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

Two other possibilities.

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you changed the air filter. Two other things you may consider:
1: The carburator needs cleaning.
2: The spark plug need replacing.
It's nice that you have a garage in which to store such devices away from the elements. Good luck.

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

a couple of goats!!

[mississippicub.livejournal.com]

I went the route of getting the thing looked at, and in the end, I wish I had spent about 25 dollars more and got a new one... cause it completely died the next year. I think its probably the best deal... especially for reliability.

[cincycub.livejournal.com]

I think you should buy a new one. Let me know what you look at - I'm thinking about an electric one myself.

Re: Two other possibilities.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

The spark plug is relatively new, but my boss (who also works on lawn mowers) suggested the same thing about the carburator. Thanks, I'll give that a try. :)

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

If only I could keep them from eating everything else.. and then there is the piles of goat poop to deal with...

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

My boss provided me a couple more alternatives to try to get the mower working again (he thinks it's a blocked fuel line). If they fail, then it's time for something new.

I'm with you though, I can't see me spending a ton of money on a repair that could garner me a new one instead.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

We will see what my next efforts produce, then see if a new one is a better deal.

And your yard is a great size for an electric mower, I think, plus you wouldn't have to fool with buying gasoline for it (and would be environmentally friendly). All of my other yard tools (leaf blower, weed eater, hedge trimmer -- wow, I sound butch) are electric and they are much easier to maintain.

[cincycub.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's the environmental aspect that I was most interested in. One of my neighbors has one and I'm jealous. I just need to figure out how to get rid of my old ones. I have two mowers in my garage now - I really can't add a third - lol.

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

consider the poop instant fertilizer. you'll have the greenest lawn on the block!!

[nlotic.livejournal.com]

My coworker has an electric one and likes it. He also has a small lawn. Also look into low mow/no mow grass seed options.

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

Just throw some sulfric acid on your lawn. No more mowing required!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

If I buy one, I'm really considering the electric one, even if I have to pay a bit more.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

The scorched earth approach may be low maintenance, but it creates an ugly yard. LOL.. I wonder what approach you use when you have to clean the toilet or the bathtub.. hmmmm....

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

Well, I tried mowing my toliet but it didn't trim down the growth enough.


Eewww.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

After six years, I'd not spend too much on fixing the old mower. New may be the better situation in the long run.

On electric, I bought one some years ago when I had a house with a very small yard. Ignorning for the moment the 2 times when I accidentally drove over the cord, I have to say that the electric mower (and it was a decent unit) just didn't do a good job. If the grass was a bit wet, it'd clog. If it was a wee bit too long, it'd bog down and then clog. If I tried to mow too quickly, it'd clog. Hmm, there's a thread in here, isn't there?

[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.

Re: Lawnmower

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

My boss has given me some suggestions on what to try when I get home today to see if I can't clear them out. And it rained today so I'll not be able to mow until the weekend anyway so I have time.

I've thought about the electric ones, but from ricksf's comment above, performance could be an issue. My yard is really thick and grows fast so it may not be a good match for my needs.

... and big hugs back to you :)

[clintswan.livejournal.com]

ah i understand....