Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): buying a used lawn mower, honda lawn mower, tall grass

Question
can you tell me what to check in buying a used honda lawn mower?

Answer
Hi Steve
1- Make sure the guy selling it dosen't have a used car business.  Heh -Thats a joke (hope you don't sell used cars).
Seriously tho-

1-Crank it cold.  Should start easily, come off choke without stalling.
2-No smoke.  Smoke of ANY kind from a cold start is a bad sign.
3-Hit a patch of tall grass, try to load it up.  Even though you can probably stall it, it will be smooth and recover smoothly.

Lemme know how it goes, good luck!