[Hobovore]

Hi,

I have just been given a small plot (yay).

This place has the policy of you clearing your stuff before you go, though the previous occupant's version of that was to throw it all in a pile then cover it in manure/plant deris.....

While going through this I came a petrol lawnmower, it had greenish grass on the blade and the left behind compost bin has greenish grass clipping in it as well. It also appears to have been  recently fueled up (not all evaporated away). However there is a place that has rusted through (photo provided), my question is even though it appears that this mower has been recently used is it safe to use? Can it be patched up?

There is also a patch of this plot that falls under two quite tall and thick fir(I think, I do not knw trees that well) trees. As this place is dark, damp and mouldy I wonder if it is worth evicting all the slugs and snails (and wire) that currently inhabit it and erecting a mushroom tower (or even just a rotten stump) there? Has any one tried this in a fully shaded area?

[mikem]

I wouldn't wish to give you an opinion on the lawnmower as the real issue is whether the blade is likely to come off and cause you "damage"!

[Hobovore]

I checked that, the engine and blade seem pretty solid it is just the body.

There were no stories of the previous occupant losing any limbs.

[Hobovore]

Well it would seem that as long as the deck can support the weight of the engine it is good to go.

The current rot can be treated with a rust treatment and then using a fibre glass kit to patch over the holes. even so it is unlikely I would use it as a favor the scythe, no noise, no oil, fumes, fuel mixing or fiddly maintenance.

Hopefully someone will be happy to take it off my hands.