Repair or Replace Your Lawnmower?Which Option is Best for You

Choosing to repair or replace your lawnmower requires some consideration

Choosing whether to repair or replace your lawnmower can be challenging. Such a decision does require simple market research, a self-assessment of your repair skills, and a budget analysis. Asking yourself questions like: Do I want to maintain and potentially repair my own lawn equipment or do I want to pay a technician for parts and labour? What is the current value of the lawn mower itself? How much is a replacement lawn mower going to be if I decide to buy new? These are just some of the questions you must consider before choosing the best solution that fits your unique situation. If you're interested in saving time, money, and avoiding the inconvenience of an unexpected breakdown, while also making the most cost-effective choice for both the short and long term, consider reading further to determine whether you should repair or replace your problematic lawn mower!

How Interested/Capable Am I Maintaining My Own Lawn Mower?

We started this discussion with this question because your response to it will determine the path you take, and how you address the subsequent questions presented. We at Maverick Mowers believe everyone is capable of learning how to maintain their lawn mower, however, if one is not interested to learn this invaluable skill, not much can be done. The amount of money saved, and the satisfaction of maintaining your own equipment cannot be overstated, however, if you are not the least bit inclined to learn basic lawn mower preventive maintenance, you limit your options when faced with whether to repair or replace your lawn mower. You are forced to either pay for repairs/maintenance performed by a professional, repeatedly purchase used options, or bite the bullet and buy a brand new model. All three outcomes add unnecessary and avoidable costs.

How Much Is My Lawn Mower Worth?

A simple walk-behind push mower ranging from 10-20 years old can be valued at relatively around $100. This is assuming it is rust-free and running. This value can increase slightly with added features such as, self-propelled transmissions, a bagging attachment, mulching or side-discharging capability etc. If it is a new, top of the line unit look for a price tag ranging from 5 to 15 times this number.

Knowing these monetary values can help you in your decision making to either attempt to repair or replace your lawn mower. Of course, these general values can be influenced by supply and demand in your area, but they generally do not deviate much from these numbers.

For Those of You Confident, Capable and Eager to Tackle Lawn Mower Repair!

If your a seasoned lawn mower maintainer and know the ins and outs of maintaining your perfectly manicured lawn, then perhaps buying new or relatively new and maintaining yourself would be the sensible solution. Initially paying a higher price, with the understanding that your experience and knowledge will help you avoid the numerous and preventable issues that neglecting your lawn mower might cause, could make this a sensible decision. Or better yet, looking for well-maintained but older and therefore more affordable used lawn mower, and performing routine maintenance may fit your budget better. The fact that you can maintain your lawn mower independently, without having to call a repair man allows you greater flexibility.

Again, your specific situation will be unique, as your yard's size/needs, as well as what your comfortable investing into a lawn mower will vary. However, the ability to repair and maintain your own equipment grants you greater flexibility regardless.

For Those of You Disinterested In Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

Unfortunately, despite the clear reasons and benefits of learning lawn mower repair, if you are unable to do so, for various reasons, or are simply not interested, the reality is that having a reliable lawn mower function for even a single cutting season without minimal maintenance is highly unlikely.

Consider Enrolling In Our Online Lawn Mower Maintenance Course for Beginners!

Fortunately, if you are interested in leaning lawn mower repair, but have never been shown or had the opportunity to learn, we have a completely free online course available that will teach you the basics of lawn mower maintenance and repair. All that is required to enroll is an email, click this link to join: Online Program

The Ugly Truth About Internal Engine Problems: Repair vs. Replace

To put it simply, internal engine problems for a simple walk-being lawn mower usually warrant an engine replacement rather than a rebuild. A rebuild would require engine disassembly, special machining of various engine parts and careful reassembly. The cost of these procedures normally exceed the cost of a new lawn mower. This is why many small engine repair shops will often suggest a replacement engine or an entirely new lawn mower in these scenarios. These problems can usually be detected by violent mower shaking, and engine smoking. Again, these are merely general guidelines as these symptoms may not always be indicative of an engine needing replacement!

Easily Fixable? How to Tell?

If your unable to start your lawn mower but it was previously running well, more often than not due to neglect in some area, an issue has developed preventing it from starting. These problems usually stem from improper management of your gasoline and the result being a dirty fuel delivery system. Although other problems can contribute to such a scenario, it is important to consider that with some genuine curiosity, one can not only pinpoint the cause and remedy it, but also prevent them from reoccurring. Try to avoid writing off a completely fixable lawn mower by kicking it to the curb! Check out our simple to follow, complete lawn mower guide found here: The Complete Lawn Mower Maintenance Guide

The Cost of Maintenance

In order to maintain your lawn mower a minimal investment of hand tools is required. Seasonally, a minor investment of replaceable parts such as air filters, disposable engine oil, cutting blades, spark plugs, etc. as well as sensible management of your fuel supply and strategic cleaning, is all that is needed to keep your lawn mower running for many seasons to come. The price of a well-maintained lawn mower is far less than the accumulated cost of untimely breakdowns, repair bills, mower replacements and an unkempt lawn.

Bottom Line

Being informed, capable and interested in your lawn mower's maintenance will not only save you in the long run, but also allows you greater flexibility in allocating a budget in whether to buy used or new. If faced with the dilemma of choosing to repair or replace your lawn mower you are now better able to make the best decision.