A subject dear to my heart... :cool2:
There are many advantages to a two-stroke small engine design:
-- Better power-to-weight ratio (so the mower can be lighter)
-- More even and consistent distribution of lubricant in the engine, particularly when operating on a slope. A four-stroke can "starve" for oil if tilted. I think this is why some two-stroke engines last for decades.
-- No need to change oil
-- Fewer moving parts -- these engines are very simple and fun to work on. :wink:
I don't think any company is currently making two-stroke mowers for sale in the USA -- EPA regulations have effectively outlawed them. But if properly tuned up, they don't smoke a lot.