Peggy Elliott wrote:

I gave mine away because it was such a pain to start. I now have a reel mower. The
more irritated I get, the more grass gets cut. Heh heh....
-Peg in Va zone 7

My ancient Ward's Garden King mower was rescued from a neighbor's trash. Runs
like new so long as I keep the oil up. Called their service department to see
if I could get a grass catcher for it. Gave them the SN. Date of manufacture
was 1970.


TOM KAN PA wrote:

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!