintenance cuts and reclaiming moderate overgrowth. DR Power’s 10.6 ft-lbs will clear out that same overgrowth and ask if you have some more.
When it comes to the blade speed, 19,000 FPM is as high as certifications allow you go. With the highest possible blade tip speed, you’re looking at much cleaner cuts with smaller clippings that mulch of bag more efficiently. Plus, if you happen to get into grass that challenges the engine’s torque, you can drop some blade speed and still have highly effective cutting.
We put this mower to the test here at our shop by mowing our eclectic mixture of St. Augustine and Bahia grass…affectionately referred to as St. Bahia grass around here. Overall, the Pro MAX30 performed like a champ and (unsurprisingly) left a clean cut in its wake.
It’s still early in the season, so our lawns aren’t as wet as they will be in a few more weeks. However, the ease in which the DR Power Pro MAX30 handled things leads me to believe it can handle the worst of what summer has in store, even if hurricanes force us to miss some cuts.
Flex-Speed Drive System
The DR Power Flex-Speed drive system allows you to control your mowing pace from 0 to 3.5 MPH. This is a fairly standard speed range for a self-propelled mower, and we find that 2.5 MPH is a comfortable mowing pace. But if you’d like to kick it up and get some cardio while you cut the Pro MAX30 is happy to up the speed!
The pressure-sensitive drive lever is located on the right side of the handle, separate from the blade engagement bar you operate with your left hand. The harder you squeeze, the faster the mower goes—simple as that!
3-in-1 Versatility
During our testing, the Pro MAX30 excelled while bagging, mulching, and in the side-discharge configuration. Having the side discharge on a wide deck mower isn’t always a given, but it’s important that DR Power included it. With the engine’s torque capable of cutting back some serious overgrowth, you want the side discharge option to distribute the clippings out quickly and keep those blade RPMs high.
The discharge chute is removable, and that was a good call, too. It makes this mower a little easier to store in a garage or trailer. The total width of the mower with the chute is nearly 40 inches. Without it, that number drops down to 31.5 inches. That’s a big deal when storage space is at a premium.
DR Power Pro Max30 Lawn Mower Design Notes
- Model: DR Power Pro MAX30
- Power Source: DR OHV 224cc engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Weight: 117 lbs
- Deck Material: Cast Aluminum
- Deck Width: 30 in.
- Wheel Size: 8 in. (front), 10 in. (rear)
Ergonomics
From the top down, DR took a classic approach to grip ergonomics. The grip is draped with padded foam for added comfort, and there are three handle heights to choose from, ranging from 36 to 48 inches. You can also lock the handle upright for easy access to the collection bag and mulch plug, or to shrink your storage footprint.
Deck Material
The Pro MAX30 sports a sturdy cast aluminum deck, which helps to shave a little weight off the front end without compromising durability. From our testing, it’s clear it offers plenty of airflow for effective mulching, bagging, and side-discharge.
DR also opted for a single-point deck height adjustment system that allows you to set the height between 1 and 4 inches in half-inch increments. It’s a bit unusual to find that feature on a metal deck mower in the 30-inch class, but it’s certainly convenient when you need to adjust the height.
Start Your Engines!
Since this is a gas-powered mower, there are a few steps to follow before getting started for the first time.
First, you must add between 17 and 20 ounces of good-quality SAE 30W oil; however, the Pro MAX30 is not shipped with oil from the factory, so be sure to grab a bottle from the hardware store. After adding the oil, verify the level on the dipstick.
Next, you’ll need to connect the negative battery lead if you have the electric start model, like we do. It’s standard practice not to connect both leads during shipping.
Last, add up to 1 quart of regular unleaded gasoline.
For the electric start, simply turn the key and the mower should fire up within 3 to 5 seconds. If you have the manual start model, turn the key clockwise to the “run” position, and then pull the recoil cord to start the engine. On your initial startup, it’s important to allow the motor to warm up before engaging the blades.
Once the engine is warm, reach down to the right side of the control panel and push down on the red safety switch, and then pull back on the presence bar to engage the blades.
DR recommends cycling the blades 3 or 4 times on brand-new mowers before getting started. This gives the belts and pulleys a chance to warm up and settle into their positions.
Let’s Talk Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the easiest way to ensure the best performance for the life of your mower. Fortunately, DR Power provides an easy-to-follow maintenance schedule so you can stay on top of things!
DR Power also outlines a few other maintenance and repair procedures in the user manual, so be sure to stash it somewhere safe! If you do misplace it, the manual is available on their website.
DR Power Pro Max30 Lawn Mower Price
DR Power offers this mower in two different configurations—manual start and electric start. The manual start retails for $1,449.99, while the electric start model that we featured in this article goes for $1,649.99.
Both options carry a residential 2-year engine warranty, a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and a lifetime warranty on the deck. If you’re thinking about using it in a commercial capacity, DR Power covers it for 90 days.
The Bottom Line
All in all, the DR Power Pro MAX30 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a rugged, high-performing wide deck mower. It’s got plenty of power to tackle any grass type, and some handy features like electric start and a smooth Flex-Speed drive. So, should you buy it?
With its 30-inch deck, it can certainly help you get your mowing done faster and leave you with a clean cut. Nearly any lawn will see some efficiency gains, but it’s those lawns greater than half an acre that get the greatest benefit. Plus, the high torque and blade speed are great for reclaiming overgrown areas.
On the other hand, this is a lawn mower designed to leave you with a manicured yard. If you have grass that’s several feet tall or have stalky brush to take down, you should consider one of DR Power’s field and brush mowers instead.
