I purchased one of these about 8 years ago and it's been chugging along fine ever since [other than replacing blades periodically). We have purchased another house about 3 hours away and I decided to buy another one for there. There's been a slight improvement in the blade guard which is more open now and doesn't allow clippings to pile up inside it. I'd give it 5 stars if it had a way to run without holding down the on lever. I have a very long driveway and sidewalk so by the time I'm finished, my hold on fingers are tired out.