Rebuilding a lawn mower. How To Know when your Riding Lawn Mower is past repairing

How To Know when your Riding Lawn Mower is past repairing

If you own a home with a relatively large lawn then using a push mower is something that takes a lot of time and energy. You have two choices either you buy a Riding Lawn Mower or you pay someone to cut your grass. The cost of a lawn tractor is probably one of the largest expenses as far as tools for the home and when they break down the cost of repairing them can be very expensive.

Since you probably don’t have a romantic attachment to your lawn tractor you have to be realistic about the cost to service them. Some repairs are general maintenance that must be performed to keep your riding mower in good condition. If you don’t perform maintenance on a regular schedule you will end up paying many times that in repairs for things that never should have gone bad.

Eventually though your lawn tractor will need replacing. This how to will help you figure out when its a good idea to replace your riding mower rather than dump time and money into it trying to repair it.

How much do new Riding Mowers cost?

It depends on the type and make of the riding mower you are considering purchasing but at the very minimum you can expect to pay from 750 to 1,400 for a new general purpose riding mower.

The lower end riding mowers will be very basic with fewer options for upgrading. They normally won’t have extras like headlights for 3am lawn cutting or attachments like snow plow blades but they will get the job done for most yards.

Higher end models will have larger engines in the 20hp range which can be used for a variety of different tasks like towing a lawn cart or even a small boat in your yard. They will also have all the options including a beer holder.

What repairs are just too expensive to justify?

The most costly repair for any gasoline powered device whether its a lawn tractor or a chainsaw is the actual engine. There may be parts of an engine that you can repair or replace such as the carburetor, starter or maybe even the head and valves but when it comes to total engine replacement you are normally looking at half the cost of a new lawn tractor.

For instance a Briggs and Stratton 15hp engine will run you about 400 and a 20hp v-twin can set you back somewhere in the area of 800 and if you are thinking about buying a used engine don’t even think about it because any repair center will charge you at least 75% of new and one you might buy from a listing online you will have no idea how long it will last. You can try replacing your engine and it is a relatively easy repair to drop in a whole new or used engine but the cost is very high.

Transmissions are the next highest repair for riding lawn mowers. If you have a hydrostatic transmission built in the past 15 years you can expect to pay somewhere in the area of 200 for a new transmission. The problem is unlike engine designs that are very similar throughout the years you may find that your model transmission is no longer supported. Parts may not be available or they will be very expensive and hard to find new. Used parts will be hit and miss because there will be a lot of people in your position willing to bid up beyond their reasonable range.

Individual parts for transmissions are normally not available as the manufacturer normally recommends full replacement.

What repairs are worth attempting before I buy a new Lawn Mower?

Other parts that can be expensive but completed within a reasonable cost include:

45 Battery 50-75 Seat 45 Engine Starter 25 Voltage Regulator 40 Coils 100 Cutting Deck Rebuild Kits with blades and spindles

Tires and wheels are expensive and many people decide to use inner-tubes when they have a tire that will no longer hold air but still has decent tread on it.

Suspension parts are normally not really expensive but if they require replacement it normally means the whole tractor is worn from many years of use. If they are damaged from abuse or impact then you may need additional parts that you don’t first notice.

General tuneups are not considered things that are out of the ordinary.

You can expect to pay 50 to 75 a year on your Riding Mower to keep it in good working order including your tuneup parts that will cost about half that.

Final Note

Whether you are trying to save your lawn tractor or considering buying a used one that you can fix up the costs of repairs and time to perform them must be considered. If you are hiring out the work then labor must also be accounted for and you can normally double the price of the part to find your total. That means if a deck rebuild kit costs 100 and you bring it in for service you are going to walk out with a 200 bill at the minimum.

Some repairs are very easy to do and some are expensive the problem is understanding what you are getting yourself into.

If you were considering buying a used riding lawn mower that had a bad engine then you should almost get it for free because of the cost of new engines.

If the price of the used riding lawn mower and the repairs to get it in 100% functioning order are more than 50% of the cost of a new riding mower then walk away from it.

If you are repairing your own mower then you only have to account for parts and maybe labor or the worth of your time and the problem waiting a couple weeks for parts to get to you if they must be shipped.

If you can complete the repairs and have a mower that works like new but may have some scratches and wear then go for it. But be careful about sinking money into something just to save it. Sometimes buying new and selling the old one for parts is the best way to go. There are always people willing to buy your lawn tractor that need many parts other than an engine or transmission and it is worth 100 to them which you can put towards a new one.

Extend the lifespan of your lawn mower with these minor repair and regular maintenance tips.

