Is it Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Lawn Mower?
When your quality lawn equipment begins to show signs of failure or fault, you will inevitably ask yourself if you should repair or replace your lawn mower. As a homeowner, it’s completely understandable to be torn between replacing a few parts now or investing in a new model like Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower to save in the long term. This article will help guide you toward an informed decision that will make your wallet happy when faced with this difficult problem.
Key Takeaways
- Lawn mower repair costs can range from affordable ($8) to expensive ($1,000+) depending on the part that needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Lawn mower replacement costs are also varied, but are generally more expensive than repairs and maintenance.
- If your lawn mower’s repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement costs, it may be worth considering a replacement.
Repairing vs. Replacing Your Lawn Mower: Costs Explained
Several factors can influence whether you should continue to invest in lawn mower maintenance rather than purchase a new one. Questions like how much parts cost to replace, how old your lawn mower is, and many more make a nuanced topic of discussion.
How much does it cost to repair a Lawn Mower?
The average cost of repairing a lawn mower is between $40 and $200. While this price is a lot lower than buying a new lawn mower, it may not fully represent your costs. Here are the prices of some common repair and maintenance jobs for your lawn mower:
- Blade Sharpening — $8 to $15
- Carburetor Cleaning — $36 to $50
- Crankshaft Repair — $300 to $900
- Head Gasket Replacement — $500 to $3,000
- Annual Tune-up — $10 to $250
- Motor Repair — $65 to $1,000
- Spark Plug Replacement — $10 to $20
- Engine Replacement — $600 to $1,200
The average price for a repair service may be lower, but if an important part of your lawn mower breaks down, you’ll need to pay quite a bit to repair it. These prices will also be affected by the type of lawn mower you own as the costs to repair a walk-behind mower will generally be lower than a riding mower. Similarly, if you have an electric lawn mower, you can expect to avoid many of the expensive engine repair and replacement costs we’ve mentioned.
How much is it to replace a Lawn Mower?
To replace your lawn mower, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $5,000. This price heavily depends on the type of lawn mower you choose to purchase, as some mowers like walk-behind can cost as little as $80. A high-quality lawn mower, however, will require you to invest more.
| Type of Mower | Replacement Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reel Mower | $60 to $400 | $125 |
| Walk-Behind Mower | $80 to $2,000 | $300 |
| Riding Mower | $1,800+ | $2,500 |
| Remote Control Mower | $2,000+ | $3,500 |
When Should You Replace Instead of Repair Your Lawn Mower?
There are several times when deciding to replace your lawn mower instead of repairing it is the right choice. The most prominent time to replace your lawn mower is when it is reaching the end of its lifespan. Lawn mowers typically last for 5 to 10 years, after which lawn mower repair services can only do so much to revitalize the mower’s performance.
If the frequency of repairs also increases, it may also be time to replace your old faithful with a new, quality mower. Similarly, a large repair cost like an engine repair bill may also throw enough fuel on the fire to warrant a replacement. A handy tip to know is if the cost of your repairs exceeds around 50% of the replacement cost, it’s more economical to replace it.
Lastly, you should also replace your lawn mower if you want to enjoy the technological advancements of newer lawn mowers. The Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower lets you mow in comfort while still precisely controlling your lawn's cut quality. With features like adjustable blade height, all-wheel drive to handle tough slopes, and 135-minute run time, shop the future of lawn mowers today.
Lawn Mower Repair vs. Replacement FAQs
What can damage a Lawn Mower?
Several activities can damage a lawn mower, including mowing grassless terrain with sand, debris, and rocks. Clippings and dirt during regular lawn care can also damage your lawn mower by blocking air intake and cooling fins, which can make your lawn mower overheat. Be sure to conduct regular checks on your lawn mower and send it to a repair facility if you cannot replace the parts yourself.
Can I DIY repair a Lawn Mower?
Yes, you can absolutely repair your lawn mower by yourself if it’s experiencing issues. Your lawn mower’s owner’s manual will have key details about your lawn mower that can help you complete simple repairs and replace certain parts of your mower. DIY repairs are a great way to save on repair and maintenance costs for your mower, no matter whether it's a push mower or riding mower.
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