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Lifespan of Mower

#1

Eugbug

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.


#2

R

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.


#3

L

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:


#4

R

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?


#5

Eugbug

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.


#6

R

Rivets

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


#7

M

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.


#8

C

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


#9

M

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.


#10

B

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:


#11

R

Rivets

Benski has given you the best advice, I would follow it


#12

W

wildbill

A mower running at the nominal RPM of about 3,500, is pretty much like going down the road in your car at about 80 mph for x hours. 500 hrs is 80mph x 500hrs = 40,000 miles, and that's nothing.

Keep the oil changed yearly, clean the air filter regularly, and a mower will last WAY longer than one suspects. A well-maintained motor is RARELY the cause of the demise of a mower. Corrosion is the enemy in most cases.

I have a 12 year old Craftsman 42" rider, my yard is 3 acres, takes 2+ hours to cut, and that comes in at around 500 hours.......... I keep the entire unit in good shape........ and plan on keeping it for many more years.


#13

C

corrod

I personally think as long as you properly maintain the engine(oil changes, etc) it will last a very long time. In hours or years I really don't know. It may outlast us both!

As far as storing the new engine , I have no idea. I'm sorry but this is the best answer I can give you since I have no experience with storing a new engine over a long period of time. I would think as long as it gets no oxygen or sunlite that this too would last a few years in storage. Hope this helps!

Corrod
Ken Riddle


#14

M

MBTRAC

Like others have suggested either :-
Sell your old mower & pocket the cash
or run both alternately

I have some experience with new Honda GX 4 strokes in new long term storage & wouldn't recommend storing a new mower for more than max maybe 1-2yrs in dry storage due to degradation of seals/gaskets & potential corrosion on internal/external surfaces through moisture (though extended storage is possible with correct preparation (i.e. dedicated storage/preserving oils, external coating of lanolin, grease proof paper..etc ) & from my military experience in excess of 30yrs).

As for lifespan of a mower the base plate, handles, frame & "plastics" etc.. will probably give way through age/corrision/harmonic vibration well before the motor (provided it is well maintained with synthetic oils) - for push mowers I have a MTD 5HP 4 stroke B & S c.15yrs that's only now starting to have a few carby concerns, a Victa 2 stroke that's much abused c.25yrs old ( & cut commercially for 3yrs), a Rover Suzuki 2 stroke c.10yrs all still basically good sound mowers & with a little maintenance/minor tinkering none even close to being pensioned off.


#15

J

JTChumney

I have a 1969 Craftsman 8XL with a 8 HP tecumseh engine. Still going strong, no smoking or using oil. To keep your engine going, just change the oil and remember to change the oil.


#16

N

nobuck8

I have a Jacobsen Homelite LTX 8 That is still going Strong! only replaced the mag.
It is a 1982 and the only problem that I have, is finding a PTO Clutch.


#17

G

grimreaper1

I have a Toro that is in its 15th season
I have looked recently at new Toros which now offer features (blade brake clutch, electric start)
that used to run upwards of 7-800 dollars.
I will wait until the fall to see how prices drop, right now two 22" models are 399,
but the option is either elec start OR blade stop, not both.
Opinions om these?
My neighbor purchased a Sears w key start - he told me now his wife can't say the mower is "too hard to start" so she can get out of cutting duty!!


#18

T

TominNTX

Gentlemen,

My walking mower is a Honda (easy-start) electric start, self-propelled, 2-speed, 24-inch with brake. I got it in about 1984.

In the spring, it starts after 2 pulls (the battery died after 4 years or so). After the first start in spring, it starts on one pull. I used it for about 1/3 acre until 1995. We moved to an acre in '95 and have used it for trim since. It smokes a bit, but is good otherwise. Alvarado Texas (Dallas-Ft Worth) has a long mowing season

When we moved to an acre in '95, I bought a 1975 John Deere 214 'Lawn Tractor' with 47-inch mower.

I replaced the engine (short block) in 2002.

Had lots of fuel-pump trouble, and finally installed an after-market 'Mr Gasket' fuel pump. I left the old mechanical pump installed.

I replaced one blade bearing, don't remember just when. I've replaced belts two or three times.

The transmission quit staying in 2nd gear, so I overhauled the transmission this year, 2012, using parts mostlly from 3-bay.

I have a 1949 John Deere 'MT' (20 HP) tractor. I have a 1957 John Deere '620' (40 HP), bought new by my Uncle and willed to me.


#19

Mad-Mike

Mad-Mike

Bought My 87' MTD 22" mower used in 2005 to moiw my room mate's yard when I moved to WA. Last year I did a complete rebuild of the self-propelled drive and cables, it looks and runs like a 4 year old mower now. When I bought it everything was original, including the blade. I've used it about 4 times this season to keep up a friend's yard, it still runs great.

