Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower, briggs stratton engines, briggs and stratton

Question
A couple years ago, I purchased a YardMan 6.5hp Briggs and Stratton mower. I put months of research into the purchase, it was rated as a consumer reports best buy.

I hate to admit it but it has been nothing but problems. It seems to be a very finicky motor, I put stabilizer in the gas and still I have to drain it dry and replace the gas every other month or so. It just doesn't run that well.

Last weekend, I put in a new air filter, new spark plug, drained and re-filled the tank. I went to start it and the pull cord broke off in my hand.

I can't take it any more, and I am thinking of getting a new mower. What do you recommend for reliability?

I was thinking of a Lawn Boy with the 2 cycle motor, but now they are not making them any more.

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
You must have ended up with a Friday afternoon shift mower.  There is no reason that mower should be a dud.  I used to recommend Lawnboy but now that they've gone to Briggs & Stratton engines, there's not much advantage over any other decent quality mower.  Some of the typically well-built mowers are Toro, Ariens, Troybilt and Honda.  The ultimate mower, in terms of reliability, is Honda but you can be prepared to pay big bucks.  Another option would be to find a decent used 2-stroke Lawnboy.  Hope this helps.