A worn-out lawn mower often shows signs of struggling before it completely gives out. Slower starts, uneven cuts, frequent repairs, or strange noises can be the clues you need to replace your mower.
Keeping an aging mower running can be expensive and frustrating. When parts start to fail or performance drops, mowing takes more effort. It can also put extra stress on your grass and your patience.
This article covers the most common signs that it’s time to replace your lawn mower. From mechanical issues to outdated features, these tips will help you know when it’s time to let go of the old and consider something new.
Struggles to start
If you have to yank the starter cord repeatedly or fiddle with the choke every time you mow, it might be more than just a quirk; it could be a sign the engine is worn out. A clogged fuel line, a dirty spark plug, or a weak battery can also cause hard starts. Those issues are fixable, but if you’ve addressed them and your mower still struggles to start, the engine may have reached the end of its life.
Read more: How to Change Spark Plugs on a Lawn Mower
The engine smokes
Seeing smoke billowing from your lawn mower is never a good sign. The color of the smoke can hint at the problem. Here’s what to look for:
- White or blue smoke: Usually means oil is burning. This can happen if oil leaks into the engine or if there’s damage to the crankcase. A little white smoke on startup is normal, but continuous white or blue smoke could mean engine seal failure.
- Black smoke: Typically means the engine is running too rich (too much fuel, not enough air). A common cause is a clogged air filter choking off the air supply. Replacing or cleaning the air filter can fix black smoke issues.
Sometimes, a quick fix can resolve the smoke problems. However, I remember when my old mower started to billow smoke like an old locomotive every time I cut the grass. After a few failed repairs, I knew it was time to replace it.
It leaks
A small drip isn’t a big deal, but if you’re constantly cleaning up beneath your mower, there’s a bigger issue. Persistent oil or gas leaks are generally signs of deteriorating seals, gaskets, or fuel lines, or cracks in the fuel tank or oil reservoir.
I realized my old mower was on the way out because I had to top off the oil almost every time I used it. Similarly, having to refill the gas tank more frequently than normal means fuel is escaping somewhere. Some leaks can be repaired. But several leaks in an old mower are a signal that the machine is on its last legs.
Read more: How to Change Oil in a Lawn Mower
Cuts poorly
Your mower has to cut grass cleanly. If it’s no longer doing that, is scalping the lawn, or cutting unevenly, something is wrong. First, make sure blades are sharp and balanced. “A dull rotary lawn mower blade frays the ends of grass blades and results in brown tips, which are unsightly and increase the plants’ susceptibility to certain plant diseases,” explains Sam Bauer, extension educator at the University of Minnesota Extension.
If you have already sharpened the blades and the cutting quality still stinks, you could have a weak engine, a damaged or misaligned mowing deck, or a loose or slipping drive belt. Sometimes a simple repair can restore cutting performance, but if the engine is the problem, a new mower will save you from continually recutting missed spots.
Makes strange noises
With experience, you get used to a “normal” engine sound, so if you notice alarming new noises like loud knocks, clanks, grinding, or rattling sounds, pay attention. Unusual noises aren’t just annoying; they indicate that something inside the mower is not right.
If the noise is coming from the blade area, inspect the blade and its attachments. But internal engine noises could signal that the engine is damaged. In my case, a loud cluck turned out to be a cracked engine mount.
Vibrates excessively
All lawn mowers vibrate to some degree, but it’s excessive when your hands feel numb after mowing or parts are rattling loose. It could just be an unbalanced blade, but if repairing the blade doesn’t do the trick, the issue may be more severe.
A balky engine can cause a mower to shake so violently, it feels like wrestling a bucking bronco across the yard. So when simple fixes don’t cure it, a replacement might be in order for a smoother ride.
Requires frequent repairs
Do you feel like your mower is always in the repair shop? Frequent, costly repairs are a clear signal that a mower’s useful life is nearing the end. I like to keep a detailed record of my repair costs, as it helps me recognize when I’m spending too much.
According to Bob Westerfield, senior public service associate at the University of Georgia Extension, “There are too many variables to answer this question. High-dollar lawn mowers often warrant repair even when the repair is several hundred dollars in cost. Cheaper, box store mowers might need to be replaced when the cost to fix them is over half the cost of the lawnmower.”
It’s rusting
The mower deck is vulnerable to rust. Over years of use, grass clippings and moisture can cling to the underside of the deck, leading to rust holes.
Also, check the mower’s handles and frame. Vibration and use can cause metal fatigue over time. Once pieces of the chassis start cracking, the mower may become unstable to operate. Remember, surface rust can be sanded and painted, but deep rust, where the metal is pitted or perforated, is a terminal condition for a mower.
Read more: 10 Ways to Prevent Grass From Clumping When Mowing
It’s just old
Even the most reliable mower has a limited lifespan. Most last about 8 to 10 years with regular use. Proper maintenance like regular oil changes, tuneups, cleaning, and winterizing can maximize that lifespan, but there comes an age when the critical components start failing due to simple wear. Mine gave me nearly a decade of service, but eventually, it was time to let it go.
Read more: How to Winterize Your Lawn Equipment: A Step-by-Step Guide
Has no modern features
Even if your mower still runs, outdated features can make mowing harder than it needs to be. Older gas models with pull cords and no drive assistance are tiring to use. Newer mowers offer electric starts, self-propulsion, and better speed control. Battery-powered electric mowers have also improved with longer runtimes, quieter operation, and less maintenance.
Modern mowers also come with better safety features and smart design touches like fold-up storage and easier blade controls. If your mower feels like a relic and it’s not working its best, upgrading could make your lawn care faster, safer, and more enjoyable.
No mower? No problem
If your lawn mower isn’t up to the job anymore, it might be time for a fresh start. Whether you’re between mowers or just ready to hand off the hassle, LawnLove can connect you with a local lawn care professional who’ll keep your yard looking its best, no equipment required.
Sources:
- Bob Westerfield, Senior Public Service Associate. University of Georgia Extension. Personal Interview.
- “Mowers and mowing safety.” By Sam Bauer, Extension educator. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. University of Minnesota Extension.
- “Mower Maintenance.” University of Illinois Extension.
Main Image Credit: Tomasz Zajda | Adobe Stock
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