Please give me your thoughts and recommendations.

Get one of these. I've had one for 8 years. They are extremely rugged
and easy to start. Never had a problem with it.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_372083-270-11A-A40M765_4294747288%2B4294965503__?productId=366476 2&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL= %3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=Bol ens