How Long Should A Residential Riding Lawn Mower Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Most will last

around 10 years

, but that may vary based on how often you use it, the climate you live in, and the size of your lawn. If you notice any of these problems with your , it may be time to look into purchasing a new one.

How many hours does a residential riding lawn mower last?

A typical riding mower that's well maintained will last

1500 hours plus

. A riding mower that's meticulously maintained will last 20 plus years.

When should I replace my riding lawn mower?

On average, you can expect a heavy-duty riding mower to have a 5-year to an 8-year lifespan for residential use. For professional-grade mowers that see heavy commercial use, that lifespan is

between 4 years and 5 years

. The closer your mower is to those milestones, the more strongly you need to consider replacing it.

How long do Briggs and Stratton engines last?

The engines in the Briggs & Stratton family are typically tested for a total capacity of at least 500 hours. In general, commercial engines like those belonging to Briggs & Stratton have been designed to run

up to 1000 hours

.

Is it worth buying a riding mower?

Riding lawn mowers are ideal for large yards and commercial use as they cover more ground than push mowers in a shorter time frame. While more expensive,

riding mowers are an investment worth considering if you have a significant amount of grass to mow

.

Is 300 hours a lot for a riding mower?

A: “

Most residential lawn tractors are made to last 250 to 300 hours

, so you really need to know how many hours the tractor was used,” says Peter Sawchuk, who directs Consumer Reports lawn mower and tractor tests. “There's no point spending $500 for a machine that's only going to last a year.”

Can you leave a riding mower in the rain?


Lawnmowers technically can be left out in the rain, though it shouldn't become a regular habit

. As long as they are left out in the rain without getting soaked, it should be fine. However, if moisture were to make its way into the spark plug or air filter, the mower could suffer some serious damage.

What is considered high hours on a zero turn mower?

PenningsLandscaping: Maintain the mower and put about

2,000 hours

on it, then sell it and buy a new one if you don't want to dump money into it. Two thousand hours is generally the number you'll hit without any major repairs.

How often should you replace a lawn mower?


If your lawn mower is functioning well, do not replace it

. After all, most mowers will last seven to ten years! However, not all mowers are manufactured to last that long; if yours is already experiencing issues, it may be time for a replacement.

How much does it cost to rebuild a riding lawn mower engine?

The average cost of rebuilding an engine is

between $2,500 and $4,000

. There might be some simple, short-term steps that are involved for repairing engine seals and bearings, as well as removing the engine and getting it re-installed.

How do I know if I need a new lawnmower?

Household lawn mowers will need to have their blades sharpened every two years or so, but if you've attempted this more than once, you'll likely be better off replacing them. Here's the kicker:

If your blade or blade system is beyond repair or sharpening

, it's time for a new lawn mower.

Which is better Briggs and Stratton or Honda?

The Briggs & Stratton versus Honda debate ends with

Honda winning on many fronts over Briggs

. Honda mowers have more compact designs, lower emissions, lower noise, more durability, and better fuel efficiency. Overall, Honda is a better choice than Briggs & Stratton.

How long should a small engine last?

With normal use and proper maintenance, a should expect to last at least 8-10 years. That converts to around

300 to 500 hours

for a small engine and 750 to 1000 hours for a bigger engine. But there are many examples where larger ride-on lawnmowers last for a much longer time.

Is Briggs and Stratton a good brand?

The company has since become

one of the most highly regarded brand names in the industry

and the world's largest producer of air-cooled petrol engines for outdoor power equipment. With renowned success in power equipment, it was only a matter of time until Briggs & Stratton moved into the generator space.

Why are riding mowers so expensive?

Lawn mowers are so expensive

because of their advance safety systems, engine technologies, drive systems and mower deck engagement systems

. The increase in labor costs and materials in addition to upgraded customer comforts, stronger frames and high quality mower decks results in mowers becoming more expensive.

How much does a riding mower cost?

TYPE OF LAWN MOWER LOW-END COST HIGH-END COST Robot mower $574 $17,063
Rear engine riding mower


$1,299


$4,539
Lawn tractor $1,349 $3,999 Zero-turn riding mower $2,399 $15,000

Do I need a riding mower for 1 acre?


Riding lawn mower is usually the best mower type for 1 acre yard

because it can move and cut very fast in the lawn with its 19 HP engine and 46′′ cutting deck.

Can you store a riding lawn mower outside?

Can I store my lawn mower outside in the winter?

You can store your mower outside in winter, but it isn't ideal

. If you must store your lawn mower long-term in your yard, make sure it is elevated, so that it doesn't sit directly on the ground. This will allow air to circulate in order to keep it more dry.

Can you wash a riding lawn mower?

Can I hose down my lawn mower?


Hosing off your mower is OK

, but avoid spraying water on the engine and never use a pressure washer to clean your mower. Cleaning after every use is important, decaying grass will eat all your metal components. A thorough clean down at the end of the season is critical to your mower's health.

What are the disadvantages of a zero-turn lawn mower?

  • Price Tag: ZRTs come at a higher price. …
  • Highly Advanced: So, some of you would put this on the pros list. …
  • Less Pull: You won't have the same pulling capabilities with this type. …
  • Smaller Model Hiccups: The front casters of your smaller model ZRT can get stuck in the soil occasionally.

How many hours will a Kawasaki engine last?

The most common engines are Kawasaki and Kohler. The average life expectancy of one of these commercial grade engines is usually

3,500 hours

with oil change intervals of 50 hours. Typically at 2,800 you can start to notice a lack in power, usually do to low compression.

How many hours will a Kubota zero-turn last?

A well maintained Kubota tractor should last between

4500-5500 gauged hours

. As many tractor owners report using their tractor for only 100-200 hours a year, this can translate into years of use. If you have the time and skill to optimally tend to and care for a Kubota tractor, you have a chance to exceed 10,000 hours.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.