Question:

Can someone give me the merger history on Sensation Lawnmowers? They were a
great mower but eventually got discontinued through company buyouts. I still
have mine, 25 years later, still working!

Answers:

I dont know the exact dates but to the best of my knowledge this is the order
of the events. Sensation was bought by Gilson Brothers (Gilson Tillers).
Gilson was then purchased by Lawn boy which was later purchased by Toro. I
believe that Sensation was shut down when owned by Toro but I am not sure of
this. Some oem Sensation parts can still be purchased from the Lawn Boy
division of Toro. This is not an easy task. First, Sensation part numbers
must be converted fron Sensation numbers to Gilson part numbers. I have only
seen one cross reference list (on paper) for this and it is currently in my
posession. This list is not complete but many numbers are there.
Secondly Gilson part numbers must be cross referenced to Lawn Boy part
numbers. Lawn Boy has a Gilson to Lawn Boy cross reference in their micro
fiche catalog. Then parts can be ordered from a Lawn Boy dealer. Be careful
doing this though as some parts have been upgraded to newer designs and dont
fit older mowers. This gets lost in the the cross referencing. Many parts can
still be purchased correctly this way. There is also a good sized aftermarket
for Sensation and many parts can be purchased this way. I have been able to
easily acquire blades, blade hubs, blade weights, wheels, axle bolts and nuts
(square and hex) as well as wheels, handles, catchers and catcher brackets.
If you need more info on Sensation please email me at Pentonman@aol.com.
PS: I also now have plates for the bottom rear decks on 21" models.