Tim,

Thanks for the advice. In my opinion, too, the John Deere, Honda, and
Toro are exceptional brands and better than Craftsman, but you pay for
that in $$$, too, as you said. My one friend is going on year 15 with
his Toro.

I actually have had 5+ years good luck so far with a Craftsman 6hp
self-propelled at my mother's house, and another friend has gotten
many years out of his as well. Once in a while they require a few
strong pulls to start, but I am willing to throw the dice, per say.

You are right, I probably won't follow your advice grin!!, but
thanks for spending time giving it to me. If the mower fails in 1-10
years, I will know who told me so!

Steve


"Tim Fischer" wrote in message t.net...
You'll probably ignore my advice grin but PLEASE stay away from Crapsman.
Do a newsgroup search on Craftsman Mowers and see what you come up with for
advice.

I had a self-propelled Crapsman walk-behind that lasted 2 1/2 seasons before
the transmission failed. Cost new: $350. Cost for PARTS (not labor) to
fix: $299. I junked it and bought a Honda Harmony, for $650. Money VERY
well spent. I also now have a John Deere lawn tractor since we moved to a
bigger property.

So, if you like replacing your mower every 2-4 years, by all means by the
Sears. If you want something that will last, spend a little more and get a
Honda, John Deere, or Toro. It will last you a dozen years or more.

-Tim