Frankly, it is pretty easy - but hard to believe you can't just replace the pull cord! You have to spend about $45 (w/ shipping) instead on: JOHN DEERe Recoil Starter Assembly - LG497680
Horse Power For John Deer JS60 080100 Push Mower
Briggs & Stratton makes the 190 cc 4-cycle engines for these units, and B&S recommends their own oil, which is SAE 30W for use in the engines. As it is almost impossible to find motor oil on the market that isnot SAE rated, just about any SAE 30W motor oil will work. It's up to you. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding draining and replacing the oil. And Mother Earth will appreciate it if you recycle that (approximately) 20 ounces of oil you (carefully) drain out into an appropriate container. A link can be found below so you can check facts and learn more.