Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Push rods, hydraulic lifter, high grass

Question
Have a Kawasaki 17 hp engine on Exmark mower. Had bent push rod and wondering if cutting high grass caused this. Engine is 8 yrs old.

Answer
Hiya George
In a word...  no.
Pushrod failure is usually related to someone taking the play out of the valvetrain (adjustment), or wear in the valvetrain (stuck hydraulic lifter).  High grass, were it to cause damage, would be more evident in the form of perhaps, a burnt exhaust valve, due to overheating.

There is one form of bent rod caused by liquid in the combustion chamber(water, raw fuel or oil) but this is usually  accompanied by a bent valve.