How do old engines usually die?
I acquired a commercial Husq zero turn as part of an land purchase. I don't know its history, but it was built in the early 2000's, Kawasaki (FH721V) engine, ~2100 hours. I think they were pretty good about fluid changes. They did work her hard though, and she's tired.
AFAIK, the hydraulics (separate hydrostat pump & motor) usually degrade over time. I am more worried about the engine. I am wondering, when it finally goes, is it usually a catastrophic failure? Or does it just become a money pit that people eventually get tired of spending on, or it wears enough that it no longer performs well, and a decision is made to send to the scrapper? So far, parts for the mower are cheap, and I am learning ton working on it. But I'm trying to mentally prepare for the day when I somehow lose her, and how much I should spend in the meantime.
Edit: I should have mentioned, I am new to small engine repair & maintenance - I had never even changed the oil in a push mower before this. So I don't really know what I'm doing yet.