"TOM KAN PA" wrote in message
...
From HouseSmart by Lou Manfredini appearing in the USA Weekend
Magazine:
Get more from your mower
Simple tips for years of use.
"Many of us are assiduous about car care but slack off when it comes
to our
mowers. When they're new, we're thrilled with how easily they start
and how
neatly they trim the yard. By the second season, they don't start
quite so
easily, and the lawn begins to look rough around the edges. By the
third
season, we junk it and buy a new model. (The average lifespan of
America's
lawnmowers and other yard machines is no more than three years.) "
How many of you gardeners have junked your mower in the third season?
I can see
me telling my wife, "Well honey, the $500 Toro is going on its third
mowing
season, time to take it to the curb on garbage pickup day, and buy a
new one."
Yeah, sure!




Depends on the mower, mine was 25 years old and still working, I had
changed the oil about every 5 years and replaced plug and washed the air
filter at similar infrequent intervals. I am no mechanic by a long way.
It went in for service once or twice in the last 5 years due to dirty
petrol. Perhaps petrol was cleaner in the "old days".

It used to take up to five or six pulls to start. The deck was rusting
through and the height adjustment was worn out about the time I
eliminated the last of the lawn so I tossed it. The motor was a Briggs
and Stratton 4 stroke, I don't know if they are made anymore. Who
assembled the body I never did find out but it doesn't matter. Perhaps
I should have fixed it up and sold it for lots.

David