I believe that most of these curbside LBs are easy fixes like coil packs or some good old carb cleaning unless the owner simply go tired of using premix fuel.

I bought an LB off of craigslist, and when I went to pick it up, the owner also GAVE me a leafblower with it because it too was a premix.

I wonder if, when the mower needs service the dealer mentions LB has dropped the 2 stroke engine and some owners just decide to dump the machine rather than repair and get something new.

I remember during the gas crisis of the 70s people were dumping those old muscle cars of the 60s and classics of the 50s because they ate too much gas. I remember one friend trading his 1968 327 Camaro convertible in on a brand new 1972 Pinto.

Wonder if he ever wished he hadnt dumped it like a POS after some time and the panic of the energy crisis blew over.

In my limited experiance Lawn-Boys though long running can be a bit finicky. Over time most LB's need carb work and port cleaning, and sometimes a new coil or muffler. What we Lawn-Boy fans have a hard time understanding is that not everyone who mows really cares about what they are mowing with. As long as it starts, and runs well they could care less if it's a classic two-stroke LB or a Sears Craftsman as long as it gets the job done so they can move on to the next activity. A lot of folks look at a mower with a problem and after five years of service feel that is enough service to toss it to the curb and go and buy a shiney new one. I had a neighbor who never changed oil in his lawn tractor, he just replaced it every two years or so. We know that with a little maintainance a Lawn-Boy is good for 25 to 30 years of service. If we keep our eye out for their cast offs we just could keep Lawn-Boys humming into the next century.

Just joined the group. I have not seen too many at the curb side around here. I have had about 4 Lawn Boys. All trouble free if you maintained them. Used the correct fuel oil mix in them, keep air filters clean,exhaust ports clean, spark plug and grease self propeled systems. Only one I had go out was my 1970 d-400 old green just wore out. I use to mo 30 lawns a week when I was a kid and last year was the end. My 1973 d-600 self propeled that I gave to my dad 10 years ago is still running. I have about a 1985 f series engine self propeled model I have no model number cause when I got it the plate was gone. I use that at my house and I have a 1955 Lawn boy iron horse c 10 that still starts on the first pull. I don't think people care what they use to mow there lawn as long as it runs. Me , I am a die hard Lawn boy and 2 cycle fan.

I don't think there will be a shortage of two cycle Lawn Boys in our lifetimes. Note the unending supply of new and used models and parts on e-bay. I think the true two cycle Lawn Boy fans have realized who they are and the rest of the mowing public have just moved on as usual without a clue.

Good points made by mtgrs737. Two stroke engines in general seem to require more fiddling and maintenance to keep them running than most 4 stroke motors. With that as a background I suspect some owners just decide to toss the mower when informed that Lawnboy is no longer making the engine. Rightly or wrongly those owners probably conjure up a scarcity of parts and 2 stroke oil in the not too distant future.

These are all good points, and as I said I love mowing with my 1973 LB, but wouldn't you agree that most mowers if cared for to the level that is described by mtgrs737 would last as long as a Lawn Boy?
I am keeping my LB because I love the 2 cycle smell and the stripe on my lawn the staggered wheel leaves, but even so, my heart always is heavy when I select my LB over the craftsman Eager1 that always starts on the first pull and has had 1 oil change in 11 years.

On my Lawn-Boys I have had to do more maintainance than I would to a typical 4 stroker. However I enjoy doing it, I like the fact that my knowlege is what keeps it mowing like it should. I have come up with some improvements that help reduce the time I spend tweaking it. You could call them challenges, my next challenge is to figure out why my 10323 leaves flags or uncut grass blades.

You nailed it! I like working on mine and enjoy the idea that I am keeping a part of americana running. Deere lovers always act as though their machines run on and on and on, but my JD 175 has to be babied or it gets cranky similar to may others LB.

Appreciate the discourse! Take care and keep it green

Excellent points four4liberty. Most mowers would last a very long time IF they were cared for. Indeed the annoying that finally start to break are throttle and gear change levers and wheels. The stuff with plastic parts that the dealer probably won't have after 30 years. The motor will be running along just fine if it was maintained.

I had to can a 30 year old Toro because the control handles were breaking and the chute spring gave way. That little old Tecumseh was putting right along though.

We didnt have Ebay 20 years ago to readily get ahold of vintage parts and used parts like we do today. As long as there are venues like that to keep them going you will likely see mowers last eons to the select few who choose to keep them going.

I have had several Crapsman, Murray, etc 4 strokes that would probably last a long long time well maintained, but I had no passion for them like I do a premium mower like LawnBoy, Honda, Snapper, etc. Its just what interests you that decides the value of them. Some people spend a fortune on fishing gear, boating equipment, and a plethora of other hobbies. Mine just happens to be outdoor lawn and garden equipment at this stage of my life. Mowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, etc.... and for me the 2 stroke is the best overall machine.

Those old D-400s and 600s needed some extra maintenance but I enjoy it too. They are so easy to work on and there is nothing like the smell and sound of a well tuned Lawnboy.

Oh, I did forget to state that the Burbble and the Power Hum is music to my ears. I can only get that fix with a Lawn-Boy! canguy, thanks for reminding me!