By Timothy Dale | Updated Aug 16, 2021 11:14 PM

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A lawn is a great place for kids to play, pets to run, and adults to host family and friends, but the grass must be regularly cut in order to ensure that it grows healthy and doesn’t become overgrown. Overgrown lawns can often attract harmful pests like ticks, which are known to live in grass that is more than 4 inches in tall. So, it’s important to make sure that you can keep a healthy trimmed lawn by performing minor repairs and ongoing maintenance on your lawn mower.

While some issues are better dealt with by professionals, lawn mower repair and maintenance isn’t necessarily complicated. By establishing and adhering to a maintenance schedule, most issues can be resolved with minor inspections and repairs, including simple tasks like sharpening the blade, using the appropriate fuel, replacing the oil, or changing the air filter. Continue reading for tips on what to do and what not to do in order to properly repair and maintain a lawn mower.

DO sharpen the blade.

This may seem like an obvious task to some, but others may use their lawn mower season after season without paying any attention to the blades. Not only should the blades be regularly inspected for warping, rusting, and other damage, but they also need to be sharpened about twice per season or every 25 hours of use to help extend the life of the blades and the mower.

Sharp blades don’t just help the mower cut the grass better, they also make clean cuts through the grass, which reduces the likelihood of the lawn developing a disease. Inspect the mower blade for dents or nicks, and take note if the grass height is uneven after cutting, the edges of the grass look brown, or if the grass blades are torn instead of sliced clean through. Each of these signs is a symptom of dull blades that need to be sharpened.

DON’T choose a fuel with an octane rating lower than 87.

As with any gas-powered machine, the type of gas that is used can impact the grass-cutting ability of the mower and the longevity of the engine. Gas is rated based on the amount of filler that is included in the gasoline formula, so octane 91 gas, which is often referred to as premium, has less filler than octane 87 gas that is called regular.

The minimum octane level that lawn mower gas should have is 87. This ensures that the gasoline meets the requirements for use in standard motor vehicles, reducing the chance that the engine will be damaged while burning the gas.

Some users may prefer to fill their lawn mowers with premium-grade gasoline, though this isn’t typically required. The best gas for your mower is the type that is suggested by the owner’s manual. However, switching to a premium grade gas during cooler weather, like early spring and late fall, is a good idea to help maintain the health of the engine.

DO check the spark plugs every two months.

Spark plugs in a lawn mower serve the same purpose as they do in a car or truck. These little parts of the engine serve as an ignition source for the gasoline. When they start to fail, it becomes immediately obvious. It’s important to inspect the spark plugs about every 2 months during regular use.

Signs that the spark plug on the mower may be failing include hard starts, poor engine performance, unreasonable fuel consumption, and a worn, cracked, or chipped physical appearance of the spark plug. If the engine is difficult to start up or it tends to die out immediately after the engine finally does start, then the issue may be the spark plug.

DON’T neglect cleaning the deck.

It’s never a bad idea to clean the deck of a lawn mower. Some people say to clean the deck once a month, others insist that it be cleaned after each use. It’s helpful to check the underside of the mower after every use to remove any stuck-on grass, dirt, weeds, or other debris. While keeping the deck clean will reduce the chance that the lawn mower will begin to rust or corrode from the inside, this isn’t the only reason to clean it.

As the deck of the lawn mower slowly fills with grass clippings, weeds, and dirt, the accumulation creates a barrier that prevents the grass from standing up straight while underneath the mower. This results in a poorly cut lawn and this build-up can even start to hinder the rotation of the blades, putting undue stress on the engine, blades, and component parts of the mower. So, after mowing the lawn, just take 5 minutes to flip the machine over and clean out the deck, saving the hassle of future lawn mower repairs.

DO inspect the flywheel.

A flywheel is a part within the engine of the lawn mower that stores the momentum from the combustion process in order to keep the crankshaft turning between the power strokes of the engine. It also helps cool the engine by blowing air around the engine block. Without a functional flywheel, the engine could quickly become overheated or it may not even start.

Some signs that a flywheel is damaged or failing include the inability to start the engine, the engine constantly stalling, and a burning odor from the engine. It’s advised to inspect the flywheel at the beginning and end of every lawn maintenance season to check for cracks, broken fins, slight burrs, shearing, and crankshaft damage. Just make sure to disconnect the spark plug lead before opening the engine to check the flywheel.

DON’T neglect oil changes.

Similar to sharpening the lawn mower blades, changing the oil in the lawn mower is a task that can either be almost entirely ignored or regularly performed with strict adherence to a maintenance schedule, depending on the user. If you don’t know exactly how it benefits the lawn mower, then it may seem like changing the oil does a lot. However, without this lubrication on the moving parts of the mower, the engine begins to seize and break down prematurely. Many people think of oil as the lifeblood of the engine, so it makes sense that the engine cannot function without it.

