So.. New Lawn Mower soon...

[ericlp]

I have a craftsman mower about 5 years old cheapie maybe 200 bucks for it... Runs like a champ....

Just noticed... Well, I thought it was just a loose screw... But, the hole where the grass comes out, that thin metal area just below the hole...has snapped.

Engine good, starts on first pull, but body is trashed. I guess it's time for a new mower.

Anyone know of a better mower more of solid frame that will last? Or is that a trick question? I'm hoping to get a few more lawn mowings out of it before the frame just folds up like a rusted tin can. If not, I'll probably buy that SAME mower again, maybe 200 bucks every 5 years isn't bad for a cheap push mower.

I wonder if there is any interest or use for old engines that are still in good condition?

[macuu222]

I've done the same thing with a craftsman mower from Sears for the past 15 years. I'm on year 6 of my third cheap mower but the push bar rotted out and broke on this one. Easy to jerry rig though. But there comes a time now that I'm thinking tractor. I'm not getting any younger and the grass seems to be growing faster.

[terracore]

Based on many recommendations my last mower purchase was a Honda. The box said "MADE IN USA! (with globally sourced components)" Paid more for the name I guess. The first time I used it, one of the wheels came off. I should have just gone through and tightened all the nuts because the other wheels came off eventually as well. One time I was mowing and it started making a sound like Armageddon was upon us. I turned it over and found a cheap flimsy piece of metal under the deck with an unknown purpose had bent in due to poorly tightened bolts and the blade was hitting it. I pounded it back with a hammer but it has been a recurring problem. The deck itself is pitted and rusted after two years (stored out of the rain of course) and I can tell I'm in for an experience just like yours.

The engine itself is awesome. Starts first pull and runs great. Every other component of this mower is dissolving in front of my eyes with each use. The tread on the rear wheels wore off and fell off after less than 1 year.... and I only mow every other week. I had to replace the rear wheels after only one year. My dad's mower is at least 40 years old and it has the original wheels.

The latest shenanigans is that the self-propelled feature has mostly quit working. I turned it over and that feature relies on a must-slip belt that surprises me it has lasted this long.

The mower is crap, and I'm sorry I spent more for the Honda name. Buy the cheapest mower you can find. Everything built nowadays seems to be made to be worn out and die, or to last for a long time if you can afford high up-front costs followed by unsustainable maintenance and repair costs.

[ericlp]

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-21inch-re...137430000P

This is the one I have... Bought the 50 bucks insurance deal for 3 years, though never needed it. I guess It's worth it. Just in case one get's a lemon.

Must be the hawaiian way. Anyone interested in a nice 5.0 B/S engine?

I've been thinking of a tractor since I got here, problem is, I'm thinking the deck would probably come to the same fate, but would be way over 200 bks to replace a 42" deck.

Plus, I get some exercise! Thought about front wheel drive, but, my luck, I'll hit a lava pucka and snap the drive train, but, I guess with the 3 year warranty, how many times will they fix it?

I've owned a honda once. I agree with you, but, to be honest, I am really IMPRESSED with this engine, it runs a lot better then the honda I had. Actually, it's probably the best running engine of any mower I've ever had. Never failed to start. Never had any wheels fall off and the old ones still look new. Granted I only have .3 acre lot, but, most of it is grass with a small house, it does get used a lot! The only thing I've done was change the oil a few times.

[Guest]

Nothing a length of flat steel will not solve. Put it on both sides wile you at it.. Just drill holes and snug it down tight against the deck. Can use aluminum too if you do not want to buy new drill bits to make life easier drilling the steel.

[David M]

Go to one of the local repair shops. I went to the one in Shipman because they had another piece of equipment they repaired. I think they charged me $10, maybe $15 for a body they had sitting there with the engine torn apart and obviously not going to be fixed. I gladly paid the price, took it home and swapped my running engine for the derelict. They did offer to do the swap for me for a reasonable amount but that would have involved a trip home to get the old old. That was 3 years ago. As a bonus the new body was better than the old in that it had the large rear wheels.

Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com

[ElysianWort]

I'm experiencing the same thing with my sears mower. I also spent the $50 for the extended 3 year warranty and it came in handy. 2 years down the line the carburetor went out and I got a brand new one for free. Now 6 years later with that same body, I have a mower that always starts but the body is going to $h*t. Hole in the top deck so grass comes flying out the top instead of just out the side. Lots of other pieces of the mower have fallen off too but funny thing is they seemed to be useless pieces that just got in the way of the unforgiving Puna backyard landscape.

[Guest]

Duct Tape ? Fiberglass ? Both will work perfect.

[myomy]

That aluminum faced tape with the asphalt/tar coating used on metal roofing. It is incredibly sticky. If the adhesive side folds back on itself, you will never pull it apart.

Not really 'pretty', but I saw cars there that had more than a few 'repairs' made with this. Really, it is useful for a lot of repairs.

[ElysianWort]

Good idea myomi! I have some of that roofing tape available in my shed. I bet it'll work great. I love punaweb!