October 27, 2019: I can only apply a limited number of band aids . . .
Read MoreI got my Troy-Bilt lawn mower not too long after I moved to Georgia. The Honda engine has provided flawless reliable service for almost a decade. Unfortunately, the rest of the mower is another story. Small issues seemed to be a regular occurrence.
I've replaced the drive cables twice. The seams on the bag were beginning to separate. The original back wheels disintegrated a few years ago. The cogs on the replacement wheels wouldn't stay in place, (hence the large washers and nuts/bolts seen in the photo above). This means the power drive works, but not very well.Earlier this year, I went to adjust the height of the deck, which is usually a simple procedure. This time, I grabbed the handle only to have it break off in my hand. So not only did I no longer have height adjustment, there was nothing to keep the existing height in place. The mower instantly dropped to the lowest setting and stayed there. I had to drill through the frame and install a nut and bolt to hold everything in place.
The broken piece sits in front of the blade, but behind the front axle. The piece in question acts as a guide for for the cut grass. With it no longer in place, I had a small amount of grass shooting out from the front of the mower.
I can only apply so many band aids. And I think I've reached my limit. Time for a new mower.I did some research and settled on a Honda HRX Series mower that was available at Home Depot. But for some inexplicable reason, the model I wanted was available at every Home Depot EXCEPT the Athens store, (it couldn't be shipped to Athens, no exceptions).
The North Lilburn store, about 55 miles from my house, had two of them on the shelf. The only question I had was how to get it home.