Wondering when to replace your lawn mower? There is no single date that suits everyone. The right time depends on how much you mow, the size of your lawn, the model you own, and how well you follow mower maintenance. Use the guide below to spot the signs, check costs, and decide whether to repair or replace your lawnmower.
How Long Lawn Mowers Usually Last
With proper maintenance, many lawn mowers run for close to 10 years. Some last longer, some fail sooner. Life depends on hours of mowing, the size of the garden, the climate, and storage. Wet grass, debris, and poor cleaning shorten lifespan. A mower used every week through the growing season will wear faster than one used a few times a year.
Clear Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Lawn Mower
If the mower may start one day and refuse the next, or if the engine loses power under load, you should begin to think about a new one. Watch your lawn. If the grass looks uneven after a fresh mow, even with sharp mower blades, the machine could be worn inside. Knocks, rattles and smoke are other warning signs. Replaced parts that fail again after a short time point to deeper problems. When repairs get expensive, it is often cheaper to buy a new mower.
Engine and Transmission Problems
The engine is the heart of the machine. If the motor has low compression, heavy smoke, or refuses to stay running, a major repair may be needed.
Change the oil on time, use the right grade, and keep the air filter clean. If you still notice poor performance, it may be time to replace your lawn mower.
Transmission issues on self-propelled models can also be costly. An old mower with a slipping drive often needs more than a quick fix, so a full replacement is usually the better option.
Crankshaft, Blade Hub and Impact Damage
When The Warranty Ends and Costs Rise
A strike on a rock or tree root can bend the crankshaft or damage the blade hub. After a hit like this, the mower may shake, cut poorly, or refuse to start. Because the crankshaft is hard to repair, replacing the machine is often the sensible choice. Always remove any debris from the lawn before mowing to avoid this kind of damage.
Many new lawn mowers include a warranty for the first few years. Once the cover ends, the cost of parts and labour can add up. Belts, cables, and an air filter are easy and cheap, but engine or transmission work is not. If you face repeated repairs at the end of the mower’s life, replacing the old mower with a new one saves money over time.
Repair or Replace, a Quick Cost Check
Before buying a new mower, add up likely costs for parts and service. Include the spark plug, air filter, blade, oil, and any labour.
If the total reaches a large share of the purchase price of a new lawn mower, replacing is often the better value.
Keep in mind the time you spend taking the mower to be fixed. If you lose a weekend of the mowing season, that has a cost too.
Blade Care, Sharpening, and Replacement
Check the mower blade at the start of spring and through the growing season. A dull blade tears the grass, which leaves brown tips and stresses the lawn. Sharpen the blade after 20 to 30 hours of mowing, or sooner if you notice a rough cut. If the blade is chipped, bent, cracked, or has been sharpened many times, fit a new one. Make sure the blade is balanced before use, since an unbalanced blade can damage bearings and shorten the life of the machine.
Petrol, Electric, and Battery Models
Petrol mowers need more care. Change the oil at the intervals in your manual, often every 30 hours, and use regular oil suitable for small engines. Keep the air filter clean, and replace spark plugs each year. Use fresh fuel, since old fuel can cause starting problems. Electric corded models have fewer moving parts, so they can be very reliable if kept clean and dry. Cordless mowers depend on the battery. After a few years of charge cycles, the battery may no longer hold enough power to mow the full lawn. Replacing the battery can restore running time, but compare the cost against a new mower, since a new one may be more efficient.
Starting and Running Issues You Can Fix
Some problems are easy to fix at home. If the mower will not start, check the spark plug lead is secure, clean or replace the spark plug, and make sure the air filter is not blocked.
Confirm the fuel is fresh, and that the safety bar and cable move freely.
Clean the underside of the deck to remove packed grass that slows the blade. Simple cleaning helps the mower run better and reduces wear.
Storage, Rust, and Off-Season Care
How you store the mower matters a lot. Clean the deck and chute after each use, and let the machine dry before you store it. Leaving wet grass on the deck encourages rust.
At the end of the season, drain or stabilise petrol, change the oil, and store the mower in a dry place. Keep batteries at a moderate charge level and away from frost.
These steps help you avoid problems when you start again next year.
Sizing and Choosing a Replacement
Pick a model that matches the size and shape of your lawn. A small electric or cordless mower suits a small, flat garden. A wider petrol or a riding lawn mower can be a smart option for large areas. Think about slopes, gates, and storage space. Make sure the mower you choose has parts and service support in the UK market. Look for features that help you, for example easy starting systems, adjustable cut height, and a deck designed to reduce debris build-up.
When Buying a New Mower Makes Sense
Buying a new mower can save time and money when old parts keep failing. New products are often designed to be more efficient, which means cleaner cuts and lower running costs.
A new lawn mower may also offer better safety features and improved collection that keeps clippings out of beds.
If you notice frequent breakdowns, higher fuel use, or poor cut quality after you have tried proper maintenance, it is likely time to replace your lawn.
Servicing Schedule You Can Follow
Plan a simple service once a year. In late autumn, clean the deck, change the oil, fit a fresh air filter, and replace spark plugs. Tighten handles and check cables. In spring, check the blade balance and sharpness so you are ready for the first mow. Keep a small log of dates and hours. Knowing how many times you mow each season helps you plan blade care and oil changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Replacing Your Lawn Mower
If the repair is minor and the machine is under warranty, yes. If the engine or transmission needs work, the repair can be expensive. At that point, buying a new one is often the better option.
Follow your manual. Many small engines ask you to change the oil about every 30 hours. Regular oil changes help the engine last longer.
If the engine runs well and the only sign is a poor cut, a new blade or a sharpen can fix it quickly. If the mower still leaves ragged grass after that, the problem may be deeper.
You can still find parts for many models, including belts, cables, filters, a spark plug, and a mower blade. If you cannot find components or service for your model, that is another sign it is time to replace.
How Often Should You Replace Your Lawn Mower: Final Checks Before You Buy
Make sure you compare the cost of repairs with the purchase price of a new mower. Think about the time you spend on maintenance, and whether a different model would make things easier. Choose a mower that fits your lawn size and storage space, and ensure you can get parts and help if issues happen in future. With the right care, your new mower should give you many years of reliable work.
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