Okay, I didn't do oil changes for a few more years, and dad sharpened the blade, but other than that...

The teenagers could take turns.

Unless they are unable to do so from some physical reason, they need to be outside behind the mower and you should not need to either do so yourself or remind them to do so.

You have to tell them to do it. They won't volunteer.

Your mileage may vary.

My son liked doing the lawn with that. Our house now only has about 1/6 of an acre and DH still uses the rider.

We did, but it bit the dust.

For a living I fix this stuff. Why did it “bite the dust “ and not get repaired?

Not only is it a little difficult to find parts, but we can't afford the parts.

My guy is pretty handy w/ motors and motorized equipment, he could probably fix it if he could find a workable transmission for nothing (or next to nothing).

I still do my yard even now, though I could easily hire someone to do it. It is a very large yard, and when I gave a neighborhood boy a chance to do it (with pay) he gave up in 20 minutes. I use a push mower, and this old lady can mow circles around most of the boys in this neighborhood lol.

Practical endurance training

In fact, I was about to go finish the rest of it until the 90 degree temps drove me back inside. I will finish it in the evening.

Give each kid a 1/2 lawn if that big
+shows no favoritism !

Later in life, you'll be back to doing it yourself!

The teenagers that live here are grandchildren... Al's son & his family are living on our second floor.

I sure would, and I don't mind cutting the grass!