One of the uncles had a Jacobsen rotary mower with a B&S engine. It was always cranky but cut grass beautifully. Another uncle had a Gravely riding mower. They had a huge lot right on Lake Erie and cousin and I would delight getting the thing rolling at break-neck speed. As a kid I used a push-mower which I took to the hardware store to get sharpened every Spring.
Speaking of Spring, today at 11:30 a.m it bounced in.
Speaking of Spring, today at 11:30 a.m it bounced in.
I had a gas craftsman that stayed at a rental home.
B&S motor. Ironically it was a first puller for awhile.
But it seemed different from what you guys are talking about.
The older B&S motors that I used for mini bikes or go carts were finicky.
Guarantee always the carb and that weird bladder that always dries up and cracks.
But the mower I had seemed more like what the hondas use
pretty simple carb, always works.
looking at what is available now, all these small motors are relatively similar.
but have seen countless honda motors, with garbage oil and abused.
still work. change the plug once in awhile. and if the jet in the carb clogs
from sitting, one bolt drops the bowl, and small screwdriver to pull the jet and clean.
used honda clones for various mini bikes or go carts, all the same
even the cheap copies work.
old briggs I'd never touch, but everything now looks like honda copies to me
or similar design
B&S motor. Ironically it was a first puller for awhile.
But it seemed different from what you guys are talking about.
The older B&S motors that I used for mini bikes or go carts were finicky.
Guarantee always the carb and that weird bladder that always dries up and cracks.
But the mower I had seemed more like what the hondas use
pretty simple carb, always works.
looking at what is available now, all these small motors are relatively similar.
but have seen countless honda motors, with garbage oil and abused.
still work. change the plug once in awhile. and if the jet in the carb clogs
from sitting, one bolt drops the bowl, and small screwdriver to pull the jet and clean.
used honda clones for various mini bikes or go carts, all the same
even the cheap copies work.
old briggs I'd never touch, but everything now looks like honda copies to me
or similar design
https://www.neste.com/products/all-products/fossil-products/alkylate-gasoline#5c2938e0
Alkylate fuel helps a lot with small engines that are used occasionally or stay unused for many months a year - typically 5-6 months here in Scandinavia. Lawnmowers, small outboards, generators, chain saws etc.
Alkylate fuel helps a lot with small engines that are used occasionally or stay unused for many months a year - typically 5-6 months here in Scandinavia. Lawnmowers, small outboards, generators, chain saws etc.
I learned with B&S to use only high test gas and a splash of methyl hydrate would cut down on the carb kits every second year. Twice bitten left me always shy so I have no knowledge of the newer stuff.
Fuel turns to varnish if left in the tank for a long time.
Best to drain before storage.
A liquid carb cleaner might work as straight fuel to start after long storage.
Buy a Mikuni carb, if needed, production shifted to India.
Japan plants now into fuel injection systems, and we have one of the world's largest volumes in two wheelers.
Kei Hin (partly owned by Honda), also has a plant here.
Spaco (Dell'Orto, Italy licensee), and local player Jetex too.
You need moped carburetors, match the bore and mounting type.
I have no idea what the original makes were in your engines, here due to volumes and competition, we get good and cheap units...$30 tops for a 125 cc scooter.
Best to drain before storage.
A liquid carb cleaner might work as straight fuel to start after long storage.
Buy a Mikuni carb, if needed, production shifted to India.
Japan plants now into fuel injection systems, and we have one of the world's largest volumes in two wheelers.
Kei Hin (partly owned by Honda), also has a plant here.
Spaco (Dell'Orto, Italy licensee), and local player Jetex too.
You need moped carburetors, match the bore and mounting type.
I have no idea what the original makes were in your engines, here due to volumes and competition, we get good and cheap units...$30 tops for a 125 cc scooter.
I had a Dell"Orto carb on a motorcycle back in the 70s. It was a petty good carb until I put the slide in backward by mistake. Bike didn't run very well after that. 
There are several of them out now. What's available to you will depend heavily on where you live. I have a Ryobi (sold by Home Depot). I kind of held my breath when I bought it (and purchased the extended warranty) but really it's been flawless.
Forgot to reply to the second part - They are expensive. Kind of like buying an electric vehicle. You are paying for all of your fuel and maintenance over life in advance. The cost scares a lot of buyers away...
Honestly, it's a joy. First run of the season consists of blowing the dust off the tractor (using a battery powered leaf blower, of course) and sharpening the blades. As opposed to the oil change, new gas, inevitable futzing with the first start of the season.
There really isn't any reason why an electric tractor should be as expensive as it is. The fundamental cost of the motor is not much different. The chassis/steering/mechanicals are roughly the same. The electronic controls shouldn't cost more than a mechanical transmission (the electric tractor has no transmission). So what's left is the batteries, which really shouldn't add more than a 10% premium to the cost of the tractor. I think the reason that they are expensive today is that they are not made in the same scale as gas tractors. Nothing more.
There really isn't any reason why an electric tractor should be as expensive as it is. The fundamental cost of the motor is not much different. The chassis/steering/mechanicals are roughly the same. The electronic controls shouldn't cost more than a mechanical transmission (the electric tractor has no transmission). So what's left is the batteries, which really shouldn't add more than a 10% premium to the cost of the tractor. I think the reason that they are expensive today is that they are not made in the same scale as gas tractors. Nothing more.