I think he's also forgotten that a mower that cost $150 back when
Montgomery Wards
was the alternative to Sears and HD didn't exist, now costs a lot more
than that, when adjusted for inflation.
Another overlooked fact is how much use a mower gets. A person with a
small lawn
who mow once a week, could get many more years of use out of someone
who cuts 1/3
of an acre more frequently.

I have a Honda Harmony 215 that is fantastic. Reliable, mulchs
excellent so the lawn
looks great, and quiet.