What Is The Cost Of Repairing A Lawnmower?

Last Updated on August 6, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

The cost of repairing a lawnmower varies depending on the issue and the mower’s make and model. Minor repairs may cost $50-$150, while major fixes or replacements can range from $200-$500. Prices may differ based on location and service provider.

What Is The Cost Of Repairing A Lawnmower?

Cost Factors for Repairing a LawnmowerAverage Cost
Diagnostic Fee$50 – $100
Parts ReplacementVaries
Labor Charges$50 – $100
Blade Sharpening$10 – $20
Tune-up Service$75 – $150

Repairing a lawnmower can vary in cost depending on the extent of the damage and the specific repairs required. Below is a breakdown of common cost factors involved in the process.

  1. Diagnostic Fee:
    This fee covers the technician’s time and expertise to inspect and identify the issue with the lawnmower. The average cost ranges from $50 to $100 but can vary depending on the service provider.
  2. Parts Replacement:
    The cost of parts will vary based on the specific lawnmower model and the parts required. Prices can range from a few dollars for small components to hundreds of dollars for major engine parts.
  3. Labor Charges:
    Repair shops often charge an hourly rate for the labor involved. On average, labor charges range from $50 to $100, but this can also depend on the complexity of the repair and the location of the repair shop.
  4. Blade Sharpening:
    Over time, lawnmower blades can become dull and require sharpening. This service often costs between $10 and $20. If the blades are severely damaged or need replacement, the cost may be higher.
  5. Tune-up Service:
    A tune-up service includes cleaning the carburetor, replacing spark plugs, adjusting the throttle, and checking other essential components. The average cost for a lawnmower tune-up ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the complexity of the lawnmower.

Type Of Mower And Repair Cost Per The Type

Type Of MowerAverage Repair Cost
Large riding mower$140 and above
Walk-behind mower$40 and above

Estimates Of Repair As Per Parts

Parts To Be RepairedEstimated Cost
Air filter, spark plug, oil change, blade sharpening for push-up mowerFrom $45
Air, fuel filters, and oil, oil change/lube fittings, spark plugs, deck leveling, blade sharpening, safety checkFrom $90

How To Pick A Lawnmower Repair Specialist

A lawnmower is a special equipment that helps keep your yard beautiful and attractive. It should, therefore, be handled with a lot of care. The following factors are necessary when choosing a repair specialist:

Whether The Specialist Is Open About Costs

A good lawnmower repair specialist needs to be open about prices. They should list the cost of their services on their website for clients to look at them before deciding to hire them. The professional should be willing to answer your questions without dodging them.

Experience

The repair specialist you pick should have enough experience with the job. An inexperienced person may not be sure where the problem is, which may cause you to pay more than necessary. Such people may also not do the repair work promptly.

Make sure that the person doing the job explains to you what is wrong and that they can fix it. You also need to know whether the machine requires new parts or not. This knowledge will help you to make a timely decision of whether to go on with the repair or purchase a new one altogether. You also need to know the length of time it will take and how much it will cost you.

Knowing this information beforehand will enable you to look at your budget. You also get the convenience of using your tool when you need it next.

Look for repair experts with experience of at least ten years. Doing this assures you that your machine will work efficiently after the job. Such technicians will also diagnose the problem and fix it without doing guesswork. You will also need to see that the specialist is certified to handle your kind of lawnmower and that they will deliver it to you in proper working condition.

Reputation

Before you think of hiring a professional to repair your lawnmower, research its reputation. You may get a reference from people who have experience with them and find out if they were satisfied with the services. You can also search online for reviews from homeowners to make an informed decision.

Do not rely entirely on reviews that you get online.  You need to go the extra mile and ask neighbors, friends, or even colleagues about a certain lawnmower repair specialist’s reputation. This way, you will be sure that your tool is in safe hands.

Location

The location of your lawnmower repair company is crucial when it comes to choosing. Some of these items may be too heavy to transport to the repair workshop. In this case, you need to get an expert in your area who will be available to go where your machine is.

Your machine may also need frequent servicing, which requires the company to be in a location near you.

When Should You Replace Your Lawnmower?

A good lawn mower should last between 7 to 10 years without calling for a replacement. However, repairs will come up for items like broken cables, and belt pull chords. These minor parts can be repaired easily at a minimum cost. Repairing major issues such as mechanical will be costly and may need you to use your warranty cover.

After using your machinery for several years, it may be time to purchase a new one. Look for the following signs to know it is time to buy another tool:

Transmission Problems

If your device has transmission issues, it is a good sign that it needs a replacement. Repairing these problems is costly, and you may consider buying a new one instead. It may cost up to $500 to repair an old lawnmower with a transmission problem, which is not reasonable.

Issues With The Engine

If your machine’s problem is with the engine, then replacing it would be more cost-effective.  Besides the high cost of repairing an old lawnmower’s damaged engine, there is no assurance that it will work well. It may not last long, meaning you will have the process repeated every other time.

When The Crankshaft Is Spoilt

Your lawnmower’s crankshaft may get damaged if the lower blade hits a tree stump, a rock, or any other hard object. A faulty crankshaft causes your machinery to stop and fail to restart. A bent blade will also not work effectively.

Since repairing a damaged crankshaft is a costly affair, it is wise to buy a new lawnmower altogether.

If The Machine Keeps Breaking Down

A tool that keeps breaking down calls for frequent repairs, and the overall costs will be unreasonable. If this is the case with your equipment, then replacing it will be a cheaper alternative. While you may not feel the impact immediately, you will eventually realize that it is not worth taking it to repair every other time.

If It Has No Warranty

Most lawnmowers come with a warranty for a few years of use. If your machine does not have a warranty, it will be costly to repair it. Simple repair works such as broken cables and belt pull chords may not be costly. However, mechanical problems will cost a lot of money to fix. 

If your lawnmower is not covered and it breaks down, then purchasing a new one would be ideal. 

If You Are Looking For An Upgrade

Several lawnmowers these days have excellent upgrades to make your mowing enjoyable and easy. If you are tired of using your old tool and want to feel the change, then upgrading is a perfect idea. Your machine may also be using a lot of fuel, and you can look for a more fuel-efficient machine.

How Long Should A Lawnmower Last?

A lawnmower’s lifespan depends on various factors such as usage, size, manufacturer, maintenance, and proper care. However, the average number of years for a good machine is between 7 and 10 years. If your lawnmower is not taken proper care of, it is likely to last half the expected number of years.

What Can Shorten Your Lawnmower’s Life

How To Prolong Your Lawnmower’s Life

Make sure that you read your mower’s manufacturer’s manual for instructions. However, you may prolong your lawnmower’s life by the following.

  • Taking proper care of the tool when using
  • Proper storage – remove the gasoline when storing to prevent rust and issues with the carburetor.
  • Clean the cutting blades and remove mud and grass to prevent rusting
  • Change its oil, spark plug, and air filter at least once per year.

Conclusion

The cost of repairing your lawnmower depends on several factors such as the make, the parts being repaired, as well as the extent of the damage. But, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Proper maintenance of your tool will save you the repair cost; hence take care of your machine.

References:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/lawn-mower-repair-cost/
https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/lawn-mower-repair-price-list/

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