lawn-mower

How Long Should A Lawnmower Last?

A lawnmower is an important investment for any homeowner. It is an essential item to have in a house as it comes in handy for the maintenance of home gardens and lawns. One might have many questions regarding a lawnmower, and this is where our guides come into play.

How long does a lawnmower engine last depends on several factors, but what’s the average lifespan you can expect? Typically, a lawnmower engine lasts for 10 years, provided that it is handled and maintained well.

This article will provide you with all the information you need regarding the lifespan of your lawnmower. You will get to know what elements influence the lifespan of a lawnmower engine and what you can do to prolong it.

How Long Should A Lawnmower Last

What is the lifespan of a lawnmower Last?

On average, a lawnmower engine is expected to last 10 or more years with proper care and maintenance. However, a lawnmower that hasn’t been maintained may only last half that time or less, depending on how badly it has been treated.

Many manufacturers rate their lawnmowers in terms of hours. Cheaper ones are usually rated at around 200 hours, while the more premium offerings are at 500 hours or more. So if you have a relatively big yard and a mower rated at 200 hours that you don’t care to maintain, you may be looking at 2-3 years at best.

So if you want the best value from your lawnmower, you need to put in a little effort to ensure it lasts, which begs the question: what determines the life expectancy of a lawnmower?

What determines the lifespan of a lawnmower?

Many variables can drastically decrease the lifespan of your lawnmower. Being aware of them can help make your lawnmower last longer.

Usage

As mentioned earlier, manufacturers rate their mowers in hours and average that by usage over the years. How often a lawnmower is used determines how long you can expect it to last. For instance, if two owners have the same lawnmower, but one of them mows their lawn a few times a month versus someone who does it twice a week, the latter will have to replace their mower a lot quicker.

Type of Grass and Lawn

Consider the type of grass being cut and the size of the yard. Cutting long grass is going to take a greater toll on your lawnmower’s motor and blade than shorter grass over the same time period. If the lawn happens to cover a large area, that’s only going to add to the load on the lawnmower.

Quality of the Lawnmower

When it comes to lawnmowers, you get what you pay for.

Regardless of the usage and how well the lawnmower has been maintained, a low-quality mower is always more likely to throw in the towel earlier than the others. Being constructed from cheaper and lighters parts, with many compromises in the design and parts, it’s only natural that a cheap lawnmower won’t last nearly as long as the more high-quality options.

If you’re currently in the market for a lawnmower, the importance of purchasing a high-quality and durable lawnmower cannot be stressed enough. While it may cost you more upfront, a good lawnmower will save you money in the long run. A cheaper option will need repairs or, worse, replacement much quicker down the road and may not do as good a job of maintaining your lawn.

How can I maintain my lawnmower for a longer lifespan?

As mentioned earlier, maintenance and care will go a long way in ensuring your lawnmower lasts as long as possible. Many homeowners will tell you that their mowers have lasted well beyond the expected lifespan due in large to how well they’ve been maintained over the years. Even if you wound up settling for a cheaper lawnmower, following these tips will help you get the most out of your mower.

Change the Oil

Regularly changing the oil will improve performance and extend the engine life of your lawnmower. It’s recommended to change the oil after every 50 hours of usage, but it depends on the lawnmower, so you should consult your owner’s manual for the exact maintenance schedule.

Oil turning black is a good indicator that it should be replaced. Make sure you use high-quality oil for the best results, or you may be doing more harm than good to your lawnmower.

Clean or Replace the Filter

A clogged air filter will reduce performance and cause sputtering, so be sure to check the air filter regularly. The process is usually straight-forward and simple but will vary depending on the lawnmower, so it’s best to follow the instructions in the manual.

Use the Right Fuel

Use high-quality fuel in your lawnmower if you want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Gasoline usually goes stale in a month or so, so be sure to replace it by that time to avoid gumming up the insides of the motor. Adding a fluid stabilizer can help keep the gas fresh and protect your mower’s engine.

Maintain the Blade

So far, we’ve looked at how to protect your lawnmower’s motor, but the blade is just as important. Regular use causes a mower blade to undergo a lot of stress. A dull blade will cut unevenly, whereas a sharpened one will cut through grass much easier and be less taxing on your motor.

Sharpening the blade yourself with a file, grindstone, or bench grinder isn’t as difficult as it seems. You can also have it done by someone else for a small price.

You should also brush off the bottom of your mower after every use, so debris and clippings don’t collect on the blade. You can use a hairbrush to scrape off the clippings, but avoid using a hose as water can cause corrosion inside the motor.

Change the Spark Plug

You should change the spark plug regularly to avoid damaging the motor. The recommended time is usually after a year or 100 hours of use, but consult your manual to know what’s best for your lawnmower.

If you find that your mower has a hard time starting even with plenty of gas and oil, remove the plug using a spark plug socket. If you find gunk, that’s probably what’s affecting the performance. If cleaning it doesn’t do the trick, it’s a sign that the spark plug needs replacement.

If you’re using an electric lawnmower, be sure to charge the battery before storing the mower for the winter. Check the batteries every six weeks and fully charge them. This will help prolong the battery life.

 

 

 

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