I think a lot of it is the environment. Most people I know their yard is not horrible, but the back yard I grew up in ATE lawn mowers for breakfast! The thing was a giant erosion field/sink hole built on top of an indian spring! We had hidden dangers everywhere - snakes, stumps, tree roots, rocks....mud pits would randomy form in the yard and the grass would STILL grow over them. It was beautiful looking (especially considering I was "mudding" Self-Propelled walk-behinds to get it done), but heaven forbid you run a lawn mower over it. I've broken crankshafts, torn up blades, gummed up SP drive mechanisms in the mud.

In that yard...

First we had an 84' Lawn-Boy that was probably the best thing for that yard! THe only problem is it had drive cables and a stop switch that would constantly fail and prevent the machine from starting. However, it still stood as the only mower that could eat a well hidden stump with just a drop of throttle and some shrapnel. We only ever replaced the blade twice, it even ate a piece Rebar in another yard once (yes, REBAR) and still chugged away happily. It's still out there now in someone elese yard, probably eating their dead bush stumps, green with glee.

On the other hand, we had a Southland that shook it's flimsy-self apart, another Southland 20" that lasted 15 years with less service than the Lawn-Boy, and a Snapper that always got something else wrong with it after finishing the yard. Funny, the bad Southland once tried to bury itself in the muddy portion of the yard, whereas the Lawn-Boy would just coast across, throwing mud everywhere from underneath. Good thing I enjioyed fixing those beasts, I spent a lot of time "toughening" those mosnters up, but there was always something else to go wrong next.

So I'd put about 15-20 years on the average lifespan of a piece of equiptment presuming the owner fixes it rather than tosses it just because the pull cord broke or a wheel busted off.


#20

clarkekv

clarkekv

I got my first mower in 9/1999 and just replaced it in 6/2012.

9/1999 $325 Honda self propelled side discharge Lawn Mower
6/2012 $428 Honda self propelled rear discharge Lawn Mower

12 years 9 months so essentially 12 seasons in Long Island NY on a small 1/4 acre (yes I could've just done a push mower ;-). Changed the oil probably 4 times over that time frame, once after the first month of use which was probably the most crucial.

The old one wouldn't start at the beginning of last year's season and then after a $40 visit to a small engine repair shop ran as always first pull. This season it started becomming harder and harder to start where it required many pulls and finally wouldn't start flat out. I visited this site, talked to some friends and neighbors, decided that it wasn't worth another trip to the shop, especially with HomeDepot's new low price of $399 for the Honda Model # HRR216VKA.

What should I do with the old one?

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#21

B

benski

I got my first mower in 9/1999 and just replaced it in 6/2012.

9/1999 $325 Honda self propelled side discharge Lawn Mower
6/2012 $428 Honda self propelled rear discharge Lawn Mower

12 years 9 months so essentially 12 seasons in Long Island NY on a small 1/4 acre (yes I could've just done a push mower ;-). Changed the oil probably 4 times over that time frame, once after the first month of use which was probably the most crucial.

The old one wouldn't start at the beginning of last year's season and then after a $40 visit to a small engine repair shop ran as always first pull. This season it started becomming harder and harder to start where it required many pulls and finally wouldn't start flat out. I visited this site, talked to some friends and neighbors, decided that it wasn't worth another trip to the shop, especially with HomeDepot's new low price of $399 for the Honda Model # HRR216VKA.

What should I do with the old one?

Heck, I'd put it on Craigslist for $40.00 and see what happens. Someone out there might just need parts of it.:smile:


#22

steve0701

steve0701

Got my Lawn Boy gold series walk-behind in 1990. Replaced the engine in 2003 when a worn-out bearing dropped the shaft low enough to make the flywheel start screeching against the engine. So far, so good! A steel deck would have rusted through many years ago, but the alloy deck looks like new, except for all the paint that flaked off. I like the 3-speed transmission and 2-stroke engine, but as long as I live I'll never get used to the offset front wheels that leave a double-tire track on one side of the cut. :thumbsup:


#23

M

Moegs

I bought my 36" Ransomes Mower (ca 1980) in 1989 from my good friend Buzz who was in the lawn care business. I have used and maintained this mower ever since. Four years after i bought it the engine crapped out. Replaced it with a 12.5 HP Onan engine. Bits and pieces here and there I am still using this remarkable machine. I am a homeowner with about an acre of grass to cut and this machine has served me well with all my wife's gardens I have to mow around. My good friend Buzz passed away last year and I have to say that each time I start it up, I think about him and the great times we had together.


#24

clarkekv

clarkekv

Heck, I'd put it on Craigslist for $40.00 and see what happens. Someone out there might just need parts of it.:smile:

OMG you would not believe the response. Five people responded the craiglist post in 12 hours. Sold!


#25

N

Natureboy

OMG you would not believe the response. Five people responded the craiglist post in 12 hours. Sold!

Except for having to deal with the occasional nutcase, CL has been pretty successful for me. Price it fair and they will come...


#26

graydog

graydog

I use a 60 inch Great Dane Charriot XL to do most all my mowing on my 15 acres.

