Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
Well, once in a while I make the pitch of "If you can use an electric mower if your yard is small, use one"
I have a narrow but deep yard, the back part is woods. I'm never more than 45' from my house. Bought a B+D corded mower (about $200 at the time, refurb) in 1997 and have spent < 50 cents in maintenance costs and "0" time between seasons. I don't even store it for the winter. Using is a brief learning curve; I mowed 2 yards growing up with electric mowers (larger yards) and the cord really wasn't an issue (yards had only a few trees)
This is probably heresy on an oil site, but practicality got the better of me.
X2, except that the maintenance for me has been a bit higher. I have a lot of concrete (walkways, sidewalk, driveway, alley, and patio) around my yard. The extension cord gets abraded and worn and I end up replacing it every 2-3 years. Cost - about $25.
I sharpen the blade once a year and occasionally put a little light oil on the wheels. $150 from Lowe's.