The Lowdown on Lawnmower Repairs
When we haul the lawnmower out of storage, we expect it to start on the first pull. We never imagine that just days after we last used it, we’d have to put on our thinking caps to undertake lawnmower repairs.
The reality is, lawnmowers can be fickle beasts. One minute, we’re mowing the lawns, and the next, we’ve got parts laid out all over the garage floor, and no idea what went wrong. Is it even worth it? Should you just buy a new lawnmower? And how long should a lawnmower last, anyway?
Before you dismantle your mower to the point of no return, consider the following information relating to lawnmower repairs.
Is It Worth Repairing a Lawnmower?
In many cases, it’s definitely worth repairing a lawnmower rather than buying a new one. Though, it depends on the diagnosed issue. It’s essential to weigh up the repair costs versus the price tag of an entirely new mower.
Anything relating to engine problems, internal damage, rods, pistons, and crankshaft damage can ultimately signal the end of your mower’s working life. Unless, of course, you’re an exceptionally skilled Mr. or Ms. Fix-it who can purchase parts and undertake the repairs yourself.
As soon as you start noticing issues with your mower, take it to a repair centre for a diagnosis. You can then take a look at the mowers they have for sale while awaiting the answer on your lawnmower’s fate.
Most Common Lawnmower Problems
You would be surprised at the sheer number of everyday lawnmower problems that homeowners face. Why can’t lawn mowing just be straightforward? Fortunately, many issues relate to maintenance. Stay on top of maintenance, and your lawnmower will likely reward you with faithful service.
Loss of Power
In many cases, you won’t have to hand over too much of your hard-earned cash when you experience a loss of power while mowing your lawns. One of the most common causes of a loss of power is a dirty filter.
If it’s not that, you may be cutting your mower at the wrong height, or your spark plug needs to be replaced or cleaned. A slight loss of power, reflective in the quality of the cut, may relate to your blades not being sharp enough.
Smoke
If you’re getting a face full of smoke, rather than the beautiful scent of freshly-mowed grass, then the problem is likely easy and affordable to solve. You may have overfilled your oil chamber, or you didn’t tighten the cap.
If the mower is not running smoothly and the smoke is light or white, there could be a severe problem. You may need to take your mower to a repair shop or grab your bag of tools.
No Power
If you’re pulling and pulling the start cord and nobody’s home, check the gas tank. Is there enough fuel to get it to start? Make sure there are no leaks. If the fuel is not the issue, take a look at the battery. You may need to purchase a replacement battery.
Dirty air filters and spark plugs can also cause a lawnmower to stop working. If you’ve exhausted all of these options, you may need to load up your mower and take it to a professional.
How Much Does a Lawnmower Cost to Fix?
You’ve probably asked yourself this question many times: how much does it cost to fix a lawnmower? There is no single price tag, as each mower may have a different set of problems or servicing criteria.
Though, you can expect an hourly rate from a small engine mechanic, along with the cost of parts and service types like blade sharpening, air filters, spark plugs, oil, and fuel. At a minimum, expect an initial charge of around $60-80, but more for anything above and beyond a service.
How Many Years Should a Lawnmower Last?
The length of time anything lasts can depend on how well you care for it. A well-maintained mower that you treat as well as your children can last over a decade.
One that sees some occasional maintenance and TLC may last half as long. But a mower you simply fill with fuel and leave alone will likely only last a couple of years before you begin to notice some problems rearing their heads.
Complicated, Isn’t It?
Between a loss of power, blade sharpening, regular servicing, and diagnosing problems, it can sometimes seem like lawnmower ownership is more trouble than it’s worth. To some people, it can be.
If you’d prefer not to have to deal with lawnmower repairs, servicing, and even the task of lawn mowing itself, then why not give the job to someone else? A local lawn mowing company near you will be more than happy to take care of all your lawn care needs for you.