I have an old 2cycle Lawn Boy with a rear basket I keep around to use around the back door to keep from tracking in grass clippings. I bought it new in 1958, making it 54 years old. When did I last use it? Yesterday. The only special care is I keep it in the shed and run the carburetor dry after use and drain the gas tank. I did learn that if you don't keep the axles lubricated, they will wear out.


#27

midnite rider

midnite rider

I use a 60 inch Great Dane Charriot XL to do most all my mowing on my 15 acres.

I have an old 2cycle Lawn Boy with a rear basket I keep around to use around the back door to keep from tracking in grass clippings. I bought it new in 1958, making it 54 years old. When did I last use it? Yesterday. The only special care is I keep it in the shed and run the carburetor dry after use and drain the gas tank. I did learn that if you don't keep the axles lubricated, they will wear out.

Graydog, 54 years, that is amazing! I and others sure would like to see a picture of the old boy if you could post one. Talk about longevity. They really don't build them like they use to. :thumbsup:


#28

C

corrod

Hey Graydog,

Talk about getting your money's worth, I would say you have certainly done that and then some! I have a Craftsman that's 12 years young and if I can get 10 more I will be happy and satisfied. Thanks for sharing your story with us! :smile:


#29

graydog

graydog

Graydog, 54 years, that is amazing! I and others sure would like to see a picture of the old boy if you could post one. Talk about longevity. They really don't build them like they use to. :thumbsup:

I attached some photos after washing it off with a little gasoline and a brush.

It has never been washed with water or rained on. I am a retired firefighter and farmer. The fire truck's compartment floors and the cab floor rusts completely through from being washed so often. My tractors and combine were never washed except to get mud off. Machinery and water don't do well together. At the farm sale when I sold out, they brought top dollar.

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#30

midnite rider

midnite rider

I attached some photos after washing it off with a little gasoline and a brush.

It has never been washed with water or rained on. I am a retired firefighter and farmer. The fire truck's compartment floors and the cab floor rusts completely through from being washed so often. My tractors and combine were never washed except to get mud off. Machinery and water don't do well together. At the farm sale when I sold out, they brought top dollar.

Thank you Graydog for taking the time to share your story and the pictures of the old boy. Man it really looks good for being so old. Wow, I am in awe of it. For everything to still be functional and complete shows how well you have maintained it. I believe if we had a contest for the oldest piece of equipment still being used you would win hands down. It is justified that the color is gold for you have got it's value of weight in gold out of it and then some! I will take your advice on not using water as your Lawnboy is a testament to it. I usually just blow off my equipment with my blower. Thanks again.


#31

graydog

graydog

Thank you Graydog for taking the time to share your story and the pictures of the old boy. Man it really looks good for being so old. Wow, I am in awe of it. For everything to still be functional and complete shows how well you have maintained it. I believe if we had a contest for the oldest piece of equipment still being used you would win hands down. It is justified that the color is gold for you have got it's value of weight in gold out of it and then some! I will take your advice on not using water as your Lawnboy is a testament to it. I usually just blow off my equipment with my blower. Thanks again.

Thank you for the nice reply. I did get to thinking.....I bought the Lawn boy in 1960, just after my son was born, not 1958. I don't guess that makes a heck of a lot of difference, but if someone was curious as to when they made this particular model, it might. I don't mow a lot of grass with it, but do use it weekly and it starts and runs good.

I also blow off my mowers using compressed air.


#32

midnite rider

midnite rider

Thank you for the nice reply. I did get to thinking.....I bought the Lawn boy in 1960, just after my son was born, not 1958. I don't guess that makes a heck of a lot of difference, but if someone was curious as to when they made this particular model, it might. I don't mow a lot of grass with it, but do use it weekly and it starts and runs good.

I also blow off my mowers using compressed air.

:thumbsup: Yes, Graydog, looks like you have a 1960 vintage. This was the first year, that I saw in the catalog which Lawnboy had a grass catcher model. According to the 1960 Lawnboy catalog picture that I attached below it is model #7250. A very rare and collectible model in my opinion. It would bring top dollar also if you decided to sell it someday, probably 2 to 3 times or more what you paid new after using it for 50+ years. :laughing: :smile:

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#33

graydog

graydog

:thumbsup: Yes, Graydog, looks like you have a 1960 vintage. This was the first year, that I saw in the catalog which Lawnboy had a grass catcher model. According to the 1960 Lawnboy catalog picture that I attached below it is model #7250. A very rare and collectible model in my opinion. It would bring top dollar also if you decided to sell it someday, probably 2 to 3 times or more what you paid new after using it for 50+ years. :laughing: :smile:

Thank you so much for the photos. I am not into collecting, just using, so I may be interested in trading or selling it to a collector. I am in central Oklahoma.


#34

Walleteater1

Walleteater1

If you have a Weedeater one the lifespan is kept track of in minutes instead of hours and by the foot insteads of the miles.


#35

graydog

graydog

My "weed eater" is a 25 gallon sprayer full of generic Roundup in the back of a golf cart. It easily handles my 15 acres and lasts longer than the gasoline model.

As the DuPont ad used to say, "Better living through chemistry.":laughing:


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