Check the oil level with the lawn mower dipstick before each use and change the oil when it becomes murky. For regular maintenance throughout the year, it’s advised to change the oil about once every 25 hours of use or at least twice per mowing season to ensure that the lawn mower engine is properly lubricated with clean oil.

DO change the air filter.

The air filter in the lawn mower is designed to protect the engine by trapping dust, dirt, and other debris, but the filter can only hold so much dirt and debris before it becomes dirty and clogged. Some lawn mowers have reusable air filters that can be removed and washed, but this is a rare feature. Generally, a lawn mower filter should be replaced about once every year to help maintain a healthy engine.

Symptoms of a dirty or clogged air filter include a dirty physical appearance, engine misfires, a reduction in the horsepower or power output of the engine, concerning engine noises, strong fuel smells, and in serious situations, flames or black smoke can be produced by the engine. If you detect any of these signs, stop mowing and go get a replacement air filter. They are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace if you follow the lawn mower manufacturer’s guidelines for air filter replacement.

Should I Repair or Replace My Lawn Mower?

This is the big question that homeowners and landscapers ask themselves when facing down any substantial repair bill. Deciding, “Should I repair or replace my lawn mower?” is all about weighing the pros and the cons to find the best long term financial value. The right choice for you depends on your mower, what it needs, and your budget — that’s what we’re digging into in today’s blog.

At PowerPro Equipment, we’re a lawn mower dealer that sells a large inventory of high-quality mowers, yet also performs repairs and preventative maintenance to keep your current mower running. Basically, we’re the company to trust whether you want to repair or upgrade. Get answers to the pressing question, “Should I repair or replace my lawn mower?” — and work with our team for whatever you decide!

Is It Worth Repairing a Lawn Mower?

Deciding is it worth repairing a lawn mower is primarily a financial decision for both homeowners and landscapers alike. Since any heavy-duty lawn tractor or zero turn mower will be a serious investment, you want to make sure that you examine all of the angles. You don’t want to HAVE to buy a brand new machine if a critical repair can keep your current one running effectively — on the other hand, it doesn’t make sense to dump your money into an old machine that will keep needing costly repairs.

Here’s what you need to consider:

• What’s Wrong with the Mower — This is probably the single most important factor when considering is it worth repairing a lawn mower. If you are looking at a large issue with the engine or hydraulics, you should seriously consider buying a new mower. A repair of that size can come close to the price of a new unit. However, most other problems are fairly minor, and our mower repair teams can fix them quickly!
• How Much Use the Mower Gets — The number of hours you put into a mower on a regular basis also plays a role as to whether or not it is worth repairing. A professional landscaper that uses the mower for hours every week will be better off trading in their mower for credit towards an upgrade. However, if you just use it at home, a repair can last you for years.
• The Mower’s Age — There are more than a few parallels between lawn mowers and cars. The age of your mower can also dictate whether repair or replacement makes sense. On average, you can expect a heavy-duty riding mower to have a 5-year to an 8-year lifespan for residential use. For professional-grade mowers that see heavy commercial use, that lifespan is between 4 years and 5 years. The closer your mower is to those milestones, the more strongly you need to consider replacing it.
• The New Models on the Market — Another reason that an upgrade might be in order is if there’s a new model that catches your eye. If the new model year has a key feature you want to bring to your backyard, or if you want to switch brands, this can be a good opportunity. Oftentimes, homeowners want to switch from a lawn tractor riding mower to an in-demand zero turn mower.

Preventative Maintenance to Keep Your Mower Running

While most of our showrooms are open 6 days a week for test drives — and while our repair teams are ready to get to work — preventing an emergency breakdown is better than reacting to it. That’s why we encourage homeowners and landscapers alike to get preventative maintenance performed by our factory trained technicians. Just like with your car, getting your mower serviced prevents problems, extends the lifespan, and ensures you get more on a trade-in when you go to upgrade.

Our winter maintenance service is popular as it allows you to get necessary maintenance done in the off-season. Plus, if something small is wrong, you can decide on what to do long before you need to use the mower. Finally, if something unexpected does go wrong with your piece during the upcoming year, you have priority service over all other clients.

Lawn Mower Repair and Replacement Handled Here

We hope this blog helped you decide whether you should repair or replace your lawn mower. However, if you still aren’t sure, we encourage you to talk to our team. Over decades in the business, we have seen countless mowers and can give advice to save you money.

Plus, whichever you decide, you can take the next step with our team. We have a full-service repair team that can handle everything — and we have a huge inventory of elite quality equipment for sale.

Signs You Need to Repair or Replace a Mower That Isn’t Cutting It

Lawn mowers have striking similarities to cars. Engines, transmissions, sparkplugs, and filters all wear out or need replacing from time to time. The debate between replacing or repairing your lawn mower often comes down to the same principle: Is your lawn mower totaled or is it worth the cost of repairs?

