JohnnieDex234
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- Jun 28, 2025
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Any recommendations for a gas powered self propelled 4 wheel drive lawn mower?
At $52/hour in late 1970’s for shop rate and you making $3.25/hour, you were only making 6% of hourly rate. Today’s mechanics typically make 25%-33% of hourly rate. $52/hour seems high and $3.25/hour is low. Around here $100/hour shop rate labor for small engines is average. There are a couple of shops that are much higher than that average however.Interesting. I checked online and found a bunch of robotic mowers and only 1 4-WD Husqvarna that Lowe's no longer stocks.
I can see why considering the price of the machine.
Mower prices have gone through the roof. Maybe people will take more of an effort to pay us independents to take care of their repair needs. The dealer labor rates have gotten way out of hand, but the poor guys doing the work are grossly underpaid.
Back when I worked as a small engine tech in Va., in the late 70's I was paid $3.25 minimum wage and hour with a shop rate of $52.00 an hour. I see the pay disparity has not differed all that much even today.
The only difference is no one can afford to work and call it a living wage even with today's minimum wage.
Unless they are still living at home with mom and dad. But most kids today do not want to be industrious, learn a trade and actually work. Video games and smart phones are running their world.