The Lawn Mower Mark

[kybearfuzz]

I took a nap after getting home and then got up thinking I should mow the yard because of today's rain. With one strip left in the front yard and not even touching the back yard jungle, my lawn mower dies. I prime the engine, pull the cord, it starts and runs for 20 seconds before sputtering and dying. Like any idiot, I curse and continue to pull the cord thinking a different result will happen over and over. Nothing.

I can't let it go as my yard's appearance is important to me. So I check the oil, add oil, no effect. I clean the air filter, replace, no effect. I flush the fuel line as best I can, replace, no effect. By 9:30 PM, I've given up the yard and wheeled the mower back into the garage. Not finished yet, I check the internet for help to no avail.

After six years, the mower may just be done. I've not maintained it like I should (I only think about it when I need it), and have used it nearly every weekend during lawn seasons. Do I take it to the shop where a guy can charge me $25-30/hour for three hours to fix it or spend $30 more on top of that just getting a new one? Maybe an electric one is in order, my yard isn't that big and it would save me having to buy gasoline for it. Any thoughts?

Comments

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

how about a manual push mower?

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/brillux38ree.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_17544_buy-push-reel.html

environmentally friendly AND adds a bit to your workout....

*shrug*

had one at an old condo years ago and worked great!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

It is tempting, I've never used one, but I had a professor in college who had one because the fumes from a motor gave her headaches.

The only problem is that I sometimes have to leave town for weeks at a time and they're not especially good for high growth.

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

ah i understand....