As a gardening expert, I understand that investing in a riding mower is an important decision, and knowing the lifespan and durability of such equipment is essential.
When purchasing a riding mower, it is also vital to be aware of various factors that play a role in its longevity and durability, such as maintenance, terrain, usage, and wear and tear on parts.
In this article, I’ll share my knowledge on these aspects, provide maintenance tips, and help you extend the life of your riding mower.
How Long Do Riding Mowers Last?
Riding mowers are a revolutionary invention in landscaping, providing convenience and efficiency that can’t be matched.
Generally speaking, you can expect anywhere from 10-15 years of good performance from a newly riding mower, though some models have been known to last as long as 20+ years, depending on various factors.
When purchasing a riding mower, producers often assign hour ratings which provide a rough idea of the mower’s expected lifespan.
Average life expectancy By Brand
The average lifespan of a well-maintained riding lawnmower from a reputable brand is 10-15 years. However, if it needs to be taken care of properly, it will last much less than that.
Depending on its size and the manufacturer, they can carry varying load levels and last for different hours.
Some popular brands, along with their expected lifespans
Briggs and Stratton: Usually power small riding lawnmowers designed for light workloads. The company estimates a book life of 500 hours, but proper care and maintenance can potentially double or even triple that figure.
John Deere: These are much sturdier machines, with smaller ones capable of lasting up to 1000 hours and larger models with 2 or 4-cylinder engines reaching up to 2000 hours. Usage intensity affects the expected lifespan, but these mowers could last for over 15 years with adequate maintenance and care.
Husqvarna: These lawnmowers are designed for smaller yards to cope with low workloads. Depending on their usage, they have a lifespan of 400-800 hours, but this can be extended with proper care.
Cub Cadet: These lawnmowers are pretty similar to Husqvarnas in terms of functions and life expectancy – they last up to 1000 hours with the proper maintenance.
Bad Boy: Bad Boy mowers are designed to handle a heavier workload, lasting up to 1500 hours with the proper care. With good maintenance, these mowers can last for over 10 years. The Bad Boy mower warranty is for 3 years.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Riding Mowers
Riding mowers are built to last, and with proper care, they can serve you for 15 to 20 years or even more. However, the mower’s lifespan can be greatly influenced by several factors, including:
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your mower running optimally. This includes oil changes, air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement, and maintaining the mower’s cutting deck.
- Terrain: The type of terrain you mow plays a significant role in the mower’s durability. Uneven ground or rocky terrains might lead to faster wear on certain parts, such as the blades and belts.
- Usage: The frequency and duration of using a riding mower determine its life. Overusing your mower or pushing it to its limits may lead to premature breakdowns.
- Wear and Tear on Parts: All machines experience wear and tear over time. For optimal performance, parts like belts, blades, and batteries need to be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
Maintenance Tips
To extend the lifespan of your riding mower and keep it running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
- Perform Regular Oil Changes: Check the oil level regularly and change it as the manufacturer recommends, usually every 25 to 50 hours of operation.
- Clean or Replace Air Filters: Clogged air filters reduce engine efficiency and cause premature wear. Clean or replace air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspect and Replace Spark Plugs: Check and replace spark plugs as needed, usually once a year or after every 100 hours of use.
- Maintain the Cutting Deck: Keep the cutting deck clean and debris-free to prevent rust and potential damage. Sharpen or replace the mower’s blades regularly to ensure a clean, even cut.
- Grease Moving Parts: Regularly grease the mower’s moving parts, such as bearings and axles, to reduce friction and extend their life.
Replacing Parts and Storing the Mower
- Timely Part Replacement: Replace worn or damaged parts to ensure your mower runs efficiently. This can include belts, blades, batteries, and more.
- Best Storage Practices: To prolong the life of your riding mower, clean it thoroughly and store it in a covered, dry space when not in use. It’s also beneficial to remove the battery during long-term storage and place it on a trickle charger to maintain its charge.
Lawn Tractor Repairs Near Me
If you are looking for a reliable lawn mower repair technician near you, many reputable technicians in the area can help.
You can search online for “lawn tractor repairs near me” to find professionals who have experience working with riding mowers and other landscaping equipment.
Review reviews carefully before choosing a technician to ensure quality service. For Example,
Searshomeservices: Riding Mower Repair Service
Are you experiencing problems with your riding lawn mower or tractor? Sears Home Services can help! From Poulan to Craftsman, we are the go-to experts for quick and easy repair of your small engine.
We have serviced hundreds of thousands of lawn equipment, and our technicians are some of the best in the business.
Common issues we encounter include:
- The riding mower won’t start
- The riding mower won’t stay running
- Unusual and excessive vibration
- Improper bagging, discharging, or mulching
- Oil leaks
At Sears Home Services, you can trust our reliable professionals to get your riding lawn mower back up and running in no time. Our technicians are local, licensed, and vetted, ready to get your lawn equipment up and running. Contact them today for more information.
Commercial riding lawn mower Vs. Lawn Tractor
Two main types of riding lawnmowers are Commercial (non-turf) and Lawn Tractors. The choice between the two will depend on how you intend to use your new mower.
Commercial Mowers
Commercial mowers are designed for larger, more rugged landscaping jobs such as public parks and golf courses. These machines are more powerful and feature larger cutting decks, greater turning radius, and heavier suspension. They also have higher ground speeds and can handle rougher terrain than lawn tractors.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are ideal for residential use on smaller yards or properties. These machines are more affordable than commercial mowers and feature a lighter-weight build, narrower cutting deck widths, and slower ground speeds. Additionally, they are designed to tackle smoother terrains, such as grassy areas in backyards or gardens.
Conclusion
Choosing the right mower for your specific needs depends on how you plan to use it. Commercial mowers are ideal for larger, more rugged landscaping jobs, while lawn tractors are perfect for residential use on smaller yards or properties.
Regardless of which riding lawn mower you choose, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance is vital to extending the life of your machine and ensuring its optimal performance. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and invest in a trickle charger to maintain its charge.
Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.