--50.236.xxx.xxx

I buy a cheap one at Walmart, beat the snot out of it a year or 2 and buy another one. The time of a craftsman lasting you 20 years is long gone. --174.201.xx.x

I wore out mower after mower. Either wheels and other parts fell off or the engine got sick. Several years ago, I bought a self-propelled Honda brand mower. I paid extra to get the one with a plastic mower deck that won't rust. Starts with one pull every time. So far, it's looking like I've bought my last mower. --68.156.xx.xx

--99.103.xxx.xxx

Steve, Do you have a model number for your mower? --50.236.xxx.xxx

Look at the right side of the main forum page and click on Roy's post in the Top 10 Discussions of the Week list. "What mower do you use ?" 54 responses... ought to find something useful in there. --173.20.xxx.xxx

--73.152.xx.xxx

There is just something special about Honda engines. I have a Honda push mower and it will start on the first pull even with old ethanol gas in it. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Our yard is between half and one acre, with steep ditches, and I mow four rentals weekly, some with steep hills. Reason we went with an Easy Start Honda? I could not get the old mower with its Briggs and Stratton engine started, so every time I wanted to mow, husband had to come out and start the darn thing. --70.92.xxx.xxx

I've also got a rock mower that cost $100 brand new. It's actually easy to use because it weighs practically nothing so it isn't difficult to push it. The self-propelled mower weighs a lot, which is obvious at turns. --98.146.xxx.xxx

Honda engine is not difficult to start with pull. Never use regular gasoline as ethanol causes the carb to get gummed up. Premium does not have ethanol. Drain the gasoline out at the end of the season as this can cause problems. Always keep the fuel fresh. Most vehicles have fuel injection which is pressurized which does not depend on engine vacuum to push fuel through jets. --147.194.xxx.xx

Roy as they say you meet the nicest people on a Honda!!!!! --99.103.xxx.xxx

But I really wish I had a stepped up to a zero turn. I was walking my dog and saw a woman do a beautiful mow on a city lot with her zero turn. I had no idea how accurate you can get with those. --98.146.xxx.xxx

I use the Toro "personal pace" mower....but there are a ton of variants so be careful. I prefer a Honda or Toro engine, but they also make one with Briggs and Stratton. I also prefer the aluminum deck...lasts longer and lighter to maneuver. Should be able to get one like I describe for about $500. If you want electric start, that adds cost. Steel deck and Briggs engine you can get one for about $340. --99.92.xxx.xxx

The model I use is no longer made but the closest one is 20381 --99.92.xxx.xxx

I got “self propelled” all right, for home we have an auto mower. Same idea as the Roomba robot vacuum but for the lawn. It makes the yard look like a golf course because it just takes a tiny bit off the top every day . Then it drives itself back to the charger and plugs itself in. --71.10.xxx.xxx

I agree on premium gasoline for all small engines. When we learned about that many years ago and switched to premium, after just two tankfuls, we saw the difference. Or so we thought. --172.58.xxx.xxx

The automatic starter batteries fail or degrade. And the cord backup is a chore to start. My lawn boy was so easy to start, I never missed the auto starter option. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Also I recommend mulching mower vs bagged so you don't have to rake and bag or empty bags. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Tough to beet them Kohler engines. --184.53.x.xxx

Every single time I need to buy a small engine anything I go down to Tom Dick & Harrys small engine repair and talk to the boys that will fix it and ask them what they would buy --24.62.xxx.xxx

I would prefer a goat, they take poison ivy and still produce safe milk but they also love flowerbeds. --76.188.xxx.xx

HD sells Lawn Boy. Lowes sells Craftsman, Husqvarana, Kobalt,Bolens-not selling Troy Bilt anymore.I would go all wheel drive. --73.230.xxx.xx