[Yosemite Sam]

If you're getting new riding mower next season, I wouldn't rush out and buy a new "push" mower.

Unless your current mower has been blowing oil, or there was a catastrophic failure, there shouldn't be much wrong with it.

First thing I would do is replace the flywheel key. If the flywheel key doesn't do the trick and it has overhead valves, I'd check the clearances or take it to a shop and have them look at it.

But then, I'm a cheapskate and won't spend money that I don't really need to spend.

I still have (and periodically use) the first push mower I ever bought, 35 plus years ago.

The old Snapper walk behinds are great machines (I have several of them). Don't know anything about the new ones.