Worth the risk?

[Eef]

Bought my first house - now I'm looking at my first lawn mower.

Well, I found a 96-97 2 stroke Lawn boy for sale locally. It has the F engine, and a steel deck in good shape. But it apparently surges.... which is apparently also a common issue with them. I'm happy to learn how to fix it (I've watched a few videos on youtube already) and I'd be OK with fiddling with it for hours on end, but I frankly know jack about small engines. Then again, tinkering is part of the appeal.

So what I want to know: is it worth buying a mower that is known to have issues when I have zero experience trying to solve it?

One more thing. I understand that surging is mostly caused by a dirty carb, and occasionally by a dirty air filter or faulty spark plug. Is there anything else I should be aware of when looking at the mower to know if its worth my time?

Thanks.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

If it surges but doesn't stall, I say "run her". Entirely usable and you have time while you own it to fiddle and try and solve the surge.

 

[3800Series]

It depends if your getting it for a reasonable price then yes. However it depends on the size of your lawn more then anything.

For years it seemed like I was replacing riding mower after riding mower so I finally caved and bout a Husky commercial zero turn mower. Besides the price being pretty high I haven't regretted it a bit. For the last year or so I was mowing our three acres with a push mower which wasnt necessarily hard just time consuming.

Find a mower that fits your needs and price.

 

[Chuckinator]

If you get a good price on it the worst that could happen is you paid for an education

 

[fdcg27]

If the LB is cheap enough, then why not?
I loved my old LB.
It went through the thickest, tallest grass without any problems at all and cut cleanly all the way.

 

[Mr_Joe]

If priced right, yes. Most people don't take care of their equipment, give it some TLC, a carb cleaning, and non-ethanol gas.

 

[KGMtech]

If it bothers you, a poorly running 2 stroke will emit lots of pollution compared to a newer 4 cycle.

If this aspect doesn't influence your thinking, go ahead and get it!

FWIW, 2 strokes are the very best for lawns with steep inclines, as they don't need to have a sump of oil to protect the moving parts.
If you are dealing with a lawn with cliff like faces...it is best to go 2 stroke.

 

[Donald]

I personally would not get a 2 cycle lawn mower.

 

[spasm3]

I have a LB duraforce its listed at 6.5 hp but it runs like its an 8hp!! These things really have the torque. Tall grass is no problem. Mulches much better than the 4 strokes as it has more power.

Mine is not self propelled but i may get one that is just to back up my rider in case its ever down. I just trim mow with this one and its great. Is different mowing with what sounds like a chainsaw.

 

[zrxkawboy]

I have one of those mowers. I bought it used about 10-11 years ago. It has started to surge at the low throttle setting, but not the high, so I haven't gotten too worried about it yet. I suppose one of these days I should clean out the carb. Otherwise, it has run well for me with only air filter cleanings and spark plug replacement. I would not hesitate to buy another if I needed a mower.

 

[super20dan]

ing coil is a weak spot but cheap on ebay. clean low speed jet to fix surge

 

[BrianF]

I borrowed a Lawn Boy 2 stroke at one time. It started and ran fine, just underpowered. It stank and it made cutting the lawn quite unpleasant. I only run 4 stroke mowers. Just my opinion.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Originally Posted By: BrianF
It stank and it made cutting the lawn quite unpleasant.


Using a quality synthetic oil makes smoke nearly disappear, but yes, there still is an odor. I will say that when using my LB 2-stroke, the mosquitoes leave me alone! That alone is worth it in my book!

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: Eef
but I frankly know jack about small engines.


You're one of those tax paying normal people.

Originally Posted By: Johnny2Bad
If it surges but doesn't stall, I say "run her".


That's what all my neighbors do. I hate my neighbors.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I personally would not get a 2 cycle lawn mower.


Good advice. Leave the 2 cycles for weed trimmers.

 

[Eddie]

You will probably have enough to do with your "first" house without fussing with old mower engines. Why not purchase a new or possibly a good 4 cycle from a Craig's list or Estate sale and be done with it for years to come. JMO. Ed

 

[dlundblad]

Get it and it'll outlive you! So much hate for Lawn Boys here.. I don't get it. The worse thing you can do is get something new. Ick.

If you're skeptical, hold off and keep an eye on CL for a "good" working one at a reasonable price. For example, I can get a self propelled dura force with a bagger for $90. If I didn't have my others, I'd be on this one too.

 

[IndyIan]

My LB was surging when the bottom seal went out on it and it started to run lean. Have a good look under the motor above the deck to see if that's the case. I did run it for a couple years that way just turning what I assume was an air screw on the outside of the carb down until it ran OK. I did get it fixed eventually and the mower lives on.

 

[PhilsSmallEngine]

I too prefer the power of the E series over the rock solid F engines. Not much is necessary to get even more power while eliminating the surge of the DuraForce; Simply tapping out the jet or install a snow thrower main jet is it. If the price is minimal, you stand to have a mower that will easily last another 20 years with basic maintenance.

Personally, if the price is under $30usd, consider buying it. If not, patiently wait until you find an aluminum or other alloy deck to show up for under $50.

 

[wag123]

Engine surging is a symptom of a plugged/restricted low speed circuit in the carburetor. No, you can't add anything to the fuel to fix this. The carb needs to be cleaned out.