Luckily, even some of the most common mower issues are manageable DIY fixes. Here’s how to decide whether it’s time to repair or replace your mower.

When to Repair Your Lawn Mower

Whether you’ve owned a riding mower for just a couple of years or inherited your dad’s push mower, the cost is key. The cost of a new lawn mower ranges from 160 to 3,000. Lawn mower tune-ups and repair costs, on the other hand, go anywhere from 10 to 250.

In other words, your model will play a large role in whether it’s worth hanging on to an old clunker. Here are some common scenarios to consider.

The Warranty Still Applies

According to Consumer Reports, manufacturer and extended warranties for mowers range between two and five years. Make sure you read the fine print before heading to the store, however. Some warranties only cover material and manufacturing defects—not the cost of common upkeep like filter replacements. Still, if you just purchased a mower and it’s already on the fritz, it’s worth checking if it’s a general imperfection.

It’s Time for a Tune-Up

Give your lawn mower some TLC at the end and the start of the grass-growing season. A simple tune-up can help you avoid unnecessary repairs or eventual replacement. Be sure to:

• Empty the gas tank before the winter
• Sharpen your blades
• Remove grass buildup from base of the machine
• Switch the oil
• Oil the axle
• Clean the filter

You can also bring your machine to an experienced local lawn mower repair person who can check some of the more common fixes below as well and start off your season with success.

You Need a New Spark Plug or Ignition Switch

The spark plug and ignition switch are both low-cost replacements that you can often manage on your own. Spark plugs only cost about 10 and ignition switches cost between 10 and 25.

Signs of a faulty spark plug may be that your mower doesn’t turn on at all or that it turns off suddenly. Ignition switch problems can keep your mower from turning off.

April showers may bring May flowers, but a bit of pre-spring gardening will bring even more blooms

It’s Time to Replace the Filter

If your lawn mower has suddenly turned into a gas-guzzling creature, you may need to clean or replace your filter. Even if you already replaced it during your annual tuneup, filters can become clogged mid-season if you’re working your mower more than usual. A clogged or damaged filter can force the motor to work overtime, thus using up more gas.

You Need Gas or a New Battery

Both gas-dependent and eclectic cordless lawn mowers depend on a power source. If you can’t get your lawn mower to start, it could be something as simple as topping up your gas or replacing the battery.

Lawn mower batteries range from 35 to 250, still typically less than most new battery-powered mowers.

Take the guesswork out of keeping your lawn pristine throughout the growing season

Another Small Part Needs Fixing

In reality, there are many small parts that are both affordable and relatively easy to order online and replace yourself. However, always read your mower’s user manual to purchase the right part and to properly disconnect the power before attempting DIY repairs.

Common cost-effective lawn mower repairs that beat replacement includes:

• Dirty or broken cooling fins
• Broken or stuck flywheel brake
• Blades blocked by debris
• Cracked oil tank or oil tank cap
• Cracked gas tank or gas tank cap
• Damages drive belt

When to Replace Your Lawn Mower

Do you have a sneaking suspicion that it’s time to put your lawn mower out to pasture? There are, unfortunately, a few major repairs and some scenarios that aren’t always worth the cost of the mower.

It’s Than 10 Years Old

The standard longevity of a lawn mower ranges from seven to 10 years. Mechanical push mowers are so simple that they could last much longer if you keep the blade’s shape and frame oiled. Once you make it past the decade mark with gas and electric mowers, there may be a better model on the market for both efficiency and for keeping upkeep to a minimum.

The Engine is Shot

One of the most important elements of a mower is its engine. And much like a car, replacing it can rival the cost of the mower itself. If the mower needs full replacement—and not just the replacement of individual parts—you’re looking at materials costs alone upwards of 1,000.

You Need a New Transmission

A new transmission will cost less than a new engine—usually between 400 and 500—but if your lawnmower is nearly the end of its estimated lifespan—and if you only need a 500 new model—then it’s best to start fresh.

The Model No Longer Meets Your Needs

If you recently moved to a home with a multi-acred backyard and still have a small push mower, it may be time to upgrade. Not only will the blades, oil, filter need more frequent upkeep, but you could save money by upgrading to an eco-friendly eclectic model that can handle large lawns with less power.

On the other side of the coin, let’s say you’ve finally decided to switch to local landscaping services that bring their own riding mower. If you have a large machine that’s just going to rust in the shed, consider trading in your mower for a small model that requires less fuss.

You Spend Time Repairing Than Mowing

Do you find yourself ordering lawn mower parts online every time you take your machine out of the shed for a season? While DIY repairs can save time and money, reconstructing all the small mechanisms of your mower can add up over time. Be sure to keep a record of how much you spend on your mower in a given season and double-check that it didn’t add up to the cost of a shiny new model.