Lawn mowers that last

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When cutting season begins, you want your mower ready to go, not in a repair shop. A Consumer Reports survey of almost 20,000 subscribers found some brands more reliable than others.

When it comes to gas-powered push mowers, the survey found that Murray and Troy-Bilt push mowers are more reliable than Toros.

For bigger jobs, a gas-powered self-propelled mower will do some of the work for you.Among the least reliable are Husqvarna and Snapper. Honda is a brand you can depend on.

If you've got more than an acre to mow-or you're mowing for more than an hour with your walk-behind-it might be time to consider a riding mower. Consumer Reports' survey found that John Deere tractors are more reliable and that Cub Cadets are more likely to break.

Each brand has different models,but if you choose one from a more dependable brand, Consumer Reports says you improve your odds of getting a mower that will hold up over time.

Proper maintenance also goes a long way. The most common cause of engine trouble is old, or bad, gas. Gas that's more than a month old or has ethanol in it can really damage the fuel system and clog up the carburetor.

In addition to using fresh fuel, at the start of each season it's also important to change the oil, check your filters, and sharpen the blades. Sharp blades save fuel and cut cleaner, keeping your lawn healthier.