on todays episode of "they dont make them like that anymore"...
One thing I have over a lot of people out there is my neighbor, Big Al!! That guys knows about everything there is to know, and one of his specialties is small engine machinery!! His lawn is impeccable, and his lawn care equipment average age is probably 25 years old! His method is simple.....take care of regular maintenance, no matter the item! His machines don't look brand new, but they look darn good, and it's whats under the hood that matters!!
The beauty of those old machines is they are cheap to buy used, our local pick/pull has a huge tractor section, and the damn things run forever!! Why buy new just to get the cup holder, when you can buy good old iron horses and a beer hat!!!