Buying a new lawn mower can make for an expensive endeavor. Odds are, then, you want yours to last for years to come. But how many years can you actually expect to get out of a new mower? The good news is that lawn mowers have the potential to last a surprisingly long time, especially if you take good care of them. But don’t just take our word for it. Let us explain. 

How long do lawn mowers last?

How long a lawn mower lasts comes down to how it’s treated. In fact, with the right care, a mower can last upwards of 10 years. That’s a seriously long time. But if a lawn mower isn’t properly taken care of? It might only last for four to five years. Neglect it completely, and it may only last for two years. 

“Think about that. If you take care of your lawn mower, it can last at least 5 times longer than if neglected.”

Durability Matters

It’s worth mentioning, however, that most manufacturers measure the lifespan of a mower in hours. Manufacturers then average that by how often the mower is used. Meaning, a mower that’s used three times a week likely won’t last as long as one used only once per week. 

According to Durability Matters, how long a lawn mower lasts will also depend on how big your yard is and what type of grass it will be cutting. If you’re dealing with a smaller yard, chances are your mower is going to last longer. Cutting long grass will also take a toll on the mower’s blade and motor, reports Durability Matters.

How to know if it’s time to replace your mower

The good news is that it’s pretty easy to tell if it’s time to replace your mower. In fact, according to All Green Pest Control and Lawn Care, there are quite a few lawn mower problems that could mean it’s time to replace your current lawn mower and invest in a new one.

If your lawn mower keeps breaking down or is experiencing frequent transmission or engine problems, it might be due for a replacement. If you’ve hit a rock, tree stump, or another hard object with your mower, crankshaft damage can also cause your mower to break down, signifying it might be time for a new one. 

All Green Pest Control and Lawn Care reports that if your mower’s warranty is up, it might also be time to consider a replacement. While fixing it could certainly keep it going for years to come, fixing a mower that’s not covered by a warranty can get expensive.

Lawn mower maintenance will help your mower last

Here’s the good news. If you want your mower to last, lawn mower maintenance is the best and most effective way to go about it. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, proper lawn mower maintenance could help keep your mower going for a decade or more.

But what does lawn mower maintenance actually entail? First, you’re going to want to be mindful of the fuel you put in your mower. Consumer Reports recommends adding a stabilizer to your mower’s fuel. You should also bleed your mower of fuel at the end of every season.

Oil changes are important too. To find out how often you should be changing your mower’s oil, be sure to check your manual. You should also keep an eye on your mower’s deck and make sure that it’s clear of debris and grass build up. Changing your mower’s spark plugs and filter should also be part of your mower maintenance routine.

Lawn mowers can last for a decade or more

Lawn mowers aren’t cheap. You probably don’t want to have to buy a new one every couple of years. That’s why, we encourage you to take good care of your lawn mower. After all, with the right care and maintenance, your mower could last for a decade or more.