Evan86, are you referring to the effort used against compression of the engine? Because mine starts first pull, and has done for the last 2 years/5000 lawns. I have seen this kind of comment alot in this thread, and I think its confusing.
Kudos for choosing the pushie Bevel Drive. I run them and they practically do not break down, and I could count the spares that I have replaced on one hand for both of my pushie 50s. One is 4 years old. THe rear axle covers last about 2 years (with a full card of clients), and I have just replaced the two front wheels on my 4 year old machine as they were completely worn down past the honeycomb. I set of axle bushes in each. Also one rear discharge flap. THat is it!
We always choose to mulch with them over the one sp that we have. Much easier to control the finish.