Cost to Fix Lawn Mower

Should you fix it or junk it? Depends what’s wrong. A carburetor clean costs $10 in supplies. A new transmission on a riding mower? That’s $400+. Here’s what repairs actually cost so you can make a smart call.

Table of Contents

• DIY vs Professional Repair
• Common Repair Costs
• Push Mower Repairs
• Riding Mower Repairs
• When to Repair vs Replace

DIY vs Professional Repair

DIY Advantages

• Save 50-70% on labor
• Learn your equipment
• Fix on your schedule
• Only pay for parts

Professional Advantages

• Correct diagnosis
• Warranty on work
• Proper tools and experience
• Time savings

Typical Shop Rates

Service	Rate
Diagnostic fee	$50-75
Hourly labor	$60-90
Pickup/delivery	$25-50
Minimum charge	$75-100

Common Repair Costs

Quick Reference Table

Repair	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Spark plug	$5-8	$25-40
Air filter	$8-15	$25-40
Oil change	$8-15	$35-50
Blade sharpen	$5-10	$15-25
Blade replace	$20-50	$45-80
Carburetor clean	$10-20	$75-150
Carburetor replace	$25-50	$100-175
Drive cable	$15-25	$50-100
Drive belt	$15-35	$75-125
Transmission	$60-150	$150-300

[NEED IMAGE: Lawn mower repair cost comparison chart]

Push Mower Repairs

Won’t Start Repairs

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Bad spark plug	$5-8	$25-40
Dirty air filter	$8-15	$25-40
Clogged carburetor	$10-20	$75-150
Bad ignition coil	$20-40	$75-125
Fuel system clean	$15-25	$50-100

Cutting Issues

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Dull blade	$5-10 sharpen	$15-25
Replace blade	$20-35	$45-70
Bent crankshaft	$150+	$200-400
Bad blade adapter	$15-30	$50-80

Self-Propel Repairs

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Cable adjustment	Free	$25-50
Drive cable replace	$15-25	$50-100
Drive belt	$15-25	$60-100
Transmission	$60-100	$150-250
Rear wheels	$30-60	$75-125

Riding Mower Repairs

Engine Issues

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Tune-up (plugs, filter, oil)	$30-50	$100-150
Carburetor rebuild	$25-50	$125-200
Valve adjustment	$20-40	$150-250
Head gasket	$30-60	$200-400
Engine replacement	$400-800	$800-1500

Deck and Blade System

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Deck belt	$25-50	$100-150
Blade set (2-3)	$40-80	$100-150
Spindle assembly	$40-80	$125-200
PTO clutch	$100-200	$250-400
Deck leveling	Free	$50-75

[NEED IMAGE: Riding mower repair costs breakdown]

Drive System

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Drive belt	$25-45	$100-150
Trans filter/fluid	$30-50	$100-150
Hydro purge	Free	$50-100
Transmission	$300-500	$600-1000

Electrical

Issue	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
Battery	$40-80	$75-125
Starter	$60-120	$150-250
Solenoid	$15-30	$50-100
Safety switches	$15-25	$50-100
Alternator/stator	$50-100	$150-250

When to Repair vs Replace

The 50% Rule

If repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, consider buying new.

Example:

• New push mower: $300
• Max repair budget: $150
• Carburetor + blade + cable = $100 (repair)
• Transmission + engine work = $250 (replace)

Age Considerations

Mower Age	Condition	Recommendation
0-3 years	Any issue	Repair
3-5 years	Minor issues	Repair
3-5 years	Major issues	Evaluate
5-8 years	Minor issues	Repair
5-8 years	Major issues	Consider replace
8+ years	Any major	Replace

Quality Factor

Higher-end mowers justify more repair investment:

• Budget mower ($200-300): Repair up to $100
• Mid-range ($300-500): Repair up to $200
• Premium ($500-800): Repair up to $350
• Commercial ($1000+): Repair up to $500

Saving Money on Repairs

DIY Tips

1. Buy parts online (30-50% cheaper)
2. Watch YouTube tutorials first
3. Take photos before disassembly
4. Start with simple diagnosis
5. Don’t throw parts at problems

Shop Tips

1. Get quotes from multiple shops
2. Ask about diagnostic fees
3. Supply your own parts (some shops allow)
4. Group repairs together
5. Ask about seasonal discounts

Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs:

Service	Cost	Prevents
Oil changes	$10-15	Engine failure ($400+)
Air filter	$10-15	Carburetor issues ($100+)
Fuel stabilizer	$5-10	Fuel system work ($75+)
Blade sharpening	$10-20	Engine strain

Related Guides

• Lawn Mower Won’t Start
• How to Clean a Carburetor
• Self-Propelled Mower Repair
• Riding Mower Belt Replacement

Summary

Most lawn mower repairs are affordable when done yourself. Spark plugs, filters and blades cost under $50 DIY. Carburetor and drive system work runs $50-150 DIY. Shop rates add $50-100 to any repair. Use the 50% rule to decide between repair and replacement.