[greglepore]

Yeah, bought a used one a couple years back for $300, needed a carb. The 5.5 runs well but if it dies I think I'll go up a couple hp.
I'd leave the leaves but we live in a clearing in the woods and if I didn't clear them they'd mat down with rain and choke out the grass. Its possible that my mulching blade would cut them fine enough, but whatever. I do compost the leaves-usually about 15-20 loads, so there's that.