Lifespan of Mower

[benski]

I got my first mower in 9/1999 and just replaced it in 6/2012.

9/1999 $325 Honda self propelled side discharge Lawn Mower
6/2012 $428 Honda self propelled rear discharge Lawn Mower

12 years 9 months so essentially 12 seasons in Long Island NY on a small 1/4 acre (yes I could've just done a push mower ;-). Changed the oil probably 4 times over that time frame, once after the first month of use which was probably the most crucial.

The old one wouldn't start at the beginning of last year's season and then after a $40 visit to a small engine repair shop ran as always first pull. This season it started becomming harder and harder to start where it required many pulls and finally wouldn't start flat out. I visited this site, talked to some friends and neighbors, decided that it wasn't worth another trip to the shop, especially with HomeDepot's new low price of $399 for the Honda Model # HRR216VKA.

What should I do with the old one?

Heck, I'd put it on Craigslist for $40.00 and see what happens. Someone out there might just need parts of it.:smile:

 

[steve0701]

Got my Lawn Boy gold series walk-behind in 1990. Replaced the engine in 2003 when a worn-out bearing dropped the shaft low enough to make the flywheel start screeching against the engine. So far, so good! A steel deck would have rusted through many years ago, but the alloy deck looks like new, except for all the paint that flaked off. I like the 3-speed transmission and 2-stroke engine, but as long as I live I'll never get used to the offset front wheels that leave a double-tire track on one side of the cut. :thumbsup:

 

[Moegs]

I bought my 36" Ransomes Mower (ca 1980) in 1989 from my good friend Buzz who was in the lawn care business. I have used and maintained this mower ever since. Four years after i bought it the engine crapped out. Replaced it with a 12.5 HP Onan engine. Bits and pieces here and there I am still using this remarkable machine. I am a homeowner with about an acre of grass to cut and this machine has served me well with all my wife's gardens I have to mow around. My good friend Buzz passed away last year and I have to say that each time I start it up, I think about him and the great times we had together.

 

[clarkekv]

Heck, I'd put it on Craigslist for $40.00 and see what happens. Someone out there might just need parts of it.:smile:

OMG you would not believe the response. Five people responded the craiglist post in 12 hours. Sold!

 

[Natureboy]

OMG you would not believe the response. Five people responded the craiglist post in 12 hours. Sold!

Except for having to deal with the occasional nutcase, CL has been pretty successful for me. Price it fair and they will come...

 

[graydog]

I use a 60 inch Great Dane Charriot XL to do most all my mowing on my 15 acres.

I have an old 2cycle Lawn Boy with a rear basket I keep around to use around the back door to keep from tracking in grass clippings. I bought it new in 1958, making it 54 years old. When did I last use it? Yesterday. The only special care is I keep it in the shed and run the carburetor dry after use and drain the gas tank. I did learn that if you don't keep the axles lubricated, they will wear out.

 

[midnite rider]

I use a 60 inch Great Dane Charriot XL to do most all my mowing on my 15 acres.

I have an old 2cycle Lawn Boy with a rear basket I keep around to use around the back door to keep from tracking in grass clippings. I bought it new in 1958, making it 54 years old. When did I last use it? Yesterday. The only special care is I keep it in the shed and run the carburetor dry after use and drain the gas tank. I did learn that if you don't keep the axles lubricated, they will wear out.

Graydog, 54 years, that is amazing! I and others sure would like to see a picture of the old boy if you could post one. Talk about longevity. They really don't build them like they use to. :thumbsup:

 

[corrod]

Hey Graydog,

Talk about getting your money's worth, I would say you have certainly done that and then some! I have a Craftsman that's 12 years young and if I can get 10 more I will be happy and satisfied. Thanks for sharing your story with us! :smile:

 

[graydog]

Graydog, 54 years, that is amazing! I and others sure would like to see a picture of the old boy if you could post one. Talk about longevity. They really don't build them like they use to. :thumbsup:

I attached some photos after washing it off with a little gasoline and a brush.

It has never been washed with water or rained on. I am a retired firefighter and farmer. The fire truck's compartment floors and the cab floor rusts completely through from being washed so often. My tractors and combine were never washed except to get mud off. Machinery and water don't do well together. At the farm sale when I sold out, they brought top dollar.

 

[midnite rider]

I attached some photos after washing it off with a little gasoline and a brush.

It has never been washed with water or rained on. I am a retired firefighter and farmer. The fire truck's compartment floors and the cab floor rusts completely through from being washed so often. My tractors and combine were never washed except to get mud off. Machinery and water don't do well together. At the farm sale when I sold out, they brought top dollar.

Thank you Graydog for taking the time to share your story and the pictures of the old boy. Man it really looks good for being so old. Wow, I am in awe of it. For everything to still be functional and complete shows how well you have maintained it. I believe if we had a contest for the oldest piece of equipment still being used you would win hands down. It is justified that the color is gold for you have got it's value of weight in gold out of it and then some! I will take your advice on not using water as your Lawnboy is a testament to it. I usually just blow off my equipment with my blower. Thanks again.