Lifespan of Mower

[Eugbug]

I have a 14 year old mower with a 5HP Tecumseh engine. I know its like asking how long is a piece of string but what is the lifespan of a mower in hours when cutting grass of average height and the mower is not over loaded? I use the mower for about 2 hours on average a week, and for 7 or 8 months from about March until October or November. It hasn't started to smoke from bore wear yet but just generates the odd puff of blue smoke when I run into a region of 6 inch long grass. I change the oil in the engine every year. The reason I ask this is because I can't make up my mind whether to buy a new mower with a 5.5 HP, 190cc B&S 650 series engine. The mower is at a bargain price and I want to keep it in storage until my mower packs it in. The second question is do any of the rubber o-rings or seals in an engine deteriorate over time if it comes from the factory with no fuel or oil in the engine. The chances are that I mightn't use the machine for years.

 

[Rivets]

As long as you do not put gas or oil in and store it in a COOL and DRY environment you should be able to store the unit for ten years. Heat and humidity are going to be your big enemies.

 

[LandN]

I have a 14 year old mower with a 5HP Tecumseh engine. I know its like asking how long is a piece of string but what is the lifespan of a mower in hours when cutting grass of average height and the mower is not over loaded? I use the mower for about 2 hours on average a week, and for 7 or 8 months from about March until October or November. It hasn't started to smoke from bore wear yet but just generates the odd puff of blue smoke when I run into a region of 6 inch long grass. I change the oil in the engine every year. The reason I ask this is because I can't make up my mind whether to buy a new mower with a 5.5 HP, 190cc B&S 650 series engine. The mower is at a bargain price and I want to keep it in storage until my mower packs it in. The second question is do any of the rubber o-rings or seals in an engine deteriorate over time if it comes from the factory with no fuel or oil in the engine. The chances are that I mightn't use the machine for years.

does this new mower come with a warrantee? if so, i would buy the new mower and start cutting with it, and sell the current mower while it still runs decent. that makes the new 'bargain' mower an even sweeter deal. 14 yrs. is a longish time for a homeowner? mower.:smile:

 

[Rivets]

Most new mowers come with a 2-5 year warranty, depending on the manufacturer. It would start the day of purchase, so if you let your new mower sit, the warranty may run out before you use it. Read the literachure carefully. If you feel that you are getting a good deal I would go for it. Can I ask the mower brand name?

 

[Eugbug]

Most new mowers come with a 2-5 year warranty, depending on the manufacturer. It would start the day of purchase, so if you let your new mower sit, the warranty may run out before you use it. Read the literachure carefully. If you feel that you are getting a good deal I would go for it. Can I ask the mower brand name?

It's a Makita mower, model PLM4611 with a B&S 650 series engine. It is for sale at £189 sterling. Makita have have a good reputation as a power tool manufacturer, I haven't heard much about their mowers though. In any case a mower is mostly engine and Briggs and Stratton are one of the top manufacturers.

 

[Rivets]

Don't know much about makita mowers, but as you said Briggs is a top manufacturer. I think you should make the purchase.

 

[Mini Motors]

If you have the room, just use two mowers. How many of us have had a minor break down and had to scramble to finish or just mow the next week?

BTW, my "A" mower is almost 30 years old.

 

[corrod]

I have a Craftsman push mower with a 5.5 Tecumseh engine which I bought new in 1991 and it still starts with one pull of the starter rope. All I ever did is change oil and air filter and sparkplug once or twice. Like any other piece of equipment, if you take care of it and properly maintain it, they will last a very long time. :smile:

Corrod

 

[marvinlee]

I have a 14 year old mower with a 5HP Tecumseh engine. I know its like asking how long is a piece of string but what is the lifespan of a mower in hours when cutting grass of average height and the mower is not over loaded? I use the mower for about 2 hours on average a week, and for 7 or 8 months from about March until October or November. It hasn't started to smoke from bore wear yet but just generates the odd puff of blue smoke when I run into a region of 6 inch long grass. I change the oil in the engine every year. The reason I ask this is because I can't make up my mind whether to buy a new mower with a 5.5 HP, 190cc B&S 650 series engine. The mower is at a bargain price and I want to keep it in storage until my mower packs it in. The second question is do any of the rubber o-rings or seals in an engine deteriorate over time if it comes from the factory with no fuel or oil in the engine. The chances are that I mightn't use the machine for years.

Based on your data, your present mower might have about 4-500 hours on it. That is a decent life for a lawnmower engine. If it still runs well, and you want a new mower, selling the old one now could be a wise move. You can always put the money to use.

 

[benski]

If you've got the room and the money, buy the new one and keep the old one. Alternate your mowings between the two, and when the old one finally gives up the ghost, you've still got a low-time mower at hand.:thumbsup: