When your lawn mower starts acting strangely or stops working, you’ll need to decide whether to have it fixed or replace it altogether. While you don’t want to waste money on fixing a deteriorating mower, you also don’t want to throw out a perfectly good piece of landscaping equipment. Below are a few factors to consider that’ll help you make a smart choice.

When to Repair

Even if you maintain your landscaping equipment, you can expect to have problems with it at some point. Many common repairs are cheap and simple, making them worth the investment. These include issues such as broken cables, wearing belts, dull blades, or a snapped pull cord.

Another common maintenance task is needing to clean out the carburetor. People often forget to drain out their gasoline at the end of the mowing season, and that old fuel causes a sediment buildup that clogs the carburetor. This may be the problem if your mower won’t start.

When to Replace

Consider the current age and expected life span of your mower. The average push mower is expected to last around eight to 10 years when it is properly maintained. This means that if your mower is over five years old and you need major repairs, it may not be worth fixing.

Generally, repairs involving internal problems with the engine are not worth investing in. Common issues that aren’t worth fixing include a broken rod, piston, crankshaft, or transmission. If repairs will cost almost half of what it would cost to buy a new one, it’s usually wiser to upgrade to a new machine instead.

The knowledgeable team at Cabot Outdoors can help you decide whether you should repair or replace your landscaping equipment. They are the trusted sales and service team for lawn mowers in Lonoke County, AR. They carry products from top brands in the industry and can quickly diagnose and fix any problems with your mower. Learn more about what their lawn and garden store offers or ask any questions about your landscaping equipment by calling (501) 843-7956.