Repair or Replace? How to Know When Your Mower Is Done

This is the question we get asked most often, and we always give an honest answer — even when it means telling someone not to spend money with us.

The general rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than 50% of what a comparable new mower would cost, it's usually time to replace. But there's nuance to that number.

Repairs that are almost always worth it: carburetor cleaning ($50-75), blade replacement ($15-30), tune-up service ($75-175), fuel system cleaning, and minor electrical repairs. These are maintenance items that keep a good mower running. They're expected costs of ownership, not signs of a dying machine.

Repairs that require careful consideration: hydrostatic transmission rebuild or replacement ($300-600), engine short block replacement ($200-400), deck replacement ($200-500), and major electrical system overhaul. These are expensive repairs on components that are showing age. Consider the overall condition of the rest of the mower before investing.

Repairs that usually mean it's time to replace: bent or cracked crankshaft on push mowers (repair costs more than a new mower), seized engine from running without oil, severe frame or structural damage, and multiple major systems failing simultaneously.

Factors beyond repair cost: age matters — a 3-year-old mower with a fixable problem is worth repairing; a 15-year-old mower with the same problem might not be. Brand and build quality matter too — a well-built mower is worth more investment than a budget model. Sentimental value is real but shouldn't override financial sense.

When you bring a mower to us, we'll always give you our honest assessment. If we think the repair doesn't make sense, we'll tell you. We'd rather earn your trust than make a quick buck on a repair that isn't worth it.