Briggs and Stratton engines

[a nameless entity]

I bought a new lawn mower on May the 2nd. I thought I needed one because my 21 year old Sears Craftsman with a Briggs and Stratton flathead just wouldn't start. It was always cold blooded, and the weather was less than 50F. It started up later in the week, after warming in the sun, but it's been recalcitrant about starting or restarting after a break for over 10 years.

So I bought a new Toro "Super Recycler" lawnmower model 21564. It has a Briggs and Stratton model 12000 series engine. I chose this lawn mower model for its aluminum deck, and special vortex underside which was a feature I noted years ago on Toro's. I've wanted that mulching feature for years.

I just found out this weekend that the original Briggs and Stratton motor company went broke and has been taken over by KPS, which I assume is a hedge fund.

I heard some time ago that many of their engines were now made in China, although my dealer "thought" the model 12000 series was made in Mexico.

I've googled my self to death trying to find out just where my new engine was made.

Does anyone out there know the answer for sure?

[Hermskii]

No idea. Sorry. Good luck too. I bought an all-Honda mower about 12 years ago. Have not cleaned the air filter or change the oil. It starts on the 2nd pull every time. Paid about $500 for it back then. Made to mulch too!

I use it about 9 months out of the year every other week. The treads on the hard plastic wheels are gone but it still rolls just fine. Best purchase ever I suspect!

[a nameless entity]

No idea. Sorry. Good luck too. I bought an all-Honda mower about 12 years ago. Have not cleaned the air filter or change the oil. It starts on the 2nd pull every time. Paid about $500 for it back then. Made to mulch too!

I use it about 9 months out of the year every other week. The treads on the hard plastic wheels are gone but it still rolls just fine. Best purchase ever I suspect!

Well thanks for the reply, Herm!
I assume that all of the nasty weather down your way this past month gave you a miss, as you're able to talk about something as mundane as lawnmowers.

I'm still unsuccessful in my search for an answer. But I guess it doesn't matter too much. I'm 71 years old, and for all I know I might be dead or living in a seniors home in 5-10 years.
I've read most of the online reviews which range from 5 star love, to 1 star hate, as usual. I seem to be lucky, my unit exhibits some of the problems mentioned, but only mildly.
I figure if I take the same care of my new machine the way I did the old, it should last long enough for me.

It sounds like you got a good unit too. But I think you should consider changing the air filter on your Honda, if it's the paper type. If its sponge with oil, at least take a look at it. Maybe a new sponge with fresh oil will be in order. After all this time I think it's best to just carry on with no engine oil changes.