Is it worth fixing an old riding mower?

Often yes, when the problem is a wear item on a mower that is otherwise sound. A mower that will not start because of stale fuel, or one that needs filters, spark plugs and a blade, is usually worth fixing. A mower with a worn-out engine, a failing transmission or a rusted-through deck usually is not. The deciding numbers are the written estimate and a current price for a comparable new mower.

Fixes that are usually worth it

Routine items are cheap relative to the machine. Illinois Extension describes air filters as often inexpensive, says fuel filters are typically changed annually and spark plugs typically every two years,^[1] and notes that riding mowers have two spark plugs.^[1]

Fuel is the other common cause with an inexpensive cure. Engines that are rarely or seasonally used, such as lawnmowers or chainsaws, are especially prone to difficulties with ethanol-blended fuel.^[2] If an old mower sat all winter, fresh fuel and a cleaned carburetor often bring it back. After that, add fuel stabilizer if the equipment will be idle for more than a few weeks.^[2]

A neglected mower can still be a good buy to fix if its maintenance is up to date from here. Illinois Extension says oil in most residential lawnmowers is typically changed every year;^[1] see how to change the oil in a riding mower.

Signs it is not worth it

• The estimate is a large share of a comparable new mower. There is no fixed percentage, so your own budget and how long you want the mower to last matter most.
• More than one major system is failing. An engine that burns oil, a transmission that slips and a deck rotted by clippings add up.
• The deck has rusted through. Illinois Extension says clippings stuck to the underside of the deck hold water, rust the metal and shorten the equipment's life.^[1]
• Parts are hard to find for the engine or transmission, which drives labor and wait time up.
• It has never been reliable, and you dread using it.

How to decide

Ask the shop for an itemized written estimate, and ask what condition the rest of the mower is in. A shop that works on mowers every day can usually tell you whether the repair is likely to hold. Then get a price for a comparable new mower from a dealer. Put the two next to each other, along with the cost of the repair that might come next.

Safety is also part of the picture. A repaired mower still needs working guards and safety switches, and Virginia Cooperative Extension says to never disengage any safety switches or devices.^[3] Do not keep running a mower whose safety switches have been bypassed.

Stop and call a pro if

• The mower will not start after fresh fuel, a clean air filter and new spark plugs.
• There is a fuel leak, smoke or a burning smell.
• A blade is bent or loose.
• The transmission slips, will not move, or the steering is loose.
• Safety switches have been bypassed. Stop using the mower until a shop restores them.

Getting help in Virginia

For the bill itself, see how much riding mower repair costs in Virginia. Browse lawn equipment repair answers or lawn mowing services.

When you are ready, describe the mower and what it is doing and local small engine shops can quote it.