My mower repair thread

[Vervepipes]

The majority of my mowers sold for between $40 and $80, so if it will cost more than a certain amount to fix I just replace the entire engine with one that is known to be working rather than throwing parts at it. I don't generally do piston rings or bearings because I have so many good engine blocks that it isn't worth the time and effort to do that. The biggest hurdle for me is engine brake cables, they are so expensive that sometimes it takes me months to get a used one that fits the application, unless it's for a $200+ mower that is, then there's a larger profit margin, but not worth it to break even or to just make $5. I try to make $20 minimum on my sales, so that decides what work goes into it. unless it's obvious that it's been done recently, they all get fresh oil, plugs and filters too since I know where they are cheapest.

 

[Flintmotorsports]

The majority of my mowers sold for between $40 and $80, so if it will cost more than a certain amount to fix I just replace the entire engine with one that is known to be working rather than throwing parts at it. I don't generally do piston rings or bearings because I have so many good engine blocks that it isn't worth the time and effort to do that. The biggest hurdle for me is engine brake cables, they are so expensive that sometimes it takes me months to get a used one that fits the application, unless it's for a $200+ mower that is, then there's a larger profit margin, but not worth it to break even or to just make $5. I try to make $20 minimum on my sales, so that decides what work goes into it. unless it's obvious that it's been done recently, they all get fresh oil, plugs and filters too since I know where they are cheapest.

oh ok well I am a small engine dealer so i can get parts for very cheap so when i fix a mower it will cost me a lot less then it cost you the mower i made the most on was a craftsman with a Honda on
i put $5 dollars into it and sold it for $80 bucks so i made out very well on that deal. the mowers i sell are $50.00 and up to say 100-120 is the most a have sold a used mower for.

 

[Vervepipes]

If I can find a way to register a company and keep it profitable I may do it, but I can't have a home based business where I live. I've had a few that had a big profit, like the $40 Ariens that had a stick caught in the throttle linkage, I think I had $20 in parts or so for the belt and sold it for $180 if I recall, a few that only needed a $2 gasket that were sold in the range of $80. My next home will definitly be somewhere will less zoning restrictions, and less neighbors.

 

[KenethRomeo]

I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might check things out. Is there anyone here who can recommend the best lawn mower? Many thanks!

 

[reynoldston]

I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might check things out. Is there anyone here who can recommend the best lawn mower? Many thanks!

Ferris ProCut S by far, only you may need over 10,000 dollars to buy one.

 

[Lawnboy18]

If I can find a way to register a company and keep it profitable I may do it, but I can't have a home based business where I live. I've had a few that had a big profit, like the $40 Ariens that had a stick caught in the throttle linkage, I think I had $20 in parts or so for the belt and sold it for $180 if I recall, a few that only needed a $2 gasket that were sold in the range of $80. My next home will definitly be somewhere will less zoning restrictions, and less neighbors.

Would be a nice weekend job! If you move, get a house in the woods. You will have peace and quiet their.

 

[Vervepipes]

I hope to stay in Halifax for another 5 years at least so no selling this house yet, we've only been here a year. As for best mower, that is likely an endless discussion as people are very biased towards what they like, to the point of borderline hoarding! Of all the mower's I've worked with this summer, my favorites are my old Honda HR194 and my 1973 19" Lawn-Boy, both have quirks, the Honda is very heavy for an aluminum mower, far heavier than any stamped steel mower but is very quiet and clogs easily. The Lawn-Boy is super light and has never clogged on me but can be finicky to start and where I have a bumpy, uneven lawn I tend to scalp a few areas regularly.

 

[Lawnboy18]

I hope to stay in Halifax for another 5 years at least so no selling this house yet, we've only been here a year. As for best mower, that is likely an endless discussion as people are very biased towards what they like, to the point of borderline hoarding! Of all the mower's I've worked with this summer, my favorites are my old Honda HR194 and my 1973 19" Lawn-Boy, both have quirks, the Honda is very heavy for an aluminum mower, far heavier than any stamped steel mower but is very quiet and clogs easily. The Lawn-Boy is super light and has never clogged on me but can be finicky to start and where I have a bumpy, uneven lawn I tend to scalp a few areas regularly.

The old lawn-boys are incredible. Serious mowing machins that just outperform. I got a few quicking around. One blew out a spark plug and the other starts and then dies.

I had a quick question about storage. I dont have the time, before winter, to fix the spark plug hole. Could I just plug the hole with a cloth to not let moisture in? The mower will be in a tempo

 

[Vervepipes]

As in a Ford Tempo, or a temporary shelter? I don't think a cloth will do much to keep moisture out considering the porous nature of the material. What about making a "plug" of sorts out of silicone sealant or something of the sort if you're worried about moisture? Or take the engine off and store only the engine indoors? They are great machines, and with a complete engine minus the shroud, I wonder how many more decades it will be mowing.

 

[Lawnboy18]

As in a Ford Tempo, or a temporary shelter? I don't think a cloth will do much to keep moisture out considering the porous nature of the material. What about making a "plug" of sorts out of silicone sealant or something of the sort if you're worried about moisture? Or take the engine off and store only the engine indoors? They are great machines, and with a complete engine minus the shroud, I wonder how many more decades it will be mowing.

A tempo as a temporary shelter (white tents where people park there car in). That tempo is out in a field so everything stays very dry.

I could try screwing back in the plug. I did shot out like a bullet in a hedge, but maybe the whole has a bit of thread left.