Buddy and I talked about this today. He is looking for a garden tiller, and can't figure why his weed eater won't run after a year, even though he took proper maintenance before storing it.
The stuff we have to buy now is throw away. Its not designed nor intended to last several seasons.
My Grandpa had a cast iron block B&D tiller that he and 7 children used to work their gardens for 10 or more years that I can remember. When it was hard to start, it got rebuilt for a few bucks.
Now when they don't start, we throw them in the trash and get another one.
American built meant quality back in the day. We sure don't have that now.
http://www.stihlusa.com/home/built-in-america/