Good Morning again Peter,
It's impossible to judge the machines from the photo.
The third one (the one the dog has chewed)is my sentimental favorite of course! But that's no basis for purchase.
Squizzy is right, condition is the decider. Play in the steering linkage, play and wear in the blade height mechanism and in the cutter deck mounting, excessive play in the drive pedal indicating play in the linkage and clutch wear are all good indicators of how hard a life the thing has had and all easily checked. Also the condition of the alloy cutter housing which gets well knocked about if people try to mow rocks.
All three machines are all going to need some kind of lovin' but it sounds like your good for that.
The first is up for a new clutch, he says. No biggy in itself but it indicates the thing hs done some work. I have been mowing acreage with mine for over 30 years and it almost due for its first clutch.,....or the diagnosis is wrong.
The third looks in good condition for it's age and I'd still look at it. He says 12hp. They did 8, 10 & 11hp only I think in those. So maybe re-engined but it looks pretty original on the face of it.
I'd be looking at all three and then make a decision.
Short answer to your question. No, I'm not aware of a 'lemon' model.
Hope this helps
